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OUR

NORTHERN AND EASTERN BIRDS.

CONTAINING DESCRIPTIONS OP THE BinD3 OF TilE NORTHERN AMI
EASTERN STATES AND BRITISH PROVINCES;

ZOQETIIEH Wlia

A HISTORY OF THEIR HABITS, TIMES OP ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURH

THEIR DISTRIBUTION, FOOD, SONO, TIME OP BREEDINQ, AND

A CAREFUL AND ACCURATE DESCRIPTION OP

TUEIH NESTS AND EGGS;

^^

c?/,

JLLUSTJtATIONS OF MAlfT SPECIES OF THE BfliDS,
AND dOOl/BATE FtOUBBS OF THEIB EaOS.

Br EDWARD A. SAMUELS.

i
'I

WITH A SUPPLEMENT FEOM HOLDEH'S "AMERICAN FAUNA."

NEW YORK:
R. WORTHINGTON, 770 BROADWAY.

1883.

CopYBionx,

1883,

Bx B. WOBTHINOTOM,

Trow's

PrINTINO AI.I) HoOKIilNDlNG COMPANY
aoi-313 /■:ast Twelfth Street
Nkw York

5^^^^vv^*^,vvv^

^^'^^^^^^Vi/V*.*

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY
OF ALBERTA

PREFACE.

As we review the large list of books on Aineiioan orni-
thology now in print, it seems almost incrodihlf that,
when the first edition of the "Ornithology and
Oology of Xew p]ngland" was pnblished in 1807, there was
lianlly another hook to be obtamed on oiu" birds, udajjted to
pomilar nse.

Tlie large and very expensive work of Andnbon, and
the smaller ones by Knttall and Wilson, comprised abont
everything there was, and these were to be found by iw-
cident only on the book-dealers' shelves, and were held
at prices qnite beyond the reach of the masses.

liepeated inquiries from nnmei'ous persons interested in
ornithology convinced me that there was a great and in-
creasing v/ant for a popular work on our birds, and in
response to them I set about its preparation and publi-
cation.

In this book I corrected certain important errors that
had been published in relation to the breeding liabits of
some of the species, and added new facts to our knowledge
respecting those of others. I also gave pretty elaborate
descriptions of the nests and eggs of many that had not
been before described.

Up to that period comparatively little attention had been
devoted to oology in this country, and vei-y few of onr
professed ornithologists were well acquainted with the eggs
of a large proportion of onr birds.

Hardly one ornithologist in ten, at the time the book
was first issued, could identify the nest and eggs of sucli
birds as the Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bird, Ruhty
Blackbird, Chestnut-sided Warbler, I31ack-throated Green
Warbler, and scores of others, such as are now regarded
as common, and are found in the collections of all who
make any claims as ornithologists.

This seems hard to believe, but there are few who

96673

It

PIIKFAOR.

realize how rapidly our knowliul^c in tliis dopartiiuMit lias
advanced witliiii the last fifteen yearn.

Whether or not the hook on the " Mirdrt of New Kngland "
aided this advanec, it certainly added to the mimher of
ohservers. Ornithology seemed to hecoino popularized
among u.s at once, and it was astonishing to see how
I'apidly each edition was succeeded by another.

The demand still continues, notwithstanding there are
now a number of other books to be obtained, some of
which coviir a portion of the ground occupied by this
work.

Some of these books are reliable and valuable, and others
are probably destined to scarcely more than a passing popu-
larity, although the author of one makes the pretentious
claim that it practically supersedes this book.

In the present edition a portion of the biographies has
been entirely rewritten and enlarged, and new illustrations
added, all of which, it is hoped, will add to the value of
the work.

It has been decided in this issue to cliange the title
of the book. Treating as it docs of many birds wliich
occur in States outside of New England, as well as within
its limits, there sectns no impropriety in reinovitig from
the title the suggestion of exclusiveness conveyed by the
former name, and under the not inappropriate title of
" Onr Northern and Eastern Birds," it is hoped that the
book will meet with a contimiation of the favor it re-
ceived when apparetjtly treating only of the species found
in New England.

In the preparation of the work I was greatly indebted
to Professor Spencer F. Baird, of Washingion, for his
generous permission to use the descriptions of the birds
wliich Jiad been given by him in the ninth volume of the
Pacific llailroad lieports ; for this kindness I again return
thanks, and to the many other friends who lent me valu-
able assistance I also renew acknowledgments.

Edward A. Samuels,
Boston, April 36, 1883.

/

CONTENTS.

Characteristics op Orders 4

ORDER 1.— RAPTORES. ROBBERS.

Family Falconidte, Falcons 7

Sub-Famllj' Falconinas, Falcons proper 7

AccipitrinsB, Hawks . . *^ 22

Buteoninm, Buzzard-Hawks 34

AquilinsB, Eagles . . **. 49

Family Strigidas, Owls 60

Sub-Family Buboninae, Homed Owls 60

SyrninsB, Gray Owls 71

Nycteininto, Day Owls 77

ORDER n. — SCANSORES, CLBIBERS.

Family Cuculidse, Cuckoos . ''' 83

PlcidsB, Woodpeckers ' 87

ORDER ni. — INSESS0RE8, PERCHERS.

Sub-Order Strisores 110

Family Trochilidae, Humming-Birds ". 110

CypselidiB, Swifts 116

Caprimulgidte, Goat-Suckers 119

Sub-Order Clamatores, Screamers 125

Family Alcedinidse, Kingfishers 125

Colopteridaj, Flycatchers 128

Sub-Family Tyrannina;, Tyrant Flycatchers 128

Sub-Order Oscines, Singers

Family Turdidse, Thrushes 145

Sub-Family Mimin89, Mocking-Birds T 163

Family Saxicolidae, Rock-Inhabiters 176

\

tI contents.

Pi 01

Faniil)' Sylviidio, Wood-Inliabitcra 17N

Paridte, Titinico 182

Sub-Family StttintD, NuthAtr-lmi* IHii

Family Cortliiadn, Crcopora . 190

TroglodytidiB, Wrens 19:^

Sylvicolida, Warblen 1<J<>

Sub-Fainily Motaciliino), WagtailN ID'J

Sylvicolina, Wood-WmbiiTs 201

Tanagrinie, TanagtrN 260

Family Hirundinido), Swallow!) . T 254

Bombycillidn, Chattcrom 204

Laniidoa, Shrikes 268

Sub-Family LaniinoB, Shrikes proper 208

VireoniiiBB, Vireos 270

Family Alaudidm, Skylarks .7 280

Fringillidffi, Secd-£ater8 283

Rub-Family CoccothraustinaB, Fincheii 283

SpizellinoD, Sparrows 301

Passorcllinie, Huntings 325

Family IcteridiB 335

Sub-Family AgclaeinoB, Starlings 335

Icterinas, Orioles 346

QiiiscalincB, Blackbirds . '' 350

Family Corvidso, Crows . . ' 355

Sub-Family CorvinsB, Crows proper 365

GarrulinsB, Jays . T 864

ORDER rv. — RASORES, SCRATCHERS.

Sub-Order Columbse 373

Family Columbidie, Doves ''.' 373

Sub-Order Gallinse, Game-Birds 378

Family Tetraonidae, Grouse 378

TerdicidsB, Partridges " 380

ORDER v. — GRALLATORES, WADERS.

Sub-Order Herodiones 396

Family Ardeidce, Herons . . ~ 390

Sub-Order Gralloe, Shore-Birds .- 410

Family Charadridse, Plovers 411

Hsematopodidie, Oyster-Catchers ....•..., 422

RecurviroBtridffi, Avoscts 426

CONTENTS.

vh

I'Adll

Family PhiiUropodiilie, Pbaluroptii 42H

Scolopacidoo, Soipes rs..,. ,,,,,,,,,. 430

Suh-fiinily Tringinu}, Sandpipen .... 4'I0

Sub-Family Totaniuto, Stilts 451

Family Puludicolis. Swamp Inhabitvni 470

Sub-Family lialliiioB, Rails 47O

ORDER VI.— NATATORES, 8W1MMKUS.

8ub-0idor Anneros 4gQ

Family Anatidw 48Q

Sub-Family Cygninaa, Swans ........... , . 480

AnsorinsB, Goese .- .jgi

Anatinos, River-Ducks 487

Fuligulinsa, Soa-Ducks ' ' .OOS

Merginas, SLeldrakes 526

Family SulidsB, Gannots 532

Graculido!, Cormoranta 534

Laridse, Gulls 537

Sub-Family Lestridinie, Skua-Gulls - 537

Larinse, Gulls proper 539

Sterninaa, Terns fl45

Sub-Order Gavise 582

Family Frocellaridee, Petrels 562

Colymbidffi, Divers . -. 555

Sub-Family Colymbins, Loons 555

Podicipinffi, Grebes 658

Family AlcidsB 554

Sub-Family Alcinae, Auks 5(J4

TTrinn, GuillemoU 6C7

Apfkkpix 575

Supplement (from Holder's Americnn Fauna) 584

Index of Common Names 594

Index of Scientific Names 598

;!

H
•t

Hi

I

/

■Si

si

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

INTEODUCTION.

AS I have generally adopted, in the present volume, the
system of classification, and the nomenclatiirQ, &c.,
presented by Professor jBaird in his report on the Birds of
North America, I will state here, that 1 have given, so far
as possible, his own remarks in the explanations of the
characteristics of the different orders, families, genera, &c.,
because they are expressed in the most concise and com-
prehensive language possible. I have also given the same
descriptions of the species as those contahicd in the above-
mentioned report, because, being made from a much greater
number of specimens than I could possibly have access
to, they are certainly better than I could present from
my own observations. The descriptions of the character-
istics of the JRaptores, the Grallce, and the Alcidce, are by
John Cassin, of Philadelphia; those of the Longipennea
Totipalmes and GolymUdce were written by Mr. George N.
Lawrence, of New York ; those of the other birds were
prepared by Professor Spencer F. Baird, of the Smithsonian
Institute.

In order that the descriptions of the birds in the follovv-

[11

:3

IS

i

INTRODUCTION.

I

iiig pages may be perfectly understood, I give the subjoined
cuts, illustrating and explaining them : —

II G F C D C B A

A n'urescnts the primary quills, usually called primaries,

B represents the secondary quills, usually called secondaries.

C spurious wing.

D wing coverts.

E tertiary (juills, usually called tertiaries. :

F represents the throat.

G is the upper part of the throat, called the jugulum.

H is the bill or beak : this is divided into two parts, called the upper

and lower mandibles.
I is the frons, or forehead: feathers at this point are called 6*onta]

feathers.
J is the crown : feathers here are called coronal feathers, and cccipitiil.
K represents the scapular feathers.

L is the back: feathers here are sometimes called interscapular.
M represents the tarsus : called shank or leg sometimes. \

N is the abdomen.
() is the rump.

P shows the upper tail coverts.
Q indicates the p(>sition of the lower tail coverta.

INTRODUCTION.

8

R shows on the bill the culiucii, or crown, of tiie

tipper niuiidible.
S is the naked skin at the base of the bill,

called the cere.
T shows the position of tnu lores between the

eye and bill.
U indicates the gape, the angle at the junction of the upper a

mandibles : the feathers in this locality are called rictal
V is the eonnnissure, or the folding edges of the mandibles.

nd lower

111 addition to tliese parts, there are the flanks or sides
of tlie bird ; the pectus, or breast ; the flexure, or bend of
the wing ; the iris, or irides, tlie colored circle which sur-
rounds the pupil of the eye ; and the toes and tibia : the
former are sometimes palmated, as with the swimmers, or
natatores ; and the latter is that portion next above tlie
tarsus on the leg.

'1

SYI^^OPSIS

OF THE

/

CITARACTERISTICS OP NORTH-AMERICAN BIRDS.

i

THE following synopsis of tho orders of birds, taken
partly from Keyserling and Blasius, will serve to illus-
trate the characteristics of the higher groups in American
Ornithology : —

A. — Hind Toe on the same Level with the Anterior

ONES.

a. Posterior face or the sides of the tarsus more or less reticu-
lated, granulated, or with scales more numerous or smaller than
in front ; sometimes naked. Anterior face of the tarsus never in
one unbroken plate. Larynx without complex vocal muscles.

Order L Raptores. — Base of the uppcJ mandible with a
soft skin or cere. Upper mandible compressed ; its point curving
down over that of the lower, forming a strong, sharp hook. Claws
generally retractile. Toes, never two behind. Birds usually of
large size and of powerful frame, embracing the so-called birds
of prey.

Order II. Scansokks. — Toes in pairs ; two in front and two
behind : the outer anterior being usually directed backwards ; the
unier, in Trogonidce. Tail-feathers eight to twelve.

Order III. Strisores. — Toes either tliree anterior and one
behind (or lateral), or four anterior : the hinder one is, however,
usually versatile, or capable of direction more or less laterally for-
ward. Tail-feathers never more than ten. Primaries always ten ;
the first, long.

w

SYNOPSIS OP THK

Order IV. Clamatokes. — Toes, three anterior and one pos-
terior (not versatile). Primaries always ten ; the first nearly as
long as the second. Tail-feathers usually twelve.

b. Anterior face of the tarsus in one continuous plate, or divided
transversely into large quadrate scales. Plates on either the pos-
terior surface of the tarsus or the sides, without subdivisions, never
both divided together : when divided, the divisions correspond
with the anterior ones. Larynx with peculiar complex singing
muscles.

Order V. Oscinks. — Toes, three anterior, one posterloi.
Pi'imaries, either nine only ; or, if ten, the first usually short or
spurious.

B. — Hind Toe raised above the Level of the Rest.

Order VI. Rasores. — Nostrils arched over by an incumbent
thick, fleshy valve. Bill not longer than the head, obtuse anteri-
orly. Nails broad, obtusely rounded.

Order VII. Grallatores. — Legs lengthened, adapted for
walking, naked above the knee. Nostrils naked. Thighs usually
quite free from the body. Toes not connected by a membrane, or
for a short distance only ; sometimes with a lobed margin.

Order VIII. Natatores. — Adapted for swimming. Legs
generally short. Toes united by a continuous membrane. Thighs
mostly buried in the muscles of the body.

i!
I

3

CHAUACTERISTICS OF NORTH-AMERICAN BIRDS.

ORDER I. — RAPTORES. Rx)bbers.

The peculiarities already given of the order Raptores ai o
sufficient to define it among the others mentioned, although
many additional features might 1>c named. The order em-
braces three families, which are characterized by Keyscrling
and Blasius as follows : —

A. — DiurN\L Birds op Pret.

Eyes lateral, with lashes, surrounded by a naked or woolly orbi-
tal circle ; the feathers above, below, and behind the eyes directed
backwards, as on the rest of the head ; anterior to the eye, the lore
imperfectly clothed with a radiating star of bristles, or with scale-
like feathers. The inner toe without the nail, shorter, or svs long
as the outer. Nostrils opening in the cere.

VuLTCRiDiE. — Bill contracted or indented on the anterior
border of the cere, so that the culmen is bow-shaped, or ascending
anterior to it. Eyes lying on a level with the sides of the head.
Head sparsely covered with downy feathers only, or partially
naked. Claws weak, rather slender, and only moderately curved ;
the tarsi and bases of the toes reticulated.

FalconiDjE. — The bill not contracted, nor the culmen ascend-
ing anterior to the cere. Eyes sunken. The head completely
covered witli compact, perfect feathers. Claws strong.

r>. — Nocturnal Birds of Puky.

Strigid^:. — Eyes directed forwards ; more or less completely
surrounded by a crown of radiating bristly feathers. Lores and
base of bill densely covered with bristly feathers directed forwards.
The nostrils opening on the anterior edge of the cere. The inner
toe without its claw longer tliau the outer, whicli is versatile. A
crown of peculiarly formed feathers on the side of the head and
above the throat. Head fullv feathered. Plumage very soft
ind downy.

GREAT-FOOTED HAWK.

Family FALCONID^.

Sub-Family FALCONiNiE. The Falcons.
FALCO, LinMiKUS.

Falco, LiNN.EUs, Sj'st. Nat. I. 124 (1766).

Gi'DCfal form robust and compact. I5ill short, curved strongly from the base lo
(lie poHit, which is vcr^- sharp, and near whicli is a distinct a id generally prominent
tooth; nostrils circular, with a central tubercle; wings lo' g, pointed, formed for
vigorous, rapid, and long-continued flight; tail rather Ion', and wide; tarsi short,
robust, covered with circular or hexagonal scales; "-'.".alo toe long; claws large,
strong, curved, and very sharp.

FALCO kSAtmi. — Bonnpnrte.

The Duck Hawk ; Great-Footed Havk.

Falco anainm, Bonap. Comp. List, p. 4 (1838).

" Fdlco peregrinus," Wilson, Audubon, and other authors.

DEscnir'^.oN.

Adult. — Frontal band white; entire upper parts bluish-cinereous, with trans-
verse bands of brownish-black, lighter on the rump; nnder parts yellowish-white,
with cordate and circular spots of black on the breast and abdomen, and transverse
bands of black on the sides, under tail coverts, and tibiic; quills and tail brownish-
blnck. the latter with transverse bars of pale cinereous; cheeks witli a patch of
black; bill light-blue; tarsi and toes yellow Sexes alike.

Yintrif/er. — Entire upper parts brownish-blaek; frontal spot obscure; large
space on the cheeks black; under parts dull yellowish-white, darker than in adult,
and with hngitadinal stripes of brownish-black; tarsi and toes bluish-lead color,
iris hazel.

Total length, eighteen to twenty inches; wing, fourteen to fifteen; tail, seven
to eight inches. 1

The Duck Hawk, which by the name of Peregine Falcon
is known to my readers as one of the most rapacious of
our birds of prey, is not uncommon in many portions of
New England. It is nearly identical with the European
species, and its habits and destructiveness are equally great
with that bird. In its habitat, it is oftener found in the
neighborhood of the sea-coast than in the interior. It is a
powerful bird, of rapid flight and great boldness and cour-

1 See Introduction.

i!
'1

8

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

Ill,

ago, and is the terror of the water-fowl, which constitute the
greater portion of its prey. Tiio hreeding season of this
species is very early. It commences building the nest
usually on an inaccessible cliff, by the first of April. This
is constructed of twigs, grasses, and sometimes seaweeds.
The eggs are from two to four in number: their form is
almost splicrical, and their color is of a reddish-brown,
covered with numerous minute spots and blotches of a
darker shade. The dimensions of the only two specimens
accessible to mo at present arc 1.90 inch in length by 1.75
in breadth, and 1.85 inch in length by 1.72 inch in breadth.
The following extracts from the writings of different
authors comprise the most interesting observations made
of this species : — .

"The flight of this bird is of astonishing rapidity. It is scarcely
ever seen sailing, unless after being disappointed in its attempt to
secure the prey whicii it liad been pursuing; and even at such
times it merely vl^es, with a broad spiral circuit, to attiiin a suffi-
cient elevation to enable it to reconnoitre a certain space below. It
then emits a cry much resembling that of the sparrow-hawk, but
greatly louder, like that of the European kestrel, and flies off
swiftly in quest of plunder. The search is often performed with a
flight resembling that of the tame pigeon, until, perceiving an object,
it redoubles its flappings, and pursues the fugitive with a rapidity
scarcely to be conceived. Its turnings, windings, and cuttings
through the air, are now surprising. It follows and nears the
timorous quarry at every turn and back-cutting which the latter
attempts. Arrived witliin a few feet of the prey, the Falcon is
seen protruding his powerful legs and talons to their full stretch^
His wings are, for a moment, almost closed ; the next instant, he
grapples the prize, which, if too weighty to be carried off directly,
he forces obliquely toward the ground, sometimes a hundred yards
from where it was seized, to kill it, and devour it on the spot.
Should this happen over a large extent of water, the Falcon drops
his prey, and sots off in quest of another. On the contrary, should
it not prove too heavy, the exulting bird carries it off to a seques-
tered and secure place. He pursues the smaller ducks, water-hens,

GBEAT-FOOTED HAWK.

9

nnd other swimming bird?) ; nnd, if they nre not qniclt in diving,
seizes tliem, nnd rises with them from tlie water. I Iiave seen tliis
hawk come at the report of h gun, nnd enrry off a tenl, not tliirly
steps distant from the sportsmnn who liad killed it, with a during
assurance ns surprising ns unexpected. This conduct has been
observed by many individuals, and is a charncteristic fiait of the
species. The largest bird thnt I have seen this luiwk attack and
grapple with on the wing is the Mallard. '

"The Great-footed Hawk does not, however, ' ntent himself
with waterfowl. He is generally seen following tiie flocks of
pigeons, and even blackbirds, causing great terror in their ranks,
and forcing them to perform aerial evolutions to escape the grasp
of his dreaded talons. For severnl days, I watched one of them
tliat had taken a particular fancy to some tame pijzeous, to secure
which it went so far as to enter tlieir house at one of the holes,
seize a bird, and issue by another hole in an instant, causing such
terror among the rest as to render me fearful that they would
abandon the place. However, I fortunately shot the depredator.

" Tiiey occasionally feed on dead fish, that have floated to tlie
shores or sand-bars. I saw several of them thus occupied, wliile
descending the Mississippi on a journey undertaken expressly for
the purpose of observing nnd procuring different specimens of
birds, and which lasted four months, as I followed the windings
of that great river, floating down it only a few miles daily. During
that period, I and my companion counted upwards of fifty of these
hawks, nnd killed several ; one of which was found to contain in iis
stomach bones of birds, a few downy feathers, the gizzard of a teal,
and the eyes and many scales of a fish.

" Whilst in quest of food, the Great-footed Hawk will frequently
alight on the highest dead branch of a tree, in the immediate neigh-
borhood of such wet or marshy ground as the common snipe resorts
to by preference. His head is seen moving in short starts, as if he
were counting every little space below ; and, while so engaged, the
moment he espies a snipe, down he darts like an arrow, making a
rustling noise with his wings, that may be heard several hundred
yards off, seizes the snipe, and flies away to some near wood to
devour it.

" It is a cleanly bird, in respect to feeding. No sooner is the
prey dead, than the Falcon turns it belly upwards, and begins td

i

10

ORNITHOLOGY AND

CY.

i

'

pluck it with his hill, which he docs very c.i,. itly, hi)Idiiig it menn-
time quite fast in liis tuloiis ; and, as soon i.s a portion is cleared of
fcatiiers, tears tlie Hcsh in large pieces, and swallows it with great
avidity.

" If it is a large bird, he leaves the refuse part^ ; but, if small,
swallows the whole in pieces. Should ho he approached by an
enemv, he rises with it, and flies off into the interior of the woods;
or, if he happens to he in a meadow, to some considerable distance,
ho being more wnry at such times than when he has alighted ou a
tree." — Auduhon.

The following very complcto description of the breeding
liablta of the Great-footed Hawk is from the pen of J. A.
Allen, of Springfield, Mass., one of our most enthusiastic
students, published in the " Proceedings of the Esse.x Insti-
tute," vol. IV. : —

" All accounts agree that the nest is placed on almost inaccessible
cliffs; and often it can only be approached by a person being let
down by a rope from above. The old bills are represented as bold
in the defence of their nest, approaching so near as generally to be
easily shot. They arrive early at their nesting-place ; and, though
they often bestow no labor in the construction of a nest, beyond the
scraping of a slight hollow in the ground, they defend their chosen
eyrie for weeks before the eggs are laid, and are known to return
for several years to the same site. Incubation commences very
early, the young having been found in the nest at Mount Tom, May
30, nearly fledged,* and on Talcott ISIountain, in the same condi-
tion, June 1 ; so that the laying of the eggs must occur by the last
of Mardi, or very early in April. The number of eggs has been
known in several instances to be four.

" Mountains Tom and Ilolyoke, in Massachusetts, afford several
localities favorable for the nidification of the Duck Hawk; and
sometimes several pairs, and probably usually more than one, breed
about these mo'intaiiis.'' About the last of May, 18G3, Mr. Bennett

1 According to R. B. Ilildreth, Ksq , of Springfield, wlio visited this nest May
80, 1861, nnd noted the fact. The nest on Talcott ^luuntain, Conn., was found the
same season, and first visited only a few days later, — about Juno 1, 18G1.

* Since the nbovc was written, I have been innirmcd by Mr. Bennett, that a
pair of these hawks actually raised their young on .Mount Tom in the summer of
1S64, notwithstanding one pair was broken up the same season.

(JIIKAT-KOOTKI) HAWK.

11

Baw five ndult birds of this species about Mount Tom. Dr. W.
Wood, of East-WindHor Ilill, Conn., informs me, liint two pnirs of
Duck Hnwks wore evidently breeding on Tiilcott Mountain in the
pummer of 180.'J.

^^ Dismver;/ of the J'jffffS on Mount Tom, — Although the Duck
Hawk has been long known to breed at the loenlities in Masflachii-
Betts mentioned above, those conversant witli the fact were not
aware that any special interest was attached to it, or tliat its egg»
and breeding iiabits were but very little known to ornitlioh)gists ;
and 80, until very recently, no particular efforts have been made to
oblain the eggs. Mr. llennett, becoming aware of this, resolved
to procure the eigs. lie accordingly visited Mount Tom for this
purpose, April 7, of the present year, when he searched the whole
ridge of the mountain, discovered the old birds, and the j)articnlar
part they most frequented, and also the site of a nest where young
had been raised. The old birds were continually near this 9pot»
and manifested much solicitude when it was approached, often
flying within six or eight rods ; and once the female came within
three, screaming and thrusting out her talons witli an expression of
great rage and fierceness. The birds did not appear at all shy,
being easily approached quite near to ; thougli, in walking, the crack-
ing of sticks and the clinking of the splinters of trap-rock made no
little noise. One of the birds appeared to keep close to the eyrie ;
and both would approach whenever it was visited, screaming at and
menacing the intruder, notwithstanding that at that time there were
no eggs, as was afterwards proved. Mr. Bennett, suspecting that
incubation had already commenced, visited the locality again on the
9th, but only saw the old nest ; the birds behaving as before. On
April 19, ten days later, he made another visit; aud creeping
carefully to the summit of the cliff, at a point near the eyrie
already spoken of, he «aw the female, ou looking over the cliff,
sitting on the nest, and but five or six yards distant. She eyed him
fiercely for an instant, and then, scrambling from the nest to the
edge of the narrow shelf supj)orting it, launched into the air: iu a
twinkling, ]Mr. Bennett's unerring aim sent iier tumbling dead at
the foot of the precipice, several hundred feet below. The nest
contained four eggs, which were soon s^afely secured, and the body
of the female was obtained from the foot of the cliff. The male,
soon coming about, was shot at ; but he was too shy to come within

i!
iS

'1

IS

OIINITHOLOOY AND OOLOOV.

rnnpo, cxcppt oncp, wliili; tlit; jtwn was lu'in<» rclomlcd. The eggs
WfTo all laid altor ISIr. Hi'iiiictl's vicit, April 1) j and their coiUeiil!!
slinwcd, April 19, tlmt thoy lind boon incubated but a day or two.
Inciiliadiiti scemx, in iliis cnHc, to liavo commenced Hcveral weeks
later tlmn usual, wliiili may be owiii;; to the late snows and unusual
coldness of the weatlier this year, diMing the first half of April.

" Lncntlon and Dimriptlon of the Eyrie. — The situation of the
eyrie was near i\w liij;licst part of the mountain, about one-third of
the li!n;;th of the mountain from the south end, on a narrow shelf
in the rock, ei«»ht or ton fiet from the top of n nearly perpendiculnr
clitr, one hundred and fifty or two hundred feet in heifjht, and was
inacoessililo except to a bold climber, and at one particular [mint.
The nest was merely a sli^^ht excavation, sulHcient to contain the
epgs : no accessory material had been added. The site had been
previously occupied, and prolmbly for several years ; and, for weeks
before the cprj^s were laid, was carefully guarded by the bold and
watchful birds.

'^Description of the Eggs. — The eggs, four in number, as already
stated, diflfer greatly both in sliape and coloring ; the extremes in
either being widely diverse. They are described in detail, and
probably in the same order as laid.

"No. 1. Longer diameter, 2.18 inches; shorter diameter, 1.71
inches : the shorter diameter is .SS.*) the longer. The form is
somewhat ovoid, one end being slightly larger than the other ; but
neither end is very pointed: the point of greatest transverse
diameter is .G45 the length of the egg from the smallest end. In
form, this egg is very nearly like the egg from Greenland, figured
by Dr. Brewer in the ' North- American Oology' (pt. I. plate II.
fig. 11). The general color is chocolate-brown, darker and more
dense and uniform about the ends, the part about the middle being
lighter, varied with small irregular blotches and specks of a darker
tint than the ground-color. The color of the smaller end is nearly
a uniform dull-red ochre. There is also an irregular belt of scat-
tered and apparently very superficial blotches of very dark brown,
or nearly black. Something similar is often noticed on the eggs
of many birds that lay brown or speckled eggs.

"No. 2. Longer diameter, 2.21 inches; shorter diameter, 1.67
inches : shorter diameter, .755 the longer. Form, nearly an ellip-
Boid, the point of greatest transverse diameter being scarcely to

UUKAT-FUUTEU ilAWK.

18

one Hide of tlitt middlo (ol thu length of tliu cjjg from ihu HinuUvr
end) ; oikU vury nearly e<|iuil, und not very pointed. Thu distri*
butiou of tho color in tliiti m neiirest of any of tho four C)(gfi
before ino to that (loured by Dr. IJrewer, und only dilVers from it
in tint. One end (thu Hnnilhr?) in very light reddiiih, or reddiish-
white, becoming lighter horn thu middle towiinU thix end, ubuut
which it is the liglitcHt, and thinly mnrked with irregular mottling^
of (link reddish chocolate, which jux'sent a very Huperlicial grayish
tinge that is very characteristic; the other end (tho larger?) is of
a uniform dark ferruginous-brown or dull-red ochre, varied towards
tho middle by the appearunco of tho light ground-color between
the there scarcely confluent blotches of dark-brown that give the
uniform deep tint towards und about this end.

" No. 3. Longer diameter, 2.32 inches ; shorter diameter, 1.70
inches : shorter diameter, .733 the longer. Form ovoid, tho
smuller end elongated and much pointed. This egg is the longest,
and much larger in })roportion to its diameter than either of tho
others. The point of greatest diameter is .656 tho length of
the egg from tho smaller end. lu this specimen, thu contrast
between the ground-color and the markings becomes very strong ;
the grouud-color, which is seen chiefly in a broad bund about tho
middle of the egg, being white or reddish-white ; and the markings
very dark reddish-brown, nearly approaching purple, and arc (piito
uniformly distributed in blotches of various sizen, the largu-t being
near tiie larger end of tho egg : the sub-murkiugs are of a lightei
reddish-brown, and are more blended.

"No. 4. Longei diameter, 2.16 inches; shorter diameter, 1.G5
inches: shorter diameter, .765 the longer. Fornr. regular ovoid,
the smaller end rather more pointed than the same in No. 1 ; point
of greatest transverse dianjeter .60 the length of the egg from the
smaller end. In this specimen, the contrast of the ground-color
with the markings is very striking, especially when compared with
specimens No. 1 and No. 2 ; and the most peculiar part is, that tho
greater end of the egg, which in the eggs of most birds is the end
usually most subject to markings and to the greatest depth of color,
is white, sprinkled sparingly with reddish spooks, while tho smaller
end is deep, bright brick-red, here and there relieved by small
specks and patches of white ground-color. About the middle of
tho egg, the colors are in more equal proportions ; the white patches

4

u

OUNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

beconiiiijr liir^cr on the smaller eud towards the middle, and tlic
rod patclies on tlie larj^cr end increase towards th<! same point,
where the colors meet and bncome mixed in irregular patches of
various sizes, from mere dots to blotches. The smaller end has a
few streaks and blotches of dark-purple overl^'ing apparently the
other colors, as in specimen No. 1.

" These specimens are very interesting, as indicating the great
amount of variation to whidi the American Peregrine'- egas are
subject; and especially so since they are all the product of one pair
of birds, laid in one set, and identitied as such beyond question.
In coloration, a transition can be traced between the extreme in the
order they are numbered, which is undoubtedly the order in which
they were laid, as indicated by the tliljkness of the shell as well as
Iiy the deplii of color.

TABLE OF COMrAHATlVE .MKASUllKMEMS.

Prop, of hrcndlh Point of ffr'-ntcnt trniin%'orM
Length. Urcadth' tu k'ngtU. dianiutur from ainall enij,

.Vo. 1 2.18 in. 1.71 in. 0.7S5 in. 0.640 length of the egjf.

N'o. 2 2.21 „ 1.67 „ 0.756 „ 0.540 „ „ „ „

No. 3 2.32 „ 1.70 „ 0.733 „ 0.650 „ „ „ „

No. 4 2.10 „ 1.65 „ 0.705 „ 0.600 „ „ „ „

Average 2.22 „ 1.68 „ 0.750 „ 0.609 „ „ „ „

Greater extreme . . . 2.32 „ 1.71 „ 0.785 „ 0.656 „ „ „ ,,

Le.-fser extreme . . . 2.16 „ 1.65 „ 0.732 „ 0.540 „ „ „ „

Amount of variation . 0.16 „ 0.06 „ 0.053 „ 0.116 „ „ „ „

Dr. Brewer's specimen . 2.00 „ 1.56 „ 0.780 „

" From the above table, it will be seen that the range of varia-
lion in the four specimens in length is .16 of an inch, or nearly
seven and a half per cent of the average length; in breadth, .06
of an inch, or about three and a half per cent of the average
breadth : in the proportion of breadth to length, about fifteen per
cent of the length, or nearly twenty per cent of the average pro-
portion. Tiie variation in the position of the point of greatest
transverse diameter is about eleven and a half per cent of the
whole length of tiie egg ; the form of the eggs varying from an
ellipsoid in No. 2 to an ovoid, which, in No. 3, has the smaller end
considerably elongated. It will be observed that the egg meas
ured by Dr. Brewer is considerably smaller than my smallest
specimen, and that the proportion of breadth to length scarcely
differs from the same proportion in No. 1.

GREAT-roOTED HAWK.

l")

•'In comparing the eggs ot" tlie American and the European
Peregrine Falcons, Dr. Brewer observes: 'It [tiie American]
closely resembles a variety of the eggs of tlie European species,
but seems to present differences siitRcieutly well marked to be
regarded as> specific. . . . Tiie ground-colors of both American and
European are a reddisii-ycllow ; and both are thici<ly covered with
fine dottings of chocolate and ferruginous brown, diffused over the
\\ hole egg in nearly equal degree, and to such an extent as nearly
to conceal the ground. The length of the American egg is slightly
less ; but it is of equal or greater capacity, and varies in its mark-
ings from all the European specimens that I have ever met with.
Theae variations, though readily traceable by the eye, are not so
easily described. The shades of coloring in both are closely alike :
(lie variation consists more in the distribution of these markings. In
the European specimens, the fine jnarkings of chocolate are distri-
buted with nearly exact uniformity. In the American, the secondary
colorings are now more thickly and now more thinly diffused, — here
leaving the ground-color nearly unchanged ; tiiere be<()ming con-
fluent, and blending into waving lines, blotches, and bold dashes.
The egg, in consequence, presents a more varied appearance. These
markings are also in greater proportion around the larger end of the
egg, and the blotches are of a f'eeper shade ; so there is a variation
in the shading between the smaller and larger extremities not no-
ticeabla in any European egg that I have met with.'

"The amount of variation presented by the eggs of the Duck
Hawk, described above, shows that but little dept'ndeiice can be
placed on the eggs in deciding specific differences. The eggs men-
tioned by Dr. Brewer are not much different from those of the
true European Peregrine. One or two of the specimens bef'oro
me considerably resemble Dr. Brewer's, and likewise eggs of tho
European species, as figured and described by authors, while
tho others are very different, one being remarkably so.

" The eggs of the different species of this group of Falcons
seem to resemble each other greatly, and to be subject to consider-
able variation in the same species. In the manner of laying the
eggs, there is also a similarity, as might be expected among ciosely
allied species ; the same species sometimes laying them on the bare
rock?, and again in a bulky nost of sticks and other coarse materi-
als. The nest of this species visited on Talcott Mountain, Conn.,

k
33

16

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

was of the latter kind ; wliile on Mount Ilolyoke the eggs were
laid on the bare earth.

" Audubon thus describes the nest and eggs of the Duck Hawk,
as observed by him at Labrador : —

"'I Iiave nowhere seen it so abundant as along the high, rooky sliores of
Labrador and Newfoundhuul, wliere I procured several adult individuals
of botli sexes, as well as some eggs and young. Tiie nests were placed on
tlie shelves of rouks, a few feet from the top, and were flat, and rudely con-
strutted of sticks and moss. In some were found four eggs, in others on'y
two, and in one five. In one nest only a single young bird was found. The
eggs vary considerably in color and size, which, I think, is owing to a differ-
ence of age in the females ; the eggs of young birds being smaller. The
average length of four was two niches, their breadth one and five-eighths.
They are somewliat rounded, though larger at one end than the other; then-
general and most common color is a reddish or rusty yellowish-brown,
spotted and confusedly marked with darker tints of the same, here and there
intermixed with lighter. The young are at first thickly covered with soft
white down. ... In several instiuices, we found these falcons breeding on
the same ledge with cormorants, Phalacrocomx carlo.' " 1

" Audubon adds that he is perfectly convinced that the Great-
footed Falcon, or Duck Hawk of the later ornithologists, is not
different from the Peregrine Falcon of Europe. ' Since my first
acquaintance witii this species,' he says, ' I have observed nothing
in its habits, form, or marking on one continent that is different
from what is found on the other.' Since the difference in breeding
habits supposed to exist when Bonaparte separated them in 1838,
and which influenced his judgment in the matter, has been found
to be not real, tiiere seems to be nothing whatever in the breeding
habits or in the appearance of the eggs to indicate specific differ-
ence between the American and European birds."

HYPOTKIORCHIS COLUMBAEIUS. — Gray.

The Pigeon Hawk.

Fdco cohimbiriiis. Linn.neus. Sypt. Nnt , I. 128 (17G6).
Ftilco intennixtiis, Daiidin. Traite d'Orn.. II. 141 (1800).
Falco temcrnrius, Awluhon. Oru. Biog., I. 381 (1831),
Falco Aiuluboni. Blackwall, Researches, Zotil., 1834.

Description.
Adult Male. — Entire upper parts bluish-slate color, every feather with a black
longitudinal line; forehead and throat white; other under parts pale yellowish or

1 Orn, Biog., vol. V. p. 306.

THE PIGEON HAWK.

17

reddish white; every feather with n lor.gitiulinal line of browiiish-blaik ; tibiiv light
ferriigini'us, with lines of black ; c uiils black, tipped with ashy white ; tail light-bluish
ashy, tipped with white and with a wide subterniinal band of black, and with
several other transverse narrower bands of black; inner webs nearly white; cere
and legs yellow; bill blue.

Younger. — Entire upper plumage dusky-brown, quite light in some specimens,
and with a tinge of ashy; head above, with narrow stripes of dark brown and ferru-
ginous, and in some specimens many irregular spots and edgings -f tlio latter color
on the other upper parts; forehead and entire under parts dull-white, the latter
with longitudinal stripes of light-brown; sides and flanks light-brown, with pairs of
circular spots of white; tibia; dull white, with dashes of brown; tail pale-brown,
with about six transverse bands of white; cere and legs greenish-yellow.

1 oiinff. — Upper plumage brownish-black, white of the forehead and under parts
mora deeply tinged with reddish-yellow; dark stripes wider than the preceding;
sides and flanks with wide transverse bands of brownish-black, and with circular
spots of 3'ellowish-white ; quills black ; tail brownish-black, tipped with white, and
with about four bands of white; cere and tijet greenish-ycUow; iris dark-hazel.

Total length, female twelve to fourteen inches; wing, eight to nine inches; tail,
tive to Ave and a half inches. Male, total length, ten to eleven inches; wing, seven
and a half to eight inches ; tail, tive inches.

This species is a pretty common spring and fall visitor mi
all the New-England States, and is sometimes a resident
in the southern sections of these States through the winter ;
specimens being occasionally taken as late as January, in
mild seasons. This bird is one of the most destructive of
our rapacia : he kills all the smaller birds, robins, black-
birds, sparrows in great n\imbers, and even attacks the
wild pigeon and dove, which he is almost always able to
overtake and capture, as he is possessed of very great
rapidity of flight. I have seen one of these hawks make a
pounce at a sparrow that was singing on a low Imsh ; and
the bird happily eluding his clutch, as quick as a flash of
light, he turned, and piirsued and captured a robin that had
taken flight at his first appearance, and was already quite a
considerable distance off: as the robin is well known to
liave great speed of flight, this circumstance well illustrates
the velocity of this hawk.

The flight of the bird consists of a scries of flaps of the
wings, with but a very few intervals of soaring : in pursuing
the wild pigeon, the strokes of the wings of the two birds
are nearly simiiltaneous. As he strikes his prey, he almost

2

n

18

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

always, instead of clutching it as it falls, alights after it has
fallen, in tlie same manner as the Great-footed Hawk. I
liavo noticed the same fact with the Red-tailed Hawk ; the
victim seems to fall dead, or, at any rate, perfectly incapable
of motion : wl other this is the result of a kind of mesmer-
ism, as it were, similar to the influence of the cats on their
prey, or the hawk transfixes his quarry throiigh the vitals, 1
am unable to say.

The Pigeon Hawk, in alighting on a branch or other
object, always descends below the level of it, and rises up;
and nsuiilly turns abruptly about, and fiices the direction
from which it came, as soon as it has struck its perch.
This habit is observal)le in many of the other hawks.

"While perching, the tail is often flirted up and down,
and the wings are partially opened and shut in a nervous
manner, as if the bird were anxious to be off" again in the
pursuit of game.

It is not improbable that it breeds in New England,
although I do not remember of an authenticaied instance.
I have no egg of this bird in my collection, and have never
met with its nest. There seems considerable confusion
regarding this species, both as to its nesting-place and its
eggs. Mr. Ilutchins says (" Fauna Boreali Americana,"
II. 80) it " makes its nest on rocks and in hollow trees,
of sticks and grass, lined with feathers ; laying from two to
■four white eggs, marked wnth red spots." Audubon, in
describing the eggs, says (" Birds of America ") : " Mr.
Hutchins's description of the eggs of this bird is gi'eatly
at variance with my own observations. The eggs, in three
instances which occurred at Labr.ador, were five ; they
measured an inch and three-quarters in length, an inch and
a quarter in breadth, and were rather elongated ; their
ground-color a dull yellowish-brown, thickly clouded with
irregular blotches of dull, dark reddish-brown." Dr.
Brewer says (" Synopsis of Birds of North America," as
an appendix to Wilson's " Ornithology "") it " nests in low

I'LATK J.

Fig. 1. Pigeon Hbw1«, H;/polriorchis columbarius. Oray.

,, 2. Spnrrow Iliiwli, Tinnunrulux sparverius. Vieillot.

„ 3. Simrp-slilimed Hawk, Arripitrrfuseus. Bonaparte.

,, 4. Kii(l-.ilinul(l(!recl Hawk, Biiteo tineatuf. Jardine.

,, 5. Ilroail-wiiiKPil Hawk, Buttu Ptnnsylfonicus. Donaparte.

fir-trccs, t\
yellowish-b:
A single
and figure
the above (
in this voh
of rapacioii
lengtli, and

ralco sparvei
Fnlco domim
Falco gracili

Adult. — Fro
the neck bchiiK
from before the
rump and tail, '.
of the same rufi
the upper parts
black ; quills br
white, frequcntl;
outer frequentlj
legs yellow; ba
very few, or ent
times wanting.

Younger Ma
with numerous
longitudinal str
external feather
wanting.

Ymng, — All
brownish-black ;
of black ; under
iris very dark hi

Tola! lougth
to five and a ha

This bcai
the New-Ell
a resident t
epecios in

THK SPARROW HAWK.

19

fir-trccs, twelve feet from the ground ; eggs three, dull
yellowish-brown, with dark reddish-brown blotches."

A single egg before me, kindly loaned for descriptions
and figure by George A. Boardman of Milltown, Me., is of
the above color. It is admirably figured, fig, 1, plate I.,
in this volume. It is a trifle more pointed than tlie eggs
of rapacious birds usually are, and measures 1.50 inch in
length, and 1.14 inch at its greatest breadth.

TINNUNCDLDS SPARVEEIUS Wei/tot

The Sparrow Hawk.

ralco sparverius, Linnoeus. Syst. Nat., I. 128 (1766).

Falco dominicenses, Gm. Syst. Nat., I. 285 (1788).

I'alco gracilis, cinnavioninus, and isabelUnus. Sw. Cab. Cy., p. 281 (1838).

Description.

Adull. — Frontal band and space, including the eyes and throat, white; spot on
the neck behind, two others on each side of the neck, and line runninff downwards
from before the eye, black; spot on the top of tlie head, the neck behind, back,
rump and tail, light rufous or cinnamon colo\ ; under parts generally a paler shade
of the same rufous as the back, frequently nearly white, but sometimes as dark as
the upper parts, and always with more or less numerous circular or oblong spots of
black ; quills brownish-black, with white bars on their inner webs ; tail tiptied with
white, frequently tinged with rufous, and with a broad subterminal band r black,
outer frequently white, tinged with ashy, and barred with black; bill light-blue;
legs yellow ; back generally with transverse stripes of black, but frequently with
very few, or entirely without ; rufous spot on the head, variable in size, and some-
times wanting.

Younger Male. — Upper parts as above; wing coverts and tail ferruginous red,
with numerous transverse bands of brownish-black; under parts with numerous
longitudinal stripes, and on the sides with transverse bands of brownish-black;
external feathers of the tail palest; broad subterminal band on the tail, obscure or
wanting.

Young, — All the rufous parts of the plumage with wider transverse bands of
brownish-black; wing coverts, dark bluish-cinereous, with large circular spots
of black ; under parts with longitudinal stripes, and large circular spots of black ;
iris very dark hazel.

Total length, eleven to twelve inches; wing, seven to seven and a half; tail, five
to five and a half inches.

This beautiful little hawk is a summer inhabitant of all
the New-England States, and, in the more southern districts,
a resident throughout the year. It is not a very common
species in any but the most northern sections of these

■m

20

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOOV,

states, but in tlicsc localities it is the most abundant of
the birds of prey. 1 can add but little to Wilson's descrip-
tion tliat will be of interest: it is as follows : —

" Tlie habits and manners of this bird are well known. It flies
rather irregularly, occasionally snspending itself in the air, hover-
ing over a particnlar spot for a minute or two, and then shooting
off' in another direction. It perches on the top of a dead tree or
pole, in the middle of a field or meadow, and, as it alights, shuts its
long wings so suddenly that they seem instantly to disappear: it
sits here in an almost perpendicular position, sometimes for an hour
at a time, frequently jerking its tail, and reconnoitring the grouTid
below, in every direction, for mice, lizards, &c. It approaches the
farmhouse, particularly in the morning, skulking about the barn-
yard for mice or young chickens. It frequently plunges into
a thicket after small birds, as if by random, but always with a
particular, and generally a fatal aim. One day I observed a bird
of this species perched on the highest top of a large poplar, on
the skirf-i of the wood, and was in the act of raising the gun to
my eye, A'hen he swept down, with the rapidity of an arrow, into a
thicket of briers, about thirty yards off", where I shot him dead,
and, on coming up, found a small field-sparrow quivering in his
grasp. Both our aims had been taken in the same instant ; and,
unfortunately for him, both were fotal. It 's particularly fond of
watching along hedge-rows and in orchards, where small birds
usually resort. Wlien grasshoppers are plenty, they form a con-
s'derable part of its food.

THE SPAUBOW UAWK.

21

•Though small snakes, mice, lizards, &c., are favorite morsels
with this active bird, yet we are not to suppose it altogether desti-
tute of delicacy in feeding. It will seldom or v.oyer eat of any
thing that it has not itself killed ; and even that, if not (as epicures
would term it) in <jood eating order, is sometimes rejected. A very
respectable friend, througlv the medium of Mr. Uartram, informs
me, that one morning he observed one of these hawks dart down
on the ground, and seize a mouse, which he carried to a fence-post,
where, after examining it for some time, he left it, and, a little
while after, pounced upon another mouse, which he instantly car-
ried off to his nest in the hollow of a tree hard by. The gentle-
man, anxious to know why the hawk had rejected the first mouse,
went up to it, and found it to be almost covered with lice, and
greatly -imaciated. Here was not only delicacy of taste, but sound
and prudent reasoning : " If I carry this to my nest," thought he,
" it will fill it with vermin, and hardly be worth eating."

" The Blue Jays have a particular antipathy to this bird, and
frequently inklt it by following and imitating its notes so exactly
as to deceive even those well acquainted with both. In return for
all this abuse, the Hawk contents himself with now and then
feasting on the plumpest of his persecutors, who are, therefore, in
perpetual dread of him ; and yet, through some strange infatuation,
or from fear that, if they lose sight of him, he may attack them
unawares, the Sparrow Hawk no sooner appears than the alarm is
given, and the whole posse of jays follow."

Although I have had quite a number of the eggs of this
bird, I have been able to meet with but one nest, notwith-
standing I have repeatedly searched for it in many localities.
This was built in a crow's nest of the previous year, in a
hemlock-tree, about thirty feet from the ground. There
had been apparently but few alterations of the old nest ;
these consisting principally of the addition of a few loose
sticks and twigs to the interior of the nest, making it
nearly a flat platform. The locality was the valley of the
Magalloway River, about twenty-five miles north of Lake
Umbagog, Me. The eggs Averc four in number ; and
these, with several other specimens collected in Upton, Me.,

ip3

22

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

Ciiliiis, Mo., ami Williamstowii, Msiss., aro boforo mo. i am
iiicliiK.'d to tliiiik, from what I can loani from collectors and
others, that four is tlio usual nuiul)er laid hy this bird,—
probal)ly seldom more. Their ground-color varies from a
deep cream or yello\vish-l)ulf to a pale reddish-white: this
is cov""ed, more or loss thickly in dilTerent specimens, with
spots and conllucnt blotches of reddish-brown and Vandyke-
brown, or chocolate. Their form is nearly spherical, being
but very little pointed at either end. Their dimensions
vary from 1.40 inch by l.lo inch to 1.30 inch by 1.13 inch.
This species breeds later than most of the other birds
of prey, as the eggs which I found in Maine on the 11th of
June, 1864, were newly laid. This species usually nests ia
a hollow tree or a deserted woodpecker's nest.

Suh-Family AcciPiiiiiNiE. — The Hawks.

Form ratlier long and slender; tail and legs long; wings rather short; bill short,
Looked; upper mandible lobcd, but not toothed. Very active and vigil int, and swift
of fliglit; pursuing their prey, which consists of birds and small quadrupeds, into
the woods and fon-sts.

ASTUR, Lac.

Astur, Lacki'kde, Mem. Inst., IIL p. 508.

The largest birds of this sub-family. General form strong, but rather long and
slender; wing rather short; tail long and broad; tarsi long, covered in front with
rather wide transverse scales; toes and claws moderate, the latter fully curved,
sharp; bill short, curved; nostrils large, ovate, inserted in the cere. This genua
contains about twelve speeies of all countries.

ASTUK ATEICAPILLUS. — Bonnjm-te.

The Goshawk.

Falco atricnjHllus, Wilson. Am. Orn., VL 80 (1812).
Falco rer/nlis, Temm. PI. col. L (liv. 84, about 1827).
JJie(lnlio7i pictum, Lesson. Tmite d'Om., L 67 (1831).

Desckiption.

Adult. — Head above, neck behind, and stripe from behind the eye, black,
generallj' more or less tinged with ashj'; other upper parts dark ashy bluish or
slate color, with the shafts of the feathers black, and frequently with the feathers
naiTowly edged with black, presenting a squamate or scale-like ajipcarance; a con-
^piiiiDiis stripe over the eye, and an obscure and partially concealed occipital and

THE GOSHAWK.

28

nuchal band, white ; entire under purt:4 inoltk'd with white and lit;ht n»lj)--brown;
evorv (I'OlhtT vith ii IdiifjitiKlliial line ot'itailt-liniwn on its -ilml^, iiiid willi imnii'roiifi
iiTC'giilur uiid iiiiptTlcit transviTsu lines or iiariow Hlripes ol li^jiit a^lly-b|•()Wll, uiuiu
distinct und rt'(;ulur uii the ubduiiivu mid libiii'; i|iiill.i brown, with liaiidi* ot'a dccpir
glindu of the saiiio color, and of ashy-white on tlu'ir iiiiur wbs; tail naiiiu color iw
other upper parts; under surfuio very pale, nearly white, uud liuvint; about four
obscure bands of u deeper shade of ashy-brown, and 'uiToAvly tipju'il with white:
under tail eoverln white.

Yuuny. — Knlire upper |iurtn, including; head, dark-brown, with II feathers,
cnpccially on the head and neck behind, ed;,'eil ami spotteil with linht-reddish, or
nearly white ; tail light-ashy, with about live wide ami conspicuous bands of ashy-
brown, and naiTowly tipped with ashy-white; quills brown, with wide burs of u
darker shade of the fame color, and wide bands of reddish-white on their inner
webs; under parts white, Kt'uerally tinged with yellowisli, and fre(iu('nlly with red-
dish; every feather with a longitudinal stripe termiuutiiig in an ovate spot of brown;
sides and tibito frc(|uently with circular and lanceolate i^pots and irrcgidar bands
of the same color, t'.ie tibiu) generally very conspicuously marked in this manner;
under tail coverts white, with a (c\i large lanceolate spots of brown.

'■* Adult. — Hill blutk, light-blue at the base; cere greenish-yellow; eyebrow
greenish-blue; iris reddish-orange ; feet yellow.

^^ YouiKj. — Bill as in the adult; iris light-yellow; feet greenish-yellow." —
AununoN.

Total length, female, twenty-two to twenty-four inches; wing about fourteen;
tail, ten and u half to eleven inches. Mule, about twenty inches; wing, twelve and
B half; tail, nine and a half inches.

This handsome hawk is a not very common winter visitor
ill the New-England States ; at least, such is my observa-
tion, which is corroborated by many others, although Mr.
Verrill, in his catalogue of the birds of Maine,^ says it is
common, and that it breeds there. I have never met with
a nest of this species, and have no authentic specimen of
its egg in my collection. In 1864, a gentleman brought
me two eggs that ho found in a large hawk's nest in
Woburn, Mass. Ho described the hawk, which he killed,
and which corresponded pretty closely with that of this bird.
I showed him mounted specimens of the Goshawk, and ho
thought them identical with his bird. As there was still a
doubt concerning the identity of the eggs, I did not label
them as of this species, and for the same reason will not
figure them in this work. So far as description goes, they
are almost exactly like the eggs of the Red-tailed Ilawk

i

-i

3

Troceedings Esisex Institute, vol. III. p. 140.

S4

OUNITIIOLOOY AND OOLO(JY.

( liuteo horml'm), l)ut iuo a littlo moro ul" u l»liii«h-wliite; in
fli(' ^i()Uii(l-(;oIor.

Fur Honio reason, this si)c;ci(;s was (luito abuiidaut in
llio iii;io|il)()ilioo(l of Hostoii in (lie winter of iHoU-OO;
prolialily a (i()/,(Mi or (il'leen siK.rimcMs were sent to mo in
llie (lill'cnMit plumages, and 1 liavo hoard of many othora
lioiiig shot in the sanio season.

1 luivo liad l)ut few opporUinities for stndyinj,^ the hahita
of this hawk, and, as my observations have boon very
niiMurc, I will jiivc Anihilton's deseription, which, so far as
jny experience goi;s, is very accurate; it is as follows: —

"TIk' fli;i;Iit (if lliti fjosliiiwk m cxtrciiicly rapid uiid protracte(l.
lie tswcfps iddiii; t!io iniirgiiis of tho liclds, tliroii^'li the wooda, and
by tlio c(l,i,'i's of ponds and rivers, with such speed as to cuablo hira
to seize his prey by merely deviating a few yards from Ids course;
assistin-,' binisi If on siieli occasions Ity Ids long tail, which, like a
rudder, he lluows to the right or left, upwards or downwards, to
cheek his jtrogress, or enable him snddeidy to alter his course.
At times he passes like a meteor through tho underwood, wliere
he secures s(pdrrels and hares with ease. Sliould a Hock of wild
pigeons pass him when on these predatory excursions, ho imme-
diately gives elmse, soon overtakes them, and, forcing his way into
the very centre of the flock, scatters them in confusion, when you
may see him emerging with a bird in his talons, and diving towards
the depth of the forest to feed upon his victim. When travelling,
he flies high, with a constant beat of tho wings, seldom moving in
large circles like other hawks ; and, when he does this, it is only
a few times in a hurried manner, after which lie continues his
journey.

"Along the Atlantic Coast, this species follows the numerous
flocks of ducks that are foinid there during the autumn and winter;
and greatly aids in the destruction of mallards, teals, black ducks,
and other species, in company with the Peregrine Falcon (^Falco
anatum). It is a restless bird, apparently more vigilant and indus-
trious than many other hawks, and it seldom alights unless to
devour its prey; nor can I recollect ever having seen ( lo alighted
for many nunutes at a time, without having a bird in its talons.

THE 00811 AWK.

S6

U'lii'ii tlius eiignged with iu proy, it Btuuds nearly ii|iri|»ht; ntid in
gi'iutnil, when pcrclied, it keop8 itHclf moru oruct than must spucioi
of hinvka. It is t'xtrenicly fxpert at ciitchin;; siiipos on tho
wiiij,'; and so well do tlicso birds know their insocnrily, that, on its
tt[)proa(rh, they prefer stpnitting to eudeavoring to escape by flight.

" When tho pnasenger pigeons are abundant in the western
country, tho (Joshawk li Hows their close niassos, and sul)sist3
n[ion them. A single iMwk snllices to spread the greatest terror
among their ranks ; and tho moment he Hwccps towards a flock,
tho whole immediately divo into tho deepest woods, where, not-
withstanding their great speod, tho marauder suceeeds in clutching
the fattest. Wiiile travelling along the Ohio, 1 oltserved several
liawks of this Bpecies in tho train of millions of these pigeons.
Towards tho evening of tho same day, I saw one abandoning itii
course to give chaso to a larg(! Hock of Crow IJlackbirds (Quis-
calus irrsirolor), then crossing tho river. Tho hawk approached
them with the swiftness of an arrow, when the blackbirds rushed
together so closely that the Hock looked like a dusky ball passing
through the air. On reaching tho mass, he, with the greatest ease,
seized first one, then another and another, giving each a squeeze
with his talons, and suflering it to drop upon the water. In this
manner he had procured four or five, before the poor birds reached
the woods, into which they instantly plunged, when ho gave up tho
chase, swept over tho water in graceful curves, and picked the fruits
of his industry, carrying each bird singly to the shore. Reader, is
this instinct or reason ?

" Tho nest of tho Goshawk is placed on the branches of a tree,
near the trunk or main stem. It is of great size, and resembles
that of our crow, or some species of owl ; being constructed of with-
ered twigs and coarse grass, with a lining of fibrous strips of plants
resembling hemp. It is, however, much flatter than that of tho
crow. In one I found, in tho month of April, three eggs ready to
be hatched : they were of a dull bluish-white, sparingly spotted
with light reddish-brown. In another, which I found placed on a
pine-tree, growing on the eastern rocky bank of the Niagara River,
a few miles below the great cataract, the lining was formed of
withered herbaceous plants, with a few feathers : the eggs were
four in number, of a white color tinged with greenish-blue, large,
mucJj rounded, and somewhat granulated.

26

OUNrrUOLOGY AND GOLOGY.

t* '."i

" In another nest were four young birds covered witli buff-col-
ored down, their legs and feet of a pale yellowish flesli-color, the
bill light-blue, and the eyes pale-gray. They differed greatly in
size, one being quite small compared with the rest. I am of
opinion that lew breed to the south of the State of Maine."

I once witnessed an iittcmpt of tliis bird to capture a
common gray squirrel, that was quite interesting to the
beholder, but certainly not to the animal. While on a col-
lecting excursion, a few miles from Boston, as I was seated
beneatli a huge oak, observing the movements of some small
birds, I heard the barking of a squirrel; and, while looking
for his whereabouts, I suddenly heard a whistling sound as
of a body fidling through the air, and, as quick as thought,
a Goshawk struck on the limb, on the spot where, a second
l)efore, the squirrel had been seated : luckily for the squirrel,
the hawk missed his aim, the animal giving a sudden dodge
beneath the limb the moment the hawk appeared. All
who are acquainted with the habits of this quadruped
know that it is very successful in dodging behind the limb
of a tree, and hugging it closely. The hawk sat a few
u'oments, apparently surprised at his disappointment, when,
suddenly k .iching into the air, he espied it beneath the
limb, hugging for dear life. As soon as he had iroved,
the S(iuirrcl turned adroitly on the limb, still keeping it
between itself and its enemy. After several trials, the
hawk always alighting and remaining perched on the limb a
few seconds, he succeeded, by a dexterous feint, in securing
his prey, ■'vhen, on the instant, I fired, bringing the hawk
and his victim to the ground. The hawk dropped dead;
but the squirrel, after lying on the grotind a moment, got
up, and staggered olF beneath a pile of rocks, and I neither
saw nor heard any thing more of it.

ACCIPITER, BmssoN.

Accipitcr, Bkisson, Orii., I. 310 (1760).

General form more sleiuler and pmallcr than Astur, I)iit other\vi8e similar; wings
ihort, tali long, tursi Ioiik and slender. iVoqucntly with the sciiles in front nearly

THE COOPER S HAWK.

27

ybsolete. Contains about twenty species of uil rouutries, several of which intimately
resemble each other. Colors in No"th-American species very similar to eatli other
especially in adult specimens, though they differ materially in size.

ACCIPITEE COOPESII, — Bomparte.
The Cooper's Hawk.

fd/eo Cc«V)C)'//, Bonaparte. Am. Orn., II. 1 (1828).
Falco StaiiliiU, Audubon. Oni. Bicg., I. 186 (1831).

Desc«ii»i'1on.

Adult. — Head above brownish-black, mixed with white on the occiput, othei
upper parts dark ashy-brown, with the shiills of the featliers brownish-black; an
obscure rufous collar on the neck behind; throat and under tail coverts white, the
tbrnier with linos of dark-brown ; other under parts transversely barred with light
rufous and white; quills ashy-brown, with darker bands, and white irregular
markings on their inner webs; tail dark cinereous, tipped with white, and with four
wide bands of brownish-black.

Younij. — Head and neck behind yellowish -white, tinged with rufous, and with
longitudinal stripes and oblong spots of brown; oAer upper parts light amber-
brown, with large partially concealed spots and bars of white; upper tail coverta
tipped with white; under parts white, with narrow longitudinal stripes of light-
brown; tail as in adult; bill bluish horn-color; tarsi yellow; iris in adult, reddish-
orange; in young, bright j-ellow.

Total length, male lifteen to sixteen inches; wing, nine; tail, eight inches.
Female, total length, seventeen to eighteen inches; wing, nine and a half to ten;
tail, nine inches.

It is a noticeable fact in the history of many of our birds,
that in different periods, from some cause or other, many
species have increased in number to a remarlcable extent,
while otlicrs have diminished in like proportion. Some
have moved from sections in which they were for years
common residents, to others in which they were, compara-
tively, strangers.

The Cooper's or Stanley Hawk of Audubon has had one
of these changes ; and throughout New England, where it
was formerly a comparatively rare species, it is now one of
the most abundant of our birds of prey.

The habits of the Cooper's Hawk are generally well
known. It is the smallest of those known by the name, of
" Hen Hawk ; " and the mischief it does among domestic
poultry well earns for it this title.

53

'2S

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

Powei-ful, active, and gifted with great rapidity of ^ight,
lie is able to attack and conquer birds and animals greatly
his superior in size and weight. The Common Hare (Lepua
Americanus) often falls a victim to his voracity. Ducks,
grouse, squirrels, and small birds, are destroyed by him ;
and I have known of his capturing and eating snakes and
other reptiles, and even grasshoppers and crickets.

In hunting for prey, he usually flies just above the trees
in the forast, and quite near the earth in the open country.
His flight consists of a rapid succession of beatings of tho
wings, with intervals of equal periods of soarings. On
discovering a bird or other object that he may wish to
capture, he immediately gives chase. If tho bird takes to
tlie foliage of the trees, he immediately follows, tui'ning at
every tiu-n, doubling and twisting through the trees with
wonderful speed and success ; and the chase is usually but
a very short one indeed before he alights to feed on the
quarry that he has secured.

He is very destructive to tho flocks of young ducks that
breed in the wilder districts of the country. I remember
an instance of one of his raids on these birds that is not
without interest.

While on a hunting and collecting excursion in the wilds
of Maine, up the Magalloway River, — a beautiful stream
that empties into the Androscoggin, near Lake Umbagog, —
I wandered down the river banks, that are, for nearly the
entire length of the stream, fringed with a thick growth of
trees, away from the camp perhaps a mile. I was watching
an old Black Duck (^Anas obsourd) and her brood of eight
" flappers " disporting themselves in the water, and impa-
tiently waiting for an opportunity for a shot; for, kind
reader, I can assure you that a " broiled flapper," or wild
duck about half grown, is a delicacy which, once enjoyed, is
eagerly sought for by the frequenters of tho wilderness. As
I was creeping cautiously within shot of the birds, I sud
denly heard a " quack " and splash, and the whole bevy was

THE cooper's hawk.

29

gone. At that instant, a Cooper's Hawk, that had evidently
just made a swoop at the flock and missed it, alighted on a
small tree that hung over the water, and remained perfectly
motionless. Now, when man attempts to secure any of
these young ducks, the parent almost always flies oft', while
the young dive and swim under water to the banks of the
stream or pond where they may be. When a bird of prey
makes his appearance, the whole family dives beneath the
surface, and swims off; the mother in one direction, the
young in another. I have noticed the same fact several
times, and conclude that the parent, who frequently makes
her appearance above the surface, does so because she is
ca^jable of endurir.g submersion better than her young,
and shows herself often, a little farther from her offspring
every time, imtil she had led their pursuer away from
them ; giving them, in the mean time, a chance to swim off,
and conceal themselves. The hawk, in this instance, was
not to be deceived. He followed the parent but once, and
then immediately returned to his perch. Tlie banks of the
river at this place were steep, there was no vegetation
growing in the water, and the chances for obtaining a meal
from one of the young ducks were decidedly in the hawk's
favor.

The young ducks are very expert divers. They have the
faculty of sinking beneath the surface at any alarm, and
will remain there perhaps half a minute. Unfortunately
for them, they cannot 8wim beuf^ath the surface a great
distance, and generally come up quite near the place where
they went down. The hawk sat attentively inspecting the
river in different places ; and, as one of the young birds
made its appearance, he marked it for his victim. The
moment it rose to the surface, he made a swoop for it,
when, of course, it dove. This was repeated several times,
the young duck remaining beneath the water a shorter
length of time at each dive. Soon it was manifest that the
nawk would obtain his quarry, when, as ho flew fo"

:3
%

5

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

the duck tlio last time, I pulled trigger on him; for wo are
all ciniiiontly selfish, and when one of tiic lower animals,
as wc regard them, interferes with us in our pleasures or
comforts, oven if they are fulfilling the dictates of their
natures, wc brush them from existence, as if lue were the
only rightful possessors of this beautiful world. Fortu-
nately for the hawk, unfortunately for the flapper, and
muoli to my chagrin, the cap failed to explode, and the poor
duck was borne off for food for the family of the hawk.

The Cooper's Hawk breeds in all the New-England States,
and is partial to no particiilar locality. I have found the
nest in sections not a mile from the seacoast ; in the deepest
woods of Northern Maine ; and have had the eggs sent me
from different localities in Khode Island, Connecticut, and
New Hampshire.

The nest of tliis species is more often found than that of
any other. In my collecting trips, my experience has been
that I have found certainly two nests of this to one of all
others. Audubon says, " The nest is usually placed in the
foi'ks of the branch of an oak-tree, towards its extremity.
In its general appearance, it resembles that of the common
crow, for which I have several times mistaken it. It is com-
posed externally of numerous crooked sticks, and has a slight
lining of grasses and a few feathers." This does not agree
with my observation ; for, in great numbers of nests that I
have examined, in which I have found no great variation in
character, they were almost invariably in a fork of a tall
tree near the top, — in three cases out of five in the differ-
ent innes. They were large, bulky affairs, constructed of
twigs and sticks, some of them nearly half an inch in
iiamcter: they were decidedly hollowed, and often lined
with leaves and the loose bark of the cedar. The eggs of
this species vary in number from two to four. I do not
remember ever having found more than four, which number
is usually laid. Their ground-color is a dirty bluish-white,
with often thinly scattered spots of brown, or obscure

THK SHAUP-SHINNKD HAWK.

31

blotches and markings of a shade darker than the ground-
color of the egg. A groat number of specimens in my col-
lection exhibit a variation in dimensions of from 1.82 inch
to 2 Indies in length, by from 1.50 inch to 1.62 in breadth.
The average dimensions are about 1.78 inch by 1.52 inch.
The breeding season varies considerably with this species,
even in the same latitude. I have found nests with eggs as
early as the first week in May, and as late as the first week
in June. Usually the eggs are laid before the 20th of May
in Massachusetts. The season for the northern district of
New England seems to be from one to two weeks later than
this ; that of the southern district, about a week earlier.

A pair of birds that nested in Newton, Mass., in the
summer of 1866, were robbed of their eggs four times in
the season. They built different nests in the same grove,
and laid in the four litters four, four, five, and three eggs
respectively. The eggs of the last litter were very small ;
but little larger than the eggs of the Sharp-shinned ' '^awk.

ACCIPITER FDSCDS. — GmeKn.
The Sharp-shinned Hawk.

Fakofuscus et dubius, Gm. Syst. Nat., I. 280, 281 (1788).

Accijnter stiiatm, Vicillot. Ois. d'Am. Sept., I. 42 (1807).

Falco velox et Pcnnsijlvimicus, Wilson. Am. Orn., V. 116, and VI. p. 13 (1813).

Spnrrm.1 Unentiis, Viuillot. Ency. Meth., III. 126G (1823).

jV(6«s Mdljini, Lesson. Traite d'Orn., I. 58 (1831).

Description.

Adult. — Small; tail rather long; legs and toes slender; entire upper parts
browiiisli-black, tinged witli ashy; occiput mixed witli white; throat and under tail
coverts wliite, tiie former with lines of black on the shafts of the feathers; other
under parts fine liglit rufous, deepest on the tibiie, and with transverse bands
of white; shafts of the feathers with lines of ilark-brown; tail ashy-brown tipped
with white, and with about four bands of brownish-black; quills brownish-black,
with bands of a darker shade, and of white on their inner webs: secondaries and
tertiaries with I'l-ge partially concealed spots of white.

Youni]. — Entire upper parts dull umber-brown, tinged with ashy; neck behind
mixed with white; greater wing coverts and shorter quills with large partially con-
cealed .spots of wliite; under parts white, with longitudinal stripes and circular and
ovate tspots of reddish-brown, changing into transverse bands on the tanks

i

A

5

32

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOOY.

and til,irc; under fail oovcrf.s white; bill dark bluish horn-color; cere and tarsi
yellow; iris reddish-vollow.

Total length of t'oniiile, twelvn to fourteen inches; winff, seven and a half to
eight; tail, six and a half to seven inches. Male, ten'to eleven inches; wing, six
to six and a liaii'; tail, live to five and a half inches.

Tliis well-known little species is a general and common
fiummcr inhal)itant of all the New-England States: it
makes its appearance with the arrival of the earliest flight
of the smaller migratory birds in spring, and remains until
the latter part of autumn ; and, in the southern portions of
these States, even thronghout the winter The habits of the
uird are so well described by Audubon, that I cannot do
better than include tlie description here. He says : —

""Wliile in search of prey, the Sharp-shinned Hawk passes
over tlie country, now iit a moderate height, now close over the
land, in so swift a manner, tliat, although your eye has marked it,
you feel surprised that tlie very next moment it has dashed off, and
is fiir away. In fact, it is usually seen when least expected,
and almost always but for a few moments, unless when it has
procured some prey, and is engaged in feeding upon it. The kind
of vacillation or wavering with which it moves through the air
appears perfectly adapted to its wants ; for it undoubtedly enables
this little warrior to watch and to see at a single quick glance of its
Keen eyes every object, whether to the right or to the left, as it pur-
sues its course. It advances by sudden dashes, as if impetuosity
of movement were essential to its nature, and pounces upon and
strikes such objects as best suit its appetite, but so very suddenly
that it appears quite hopeless for any of them to try to escape.
]Many have been the times, reader, when watching tliia vigilant,
active, and industrious bird, I have seen it plunge headlong among
the briery patches of one of our old fields, in defiance of all thorny
obstacles ; and, passing through, emerge on the other side, bearing
off with exultation in its sharp claws a sparrow or finch, which it
had surpri.-ed when at rest. At other times, I have seen two or
three of theee hawks, acting in concert, fly at a Golden-winged
Woodpecker while alighted against tlie bark of a tree, where it
thought itself secure, but was suddenly clutched by one of the
hawks throwing, as it were, its long legs with the quickness of

'^-

I .IS

SuAui'-suiiNNEU Hawk, Accipiter fuscus. BouaparUi.

/

tliought, proti
back of tlie
the harassing
tree. Then <
full, the wood
liawk would i
its vitals, put
at once comnn

Nuttall in
upon its qua
the glass ol
Garden ; anc
tition, he w£
though littlo
much torn
impeded as
Whilst tra
the Sharp-slii
manner, with
times, as if
below, movej
seen to desc
height of on
were, every <
be inhabited
feeds. Agai
rises to a gn
discernible fj
Notwithstj
cies, its nes
J'ound. Au{
hor Nuttall
find severalJ
were built ii]
from the grj
and twigs.

THE SHAnP-SIIINNED HAWK.

33

thought, protruding its sharp talons, and thnisting them into the
back of the devoted bird, while it was endeavoring to elude
the harassing attacks of another, by hopping and twis'Mig around the
tree. Then down to the ground assailants and assailed would
fall, the woodpecker still offering great resistance, until a second
hawk would also seize upon it, and, with claws deeply thrust iuto
its vitals, put an end to its life, when both the marauders would
at once commence their repast."

Nuttall informs us that " descending furiously and blindly
upon its quarry, a you!ig hawk of this species broke through
the glass of the greenhouse at the Cambridge Botanic
Garden ; and, fearlessly passing through a second glass par-
tition, he was only brought up by the third, and caught,
though little stunned by the effort. His wing-feathers were
much torn by the glass, and his flight in this way so
impeded as to allow of his being approached."

Whilst travelling to some point at a considerable distance,
the Sharp-shinned Hawk flies high, though in a desultory
manner, with irregular quick flappings of its wings ; and at
times, as if to pause for a while and examine the objects
below, moves in short and unequal circles, after which it is
seen to descciid rapidly, and then follow its course at the
height of only a few feet from the ground, visiting, as it
were, every clump of low bushes or brier patches likely to
be inhabited by the smaller birds, on which it principally
feeds. Again, after having satisfied its hunger, it at times
rises to a great height, and indeed now and then is scarcely
discernible from the ground.

Notwithstanding the comparative abundance of this spe-
cies, its nest, until quite recently, has been quite rarely
?;bund. Aiidubon met with biit three, and neither Wilson
hor Nuttall ever saw one. I have been so fortiinate as to
find several, two of which had in each four eggs. They
were built in the forks of pine-trees, about twenty-five feet
from the ground : they were loosely constructed of sticks
and twigs, were not much hollowed, and were lined with

8

4

k

34

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOOV.

smaller twigH ami a fow loaves. Fourteen eggs in my col-
l(!clion, from dillerent ])'.\vtH of New England, exliil)it but
slight vaiiations ; they arc of a bluish-white color, and
covered at the larger end with spots and blotches of
chocolat(!-brown : in some specimens these blotches arc con-
Ihient, making a ring near the largo end;i others are
covered nearly over their entire surface with those markings.
Tiio form of the egg is nearly spherical ; the length varying
from l.AO inch to 1.23 inch, and the breadth from 1.24
inch to 1.0(3 inch. Average dimensions about 1.40 inch by
1.20 inch. I have found the eggs as early as the 10th of
May ; but usually they arc not laid before the 20th, in the
latitude of Massachusetts. The same nest is occupied by
the parent birds for several years, and the female is a per-
sistent layer. A case came to my knowledge in the spring
of 18G4, when the nest was robbed three times : fourteen
eggs were removed ; and, if the female had not been killed
when the last eggs were taken, she would probably have
laid another litter, as there were several found in her
nearly formed. Both sexes, as with nearly all the other
birds of prey, incubate

Sub-Family Bcteoninje. — The Buzzard-Hawh.

General form heavy ; fiight vigorous and long continued, but not bo rapid as in
the preceding sub-families. Subsist mainly on small quadrupeds and reptiles.

liUTEO, CuviEH.

Jiufen, Cl'VIEU, Rcgne Animal, I. 323 (1817).

Bill short, wiile at base; edges of upper mandible lobed; nostrils large, ovate,
winpts long, wide, fourth and fii^h quills usually longest; tail moderate, rather wide;
tarsi moderate, robust, with transverse scales before aud behind, laterally with small
ririular and hexagonal scales; toes moderate, or rather short; cluwn strong. Con-
tains about thirty species, inhabiting all countries.

1 The specimen, fig. 3, plate I., is marked with a ring of confluent blotches at thu
tmiiller end, a peculiarity rarely met with.

•3

'■'•'■

H

5

'WSn

Fnico bortnlit, Ltv
t'liU'o iiifuiliiiut, \ia
Hilled J'trrui/inckn
Aceijiiler rujicnwln
Bitlto J'ulmut Bnd

AiMt. — laW brif;
oal bund of black ; ci
edKiiif^s on Ibo licad t
brown epoU and ban
other under parta pale
brown, tinged witli fu
band across the abda
white, unspotted, but
light rufous; under sii

young. — Tail iLsu
tlie same color, and
bands of dark-brown
with dull white and
white, si lea of the bre
irregular band on tlu
coverts and tibioi witli
bill, blue-black; cere i
iris pale amber.

Total lengtli of f
Inches; tail, eight anc
fourteen inches; tail, i

The Rcd-tail(
New-England S
so well known
Every one has r
able height, so£
oft-repeated crj
beneath him fo
the bird emitted
notice of birds
fly to a place ol
of their wherea
for he is ofter
towards a bird

THK RKD-TAILKU HAWK.

35

BUTEO B0REAUS.-riVi7/(><.

Tht Hed-tailed Hawk.

Fnlco bortnlU, Ltrtrinnut, and Jamnuftuii, Um. Syit. Nat., !■ 26rt ( 17(18)

/'(i/<-o aifuiliiitu, Itartrnm. Truv., p. 2U0 (1791).

JJuUn ftrniyiniiiitwliit, Vicillot. ()in. d'Aiii. .Si-pt. I. 82 (1S07).

Acri/iiler rujicnwlut, VifiUiit. Oi*. d'Aiii. Sept., 1. 4:1 (1M)7).

li-'itto J'ulvuxu and Amcvkanus, Vicillot. Nouv. Diet., IV. 472, 477 (1816).

DEBCHIITln.N.

AdvU. — TaW briglit riifoui, narrowly lipped with white, nnd having a lulitprmi-
nal hand of hliak; ciitiro upper piirtii darit uinlier-lirown, iiKlitor ami witli I'tdvuus
edging!) on the liead and neelt; \ippcr tail coverts yellowish-white, with rul'oun and
brown »\io\» and baiid!i; thront wliite, with narrow loii^^itiidinal Htripex ol' brown;
other under parts pale ycllowisU-wliitc, with longitudinal lines and spots of recUlish-
brown, tinged with fulvous; most numerous on the brca.st, and forming on irre>;ul.ii
band across the abdomen; under tail coverts and tibiw generally clear yellowish-
whito, unspotted, but the latter frequently spotted and transversely barred with
light rufous; under surface of tail silvery-white.

Young. — Tail usually ashy-brown, with numerous bands of a darker shade ot
the same color, and narrowly tipped wi'.h white; upper tail co\crl white, with
bands of dark-brown; other upper parts dark uuiber-brown, many illiers edged
with dull wliito and with portially concealed spots of white; enlire under parts
white, sides of the breast with largo ovote spots of brownish-bl.itk, ond with a wide
irregular band on the abdomen, composed of spots of the same color; under tail
coverts and tibiiu with irregular transverse stripes and sagittate spots of dork-brown ;
bill, blue-black; cere and sides of the mouth, yellow tinged with green; legs yellow;
iris pale amber.

Total lengtli of female, about twenty-three inches; wing, flfleen to sixteen
Inches; tail, eight and a half inches. Male, nineteen to twenty-one inches; wing,
fourteen inches; tail, seven and a half to eight inches.

The Red-tailed Hawk is a common resident of all the
New-England States thronghout the year. Its habits are
so well known that a description hero is hardly needed.
Every one has noticed this hawk np in the air, at a consider-
able height, soaring in extended circles, and uttering the
oft-repeated cry, kae, kae, kae, as he examine.'} the earth
beneath hiin for prey. Audubon was of the opinion, that
the bird emitted this shriek for the purpose of attracting the
notice of birds and animals beneath, and causing them to
fly to a place of concealment, thus giving him a knowledge
of their whereabouts. Tliis supposition is not improbable ;
for he is often observed descending with great rapidity
towards a bird that has taken flight at his outcries.

Jil

86

OUNITIIOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

This Hawk is very destructive among domestic poultrj',
and is generally regarded with dislike. I have known of
instances when he has ti.nost completely depopulated a
poultry-yard before he could be captured.

It is the custom of the Hawk, when he has once had a
taste of a flock of fowls, to visit it regularly every day at
about the same time ; sometimes in tiie afternoon, oftener
in the morning.

The moment his cry is heard, the shrill alarm of the cock
is given, when the hens run hither and thither, cackling,
and adding to their o^m affright; the guinea-fowls rattle
their discordant notes ; the mother with her chickens becomes
almost frantic in her efforts to protect her young from
the inevitable destroyer. In the niidst of this clatter, the
pii'ate who has been its sole cause comes on eager wing,
and, selecting the fattest of the flock, pounces upon it, and,
with scarcely an effort, bears it off to feast his mate and
young. The Ruffed Grouse (^Bonasa umbellus') and Com-
mon Hare (^Lepus Americanus) both fall victims; and the
number he destroys is very great.

The Red-Tailed Hawk builds its nest in a lofty fork of a
large tree. The nest is one of the largest of our rapacious
birds, — in one case, to my knowledge, exceeding two feet
in width and twenty inches in depth. It is constructed of
large sticks and twigs ; is but slightly hollowed ; and is
lined with smaller twigs, leaves, and moss. The eggs are
generally three in number, se'idom more : their ground-
color is a dirty yellowish-white, with blc i\es of a yellow
ish-brown, and sometimes distinct blotcl es of a darker
brown. Their form varies from nearly spherical to ovoidal ;
but they are, in general, nearly as large at one end as at the
other. Dimensions of specimens vary fron^ 2.12 to 2.25
inches in length, by from 1.68 to 2 inches in breadth.

Three eggs that I took from a nest in the southern part
of Ohio, early in the month of April, measure 2.18 by 1.62 ;
2.14 by 1.70; and 2.20 by 2 inches, — averaging a little

THE RED-SHOULDKUED HAWK.

87

smaller than specimens collected in New England. Thesu
egga must have been laid by the 2i3th of March. In Now
England, they are seldom laid before the lust weelc in April
to the first week in May.

BUTEO LINEATUS Janline.

The Red-shouldered Hawk.

F(Uco lineatut and liyemalis, Gm. Syst. Nat., I. 208, 274 (1788).
Falco buteuidea, NuttuU. Man., I. 100 (1st edition, 1832).

Dkschiition.

Adult. — Wing coverts, from its flexure to tlie body, fine bright riifo'i- breast
and otlier lower parts of tlie body paler orange rufous, many feathers witli transverse
bars and spots of white, wliich predominate on the abdomen and under tail coverts;
entire upper parts brown; on tlie head mixed with rufous, and witli wliito spots on
the wing coverts and shorter quills and rump ; quills brownish-blacli, with wliite spots
on their outer webs, and with bars of a lighter shade of brown and of white on
their inner webs; tail brownish-black, witli about live transverse bands of white,
and tipped with white.

Youny. — Entire upper parts yellowish-white, with longitudinal stripes and
oblong spots of dark-brown ; throat dark brown; upper parts lighter ashy-brown,
with manj" partially concealed spots and bars of white; quills dark-biown, with
wide transverse bars of rufous and white on both webs; tail ushy-brown, with
numerous bands of pale-brow^nish and rufous white; tail beneath silvery-white;
bill light-blue at the base, bluish-black at the tip; cere, basal margin of the bill,
edges of the eyelids and the feet, bright-yellow ; iris hazel.

Total length, lemale, twenty -one to twenty-three inches; wing, fourteen; taii,
nine inches. Male, eighteen to twenty inches; wing, twelve; tail, eight inches.

Tliis bird is a rather common resident of all New Eng-
land throughout the year. Its habits are so nearly like
those of the preceding, that I can add nothing to that I
have already written.

Tlie best account of the bird's habits in the breeding
season, that I remember, is given by Audubon. It is as
follows : —

" This bird is one of the most uoisy of its genus, during spring
especially, when it would be diificult to approach the skirts of woods
borderinif a large plantation without hearing its discordant shrill
notes, — ka-hee, ka-hee, — as it is seen flailing in rapid circles at a
very great elevation. Its ordinary flight is even and protracted,

1^

15

8

~*<«-.-«»—^ ^_» »..

38

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

excepting when it is describiug tlie circles just mentioned, when it
often dives and gambols. It is a more general inhabitant of the
woods than most of our other species, particularly during the sum-
mer, and in autumn and winter ; now and then only, in early spring,
showing itself in the open grounds, and about the vicinity of small
lakes, for the purpose of securing red-winged starlings and wounded
ducks.

" The interior of woods seems, as I have said, the fittest haunts
for the Red-shouldered Hawk. He sails through them a few yards
above the ground, and suddenly alights on the low branch of a
tree or the top of a dead stump, from which he silently watches,
in an erect posture, for the appearance of squirrels, upon which
he pounces direct'.y, and kills in an instant, afterwards devour-
ing them on the ground. If accidentally discovered, he essays to
remove the squirrel ; but, finding this difficult, he drags it, partly
through the air and partly along the ground, to some short distance,
until he conceives himself out of sight of the intruder, when he
Hgain commences feeding. The eating of a whole squirrel, which
this bird often devours at one meal, so gorges it, that I have seen
it in this state almost unable to fiy, and with such an extraordinary
protuberance on its breast as seemed very unnatural, and very
injurious to the beauty of form which the bird usually displays.
On all occasions sucli as I have described, when the bird is so
goi'ged, it is approached with the greatest ease. On the contrary,
when it is in want of food, it requires the greatest caution to get
within shooting distance of it.

" At the approach of spring, this species begins to pair ; and its
flight is accompanied with many circlings and zigzag motions,
during wliich it emits its shrill cries. The male is particularly
noisy at this time. He gives chase to all other hawks, returns to
the branch on which his mate has chanced to perch, and caresses
her. This liappens about the beginning of March.^ The spot
adapted for a nest is already fixed upon, and the fabric is half
finished. The top of a tall tree appears to be preferred by this
hawk, as I have found its nest more commonly placed there, not
far from the edges of woods bordering plantations.

"When one ascends to the nest (which, by the way, is not

1 May in New Englnnd.

"V.T -,■

THE RED-SHOULDERED HAWK.

39

always an easy matter, as our beech-trees are not only very
smooth, but frequently without uuy boughs to a considerable dis-
tance from the ground, as well as of rather large size), the female
bird, if slie happens to be sittuig, flies off silently, and alights on a
neighboring tree to wait tlie I'esult; but should the male, who
supplies her with food, and assists in incubation, bo there, or make
his appearance, he immediately sets up a hue and cry, and plunges
toward the assailant with such violence as to astonish him.

•' When, on several occasions, I have had the tree, on wliich the
nest was placed, cut down, I have observed the same pair, a few
days after, build another nest on a tree not far distant from the
spot m which the first one had been.

" The mutual attachment of the male and the female continues
during life- They usually hunt in pairs during the wliole year ;
and, although they build a new nest every spring, they are fond of
resorting to the same parts of the woods for that purpose.^

" The young remain in the nest until fully fledged, and are fed
by the parents for several weeks after they have begun to fly ; but
leave them, and begin to shift for themselves, in about a month,
when they disperse, and hunt separately, until the approach of the
succeeding spring, at which time they pair.

" Tills Hawk seldom attacks any kind of poultry, and yet fre-
quently pounces on partridges, doves, or wild pigeons, as well as
red-winged blackbirds, and now and then young rabbits. On one
or two occasions, I have seen them make their appearance at the
report of my gun, and try to rob me of some blue-winged teals,
shot in small ponds. I have never seen them chase any other
small birds than those mentioned, or quadrupeds of smaller size
than the Cotton Rat."

■•I

n

-Ml
3

S

My experience has been different from the above para-
graph ; for I havo known of this Hawk attacking poultry,
and, even several times in the same flock, killing a fowl each
time. The breeding habits of this and the Red-tailed Hawk
are so exactly similar, that the above description well
answers for both.

1 I have known of the same nest being occupied by a pair of these birds foi
Huvcro. suasons. — E. A. S.

40

OHNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

I have found several nests of this species in diirercnt
localities, all of which were placed in high forks of trees.
They were huilt of twigs and sticks of different size3, and
usually were of large size. A nest that I found in Milton,
Mass., was built in a fork of a largo oak, against the trunk,
about forty feet from the ground. It was of a bulk nearly
suflicient to fdl. a bushel-basket: it was considerably hoi-
hwed, and lined witli dry grass and leaves. The eggs,
two in number, are i" the cabinet of Dr. Brewer, who
describes tliem as foil >• a: —

" Two others belonging to this species, obtained in Milton, Mass.,
by ]Mr. E. A. Samuels, aud identified by securing the parent birds,
may be tiius described: One measures 2~^ by l|g inch. The
gi'ound-color is a dirty-white, aud is marked wi'th large blotches,
lines, and duttings of umber-brown of various shades, from quite
dark to light. The other is 2 inches by Ijg, has a bluish-white
ground, and is only marked by a number of very faint blotches of
yellowish-brovn and a slate-drab. Except in their shape, which is
an oval spheroid, slightly pointed at one end, these bear but very
slight resemblance to each other, though taken at the same time
from one nest."

A number of specimens in my collection exhibit as great
a variety as the above instances; and one specimen, obtained
in Connecticut, whic. measures 2.12 by 1.65 inches, has a
dirty ycUowish-whito ground-color, which is nearly covered
with blotches of faint-purple ; the appearance being as if
the purple spots were laid on, and then a coating of white-
wash laid over them.

BDTEO PENNSTLVANICUS Bonaparte.

The Broad-winged Hawk.

Falco Peiwsijkankm, Wilson. Am. Orn., VI. 92 (1812). Aud. Orn. Biog., 1. 161.
Fako WiUonii, Bonaparte. Jour. Pliila. Acad., III. 348 (1824).

Deschiption.

.i4(/i//<. — Entire upper ports umber-brown; feathers on the occiput and back of
the neck white at their bases; turoat white, witli longitudinal lines of brown and

THE BROAD- WINGED HAWK.

4J

«rith a patch of brown on each side running from tho base of the lower niaiidil>le;
breast with a wide band composed of large cordate and sagittate spots and trans-
verse bands of reddisli-ferruginous tinged with asliy; utiier under parts white, with
numerous sagittate spots of reddish on the Hanks, abdomen, and tibiu;. In some
specimens, tho ferruginous color predominates on all the under parts, except tho
under tail coverts, and all the feathers have large circular or ovate spots of white
on both edges; under tail coverts white; quills brownish-black, widely bordered
with white on their inner webs; tail dark-brown, narrowly tipped with white, and
^tlth one wide band of white and several narrower bands near the base.

I'ouHi/. — Upper parts dull umber-brown, many feathers edged with fulvous and
ashy-whiie; upper tail coverts spotted with white; under parts white, generally
tinged with yellowish, and having longitudinal stripes and oblong and lanceolate
spots of brownish-black ; a stripe of dark-brown on each side of the neck from the
base of the under mandible; tail brown, with several bands of a darker shade of
the same color, and of white on the inne' webs, and narrowly tipped with white.
Hill bluish-black at tho tip, blue towards the base; cere and margin yellow; iris
hazel; feet gamboge-yellow; claws brownish-black.

Total length, female, seventeen to eighteen inches; wing, eleven; tail, six and a
' „., to seven inches. Alale, total length, sixteen to sixteen and a half inches; wing,
ten inches; tail, six to sL and a half inches.

Tliis bird, until quite recently, has been regarded as rare
in all the New-Englaud States; and even now it is by no
means common, although it is much oftener found here than
formerly. It occurs in these States only as a summer
visitor, arriving in the spring about tho middle of April, and
departing for the South in October. The flight of this
Hawk is quite rapid, consisting of long intervals of soaring,
with shorter periods of flappings of tlie wings. It seems to
prefer the wilder districts to the more thickly settled ones,
and is most often met with in the interior of the country.
I noticed several individuals, in the course of a day's march
in Northern Maine, soaring above the hemlock and pine
forests, and uttering their shrill key, hy-ah, ky-ah-ke-ee,
ke-ee, as they were searching for prey beneath them. Small
birds, reptiles, squirrels, and insects constitute the principal
portion of their food ; and they seldom attack a bird larger
than a pigeon or quail.

Once, while listening to the beautiful song of the White-
throated Sparrow, I was startled by tho sudden appearance
of one of these hawks, which, flying within a yard of my
head, as I sat in some bushes on the shores of Lake Umba-

il3

53

K

S

42

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

gog, pounced at a Rod Siiuirrel (»S'. Iladsonlui), that was
chattering at me from tlio top of a hollow stump: tho
squirrel barely escaped by diving into tho hollow, when
the hawk, turning suddenly, rushed at my little songster,
and, clutching him through the vitals, bore him off in
exultation. So sudden was tho attack, that I had no time
to cock my gun before he was half a dozen rods off, when I
lired, and brought him to the ground : the sparrow was, of
course, dead. The hawk was only wing-tipped; and, throw-
ing himself on his back, his feet extended, he awaited my
approach. As I drew near him, he emitted a sort of hiss ;
and, as he glared at mo with rage-enkindled eye, he appeared
the very incarnation of wrath. On killing him, I found that
he had had one of his tarsi broken before, apparently by a
shot : it had heulcd, but had lost none of its strength ; for, as
I touclicd him witli a stick, he grasped it with both feet so
powerfully that all his claws were thrust deep into the wood.
The nest is rarely found. One that I visited in West Rox-
bury, Mass., on the 20th of May, 1864, had four eggs ; it
was bailt in a tall pine-tree, in a fork near the top ; it was
composed of coarse sticks and twigs, and was lined with
tlie bark of the red cedar and a few leaves and feathers.
The eggs, which are now before me, vary from 2 by 1.70
inches, to 2.15 by 1.72 inches ; their color is a dirty yellow-
ish-white, covered more or less thickly in the different
specimens with spots and blotches of reddish-brown : an-
other egg, obtained in Newton, Mass., in the previous
season, is somewhat smaller, and the markings arc fainter,
and of a lighter color. Two other specimens in my collec-
tion, collected in New Hampshire, correspond to this
description ; but the spots are much liner and of a darker
color.

ARCIIIBUTEO, Brehm.

Archibuteo, Brehm, Isis, 1828, p. 1269.

Tarsi densely feathered to the toes, but more or less naked beliind, and then cov-
ered with scales. Wings long and wide; toes short; claws moderate; tail rathei
short, wide. Other characters very similar to those of Buteo

111

THE ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK.

4R

Tlii8 genus contains six or seven species, inhabiting Europe, Asia, and North
America, all birds of heavy tliougli robust organization, subsisting mainly on small
i)uadrupcds and reptiles. The species of this genus are easily recognized by their
having the tarsi feathered.

ABCHIBUIEO LAGOPUS.— 6'ray.
The Bough-legged Hawk.

Falco layopui, Gm. Syst. Nat., 260 (1788). Aud. Orn. Biog., II. 877, uid
Wilson.

Fako plumipeSf Caudin. Traite d'Orn., II. 163.
/Vco^jenna/t/g, Cuvier. Reg. An., I. 323 (1817).
Archibuteo alticeps, Brehm. Vog. Deutsch, I. 40.

Description.

Tarsus densely feathered in front to the toes, naked behind; wing long; tail
rather short.

Adult. — Head above yellowish-white, with longitudinal stripes of brown tinged
with reddish, especially on the occiput; back scapular, and shorter quills pale cine-
reous, with partiallj' concealed transverse bands of white and dark-brown, the latter
frequently predominating, and giving the color on the back ; rump dark umber-brown ;
longer quills and wing coverts umber-brown; primaries edged externally with ashy,
and with a large space on their inner webs at their base, white with a silky lustre;
under parts white ; throat with longitudinal stripes of dark-brown ; breast with large
spots and concealed stripes of reddish-brown ; abdomen with numerous transverse
narrow bunds of brownish-black, most conspicuous on the flanks, and tinged with
ashy; tibia; and tarsi barred transversely with white and dark-brown, and tinged
with reddish; under tail coverts white; upper tail coverts white at base and
tipped with brownish-black; tail white at base, with a wide subterminal band of
black, and about two other bands of black alternating with others of light-cinere-
ous; cere and toes yellow; iris hazel; under wing coverts white, with spots of
brownish-black, and on the longer coverts with a large space of ashy-brown.

Younff. — Upper parts light umber-brown, many feathers, especially on the head
and neck behind, edged with yellowish-white and pale-reddish ; a wide transverse
band or belt on the abdomen brownish-black; other under parts yellowish-white,
with a few longitudinal lines and spots of brownish-black; quills ashy-brown, with
a large basal portion of their inner webs white; tail at its base white, with a sub-
terminal band of light umber-brown, tip white ; tibias and tarsi pale reddish-yellow,
with longitudinal stripes and spots of dark-brown; cere and toes yellow; iris hazel.

Total length, female, twenty-one to twenty-three inches ; wing, sixteen to seven-
teen inches; tail, nine inches. Male, total length, nineteen to twenty-one inches;
wing, fifteen to sixteen inches; tail, eight to eight and a half inches.

This Hawk is rarely seen in Now Eugland, appearing only
in the late fall and winter months. I have had no opportu-
nities of studying its habits and characteristics, and will
p;ive the short description by Audubon. He says, —

i^

44

OUNITHOLOOY AND OOLOGY.

"The Rough-Ieg;;,'ed Hawk sisldom goes further soutli along our
Atlantic Coast tiian the eastern portions of North Carolina ; nor
liiive I ever seen it west of the AUeghanics. It is a sluggish bird,
and confines itself to the meadows and low grounds bordering the
rivers and salt marshes along our bays and inlets. In such places,
you may see it perched on a stake, where it remains for hours at a
time, unless some wounded bird comes in sight, when it sails after
it, and secures it without manifesting much swiftness of flight. It
feeds princi])ally on moles, mice, and other small quadrupeds, and
never attacks a duck on the wing, although now and then it pursues
a wounded one. When not alarmed, it usually flies low and
sedately, and does not exhibit any of the courage and vigor so con-
spicuous in most other hawks, suff'ering thousands of birds to pass
without pursuing them. The greatest feat I have seen it perform
was scrambling at the edge of the water to secure a lethargic
frog.

" They alight on trees to roost, but appear so hungry or indolent
at all times, that they seldom retire to rest until after dusk.
Their large eyes, indeed, seem to indicate their possession of the
faculty of seeing at that late hour. I have frequently put up one
that seemed watching for food at the edge of a ditch, long after
sunset. Whenever an opportunity off"er, they eat to excess,
and, like the Turkey Buzzards and Carrion Crows, disgorge
their food, to enable themselves to fly off. The species is more
nocturnal in its habits than uny other liawk found in the United
States."

I have never met with the nest of this bird, and know
but Utile of its breeding habits. It does not breed in New
England, or, if it does, only very rarely, preferring the more
northern sections of the continent. Two eggs in mj collec-
tion, from Canada, are of the following dewcription. Their
ground-color is a dirty bluish-white, which is covered more
or less thickly on different parts of their sui'face with
obscure spots and blotches of different shades of brown-
ish-ochre and faint-umber. They are* broadly ovate in
form, and are 2.87 by 1.75 inch and 2.87 by 1.63 inch iu
dimensions.

THE BLACK HAWK.

AHCHIBUTEO SANCTI-JOHANNIS. -Gray.
The Black Hawk.

Falcc lancli-jii/innmi, Gm. Syst. Nat., 273 (1788).
Falco nwa-terrai, Gm. Syst. Nat, I. 274 (1788).
Faico niger, Wilson. Am. Om., VI. 82 (1812).

Desckiption.

Adult. — Entire plumage glossy black, in many specimens wiHi a brown tinge)
foielicad, throat, and large partially concealed spot on occiput, white; tail with
one transverse well-defined band of white, and irregularly marked towards the base
with the same color; quills with their inner webs white, readily seen from below;
cere and toes yellow; iris hazel; tarsi densely feathered in front, naked behind.
Other specimens are entirely dark chocolate-brown, with the head more or less
striped with yellowish-white and reddish-yellow; tail with several transverse
bands of white, more or less imperfect and irregular.

Younr/. — Upper parts liglit umber-brown, with the feathers more or less edged
with dull-white and reddish-yellow; abdomen with a broad transverse band of
brownish-black; other under parts pale yellowish-white, with longitudinal stripes
of brownish-black, frequently giving the predominating color on the breast and
sides; wings and tail brown, tinged with cinereous, the former marked witli white
on their inner webs, the latter white at their base; tarsi and tibias pale reddish-
yellow, spotted with brown; cere, feet, and iris the same as In adult.

Total length, female, twenty-two to twenty-four inches; wing, seventeen to seven-
teen and a half; tail, nine inches. Male, twenty to twenty-two inches; wing, sixteen
to sixteen and a half; tail, eight to eight and a half inches.

This species,^ so often confounded in tlie immature plu-
mage with the preceding, but which may be separated
from it by its greater size and more numerous dark spots
beneath, is a rare winter visitor in New England. Like
the Rough-legged Hawk, it prefers the marshes and low,
swampy woods to the higher localities, and preys upon
mice, wounded ducks, and small birds. I have known of it
being killed while pursuing a flock of Snow Buntings
(^Plectrophanes nivalis'), and have heard of its attacking a
flock of domestic poultry. Its habits, therefore, are ditTer-
ent from those of the A. lagopus, as given by Audubon ;
but it lacks the courage and vigor of most of our other
rapacious birds, and is hardly worthy of the immortality it
has received from the pens of some of our writers.

The distribution of this species is limited to the north-
ern regions of the continent in summer, and is very rarely

^ See Appendix.

■i3

k

;3

5

46

ORNITHOLOOY AND OOLOGY.

founJ south of Massaclmsctts in winter. I do not remem-
ber of an instance of its being captured far inland, although
J. A. Allen, before quoted, includes it in the catalogue of
the birds of Springfield, Mass.

A single egg in my collection, from Northern America, is
of the following dimensions : 2.17 by 1.70 inch. Its form
is a perfect ovoidal. Its primary color is a dirty white;
and it is marked with obscure blotches of lilac, and some
obscure blotches of brown and brownisli-yellow. None of
the markings are decided ; and, Pt a little distance, the egg
has the appearance of being of a dirty-white color.

Suh-Famibj Milvin^. — The Kites.

Size various, usually medium or small ; general form usually rather slender, and
not strong; wings and tail usually long; bill short, weak, hooked, and acut' ; tarsi
and toes usually slender, and not strong, sometimes short. Tlie birds of this group
habitually feed on reptiles and other small animals, and are deficient in the st ength
and courage of the other groups of the falcons.

CIRCUS, Lacepedk.

Circus, Lacepede, Mem. d'Inst. Paris, III. CXI. 506 (1803).

Face partially encircled by a ring or ruff of short projecting feathers, as in the
owls; head rather large; bill short, compressed, curved from the bai;e; nostrils
large; wings long, pointed; tail rather long, wide; tarsi long and slender; toes
moderate; claws rather slender and weak.

CIECUS HUDSONIUS. — rieUlot
The Marsh-hawk; Harrier; Mouse-hawk.

fako ITudsonius, Linnoeus. Syst. Nat., I. 128 (1766).

Fnlco uliginosiis, Gm. Syst. Nat., I. 278 (1788).

Falco uUginosua, Wilson. Am. Orn., VI. 67. I

Falco cynneus, Aububon. Orn. Biog., IV. 396.

Description.

Adult. — Yorm rather long and slender; tarsi long; ruff quite distinct on the
neck in front: entire upper parts, head, and breast, pale bluish-cinereous, on
the back of the head mixed with dark-fulvous; upper tail coverts white; under
parts white, with small cordate or hastate spots of light-ferruginous ; quills brownish-
black, with their outer webs tinged with ashy, and a large portion of their inner

THE marsh-hawk; MAKKIKIi; MOUSK-HAWK.

47

webs white i fail lifflit-cincrcous, nearly white on the inner webs of tlio fcathorn, and
with obsciiri! transverse bands of brown; iindcr mirfnoc Killty-wljte; iiiidcr winjj
i'overt« white; bill blue-bliu k at the extremity; core and IcK* yellow, tlie fonncr
with, a tinge of ((recn; iris Imzel.

Younrjrr. — Kntire upper parts dull umber-brown, many feathers edRcd with dull
rufous, especially on the neck; under parts dull reddish-white, with lou^itudinnl
•tripes of brown, mcst numerous on the tliroat and neck before; tibiio tinged with
reddish; npper tail coverts white.

i'liunr/. — Kntire upper parts dark umber-brown; upper tail coverts white;
U!!der parts rufous, with longitudinal stripes of brown on the breast and sidfldi
tail reddish-bi'own, with about three wide bands of dork-fulvous, paler on the inner
wel)s, tarsi, cere, and iris as in the adult.

Total length, female, nineteen to twenty-one inches; wing, fifteen and a half;
tail, ten inches. Male, total length, sixteen to eighteen inches; wing, fourteen and a
half; tail, eight and a half to nine inchcij.

This species is pretty generally diffused throughout New
England as a summer visitor. It is one of the least mis-
chievous of all the hawks, as it destroys but few of the
smaller birds. It is more common in districts that are low
and marshy than in others ; and tliis fact gives it the name,
in many localities, of the " Bogtrotter."

Its flight is low and rapid, consisting of long intervals
of flappings, with shorter periods of soaring. I do not
remember of ever hearing it cry out in the manner that
other hawks do, and think that it hunts silently. It arrives
from the South from about the middle of April to the first
of May. I am inclined to think that the birds are generally
mated before their arrival ; for they are almos' always seen
in pairs from their first appearance. In choosing a situation
for a nest, both birds arc remarkably nervous and restless :
they are almost constantly on the wing, prying into, and
apparently taking into account, every thing with reference to
future comfort. The following circumstances came to my
observation, and, as I improved every opportunity to watch
the proceedings, will serve to illustrate the breeding habits
of this bird : A pair made their appearance about the
middle of April, a few years since, in a large meadow in
Dedham, Mass. Tliey were apparently mated from the
first ; and, as the neighborhood gave promise of an abun-

•4

8

*p

48

OUNITII()L()(iY AND OOLOOY.

daiico of food ((MiM-inicn), I conoliidod tliiU this would bo
soloolod 118 ft broiHliiig- place, and watcliod accordingly.
Tlio nialo was very attontivo to hia iiiato, often talking to
and caressing her. If she should alight on the ground or
on a fence-rail, ho would alight with her, luid ol'ten fly and
wali< around her, l)owing and ciiattering in u ludicrous
niamier. After a situation (luckily where I could watch
tiieni unobserved) was fi.xod upon for a nest, both birds

were very active in its construction. It was bunt on a
hunnuock, perhaps eighteen inches above the level of the
meadow. The materials used in its construction v.ero
dried grasses, which were woven together rati t neatly. It
was considerably liollowed, — perhaps an inch and a half, —
and lined with very soft grass. The external diameter of
tiio nest was about eighteen inches ; internal diameter,
about eight inches. Tiie female laid four eggs of a dirty-
white color, with a faint tinge of blue. In one specimen
there were a few faint spots of brown ; but I think that
generally the eggs of this species are without spots. ^ I
have seen a great many, and but a very few had spots, and
these not at all distinct. A great number of specimens
exhibit a variation of from 1.62 to 1.90 inch in length, and
from 1.32 to 1.2o inch in breadth. The habits of this bird
entitle it to the protection of the farmer. It subsists almost
entirely upon the injurious field-mice, and the numbers of
these animals which it destroys in the breeding season are
incredible : from early dawn to dim twilight it may be seen
busily searching for these pests, seldom molesting the small
beneficial birds or poultry.

1 Dr. Brewer, in describing the eggs of this species, says : " With but a single
exception, all these eggs (six) are very distinctly blotched and spotted. Their
ground-color is a dirty bluish-white, which in one is nearly unspotted; the markings
so faint as to be hardly perceptible, and only upon close inspection. In all the
others, spots and blotclies of a light shade of pnrplish-brown occur, in a greater or
less degree, over their entire surface. In two, the blotches are large and well
marked; in the otherr, less strongly traced, but quite distinct. This has led to a
closer examination of eggs from other parts of the country, and nearly all are per-
ceptibly spotted."

THE GOLDEN EAOLE ; THE RINQ-TAILED EAOLE.

49

Sub-Family AQUiLiNiE. — T/ie Eaylei.

Size large, and all parts very atronKly organized; bill lurt{i>, coinpreKRed, drniKlit
tX baw, iiirved and ucuto at tip; wiiiga lung, pointed; tail uinple, geneiully ruundrd;
tarsi moderate, very strung; claws curved, very ahurp and strung. There are about
st.'venty i>pecies of eagles of all countries.

AQUILA, MociiiiiNO.

Aqnila, Moeiihino, Av. Ocn., 49 (1762).

General fonii liirgu and very strong, and adapted to long-continued and swift
flight; bill large, strong, compreitsod, and hooked at the tip; wing.t long, pointed;
tarsi ratiier short, very strong, feathered to the toes; claws nharp, strong, curved.
This genus includes about twenty species, which are rtganled as the tiue eagles.

AQUILA CANADENSIS. — CifMin.

The Golden Eagle ; the Sing-tailed Eagle.

Fulco Cdiiadensis, Linnieus. tsyst. Nut., I. 126 (1760).
Fulfil uiyer, Gm. .Syst. Xut., I. 259 (1788).
A((uU<t nobitii, I'allas. Zoug. Koss. As., I. 338 (1811).
Fiilco chrysielui, Wilson. Aud., II. 401.

DESCHU'TION.

Adulc. — Large; tarsi densely feathered to tho toes; head and neck behind light
brownish-fulvous, varying in shade in ditTerent specimens, frequently light orange-
fulvous, generally darker; tail at base white, which color frequently occupies the
greater part of the tail; other terminal portion glossy black; all other parts rich
purplish-brown, frequently very dark, and nearly clear binck on tho under parts of
the body; primaries shining black; secondaries purplish-brown; tibiaj and tarsi
brownish-fUlvous, generally mixed with dark-ashy; cere and toes yellow: iris
reddish-hazel.

Youjif/er. — Entire plumngc lighter, and mixed with dull -fulvous; under parts of
tho body nearly unifonu with the upper parts; cere, toes, and iris like adult.

Total length, female, thirty-three to forty inches; wing, about twenty-tive; tail,
about tirteen inches. Male, total length, thirty to thirty-live inches ; wing, twenty
to twenty-three: tail, twelve to fourteen inches.

The above description is incomplete, so far as the markings of the tail are men
tioned; for in the adult bird the tail is entirely black, and the young have more or
less white in proportion to their age, — the youngest birds having the widest white
band at the base.

This bird is so extremely rare in New England, that 1
have had no opportunities for studying its habits. It is
occasionally found here in different seasons of the year,

4

13

:.1
33

8

60

OUNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

^1

and it uiidmihtcdly breeds in the wildest districts of those
States. Tiio following are the moat iii^^^eresting facts, given
by Audubon, in relatiou to this species : —

"The Golden Eagle, although a permanent resident in tho
United States, is of rare occurrence there ; it being seldom that
one sees more than a pair or two in the course of a year, unless he
be an inhabitant of tlie mountains, or of the large plains spread out
at their base. I liave seen a few of them on the wing along the
shores of the Hudson, others on the upper parts of the Mississippi,
some among the Alleghanies, and a pair in the State of Maine.
At Labrador, we saw an individual sailing, at the height of a few
yards, over the moss-covered surface of the dreary rocks.

"Although powerful in fliglit, it has not the speed of many
liawks, nor even of the White-headed Eagle. It cannot, like the
latter, pursue and seize, on the wing, the prey it longs for; but is
obliged to glide down through the air for a certain height to insure
tlie success of its enterprise. The keenness of its eye, however,
makes up for this defect, and enables it to spy, at a great distance,
tlie objects on which it preys ; and it seldom misses its aim, as it
falls with the swiftness of a meteor towards the spot on which they
are concealed. Wlien at a great height in the air, its gyrations are
uncommonly beautiful, being slow and of wide circuit, and becom-
ing the majesty of the king of birds. It often continues them for
hours at a time, with apparently the greatest ease.

" The notes of this species are sharp and harsh ; resembling, at
times, the barking of a dog ; especially about the breeding season,
when the birds become extremely noisy and turbulent, flying more
swiftly than at other times, alighting more frequently, and evincing
a fretfulness which is not so observable after their eggs are laid.

" They are capable of remaining without food for several days at
a time, and eat voraciously whenever they find an opportunity.

"Young fawns, raccoons, hares, wild turkeys, and other large
birds, are dieir usual food ; and they devour putrid flesh only when
hard pressed by hunger, none alighting on carrion at aiiy other
time.

I regret that I am unable to add any thing to our knowl-
edge of its habits and breeding peculiarities. Dr. Brewer

THE WHITE-llEADfiD EAGLE.

51

says, "It breeds in the mountainous portions of Maine,
New Hampsliire, Vermont, and New York." The Golden
Eagle usually constructs its nest on the sides of steep rocky
crags, where its materials are coarsely heaped together on
a projecting shelf of rock. These consist of large sticks
loosely arranged. In rare instances, they are said to
have been built on trees in the Western States, where
rocky cliffs arc not to bo met with. The eggs are usually
tlu'ee in number ; sometimes two, or only o).e. Mr. Audu-
bon describes them as measuring three and a half inches in
length by two and a' half in breadth ; the shell thick and
smooth, dull-white, brushed over v/ith undefined patches
of brown, which are most numerous at the larger end.

HALI^TUS, Savigny.

Size large; tarsi short, naked, or fcatliercd for a short distance helow tlie joint
of the tibia and tarsus, and with the toes covered with scales; toes rather long;
claws very strong, curved, very sharp; bill large, very strong, conijiressed ; margin
of upper mandible slightly lobed; wings long, pointed; tail moderate.

HALI£TUS LEUCOCEFHALUS.

The White-headed Eagle; the Bald Eagle; the Gray Eagle.

Falco leucoceplialiis, Linnoeus. Syst. Nat., I. 124 (1766).
Falco pygaryus, Daudin. Traite d'Oni., II. 62 (1800).
Fcdco ossifrayut, Wilson. Am. Oro., VII. 16 (1813).

DESCUimoN.

Bill large, strong, straight at the base, rather abruptly hooked; wings longj
tarsi rather short.

Adult. — Head, tail, and its upper and under coverts, white; entire other plumage
brownish-black, generally with the edges of the feathers paler; bill, feet, and irides,
or iris, yellow.

Younyer, — Entire plumage, including head and tail, dark-brown; paler on the
throat; edges of the feathers paler or fulvous, especially on the under parts; tail
more or loss mottled with white, which color, in more advanced age, extends over a
large portion of the tail, especially on the inner webs; bill brownish-black; irides
blown.

Total length, female, about thirty-five to forty inches; wing, twenty-three to
twecty-five inches ; tail, fourteen to fifteen inches. Male, tliiity to thirty-four inches;
wing, twenty to twenty-two inches; tail, thirteen to fourteen inches.

!::!,

;^%V%.^%%-^%wvv^^y«^^%<%/%/%vw\.

J LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY J
1; OF ALCv^RTA I

b2

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY,

This beautiful and well-known bird is occasionally seen in
different parts of New England throughout the year, most
commonly near the seacoast or in the neighborliood of large

tracts of water. I liave had several opportunities of observ-
ing and studying its habits, but have discovered nothing that
has not been already presented to the public. Its flight is

THE WHITE-HEADED EAGLE.

03

rapid and graceful, and is ofton prolonged for hours witli
apparent ease. It feeds upon wild-fowl, wild geese, and
small animals, and is very partial to tisli, which it robs from
the Fish Hawk (P. Carolinensis), and linds cast upon the
shore, dead.

Wiison, in describing its attacks on the Fish Hawk,
says : —

" Formed by nature for braving the severest cold ; feeding
equally on the produce of the sea and of the land ; possessing
powers of flight capable of outstripping even the tempests them-
selves; unawed by any thuig but man; and, from the ethereal
heights to which he soars, looking abroad, at one glance, on an im-
measurable expanse of forests, fields, lakes, and ocean, deep below
him, — he appears indifferent to the little change of localities or
seasons ; as, in a few minutt-s, he can pass from summer to winter,
from the lower to the higher regions of the atmosphere, the abode
of eternal cold, and thence de;:.v.end, at will, to the torrid or
the arctic regions of the earth. He is therefore found at all
seasons in the countries he inhabits, but prefers such places as
have been mentioned above, from the great partiality he has for
fish.

" In procuring these, he displays, in a very singular manner,
the genius and energy of his character, which is fierce, contempla-
tive, daring, and tyrannical, — attributes not exerted but on par
ticular occasions, but, when put forth, overpowering all opposition.
Elevated on the high dead limb of some gigantic tree that com-
mands a wide view of the neighboring shores and ocean, he seems
calmly to contemplate the motions of the various feathered tribes
that pursue their busy avocations below, — the snow-white guLs
slowly winnowing the air ; the busy tringoe coursing along the
sands ; trains of ducks streaming over the surface ; silent and
watchful cranes, intent and wading ; clamorous crows ; and all the
winged multitudes that subsist by the bounty of this vast liquid
magazine of nature. High over all these hovers one whose action
instantly arrests his whole attention. By his wide curvature of
wing and sudden suspension in air, he knows him to be the Fish
Hawk, settling over some devoted victim of the deep. His eye
kindles at the sight ; and, balancing himself, with half-opened wings,

^.2

s

OUNITIIOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

on the branch, lie watclies the result. Down, rapid as an arrow
from heaven, descends the distant object of his attention ; the roar
of its wings reaching the ear as it disappears in the deep, making
the surges foam around. At this moment, the eager looks of the
Eagle are all ardor; and, levelling his neck far flight, he sees
the Fish-hawk once more emerge, struggling ^^ ith his prey, and
mounting in the air witli screams of exultatior. These are the
signal for our hero, who, launching into the air. instantly gives
cliase, and soon gains on the Fish-hawk : each exerts his utmost to
mount above the other, displaying in these rencontres the most
eleirant and sublime aerial evolutions. The unencumbered Eagle
rapidly advances, and is just on the point of reaching his opponent,
when, with a sudden scream, probably of despair and honest
execration, the latter drops his fish : the Eagle, poising himself for
a moment, as if to take a more certain aim, descends like a whirl-
wind, snatches it in his grasp ere it reaches the water, and bears
his ill-gotten booty silently away to the woods.

"These predatory attacks and defensive manoeuvres of the
Eagle and the Fish-hawk are matters of daily observation along
the whole of our seaboard, from Georgia to New England, and
frequently excite great interest in the spectators. Sympathy,
however, on this as on most other occasions, generally cides with
the honest and laborious sufferer, in opposition to the attacks
of power, injustice, and rapacity ; qualities for which our hero is
so generally notorious, and which, in his superior, man, are cer-
tainly detectable. As for the feelings of the poor fish, they seem
altogether out of the question.

" When driven, as he sometimes is, by the combined courage
and perseverance of the fish-hawks, from their neighborhood, and
forced to hunt for himself, he retires more inland, in search of
,'O'ing pigs, of which he destroys great numbers. In the lower
parts of Virginia and North Carolina, where the inhabitants raise
vast herds of those animals, complaints of this kind are very
general against him. He also destroys young lambs in the early
part of spring ; and will sometimes attack old sickly sheep, aiming
furiously at their eyes."

It generally chooses for a breeding-place a retired spot
ill the neighborhood of a tract of water. The nest is

• it*

0

^- /,

(11 I.M'J I. Ill' MiMl|ll>l'i('. .■1.|.CI«MIIII>

////y/r//// ( ^y//////.

usually plac
occupied by
am inrormod
of years pas
cliff on the f
few miles S(
(Catalogue (
of Essex Ini
" sometimes
north of S]
ever, except
sticks, twigs
of these stic
is a bulky a
thickness frc
and is nearl;
this bird, tl
difference a
spherical, a
of specimer
from 2.31

Pandion, Sav
AVings very
flight like the pr
thicli and strong
sharp i toes bene
This genus c
inhabiting all tei

Falco Caroli!
Aquiln piscat
Pandion Amc
Falco halicetu
Falco haluttu

THE FISH-HAWK.

5b

usually placed in the fork of a largo dead tree, and is
occupied by the same pair of birds for successive years. I
am informed, that a pair of these birds have, for a number
of years past, made their eyrie ou a shelf of an inaccessible
cliff on the side of what is called "Diamond Mountain," a
few miles south of the Umbagog lakes. Mr. J. A. Allen
(Catalogue of Birds of Springfield, Mass., in "Proceedings
of Essex Institute," vol. IV., No. 2) says that this species
" sometimes breeds on Mount Tom, about twenty miles
north of Springfield, Mass." These are probably, how-
ever, exceptional cases. The nest is constructed of largo
sticks, twigs, branches of seaweeds, tiirf, and moss : some
of these sticks are nearly or quite an inch in thickness. It
is a bulky affair ; its diameter often being five feet, and its
thickness from two to three foot. It is not much hollowed,
and is nearly level across the top. Of numbers of eggs of
this bii'd, that T have examined, I could see no material
difference as to shape or color ; the form being nearly
spherical, and the color a dirty yellowish-white. Length
of specimens varies from 2.93 to 3.07 inches; breadth,
from 2.31 to 2.47 inches.

PANDION", SAviojnr.

Pandion, Savigny, Hist. Nat. d'Egypt, I. 95 (1809).

AVing3 very long; general form heavy, and not adapted to vigorous or swift
flight like the preceding cnglcsj bill short, curved from the base, compressed; tarsi
thick and strong, and covered with small circular scales; claws large, curved, very
Eharp ; toes beneath rough ; tail moderate or rather short.

This genus contains three or four species only, nearly allied to each other, and
inhabiting all temperate regions of the world.

5

PANDION CAEOLINENSIS Bonaparte.

The Fish-hawk. Osprey.

Falco CaroUnetms, Gm. Syst. Nat., I. 263 (1788).
Aquiln piscatrix, Vieillot. Ois. d'Am. Sept., I. 29 (1S07).
Pandion Americamis, Vieillot. Gal. Ois., I 83 (1825).
Falco halicetus, Linngcus. Wilson, ' - '^ 14.

Fako haluetut, Linneeus. Aud. ;., .. 415.

5G

ORNITIIOLOOY AND OOLOGY.

Deschiption.

Whgs !oiogi legs, foes, and claws very robust and strong.

Adult. — Head and entire under parts wliite; stripe tliriHigh the eye, top of th«
head, and upper parts of the hody, wings and tail dcop unili'T-brown, tail having
about eiglit bands of blacltish-brown; breast with nUmurous cordate and circular
spots of pale yellowish-brown; bill and claws bluish-black; tarsi and toes green-
ish-yellow; iris reddish-yellow.

Youny. — Similar to the adult, but v,:tli :i.e upper plumage edged and tipped
with pale-brownish, nearly whit ^ i* . or tue breast more numerous and darker
colored.

Total length, female, about tw five iii'ies; wing, twenty-one inches; ^»",
ten and a half inches. Male, rather . r.Ier.

" Soon as the sun, great ruler of the 3'ear,
Bends to our northern climes his bright career,
And from the caves of Ocean calls from sleep
The finny shoals and myriads of the deep ;
When freezing tempests back to Greenland ride,
And day and night the equal hours divide, —
True to the season, o'er our sea-beat shore,
The sailing Osprey high is seen to soar
With broad, unmoving wing ; and, circling slow,
Marks each loose straggler in the deep below,
Sweeps down like lightning, plunges with a roar,
And bears liis struggling victim to the shore.

The long-houoed fisherman behfiUls with joy
The well-known signals of his rough employ ;
And, as he bears his nets and oars along,
Thus hails the welcome season with a song : ~

TIIE FISHERMAN'S HYMN.

The Osprey sails above the sound ;

The geese are gone, the gulls are flying;
The herring-shoals swarm thick around ;
The nets r.re launched, the boats are plying.
Yo, ho, my hearts I let's seek the deep.

Raise high the song, and cheerly wish her,
Still, as the bending net we sweep,
' God bless the Fish-hawk and the flsher ! '

She brings us fish : she brings us spring.
Good times, fair weather, warmth, and plenty;

Fine store of shad, trout, herring, ling.
Sheep's head and drum, and old-wives dainty.

" As soon 1

THE FISH-HAWK.

57

To, lio, my lieartg ! let's seek tlie deep,

Ply every oar, and clicerly wish her,
Still as the bending net we sweep,

' God bless the Fish-liawk and the flsher ! '

She rears her young on yonder tree ;

She leaves her faithful mate to mind 'em ;
Like us, for fish, she sails to sea,
And, plunging, shows us where to find 'em.
Yo, ho, my hearts ! let's seek the deep,
Ply every oar, and cheerly wish her.
While the slow-bending net we sweep,
' God bless the Fish-hawk and the flsher ! ' "

Alexander Witsos.

The common and well-known bird which furnishes tho
theme of tho above beaxxtiful verses is a stimmcr inliabitant
of New England along the whole coast, and in the neighbor
hood of large sheets of water. The males arrive from the
south about the middle of April, and the females abotit a
week later. I believe that the same pair arc constant to
each other for several years: those that commence their
matrimonial career in tho spring nsnally mate about the
first week in May, in our latitude. The movements of
the male, while paying court to the female, are interesting;
and, as Audubon has described them better than I can
myself, I will give his description : —

" As soon as the females make their appearance, which happens
eight or ten days after the arrival of the males, the love-season
commences, and, soon after, incubation takes place. The loves of
these birds are conducted in a different way from those of the
other falcons. The males are seen playing through the air amongst
thoms'^'es, chasing each other in sport, or sailing by the side or
after the female which they have selected, uttering cries of joy
and exultation, alighting on the branches of the tree on which
their last year's nest is yet seen remaining, and doubtless congratu-
lating each other on finding their home again. Their caresses are
mutual. They begin to augment their habitation, or to repair the
injuries which it may have sustained during the winter, and are

,,3

13

8

68 OIlMTnOLOCiY AND OOLOGY.

seen siiiling tn<,'ftli('r towards the shores, to collect the drifted
sejuvoods, with which tlicy line the nest niicw. They filight on the
l)cach, Hciirch for the dryest find largest weed^-, collect a mass of
them, clench them in tlnir talons, and fly towards their nest, with
the materiiils dangling beneath. They both alight and labor
together. In a fortnight, the nest is complete, and the female
deposits her eggs."

The nest is generally placed in a largo tree in the imme-
diate vicinity of the water, either along the seashore, on the
margins of the inland lakes, or by some large river. It is,
however, sometimes to bo seen in the interior of a wood, a
mile or more from the water. I have concluded, that, in
tlio latter case, it was on account of frequent disturbance,
or attempts at destruction, that the birds had removed from
their usual haunts. Tlie nest is very large, sometimes meas-
uring fully four feet across, and is composed of a quantity
of materials sulTicicnt to render its depth equal to its diam-
eter. Large sticks, mixed with seaweeds, ttifts of strong
grass, and other materials, form its exterior, while the in-
terior is composed of seaweeds and finer grasses. I havo
not observed that any particular species of tree is preferred
by the Fish-liawk. It places its nest in the fork of an oak
or a pine with equal pleasure. But I have observed that
the tree chosen is usually of considerable size, and not un-
frcquently a decayed one.

The Fish-hawk is gregarious, and often breeds in colonies
of three or four nests in an area of a few acres. The males
assist in inctibation.

I have heard of instances of as many as a dozen nests
being found in the distance of half a mile on the coast of
New Jersey.

In New England, the species is not so plentiful, and sel-
dom more than one nest can be found in one locality. The
flight of the bird is strong, vigorous, and well sustained.
(Vs lie flies over the ocean, at a height of perhaps fifty

THE FISH-HAWK.

0«.»

foot, his long winps, ns thoy boat the nir in quick, sharp
strukt's, giv the hird (hf appoaraiico of Ixing nuicli lurgor
than ho really is. Wiion lie plunges into the water, he
invariably seizes the fish, his prey, in his talons, ami is
sometimes immersed to the depth of a foot or eigiitecn
inches in his etVorts to capture it. He is of a peaeeatile
disposition, and never molests any of his feathered neigh-
bors. If the nest is plundered, the parent attacks the in-
truder, and often inflicts ugly wounds in its defence.

Mr. Allen, in his notes on the " Rarer Birds of Massa-
chusetts," remarks while the osprey "breeds abundantly
on the New Jersey coast, on portions of Long Island, on
the coast of Maine and about the large lakes in the interior,
it is now, only seen in this state, (Massachusetts,) so far as
I can learn, during its migrations."

During the past winter, I have had frequent conversa-
tions with hunters and others, interested in our birds, who
are residents of Plymouth and Barnstable counties, and
their testimony is that in the large tracts of woodland in
those counties, such as the Plymouth and Sandwich woods,
the osprey nests, not in communities, but so frequently that
the birds and nests are often found.

The eggs are usually laid before the 10th of May : they
are generally three in number. They vary considerably,
both in shape, size, and markings. In a mnjority of speci-
mens in my collection, the ground-color is a rich reddish-
cream, and covered with numerous blotches of different
shades of brown. In a number of specimens, these blotches
are confluent, and the primary color is nearly hidden. Their
form varies from nearly spherical to ovoidal, and the dimen-
sions from 2.28 to 2.44 inches in length, and from 1.65 to
1 83 in breadth.

In

§

«iO

OUNITHOLOlJY AND OOLOOY.

FAMir.v STIJrGID.i:. liii- Owi.s.

l-'orin iimmlly Nlmrt nii.l lieiivy, with lln' lifml (lixproportinnatcly Inrge, ntid fre-
qiii-iillv liirtii-liiMl with cri^tih) tiil'tn <>l iWithtr^ n'scinhlinn thi" fiim of (|uiulriii>(Ml><.
(ii'iicnil iirKiiiiiziilion mliiiilcd to viffonuis niid iidisch'ss, but nut rapid, fliKht, niid in
Iht' cniitiiii' "f ii'iiniiil^ ill till' iiKiniinj,' and livcniiiK twili^'lit.

KvoH iifinriily very hir),'i', diiictcd t'orwnrdr', nnd, in tin' j,'rintiT number of spccioi,
fornit'd f<r vocinK by twiliKht or in tlie iiiKlit! bill rntlior strong, curved, nearly
concealed by prifjertinjf, bristle like feathers; winj?s ((eneriilly lonn, outer c<lKe8 of
priiiiiirv iiuilU frin^jed; |e^;« -eiiernlly rather short, and in all Kpecics, except in one
Asiatic" ^vniii (Kitnjui), more or less fenthereil, generally densely; cavity of t'le car
verv larj,'!!; I'aco encircled by a more or lesc perfect ilisc of nhort, risid t'lnthcrs,
whicli, with the large eyed, gives to those birds uii entirely peciiliur and frequently
catlike expression. Feinule larger than the male.

Sub-Fv.mihi Brn()M\.F.. — The Ifurned Owh.

Head large, with erectile and prominent car-tnlts; eyes large; facial disc not
complete above the eyes and bill; legs, feet, and claws usually very strong.

BUBO, CuviEB.

Bubo, CuvtKn, Rfgne Animal, I. 331 (1817).

Size large; general form very robust and powerful; head large, with conspicuoua
ear-tufts; eyes very lar^e ; wings long; tail short; legs and toes very strong, densely
feathered; claws very strong; bill rather short, strong, curved, covered at base by
projecting feathers.

This genus includes the large Horned Owls, or Cat Owls, as they are sometimes
called. These birds are most numerous in Asia and Africa, and there are in all
countriei ibout fifteen species.

■ i

BUBO VIBGINIANUS. — flonnyjnrte.

The Great Horned Owl.

Strix Virginiana, Gm. Syst. Nat., I. 287 (1788). Bonap. Syn., p. 37. Nutt., I.
124. Wilson, Audubon, and others.

Suio «r(ieu». Swains. Faun. Mor. Am. Birds, p. 86 (1831).

Desciiiption.
A'luU. — T.arge and strongly organized; ear-tufts large, erectile; bill strong,
fully cur\'ed; wing rather long; third quill usually longest; tail short; legs and
toes robust, and densely covered with short, downy feathers; claws very strong,
sharp, curved; variable in plumage, from nearly wliite to dark-brown, nsiially
with the upper parts dark-brown, every feather mottled, and with irregular trans-
feree lines of pale-ashy and reddish-fulvous, the latter being the color of all the
plumage at the bases of the feathers; ear-t; fti Jaik-brown, nearly black, edged on

lUki UHEAT UOU.ED OWL.

01

IliPir iMiifr H'ciM uilli iliirk-riiUiiiM; n lilnck i|i<i( n))ov« tliu ey«; riKliiilin^ rralticri
lii'liiiid (111' I'vi,', viin iiiK ill ciil(ir Injiii nearly whiti' to ilark nililisli-fiihcui-', ii«iially
tliu liiltir; li'atlii'rn nl'dii: taiiul illxi li|i|iri| wlili hlai k; llirnat and neck bL'liiii', wliilf;
lirra-t with wide luii(;itiRiiiiiil htii|H'H ol blai k ; cither under part!* vurioKaled w'th
wliite and t'lilviiim. and every tout licr Imvinn transverse, narrow lines ot'diirk-lirowii,
middle (if tlie aliddiniii l're(|iienlly. but nut ulwayn, white; le^jt and tnes varying
t'roni white Id daik-liilvmiH, usually iiale-Culvoiis; in iiii>»t ciieeinieiH un-iidtled, but
(Vei|iiently, and |ii'i)liably always in lully mature h<ipeiinii'iis, with (niiisverne, narrow
liarH of dark-broun; i|uilN brown, with wi<lu tiiiii»vei>e baiuls of eiiiereous, niiil
usually tiiii;ed un the inner wibi with pale fulvoii-'; tail the saiii'', with the fulvous
predoiiiiiiatin^ on the outer feathers; iris yellow; bill and elawx bluisli-blaek.

DiiiH imioiit. — I'Viiiiile, length, twenty-one to tweiity-llvu iiulies; wing, tburtepo
and u half to sixteen; tail, ten iiiehes. Male, eighteen to tweiityonu inches; wint;,
Iburteea tu lllieeii; tail, niiit! inches.

rilUIS woll-knowii bird is a resident in nil tliuNew-En^lund
A States tliruugliout tlie year. It is not so cuniinou in Mas-
saeliusetts, Connecticut, and Rliode Island as in tlie other
States, where, iu the vast tracts of forest, it is tiuite abun-
dant ; so nmeli so, that 1 htive heard several of them at the
same time making '' night hideous with their discordant,
mournful cries." Never shall 1 forget a serenade 1 once had
the pleasure of hearing in the State of Maine, in which this
bird maintained the basso. We were encamped on the
shores of Lake Umbagog : our tent was pitched on a blulV
overlooking the lake, and behind us was the deep, dark
forest of pines and licudocks. We had just got lairly into
our first nap, the sweet follower of our day's toils, when we
were awakened by the hootings of one of these owls, " IVuw/h,
hoo, hoo, hoo!" or "Who cooks for you?" as the Western
traveller understood it, which seemed to be addressed to us
from a tree almost over our teut. We listened : i)rcsently
another took up the theme, and then both together. They
had scarcely finished their duet, when, from away up the
lake, came the shrill, xiioun "ul cry or scream of the Loon :
this was continued and answi red by others, until, with owls
and loons, the night was vocal with melodious sounds.
After this had died away, and all was still, there came from
a bush near our tent the almost heavenly song of the White-
throated Sparrow, the " Nightingale of the North." One

•3

5

(J2

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

cannot imagine the effect produced by the contrast : he must
be on tlie spot in the dark night, and, through the sighing of
the winds amid the grand old trees, hear tlie owls and loons ;
then, silence, broken by the beautiful song of the Nightin-
gale.

The lliglit of the Great Horned Owl is rapid, noiseless,
and vigoi'ous: he passes through the mazes of the forest
with great dexterity and case ; and, wlien flying above the
trees, frequently soars in the manner of the Hawks. He is
very destructive among domestic poultry, frequently pouncing
on fowls that arc roosting on trees in the night, and bearing
them off in his jxnvcrful grasp. This habit has rendered
him obnoxious to the farmers, who lose no opportunity for
destroying him. Rabbits, grouse, and other birds, fall vic-
tizns to his rapacity ; and I have often shot individuals of
tliis species, whose feathers were so impregnated with the
peculiar odor of the skunk as to be unbearable at a near
approach.

When a flock of crows discover the presence of one of
these birds, they immediately collect from all quarters, and
attack him on every side, uttering their harsh, discordant
cries: the owl is kept dancing and dodging on the limb^ his
perch, in a ludicrous manner ; if he takes to flight, l>e is
pursued by his enemies, and soon forced to alight. I have
often been enabled to procure a specimen, by following
a noisy mob of this descrii)tion ; just as we often are able
to secure one of the smaller owls by proceeding to the copse
where numbers of small birds — cat-birds, chewinks, and
thrushes — are scolding at their enemy.

I have had several specimens of the Great Horned Owl
in captivity: tliey make amusing pets. When fed with raw
moat, they seldom take it freely from the hand or tongo ;
and often can be made to swallow it, only by our opening
their bills, and putting in the meat. They seem to have
the power of seeing by daylight ; for, if a living animal is
introduced into their cage, they instantly seize it. I have

Grf.at Ho

.-^st^**

t)

0

Grf.at HouNF.n Owl. Puho Virginianus. RonapBrte.

m ;
I d

often put
by whicli
seized it, as if
pertilio Oaroh
seized, but, a
musky seeut ]
reasou for the
for it.

In eating its
tears it with i
is thrown bael
of tlie tliroat
small object,
while the othc
Owl, as iudee(
and follows li
time snappiu}

In drinking
are taken, aft*

The Great ]
most retired a
tlie student m
it unless by a
tree, but is S(
top of a stub (
of rocks. It
with leaves, g
in number;
white color, a\
nearly spheric
2 inches.

A nest tilt
about the mit
stub of a be(
being examin
bers sufficient

THE GREAT HOIINED OWL.

m

oftou put ill a (load mouse, with a string attached to it,
by wliicli I dragged it across the cage : an owl instantly
seized it, as if it were alive, and ate it. A living bat ( Ves-
pertilio CaroUnensis') , on being introduced, was instantly
seized, but, after being killed, was rejected. Tlie strong
musky scent peculiar to these animals may have been the
reason for the owl's not eating it: if not, I cannot account
for it.

In eating its prey, the Owl stands on it with both feet, and
tears it with its bill : if the piece torn off is large, the head
is thrown back, and the I'cpeated contraction of the muscles
of the throat forces it down. In holding a mouse or other
small object, all the talons of one foot are clenched in it,
while the other foot is left free. On being approached, this
Owl, as indeed do almost all the others, faces the intruder,
and follows his motions by turning his head, at the same
time snapping his bill.

In drinking, the bill is immersed, and repeated swallows
are taken, after the manner of the pigeons.

The Great Horned Owl chooses for its breeding-places the
most I'ctired and inaccessible places in the deep forests ; and
the student might search for weeks for its nest, and not find
it unless by accident. It is usually built in a fork of a tall
tree, but is sometimes made in a hollow of a tree or in the
top of a stub or stump. Audubon found it twice in fissnres
of rocks. It is constructed of sticks and twigs, and is lined
with leaves, grasses, and moss. The eggs are usually three
in number; sometimes four, rarely more: they are of a
white color, with a very faint yellowish tint ; their shape is
nearly spherical, and they average in size 2.2o inches by
2 inches.

A nest that. I found a few miles from Marietta, Ohio,
about the middle of March, 18G5, was built in a tall, hollow
stub of a beech, which was cut down for the purpose of
being examined. It was built of twigs and sticks, in num-
bers sufficient to fill the cavity : in the middle of these were

1-3

0

64

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY,

arranged a few leaves and pieces of moss, and a few feath-
ers from the body of the parent; on this nest were found
tliree young biids, apparently but a few days old, as they
were covered witli gray dov.ii, and a few grayish feath-
ers. On being taken in tlie hand, they clutclied it tight
with tlieir claws, and squatted perfectly still. The iris
oi' tlieir eyes was a light-grayish color: tlie inside of their
mouths, eyelitls, and ears, were yellowish. At the foot of
the stump were found small pellets of feathers, smull bones,
and liairs. I liave heard of tlie deserted nest of a crow or
hawk being occupied by this Owl ; but usually it builds its
own nest.

SCOPS, SAViG.N-y.

Savignv, Nut. Hist. Kgypt, I. 105 (1809).

SizcfiiiaM; ear-l lifts conspicuous; he:i(l large; facial disc iniporfcct in front and
about the eyes; bill short, nearly covered by projecting feathers; wings long; tail
rather short, and lVcr|uently curved inv.'ards; tarsi rather long, more or less fully
covered with short feathers; toes long, generally partially covered with hair-like
fe.'ithers; head large.

General form short and compact. This genus contains twenty-fu'e to thirty
species of small owls, inhabiting all parts of the world except Australia.

SCOPS ASIO. — Bannjmrte.
The Mottled Owl ; Scriech Owl ; Bed Ow;.

S^ri'a; ylsfV), I.innKus. Syst. Nat., L 132 (176i.i). Audubon, ^ V :; • and others

Sirix nm-iii, Gm. Syst. Nat., I. 269 (1788).

Bubo slriatus, Vieillot. Ois. d'Am. Sept., L 54 (1808).

« Deschiption.

" Short and compact; ear-tufts prominent; tail short; tarsi rather long.

".!'/«/(. — Upper parts pale ashy-brown, with longitudinal lines of brownish-black,
and mottled irregularly with the same and with cinereous; under parts a.'hy-white,
with longitudinal stripes of brownisb-blaek, and with transverse lines of the .same
color; face, lliriiat, and tarsi ashy-white, irregularly lined and mottled with pale-
brownish; (piills liniwn, with transverse bands, nearly white on the outer wel)s;
tail pale ashy-brown, with about ten transverse narrow bands of pale-cinereous;
under wing coverts white, the larger tipped with black; bill and claws light horn-
;■ ilor; iri'b;& yellow.

" Younyo.r. — Kntire upper parts pale brownish-red, with longitudinal lines of
firownish-black, e: ••. . ially on the head and scapidars; face, throat, under wing
eoveils, and tarsi reddish-v.'hite; quills reddish-brown; tail rufous, with bauds of
(irowM, dari.er on the inner webs.

■\p^

THE MOTTLKD OWL.

65

'^ Young. — Entire piuma, e transversely striped with asliy-whitc and pale-brown;
wings and tail pale-rul'ous.

" Total Icngfli, nine and a half to ten inches; wing, seven; tail, three and a half
inches. Sexes nearly alike in size and color.

•' The stages of plumage described above have been regarded as characterizing
distinct species; and they do present a problem scarcely to be considered as fiillv
solved. This bird pairs and rears young while in the red plumage; and it is not
nnusual to find a mottled male and red female associated, or the reverse " — John
Cassin.

As with many of the other birds of prey, tlic different
plumages in which this owl is taken have caused great con-
fusion ; and, as Mr. Casr.in truly remarks, the matter is not
yet settled beyond doubt. The
observation has generally been, .^.-J^

that the young birds are in the
red plumage ; but I have cer- ^J
tainly known of one instance %
when the young bird was in
the gray. A nest was found
in a liollow tree in Milton,
Mass., in which there were
three yoimg birds. They were
permitted to remain ; and I vis-
ited the nest as often as every '
two days until they flew off.i
The last time that I saw them,'
— the day before they left the
nest, — they were fully fledged, and they had very few marks
of brownish-red in their plumage. Whether this was an
exceptional case, I know not ; but I will present the obser-
vations of different ornithologists wiiich conflict with my
own. I will also quote Audubon's description of the habits
of the bird, as it is better than I can give from my own
experience, though it corresponds to nay observations so far
as they go. Ho says, —

" The flight of the Mottled Owl is smooth, rapid, protracted, and
noiseless. It rises at times above the top branches of the highest
of our forest trees whilst in pursuit of largo beetles ; and at other

5

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66

OUNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

times sails low and swiftly over the fields, or through the woods,
in searcli of small birds, field-mice, moles, or wood-rats, from which
it chiefly derives its siihsistence. On alighting, — which it does
phimply, — the Mottled Owl immediately bends its body, turns its
head to look behind it, performs a curious nod, utters its notes,
then shakes and plumes itself, and resumes its flight in search of
prey. It now and then, while on the wing, produces a clicking
sound with its mandibles, but more frequently when perched near
its mate or young. This I have th.ougiit was done by tiie bird to
manifest its courage, and let the hearer know that it is not to be
meddled with ; although few birds of prey arc more gentle when
seized, as it will suffer a person to touch its feathers and caress it
without attempting lo bite or strike with its talons, unless at rare
intervals.

" The notes of this Owl are uttered in a tremulous, doleful
manner, and somt;\',liat resemble the chattering of the Leeth of a
persou under the influence of extreme cold, although much louder.
They are heird at a distance of several hundred ;''^rds, and by
some people a -e thoutiht to be of ominous import."

These notes almost exac^^ly resemble the whimpering
whine of a smtJl dog, for which I have mistaken them on
different occasions.

" The little fellow is gtiicrally found about farm-houses, or-
chards, and gardens. It alights on the roof, the fence, or the
garden-gate, and utters its mournful ditty, at intervals, for hours at
a time, as if it ^vere in u state of great suffering ; although this is
far from being the c;isn, — the song of all birds being an indication
of content and ItTppiness. In a state of confinement, it utters its
notes with at roi'cli satiifuction as if at liberty. TLey are chiefly
heard during tne latter jiart of winter, — that being the season of
love, when the male bird is particularly attentive to the fair one
which excites his tender em(n j.is, and around which he flies and
struts much in the m;inner of die common Pigeon, .idding numer
ous nods and bows, tlu; sight of which is verv amusing.

" The young remain in the nest until tlidj are able to fly. At
first, they .ii'c covered witii a downy substance of a dull yellowish-
white. ^Sy tlio middle of August, they are fully feathered, and

THE MOTTLED OWL.

«7

lire then generally of a rerldish-brown, although coiisiflerublo differ-
ences exist between individuals, as I have seen some of a dcep-
chopolate color, and others nearly black. The feathers change
their colors as the pairing season advances, and in the first spring
the bird is in the perfect dress."

J. P. Norris, writing in the " Country Gcntir man,"
Jan. 11, 18G6, says that he secured two young birds of this
species when covered with down, and kept them until they
liad become feathered, when their plumage was decidedly
red in color.

J. P. Giraud, in his " Birds of Long Island," gives a
letter from J. G. Bell, of New York, in which that gentle-
man says, that he lias taken the yoting birds from the nest,
covered with grayish-brown, and kept them through their
first plumage, which was red in color.

These and other writers seem to agree that the red plum-
age is that of the bird in tlie first year. I leave it to
future experimenters to deterniine the matter beyond a
doubt.

This bird feeds largely on tlie injurious night-flying
moths and beetles. Numbers of specimens tliat I have
examined, contained in their stomachs parts of these in-
sects and small mammals : very seldom indeed did they
have feathers or other parts of birds.

The Mottled Owl selects for a nesting-place a hollow
tree, often in the orchard, and commences laying at about
the first of May, in the latitude of the middle of Massachu-
setts. The nest is made at the bottom of the hollow, and
is constructed of grass, leaves, moss, and sometimes a few
feathers. It is not elaborately made, being nothing more
than a heap of soft materials. The eggs are usually four
in number: they are pure-white, smooth, and nearly spher-
ical in form. Their length varies from 1.80 to 1.37 inch ;
breadth from 1.18 to 1.25 inch. The eggs are often laid on
the chips at the bottom of the hollow; no attempt at a
nest being made.

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68

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

OTUS, CuviER.

Otui, CirviFH, Rbgnc Animal, I. 327 (1817).

General form longer iiiid more slemler than in the preceding genera; head mod
erute; ear-tut'ts long, erectile; bill rather short, curs-cd from the base; facial disc
more perfect than in the ])ruceding; wings long; tail moderate; tarsi and toes cov-
ered with short feathers; claws Inn;;, curved; eyes rather small, and surrounded by
radiating feathers.

This genus contains ten or twelve species of various countries, nil of which are
mure handaume birds than are usually met with in this family.

OTUS WILSONIANUS. -Lesson.

The LoDg>eared Owl,

0<u» inVsonmnw*, Lesson. Traite d'Om., L 110 (1831).

Olus Ame.ricamis, Bonaparte. Comp. List, 7 (1838). Syn., 37.

Stvix otiis, Wilson, lionaparte's edition, 449.

Strix otiis, Linnfciis. Aud. Orn. IJiog., IV. 572. Nuttall, L 130.

Description.

Ear-tufts long and conspicuous; eyes rather small; wings long; tarsi and toes
densely feathered; upper parts mottled with brownish-blacl<, fulvous, aud ashy-
white, the former predominating; breast pale-fulvous, with longitudinal stripes of
brownish-black; abdomen white; every feather with a wide longitudinal stripe, and
with transverse sitripos of lironiiisli-blnck; legs and toes pale-fulvous, usually
unspotted, but frequently with irregular narrow transverse stripes of dark-brown ;
eyo nearly eiK'ircled with black; other leathers of the face ashy-white, with minute
lines of black; .•..'•-tufts brownish-black edged with fulvous and ashy- white; quills
pylc-fulvous at tiieir bases, with irregular transverse bands of brown; inferior
coverts of the wing pale-tulvous, frequently nearly white : the larger widely tipped
with black; tail brown, with several irregular tran' erse bands of a.'ihy-fulvous,
which are mottled, as on the quills; bill and claws dark horn-color; irides yellow.

Total length, female, about fifteen inches; wing, eleven to eleven and a h.ilf; tail,
six inches. Male rather smaller.

This species is rather common in New England, rather
preferring the less settled districts to the others. It is
eminently nocturnal in its habits, and has the power of see-
ing in the daytime to a less degree than any of the other
species with which I am acquainted.

A specimen that I once had, as a pet, could not see my
hand as it approached him, and would permit my finger to
touch his eye before he drew over it the thin nictitating
membrane given to all birds to protect this delicate organ.

I do not remember of ever hearing this owl utter a cry

THE LONO-EAUED OWL.

69

in its nocturnal .•ambles; and I think that it hunts ir
silence, except, i,er)iaps, in the mating season.

The specimen in my possession would not eat in the day-
time ; and, if 1 led it then, was obliged to push the food down
its throat with my linger : at night, it fed readily on raw
meat, but was rather loath to cat when I was by, or when a
lamp was near its cage. I had water always accessible to
it, but never saw it drink, and think, that, in the space of
two months, it drank not more than two or three times ; or,
if it did, the quantity it took was so small as not to be
appreciable.

Notwithstanding the comparative abundance of this spe-
cies, its breeding habits are not well known. I have been
so fortunate as to find several nests, all of which were built
in forks of tall pines, and constructed of twigs and leaves.
Audubon sr-.ys : —

" The Long-eiired Owl is careless as to the situatiou in which
its young are to be reared, and generally accommodates itself with
the abandoned nest of some other bird that proves of sullicient
size, whether it be high or low, in the fissure of a rock or on the
ground. Sometimes, however, it makes a nest itself; and this I
found to be the case in one instance near the Juniata River, in
Pennsylvania, where it was composed of green twigs, with tlie
leaflets adhering, and lined with fresh grass and wool, but without
any feathers."

Wilson describes its breeding habits as follows : —

" About six or seven miles below Philadelphia, and not far from
the Delaware, is a low swamp, thickly covered with trees, and
inundated during a great part of the year. Tliis place is the resort
of great numbers of the qua bird (Night Heron), where they build
m large companies. On the 25th of April, while wading through
the dark recesses of this plr.ce, observing the habits of these birds,
I discovered a Long-eared Owl, which had taken possession of one
of their nesta, and v/as setting. On mounting to the nest, I found
it contained four eggs ; and, breaking one of them, the young
appeared almost ready to leave the shell. There were numbers of

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70

ORNITHOLOGY AXU OOLUUV.

tli(! (lua birds' nests on thu iuljoidiu-j trees all aroiuul, uud oue
of lliciu actually on tlio samu treo."

Tho reader will perceive from tho above account of tho
breeding luihits of this bird, that it is variable in its choice
of a noHtiMg-j)laco, although every nest that I have found,
or known of, was built iu tall pines, and constructed as
above; and I have known instances where the same nest
was used for successive breeding seasons.

The eggs are generally four iu number, seldom more.
They are nearly spherical in form, and of a pure-white
color. Dimensions of specimens in my collection vary from
1.40 to 1.(30 inch iu length, by from 1.80 to 1.40 inch in
breadth.

lUUCllYOTUS, Gould.

nidchnotus, Govi.li, I'rno. Zoo!. Soc, London, 1837, 10.

KiU'-tulls very short and iiiconspiiuoii.s; Ki^'uriil form rather strong; wings long;
tail niodunite; legs ruthur long, which, with tho toes, are fully covered with uliort
leathers; claws long, very .«liiirp, and rather slender; head moderate; eyes rather
small, surrounded liy radiating feathers; facial disc imperfect oil the forehead and
above the eyes; tail moderate.

This genus contains four or Ave species only, the two best known of which are
the European.

BEACHYOTUS CASSINII. — brewer-

The Short-eared OwL

Brachyotus Cnssinii, Brewer. Proc. Boston Soc. of Nat. Hist.
Strix brachyotus, Forster. Phil. Trans., London, LXIL 384 (1772).
Sliix brachyotus, Linnaiua. Wilson and others.

Descriition.

Ear-tufts very short; entire plumage buff or pale-fidvous; every feather on the
upper parts with a wide longitudinal stripe of dark-brown, which color predominates
on the back; under parts paler, frequently nearly white on the abdomen, with
longitudinal stripes of brownish-black, most numerous on the breast, very narrow
and less numerous on tho abdomen and flanks ; legs and toes usually of a deeper
shade of the same color as the abdomen ; quills pale reddish-fulvous at their bases,
brown at their ends, with wide irregular bands and large spots of reddish-fulvous ;
fail pale reddish-fulvous, with about five irregular transverse bands of dark-bro\vn,
which color predominates on the two central feathers; under tail coverts usually
nearly white; throat white; eyes enclosed by large spots of brownish-black; ear-
tufts brown, edged with fulvous; bill and claws dark; irides yellow.

Total '.cngth, female, about fifteen inches; wing, twelve; tail, six inches. Male
rather smaller.

THE GRAY 0WL3.

'I

I regret being unable to add any thing to our knowli.'tlgy
of the history of this bird. I have had no opportunities
fo:.' obaerving its habits, and know of nothing that has been
noicu •ocently which will add to our inlbnuation. It is
not conunou in any part of Now England, and is, 1 ijulievi;,
more often met witli iu the ncigliborhood of the seaeoast
than elsewhere. I have never met with its ucBt, but have
no doubt that it breeds iu these Slates, as specimens are
occasionally taken here iu suuuuer.

Ricluu'dsou says that its nest is formed of witiiercd grass
and moss, and is built on the ground. Dr. Bryant (" Pro
ceedings of Uostou Society of Natural History," January,
1867) describes a nest found ou au island iu the Bay of
Fuudy as follows : —

"A nest of this bird was found by Mr. Cabot iu the uildst of a
dry peaty bog. It was built on the ground, in a very slovenly
manner, of small sticks .and a few f'eulhurs, and presented hardly
any excavation. It contained four eggs ou the point of being
hatched."

The eggs of this species are of a pure-white color, and
vary in dimensions from 1.65 inch by 1.2o inch to 1.50 inch
by 1.23 inch.

8

Sub-Family SyrniNuE. — The Gray Owls.

Head large, with very smnll and concealed car-tufts, or entirely without. Facial
disc nearly perfect; eyes small for the family of owls; wings rather short, or not so
long as in the preceding; tarsi and tot generally fully feathered. This group con-
tains gome of the largest of owls; generally, however, the size is medium, and fre-
quently small.

SYRNIUM, Saviqny.

Symium, Savio.ny, Nat. Hist. Egypt, I. 112 (1809).

Size usually large; head large, without car-tufts; eyes rather small; facial disc
somewhat imperfect in front; bill stron;^, curved from its base; wings moderate,
somewhat rounded ; fourth and fifth quills longest ; tail rather long, wide, and usu-
ally rounded at the end; legs moderate, or rather long, which, with the toes, ara
densely covered with short feathers; claws long, strong, very sharp.

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72

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

•'-t-

Species of this gfiniis inlmbit principally the northern parts of the wo -Id, and ara
generally characterized by the prevalence of gray or cinereous, of various shades, in
their plum^ige.

SYSNIUM CINEBEDM. — ^uduAotk
The Great Cray Owl.

Stiixcineria, Gm. Syst. Nat., L 291 (1788). Aud. Dm. Biog., IV. 364.
Sti'ix acclinator, Bartram. Travels, 289 (1790).

Description.

The largest Owl of North America. Head very large; eyes small; tail rather
'ong; upiier parts smoky or ashy brown, mottled and transversely barred witli
ashy-white; under parts ashy-white, witii numerous longitudinal stripes of dark
asliy-brown predominating on the breast, and with transverse stripes of the same on
the abdomen, logs, and under tail coverts; quills brown, with about five wide, irregu-
lar bands of ashy-white; tail brown, with five or six wide, irregular bands of ashy-
white, mottled with dark-brown: feathers of the disc on the neck tipped with white;
eye nearly encircled by a black spot; radiating feathers around the eye, with regular
tranoverse narrow bars of dark-brown and ashy-white; bill pale-yellow; claws pale
yellowish-white, darker at their tips ; iris bright-yellow.

Total length, twenty-five to thirty inches; wing, eighteen ; tail, twelve to fifteen
inches.

This bird is an extremely rare winter visitor in New Eng-
land ; appearing only in the southern districts of these
States, in Massachusetts even, in very severe seasons. I
never saw one alive ; have, of course, never seen its nest,
and can add nothing at all to our knowledge of its habits.
It breeds in the most northern regions ; and, according to
Dr. Brewer, " nests in high trees." Its eggs I have never
seen. Audubon gives the following account of this spe
cics : —

"The comparatively small size of this bird's eyes renders it
probable that it hunts by day ; and the remarkable smallness of its
feet and claws induces roe to think that it does not prey on large
animals. Dr. Richardson says, that ' it is by no means a rare bird
in the fur countries ; being an inhabitant of all the woody districts
lying between the Lake Superior and latitudes 67° or 68°, and
between Hudson's Bay and the Pacific. It is common on the
borders of Great Bear Lake ; and there, and in the higiier parallels
of latitude, it must pursue its prey, during the summer months, by
daylight. It keeps, however, within the woods, and does not fre-
quent the barren grounds, like the Snowy Owl ; nor is it so often met

■A

0

'in

ill

§

"w?

Barked Owl, Syniium ne/ntlosum. Gray.

with in broad
the Bua is lov
of the woods
murine animi
forth to feed

Audubon
kept one of
on fish and i
at times a ti
owl (^Scopa I
dogs.

titrix nebulot.
Strix ndmtoH
I. 242.

Head large,
frequently tinge
numerous on the
bands of brown
tarsi and toes asi
mottled and bai
bars, nearly pun
light-brown, wit
discal feathers t
of black in front
irides bluish-bla

Total length
Sexes nearly of

This Owl
land; is m
and less fr
Horned Ow
soft and ra
tive lightne
vision is ah
surpasses
I kept aliv(
the room

THE BARRFD OWL.

io

with in broad daylight as the Hawk Owl, but hunts principally when
the sun is low : indeed, it is only at such times, when the recesses
of the woods are deeply shadowed, that the American Hare, and the
murine animals on which the Cinereous Owl chiefly preys, come
forth to feed; "

Audubon speaks of a gentleman in Salem, Mass., who
kept one of these birds alive for several months : it was fed
on fish and small birds, of which it was very fond. It uttered
at times a tremulous cry, not unlike that of the little Screech-
owl (^Scops asio), and showed a great antipathy to cats and
dogs.

STBHIUM NEBULOSUM.— 6'<vii/.
The Barred Owl.

Utrix nebubta, Forster. Trans. Philosoph. Soc, London, LXIL 386, 424 (1772).
Strix nebutosa, Linnieus. Wilson, 304. Bonap. Syn., 38. Nutt., L 133. Aud.,
L 242.

Deschiption.

Head large, -without ear-tufls; tail rather long; upper parts light ashy-brown,
frequently tinged witli dull-j'ellow, with transverse narrow bands of white, most
numerous on the bead and neck behind, broader on the back ; brcai^t with transverse
l)andsof brown and white; abdomen ashy-white, with longitudinal stripes of brown;
tarsi and toes ashy-white, tinged with fulvous, generallj' without spots, but frequently
mottled and banded with dark-brown; quills brown, with six or seven transverse
bars, nearly pure-white on the outer webs, and ashy-fulvous on the inner webs ; tail
light-brown, with about five bands of white, generally tinged with reddish-yellow ;
discal feathers tipped with white; face ashy-white, with lines of brown, and a spot
of black in front of the eye; throat (Urk-brown; claws horn-color; bill pale-yellow;
irides bluish-black. Sexes alike-
Total length, about twenty inches; winj , thirteen to fourteen; tail, nine inches.
Sexes nearly of the same size.

This Owl is rather common in most sections of New Eng-
land ; is more often seen in the more southern localities,
and less frequently met with in sections where the Great
Horned Owl is most abundant, and vice versd. Its flight is
soft and rapid, the great breadth of the wings and compara-
tive lightness of the body giving it remarkable speed. Its
vision is almost as good in the daylight as in the night, and
surpasses that of most of our other owls. A specimen that
I kept alive for a few weeks, often, iu the daytime, flew about
the room in which his cage was placed : he alighted with

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74

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY,

III

case on the backs of chairs, or on other pieces of furniture ;
seldom miscalculatuig the distance or missing a footing, as
many of the other owls would in the same circumstances.
This bird soon became tamo, and would accept food at almost
any time in the day or night: on receiving a piece of meat,
he sometimes attempted to clutch it with his foot, and my
fingers often had narrow escapes from his sharp, crooked
(alo..3. Usually, he would seize it with his moutli, and, if
not too large, swallow it without tearing: if the piece was
more bulky than he could manage, he stood on it, and tore
it with his beak. Fish ho invariably rejected, but greedily
ate mice and small birds : a dead pigeon, that I put in his
cage, was untouched for several days. He died in conse-
quence of a hurt ho received in flying against a window.

The Barred Owl subsists principally upon small birds,
field-mice, and reptiles. He is frequently seen, in early
twilight, flying over the low meadow-lands, searching for the
mice that dwell there : ho usually takes a direct course, and
sometimes flies so low that the tips of his wings seem to
touch the grass. When he discovers his prey, he drops on
it instantly, folding his wings and protruding his feet, in
which his quarry is always secured : ho often captures frogs
that are sitting on tho shores of ponds and rivers ; but I am
inclined to think that the statement, quoted by Audubon,
that ho often catches fish, is incorrect. The Barred Owl
usually nests in high trees, placing the structure of sticks
and leaves in a crotch near the trunk. The eggs are usually
three in number. I have one only in my collection : tliis is
pure-white, almost globular, and, except in shape, hardly
distinguishable from the egg of the domestic hen. It is
2 inches in length by 1.68 in breadth.

'• Strlx Ttiit

NYCTALE, Brehm.

Vijclnk, Brehm, Isis (1S28), 1271.

Size small; lioad with very small ear-tufts, only observable when erected; eyes
small; hill moderate, or not very strong; facial disc nearly perfect; wings nthet
long; tail short; lejjs and toes densely feathered.

THE SAW-WHET OWL.

76

Contains flvu species of small and quite peculiar owls, four of which are Ameri-
can, and one European.

NYCTALE RICHARDSONIL — i?(>nn/)(i)«.
The Sparrow Owl.

Xyclale Richartltonii, Bonaparte. Comp. List, 7 (1S38).

'• Strix Ttiiijmabni, Cjm." Aud. Om. Biog., IV. 660, and other Americau author*.

Deschiption.

The largest of this geiuis; wings long; upper parts pale reddish-brown, tinged
with olive, and with partially concealed spots of white, most numerous on the head
and neck behind, scapulars, and rump; head in front with numerous spots of white;
face white, with a spot of black in front of the eye; throat with browu stripes;
uuder parts ashy-white, with longitudinal stripes of pale reddish-brown; legs and
toes pale-yellowish, nearly white, sometimes barred and spotted with brown; quill.i
brown, with small spots of white on their outer edges, and largo spots of the same
on their inner webs; tail brown, every feather with about ten pairs of white spots;
bill light-yellowish horn-color; iridcs yellow.

Total length, about ten and a half inches; wing, seven and a half inches; tall,
four and a half inches.

Tliis species is an exceedingly rare winter visitor in New
England. I have never met with it alive, and can give
from my own observation no account of its habits. Dr.
Richardson, in the " Fauna Boreali-Americana," says : —

" When it accidentally wanders abroad in the day, it is so much
dazzled by the light of the sun as to become stupid ; and it may
then be easily caught by the hand. Its cry in the night is a
single melancholy note, repeated at intervals of a minute or two.
Mr. Hutchms says that it builds a nest of grass half-way up a
pine-tree, and lays two white eggs in the month of May."

NTCTALE kCkniCk. — Bonaparte.

The Saw-Whet Owl; Acadican OwL

Strix Acadka, Gm. Syst. Nat., L 296 (1788). Bonap. S>ti., 38. Nu all and
other authors.

" Strix passerina, Linnceus." Wilson, Am. Om., IV. 66.

Description.

Small; wings long; tail short; upper parts reddish-brown, tinged with olirti;

head in front with fine lines of white, and on the neck behind, rump, and scapuIaTS,

with large, purtially concealed spots of white; face ashy-white; throat white; under

parts ashy-white, with longitudinal stripes of pale reddish-brown; under cjverta

16

OltNITHOLOOY AND OOLOiJY.

t,f wings and tail white; quills brown, with small spots of wliito on their outei
oiIkcs, and larRo spots of the same on their inner webs; tail brown, every feather
with about three pairs of sjwU of white; bill and tliiws dark; irides yellow.

Total length, about seven and a half to eight inches; wing, five and a half
inches; tail, two and three quarters to three inches. Sexes nearly the same size,
and alike in colors.

This species is also quite rare iu New England ; but, as
it is occasionally found in tlio summer uiouths, is probably
a resident iiere through the year. Says Audubon, in his
description of this bird, which is very full and perfect : —

" The Little Owl is known in Massachusetts by the name of the
' Saw-whet,' the sound of its love-notes bearing a great resemblance
to the noise produced by filing the teeth of a large saw. These
notes, when coming, as tliey frequently do, ft'om the interior of a
deep forest, produce a very peculiar effect on the traveller, who,
not being aware of their real nature, expects, as he advances on his
route, to meet with shelter under a saw-mill at no great distance.
Until I shot the bird in the act, I had myself been more than once
deceived in this manner.

" A nest of our Little Owl, which I found near the city of Natchez,
was placed in the broken stump of a small decayed tree, not more
than four feet from the ground. I was attracted to it by the snor-
ing notes of the youiig, which sounded as if at a considerable
elevation; and I was so misled by them, that, had not my dog
raised himself to smell at the hole where the brood lay concealed,
I might not have discovered them. In this instance, the number
was five. It was in the beginning of June ; and the little things,
wliich were almost ready to fly, looked exceedingly neat and beauti-
ful. Their parents I never saw, although I frequently visited the
nest before they left it. The Little Owl breeds more abundantly
near the shores of the Atlantic than in the intcior of t'^e country,
and is frequent in the swamps of the States of Maryland and New
Jersey during the whole year. "Wherever I have found the young
or the eggs placed in a hollow tree, i;hey were merely deposited oa
tlie rotten particles of wood ; and, when in an old crow's nest, the
latter did not appear to have undergone any repair. Being quite
nocturnal, it shows great uneasiness when disturbed by day, and
flies off in a hurried, uncertain manner, throwing itself into the

THE SNOWY OWL.

77

first covert that it moets with, where it is not diflicult to catch it,
provided the necessary caution and silence be used. Towards
dusk, it becomes full of animation, flies swiftly — gliding, as it
were — over the low grounds like a little spectre, and pounces on
small quadrupeds and birds with the quickness of thought."

Tho Saw-whet Owl' nests in hollow trees, in cavities of
rocks, and in deserted crows' and woodpeckers' nests. Tho
eggs are from three to five or six in number ; and, according
to Dr. Brewer, are of a bright, clear wliite, and more like a
woodpecker's than an owl's in their crystalline clearness.
Dimensions, 1-^ by || inch.

Sub-Family Ntcteinix^. — 77ie Day Owls.

General form compact and robust; head moderate, without ear-tufts; wings and
tail rather long; tarsi strong, which, with the toes, are more densely covered than
in any otlier division of this family.

This division embraces two species only, which inhabit the arctic regions of both
continents; migrating southward in the winter.

NYCTEA, Stephens.

Nyctea, STErnExs, Cont. of Shaw's Zool., XIII. '!2 (1820).

Large; head rather large, without ear-tufts; no facial disc; legs rather short, and
with the toes covered densely with long hair-like feathers, nearly concealing the
claws; bill short, nearly concealed by projecting feathers, very strong; wings long;
tail moderate, or rather long, wide ; claws strong, fully curved. Contains one spe-
cies only.

NYCTEA NIVEA. — Cray.

The Snowy OwL

Strix nivea, Daudin. Traite d'Om., 190 (1800).

Strix nyetea, Linnseus. Syst. Nat L 132 (1760).

«' Strix ni/c<en, Linna!us." Bonap. Syn., 36. Nutt. L 118. Aud. IL 135. Wii-
■on and others.

Description.

Bill nearly concealed by projecting plumes; ej'cs large; entire plumage white, fro
quently with a few spots or imperfect bands, only on the upper parts dark-brown, a iid
on the under parts wiili a few irregulor and imperfect bars of the same; quills and
tail with a few spots or traces of bunds of the same dark-brown ; the prevalence oi

' See Appendix.

78

OIINITIIOLOOY AND OOLOfiY.

the dark-I)r()wn riilur variPK miicli in diffpront upccimcnii fypqupntly botli upper Htiil
uiiilcT purls ore very ili.stiiictly Imnilt'd trimsversrly, nml sDinctiiiu's tliis color prc-
tloiiiiimtis oil llio Imik; plumage of the luyn and Iocs pmu snowy- white i bill nml
rlawn horn-color; iridcii yellow.

Total length, Icnialc, nhont twpnty-KJx inchcHi wiiiff, seventeen to nineteen)
tail, ten iiiclics. Male, about twciity-two inches; wing, geventeen; tail, nine iiiclic*.

As a winter visitor, tiiroughout all New p]iigland, thin liircl
is a rather common species. It is often taliun on tlio islands
in Massaclnisctts Bay, whore it feeds on fish that have been
thrown up on the shore by the tide, birds, wonnded sea-
fowl, and even dead aiiinials, as I am informed by a reliablo
person who once shot one while perched on and eating
a dead horse on the beach. Tiic fliglit of this Owl is rapid
and protracted. I have seen an individual chase and cajv
tnro a Snow Bunting (P. nlvaVii) from a flock; and once
saw one make a swoop at a flock of ponltry which had come
ont from their house on a fine day, but whicli immediately
retreated on the appearance of their enemy. The Snowy
Owl hunts both in the daylight and twilight: he seems to
prefer cloudy, gloony days to bright ones, and is most
active jnst before a storm. Audubon says that this Owl
captnrcs living fish in the water by standing quietly by the
margin, and seizing its prey with its claws, as it appears
near tlie surface : whether this is a regular habit or not, I
cannot say, I never saw one do so; and I have conversed
witli several hunters who have shot numbers of specimens,
and they all were ignor.tnr of such a fact.

Of the breeding habits of this Owl, we are ignorant.
The ITiubson's Bay, and other northern countries, are its
summer homes. Wlieelwright, in his " Spring and Sum-
mer in Lapland," gives the only description, of its nest and
eggs accessible to me at present. He says : —

" The egg of the Snowy Owl measures 2^ inches in length, and
If inches in breadth: its color is pure-white. The nest is nothing
more than a large boll of reindeer moss, placed on the ledge of a
bare fell. The old birds guard it most jealously ; in fact, the Lap-
landers often kill them witli a stick when they are robbing the

Sn<

3

■^

Sno\\y Owi,, N^ydea nivea. Gray.

neRt, which tl
Snowy Owl v
in some of til

.Surnw, PuM
(icncral form
liiftn; fiielal dia(
jci'tinj; pliiinefl;
llie toi'» (U'lmi'l)
regioni of butli

Strix ululn, I
" Slrix fune
IV. 550.

" Strix Ilwh

Wings iT.thci
its central fcntl
foftthcrcd; «ppc
fipofs of wliite
throat white, w
aide of the brei
brown; quills
iridcs yellow |
more or lesB nii

Total lengtl'
Male rather tm

This 1)11-
New Engl
winter,
and hunts
owls are h
birds and
A specime
door-yard,
just capti
Amoricanf
grouse, th

TIIK HAWK OWL.

19

nest, which they do upon every oocaMion that proRentu itself. The
Snowy Owl will oociisioiiully niako its nest on tlie lur^e tnrf-liill(M'kH
in Bomc of Iho mosses

81TRNIA, DuMRRii.

Sumin, DuMRKll., Z()nln({io Annlvtlquo, S< (IPOfl).

(icnvral form rntlicr Um^, l)ut robust; nizo innlium; head mndrratn, without car-
tnflK; fucinl disc obsoli'lf; hill modernto, curvod t'rcitn tin" l)n«fl, covi-rcd with pro-
ji'ctiiiK pliiincM; win((>< lung; tail long, wide, graduntpd; Icgn rnthvr Rhort, and with
the toi'H densely fuuthvrud; contains one tpccici only, which inhabit! the arctic
regions of both continents.

SURNIA UIiULA. — Hmnpnrtt.

The Hawk Owl; Day Owl.

Bti-ix vlula, LInntens. Syst. Nat., I. 133 (1700).

" Strix funeren," dm. Donap. Syn. 36. Nutt., I. 116. Aud. Om. Biog.,
IV. 050.

" Strix nudionica." Wilson, VI. 64.

Description.

Wings rethcr long; first three quills innlscd on their inner webs; toil long, with
its central feathers obout two inches longer than the outer; tarsi ond tnes densely
feathered; upper parts fuliginous-brown, with numerous partially concealed circular
ppots of white on the neck behind, scapidars ond wing coverts; fuco gniyish-whitc;
throat white, with longitudinal stripes of dark-brown; a large brown spot on each
side of the breast; other under parts with transvcrRu lines or stripes of pale ashy-
brown ; quills and tail brown, with transvcrxe bands of white ; bill pale-yellowish ;
iridcs yellow; color of upper parts darker on the head, and the white markings
more or less numerous in diflerent Bpccimcns.

Total length, female, sLxtcen to geventccn inches; wing, nine; tail, seven inches.
Male rather smaller.

This bird is occasionally mot with in different localities iu
Now England ; rarely in the summer, most often in the
winter. As its name implies, it is diurnal in its habits,
and hunts its prey in the hours when most of the other
owls are hidden in their retreats. Its food consists of small
birds and mice, which it seizes in the manner of the hawks.
A specimen was obtained in Vermont on a wood-pile in a
door-yard, where it was eating a woodpecker that it had
just captured. Dr. Richardson, in his "Fauna Boreali-
Amoricana," says that, " wlien the hunters arc shooting
grouse, this 'i'^d is occasionally attracted by the report of

80

OUNITIIOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

the gun, and is often bold enough, on a bird being killed,
to pounce down upon it, though unable, from its size, to
( arry it off.
Tlie Hawk Owl occasionally breeds in New England.

My friend, Geoige A. Boardnian
of Milltowii, Me., has been so for-
tunate as to find its nest, with
eggs, in that neighborhood. It
usually builds in a hollow tree,
'^^ but sometimes constructs a habi-
Jx; tation in the crotch of a tall treo,
oi' sticks, grass, and feathers.
According to Richardson, it lays
two white globular eggs.

Two beautiful specimens in my
collection, from William Couper,
Esq.. Quebec, collected at North-
ern Labrador by the Montanaz
Indians, are a trifle more elongated and pointed than the
eggs of tlic Red Owl (^Scops asio). They are of a pure-
white color, and measure 1.50 by 1.25 inch and 1.47 by
1.22 iach.

NOTES.

I append the following notes, that have been kindly fur-
nished me by William Couper, of Quebec, Lower Canada,
for the pViipose of showing the northern distribution of the
birds of prey described in the preceding pages : —

HTPOTEIOECHIS COLUMBAHIDS. — Only young specimens occur, and
those rarely, in the laiitude of Quebec : they are more common toward the
western portions of Lower and Upper Canada. It has not to my knowledge,
been found breeding in Canada.

TINNUNCULDS SPARVEBIUS. — This species is more abundant than the
preceling; but the majority of the specimens shot in the neighborhood of
^Juebec are young. I am informed that it breeds in the vicinity of the river
'.t. Maurice, which falls into the river St. Lawrence, west of Quebec.

NOTES.

81

ASTDB ATRICAPILiiUS. — Tlie adult of tliis species is very i,uo in tliis
latitude, and it occurs in this plumage about midwinter. The young, how-
ever, are sometimes common during the autumn.

ACCIPITEB FDSCUS. — This is one of tlie most common of our Hawks.
It occurs in young plumajje in the fall also. I am told that it breeds in
Canada ; but I have not had the good fortune to And its nest. Sportsmen
liave told me incidents of the audacity of this little species. They say it is
always on the alert for woodcock and snipe, and knows the iuo)nent tliat one
of these birds is wounded. It is sometimes so bold, tha*', as soon as the shot
strikes the intended game, the Hawk pounces upon it to carry it away.

BUTEO PENNSYLVANICOS. — This species is very common here during
the months of September and October. It is generally found preying upon
frogs and a species of common field locust. I liave not learned that it breeds
in Upper or Lower Canada.

AECHIBUTEO LAGOPUS. — Sometimes this species is very abundant in
tlie northern mountains, especially where there is a plenty of hares and
grouse. It breeds in Labrador.

CIBCUS HUDSONIUS. — Occurs only in the fall, and then in young plum-
age Breeds in Western Canada. It haa not been detected breeding in the
northern swamps of Lower Canada.

AQUILA CANADENSIS. — The adult and young of this species are occa-
sionally shot here during autumn and winter. I think it breeds on some of
our high northern mountains. The specimens that I have examined had
their bodies and legs stuck full of porcupine quills.

PANDION CAEOLINENSIS. — This is a very rare visitor in the northern
regions. I understand that a pair arrive annually, and breed at Lake St.
Joseph, north of this city. I never saw an adult specimen in Quebec.

BUBO VIRGINIANUS. — This Owl occurs here during summer and win-
ter. I am almost certain it breeds in the mountains behind the city. I have
had the young in the down from Bay St. Paul, on the north side of the
river St. Lawrence, below Quebec.

OTUS WILSONIANUS and BEACHYOTUS CASSINU are e.xtremely rare
here, and I cannot give any facts in relation to them.

SIENIUM NEBULOSTJM. — This is the common Owl of our forests.

SYSNIDM CINEEEUM. — Is an accidental winter visitor.

SUENIA ULULA. — This bird is also very common during some winters.
It breeds in the northern portions of Hudson's Bay and Labrador.

NYOTEA NIVEA. — This Owl is more abundant this winter (1867) than it
has been for years.

NYCTALE EICHAEDSONII and N, ACADICA also occur here. The former
is occasional ; but the latter, extremely rare.

6

•1
• --.

§

82

ORXITIIOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

ORDER II. — SCANSORES. Climbers.

The characteristics of this order are given on page 4 of this
volume. It is represented in the New-England States by two
families, — the Cuculidce or Cuckoos, and the Picidce or Wood-
peckers.

These families have the arrangement of two pairs of toes
opposed to each other in common ; otherwise, they are much dif-
ferent in their characteristics.

The Cuculidce have " bill thin, usually slender, and rather long,
the tip more or less decurved, the base usually without rictal
bristles ; tarsi usually rather long, clothed with broad plates ante-
riorly ; the tail feathers usually ten, sometimes eight or twelve,
all long."

The PicidcR have " bill straight, rigid, and chisel-shaped at the
tip, the base without rictal bristles ; the feet are stout, and clothed
anteriorly with broad plates ; tail feathers twelve, the exterior very
small and concealed." ^

^ See Introduction.

thirty-five one

THE YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO.

88

Family CUCULIDiE. The Cuckoos.
COCCYGUS, ViKiLLOT.

Ooecyttu, Vieillot. Analyse (1816).

Erythrophrya, Swainson. Class. Birds, IL (1837), 322.

Head without crest; fcathcr.-t about base of bill soft; bill nearly as Ion;; as th«
head, decurved, slender, and nitunuated towards the end; nostrils linear; wingB
lengthened, reaching the middle of the tail; the tertiais short; tail of ten graduated
feathers; feet weak; fnrsi shorter than the middle toe.

Tlie species of Cocfi/i/us are readily distinguished from those of Gencoccyx by
their arborial habits, confining themselves mainly to trees, instead of living habitu-
ally on the ground. The plumage is soft, fine, and compact.

The American cuckoos differ from the European cuckoos ( Cucutua) by having
lengthened naked tarsi, instead of very short feathered ones; tlie nostrils are
elongated, too, instead of rounded.

COCCYGUS AMEEICANUS. — Bonaparte.

The Yellow-billed Cuckoo.

Vuculus Americanus, Linmcus. Syst. Xat., I. (1766).

Coccyzm Americantia, Audubon. Orn. Biog., I. ri832). Bonap. Syn., 42.

Cuculus Curolincnsis. Wilson, 267.

Descmption.

Upper mandible, and tip of lower black ; rest of lower mandible, and cutting
edges of the upper yellow; upper parts of a metallic greenish-olive, slightly tinged
with ash towards the bill; beneath white; tail feathers (except the median, which
are like the back) black, tipped with white for about an inch on tl.„ outer feathers,
the external one with the outer edge almost entirely white; quills orange-cinnamon;
the terminal portion and a gloss on the outer webs olive ; iris brown.

Length, twelve inches; wing, five and ninety-five one-hundredths; tail, six and
thirty-five one-hundredths.

■■i

"^

8

THIS bird is very irregularly distributed through New
England as a summer visitor. A. E. Verrill, in his
catalogue of birds found at Norway, Me., says that "it
is not common as a summer visitor." George A. Board-
man writes me, that, near Calais, Me., it is " extremely
rare." J. A. Allen, in his paper on Springfield l)irds
(before referred to), calls it " extremely rare." Dr. Wood
says it is " very rare " at East-Windsor Hill, Conn., where

81

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGV.

lie lias found it broedlng. Wliilo I have noticed, tliat,
tliougii in former years it was equally abundant with the
IJlack-billed Cuckoo, this bird is now growing scarce in the
neighborhood of Boston.

This species arrives from the South from about the 2oth
of April to the 1st of May. We are fir.«t notified of iiie
arrival by hearing his harsh notes in the opening foliage ;
and presently we see him moving about the twigs, busily
picking oil" and swallowing the caterpillars and other larvae
which are so destructive to our fruit and shade trees. Soon
he i)asses to another tree, still pursuing his profitable
search; and, when he has gleaned to his heart's — or
rather stomach's — content, he launches himself into the
air, and takes fiight for another gro^o or orchard, perhaps
a half-mile otT, or even fiirther. His flight is rapid, con-
sisting of repeated strokes of his wings, but it is not
always direct; for he frequently turns from a sh'aight course
and Hies off at au angle, then back again in a wavering
manner. Occasionally, he pauses in his flight, and sud-
denly descends and alights on a shrub or low bush, as if he
perceived an enemy in the air or a friend in the bush.
After repeating his song, — ^'■Krow-krow-krow-krow-hrow; krvr
kru, krurkrt'i, kru-kru," — he is off again, and is soon out
of sight.

The male arrives about ten days before the female. As
soon as the latter makes her appearance, the male com-
mences his courtship. He is very attentive to her, watch-
ing her every movement, and following her every flight.
Although usually very cowardly, he is at this period toler-
ably brave, and will even attempt to molest any other bii-d
that happens to be near, but usually with poor success ; for,
as his cowardice is traditional among the birds, they will
turn upon him, and drive him off discomfited. When the
couple have mated, they soon commence building. The
nest is placed in a low bough of a tree, or in a shrub or
barberry bush. It is a loose, straggling affair, composed ot

THE BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO.

85

sticks and twigs, and sometimes a few pieces of moss. The
eggs arc usually four in number ; they arc of a light
greenish-blue color, and almost invariably larger than those
of the Black-billed Cuckoo. A number of specimens before
me vary from 1.07 to 1.25 of an inch in length, by from .84
to .96 inch in breadth. But one brood is reared in the
season.

COCCTGDS EETTHBOPHTHALMUS. — Bonaparte.
The Black-billed Cuckoo.

Vuculus erythrophthalmut, Wilson. Am. Om., IV. (1811), 16.

Coccyzvs erythrophthalmus, Audubon. Orn. Bioj?., I. (1832), 170. Bonap.

Syn., 42.

Description.

Bill entirely black; upper parts generally of a metallic greenish-olive, ashy to-
wards the base of the bill ; beneath pure-white, with a brownish-yellc" tinge on the
throat; inner webs of the quills tinged with cinnamon; under surface of all the tail
feathers hoar3- ash-gray; all beneath the central, on cither side, suil'iiscd witli darker
to the short, bluish-white, and not well-defined tip; a naked red skin round the eye ;
iris, hazel. 1

Length about twelve inches; wing, five; tail, six and a half.

This species is quite abundantly distributed throughout
New England as a summer visitor, reaching to more north-
ern latitudes than the other. It arrives from the South
about the first week in May ;
and, like the Yellow-billed
Cuckoo, the males precede
the females. I have exam-
ined numbers of the first
bii'ds that arrived in differ-
ent seasons, and they were
invariably males ; the females
making their appearance
about ten days or a fortnight
later. The habits of the two
species are very similar, although the present bird prefers
the more cultivated and open districts, while the other

s

1 In succeeding species, when the color of the iris is not given, it is understmid to
be dark-hazel or black.

86

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

seems to delight in the more retired and wooded locali-
ties.

In flight, the Black-billed Cuckoo is more swift than the
other ; in breeding habits, the same ; and its food is similar,
consisting principally of insects and their larvat^, small fruits,
and the eggs and young of small birds. Like the other, the
Black-billed Cuckoo is very cowardly, and is quickly driven
from the neighborhood of the nest of almost any of the
other birds. If a robin, or other bird of equal size, discover
one of these, to him pirates, in the vicinity '^f his nest, he
immediately assaults the i.itruder, witli loud outcries, poun-
cing upon him, and pecking with great ferocity. Others of
his neighbors, who are near, join in the attack : the Cuckoo,
in retreating, dives into the recesses of a stone wall, or the
first secure retreat available ; very seldom taking to his
wings, as another bird would do. I have known of a ciickoo
being driven into a barn by a Blue-bird (*?. stalls'), who sat
perching on a fence outside for several minutes, keeping his
enemy prisoner ; and the latter, when pursued and captured
by myself, preferred being my prisoner to facing his enemy
outside.

The nest of the Black-billed Cuckoo is usually placed in
a low tree or barberry-bush. It is constructed of twigs,
roots, and sometimes a few leaves and moss. I have exam-
ined a great number of these, from different sections ; and I
have noticed that those from northern localities were inva-
riably lined with gray moss, called Spanish moss, and leaves,
while others, from more southern districts, were without
such linings.

The eggs are usually four in number : they are of a darker
greenish-blue than those of the other bird, and average a
little smaller ; their length varying from 1 to 1.12 inch, by
from .84 to .92 inch in breadth.

THE HAIIIY WOODPECKER.

«7

Famii.t PICID^. The TTooDrECKEUs.

Suh-Famihj Picix.k.

A-'.hough all the wooclpeckcrs have a certain rospinhlance to each other, and
a^ree more or less in habits, there arc distinctions nmon^ them whicii serve readily
for division into auh-sencra, genera, or even higher groups. Tims, the diflfererca
between the Ivorj'-bilied WoDdpeeker and the common Flicker, which may be taken
as representing the extremes of the scale in North-Americar species, will be palpable
to any observer.

In the woodpeckers inhabiting the United States *'.^re are three distinct gronps,
which may be tnkcn, with some authors, as so many sub-families; or if, with Bona-
parte, we unite all the Picidte with stiiTened, acuminate, and pointed tails into a sub-
family PiciiKB, they will constitute so many separate sections. They may be severally
characterized as follows: —

PiciN.E or Picece. — Rill more or less long; the outlines above and below nearlj
straight; the ends truncated; a prominent ridge on the side of the mandible, spring-
ing from the middle of the base or a little below, and running out either on the
commissure, or extending parallel to and a little above it, to the end ; sometimes
obliterated or confluent with the lateral bev^l of the bill; nostrils considerably over-
hung by the lateral ridge, more or less linear, and concealed by thick bushy cufls of
feathers at the base of the bill ; outer posterior toe generally longer tlian the anterior.

MEt/ANElii'iN/E or CenturecB. — Bill rather long; the outlines, that of the culmen
especially, decidedly curved. The lateral ridge much nearest the culmen, and,
though quite distinct at the base, disappearing before coming to the lower edge of
the mandible; not overhanging the nostrils, which are broadly oval, rounded an-
teriorly, and not concealed by the bristly feathers at the base ; outer pair of toes
nearly equal, the anterior rather longer.

CoLAPTiN.E or Colaptice. — Bill much depressed, and the upper outline much
curved to the acutely pointed (not truncate) tip: the commissure considerably
cu'ved; bill without any ridges; the nostrils broadly oval, and much exposed;
anterior outer toe longest.

■3

8

PICUS VILLOSUS. — Ltnnmts. l
The Hairy Woodpecker.
Picu* mllosus, Linnaeus. Syst., I. 175. Bonnp. Syn., 46, and others.

Description.
"The Hairy Woodpecker is nine inches long and fifteen in extent; crown
black; line over and under the eye white; the eye is placed in a black line,
that widens as it descends to the back; hind head scarlet, sometimes intermixed
with black; nostrils hid under remarkably thick, bushy, recumbent hairs, or
briatles; under the bill are certain long hairs thrown forward and upward; bill

1 See p. 84, vol. IX., Pacific R.R. ReporU.

88

OUNITIIOLOGY AND OOLOrJY.

a l)ltii>li nnrnroliir, Kmivi'd, wedged nt the end, strniijlit, nnd about an ineli and a
([uarter long; tniiclies of black, proceeding from the lower nnindible, end in n bmad
blacli !<tri|) that joins tlio black on tlie slionlJer; back bhick, divided by a broad,
lateral strip of while, the feathers composing which are loose and unwebbcd, resem-
bling hairs, — whence its name; rump and shonldersof the wing black; wings black,
lipped nnd spotted with white, tliree rows of spots being visible on the secondaries
and (ivo on tlie primaries; greater wing coverts also spotted with white; tail, as in
the others, cuneiform, consisting of ten strong-shafted and pointed feathers, the four
middle ones black, the next partially white, the two exterior ones white, tinged at
the tip with a brownish burnt-color; tail coverts black; whole lower side pure-white;
legs, feet, nnd claws light-blue, the latter remarkably large nnd strong; inside of tha
month flesli-(olorcd; tongue pointed, beset witli barbs, and capable of being pro-
truded more than an inch nnd a half; the os hyoidcs, in this species, passes on each
side of tlie neck, ascends the skull, passes down towards the nostril, nnd is wound
round the bone of the right eye, whicli projects considerably more than the left for
its accommodation. The great mass of hairs that cover the nostril nppenrs to be
designed as n protection to tlio front of the head, when the bird is engaged in digging
holes into the wood. The membrane which encloses the brain in this, as in nil the
other .species of woodpeckers, is also of extrnordinnry strength; no doubt, to prevent
any bad efFects from violent concussion while the bird is employed in digging for
food. The female wants the red on the hind head, nnd the white below is tinged
with brown.'sh." — Wilson.

THE above description, as given by Wilson, is very full
and complete. This Woodpecker is a rather comuon
visitor in New England, in the spring, fall, and winter

months, and is, to
some extent, a resi-
dent through the year.
Probably the greater
"number retire to the
North in the breeding
season ; and those that
remain in the south-
ern districts of these
States most usually seek the woods for their summer
homes, and are, as a general thing, seldom met with
in the thickly settled districts. The flight is a waver-
ing, undulating one, like that of all the woodpeckers;
consisting of a series of short vibrations of the wings,
followed by a downward, soaring movement, which is suc-
ceeded by another similar series. On alighting, the bird

Skull and tongiio of Woodpecker.

•3

8

Hairy VVoodpkcker. Picas villosus Linna'us.

utrlkcs its o
tion bctwooii
one. It coin
by tho 20tli
old trees in
ol'ton as mil
hardly fivo i
for a breed ii
furnishing a

Tho eggs
less : they a
is very sino(
the egg are
mens vary i
62 to .68 ii

The nest
so far as m}
ited on a sn
to be left bj

The food
and larvaj
wood of oil
obtain by c
and drawin
barbed ton{
but never,
trees, as so

Picas pubes(

" Picas pub

Hiog. II. (1834

A miniature
white stripes oi
the upper some.

THE DOWNY WOODPKfKER.

sn

Htrikcs its object witli l)()fh foot, niid inakos no discriuiimi-
tion bctwooii a horizontal branch or limb and a perpendicular
one. It comnicncos its building operations quite early, often
hy tho 20th of April. Tlio nest is made l)y excavating in
old trees in the woods, rarely in orchards; tho liole made is
often as much as eighteen inches in dcptli, in some cases
hardly fivo ii'chcs. A post in a fence is sometimes taken
for a breeding-place, tho hole in which the rail is inserted
furnishing a starting-place for tho cxcavittion of the nest.

Tho eggs aro usually five in numl)er; seldom njore, often
less: they arc of a beautiful clear-white color, and tho shell
is very smooth and rather thin ; and, before tho contents of
the egg are removed, they impart a rosy tint to it. Sp(!ci-
mcns vary in size from .77 to .84 inch in length, by from
62 to .68 inch in breiidth.

The nest is never lined with leaves or other soft materials,
BO far as my observation has been ; but tho eggs aro depos-
ited on a small pile of chips of tho rotten wood, which seem
to be left by the bird designedly for this purpose.

The food of this species consists principally of tho eggs
and larvae of injurious insects that are burrowing in the
wood of our fruit and forest trees : these he is enabled to
obtain by chiselling out a small hole with his powerful bill,
and drawing them from their lurking-places with his long
barbed tongue. He also eats some small fruits and berries,
but never, so far as I am aware, tho buds or blossoms of
trees, as some persons assert.

1

s

PICUS PUBESCENS. — Linncuvs.

The Downy Woodpecker.

Picut pubescent, Linnicus. Syst. Nut., I. (1786) 15. Vieill. Ois. Am. (1807) 65.
" Picut pubescent," Linnaeus, Wilson. Am. Orn. I. (1808) 153. Aud. Orn.
Biog. II. (1884).

Description.

A miniature of P. viHosus. Above black, with a white band down the back; two
white stripes on the side of the head; the lower of opposite sides always separated,
the upper sometimes confluent on the nape ; two stripes of black on the side of th*

90

OHNITIIOI.O(iV ANn OOLOr.Y.

hi'fld, ttip liiwcr iKit riimiliiK inln llir furtlirad; liciU'iUli white; win^' niiirli npottcd
Willi wliilc; III!' lar(,'iT I'oviTtH Willi two "icrli'ii chcIi ; t«rlinri('» <ir iiiiiiT nfciiiiilnrjri
all liiiiicli'd Willi wliili'; two oiilir tail CiiiIIiith wliili', willi two liainls ul' l)laik at tli«
iii'l, lliiicl wliili' at tipHMil cxtiTiiMlly. Male, willi ml tcriiiliiatinn llu' wlilti! li'atjicru
(III 111!' iiii|H'; U%* mill I'l'i't liliiHli-Krwiii I'luwa liKlit-bluo tippt'd with blackj irin
(lark-liu/.i'l.

LcnKtli, ulHiiit .<ix niirl a (iimrfor iiiilu'H; wliiff, throe nnd thrup-qimrtora.

'J'lii.H little W()(Ml[»(>ckor — tlio simillost wo Imvo — is al)nii-
Uiiiitly (listiil»ut(;<l tlirougliout Now England, and is a resi-
dent tlii'oiiglioiit the year. Tho exceedingly interesting
description of its habits, by Wilson, is so fnll that I will give
it entire. He says: —

" About tho mitldle of May, the mido and female' look out for a
Rintablo plaoo for tlio reception of their o<^gH and yoiuig. An apple,
pear, or cherry tree — often in tho near neigld)orhood of the farm-
house— is generally fixed upon for tins purpose. Tho tree is mi-
initcly reconnoitred for several days previous to the operation ; and
the work is first begun by the male, who cuts out a hole in the solid
wood as circular as •'" described with a pair of compasses. He is
occasionally relieved by the female, both parties working with the
most indefatigable diligence. The direction of the hole, if made in
the body of the tree, is generally downwards, by an angle of thirty
or forty degrees, for tho distance of six or eight inches, and then
straight down for ten or twelve more: within, roomy, capacious,
and as smooth as if polished by the cabinet-maker; but the entrance
is judiciously left just so large as to admit the bodies of the owners.
Diu'ing this labor, they regularly carry out the chips, often strewing
them at a distance, to prevent suspicion. This operation sometimes
occupies the chief part of a week. Before she begins to lay, the
female often visits the place, passes out and in, examines every
part — both of the exterior and interior — with great attention
(as every prudent tenant of a new house ought to do), and at
lengtii takes complete possession. The eggs are generally six, —
pure-white, and laid on the smooth bottom of the cavity. The
male occasionally supplies the female with food while she is sitting ;
ind, about the last week in Jinie, the young are perceived making
their way up the tree, climbing with considerable dexterity. All
this goes on with great regularity where no interruption is met

THE DOWNY WOODPFCKKft.

01

nitli ; lint tlio llmiso Wren, wlio iiNo hiiilils in tlic liollow of a
tree, but who is mntlicr ftiniiNlicd with tlio noccsHnry tools nor
strength for excavntiiij; such iin iipartnuMit fur hinisflf. iillows tli«
woodpockors to go on till lie tliinkn it will luiswcr his purpose,
thou lUtiKskH thi'in with violonre, and generally surcccds in driving
them off. I siiw, somo weeks ngo, a striking example of this,
where the Woodpeckers wo nre now descriliing, after coniinencing
in 11 cherry-tree, within a few yards of tho houst;, and having made
consideralde progress, were turned out by the WrtMi. Tlu! former
began again on a pear-tree in tho garden, fifteen or twenty yards
otr, whence, after digging out a most complete apartment, and one
egg being laid, they were once more assaulted by tho same imper-
titient intruder, and finally forced to abandon tho place.

" The principal characteristics of this little bird are diligence,
familiarity, perseverance, and a strength and energy in tho bond
and muscles of the nock which are truly asttmishing. Mounted on
tlie infected branch of an oM apple-tree, where insects have lodged
their corroding and destructive brood in crevices between the bark
and wood, he labors sometimes for half an hour incessantly at the
same spot, before he has succeeded in dislodging and destroying
them. At these times, you may walk up pretty close to the tree,
and even stand immediately below it, within five or six feet of the
bird, without in the least embarrassing him. Tho strokes of his
bill are distinctly heard several hundred yards off; and I have
known him to be at work for two hours together on the same tree.
Buffon calls ;his ' incessant toil and slavery ; ' their attitude, ' a
painful posture ; ' and their life, ' a dull and insipid existence,' —
expressions improper because untrue, and absurd because con-
tradictory. The posture is that for which the whole organization
is particularly adapted ; and though to a Wren or a Humming-
bird the labor would be both toil and slavery, yet to him it is, I
am convinced, as pleasant and as amusing as the sports of the
chase to the hunter, or the sucking of flowers to the Humming-
bird. The eagerness with which he traverses the upper and lower
sides of the branches, the cheerfulness of his cry, and the liveli-
ness of his motions while digging into the tree and dislodging th«
vermin, justify this belief. lie has a single note, or chink, which,
like the former species, he frequently repeats ; and when he flies

::3

8

92

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

off, or aliglits on another tree, lie ntters a rather shriller cry, com-
posed of nearly tlie same kind of note, quickly reiterated. In ftill
and winter, he associates with the Titmouse, Creeper, «fec., both in
their wood and orchard excursions, and usually leads tho van. Of
all our Woodpeckers, none rid the apple-trees of so many vermin
as this, diiraii'g off the moss which the negligence of the proprie-
tor had suffered to accumulate, and probing every c-evice. In
fact, the orchard is his favorite resort in all seasons ; and his indus-
try is unequalled and almost incessant, which is more than can be
said of any other sjjccii's we have. In fall, he is particularly fond
of boring the apple-trees for insects, digging a circular hole through
tiie bark, just sufficient to admit h's bill ; after that, a second,
third. &c., in pretty regular horizontal circles round the body of
the tree : these parallel circles of holes are often not more than an
inch or an inch and a half apart, and sometimes so close together
that I have covered eight or ten of them at once with a dollar.
From nearly the surface of the ground up to the first fork, and
sometimes far beyond it, the whole bark of many apple-trees is
perforated in this maimer, so as to appear as if made by successive
.lischarges of buck-shot; and our little Woodpecker — the subject
af the present account — is the principal perpetrator of this sup-
posed mischief: I say supposed, for, so fiir from these perforations
of the bark being ruinous, they are not only harmless, but, I have
good reason to believe, really beneficial to the health and fertility
of the tree. I leave it to the philosophical botanist to account for
this ; but the fact I am confident of. In more than fifty orchards
which I have myself carefully examined, those trees which were
marked by the AVoodpecker (for some trees they never touch, per-
haps because not penetrated by insects) were uniformly the most
thriving, and seemingly the most productive. Many of these were
upwards of sixty years old, their trunks completely covered with
holes, while the branches were broad, luxuriant, and loaded with
fruit. Of decayed trees, more than three-fourths were untouched
l)y the Woodpecker. Several intelligent farmers, with whom I
have conversed, candidly acknowledge the truth of these observa-
tions, and with justice look upon these birds as beneficial : but the
roost common opinion is, that they bore the tree to suck the sap,
and so destroy its vegetation : though pine and other resinous trees,

THE DOWNY WOODPKCKER.

93

on the juices of whicli it is not pretended they feed, are often
found equally perforated. Were the sap of the tree their object,
the saccharine juice of the .birch, the sugar-maple, and several
others, would be much more inviting (because more sweet and
nourishing) than that of either the pear or apple tree ; but I have
not observed one mark on the former for ten thousand that may be
seen on the latter. Besides, the early part of spring is the season
when the sap flows most abundantly ; whereas, it is only during
the months of September, October, and November, that Wood-
peckers are seen so indefatigably engaged in orchards, probing
every crack and crevice, boring through the bark — and, what is
worth remarking, chiefly on the south and south-west sides of the
tree — for the eggs and larvae deposited there by the countless
s.varms of summer insects. These, if suffered to remain, wouhl
prey upon the very vitals — if I may so express it — of the tree,
and in the succeeding summer give birth to myriads more of their
race, equally destructive.

" Here, then, is a whole species, I may say genus, of birds,
which Providence seems to have formed for the protection of our
fruit and forest trees from the ravages of vermin, which every day
destroy millions of those noxious insects that would otherwise blast
the hopes of the husbanuuan; they even promote the fertility
of the tree, and, in return, are proscribed by those who ought to
have been their protectors, and incitements and rewards held out
for their destruction ! Let us examine better into the operations
of nature, and many of our mistaken opinions and groundless
prejudices will be abandoned for more just, enlarged, and humane
modes of thinking."

The nest and eggs are of the same description as the
Hairy Woodpecker's, except with regard to size ; the eggs
of the present species being considerably sinaUer on the
average, measuring from .73 to .77 inch in length, by
from .60 to .58 inch in breadth. I think that the nests of
this species, as of some others, are used for successive
seasons, as I have found apparently old uests occicpied by
breeding birds. I ani not aware that the Hairy Wood-
pecker uses tha same nest several seasons. The Downy

■a

K

1)4

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

Woodpecker sometimes roars two broods in the southern
portioii of New England; usually, but one.

PICOIDKS, Lacepede.

Picoides, Lacki-kde, Mem. Inst. (1709),

Bill about as loii^ as the head, vury much depressed at tLe base ; tlie outliiieA
uoarly straight ; the lateral ridge at its b.ise much nearer the commissure than ths
ruliiien, so as to bring the lar^o rather linear nostrils close to the edge of the com-
missure; tlie gonys very long, e(|ual to the distance Crom the nostrils to the tip of the
bill; feet with only three toes; the outer lateral a little longer than the inner, but
slightly exceeded by the hind toe, which is about equal to the tarsus; wings very
long, reaching beyond the middle of the tail; fourth and fifth quills longest; color
black, with a bruad |)atcli of yellow on the crown; transversely banded on the sides j
quills with round spots.

PICOIDES AECTICUS.— Graj/.
The Black-backed, Thrae-toed Woodpecker.

Pints (Apternus) arclicus. Sw. F. 15or. Am., U. (1831) 313.
Plcus arcticus. Aud. Syn. (1839) 182. Jb., Birds Amer., IV. (1842) 266. Nut-
tall, Man., 1. (23 ed. 1840) 6U1.

Picu's Iridactylus, Bonaparte. Am. Om., II. (1828) 14. Aud. Orn. Biog., II.

(1834).

Dkscription.

Above entirely uniform glossy bluish-black ; a square patch on the middle of the
crown saflron-yellow, and a few spots on the outer edges of both webs of the primary
and secondary quills ; beneath white, on the sides of the breast longitudinally striped,
and on the sides of the belly and on the flanks and tibial region banded transversely
with black; a narrow concealed white line from the eye a short distance backwards,
and a white stripe from the extreme forehead (meeting anteriorly) under the eye,
and down the sides of the neck; bristly feathers of the base of the bill brown; cx-
lioseil portion of the two outer tail feathers (first and second) white; bill bluish-black,
the lower mandible grayish-blue; iris bluish-black. Female, without yellow on the
head.

Length, about nine and a half inches; wing, five; tail, three eighty-five onc-
Imndredths.

This species is rare in the three southern New-England
States, where it is found only as a winter visitor. In the
others, it is not very abundant, and is only resident, in
the most northern sections, in the neighborhood of, or in, the
eleep forests and uninhabited districts, through the year.

Its habits arc similar to those of the other woodpeckers.
I have had abundant opportunities of noticing them, and
have discovered nothing peculiar in them, or worthy of re-

THE BANDED THREE-TOED WOOUPECKEU.

9o

mark. Its breeding liabits ar(i not well known ; but it
probably breeds in all tlie large forests of Northern Maine,
New Hampshire, and Vermont.

I was so fortunate as to find two nests in the month of
June, 1864, in the valley of the Magalloway River, about
forty miles north of Lake Umbagog, Me. Ihe holes were
both excavated in hemlock stumps, about ten feet from the
ground ; they were not over an inch and a half in diameter,
and were about ten inches in uepth : the bottom of the
hole formed the nest, which, as with the other species, was
nothing but a few chips and bits of wood. The hrst nest,
found on the 15th of June, had three young birds, appar-
ently about a week old. The second nest had three eggs :
these were of a beautiful clear-white color, and the shells
remarkably smooth to the touch. Their dimensions varied
only from .83 to .85 inch in length, by .75 to .77 inch in
breadth.

PICOIDES HISSDTUS.— G/flij/.

The Banded Three-toed Woodpecker.

Pictts hirmtus, Vieillot. Ois. Am. Sept., H. (1807) 68. And Orn. IJiog., V. 1ft,
39, 184. Jb., Birds Am., IV. (1842), pi. 269. Nutt. Man., I. (2d ed. 1840) 692.

Deschhtiox.

Black above; the back with transverse bands of white to the rump; a white line
I'rom behind the eye, widening on the nape, and a broader one under the eye troni
the loral region, but nut extending on the forehead; occiput and sides of the head
uniform black; quills spotted on both webs with white; under parts white; the sides
banded transversely with black; top of tliu head .'tpotted with white; the crown of
the male with a yellow patch; bill bluish-black; iris dark -hazel.

Length, about nine inches; wing, tour forty-live one-hundredths; tail, three
thirtj-five one-hundredths.

This bird is rarely found in New England, except in the
midst of severe winters, and then it seldom penetrates so
far south as Massachusetts. I have known of but two or
three specimens being obtained in this State, and never
heard of any being shot in the others south of it. Having
had no opportunities for observing its habits, 1 can add
nothing to our knowledge of this species.

id

in
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i)6

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

Sl'HYKAPICUS, Baird.

Pilumnus, Bonaparte. Consp. Zygod. Ateneo Itnliano, May, 1854. {P. (Ay.
rvidius.)

Bill 03 in /'ii::ij, but the lateral ridge, whicii is very prominent, running out dis-
liiR'tly to tt? c.iiim^.sure at about its middle, beyond which the bill is rounded
witlidut any an;;les at all; the culmcn and gonys are very nearly straight, but
>li«htly cunve.x, the bill tapering rapidly to a point; the lateral outline concave to
wry near the slightly bevelled tip; outer i)air of toes longest; the hinder exterior
rather limgest; the inner pcisterior toe very short, less than the inner «nterior with-
out its claw; wings long and pointed, the fourth longest; tail feathers very broad,
oUruptly acuminate, with a very long linear poinc.

SPHYSAPICUS VARIUS.— .BaW.

The Tellow-bellied Woodpecker.

Pkiif viiniis, Linnaius. Syst. Nat., L (1760) 15 8. Wilson, Am. Oru., L (1808)
147. Aud. Orn. liiug., U. (1834) 519.

Dksciui'tio.n.

Fourth quill longest; third a little shorter; fourth considerably shorter; general
color above black, much variegated with white; feathers of the back and rump
brownish-white, spotted w'th black; crown scarlet, bordered by black on the sides
iif the head and nape; a streak from above the eye, and another from the bristles of
the bill, passing below the eye and into the yellowish of the belly, .'(nd a stripe along
the edges of the wing coverts white; a triangular broad patch of scarlet on the chin,
bordered on each side by black stripes from the lower mandible, whicli meet behind,
and extend into a large quadrate spot on the breast; rest of under parts yellowish-
wliUc, streaked on the sides with black ; irner web of inner tail-feather white, spotted
witli black; outer feathers black, edged and spotted with white. Female, with the
red of the throat replaced by white. Young male, without black on the breast,
or red on the top of the head; iris dark-hazel.

Length, eight and a quarter inches; wing, about four and three-quarters; tail,
three thirty one-hundredths.

This bird is veiy irregularly distributed in New England
as a summer visitor. Verrill, in his Catalogue, before re-
ferred to, says that it is a common summer visitor, and
breeds at Norway, Me. J. A. Allen says, that near Spi'ing-
fiold " it is not common, and is only seen in fall and spring,
when migrating. I have never seen this species here in
summer, and do not think it breeds here ; though I am
informed by W. H. Niles that ' they breed plentifully on the
hills in Western Massachusetts, twenty or thirty miles west
of Springfield.' "

THE YELLOW-BELLIED WOOnrECKEIl.

91

So far as my own obsevvatiou lias been, it is not founcl at
:ill abundant in any part of those States ; and I think, that,
on the seaboard, it is rare.

It arrives from the South, from about tlie 10th to the 20th
of April, and soon commences pairing. I have never noticed
any great peculiarity in its habits. It seems to prefer the
woods to the more open districts, and vci; seldom indeed
makes its appearance, in the breeding season, in the orchards
and nurseries, where, as it is often said by persons wlio are
prejudiced, it does considerable damage in boring into apple-
trees and sucking the sap ; hence it is called the " Sap-
sucker." I am not sufficiently acquainted with its habits, in
the Western States, to say positively that it does not eat
some of the inner bark of trees, when in j)ursuit of its
favorite insect-food ; but I cannot help thinking that tho
denunciations of it, so often seen in the Western papers,
arc exaggerated.

Dr. Bryant, who has paid some attention to the examina-
tion of the food of this bird, gives, in the " Proceedings of
the Boston Society of Natural History," vol. X. 91, the fol-
lowing remarks : —

" It has long been known that some of our smaller woodpeckers
pick out portions of the sound bark of trees, particularly of apple-
trees, where there are no larvaj, and apparently no inducement for
them to do so. Wliat their object is has never been satisfactorily
established. In Massachusetts, I am not aware that these holes
are ever sufficiently large or numerous to cause any material injury
to the apple-trees : they are generally seen in circles round tlie
limbs or trunks of small irregularly rounded holes, and in this
vicinity are made almost exclusively by the Downy Woodpecker
(P. pubescens), aided occasionally by the Hairy Woodpecker (P.
villosus). In certain parts of the West, however, it is said that
great damage is done to orchards by the Yellow-bellied Wood-
pecker (S. vorius) ; and Dr. Hoy, of Racine, Wis., has advanced
the theory that the object of the bird in so doing is to obtain the
inner bark for food. A number of specimens of this bird, for
ward^id by Dr. Hoy to the Smithsonian Institution, have been

7

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J 1:1

9b

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

placed in my hands hy Professor T^aird for exaniiimtion : as tlio
specimens are alcoholic, the soft parts arc, as is always the case,
too much distorted to he avaiiabh^ for correct coni[)arisoiis ; the
gizzard, however, seems smaller, and the proventriculus larger, than
in other species of this family with which I have compared them.
The contents of the stomach are berries, small coleoptera, larva; of
boring beetles, ants, and fragments of the inner bark of the apple-
tree."

After giving minute analyses of the characteristics of the
tongues and portions of the skulls of the different small
woodpeckers, and comparing them with the Yellow-bellied
Woodpecker's, showing how the latter differ from the others,
he says : —

" The general sliape of the whole tongue is not much unlike that
of the Robin ; the ciliated edges show an analogy to the Meliphn
(jidfe, and indicate that the sap of the trees pecked by them may
form a portion of their food. In the stomachs of the six individuals
examined by me, fragments of the inner bark were found in all, so
that it can hardly be presumed to have been accidentally introduced.
It is evident, from the shape of the tongue, that it is not used as a
dart, in the manner of the true Woodpecker, to draw out insects
from their lurking-places, but that these are seized by the bill, as in
other insectivorous birds. Insects, however, probably form their
chief diet, as all the stomachs examined also contained insects, the
quantity of which was greater than that of the fragments of bark:
in one bii'd, there were two larvie of a boring beetle, so large that
there was not room for both in the stomach at once, and one re-
mained in the lower part of the oesophagus. If these were, as is
probable, the larvre of the Saperda, they would do more damage
than twenty woodpeckers ; and I sincerely hope that these birds are
not to be exterminated, unless it is clearly demonstrated that the
injury caused by the destructioii of the bark is not more than com-
pensated by their destruction of noxious insects."

About the 1st of May, the Yellow-bellied Woodpecker
commences excavating its hole, which is usually iu a de-
cayed tree in the woods, but occasionally in a sound tree.

.sr^

THE PILEATED WOODPECKER.

09

This excavation is often eighteen or twenty inches deep. It
is not lined with any soft material, and the eggs arc depos-
ited on chips of the wood left in the bottom. These are
usually five in number ; they are of a pure-white color, and
small for the size of the bird, measuring from .82 to .86 inch
in length, by from ,74 to ,77 inch in brcadtli.

HYLATOMUS, Baird.

Dryotomus, MAi,nBRBK, Mem. Ac. Metz. (1849) 822. (Not of Swainson, 1H31.)
Dryopicus, Poxap. Consp. Zygod. in Aten. Ital. (May, 1854). (Not of Malherbe.)

Bill a little Innger than the head; considerably depressed, or broader than high
at the base; shaped much as in Cam/iephilus, except shorter, and without the bristly
feathers directed forwards at the base of the lower jnw; gonya almiit half the length
of tho commissure; tarsus shorter than any toe except the inner posterior; outer
posterior toe shorter than the outer anterior, and a little 'onger than the inner
anterior; inner posterior verj* short, not half the outer anterior, about half the inner
anterior one.

Tail long, graduated, the longer feathers much incurved at the tip; wing longer
than the tail, reaching to the middle of the exposed surface of tail, considerably
graduated, though pointed, the fourth and fifth quills longest.

Color uniform black, with white pauhes on the side of the head; head rrith
Dointed crest.

HYLATOMUS PILEATUS. — Bnirrr.
The Pileatod Woodpecker; Log Cock.

Picuf pileatm,'lAnnsp.v!>. Syst. Nat., I. (ITGfi) 173. Vioill. Ois. .\m. Sept., IT.
(1807) 58. Wilson, Am. Orn., IV. (1811) 27. And. Orn. Biog., II. (1834) 74.

DKSCmPTION.

Eourth and fifth quills (^qual and longest, third intermediate between the sixth
and seventh; bill blue-black; general color of body, wings, and tail, dull greenish-
black; a narrow white streak from just above the eye to the occiput, a wider one
from the nostril feathers (inclusive) under the eye and along tho side of the head and
neck ; side of the breast (concealed by the wing), axillaries, and under wing coverts,
»Tid concenled bases of all the quills, with chin and beneath the head, white, tinged
witli sulphur-yellow; entire crown, from the base of the bill to a well-developed
occipital crest, as also a patch on the ramus of the lower jaw, scarlet-red; a few
white crescents on the sides of the body and on the abdomen; iris very dark hazel.

Female without the red on the cheek, and the anterior half of that on the top
)f the head replaced by black.

Length, about eighteen inches; wing, nine and a half inches.

Tliis species is a resident in the northern districts of
New England throughout the year. It has been known

i3

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S

100

OUNITHOLOGir AND OOLOGY.

to breed in llassadiusctts ; but, as a gonoral thing, it ia not
found south of the northern border of this State, Verrill,
in liis Catah)guo of Maine birds, before referred to, says
" it is a common resident, and breeds : " he also says it is
" most common in winter."

Tlie great size and strength of this bird enable it to
pierce into and tear apart the decaying trees in which its
food is l)iirrowing, with wonderful facility and ease. 1 have
at times, in ])assing tln-ough the forest, found huge trees
tliat liad died and fallen to the ground, with their bark
stripped off, and large chips torn out, as if some animal had
been at work on them ; and I always supjioscd that a bear
had l)ecn amusing himself, as those aninuds sometimes do,
in this employment. One day I discovered the author of
the demolition, and it i)roved to be the Pileated Woodpecker.
WJiile seated in the woods near the settlemerit known as
Wilson's Mills in Maine, I heard a large animal, as I sup-
posed, rooting and tearing into a dead tree a few rods off. I
crept up near the sound, hoping to get a shot at a bear, when
I discovered this bird, which looked very much like a black
hen, busily at work. He was searching for the borers and
large Idack ants that hide beneath the bark ; and so earnestly
was he employed, that he permitted mo to approach very
near him. He would force his powerful bill, by repeated
strokes, into the bark, in holes in a direct line with the
grain, until he had marked out a patch, perhaps six or eight
Miches square, and then, striking into it diagonally, tear it
off, thus exposing the living vermin beneath, which he lost
no time in securing. After clearing that spot, he moved to
another, and repeated the same operation, until, by a sud-
den movement, I startled him, when he flew off, uttering
a rattling cackle similar to that of a garrulous hen. His
flight was similar to that of the other woodpeckers de-
scribed in another place in this volume. In addition to
insects, this Woodpecker eats acorns, beech-nuts, berries,
and Indian corn, but is not at all troublesome to farmers;

TUE PILEATED WOODPECKER.

101

and tlio little that it pilfers is much more than rojtaid hy
the inuneuse numbers of injurious larvoe that it destroys.

Wilson, in a very interesting account of the general
habits of this bird, says : —

" Almost every trunk in tlii' forest where ho resides hears tho
marks of his chisel. Whertiver lie jiereeives a tree lieginiiiiig to
decay, he examines it round and round with great skill and dex-
terity, strips off' tlie bark in sheets of five or six feet in length, to
get at the hidden cause of the disease, and labors with a gayety and
activity really surprising. lie is sometimes observed among the
iiills of ladian corn, and it is said by some that he frequently feeds
on it. Complaints of this kind are, however, not general ; many
farmers doubting the fact, and conceiving that at these times he is
in search of insects which lie concealed in tiie husk. I will Tiot bo
positive that they never occasionally taste maize, yet I have opened
and examined great numbers of these birds, killed in various jjarts
nf the United States, from Lake Ontario to the Alatamaha River,
but never found a grain of Inilian corn in their stomachs."

Audubon in his description of the breeding habits of this
bird says, —

" The hole was about eighteen inches deep, and I could touch
the bottom with my hand. The eggs, which were laid on frag-
ments of chips expressly left by the birds, were six, large, wiiite,
and translucent. Before the woodpeckers began to set, I robbed
them of their eggs, to see if they would lay a second time. They
waited a few days, as if undecided, when, on a sudden, I heard the
female at work again in the tree. She once more deepened
the hole, made it broader at the bottom, and recommenced laying.
This time she laid five eggs. I suffered her to bring out her young,
both sexes alternately incubating, each visiting the other at inter-
vals, peeping into the hole to see that all was right and well there,
and flying off" afterwards in search of food."

i3

§

102

OUNITUOLOOY AND OOLOOV.

MKLANKKl'KS, Swai.nson.

AMmerpei, Swainson, F. B. A.. II. (1801) (type iV. erythrocephnlut).

Hill nliout I'ljuul to the licail, lironiliT llriii hi^li nt the biitie, l)ut bccoininff com-
pressed immediiilely anterior to the coiiiriitiicciueiit of the i,'onys| culiiK'n and ^onya
with a moderately decided an»,'uhir ridjfei both decidedly curved from the very
biiMi" a ralhcr (U'(jminent iiciite rid^u cuiiimences at tliu l)ui*c of tlic mundil)le, a litt|)>
hclow the riil^e of the cidmcn, and pr'>ceeds hut a short distance anterior to the nov
trils (aliout one-tliird of the way), when it filiikH down, and the bill in then smooth;
the lateral outlines are he"''.v' concave from the basal two-thirds, then KC'tly convex
lo the tip, which does not exhibit uny abrupt bevelling; nostrils open, broadly ovul,
not concealed l)y the feathers, nor entirely basal; the outer puir of toes ecpial; winga
Ion),', broad; thinl and fourth i|uills longest; tail feathers broad.

The species all have the l)ack black, without any spots or streaks anywhere.

M£LAN£BP£S ESYTHEOCEPHALDS. — Swaimon.

The Eed-beaded Woodpecker.

PicuB trythrociphnlus, Linnaius. Syst. Nut., I. (1706) 174.
I. (1810) Wi. Aud. Orn. Biog., I. (1832).

Wilson, Am. Orn.,

Dk JHIPTIOU.

Head and neck all round crimson-red, margined by a narrow crescent of binck
on the upper part of the breast; back, primary quills, and tall, bluish-black; under
parts generally, a broad band across the middle of tlie wing, ai^d the rump white;
iris hazel; bill and feet bluish-black. The female is not diO'erent.

Length abo"': nine and three-quarters inches; wing, five and a half.

This hantJsome Woodpecker is a not very common summer
inhabitant of New England. It makes its appearance from
the South about the 10th of May. Its habits are similar to
those of the other species ; and I recollect nothing of any
importance that is peculiar to them except, perhaps, that
these ))irds seem to be much fonder of the small fruits than
cither of the others. Wilson says of this fact : —

" AVherever there is a tree, or trees, of the wild cherry, covered
with ripe fruit, there you see them busy among the brauchea; and,
in passing orchards, yo!i may easily know where to find tlie earliest,
sweetest apples, by observing those trees on or near which the
Il(^(l-headed Woodpecker is skulking: for he is so excellent a con-
noisseur in fruit, that, wherever an apple or pear is found broached
by him, it is sure to be among the ripest and best flavored. Wheu

Rkd-ueaukd

3

■1

8

ReD-imAUUu Woodheckkr, Melanerpes eryllirorip^alut. Swainaon.

nluriiitid, lit)
it, uiul Ik'iu
rich, Buccu
()|)cniii{( a
t'eediiig on
(;omnioti an
rotreuts, wl
tbnd of the
\ iuits tu tht
often uppro
unci weathu
half a dozu
erating aro
and playing
gambols,
resembles \
tree, that i
other.

" Such t
of the Red
haH been st
meritorioiu
fact, the 1
offered prt
destruction
exist, thej
usefulness
vices, let n
as we can

" Thou|
natural an
and destn
tree to de
known to
is evident
length, eh
position 0

THE RRD-IIRADKD WOODrKCKKtl.

109

nlurined, lie ii«izt>H a cupitikl one by H(rikiiig liis u|H)U bill drop iiilu
it, und b('iu'8 it oil' to tlio woods. When tlio Indian corn Im in it«
rich, Bucenk-nt, milky ftato, ho nttiu'ks it with nvoat cafjerm •*>«,
opening a pattHngu through tliu nuincrous t'oIdH of tiio hii'^k, aii<l
t'evding on it with voracity. The girdled or diailenfid tindicr, m
<;oninion among corn-fitdds in the Imok settleniiMits. aro IiIh f'avorito
rotreats, whenco he lullieH out to make lii.s dt'pi't'datioii.s. He in
Ibnd of the ripe bcries of the sour gum, ami pays prt-tty regular
visits to the cherry-trees, when loaded with fruit. Towards fall, he
often approaches the barn or farm-house, and rajis on the shingles
and weather-boards : ho is of a gay and frolicsome disposition ; and
half a dozen of the fraternity are frecpjently seen diving and vocif-
erating around the high, dead limbs of some largo tree, pursuing
and playing with each other, and anuising the passenger with their
gambols. Their note, or cry, is shrill and lively ; and so much
resembles that of a species of tree-frog, which fre(iuents the same
tree, that ifc is sometimes difficult to distinguish the one from the
other.

" Such are the vicious traits, if I may so speak, in the character
of the Red-headed Woodpecker; and I doubt not but, from what
has been said on this subject, that some readers would consider it
meritoriouB to exterminate the whole tribe as a nuisance ; and, in
fact, the legislatures of some of our provinces, in former times,
offered premiums to the amount of twopence per head for their
destruction.* But let us not condema the species unheard : they
exist, they must therefore be necessary. If their merits and
usefulnebs be found, on examination, to preponderate against their
vices, let us avail ourselves of the former, while we guard as well
as we can against the latter.

" Though this bird occasionally regales himself on fruit, yet his
natural and most useful food is insects, particularly those numerous
and destructive species that penetrate the bark and body of the
tree to deposit their eggs and larvne, the latter of which are well
known to make immense havoc. That insects are his natural food
is evident from the construction of his wedge-formed bill, the
length, elasticity, and figure of his tongue, and the strength and
position of his claws, as well as from his usual habits. lu fact,

1 Kalm.

104

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGV,

insects form at least two-thirds of his subsistence ; and iiis stomach
is scarcely ever found without them. He searches for them with a
dexterity and intelligence, I may safely say, more than human : he
jierceivcs, by the exterior appearance of the bark, where they lurk
b(!knv ; when he is dubious, he rattles vehemently on the outside
with his bill, and his acute ear distinguishes the terrified vermin
slii'inking within to their inmost retreats, wliere his pointed and
barbed tongue soon reaches them. The masses of bugs, cater-
jullars, and other larvie, which I have taken from the stomachs
of these birds, liave often surprised me. These larvie, it should be
remendiered, feed not only on the buds, leaves, and blossoms, but
on ilie very vegetable life of the tree, — the alburnum, or newly
forming biirk and wood. The consequence is, that the whole
branches and whole trees decay under the silent ravages of these
destructive vermin ; witness the late destruction of many hundred
acres of i)ine-trees in the north-eastern parts of South Carolina,
and the thousands of peach-trees that yearly decay from the same
cause. Will any one say, that, taking half a dozen, or half a
hundred, ajjples from a tree, is equally ruinous with cutting it
down ? or tliat the services of a useful animal should not be
rewarded witli a small portion of that which it has contributed to
preserve ? We are told, in the benevolent language of the Scrip-
lures, not to muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the
corn ; and .hy should not the same generous liberality be ex-
tended to this useful ftimily of birds, which forms so pov erful a
phalanx against the inroads of many millions of destructive ver-

min f

?"

About the middle of May, tins species pairs, and soon
commences excavating a hole in a tree, either in the woods
or orchard, as he is not particular in his choice. This work
is done by both the birds, who labor with industry and
cheerfulness until the excavation is finished ; this is from
fourteen to eighteen inches deep, and, like those of other
woodpeckers, is roomy at the bottom, and tapering gradually
to the entrance, which is only large enough for the comfort-
able passage of tlie bird : it is not lined, but the bottom ia
partly covered with chips from the sides of the hole. The

THE GOLDEN-WINGED WOODrECKER.

105

eggs are generally five or su in number, and of a beautiful
clear-white. Dr. Thompson says, in his " Birds of Ver-
mont," that " they are marked with reddish spots at the
large end." This was a mistake ; I'or the eggs of wood-
peckers are always immaculate. The shell is smoother
than that of any other woodpecker's egg of my acquaint-
ance. Length of specimens vary from 1.07 to 1.12 inch,
breadth from .77 to .84 inch.

COLAPTES, SwAixsoN.

Colnptes, SwAixsos, Zool. Jour., III. (Dec. 1627) 353 (type C. aurntus).

Bill slender, depressed at the base, then compressed; culiiien much curved; gonys
9tral};ht, both with acute ridges, and coming to quite a sharp point with the com-
missure at the end; the bill consequently not truncate at the end; no ridges on the
bill; nostrils basal, mediiin, oval, and exposed; gonys very short, about half the
culinen; feet large, the anterior outer toe considerably longer than the posterior; tail
long, exceeding the secondaries, the feathers suddenly acuminate, with elongated
points.

COLAPTES ADEATUS. — Swaiiison.

The Golden-winged Woodpecker; Flicker; Pigeon Woodpecker.

Picu8 am-ntus, LinnKus. Syst. Nat. (1766) 174. Wilson, Am. Orn., I. (1810) 46.
Aud. Orn. Diog., I. (1832) 191.

Desckiption.

Shafts and under surLces of wing and tail feathers gamboge-yellow; a black
patch on each side of the cheek ; a red crescent on the nape ; throat and stripe
beneath the eye pale lilac-brown; back glossed with olivaceous-green; female with-
out the black cheek patch ; a crescentic patch on the breast, and rounded spots on
the belly, black ; back aud wing coverts with interrupted transverse bands of black ;
neck above and sides ashy.

Length, about twelve and a half inches ; wing, six.

This is a very common summer inhabitant of New Eng-
land. It is probably the most abundant of all the wood-
peckers, and is very generally known. It is in the southern
districts of these States a resident throughout the year;
and in Massachusetts I have often met with it in midwin*^^;n',
when the season was not of the mildest either. They begin
to arrive from the south at about the second week in
March.

:3

n

8

106

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

Tlio habits of this bird arc so well known, that any
description hero sccnis to be a work of supererogation.
About the first week in ]\Iay, the males begin to pay court
to tlie females ; at this period their movements arc amusing.

" Tlicir note is merriment itself, as it imitates a pi'olonged and
jovial laugh, heard at a considerable distance. Several males pur-
sue a female, reach her, and, to prove the force and truth of tlieir
love, how tlicir heads, spread their tails, and move sidewise, back-
wards, and forwards, performing such antics as might induce any one
witnessing them, if not of a most morose temper, to join his laugh
to theirs. Tiie female flies to another tree, wliere she is closely fol-
lowed Vy one, two, or even half a dozen of these gay suitors, and
where again the same ceremonies are gone through. No fightings
occur, no jealousies seem to exist among these beaux, until a marked
preference is shown to some individual, when the rejected proceed
in search of another female. In this manner, all the Golden-
winged Woodpeckers are soon happily mated. Each pair imme-
diately proceed to excavate the trunk of a tree, and finish a hole in
it sufficient to contain themselves and tlieir young. They both
work witli great industry and apparent pleasure. Should the male,
for instance, be employed, the female is close to him, and congratu-
lates him on the removal of every chip which his bill sends
through the air. While he rests, he appears to be speaking to her
oil the most tender subjects, and when fatigued is at once assisted
by her. In this manner, by the alternate exertions of each, the
hole is dug and finished." — Audubon.

This is often as much as twenty inches in depth, and in
a solid tree very often at that. On the bottom of this hole,
the female lays six pure-white eggs : these are generally of
uniform ovoidal shape, and vary in size from 1 to 1.16 inch
in length, by from .82 to .92 in breadth.

When the eggs are removed, the female, after a couple
of days' deliberation, lays another litter ; and I have known
of this being repeated several times by a bird that was
unwilling to leave the nest which she and her mate had
been at so much labor to prepare. Instances have occurred

13

ill

§

GoLUEN-wiNGRD WooDPKCKKB, Colaptet auratus. Swainson.

of this
days, the
three bci
cies con
greedily
tion of i1
seldom I
always h
her on tl
attacked
oiislaugh
one broc

THE GOLDEN-WINGED WOODPECKER.

107

of this bird's laying eighteen or twenty eggs in a few
days, they being removed as soon as laid, and only two or
three being left in the nest at a time. Tlie food of this spe-
cies consists of insects, berries, and grains. Ants are
greedily eaten by it, and constitute no inconsiderable por-
tion of its diet. On visiting the nest at night, I have very
seldom been able to catch the old bird in it; she almost
always heard my approach, and took flight : once I caught
her on the nest; but, as I put my hand in to secure her, she
attacked it with fierce pecks of her bill, and made such an
onslaught that I was glad to permit her to escape. But
one brood is reared in the season.

■:3
8

108

OUMTHOLOGY ANU OOLUGY.

ORDER III. — INSESSORES. Perchers.

»*

Ii! accordance with the views of many systematic writers,
U may perhaps be as well to retain un order Insessores, and to
place in it the Strbores, Glamatores, and Oscincs as sub-orders.
The characters of the order will then consist chiefly in the posses-
sion of three toes in front and ore behind (or, at least, never with
two toes directed backwards), as in Scansores. The claws are not
retractile, nor the bill with a cere, as in the Raptores ; nor is the
hind toe situated appreciably above the plane of the others, as in
Rnsores, Grallatores, and Nututores.

Tlie hind toe of the Insessores corresponds to the thumb or
inner toe of the mammals, and is usually quite short. The joints
of the anterior toes generally follow the law of number character-
istic of birds ; namely, two to the hinder, three to the iinier, four
to the middle, and five to the outer toes : but a deviation is seen in
some Strisores, where there are sometimes but three joints each to
the anterior toes, and sometimes only four in the outer. The tarsi
are generally covered anteriorly with plates, and furnished behind
with granulations or small scales, or else with two long plates
covering the sides, the latter feature especially characteristic of the
Oscines, or singing-birds : in the latter alone is the tarsus some-
times covered anteriorly with a single plate. Sometimes the tarsus
is entirely or partly naked, or destitute of plates altogether.

The car])al joint or the hand part of the wing is in most
Insessores furnished with ten quills (primaries), although the first
quill is sometimes very short, or even entirely wanting, as in many
Oscines. The fore-arm has from six (in the Humming-birds) to
thirteen quills, the average being eight or nine.

There are certain peculiarities in the arrangement of he
wing coverts of the different sub-orders of Insessores, constituting
important distinctive features. Some of these will be hereafter
referred to.

ORDER III.

• INSESSOBES.

10!)

Tlio tail of the Insessores exhibits considerable differences.
The number of feathers is usually twelve ; sometimes ten only, as
in tlie Sln'sores.

The different groujis of the order Lispssnres are subject to con-
siderable variations in respect to the structure of the lower larynx
attached to the trachea or windpipe just anterior to its division
into the two bronchial tubes. Cuvier long since showed, that the
true singing-birds had the larynx provided with a i»eculiar appa
ratus for the purpose of eff'ecting a modulation of the voice,
composed of live pairs of muscles, of which other birds were
destitute in greater part, or entirely. The characteristic of tiie
groups Strisores, Clamatores, and Osciiies, and of their subdivisions,
as will be shown hereafter, depend very much on these peculiarities
of the larynx.

The tongue of the Insessores varies to a considerable degree.
In the Humming-birds, it is thread-like and bifurcated. In most
other insessorial or perching birds, it is long or short, flat, and
triangular, the posterior extremity bilobed, the anterior usually
with the tip horny, serrated, or with fibres, more rarely smooth.
Tliese furnish important characteristics for the division into familieH.
and even genera ; the variations being quite considerable.

See Introduction, and vol. IX., Pacific R.R. Reports, 128.

3

!?

no

OUNITUOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

SUB-ORDER STRISORES.

Familt TUOCIIILIDiE. Tin: IIuMMiNG-niRDS.

There is no prnup of birds so interesting to flie omitliologlst or to the caiuai
ob8cr\'cr as the Iluinminff-'iirda; at once tlie smallest in size, tlie most gorgeoiwly
beautiful in i.ulor, iiml almost the most abundant in species of any single family of
birds. They are strictly confined to the continent and islands of America, and are
most abundant in the Centnil-Amerii'nn States; though single species range almost
to the Arctic regions on the north and to Patagonia on the south, as well as from
the scacoast to the frozen summits of the Andes. The number of known species
considerably exceeds three hundred, and new ones are being constantly brought to
light; so tliat an estimate of four hundred species is, perhaps, not too large. Many
are very limited m their range; some confined to particular islands, even though of
small dimensions.

The bill of the Humming-bird is awl-shaped or subulate, thin, and shar))-
pointed, straight or curved; sometimes as long as the head, sometimes much
longer. The mandibles are excavated to the tip for the lodgement of the tongue,
and form a tube by the close apposition of their cutting edges. There is no indica-
tion of stiff bristly feathers at the base of the mouth. The tongue has some resem-
blance to that of the Woodpeckers in the elongation of the comua backwards,
so as to pass round the back of the skull, and then anteriorly to the base of the
bill. The tongue itself is of very peculiar structure, consisting anteriorly of two
hollow threads closed at the ends and united behind. Tho food of the Ilumming-
bird consists almost entirely of insects, which are captured by protruding the tongue
into flowers of various shapes, without opening the bill very wide.

The wings of the Iluniining-birds are long and falcate; the shafts very strong;
the primaries usually ten in number, the first always longest; there are six seconda-
ries. The tail has but ten feathers. The feet are small; the claws verj* sharp and
strong!

The species known to inhabit the United States, though few, are yet nearly twice
as many as gi\'cn by Mr. Audubon. It is probable that additional ones will here-
afler be detected, particularly on our southern borders.

The different authors who have mnde a specialty of the Humming-birds have
named a great ninny sub-families and genera; but there has as yet been no published
systematic description of the higher groups. It is probable that the North-Ameri-

1 iMost of the above general remarks arc borrowed from Burmeister (Thiers Bra-
lilicns, Vogel, 311), to which I would rel'er for an excellent article on the structure
and habits of Ilununing-birds.

THE RUHY-THRO.\Ti:i) IIUMMlNU-UlUn.

Ill

c«n spocios hdong to twn (liftiTpnt sub-fnmilins, — flm I.nmpnmiOihur nnil the 7V<v
cMlimr, — 1111(1 to nt lenst t'cmr k<'I1''i''i; hut tlic precise clianirter ami liniits (if these I
am iiniible Id ^i^'e- Tliu Inlhjwiii^ remarkR, however, may serve to sketch out the
tlinrat'tcr!) ol' the Xortli-Amerieun species; —

A. F.dgea of mandiblo serrnted near tlie end; throat without metallic, scale-like
feathers.

Lnmjxti-m.i. — Bill depressed, slightly curved; tail broad, sliKhtly emari^inate, tho
outer I'eatlier an broad as the rest; wings reaching tlie tip of tail; no metallio
feathers on tlie throat.

H. Edges of mandible nenrlj* even towards the tip, without distinct serrations |
throat with metallic, scale-like feathers.

Trnclitliis. — l'>atliors of throat but little elongated laternllj'; lateral tail feathers
but little narrower than the others, and lanceolate-aeute; tail forked.

Scldfphorus. — Feathers of tlie throat much elongated laterally into a rulF; lateral
tail feathers much narrower than the middle ones, and linear in shape, or with the
sides parallel to the end, which is rounded; tail graduated or cuncate; outer primary
attenuated at the tip; crown without metallic scales.

AtlliU. — Similar to the last, but the top of the head with metallic scales like the
throat; the outer primary not attenuated; tail emarginated, or deeply forked.

TROCIIILUS, LiNN.Eiis.

TEOCHILUS COLUBEIS — Limceus.
The Uuby-'.hroated Humming-bird,

Ti-oclibis colubris, JAnnfewa. Syst. Nat., I. (17CG) ini. Wilson, Am. Om., 11.
(1810) 20. Aud. Om. Biog., I. (1832) 248. lb., Birds Amcr., IV. (1S42) 190.
Ornismyn coliibris, Deville. Rev. et. Mag. Zool. (May, 1S52) (habits).

DEScnimoN.

Tail in the male deeply forked, the feathers all narrow lanceolate-acute; in the
females lightly rounded and emarginatc; the feathers bro.idcr, though pointed; male,
uniform metallic-green above; a ruby-red gorget with no conspicuous ruff; a white
collar on the throat; sides of body greenish; tail feathers uniformly brownish-violet;
female, without the red on the throat; the tail is rounded and emarginate, the
inner feathers shorter than the outer; the tail feathers banded with black, and
the outer tipped with white; no rufous or cinnamon on the tail in either sex.

Length, three and twentj'-five onc-hundredths inch; wing, one and sixty one-
liundredths; tail, one and twenty-live one-hundredths inch; bill, sixty-live ono-
hundrcdths.

s

THIS beautiful little wiuged gem is distributed tin mgh-
out New England as a summer visitor. It arrivea
from tho south from about the lotli to the 25th of Mc.y,
according to latitude, and usually in pairs. The first notice
that we havo of his arrival is a humming, sound, and now

U-2

ORNITHOLOliV AND OOLOOY.

and tluMi a sliarp diirp. like that of a lar^^c boetlo, among
tlic oarliest llowx-rs in tlio gardtMi. W<; look in the dircdioi\
of the sound, and pcrcoivo our littlo stranger darting ahout,

m

->?;'

and thrusting his bill and little head into the flowers,
busily searching for the small insects tliat inhabit them,
and which constitute the principal part of his food. While
we are looking at him, he suddenly alights on a twig,
turns his gorgeous throat towards us, and scans us with
his bright little black eyes. While he is perched, he busies
himself in arranging his plumage, and cleaning from his
feathers the droi)s of dew that have perhaps fallen upon
him, uttering occasionally his merry chirp ; presently his
mate appears, and alights by his side. The little lovers (for
they are still such) then indulge in mutual caresses, and
apparently talk over with much earnestness their plans for
future housekeeping. Woe to another humming-bird, if he
comes in sight! for our little friend is not only jealoiis
of liis mate, biit is very quarrelsome also, and protects his
honor with great courage. As he darts otT like a bullet at
the intruder, his mate watches with no little interest for the
results of the battle that is inevitable. The two males meet
in the air, and fierce is the contest ; their littlo wings beat
the air with such force that their humming is heard at the

Tin- UUUY-TimOATKI) lirMMINC-IlIIMi.

1X3

(li«taiicc of sovenil rods ; up they mount, rushing against
and striking each other witii their sharp little liills, until
they are hoth U)st to the sigiit: presently our ac(|UuintanL'i)
descends to the twig where; his mate is seated, and stmts
heforo her with a pride much hirger than his l»ody, ap-
parently anxioua for her approval of his courage. .Sho
caresses him ; and, after he has adjusted his plumage, oil'
they shoot lor other scenes and pleasures.

Aliout the first week in June, the llnnuuing-hird com-
mences building its nest: this is comj)osed of a soft down,
that is taken from the stems of some of tho ferns ; it is
covered entirely with lichens, which are glued on with the
saliva of the bird, giving it the appearance of a mossy knot.
It is usually built on the upper side of a limb ; but I have
known of cases of its being built in a forked twig. The
whole fabric is about an inch and a half in diameter, and
about that in depth externally ; it is hollowed about half an
inch, and is three-fourths of an inch in diameter internally;
it is lined with soft, downy substances detached from flying
seeds. The eggs are two in number, white, and nearly
elliptical in shape, being of about equal size at ])oth ends.
Length of eggs, about .45 inch; l)readth, about ..31 inch. 1
am inclined to think, that, in the latitude of New England,
this bird raises only one brood in the season ; but further
south it undoubtedly rears two. The period of incubation
is ten days.

On approaching tho nest, tho parent bird immediately
flies at the intruder; and it was by this means that I have
been enabled to find specimens of the nests, when I could
not possibly have done so if their locality had not been
betrayed by the bird herself. I have heard of young birds
being taken from the nest when nearly fledget , kept for
several weeks, and fed with nothing but sweetened water ;
but they always died after a short confinement, and I believe
that it is impossible to keep this i^ird as a pet, from the

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114

OUNirilOI.OOY AND OOLOCV,

fact that its actual food is insects, and it cannot live on anv
other.

Wilson gives tlio folIi)\ving facts in rehition to tliis. IIo
says : —

'*Tlii' siii^'iiliirity <>f tl'i'^ litMo Itlnl has indiicod miiny .iiersoim to
uHtiiijit to iiiisc tlicm t'loin tho iicst, and accustom tlicm to tlio
atffo. Mr. (uircr, of Kaiifax County, Va., a gentluman who lum
paid groat attention to tlio manners and {jcculiarities of our native
Itirds. told mo that lie raised and kept two, for somo months, in ii
ca^'c, supplying tlicm with honey dissolved in water, on which they
readily fed. As the sweetness of the liquid frequently brought
small flies and gnats about the cage and cup, tho birds amused
themselves by snapping at them on wing, and swallowing them
with eagerness, so that these insects formed no inconsideraolo part
of their fooil. Mr. Charles Wilson Peale, proprietor of the
Museum, tells me that he had two young Humming-birds, which
he raised from the nest. They used to fly about the room, and
would frequently perch on ^Vfrs. Peale's shoulder to bo fed. When
the sun shone strongly in tho char jor, he lias observed them dart-
ing after the motes that floated in the light, as Flycatchers would
after flics. In the summer of 1803, a nest of young Humming-
birds was brought me, that were nearly fit to fly. One of them
actually flew out by the window the same evening, and, falling
against a wall, was killed. The other refused food, and the next
morning I could but just perceive tliat it had life. A lady in the
house undertook to be its nurse, placed it in her bosom, and, as it
began to revive, dissolved a little sugar in her mouth, into wliich
she thrust its bill, and it sucked with great avidity. In this man-
ner, it was brought up until fit for the cage. I kept it upwards
of three months, supplied it wiih loaf sugar dissolved in water,
which it preferred to honey and water, gave it fresh flowers every
morning sprinkled with the liquid, and surrounded the space in
which I kej)t it with gauze, that it might not injure itself. It
appeared gay, active, and full of spirit, hovering from flower to
flower as if in its native wilds ; and always expressed, by its
motions and chirping, great pleasure at seeing fresh flowers intro-
duced to its cage. Numbers of people visited it from motives of
curiosity ; and I took every precaution to preserve it, if possible,

TIIK RUBV-TIIKOATKI) IIUMMINCMtlUD.

116

tlirou>;li tlift winter. Unfortmmtcly, howpvor, by gonio ttnun* it
got nt large; ntid. flving n\to\\t the room, so injiirod itHolf tliiit it
ntnw liftiT (liid.

" Tliis little Itinl is extromely RURccpfililf of fold ; luul, if long
(1c|irive(I of the iiiiitniitiii<^ iiitliieiico of the Hutilx'nins, droops, and
Kooii dies. A very beiintiful nmlo wns broiiyht me this seuHoii
(I MO!)), wliicli I put into ft wire enge, n\ii\ plncod in ii retired,
niiaded part of tlie room. After fiutt«!ring alioiit for some time, tiie
weather i)eing iinrommonly cool, it clung by the wires, and hung in
a seemingly torpid state for a whole forenoon. No motion what-
ever of the lungs could he perceived, on Mie closest inspection,
though, at other times, this is remarkably observable ; the eyes
were shut ; and, when touched by the finger, it gave no signs
of life or motion. I carried it out to the o|ien nir, and placed it
directly in the rays of the sun, in a sheltered situation. In a few
seconds, respiration became very apparent ; the bird breathed
faster and faster, opened its eyes, and began to look about, with as
much seeming vivacity as ever. After it bid completely recov-
ered, I restored it to liberty ; and it ilew oil' to the withered top
of a pear-tree, where it sat for some time dressing its disordered
plumage, and then shot off like a meteor."

About the latter part of Augtxst, or perliaps by the 8th or
10th of September, tlio Hummiiig-bird takes his departure
for the south. The young birds travel with their parents,
or, at any rate, leave this section witli them ; for I liave
invariably noticed that these little groups wore together up
to the time when they left. The parents return to the same
breeding-place in the succeeding year ; and I have known of
a pair breeding on the same apple-tree for three successive
eeasons.

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116

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

Family CYl'SELIDiE. Tin: Swifts.

Bill very smnll, without nc'cli, triangular, much broader than high, the culmen
not one-sixth the K'>pci anterior iocs rlefl to the base, each with three joints (in the
typical species), and covered with skin, the middle claw without any serrations,
the lateral tiics nearly equal to the middle; bill without bristles, but with minute
feathers extending along the under margin of the nostrils; nostrils elongated, supe-
rior, and verj close together; jihnnage compact; primaries ten, elongated, falcate.

CUiETURA, Stkphens.

Chalura, Stephens Shaw's Gen. Zool. Birds, XIII. (1825) 76 (type C.
pelnsyia).

Tail verj' short, scarcely more than two-fifths the wings, slightly rounded, the
shafts sfifT^Tic'd and extending some distance beyond the feathers in a rigid spine ;
first priniarj' longest; legs covered by n naked skin, without scutellio or feathers;
tarsus longer than middle toe; lateral toes equal, nearly as long as the middle; hind
toe scarcely versatile, or quite posterior, with the claw, less than the middle anterior
without it; toes slender, claws moderate; feathers of the base of the bill not extend-
ing beyond the beginning of the nostrils.

CHJETUEA VELtL&Glk. — Slephtnt.

The Chimney Swallow.

FTirmdo pelasgia, Linnaius. Syst. Nat. I. (1766) 345. Wils. Am. Orn. V.
(1812) 48.

Cypselus pelasgia, Audubon. Cm. Biog. II. (1834) 329; V. 419.

Chatura pelasgia, Stephens. Shaw's Gen. Zool. Birds, XIII. (1826) 76.

Dksoription.

Tail slightly rounded; of a sooty-brcivn all over, except on the throat, which
becomes considerably lighter from the breast to the bill; above with a greenish
tinge; the rump a little' paler.

Length, five and a quarter inches; wing, five ten one' Jindredths; tail, two fifteen
onc-hundredths.

I
!

THIS well-known bird is a common summer inhabitant
of New England. It arrives in greui; numbers from
the South, about the 1st to the 10th of May. Immediately
on arriving, the birds pair, and commence building. The
nest is usually constructed in an unused flue of a chimney ;
but, before the country was settled, they bred, and I liave no

THE CHIMNEY SWALLOW.

117

doubt that great uuuibors of them iu thinly settled districts
still breed in hollow trees. The nest is composed of twigs,
which are glued together and to the side of the chimney
with the saliva of the bii'd. It is very rarely lined with a
few feathers. The strength of these structures is wonderful :
and they are so durable that I have known of instances
of their remaining in the chimney during three seasons.
Usually, the bird displays great sagacity in the choice of a
location for a nest, in securing protection from storms and
from the attacks of animals ; but occasionally the nest is
built in a chimney, open at the top sufficiently wide to
permit the rain to trickle down the sides : the result is, that
the moisture softens the glue by which the nest is attaclied
to the chimney, and it is, with its living contents, precipi-
tated to the bottom. Again, if the nest is built too low iu
the chinmey, the young or eggs furnish agreeable food for
rats, which, unfortunately, are sometimes found in dwelling-
houses iu the country in uncomfortable numbers. The eggs
are generally four or five in number, pure-white in color,
rather long in shape. Dimensions of five eggs, in a nest
collected in Upton, Me. : .84 by .44 inch, .81 by .46 inch,
.80 by .46 inch, .78 by .48 inch, .76 by .51 inch.

This species is somewhat nocturnal in its habits. From
earliest dawn until seven or eight in the morning, it is busy
in the pursuit of insects : it then retires to its roosting-places
in the chimneys, and is seldom seen until late in the after-
noon. From early twilight until late in the night, it is again
actively employed ; and, having heard its notes, as it sped
through the air, often as late as midnight, I have no doubt
that, in pleasant weather, it is busy through the whole
night.

In descending the chimneys where their young are, the
birds fly rapidly until they are immediately over them, when,
partially closing their wings, they drop suddenly, and with
apparent ease, down the flue.

In ascending, the noise of their wings in the chimney is

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118

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

like that of distant thunder. The flight of these birds is
very rapid, surpassing, I tliink, tliat of any other species :
it is SO peculiar, — the long wings vibrating in short, quick,
energetic strokes, — that it furnishes a ready means of dis-
tinguishing it, from all other species, at a great height.

About sunset, the great multitudes of these birds are out,
and the numbers of insects they destroy must be immense.
Everywhere they may be seen : away up in the blue sky, as
far as the eye can reach, they are coursing in wide-extended
circles, chasing each other in sport, and even caressing and
feeding their mates while on the wing ; a little lower, they
are speedinf^ over the tops of the trees, gleaning the insects
that have jist left the foliage ; over the surface of the lake
or river the/ fly so low, in the pursuit of aquatic insects,
that their wings often touch the water ; everywhere they
are busy. Truly, they are deserving of much better treat-
ment than they too often receive at the hands of the farmer,
to whom they are his best friends ; yet it is a fact, that, in
a great many sections, they are driven from the chimneys
of t)ie farm-houses, and even destroyed, at every oppor-
tunity.

About the last of August, the Chimney Swallow, in large
scattered flocks, leaves for the South, and spends the winter
in Honduras and the West Indies. On returning in the
spring, the same pair occupies the chimney used in the pre-
irious season, as has been proved by actual observation.

THE WHIPPOOHWILL.

119

Family CA-PRIMULGIDiE. Tuii Goat-suckeus.
Sub-Family CAPiiiMULGiNiK.

Bill very short, triangular, the culmen less than one-sixth the gape ; the anterlui
toes united at the base by a membrane; the inner anterior toe with three joints, tlie
utbers with four, all with distinct scutell* above; the toe much elongated, its middle
claw pectinated on tlie inner edge; hind toe directed a little more than halt' Ibr-
waids; tarsi partly feathered superiorly ; the bill more or less bristled, the nostrils
separated, rather nearer the commissure than the culmen ; plumage sott, lax, and
owl-like; primary quills, ten; secondaries, eleven or twelve.

ANTROSTOMUS, Gould.

Antrostomus, Gouu). Icones Avium (1838), Agassiz.

Bill remarkably small, with tubular nostrils, and the gape with long, stiff, some-
times pectinated, bristles ; wings long, somewhat rounded, second quill longest, the
primaries c^marginated ; tail rounded; plumage loose and soO.

ANTEOSTOMUS VOCIFEBUS. — ^onopaWe.

Ths Whippoorwill.

Capnmulgua voci/evus, Wilson. Am. Oni., V. (1812) 71; And. Orn. Biog., 1.
^1832)443; V. 405.

Antrostomus vocifeitis, Bonaparte. List, 1838.

Desckiition.

Bristles without lateral filaments ; wing about six and a half inches long ; top of
ihe head ashy-brown, longitudinally streaked with black; terminal half of the tail
feathers (except the four central) dirty-white on both outer and inner webs ; iris dark-
hazel. Female, without white on the tail.

Length, ten inches; wing, six and a half.

THIS familiar species is a summer inhabitant of New
.England : it arrives from the South about the second
week in May. Its habits are not well known, as it is not u
very common species, and it inhabits the most secluded spots
in the deep woods ; but its song is well known to all, as are
its nocturnal wanderings in search for insect food. This
bird, as also the Night-hawk, is, to the fanner, one of the
most valuable among the feathered tribes : its food consists
almost entirely of night-flying Lepidoptera, and the number
of these insects destroyed is immense.

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120

OIINITIIOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

TliL! peculiar song of t^iis bird is liciu-d at early cvo, and
until liite into the night, during the muting and part of the
breeding seasons. It is not uttered in the depths of the wil-
derness alone ; but the bird, perching on the well-sweep, on
the eaves of a low shed, or even on the door-sill of the farm-
er's house, pours out its melancholy strain. The descrip
tion, by Alexander Wilson, of the habits of this bird, is so
accurate and comprehensive, that I will not presume to
attempt another. JTa says: —

*' The notes sceui ^^ jtty plainly to articulate the words which
Iiave been generally applied to them, whip-poor-will, the first and
last syllables being uttered with great emphasis, and the whole in
about a secoiul to each repetition ; but, when two or more males
meet, their whip-poor-will altercations become much more rapid
and incessant, as if each were straining to overpower or silence the
other. When near, you often hear an introductory cluck between
the notes. At these times, as well as at almost all others, they fly
h)w, not more than a few feet from the surface, skimming about the
house and before the door, alighting on the wood-pile, or settling on
the roof. Towards midnight, they generally become silent, unless
in clear moonlight, when they are heard, with little intermission,
till morning. If there be a creek near, with high, precipitous,
bushy banks, they are sure to be found in such situations. During
the day, they sit in e most retired, solil^ary, and deep-shaded parts
of the woods, generally on high ground, where they repose in
silence. When disturbed, they rise within a few feet, sail low and
slowly through the woods for thirty or forty yards, and generally
settle on a low branch or on the ground. Their sight appears
deficient during the day, as, like owls, they seem then to want that
vivacity for which they are distinguished in the morning and even-
ing twilight. They are rarely shot at or molested ; and, from being
thus transiently seen in the obscurity of dusk, or in the deep um-
brage of the woods, no wonder their particular markings of plumage
should be so little known, or that they should be confounded with
the Night-hawk, whom, in general appearance, they so much re-
semble. The female begins to lay about the second week in May,
Belecting, for this purpo j, the most unfrequented part of tlie wood.

THE WHIPPOORWILL.

121

often where some brush, old logs, heaps of leaves, &c., had been
lying, and always on a dry situation."

The Whippoorwill constructs no nest, but lays its eggs,
which arc two in number, in a slight hollow which it
scratches in the earth, usually near a rock, or fallen trujik
of a tree. These eggs are of an elliptical form, being as
large at one end as at the other ; their ground-color is a
delicate creamy-white, with blotches, lines, and spots of
different shades of light>-brown and lavender : taken alto-
gether, it is one of the 'randsomest eggs found in New Eng-
land. The length of several specimens before mo varies
from 1.21 to 2.27 inches, breadth from .75 to .79 inch. The
bird commences laying about the last week in May, and the
period of incubation is fourteen days.

The young are soon able to walk, and in a very few days
can run with considerable speed ; and they hide with such
adroitness that it is a work of no little difficulty to capture
them. The female, when her young are discovered, imme-
diately throws herself before the intruder, counterfeiting
lameness so well, that, unless he is well acquainted with
tiie habits of birds, he will quickly be misled into following
her. As soon as the young birds are able to shift for them-
selves, they are turned adrift by their parents, and are seen
only singly, or at most in pairs, during the remainder of
their stay. By the latter part of August, or seldom later
than the 10th of September, all of them depart for the
South, the old males remaining a few days later ; uttering,
occasionally, their song, but always in the woods, or in
localities far removed from human habitation.

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CHORDEILES, Swainson.

SwAiNSON. Fauna Bor. Amer. (1831) 496.

Bill very small, the gape with very short, feeble bristles; wings very long and
pointed, with the iirst quill nearly or quite equal to the second, and the primaries not
omarginated on the inner edge; tail long, slightly forked in the North-Aineiican
ipecies; plumage rather compact.

122

OBNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

CHOBDEILES POPETUE. — iSuj/rf.

The Night-hawk; Bull Bat.

Cnprimuhiiis ix'petue, Vieillot. Ois. Am. Sept., I. (1807) 58.
Caprimutyua Americanus, Wilson, V. (1S12) 6j.
Caprimul(/us Itiyiuianus. Aud. Orn. Biog., II. (1834) 273.

Desciiiption.

Male, above greenish-black, with but little mottlinp; on the beail and back ; wing
ccvcrts varied wirh grayish; scapulars with yellowish-vufous; a nuchal band of tine
gray motthng, behind which is another coarser one of rufous spots; a while
V-slmped mark on the throat; behind this a collar of pale-rufous blotches, and
another on the breast of grayish mottling; under parts banded transversely with
dull-yellowish or reddi.-ili-wliite and brown; wing quills quite uniformly brown ; the
five outer primaries with a white blotch midway between the tip and carpal
joint, not extending on the outer web of the outer quill; tail with a terminal white
patch.

Female, without the caudal white patch, the white of the throat mixed with
reddish.

Le.igth of male, nine and fifty one-hundre'ths inches; wing, eight and twenty
one-hundredths inches.

This bird is much more abundantly distributed through-
out New England than the preceding; and its habits are.
consequently, better known. It arrives from the south
about the 10th of May. At this time, great numbers may
be observed, at early twilight, coursing through the air in
different directions, sometimes at a great height, sometimes
just .above the trees in the country, or houses in the city;
occasionally, very near the earth or water, or, wlien near
the seacoast, but just above the marshes, where they destroy
great numbers of insects. Their flight is very rapid, their
long wings giving quick, powerful sweeps ; and, as they dart
about in many eccentric movements, busily gleaning their
food, they utter, at oft-repeated intervals, their short note
or squeak, which almost exactly resembles that of the Com-
mon Snipe.

About the middle of May, or by the 20th of that month,
in Maine, the male commences his attentions to the female.
His movements at this time are interesting, and, from their
common occurrence, familiar to all who live in the country.

THE NIGHT-HAWK.

123

At early evening, and in cloudy weather lliroughout tlio
greater part of the day, he ascends into the air ; and when
lie has attained a considerable height, partially closing his
wings, he drops with great velocity tlirougli tho distance of
seventy-five or one hundred feet, sometimes nearly to the
earth. Tlie sound made by the air i)assing tlmjugh the wing
quills is so loud that I have often heard it at certainly the
distance of half a mile : 'it resembles, as Nuttall truly says,
the sound produced by blowing into the bung-hole of an
empty hogshead. This act is often repeated, the bird darting
about at the same time in every direction, and uttering his
sharp squeak. Wilson was of the opinion, that this habit of
the Night-hawk was confined to the period of incubation;
the male acting in this manner, as he thought, to intimidate
any person from approaching the nest. I have had abun-
dant opportunities for observing the bird in all times of the
summer, and during its stay with us; and I should unhesi-
tatingly affirm, that, from the time of early courtship, until
the young ax-e hatched, if not after, the male acts in this
manner.

This species constructs no nest, but lays its eggs on tlie
bare ground in a slight hollow scratched by the female, or
often on a bare rock. I liave found numbers of these eggs,
particularly in the northern parts of Maine, where, in walk-
ing over a pasture or rocky field, I have flushed sometimes
a bird in every ten rods. I remember a ledge of rocks
back of the settlement known as Wilson's Mills, which
seemed a favorite breeding-place for these birds; and, in the
space of every four or five rods, a female was sitting on her
eggs. The eggs are two in number, elliptical in shape, of
a dirty-white color, which is covered with fine dottings
of different shades of brown, with obscure markings of
slate-color, and some spots of lavender. Length from 1.23
to 1.25 inch ; breadth, from .82 to .85 uich. A great num-
ber of specimens from different sections do not exhibit an
appreciable variation from these dimensions. In the south-

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124

OIINITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

crn districts, it lays about the 20th of May ; iu the northorn,
about the 10th of Juno.

Tho male assists the female iu iucubating, as I iiavo wit-
uessed many times. Whou perched by her ou a tree or
fence-rail, during the light of mid-day, he always sits along
the limb or rail, instead of across it — a peculiarity which is
also noticoablo in the Whippoorwill. Some authors, in speak-
ing of this fact, explain it by noticing tho comparatively
small size of the feet, and apparent weakness of the legs.
I think this can hardly be a sufficient cause ; for both these
birds, while on the ground, can run witli considerable speed,
and, if captured, can not only perch acrosa the finger of a
hand or the back of a chair, as I have often proved, but can
rest on one foot, drawing the other up into the feathers
of the belly, like other birds.

About the 20th of August, after the young have become
able to provide for themselves, all tho families in a neigh-
borhood assemble in a large, scattered flock; and, after
having become completely recruited from the laboi'S of incu-
bation, they all leave for the south.

THE BELTKD KINOFISnER.

12fi

SUB-ORDER CLAMATORES. Screamers.

Family ALCEDTNTD^. The Kinofishers.

Head large ; bill long, strong, straight, and sub-pyramidnl, usually longer than
the head; tongue very small; wings short; legs small, the outer and middle foes
united to their middle; foes with the usual number of joints (2, 3, 4, 5),

The gape of the bill in the Kingfishers is largo, reaching to beneath the eyes;
the third primary is generally longest, the lirst doridcdly shorter; the secondaries
vary from ♦Telve to fifteen in number, all nearly equal; the secondaries cover at
least three-quarters of the wing; the tail is short, the feathers twelve in number,
they arc rather narrow, the outer usually shorter; the lower part of the tibia is bare,
leaving the joint and the tarsus uncovered ; the tarsus is covered anteriorly with
plates, behind, it is shagrecn-liko or granulated; the hind toe is connected with the
Inner, so as to form with it and the others a regular sole, which extends unbroken
beneath the middle and outer as far as the latter are united; the inner toe is much
shorter than the outer; the claws are sharp, the middle expanded on its inner edge,
hut not pectinated.

CERYLE, BoiE.

Ceryle, Boie, Isis (1828) 316 (type C. ntdis).

Bin long, straight, and strong, the cnlmen slightly advancing on the forehead,
and sloping to the acute tip: the sides much compressed; the lateral margins rather
dilated at the base, and straight to the tip; the gonys long and ascending; tail
rather long and broad ; tarsi short and stout.

CESTLE ALCTON. — ^ot<.

The Belted Kingflsher.

Alcedo alcijon, Linnajus. Syst. Nat., I. (1760) 180. Wilson, Am. Om., III.
(1811)59. Aud. Orn.Biog., I. (1831)394.
Ceryle alcyon, Boie. Isis, (1828) 816.

Description.

Head with a long crest; above blue, without metallic lustre; beneath, with a cnn-
lealcd band across the occiput, and a spot anterior to the eye, pure-white; a band
across the brc.nst, and the sides of the body under the wings, like the back; prima-
ries white on the basal half, the terminal unspotted ; tail with transverse bands and
spots of white.

Young, with the sides of bodv and a transverse band across the belly below th«
pnctoral one, light-chestnut ; the pectoral band more or less tinged with the same

Length of adult, about twelve and three-quarters inches ; wing, six or more.

BcA. — The entire continent of North America.

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126

ORNITirOLOCY AND OOLOfJY.

rillllS Species is a very oominon suuimor inluibitaiit of .(11
A the New-England States. It arrives from the south
al)out the Ist of April, often earlier, particularly in early
springs: indeed, Mr. Verrill says they are sometimes seen
in Maine in winter, and they are often found in the southern
districts of these States in this season. The birds, on arriv-
ing, commence pairing; and they soon begin excavating in a
sand-bank a long, vviuding hole of about three inches and
a half in diameter at the entrance, and gradually larger to
the end, at which the nest, composed of grasses, leaves, and
feathers, is built, — or laid, which would perhaps bo the better
term. This hole is sometimes as much as six or eight feet,
usually, from four to six, in length. The female deposits in
this nest six eggs usually : these are of a clear-white color,
and of a nearly spherical shape, being from 1.35 to 1.42
inch in length, by from l.Oo to 1.08 inch in breadth. I am
aware that these measurements exceed any hcretofce given ;
but they are accurately taken from a large number of speci-
mens in my collection. Dr. Brewer gives the dimensions
as averaging 1/^ in length by l^^j in breadth. The period
of incubation is stated by Audubon and other ornithologists
to be sixteen days.

The habits of this bird are so well known that any
description here is almost s\iperfluous. Its food, as its
name implies, consists almost entirely of fish, which ho
obtains by diving into the water, and seizing with his bill.
When })assing over a sheet of water, he attentively scans
ilie surface beneath him : if he observes a small fish, he
pauses in his flight, and remains over it a few seconds,
maintaining his position by short, quick vibrations of his
wings. If the fish is suflficicntly near the surface, he sud-
denly dives at it, and, plunging into the water, seizes it, and
bears it off to some rock or post, where he can eat it at his
leisure. The note of the Kingfisher is a loud, harsh cry,
similar tc the sound of a watchman's rattle : it is easily
hoard above the rushing of the waters at a dam or other

THE BELTED KINOPISHF.n. I-i

waterfall, and, when hoard in such a locality, is not disagree-
able. When perched on a limb overhanging tl\c water, ho
frequently jets his tail in the manner of the I'cwoc, and
often descends from such a porch and seizes a frog or a fish ;
and I onco shot one tiuit liad jn.st sci/ed a meadow moufo
(arvicola) in this manner. Tlie young usually remain in
the hole in the bank until they are about Hedged. I am
inclined to think, that usually they return to these holes at
night and in stormy weather, as I have fre(iueutly seen
them about their nests long after they were fledged, and
have even seen them passing into them at the close of the
day. In migrating, the young leave their parents, and
these even separate, and pursue their journey alone ; and it
is a case of rare occurrence that two are seen together
after the latter part of August.

'3

0

128

OnNITHOLOOY AND OOLOOY.

Family COLOrTERID.E. Tub FLYCATcriEna.

Suh-Famih/ TvnANNlN.«. — Tyrunt Fhjrntchers.

Hill IiroiidiT limn liiRh Ht the hnso, much (loprcwed, iiimo or Icm trinnptlnr; ml-
nii-n nearly as Iii'it,' i>» the head, or shorter, »frainht to iicnr llw (ip, then siulilnnly
bent down into a oonipieiioiis hook, with a notch behind it; lip ol lower jaw also
notchcil; oommiasure Btrai^ht to near the notch; (fonyn slightly convex; nontrils
(nn\ or rounded in the o'lterior extremity of the nasiil proovo, and more or less
conceali'd liy Iiin^ bristles which extend from the posterior i i,'lo of the JawR alon^
the base iif the bill, iieconiini,' smaller, but reaching nearly i iho median line of the
forehead; these bristles with lateral branches at the base; Miniilar bristles mixed in
the loral feathers and tnarj,'ininK the chin; tarsi short, fjenerally less than the middle
toe, completely enveloped by a series of lar;;o scales which meet near the posterior
edfje of the inner side, and are separated either by naked skin or by a row of small
scales. Sometimes a second scries of rather large plates Is seen on the posterior
face of the tarsus; tlicsc, however, usually on the upper extremity only; basal joint
of middle toe unitcil almost throughout to that of the outer toe, but more than half
free on the inner side; outer lateral toe rather the longer; wings and tail variable,
flrst quill always more than three-fourths the second; the outer primaries sometimes
attenuated near the tip.

TYRANNUS, Cuvter.

TyrnnnuB, Cuvier, Lemons Anat.Comp., 1799-1800 (Agnsslz).

Tail nearly even, or moderately forked, rather shorter than the wings; the
feathers broad, and widening somewhat at the ends; wings long and pointed;
the outer primaries rather abruptly attenuated near the end, the attenuated portion
not linear, however; head with a concealed patch of red on the crown.

TYRANNUS CAKOLINENSIS. - Baird.

King-bird; Bee Martin.

Lanius tyranmu, T.innieus. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 136,
T. matutiniis, according to Ronaparte.

Muscicnpa lifrnmws (Tlrisson?), Wilson. Am. Om., I. (1808) C8.
Biog., I. (1832)" 403; V. (1830) 420. Jb., Birds Amer., I. (1840) 204.

This belongs to the Cuban
Aud. Om.

Description.

Two, sometimes three, outer primaries abruptly attenuated at the end; second

quill longest, third little shorter, first rather longer than fourth, or nearly equal;

tail slightly rounded, above dark bluish-ash; the top and sides of the head to

beneath the eyes bluish-blaek; a concealed crest on the crown, vermilion in the

THE KINO-nirU).

1-JU

'I'Htro, whitp hfliiiiil, mill lictnri' imrtinlly mixcil with oriinK''! lnwcr purl* \>\iu'-
wliili', linnril with piili' IiIiiMi-iikIi on th" »iili"( of llm tliront nnil ncro'*') thn liiin«l ;
Biilcn jfllin hri'Hst Miiil iiinl'T till' viinfft niiiiilar to, l>iit riithor li^lilrr tlinn, tlu> Inn k ;
iixillarics pnlu Krii)i.'<h-l)rown tippfil with liKlitcr; tlio wirij{« (lurk-l)ro>vn, diirk'"!
tonrariln the nuU of llm quills; tlip grontpr covnrtn nnil f|iiiliH rdfji-d witli wliih',
iiiont no on the (ertiuin; tlio lennvt covi-rt* imIjji-J witli paler; iipprr tail (ovort<
ami upper nurfjien of tliu lull >;losny-lilai k, tliu latter very dark lirown lieiieatli;
all tlie feathers tipped, and the exterior margined extornally with white, foriii-
InK a ronnpk'uous terminal bund about twenty-five ono-hundredtha of an inrli
broad.

The yoiinR of the year In niinilar, the eolors duller, the eoiieealcd eolored pnteli
on the (Town wantint;; the tail more rounded, the |iriuiarii'8 not atleiiiiateil.

Speiiincns vary in the amount of white nmrjfininK the win^ feathers; the upper
tail eoverlH are al.M) margined xometinies with while.

Length, ei>;ht and flt^y one-hundrcdths inehex; winp, four and dixty-flve on»-
hutidredths iueheg; tail, three and seventy one-hundredth» inches i tnrsug, seventy-
five one-hundredths inches.

rillll.'^ common apeclcs is abuiulaiitly distrilMitcrl tlimugli-
_L out Now England aa a summer rosidont. It ariivt's
from tlio South about tlio 1st to the 10th of May : the mules
precede the females in small parties of throo or four, the
latter arriving about a week or ton days later.

Soon after the arrival of the females, the males begin
their attentions to them; and, as the season of courtship is
comparatively short, the now-made couple soon begin their
selection of a locality for their nest. This seems to be with
thom a rather difficult matter to settle; for I have known of
a pair remaining in an orchard a fortnight, examining every
tree and its peculiar advantages, before they made a selec-
tion.

At last, when the location is decided, both birds com-
mence work, and the nest is soon completed. It is usually
placed on the branch of an apple or pear tree, in a small
cluster of twigs or a crotch of a limb : it is constructed
outwardly of coarse grasses, mosses, twigs, roots, and
weeds; and is deeply hollowed, and lined with fine roots,
horse-hairs, and grasses. About the 1st of June, the eggs
are laid : these aro usually five in number ; their ground-
color is a very delicate creamy-white, with irregular spatters
and spots of dilTei*ent shades of brown, and some obscure

9

8

130

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

spots of lavender. Dimensions of a nest complement of
live eggs: 1.00 by .71 inch ; 1.0-* by .70 inch ; 1.02 by .72
inch ; 1 by .74 inch ; and .94 by .75 inch.

During the mating and breeding season, the pugnacity
and courage of the King-bird are proverbial : if any bird
approach the neighborhood of his nest, he immediately
attacks it; and, whether crow (his particular dislike),
hawk, or eagle, the intruder is obliged to flee, so fierce an
onslaught docs this little warrior make on him. As soon
as the cry of a crow is heard, he is all activity : ?-e flies
Irom the tree where he is perching to reconnoitre, uttering
his shrill twitter, and vibrating his wings in short, quick,
nervous strokes ; as soon as the crow appears, the King-
bird pursues it, his flight now being very swift and powerful.
As soon as he nears his foe, he flies above him, and, dart-
ing down on his back and head, attacks him with such
vigor that the crow dives and dodges to avoid him. He
repeats his attack, and follows his enemy, sometimes to the
distance of a mile and more : then, returning to his mate,
he perches on the tree by her nest, and twitters a volley of
courageous songs.

The food of the King-bird consists principally of insects,
which he captures usually while on the wing. It seems a
provision of nature, that all the Flycatchers shall only take
tliose insects that have taken flight from the foliage of trees
and shrubs, at the same time making the warblers and
other birds capture those which remain concealed in such
places. The King-bird, in seizing a flying insect, flies in a
sort of half-flitting hover, and seizes it with a sharp snap
of tlie bill. Sometimes he descends from his perch, and
captures a grasshopper that has just taken a short ffight,
and occasionally seizes one that is crawling up some tall
stalk of grass. Tiiose farmers who keep bees dislike
this bird because of his bad habit of eating as many
of those insects as show themselves in the neighborhood
of his nest; but they should remember that the general

A

«i:

^

O

KiNO-mRi>, Ti/raniius Ca>'oUni'n.sii<. Baird.

interests
bees.

About
and neigl
ihe soutl
Southern

Myiarchui
siliens, II. V(

Tarsus eq
tlian the hinc
or slightly re
the tail, the
distinct feeth
feathers varii

Mtucicap(

(1810)75. J

Tyrannus

Head wit!
but little sh(
decidedly roi
hundredths (
the crown, a
coverts turn
sides of the 1
of the breasi
wing coverts
and body ti
coverts, witl
or on the h
nally for mc
of the inne
feathers ligh
the inner si
ferruginous
black; bill <

The fema
ihaft, or el SI

Length,

THE GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER.

131

interests of agriculture are greater than those of a hive of
bees.

About the middle of September, this bird with his family
and neighbors gatner into a scattered flock, and depart for
ihe south, spending the winter in Central America and
Southern Mexico.

MYIARCHUS, Cabanis.

Myiarchut, Cabanis, Fauna Peruana (1844-46) 152. h irmeister, Thicre Bra-
siliens, II. Vogcl (1850) 469.

Tarsus equal to, or not longer than, the middle toe, which is decidedly longer
than the hinder one; bill wider at base than half the culmen; tail broad, long, even,
or slightly rounded, about equal to the wings, which scarcelj' reach the middle of
the tail, the first primary shorter than the sixth ; head with elongated lanceolate
distinct feathers; above brownish-olive; throat ash; belly yellow; tail and wing
featliers varied with rufous.

MTIARCHUS CSINIinS. — Cabanis.
The Great-crested Flycatoher.

Wilson, Am. Om., II.

Mutcicapa cnnitn, Linnseus. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 325.
(1810) 75. Aud. Om. Biog., II. (18'34) 176; V. 423.
Tyrannus crinittis. Nutt. Man., I. (2d ed., 1840) 302.

Description.

Head with a depressed crest; third quill longest, fourth and second successively
but little shorter, first a little longer than seventh, much shorter than sixth; tail
decidedly rounded or even graduated, the lateral feather about twenty-five one-
hundredths of an inch shorter; upper parts dull greenish-olive, with the feathers of
the crown, and to some extent of the back, showing their brown centres; upper tail
coverts turning to pale rusty-brown; small feathers at the base of the bill, ceres,
sides of the head as high as the upper eyelid, sides of the neck, throat, and forepart
of the breast, bluish-ashy; the rest of the lower parts, including axillaries and lower
wing coverts, bright sulphur-yellow; a pale ring round the eye; sides of the breast
and body tinged with olivaceous; the wings brown, the first and second rows of
coverts, with the sccondarj' and tertial quills, margined externally with dull-white,
or on the latter slightly tinged with olivnceous-yellow; primaries margined exter-
nally for more than half their length from the base with ferruginous, great portion
of the inner webs of all the quills very pale-ferruginous; the two middle tail
feathers light brown, shafts paler, the rest have the outer web and a narrow line on
the inner sides of the shaft brown, pale olivaceous on the outer edge, the remainder
ferruginous to the very tip; outer web of exterior feather dull brownish-yellow; feet
black; bill dark-brown above and at the tip below, paler towards the base.

The female appears to have no brown on the inner web of the quills along the
ihaft, or else it is confined chiefly to the outer feathers.

Length, eight and seventy-five one-hundredths inches; wing, four and twentv-

id

0

132

OKNITHOLOOY AND OOLOGY.

Cwp ono-hi'iiflrcdths; tail, four and ten one-hundrcdths ; tarsus, eighty-five one-
liuiidredths.

//„/;._ Kastem North America to the Mi^isouri, and south to Eastern Texas (not
yet observed further west).

This species is a rare summer inhabitant of New England.
It arrives from tlic South about the [1 0th of May in the lati-
tude of ^fassachusetts, — that is, so lar as so irregular a
visitor may be said to arrive, — and spreads throughout
thc«o States. It is less rare in the southern districts than
in the middle, and liardly pouctrates as far north as the
latitude of the middle of Maine. It has been ascertained'
to breed in all tliese States ; and two nests, with their con-
tents, are before me. One of these was found in a hollow
tree in Plymoiith, Mass., on the 10th of June ; the other
was found in Middleton, Mass., on the 4th of June. These
nests are composed of straws, leaves, feathers, and the cast-
off" skins of snakes ; and it seems a distinguishing character-
istic of t\j nests of this species to have the skins of one or
more snakes woven into the other materials. The first
of tliese nests had five eggs ; the other, three. These are of
a beaiitiful creamy-buff", and covered with irregular scratches
and lines of diff"erent shades of purple. Wilson says of these
eggs, "The female lays four eggs of a dull cream-color,
thickly scratched with purple lines of various tints, as if
done with a pen." Dimensions of eggs vary from .95 by .78
inches to 1 by .80 inch.

As this species is quite rare in these States, I have had
Init very few chances for observing its habits. It appears
to be equally courageous and quarrelsome with the King-
l)ird, and has many of the peculiarities of that bird. Its
food consists of insects, which it captures while on the wing,
after the manner of the other species. Wlicn the young
leave the nest, they feed on berries and caterpillars, and are
fond of crickets and grasshoppers. By the middle of Sep-
tember, the whole family leave for the South.

THE PEWEE.

SAYORNIS, HONAI'AKTB.

Snyornu, Bd.nai'AUTeV Ateiiuo Itiiliaiio (1)554). lb., Coiiiptes Rcndus (1854),
Notes Orn. Dcluttre.

Head witli a blended depressed moderate crest; tarsus decidedly longer tliiiii
middle toe, which is scarcely longei' than the hind toe; bill rather narrow, width at
base about halt' the culnicn; tail broad, long, slightly forked, ciiual to the wings,
which are moderately pointed, and reach to the middle of the tail, lirst primary
ihorter than the sixth.

SAYOENIS FUSCUS. — BajVrf.
The Pewee; Phebe-bird.

Muic'icoim fuica, QmtWn. Syst. Nat, I. (1788) 931. Aud. Orn. Uiog., II. (1634)
122; V. (lb3<J) 424. lb.. Birds Amer., I. (1840) 22,».
Tyrannuafuscus, Nuttall. Man., I. (2d ed., 1840) 312.
Miudcapa nurudola, Wilson. Am. Om., II. (1.810) 78; pi. xiii.

Description.

Sides of breast and upper parts dull olivc-brown, fading slightly toward the tail;
top and sides of head dark-brown ; a few dull-white feathers on the eyelids ; lower
parts didl yellowish-white, mixed with brown on the chin, and in some individuals
across the breast; quills brown, the outer pi '•nary, secondaries, and tertiiils edged
with dull-white; in some individuals the greater coverts faintly edged with dull-
white; tail brown, outer edge of lateral feather dull-white, outer edges of the rest
like die back; tibiio brown; bill and feet black; bill slender, edges nearly straight;
tail rather broad, and slightly forked, third quill longest, second and fourth nearly
equal, the first shorter than sixth.

Length, seven inches; wing, three and forty-two onc-hundredthsj tail, three and
thirty one-hundredths.

//((A. — Eastern Xoith America.

In autumn, and occasionally in early spring, the colors are much clearer and
brighter. \v'hole lower parts sometimes bright sulphur-yellow, above greenisli-olive,
top and sides of the hei.d tinged with sooty; in the young of the year, the colors are
much duller; all the wing coverts broadly tipped with light-ferruginous, as also the
extreme ends of the wings and tail feathers; the brown is prevalent on the whole
throat and breast; the hind part of the back, rump, and tail, strongly ferruginous.

The tail of tlii;i species is quite deeply forked, the external feather being from
thirty-five one-hundredths to forty one-hundredths of an inch longer than the
middle one.

This well-known bird is a very common summer inliabl
tant of all New England. It arrives from the South often
as early as the middle of March, sometimes before the last
snowstorm of the season. As soon as the birds have
paired, usually by the last of April, they coinmence build-

K

184

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

ing. The nest is usually placed under a bridge, fiometimea
under an cave, or ledge of rock, sometimes in a barn
or other building. It is constructed of fine roots, grasses,
fuio moss, and hairs, which are plastered together, and
to the object the nest is built on, by pellets of mud : it is
hollowed about an inch and a half, and lined with soft
grasses, wool, and feathers. The eggs are usually five in
number : their color is white, with a very delicate cream tint.
There are usually in each litter one or two eggs with a few
spots thinly scattered over the larger end : these spots are
of a reddish-brown. The period of incubation is thirteen
days, and two broods are often reared in the season in this
latitude. The length of eggs varies from .72 to .78 inch ;
breadth, from .54 to .56 inch.

The familiar cheerful habits of this species, and the fact
that it is one of the first birds to remind us of the return
of spring, have made it a universal favorite ; and many
residents in the country are so attached to it, that they
protect it, and encourage its visits, and even provide
quarters for the establishment of its nest. It seems to pre-
fer the neighborhood of a pond or stream of water for its
home, where, perching on the branch of an overhanging
tree, or on the railing of a bridge, or darting about in dif-
ferent directions, it busies itself through the day in catching
the insects that swarm in myriads in such localities. When
perching, it frequently flirts its tail, and erects the feathers
of its head, uttering the notes phebS-phelie in a soft
plaintive key. Sometimes, this note is more lively, resem-
bling the word peweet, peweet, uttered in a quick, cheerful
manner. The beautiful description of the habits of this
bird, given by Audubon, is certainly one of the best efforts
of that naturalist ; and I would advise all who are interested
in the history of the bird to read it.

After the young have left the nest, the parents remain
together in the neighborhood of their home until their
departure, about the middle of October. At this time, they

THE OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCIIKIl.

1:35

arc a little more shy than they were during the season
of incubation, and their note is seldom heard ; and, wlieu it
is, it consists of a melancholy strain, quite different from
that uttered in tlie spring and early summer.

CONTOl'US, Cauams.

Ctintop^is, Cabanis, Journal fiir Ornithologie, III. (Nov., 1855) 479. (Tyio
ifutcicapa virent, L.)

Taroiis vcrj- short, but stout, less than the middle toe, and scarcely lonf^er than
the hinder^ bill quite broad at the base, wider than half the cuhncn; tail mod-
erately forked, much shorter than the wings (rather more than three-fourths): wingfl
very long and much pointed, reaching beyond the middle of the fail, the lirst
primary about equal to the fourth; all the primaries slender and rather acute, but
not attenuated; head moderately crested ; color, olive above, pale-yellowish beneath,
with a darker patch on Uie sides of the breast; under tail coverts streaked.

CONTOPUS BOBEALIS.— JSniVd.

The Olive-sided Flycatcher.

Tyrannm borealis, Sw. and Rich. F. Bor. Am., II. (1831) 141; plate.
Mmci'-'-^n Coojien, Nuttall. Man., I. (1832) 282. Aud. Orn. I3iog., II. (1834)
422; V. (1839)422.

Tyrannus Coi^eii, Bonaparte. List (1838). Nutt. Man., I. (2d ed., 1840) 298.
Mtucicnjja irm-nata, Nuttall. Man. I. (1832) 282.

Disscnii'TiON.

Wings long, much pointed, the second quill longest, the first longer than the
third; tail deeply forked; tarsi short; the upper parts ashy-brown, showing darker
brown centres of the feathers, this is eminently the case on the top of tlie head ;
the sides of the head and neck, of the breast and body resembling the back, but
with the edges of the feathers tinged with gray, leaving a darker central streak; the
chin, throat, narrow line down the middle of the breast and body, abdomen, and
lower tail coverts white, or sometimes with a faint tinge of yellow; the lower
tail coverts somewhat streaked with brown in the centre; on each side of the rum]i,
generally concealed by the wings, is an elongated bunch of white silky feathers;
the wings and tail very dark brown, the former with the edges of the secondaries
and tertials edged with dull-white; the lower wing coverts and axillarics grayish-
brown; the tips of the primaries and tail feathers rather paler; feet and upper
mandible black, lower mandible brown; the young of the year similar, but the
color duller; feet light-brown.

Length, seven and fifty one-hundredths inches ; wing, four and thirty-three one-
hundredths; tail, three and thirty one-hundredths; tarsus, sixty one-hundred' .s.

//oi. — Rare on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the Uni'-.J State*. Not
observed in the interior, except to the north. Found in Greenland. (Reinhardt.)

Tliis bird is a not
New England.

' >ry commcn summer inhabitant of
• -s from the South about the 20th

:3

■■3

8

186

OKNITHOLOGY AND OOLOCY.

of May, and is most rrcquontly observed in low growths of
oak and cliestnut: it Kcems always busily employed in
catching winged insects, of which its food almost entirely
consists; these it seizes in the manner of tho King-bird,
which bird it resembles in both its habits and disposition
I have sometimes seen t./o birds of this species engaged in
a light, which, for ;pno'^s, I have hardly seen surpassed.
They would rush h • Uer » t mid-air, snapping their bills,
beating with their wii/^K,, and -'Z.-king each other, until they
both descended to tho trees benuuth, actually exhausted with
their exertions.

Mr. Vorrill says that it breeds quite common near the
Umbagog Lakes, Me. ; but I have never been able to find its
nest there or elsewhere, although I have looked for it with
great care.

It has been found breeding in Vermont ; and Dr. Tliorap-
son, in his work on tho birds of that State, gives a descrip-
tion of the nest and eggs. Three nests have been found in
Massachusetts within two years; two in West Roxbury, and
one in Dorchester. These were all built in forked twigs
of apple-trees, in old neglected orchards, facing to the
southward, and were constructed of the same material that
the King-bird uses in its nest. In fact, they were almost
exactly like tho King-bird's nest, but were a little smaller.

Two of the nests had three eggs eacli, and tho other had
but two. They were all found in the first week in June,
and the eggs were freshly laid : probably, if they had been
unmolested, more eggs would have been deposited. Three
of these eggs are in my cabinet. To compare them with
the eggs of any other bird, I should say they seem like
exceedingly large Wood Pewee's : for they are almost exactly
like thena in shape, color, and markings; being of a creamy-
white, witli large blotches and spatters of lilac, lavender,
and brownish-red. Their dimensions are .88 by .68 ; .88
by .60 ; .86 by .68 inch.

Mr. Nuttall, who found a nest in Cambridge, Mass.,

THR WOOD PEWEE.

137

describes it as follows : " It was built in tlip horizontal
branch of a tall red cedar, forty or fifty feet from tlie
ground. It was formed much in tlie manner of the King-
bird's, externally made of interlaced dead twigs of the
cedar ; internally, of the wire stolons of the common Lirhm
or Unnea. It contained three young, and had had probably
four eggs. The eggs had been hatched about the 20th of
June, so that the pair had arrived in this vicinity about the
close of May." He also describes the bird's nolo as
follows : " Tiie female had a whistling, oft-repeated, whin-
ing call of 'jt)« 'pti, then varied to '^w 'pip, and 'pip 'jyii, also
at times 'p7p 'pip 'pii, 'jnp ^pip 'pip, 'pii 'pu ^pip, or 'tu 'tti
'tu, and 'tti 'tu. The male, besides this note, had, at long
intervals, a call of seh' phebee or 'h' phebcd, almost exactly
in the tone of the circular tin whistle or bird-call."

By the second week in September, none of these birds
are to be seen ; and, probably before that time, they have
all departed on their migrations.

CONTOPUS VIRENS. — Cabanit.
The Wood Pewee.
Muicicapa virem, Linnoeus. Syst Xat., I. (1766) 327. Nutt. Man., I. (1S8!J)
285. Aud. Orn. Biog., II. (1834) 93; V. (1839) 425.
Miucicapa rapnx, Wilson. Am. Orn., II. (1810) 81.
Tyrannus virens, Nuttall. Man., I. (2d ed., 1840) 816.

Description.

The second quill longest, the third a little shorter, the first shorter than the
fourth, the latter nearly forty one-hundredths longer than the fifth ; the primaries
more than an incli longer than the secondaries ; the upper parts, sides of the head,
neck, and breast, dark olivaceous-brown, the latter ratlier paler, the head darker; a
narrow white ring round the eye; the lower parts pale-yellowish, deepest on the
abdomen; across the breast tinged with ash; this pale ash sometimes occupies
the whole of the breast, and even occasionally extends up to the chin; it is also
sometimes glossed witli olivaceous ; the wings and tail dark-brown, generally deeper
than in S. fuscua; two narrow bands across the wing, the outer edge of first
primary and of the secondaries and tertials dull-white; the edges of the tail feathers
like the back, the outer one scarcely lighter; upper mandible black, the lower yel-
low, but brown at the tip.

Length, six and fifteen one-hundredths inches; wing, three and fifty one-hun-
dredths; tail, three and five oiiu-humlrp.Jths-

Hub. — r.astern Kortli America to the borders of the high central plains, south to
New Granada.

i3

««

8

iv

108

OUNITUOLUUY AND OI)LO(;V.

This l)ir(l is a common summer iiiliuMtant of Ni!W Eiig-
laud, making its iipiioiininco from tlio South from al)out tho
lUtli to tho 20tU of May. It prefers tho solitudos of

the deep forests to the more open districts, and is a more
retiring species than any of its coxisins in those States.
About tho last of May, the birds, having chosen their mates,
commence building. Tlie nest is placed usually on the
horizontal limb of a tree, generally at a height of about
twenty foot from the ground : it is composed of pine loaves
and cottony substances, and covered with lichens and
mosses, which are fixed on after tho manner of tho Hum-
ming-bird. I think Nuttall's description of the nest the
best that I have seen : it is as follows : —

" The nest is extremely neat and curious, almost universally
saddled upon an old moss-grown and decayed limb in a horizontal
position, and is so remarkably shallow, and incorporated upon the
'ranch, as to be easily overlooked. The body of the fabric con-
sists of wiry glass and root fibres, often blended with small branch-
ing lichens, held together with cobwebs and caterpillars' silk,
moistened with saliva; externally, it is so coated over with bluish,
crustaceous lichens as to be hardly discernible from the moss
upon the tree. It is lined with finer root-fibres, or slender grass-
stalks."

THE WOOD PEWEE.

100

Tho eggs arc generally four in number. Tliej are very
beautiful, being of a delieate cn.-iuu-colur, with blotches
ana spots of lilac and brown around tho larger end : thero
aro two shades of lilac, — one ol)8curo, and the other
decided, even a lavender. Tho eggs are generally oval in
shape, and but little larger at one end than at the other.
Length from .12 to .78 inch ; breadth from JA to .ol) inch.
But one brood is reared iu the Boason in New England.
The period of incubation is fourteen days.

The habits of this species arc not generally so well known
as thosu of the Phebe, which bird it resembles in many
respects. Although it is usually found in the wildest and
most thickly wooded localities, it sometimes frequents tho
orchards and open pastures ; and I have occasionally seen
individuals on the trees on Boston Common, busily engaged
iu hunting insects, and apparently having families in tho
neighborhood. The note is diflerent from that of the Phebe,
behig more plaintive and di-awling, sounding like the syl-
lables ^'' pe-iveeee,'^ ^^ pe-weSee.'' When tho nest is ap-
proached, both tho parents fly to meet the intruder,
hovering over his head, snapping their bills, and uttering
short notes of complaint like chip-pee , pe-peu : they often
alight on a twig near him, and flirt their tails and quiver
their wings iu a nervous, irritable manner. After tho
young have left tho nest, the old birds separate; and, though
still frequenting the same localities they inhabited during
the season of incubation, they are seldom seen together,
each seeming to avoid the other. They are now generally
silent, and, when approached, are quite shy. They leave
the New-England States by the 10th of September, and
probably winter in South America.

iri

■;^

8

EMPIDONAX, Cabanis.

Empuhmx, Cabasis, Journal fiir Omithologie, III. (Nov., 1855) 480 (typ*

Tirannula pus'dln,

Tyrannula of most authors.

140

OUNITIIOLOOY ANU OOl.otiV.

Tar»U8 Un>,'ltiene(l, ronsidiTnlily IniifjiT tlmn llic iiiMdIo foe, wliirli i« docldoitW
Idiitfvr timii lliv hind toe; Ml variulili'; liid vi-ry uliglitly furkvd, wen, or nuiiidrd,
n lillli' pliorU'i- uiily llnui tliu wiiik^, which ur« ((iimidurubly nuiiidud, tliu lirHt pri-
iiiiiry iiiiah HhurttT thuii the I'uurth; iicud inuduruli'ly crtiated; cidur uIivucimiuh
uhuvc, yc'lluwinh bi'uuatli; thruat (,'euurull/ i;ruy.

EMPIDONAX TEAILLII. — liairJ.

The Traill's Flycatcher.

Mmdcnpn tr'tiltii, Audiiboii. On. Uioj?., I. (1^32) 236; V. (1830) 426.
Tjfrannu* tmillU, N'uttuU. Muii., I. (2d rd., 1840) 3:23.

DehcrU'TIon.

Third quill ioiinest, second (cnrcely Hliorter than fourth, flrgf Hhor'ar ♦han liflii,
about thirty-live om;-hiiudrudlliH HJiorttT lluiii tlio l(iii(,'e«ti priiuarii!!' uboiil sovciily
live oni'-liundiidllis of an incli lontjjr tlmn Hoconduriea ; tail evi'ii; uppor parts (.'ark
olive Kr*^^*^"! liKlitcr under the wings, and duller and more tinyed with ash on nupe
and sides of the mik; centre of the crown feathers brown; a |iale yellowiali-wh.te
riiif; (in Honie t>peeinien» uUogether white) round the eye; loral feathers niixi.il
witli white; chin aii<i throat white; the breast and sides of throat li^ht-ash tiiip'd
with olive, its intensity varying in iiidividuals, the former sometimes faintly
tinged with olive; sides of the breast inudi like the back; middle of the billy nearly
white; sides of the belly, abdomen, and the lower tail coverts sulphur-yellow; the
quills and tail teuthers dark-brown, as dark (if not more so) as these parts in
('. vimis; two olivaceous yellow-white bands on the wing, formed by the tips of the
first and second coverts, succeeded by a brown one, the edge of the first primary
and of secondaries and tertials a little lighter shade of the same; the outer edge of
the tail feathers like the back, that of the lateral one rather lighter; bill above dark-
broivn, dull-brownish beneath.

Length, nearly six inches; wing, two and ninety one-buudredths ; tail, two and
sixty one-hundrcdths.

JJab. — Eastern United States, and south to Mexico.

This bird is occasionally found as a spring and autumn
visitor in New England, arriving about the loth or 20th of
May. In its habits, it resembles the Least Flycatcher (^U.
minimus}, as it docs also in its plumage: in fact, these two
birds and the Green-crested Flycatcher have been so much
mistaken for each other by different naturalists, the confu-
sion in whose descriptions is so great, that it requires a very
careful examination to identify either of these birds per-
fectly and accurately. I have had no opi)ortunitics for
observing the habits of the bird now before us, and can add
nothing to its history. Thompson, in his " Vermont Birds,"

THK LEAST FLYrATCIIKR.

in

gives it ns hrooJiiig in that Stato ; aiul I liuvo no douht it
occasionully paHHos tho snnimor in cacli of tlio Ncw-EnfrlanJ
States. I had a nost and four ojrps hronght mo in June,
18t)-4, found in Eastern Massaclnisotts, that \v(M'0 almost
exactly like tlioso of -ft", minimus; but tho Ijird hrou^lit
witli tlio nest was unquestionably of this species : whether
or not tho two l)elonged together I caiuiot say. l)iii think
that they prol)ably did. Tho person who collected them
informed me that tho nost was found in an applo-treo in an
old orchard : it was built in a small ibrk about twenty feet
from tho ground. Tho bird attacked tho person who found
it, courageously flying in his face, and snapping its bill
with anger, and uttering a querulous twitter like that of the
Phebo. Tho eggs woro nearly hatched ; and, as they wer<!
found on the 20th of June, they must have been laid by
the lOtli of that month.

Two eggs in my cabinet, from near Quebec, Lower Can-
ada, collected by William Coupor, Esq., who informs me
this species is occasionally met with there, are of a creamy-
whito color, like that of tho eggs of A\ minirmia ; each egg
having a very few pale reddish-brown dots. The form of
the eggs is more elongated than that of the eggs of minimus^
the dimensions being .77 by .53 inch, and .76 by .55 inch.

EMPIDONAX MINIMUS. — Baird.

The Least Flycatcher; Chebeo.

Tyrannula minima, William M. and S. F. Baird. Pr. A. N. Sc. I. (July, 1843)
284. lb., Sillim. Am. Jour. Sc. (July, 1844). And., Birds Amer. VII. (1844) 343,
pi. 401.

Descrtption.

Second quill longest, third and fourth but little shorter, fifth a little less, first
intermediate between fifth and sixth; tail even; above olive-brown, darker on the
head, becoming pnler on "he rump and upper tail coverts; the middle of the back
most strongly olivaceous, he nape (in some individuals) and sides of the head
tinged with ash; a ring round the eye, and some of the loral feathers white, the chin
and throat white ; the sides of the throat and across the breast dull-ash, the color on
the latter sometimes nearly obs. lote; sides of the breast similar to the back, but of a
lighter tint; middle of the belly very pale yellowish-white, turning to pale sulphur-
yellow on the sides of the belly, abdomen, and lower tail coverts; wings brown

H

s

142

ORNITIIOLOGT AND OOLO(JT.

two narrow wliite bands on wing, formed by the tips of the first and second I'ov-
erts, succeeded by one of brown; the edge of tlie first [irimary, and of the second-
aries and tcrtials, white; tail rn'her h'gbter brown, edged externally like the back;
feathers narrow, not acuminate, with the ends rather blunt. In autumn, the white
parts are strongly tinged with j'ellow.

Length, about five inches; wing, two and sixtj'-five one-hundredths ; tail, two
and fifty one-hundrodths.

//aA. — Kastem United States to Missouri plains.

Tnis species orrives from the Soutli usually about the
last week in April. Tlie birds commence building about
tlie 20th or 25th of May. The nest is placed usually in
a small fork of a limb of an apple-tree, in the orchard, and
often quite near the house : it is composed of oft, fine grass,
cobwebs, twine, cotton, — in fact, almost any thing that will
help to make a smooth, compact fabric : the interior is lined
with soft grass, bristles, fine roots, feathers, and wool. The
eggs are visually four in number, sometimes three, some-
times five : they are of a beautiful creamy-white color ; and
their form is nearly pyriform, being abruptly tapered to the
small end. Dimensions of a nest complement of four eggs,
taken at random from a large number, collected in different
parts of New England : .63 by .50 inch, .64 by .51 inch,
.61 by .53 inch, .60 by .53 inch. This species often breeds
twice in the season in New England. The period of incuba-
tion is thirteen days.

This bird, being very abundantly distributed as a summer
resident throughout New England, is well known, and its
habits are familiar to all. It prefers the neighborhood of
civilization, and is most frequently found in orchards and
gardens. A pair once built in an apple-tree, immediately
beneath my chamber window, — so near that I could touch
tiie nest with a rod four feet in length. The nest was com-
menced on the 5th of June, and was finished by the 10th ;
both birds working in its construction. The female laid
four eggs in three days' time, and commenced sitting when
the fourth was laid. Both birds incubated, and the male
remained on the nest nearly as long as his mate. When he

THE SMALL GREBN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER.

143

was off the nest, he was very pugnacious ; attacking every
bird that came near, and even forcing a robin to retreat, so
fierce was the onslaught he made on it. He always, in
attacking other birds, uttered his shrill cry, chebeo, chehec,
and snapped his bill loudly and fiercely. When perching,
he often flirted his tail in the manner of the Phebe ; and,
every few seconds, he emitted his note, — chehec, chehec,
chcbec; varied sometimes into chehec-trree-treo, chebe c-treee-
cheu.

The young were all hatched by the fourteenth day, and
left the nest within a month from their birth. They were fed
abundantly, wlnle on the nest, by the parents, with insects,
whie'ii they caught and crushed between their bills: they
were fed a few days after they left the nest, and then turned
adrifi ; the parents having begun another nest on the same
tree.

The Least Flycatcher has often been called the Small
Green-crested or Acadican Flycatcher. I would caution
tliose who are interested in the history of these birds to
observe great care, and be cei'tain of their identity before

naming them.

By the second week in September, it leaves on its south-

ern migration.

EMPIDONAX ACADICUS.— i?a!Vrf.

The Small Green-crested Flycatcher.

f Mvscicapa acadkn, Gmclin. Syst. Nat, I. (1788) 947. Aud. Om. Biog., II.
(1834) 256; V. (1639) 429. Nutt. Man., L (1832) 208.
Muscicapa querula, Wilson. Am. Om., II. (1810) 77.
Tyrannus acadica, "^luttall. Man. I. (2d ed., 1840) 320.

Description.
The second and tliird quills are longest, and about equal; the fourth a little
shorter, the first about equal to the iiftli, and about thirty-tive one-hundrcdths less
than the longest; tail even; the upper parts, with sides of the head and neck, olive-
green, the crown very little if any darker; a yellowish-white ring round tlie eye;
the sides of the body under the wings like the back, but fainter olive, a tinge of the
same across the breast ; the chin, throat, and middle of the belly white; the abdo-
men, lower tail and wing coverts, and sides of the body not covered by the wing?,
pale greenish-yellow; edges of the firbt primary, secondaries, and tertials margined

^a

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144

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

with dull yclIowi.«Ii-wliite, most broniUy on the latter; two transverse bands of pale-
yellowish across the wings, formed by the tips of the secondary and primary coverts,
succeeded by a brown one; tail light-brown, margined externally like the back;
upper mandible light-brown above, palo-yellow beneath. In autumn, the lower
parts are more j-ellow.

Length, five and sixty-live one-hundredths inches; wing, three; tail, two and
seventy-five oue-hundredths inches.

JIab. — Kastern United States to the Mississippi.

This bird is a rare suminer inhabitant of any of the New-
England States, seldom coming so far north. I have had
no opportunities of observing its habits, and can give no
description from my own observation. Mr. Allen says that
it breeds iti swamps and low moist thickets, which are its
exclusive haimts.

Girand, ia his " Bii-ds of Long Island," says, " In habits,
it is solitary ; generally seen on the lower branches of the
largest trees ; utters a quick, sharp note ; arrives among us
in the latter part of May, and retires southward early in
September."

I have no nest, but understand that it resembles that of
the Least Flycatcher. Five eggs befoi'e me, furnished by
J. P. Norris, Esq., of Philadelphia, arc of a pale creamy-
white color, with a few thin spots of reddish-brown scattered
over their larger end. They vary in size from .78 inch in
length by about .56 inch in breadth, to .72 inch in length
by .55 inch in breadth. The form is like that of E. trailUi ;
but the spots are larger and more numerous.

OSCINES. SINGING BIRDS.

145

SUB-OTIDER OSCINES. Sinoino Birds.

Toes, three anterior, one behind, nil at the same level, and none versatile, the
outer anterior never entirely free to the base; tail feathers twelve; primaries, either
nine only, or else the first is spurious or nuioh shorter than the second, makini? the
tenth; tuil feathers usually twelve; tarsi feathered to the knee, the jdates on the
anterior face either fused into one or with distinct divisions, the posterior portion of
the sides covered by one continuous plate on either side, meeting in a sharp edi^.
behind, or with only a few divisions inferiorly. Occasionally, the hinder side luii
transverse plates, corresponding in number to the anterior; but there arc then usually
rone on the sides. Larynx provided with a peculiar muscnlar apparatus for singing,
composed of tive pairs of muscles.

Family TURDIDiE. The Tiikusuks.

The following characteristics of this family and its genera, represented in Now
England, are given by Professor .Spencer F. Raird, in his recent "Review of the
Birds of North America," published in the Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collec-
tions : —

"Primaries fen, the first of which is either spurious or much shorter than the
second. The bill is elongated and subulate, moderately slender, and usually notchecl
at tip; nostrils uncovered: the culmtn moderately curved from the base, and the
mouth well provided with bristles, except in a few cases. Usually, the scutellie
covering the front and sides of the tarsus are fused into one continuous plate, or else
scarcely appreciable, except on the inner edge only; in the Mocking Thrushes, they
are, however, distinctly marked. The lateral toi s are nearly equal, the outer rather
the longer." These gencr.il characteristics apply also to the Snxicolhlce, more fully
spoken of in a succeeding page.

The peculiar characteristics of the family Tiirdidm are: "Wings moderate, more
rounded, not reaching beyond middle of the often rounded tail, and not more (ban
one and a third the latter, usually more nearly equal. Spurious primary sometimes
half the length of sect nd quill, the second quill shorter than the fourth. In the
closed wing, the outer secondary reaches three-fourths or more the length of longest
primar}'."

Professor Baird divides this family into the sub-families Turdinm, which have
"tarsi covered anteriorly with a continuous plate;" and the il/imincB, whose tarsi
arc scutellate anteriorly; scutellro sever..

■;3

In

8

Siih-Famihj TimniNiE.

Nostrils oval ; bristles along the base of the bill from gape to nostrils, those ot
rictus not reaching beyond nostrils; the loral feathers with bristly points; second
quiH longer than sixth; outer lateral toes longer; wings long.

10

146

ORMTHOLOOY AND OOLOGY.

TUUDUS, LiNNia-s.

T>iri!ii9. I,i.NN.F.rs, Syst. Nit. (173."0. (Type T. risdrorus. fide C. R. Gray.)
Hill rather stout; commi.'su.''! strniRlit to near the tip, which is fjuite abruptly
(Iccurvcd, uii'l UFually diiitiiu'tly notcliod; culmen gently convex tVom base; bill
shorter th.nn the hend, both outlines curved; tarsi longer than the middle toe; lateral
toes nearly ecpml, outer longer; wings much longer than the tail, pointed; the fii-st
quill spurious and very small, not one-fourth the length of longest; tail short, nearly
oven, or slightly cmarginate.

TUEDUS MUSTELINDS. — f;OTf/;».
The Song Thrush ; Wood Thrush.

Timhi! 7mislelh>us, Gmclin. Syst. Nat., I. (1788) 817. Nutt. Man., I. (1832) 84R
And. Orn. liiog . I. (18.32) 372; V. (1839) 446.

Tiirdiis meloi/iis, Wi\?on. Am. Orn., I. (1808) 35, pi ii.

Description.

Above, clear cinnanion-brown, on the top of the head becoming more rufous, on
the rump and tail olivaceous; the under parts are clear-white, sometimes tinged with
buff on the breast or anteriorly, and thickly marked beneath, except on the chin
and tliroat, and about the vent and tail coverts, with sub-triangular, sharply defined
spots of blackish; the sides of the head are dark-brown, streaked with wliitc, and
there is also a maxillary series of streaks on each side of the throat, the central por-
tion of which sometimes has indications of small spots.

Length, eight and ten-bundredths inches: wing, four and twenty-five one-hun-
drcdths; tail, three and five one-hundredths; tarsus, one and twenty-six one-
lumdrertths.

IMi. — Eastern United States to ^lissouri River, south to Guatemala.

THIS beautiful songster is a pretty common summer
inhabitant of Massachusetts, Coi:' :ivat, and Rhode
Island. In the other New-England Sta; ^^ ' is rarely seen ;
and, when we hear of a Song Thrush occurring there, refer-
once is probably made either to tho Hermit or Olive-backed
Tlirush. It arrives from the South about tlie 10th of May,
both sexes making their appearance at about the same time.
They soon commence pairing, and frequent the moist thick-
ets and thickly wooded glens, where their amours are con
ducted in privacy and peace.

At this season, tlie beautiful song of the male is heard at
early dawn and early twiliglit: it seldom sings in the middle
of the day, unless tlic weather is dark and cloudy. This
song is '^i 'icautifiil, melancholy strain, similar to the tone

'■"■'?2.\..\,

THE SONG THRUSH.

1 I'

produced on a flute : the notes are difTiciiU of dcsciiptiou
Mr. >yuttaii, who was particularly happy in his descriptions
of hird-songs, speaks of this as follows : —

" The prelude to this song resembles almost the double-tonijuinf];
of the flute, blended with a tinkling, shrill, and solemn warble,
which re-echoes from his solitaiy retreat like the dirge of some sad
recluse, who shuns the busy haunts of life. The whole air consists
usually of four parts, or bars, which succeed, in deliberate time,
and finally blend together in impressive and soothing harmony,
becoming more mellow and sweet at every repetition. Rival per-
formers seem tc challenge each other from various parts of the
wood, vying for the favor of their mates with sympathetic respon-
ses and softer tones. And some, waging a jealous strife, terminate
the warm dispute by an appeal to combat and violence. Like tiie
Robin and the Thrasher, in dark and gloomy weather, when other
birds are sheltered and silent, the clear notes of the "Wood Thrush
are heard through the dropping woods, from dawn to dusk ; so that,
the sadder the day, the sweeter and more constant is his song. His
clear and interrupted whistle is likewise often nearly the oidy voice
of melody heard by the traveller, to mid-day, in the heat of sum-
mer, as he traverses the silent, dark, and wooded wilderness, remote
from the haunts of men. It is nearly impossible bv words to con-
vey any idea of the peculiar warble of this vocal hermit; but,
amongst his phrases, the sound of 'airoee, peculiarly liquid, and
followed by a trill, repeated in two separate bars, is readily recog-
nizable. At times, their notes bear a considerable resemblance to
those of Wilson's Thrush : such as eh rhehu h'rhehu, then varied
to 'eh villia villia, 'eh villia vrhehu, then 'eh velu vilhi, high and
shrill."

About the 20th of May, the Song Thrush builds its nest.
This is placed usually in a low alder or birch shrub, iu a
retired locality, almost always iu the deep woods. It is
composed outwardly of grass, leaves, and weeds, bent and
twined together. In this is built a nest composed of mud
and grass, and the whole is lined with fibrous roots and soft
grass and moss. It is placed on a low branch of a tree, or
in the branches of a shrub. I give Wilson's description of

.^3

:3!

8

148

OUMTnOLOGY AND OOLOCY.

tliG nest, not because it is essentially different from my own.
but to contitni my own observation, and to help clear up
the confusion tliat exists in many districts concerning the
identity of the thruslios. It is as follows : —

" The favorite haunts of the Wood Tln-ush are low, tliick -shaded
hollows, through which a small brook or rill meanders, overhung
•with cedar-hushes that are mantled with wild vines. Near sucli a
scene, he generally builds his nest in a laurel or alder bush. Ciut-
wardlv, it ia composed of withered beech-leaves of the i)rec('(ling
year, laid at bottom in considerable quantities, no doubt to prevent
damp and moisture from ascending through, being generally built
in low, wet situations : above these are layers of knotty stalks or
withered grass, mixed with mud, and smoothly plastered, above
which is laid a slight lining of fine black fibrous roots of plants."

The eggs are iisually four in number ; they arc of a uni-
form liglit-blue color, without spots, and with a very slight
tint of green ; their form is rather long and pointed. The
followii:g are the dimensions of a nest complement of four
eggs, foi.nd in Milton, Mass. : 1.12 by .68 inch, 1.12 by .69
iiich, 1.0 '' by 70 inch, 1 by .73 inch. But one brood is
usually reared in the season in New England.

TUEliUS PALLASIl. — GiAnnw.
The Hermit Thrush.

Turdns pnltnsi), Ci'hanis. Wicggnian'? Arrliiv. (1S47), I. 205.

Turilus folitiirius, Wilson. Am. Om., V. (1812) 95 (not of Linn.TUS. The figure
quoted pi. xliii. fig. 2, belongs to T. Swainamii), Aud. Syn. (1839). 76., Birds
Am., III. (1811) 29, pi. :46.

Turdus minor, Bi.cparte. Obs. Wilson (1825), No. 72. lb., Syn. (1828), 75.
Xutt. Man., I. (1830) 340. Aud. Orn. Biog., I. (1331) 303; V. 445, pi. 58.

Dkscription.

Fourth quill loncost; third "ind fourth a little shorter; second about equal to the
(>ixth (abo'.it a tliirtietl. of an inch shorter than the longest); tail slightly cmaigi-
nate; above light olivo-bri i.n, m' ■ a scarcely perceptible shade of reddish, pa-^siiig,
however, into decided rufouR on !ie nimp, upper tail coverts, and tail, and to a less
degree on the outer surface of the wings; beneath white, with a scarcely appreciable
Bhade of pale-liuff across the fore part of the breart, and sometimes on the throat;
the sides of the throat aid the fore part of the breast with rather sharply delined

THE IIKUMIT THIiU.SH.

149

mlitriuiinul'ir spotf oi daik olive-brown; the sides nf the hroMi •.viiii palir .iimI lesi
distiucf ?pot8 of tlio same; sides ol the body under tlie win;:;.i oC a paler shade than
the baek; u whitish ring round the eye; ear coverts very obseurely streaked with
paler.

Length, seven and fifty one-bundredths inches; wiii^, tliree a;id eigbly-four one-
bundredths; tail, three and twenty-live one-bundredlbs; tarsus, one and sixteen
one-hundredtbs.

H(ib. — Eastern North America to the Mississippi Hiver.

This bird, although not so well known iu Ma.ssacluisetts,
Connecticut, and Rhode Island, is quite laniiliar to the
people of the other States in New England, It an-ivcs from
the South about the middle cf April, and passes leisurely
to the North, where it arrives about the middle of May.
It very seldom breeds in any districts south of the latitude
of the middle of Maine ; and from thence north it is quite
abundant, where it is known by the name of the Swamp
Robin. I have been so fortunate as to find several nests
of this species ; and they were all built in very low scrubby
trees or bushes, quite near the ground. They were com-
posed of twigs, grasses, mosses, and leaves ; they were
deeply hollowed, and no mud was used in their composition,
as with several other species ; they were lined with soft
grasses, mosses, and fine fibrous roots. The eggs were, in
one nest, three in number ; and, iu the others, four. This was
about the 10th of June. The localities were in the neigh-
borhood of Lake Umbagog and in the valley of the Magal-
loway River, in Maine. The eggs of this species are of a
somewhat elongated oval form, and their color is a light-
blue with a very faint tint of gx'eeu : " about one in every
four has very thinly scattered spots of reddish-brown, and
occasionally one is met with having an abundance of
coarser spots of two shades of browu." Dimensions
of specimens from various localities vary from .92 by .65
to .88 by .GO inch.

Mr. C. L. Paine, of Randolph, Vt., writes me that ho has
found numbers of the nests of this bird, and that they were
■11 variably built on the ground. He also says that the eggs

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160

OIIMTIIOLOOT AND OOLOGY.

arc always blue in color, and ho has never met with one
tiiat was sjiottcd in any manner. 1 have quite a number
of specimens in my collection, and not one is spotted. I
have also seen many others, and they were not marked ; and
1 think that the above quotation must be received with cau-
tion. A nest sent nie from Upton, Me., is composed almost
entirely of mosses. It contains live eggs, all unsi)otted.

Mr. I'aine writes mo that the Olive-backed Thrush breeds
in his neighborhood, Avhich, with the other, are the only
thrushes breeding there. In answer to his remark that
tlio ITern)it Thrusli always builds on the ground, I can only
say that 1 found the nests as above. I have noticed that
the Tawny or Wilson's Thrush builds on the ground in
some localities and in bushes in others, and conclude that
the Hermit is also variable in its choice of a nesting-place.

The habits, song, and general cliaracteristics of this bird
are almost exactly similar to those of the Song Thrush.
Its song resembles it so much, that I always supposed the
bird was the same, until I examined some of them that I
heard singing, when I found my mistake. About the
middle of October, the last individuals that are seen in
Massachusetts leave for the South. At this tune, as in the
spring, tl.(.\v are silent and shy : their note is a faint chirp,
uttered in a listless, melancholy tone ; and their whole
ai)pearance is in keeping with the great change which has
come over the face of Nature. In fact, the Hermit Thrush
is always associated in my mind with the falling of leaves,
the rattling of acorns, and the whirring of the Ruffed
Grouse through the birches and alders of the swampy
glens.

TURDUS FUSCESCENS. — Stephens.
The Tawny Thrush ; Wilson's Thrush.

Tiinliis fttscescens, Stephens. Shaw's Zool. Birds, X. (1817) 182. Gray, Genera
(1849).

Tun/us miislelinus, Wilson. Am. Orn., V. (1812) 98 (not of Gm.).

Tunlus n'ilnwM, Nuttall. Man., I. (1832) 34U. Aud. Orn. Biog., II. (1834) 862;
V. 446. Jl/., Birds Am., III. (1841) 27, pi. 145.

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Third (n
l(inf;ur tliuii
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TIIK TAWNY THIIUSH.

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I)E8rKII>T|i>!(.

Third quill Idigi'tt, r<iiirtii a little Nluirtur, socoiiil nearly a qiiartcr nf an iiuli
l(in|;ur thun tliu lilth; abovu, iiiul on gideft of lioud uiid neck, iicnrly uniriirin li^lit
rtiddish-brown, with a taint tciuluncy to oran){u uii the crown and tail; btnuiitli
white, tho fori' part of the brcu^t and throat ([laltr on thu chin) tinged >vith pale
jrowni^h yellow, in decided contrast to tliu >vliito of the belly j tlio wides of thu
throat and tho fore part of thu breast, lis colored, arc marked with Hniall trlun){ular
Kpots of light-brownish, nearly like the back, but Ujt well delined; there aru u few
obsolete blotches on the ftidits of the breast (fn the white) ol pale-olivaceoua, the
Hides of the body tinged with the same; tibiic white; the lower mandible is brown-
ieh only at the tip; the lores are ash-colored.

Length, se^en and fifty ono-liundredtha inches; wing, four and twenty-live ono-
hundredths; tail, three and twenty oue-hundredths inches; tariius, one and twenty
one-hundredths.

I/nb. — l^asfcrn North America to the Missouri, north to f\ir countries.

This species is well distinguished among tho American thrushes by the indis-
tinctness of the spots beneath, and their being contincd mainly to the fore part of
the bruast. In some specimens, there is a l.iint tendency to a more vivid c(dor on
the rump; but this is usually like the back, which is \&Ty nearly the color of the
rump in T. jmlkmi

This quite common species is a summer inhabitant of
southern Now England. It is quite abundant until we reach
tlio southern portions of Maine, Now Hampshire, and Vcr-
• mont, when it begins to grow less conunon until wo reach the
latitude of the middle of these States, where it begins to be
replaced by the Hermit Tlu-usli, and soon ceases to occur to
the north of this latitude. It makes its appearance from
the South about the first week in May, often earlier, and
commences building about the 20th of May. The nest is
placed occasionally in a low shrub, or tangled clump of
briers, usually on the ground. The situation is retired,
often in the depths of the woods. The nest is constructed
of grass, leaves, and weeds ; in some cases, tlie outer bark
of the grape-vine is tho principal material used : it is quite
thoroiighly i.iade, and is deeply hollowed, and lined with
fine roots and horscliair. The eggs arc usually four in
number, sometimes five; their color is bluish-;.; eon, deeper
than that of tho eggs of the Hermit Thrush, but not so dark
as in those of the Cat Bird ; their form is generally an oval,
sometimes lengthened and sharpened ; their average size is

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Sciences
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23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. MS80

(716) 872-4503

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OKNITIIOLOGY AND OOLO(;V.

about .1)0 by .GG inch. As in many other eggs, the longest
Hpocinicns are not always the broadest. The following are
the dimensions of four eggs, taken at random from a large
number of this species : .92 by .G4 uich, .88 by .04 inch,
.86 by .GO inch, .87 by .67 inch.

From the first arrival of this bird, during its whole stay
Iiere, it seems to prefer the neighborhood of a swampy wood
for Its home. There, during the mating and incubating
seasons, the notes of the male may be heard at the earliest
hours of the morning and evening; and, in cloudy weather,
through the day, and sometimes in tlie night. Tlie song is
0, peculiar one, with a singular metallic ring, exceedingly
difficult to describe : it begins quite loud, the syllables
cheury, clitdrij^ chiury, vheury^ decreasing in tone to a quite
faint lisp; then, after a short pause, the notes, cheou 'ttvit,
trittcr, ^triiter, are uttered ; and the whole is finislied iisutdly
with the ejaculation, chickwheu. This song is often re-
peated ; and sometimes two or three males, ])erching on a
}()W shrub or tree, emulate each other in a musical contest
that is very pleasing to hear. This tln-ush, as are all the
others, is eminently insectivorous ; and througli the whole
day he may be heard busily searching among the fallen
leaves for his favorite food.

About the 10th of September, it leaves for the South : at
this time, like most of the others, it is silent and retiring,
and is found only in localities that are thickly wooded with
a growth of small birclies and oaks.

TUEDUS SWAINSONII.— Caianw.
The Olive-backed Thrash ; Swainson's Thrush.

Turdus Swaiiisonii, Cab. in Tschudi F. Peruana (1844-46) 188.
Turdut solitariiu, Wilson. Am. Orn., V.

Dksckiition.

Third quill longest, second and fourth but little shorter, nnd much longer than

the fifth (by thirty-five one-hundrodths of an inch); upper parts unifoim olivaceous,

with a decided sliade of green ; the fore part of breast, tiiu throat, and chin, pale

brownish-yellow; rest of lower parts white, the sides washed with brownish-olire;

THE OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH.

i:)3

sides cf tlie throat niul tore part of the breast with »ub-rouiideil spots of well-Ji lined
brow'i, darlter tliun tlie tinck; tlio rest of tlie breast (except mcdiully) with rutlier
less distinct spots rliatare more olivaceous; tibiie yellowish-brown; broad ring round
'.lie eye; lorul region, and a general tinge on the side of the head, clear reddiOi-buff.

Length, seven inches; wing, lour and tilleeu oue-hundredths; tail, thr e and
ten one-hundredths inches; tarsus, one and ten one-hunlredtlis.

nub. — Kastern North America to the Black Hills, south to Mexico and Peru,
north to Greenland. Accidental in Europe and Siberia.

This species is at once distinguished from the others by the perfectly uniform and
pure dull-olivaceous shade of its upper parts, moat strongl}' marked and appreciable
on the rump and tail. The throat and breast are perhaps more reddish thou in any
of our species, and the tinge in the marking on the side of the head is very much
more decided than in uiiy other. The spots on the breast larger than in T. ustulatu»,
and rather mori; numerous than in pnllaiii.

This species is the least common of all the New-Eiiglaud
thrushes. It is rarely observed in its passage through the
southern portions of these States, and only begins to choose
a home for the summer on arriving ,-,t the northern districts.
I have looked fur it re[)eatedly, but have not been able to
find it south of the latitude of Lake Umbagog, in the breed-
ing season ; and even there it is not often met with. It
arrives in the localities where it breeds about tlie first week
in June. In common with the Hermit Thrush, it is called
the " Swamp Robin," and can hardly be distinguished from
that bird, either by its song, whicli is beautiful, or by its
breeding habits or nests. The eggs are ditforent, being of a
deeper green color : they are always (so far as my expei-i-
ence goes) thinly spotted with dots and blotches of reddish
and brown. The following are the dimensions of four eggs
that I found in a nest near Wilson's Mills, Me., on the 16th
of June, 1864 : .93 by .64 inch, .93 by .63 inch, .92 by .60
inch, .90 by .61 inch.

The only difierence in the habits of this species from those
of the Hermit Thrush is, that, while the latter is most usually
found in swampy localities, the other is most often seen in
dry, scrubby woods, where it is almost always busily engaged
in the pursuit of its favorite insect food.

J. A. Allen, in his paper on the birds of Springfield,
Mass., before referred to, is of the opinion that this species

1 *

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154

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

and the Tardus alicice are the same. In a conversation with
Professor Buird, since the issue of Allen's paper, I was in-
formed, that, in a large suite of specimens of both species,
to which he had access, he could identify each by character-
istics so fixed that any confusion was impossible : he was
of the opinion that Mr. Allen had not seen the bird Jie calls
alicice. I have therefore not given that species as a bird of
New England, and think that it i/et remaiiis to be proved as
Buch.

Dr. Bryant, in describing the tabits of the Olive-backed
Thrush, says : —

" Its note differs entirely from that of T. pallasii, and tlio birds
also differ very much in their habita ; the latter species being gen-
erally seen on the ground, while the Olive-backed Thrush prefers
to procure its food among the branches. The one seen at Big Mud
Lalic, Grand JManan, was perched on the top of a small dwarf-fir,
and was hunting the passing insects with all the dexterity of a
typical Flycatcher."

TDBDUS MIGBATOEIUS. — Z,(n(«BM.

The Bobin.

Turdus migratvrius, Linnicus. Syst. Nat., L (1766) 292. Wilson, Am. Orn., I.
(1808) 35. Aud. Orn. Biog., IL (1834) 190.

Memla migratona, Sw. and Kicb. Fauna Bor. Amer., IL (1831) 176.

Description.

Third and fourth quills about equal, fifth a little shorter, second longer thao
sixth; tail slightly rounded; above olive-gray, top and sides of the head black,
chin and throat white, streaked with black; eyelids, and a spot above tlie eye an-
teriorly, white; under parts and inside of the wings chestnut-brown; the under tail
coverts and anal region with tibia; white, showing the plumbeous inner portions of
the feathers ; wings dark-brown, the feathers all edged more or less with pale-ash ;
tail still darker, the extreme feathers tipped with white; bill yellow, dusky alon^; the
ridge and at tlie tip.

Length, nine and seventy-five one-hundredths inches; wing, five and forty-three
one-hundredtlis; tail, four and seventy-five one-hundredths inches ; tarsus, one and
twenty-five one-hundredths.

Iliib. — Continent of North America to Mexico.

It is very seldom tliat specimens exhibit the colors exactly as described. Nearly
always in winter, aud in most cases at other times, the rufous feathers are margined
with wliitisli, sometimes quite obscuring the color. The black feathers of the head,

THE ROBIN.

155

too, have brownish edgings. Tlie wliite spot above the eye somctinoiea extends for-
wards towards the nostrila, but is usually quite restricted. The white patches on
the two eyelids are separated from each other, anteriorly and posteriorly.

This very common and well-known bird is a summer in-
habitant of all New England, and, in mild winters, remains
in the southern districts of these States through the year.
The great body of the
birds, however, arrive
from the South about
the middle of March.
Tliey commence build-
ing from the middle of
April to the first week
' in May, according to lati-
tude. Tlie nest is built .,
more often in the trees of '''^
the orchards and gardens, near houses, than in the deep
woods. It is a large, elaborately built affair, constructed first
of a thick layer of straws, weeds, roots, and mosses : on this
is built the nest proper, which is made of straws and weeds,
woven together in a circular form, and plastered together
with mud; this is lined with soft grasses and moss, the
whole making a durable structure, often holding together
through the entire year. The eggs are usiially four in num-
ber : their color is a beautiful greenish-blue, almost the same
as that of the Wood Thnxsh's ogg, which they resemble in
shape, except they are a trifle broader. Dimensions of a
nest-complement of four eggs : 1.16 by .82 inch, 1.16 by .82
inch, 1.10 by .75 inch, 1.10 by .80 inch. Many cases occur,
in the southern districts of New England, of two broods
being reared in the season, and I have known of three
broods being reared in Massachusetts ; but, in the northern
districts, I think that the second brood is the exception,
instead of the rule.

Perhaps none of our birds are more unpopular with horti-
culttirists than tliis ; and T will here give the observations

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!.■,()

OIlMTIlOLOUy AND OOLOGY.

ii

ui" diiroroul scientific men, and my own, to show that the
prejudice against the bird is unjust and unfounded. Mr.
Trouvclot, of Mcdford, Mass., who is engaged in rearing
silkworms, for the production of silk, is troubled by the
Robin to a degree surpassing most other birds. He has a
tract of about seven or eight acres enclosed, and mostly
covered with netting, lie is obliged, in self-defence, to kill
tlie birds which penetrate into the enclosure and destroy the
worms. Tlirough the season, probably ten robins, for one
of all otncrs, thus molest him ; and, of scores of these birds
which he has opened and examined, none had any fruit or
berries in their stomachs, — nothing but uisects. It is to
be understood that this was not in a part of the summer
wiien berries were unripe : on the contrary, it was all
through the season. His land is surrounded with scrub-
oaks and hueklebcrry-bushcs. These latter were loaded
with fruit, which was easier of access to the birds than the
worms ; but none were found in them. He says they came
from all quarters to destroy his silkworms, and gave him
more trouble than all the other birds together. He said
that, in his opinion, if the birds were all killed off, vegetar
tion would be entirely destroyed. To test the destructive-
iiess of these marauders, as he regarded them, he placed on
a small scrub-oak near his door two thousaiid of his silk-
worms. (These, let me say, resemble, when small, the
young caterpillar of the apple-tree moth.) In a very few
days they were all eaten by Cat-birds and Robins, — birds
closely allied, and of the same habits. This was in the
berry season, when an abundance of this kind of food was
easily accessible ; but they preferred his worms. Why ?
Because the young of those, as well as those of most other
birds, must be fed on animal food. Earthwoi*ms as8l3t in
the regimen ; but how often can birds like the Robin, Cafc-
bird. Thrush, &c., get these ? Any farmer knows, that, when
the surface of the ground is dry, they go to the subsoil, out
of the reach of birds ; and it is not necessary here w sap

THE ROBIN.

i:.7

wliat proportion of the tliiio tlie <i:roiiiid is very dry tlirou^li
the summer. Caterpillars, grtibs of various kinds, and
insects, therefore constitute the chief food of those birds ;
and of these, caterpillars and grul)s being the most abun-
dant, and most easily caught, furnish, of course, the larger
proportion.

In fact, the Thrushes seem designed by nature to rid tlie
surface of the soil of noxious insects not often pursued by
most other birds. The warblers capture the insects that
prey on the foliage of the trees ; the flycatcliers seize these
insects as they fly from the trees ; the swallows capture
those which have escaped all these ; the woodpeckers destroy
them when in the larva state in the wood ; the wrens, nut-
hatches, titmice, and creepers eat the eggs and young that
live on and beneath the bark ; but the thrushes subsist on
those that destroy the vegetation on the surface of the earth.
They destroy nearly all kinds of grubs, caterpillars, and
worms that live upon the greensward and cultivated soil,
and large quantities of crickets and grasshoppers before
the/ have become perfect insects. Tlic grubs of locusts,
of harvest-flies, and of beetles, which are turned up by the
plough or the hoe, and their pupae when emerging from the
soil ; apple-worms, when they leave the fruit and crawl about
in qiiest of new shelter ; and those subterranean cater[)illars,
the cutworms, that come out of the earth to take their food, —
all these, and many others, are eagerly devoured by the
Robin and other Thrushes. The cutworms emerge from
the soil dui'ing the night to seek for food ; and the Robin,
which is one of the earliest birds to go abroad in the morn-
ing, is very diligent at the dawn of day in hunting for these
vermin before they have gone back into their retreat. The
number of these destructive grubs is immense. " Whole
cornfields," says Dr. Harris, " are sometimes laid waste by
them. Cabbage-plants, till they are grown to a considerable
size, are very apt to be cut off and destroyed by them. Po-
tato-vines, beans, beets, and various other culinary plants,

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158

OnMTHOLOOT AND OOLOOY.

f!

1

i

suffer ill tlio aamo way." The services of the robins, in
destroying these alone, would more than pay for all the fruit
they devour. Indeed, during the breeding season, a roVnn is
seldom seen without having in his mouth one of these cater-
pillars, or some similar grub, which he designs for his yoiuig;
and as the Robin often raises three broods of young during
the season, his species must destroy more of this class of
noxious insects than almost all other birds together. In
my own gardening experiences, I have had my full share of
cutworms; and 1 have always noticed the Robin, Brown
Thrush, and Cat-bird busy early in the morning, — almost
before other birds are out of their feather-beds, figuratively
speaking, — catching these vermin and eating them, or
carrying them for food to their young.

To show further the food of this bird, I present the follow-
ing experiment. At a meeting of the Boston Society of
Natural History, a communication was read from Professor
Treadwell, of Cambridge, giving a detailed account of the
feeding and growth of this bird during a period of thirty-
two days, commencing with the 5th of June. The following
is the substance of this report : —

When caught, the two were quite young, their tail feathers
being less than an inch in length, and the weight of each
about twenty-five pennyweights, — less than half the weight
of the full-grown birds : both were plump and vigorous, and
had evidently been very recently turned out oi' the nest.
He began feeding them with earthworms, giving three to
each bird that uight. The second day, he gave them ten
worms each, which they ate ravenously. Thinking this
beyond what their parents could naturally supply tht.n with,
he limited them to this allowance. On the third day, he gave
them eight worms each in the forenoon ; but in the afternoon
he found one becoming feeble, and it soon lost its strength,
refused food, and died. On opening it, he found the pro-
ventriculus, gizzard, and intestines entirely empty, and con-
cluded therefore that it died from want of sufficient food ;

THE ROBIN.

\'>d

the effect of hunger being increased jjcrliaps by the cold,
as tlio thermometci- was about sixty degrees.

Tlie other bird, still vigorous, lie put in a warmer placo,
and increased its food, giving it tlie tliird day fifteen worms,
on the fourth day twenty-four, on the fiftli twenty-five, on
tlie sixth thirty, and on the seventh thirty-one worms. They
seemed insufficient, and the bird appeared to be losing
plumpness and weight. He began to weigh both the bird
and its food, and the results were given in a tabular form.
On the fifteenth day, he tried a small quantity of raw meat,
and, finding it readily eaten, increased it gradually, to the
exclusion of worms. With it the bird ate a large quantity
of earth and gravel, and drank freely after eating. By the
table, it appears that though the food was increased to forty
worms, weighing twenty pennyweights, on the eleventh day
the weight of the bird rather fell off; and it was not until
the fourteenth day, when he ate sixty-eight worms, or thirty-
four pennyweights, that he began to increase. On this day,
the weight of the bird was twenty-four pennyweights : ho
therefore ate forty-one per cent more than his own weight
in twelve hours, weighing after it twenty-nine pennyweights,
or fifteen per cent less than the food he had eaten in that
time. The length of these worms, if laid end to end, would
be about fourteen feet, or ten times the length of the intes-
tines.

To meet the objection, that the earthworm contains but a
small quantity of nutritious matter, on the twenty-seventh
day he was fed exclusively on clear beef, in quantity twenty-
seven pennyweights. At night, the bird weighed fifty-two
pennyweights, but little more than twice the amount of flesh
consumed during the day, not taking into account the water
ttud earth swallowed. This presents a wonderful contrast
with the amount of food required by the cold-blooded ver-
tebrates, fishes, and reptiles, many of which can live for
months without food, and also with that required by
mammalia. Man, at this rate, would eat about seventy

•1

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19

O

IGO

OIlNITIIOLOr.Y AND OOt.OCY.

pojiiuls of flesh II day, and drink five or six gallons of
vvator.

Tho qnostion immediately presents itself, ITow can tills
immense amount of food, reiinired by tlio younj^ birds, he
snpplied l>y the parents? Suppose a pair of old ruhins, with
the usual nnml)cr of lour young ones. These would recpiire,
according to tlio consumption of this bird, two hundred and
fifty worms, or tlioir equivalent in insect or other food, daily.
Suj)pose the parents to work ten liours, or six hundred min-
utes, to i)rocuro tiiis supply : this would bo a worm to every
two and two-fil'ths minutes ; or each parent must procure a
worm or its equivalent in less than five minutes during ten
hours, in addition to tho food required for its own support.

After the thirty-second day, the bird had attained its full
size, and was intrusted to the care of another person during
his absence of eighteen days. At tho end of that period,
the bird was strong and healthy, with no increase of weight,
though its feathers had grown longer and smoother. Its
food had been weighed daily, and averaged fifteen penny-
weights of weiglit, two or three earthworms, and a small
quantity of bread each day, the whole being equal to eigh-
teen pennyweights of meat, or thirty-six pennyweights of
earthworms ; and it continued up to the time of tho pres-
entation of the report. Tho bird having continued in con-
finement, with certainly imich less exercise than in the wild
state, to eat one-third of its weight in clear flesh daily, the
Professor concludes that the food it consumed when young
was not much more than must always bo provided by the
parents of wild birds. The food was never passed undi-
gested ; the excretions were made up of gravel and dirt,
and a small quantity of semi-solid urine.

He thought that every admirer of trees may derive from
these facts a lesson, showing the immense power of birds
to destroy the insects by which our trees, especially our
apple-trees, elms, and lindens, are every few years stripped
of their foliage, and often many of them killed.

]h

THE ROBIN.

It'.l

"Tlie fiK)(l of the Robin," tho rrofessor Huys, "while with un,
consifttN principally of worms, vurious insects, tlieir larviu and ejjgs,
am] ti few cherries. (Jf worms and cherries tliey ciin procure lint
few, and those during hut a short jieriod ; and they are oltligcd,
therefore, to subsist principally upon the great destroyers of leaves,
— canker-worms, and some otlier kinds of caterpillars anil bugs. If
each robin, old and young, recjuires for its support an amount of
tliese equal to the weight consumed by this bird, it is easy to see
what a prodigious Iiavoe a few hundred of these must make upon
the insects of an orchard or nursery."

Wilson Flagg, an acnto and careful observer of tlie habits
of our birds, gives some of his experioucos of the Robin,
as follows. Ho says, —

" Before I had investigated the habits of this bird, with particular
reference to the service he renders to agriculture, I supposed he
was only of secondary importance, compared with the Blackbird
and others that possess tlie faculty of discovering and seizing the
grubs that lie concealed beneath the surface of the ground. Though
the Robin does not possess this faculty, lie is pre-eminently service-
able in other ways ; and the more I have studied his habits, the
more I am convinced of his usettilness. Indeed, I am now fully
])er8uaded that he is valuable beyond all other species of birds, and
that his services are absolutely indispensable to the farmers of New
England. Some persons believe that the Robin is exclusively a
frugivorous bird, and that for fruit he will reject all other food that
is within his reach. Others believe that his diet consists about
equally of fruits and angle-worms, but that he is not a general con-
sumer of insects. The truth is, the Robin is almost exclusively
insectivorous, and uses fruit, as we do, only as a dessert, and not
for his subsistence, except in the winter, when his insect food cannot
be obtained. He is not omnivorous, like the Crow, the Jay, and the
Blackbird. He rejects farinaceous food unless it is artificially pre-
pared, derives almost his entire support from insects and grubs, and
consumen, probably, a greater variety of species than any other
bird. I um entirely at a loss to account for this very prevalent and
mistaken notion respecting the frugivorous habits of the Robin.

11

•:3

Ji

i»;2

OltNITllOLOCJY AND OOLO(iV,

♦' Eiiily ill Mil)'," lu' ''iiyii, " my son ciiuglit and cugiMl tlirea
yoiiii^r lidliiiiH, uimI I (■ricouni;ri'iI liiiii in tlic act, that I niiglit l>»
t'iiiil)l<(l to Nlinly tlu'ir liultits of Irfiliiiju. IIi' cdnunfiioi'tl liy ft-ed-
iii>,' tliciii with uti>;lu-W(>riiis uiid Hoakfd l)r<tiid, giving them tliu latter
v«ry 8|mriiigly. Tlioy soon died, evidiiiitly from an excess of the
I'liiiiiiKM'oiis piirt iif tlicir ditit. II*) tliun took tlireo otlwtrs fioni
diHuiciit wvsln, iiiid led tiaiii nioio exclusively on worms, mid some
fruit. Two of tlieso also sckiii died, and the remaining onO up-
peared ill and drooping. I suggested tliut tlio bird probably needed
insects us woll as worms, which alone were not sudicient to supply
all tlio wants of the system; though he had access to cherries and
Koiikod bread, of which he could eat whenever ho wanted tliem.
A'ar this, ho was supplied with all sorts of grubs and insects which
my son was able to capture. The robin devoured these indiscrimi-
nately and with great eagerness. Me was never known to refuse one
of any description. All kinds of beetles, moths, bugs, grubs, vine-
worms, chrysalids, and caterpillars, which were presented to him,
he devoured. After this improvement of his diet, the bird soon
recovered his health ; and the experiment proved conclusively that
this variety of insect food was necessary to the life of the bird, at
least while he was young.

" These insects were not put into his mouth : they were placed
upon the floor of his cage, and he picked them up, killing them in
a Wfii/ that shoioed that he knew instinctiveh/ how to manage them,

" He was particular in beating the vine-worm considerably before
he swallowed it ; but he never refused one, or neglected to eat it.
On one occasion, having swallowed a hard beetle, and finding it
incommodious, he threw it out of his crop by a voluntary effort,
beat it awhile with his bill against the floor, and then swallowed it
again. This fact also proved his instinctive knowledge of the mode
of proceeding in such emergencies.

" It is a fact worthy of notice, that the Baltimore Oriole, or
Golden Robin, which has the reputation of performing more ser-
vice than the common Robin, may, when confined iu a cage, be fed
almost entirely on farinaceous food, without injury to his health.
This fact is good evidence that the common Robia is more entirely
insectivorous than the other. The contrary is generally belic~ed.
The fondness of the Robin and others for fruit is not peculiar tc his

TUB BHUWN TUItUSU.

loa

ipecioB : it is c(|uully remurkuble iit iiliuout ail uther imuclivurouf
birds."

I liavo given thcso accounts, ns 1 reniarkod before, for tlio
purpose of removing a prejudice that is too well ostuljlislied
against this bird. Instances like the above might bo pre-
Bciited to almost any extent ; but my limits will not permit
% further notice of this speuios, ^

Sub-FiimUy MmiNiU. — Mocking Birds.

Tail long, vaulted at Uie base, the featliiTs more or Iu88 gratlimtcd; Rizelargis;
general appearance thruHli-like; rictus with distinct bristles ; frontal feathers normal,
directed backwards ; anterior half of outer side of tarsi distinctly scutellate.

1 IIAKI'OIUIYNCHL'S, Cauaniu.

I/nrporhynchtu, Cabahii, Wiegmann'a Archiv. (1848), I, 08. (Type llarpa
redivivut. ) ,

Bill from front as long ai, or longer than the head, nearly straight to near the tip,
or bow-shaped, without any notch i tarsus as long as, or longer than the middle toe,
connpicuously scutellate; outer lateral toe a little the longer, not reaching the base uf
the middle claw ; hind toe longer than lateral, its cluw equal to its remaining portion ;
wings short, rounded, the fourth or lifth longest ; the exposed portion of the first about
half that of longest ; tail longer than the wings, broad, more or less graduated.

n

lb
0

HABPORHTNCHDS BUFUS. — Caianit.
The Brown Thrush ; Brown Thrasher.

Turdui rnfut, LinnoBus. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 293. Wilson, Am. Om., II. (1810)
68. Aud. Orn. Biog., II. (1834) 102; V. (1839) 441.

Orpheut rufiit, Swainson. F. Bor. Am., II. (1881) 187. Nuttall, Man. I. (1802)
828.

Description.

Fifth quill longest; the third, fourth, ond sixth little shorter; second equol tc
ninth; exposed portion of the bill shorter than the head; outline of lower mandible
straight; above light cinnamon-red, beneath pale rufous-white with longitudinal

1 This genus, together with the following, has been removed from its position in
the Ltotnchuke, as given in vol. IX. Pac. R.U. Reports, iind placed in the TuvdkJa by
Professor Boird, in his recent Keview of the Birds of North America.

s See Appf "x.

104

ORMTHOLOOY AND OOLOGY.

Ktreiika of dark-brown, excepting on the eliin, throat, middle of the belly, and undei
tail coverts ; tlicse spots, aiiteriorljr, are reddish-brown in t'leir terminal portion ; the
hm"r surface of the wing and the inner edges of the primaries are cinnamon ; the con-
cealed portion of the quills otherwise is dark-brovirn ; the median and greater wing
coverts become blackish-brown towards the end, Ibllowed by white, producing two
conspicuous bands; tlie tail feathers are all rufous, the external ones obscurely tipped
with whitish; the shalls of the same color with the vanes.

Len^ith, eleven and liflecn one-hundredllis inches; wing, four and firteen one-
liundredths; tail, five and twenty oue-hundredths inches; tarsus, one and thirty
oiie-hundredths; iris, golden-yellow.

Probably none of our summer visitors aro better known,
and none aro greater favorites than this bird. Its beautiful
sonjr and well-known beneficial habits have endeared it to
tlie farmer, who takes it under his protection, as he should
all the Tluushcs, and encouragos its approach to the garden
and orchard. The Brown Thrush arrives from the South
about the middle of April in Connecticut and Rhode Island,
and the 10th of May , i Maine and the other northern dis-
tricts. The birds seem to be mated before their arrival
here, as they are almost always observed in pairs at their
first appcaraiu'.e. The nest is bui^t about the middle of
May, sooner or later, according to latitude. It is usually
placed in a bush or tlncket of briers or vines, sometimes on
the ground at the foot of a clump of bushes. It is com-
posed first of a layer of twigs, then leaves and strips of
cedar and grape-vine bark, and the whole is covered with
fibrous roots: the uost is pretty deeply hollowed, and lined
with fine roots and hairs. The eggs are from three to five
in number. Their color is u greenish or dirty white, over
\vhich are thickly sprinkled miimte dots of reddish-brown:
their shape ?s ovate, and their dimensions vary from 1.16
by .80 inch to 1.06 by .76 inch. A great number before mo
exhibit these variations, which probably aro the greatest of
this species, as the eggs are generally nearly of a size. Pour
eggs in a nest collected in New Hampshire have the follow-
ing measurements : 1.12 by .78 inch, 1.12 by .76 inch, 1.08
by .76 incli, 1.06 by .76 inch. But one brood is reared in
the season in the Nortliern States.

THE BROWN THRUSH.

16.b

Tli(! song of this bird is diiTicult of dcscript'n it is a
sort of confused mixture of the notes of difTorein birds, or
rather seems to be, but is really its own song ; as difTcrent
individuals all sing nearly alike. Tlio fact that it resembles
tlic Mocking-bird in its medley of notes has caused it to be
called, in some localities, the Brown Mocker ; and it is also
sometimes called the Mavis a«d Nightingale, from its habit
of singing in the night during the mating season.

The description of Wilson's, of the habits of this bird, is
pretty comprehensive, in fact, the best that I have seen, and
I give it almost entire. He says, —

" Ic is the largest of all our Thrushes, and is a well-known and
very distinguished songster. About the middle or 20lh of April,
or generally about the time the cherry-trees begin to blossom, he
arrives in Pennsylvania; and, from the tops of our hedge-rows,
sassafras, apple, or cherry trees, he salutes the opening morning
with his charming song, which is loud, emphatical, and full of
variety. At that serene hour, you may plainly distinguish his voice
fully half a mile off. These notco are not imitative, as his name
would import, and as some people believe, but seem solely his own,
and have considerable resemblance to the notes of the Song Thrush
(Tardus musicus) of Britain. Early in May he builds his nest,
choosing a thorn-bush, low cedar, thicket of briers, dogwood-sapling,
or cluster of vines, for its situation, generally within a few feet of
the ground. Outwardly, it is constructed of small sticks ; then,
layers of dry leaves ; and, lastly, lined with fine, fibrous roots, but
without any plaster. The eggs are five, thickly sprinkled with fer-
ruginous grains, on a very pale-bluish ground. They generally have
two broods in a season. Like all birds that build near the ground,
he shows great anxiety for the safety of his nest and young, and
often attacks the black snake in their defence ; generally, too, with
success, his strength being greater, and his bill stronger and more
powerful, than any other of his tribe within the United States. His
food consists of worms, which he scratches from the ground, cater-
pillars, and many kinds of berries. Beetles, and the whole race of
coleopterous insects, wherever he can meet with them, are sure to
Buffer. He is accused, by some people, of scratching up the hills

O

160

OUNITIIOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

3f IiKiian corn, in planting tinne. This may be partly true ; but, for
Rvory grain of maize be pilfers, I am porsnadod be destroys five
hundred insects, particularly a largo dirty-colored grub, with a
black head, which is more pernicious to the corn, and other grain
and vegetables, than nine-tenths of thr whole feathered race. He
is an active, vigorous bird, flies generally low, from one thicket to
another, with his long, broad tail spread like a fan ; is often seen
about brier and bramble bushes, along fences ; and has a single note
or chuck, when you approach his nest. In Pennsylvania, they are
numerous, but never fly in flocks. About the middle of September,
or as soon as they have well recovered from moulting, in which they
suffer severely, they disappear for the season. In passing through
the southern parts of Virginia, and south as far as Georgia, in the
depth of winter, I found them lingering in sheltered situations,
particularly on the border of swamps and rivers. On the 1st of
IMarch, they were in full song round the commons at Savannah,
as if straining to outstrip the Mocking-bird, that prince of feathered
musicians.

" The Thrasher is a welcome visitant in spring, to every lover of
rural scenery and rural song. In the months of April and May,
when our woods, hedge-rows, orchards, and cL >rry-trees, are one
profusion of blossoms ; when every object around conveys the sweet
sensations of joy, and Heaven's abundance is, as it were, showering
around us, — the grateful heart beats in unison with the varying,
elevated strains of this excellent bird: we listen to its notes with
a kind of devotional ecstasy, as a morning hymn to the great and
most adorable Creator of all. The human being who, amidst such
scenes, and in such seasons of rural serenity and delight, can pass
them with cold indifference, and even contempt, I sincerely pity ;
for abject must that heart be, and callous those feelings, and de-
praved that taste, which neither the charms of nature, nor the
melody of innocence, nor the voice of gratitude or devotion, can
reach.

" Concerning the sagacity and reasoning faculty of this bird, my
venerable friend, JNIr. Bartram, writes me as follows : ' I remember
to have reared one of these birds from the nest, which, when full
grown, became very tame and docile. I frequent! let him out of
his cage, to give him a taste of liberty. After fluttering, and dusting

THE MOCKIXG-niRD.

It)

)(

himself in dry sand and earth, a^d bathing, wasliing, and dressing
himself, he would proceed to hunt insects, such as beetles, crickets.
and other shelly tribes ; but, being very fond of wasps, after catch-
ing them, and knocking them about to break their wings, ho would
lay them down, then examine if they had a sting, and, with his
bill, squeeze the abdomen to clear it of the reservoir of poison
before he would swallow his prey. When in his cage, being very
fond of dry crusts of bread, if upon trial the corners of the crumbs
were too hard and sharp for his throat, he would throw them up,
Cfiriy and put them in his water-dish to soften, then take them out
and swallow them.' "

By the first week in October, the Brown Thrush departs
on its southern migration, and passes the winter in the
West Indies and Mexico.

MIMUS, BoiE.

^fimtl^, BoiE, Isis (Oct., 1826) 972. (Type Turdus polyghthis.)
Bill shorter than the head, dccurved from the base, distinctly notched at
tip; tarsi longer than the middle toe; lateral toes equal, not reaching the base of
the middle claw, and shorter than the hind toe, the claw of which is half the total
length; tail variable, equal to or longer than the wings, moderately graduated;
wings rounded, the exposed portion of the first nearly or quite half that of the
second, which is considerably shorter than the third.

MIMUS POLYGLOTTUS — Boie.
The Mocking-bird

rucrftM po%to«MS, Linnaous. Syst. Nat, I. (1766) 293. Wilson, Am. Ora., II.
(1810) 14. Aud. Orn. Biog., I. (1831) 108; V. (1839) 438.
Mimua polyytolttis, Boie. Isis (Oct., 1820), 972.
Oij)heus polygloltus, Swainson. Zool. Jour., III. (1827) 107.

Description.
Third to sixth quills nearly equal, second shorter than seventh; tail considerably
graduated, above ashj'-brown, the feathei-s very obsoletely darker centrally, and
towards the light plumbeous downy basal portion (scarcely appreciable, except when
the feathers are lilted); the under parts are white, with a faint brownish tinge,
exc >pt on the chin, and with a shade of ash across the breast; there is a pale super-
ciliary stripe, but the lores are dusky; the wings and tail are nearly black, except
the lesser wing coverts, which are like the back, the middle and greater tipped with
white, forming two bands, the basal portion of the primaries white, most extended
on the inner primaries; the outer tail fenther is white, the second is mostly white,

.^ V

168

ORNITFIOLOfJY AND OOLO(;V.

except on the outer web nnil towards tlip bn.ie, the third with .1 white spot on the
end. the rest, except the middle, very slightly tipped with white; (he bill and legs
lire blai'k.

I.eiif,'ih, nine and fifty one- hundredths inchesj wing, four and fifty ono-hun-
dredtlis; tail, five inches; iris, light-ytllow.

This bird is so exceedingly rare in New England, that it
can scarcely be regarded otherwise than as an accidental
visitor; and Massachusetts is certainly its northern limit.

Mr. Allen, before referred to, says that it has been known
to brood in Springfield several times within five years, and
in 1(S60 two pairs nested there. In June, 1860, he fo\ind
a nest containing three freshly laid eggs, iijcubation not
having been begun: the locality was a sandy field, growing
up to pitch-pines, in one of which the nest was placed,
about three feet from the ground ; the pair was secured
with the nest and eggs.

As I have had no opportunities of observing the habits
of this beautiful songster, I will give the very interesting
description by "Wilson. He says, —

"The precise time at which the Mocking-bird begins to build
liis nest varies according to the latitude in which he resides. In
tlie lower parts of Georgia, lie commences building early in April,
hut in Pennsylvania rarely before the 10th of May ; and in New

THE MOCKlNG-llIRD.

169

York, and the States of New Engliiml, still later. There arc par-
ticular situations to wliich he gives the preference. A solitary
thorn bush, an almost impenetrable thicket, an orange-tree, ce<lar,
or holly bush, are favorite spots, and frequently selected. It is no
great objection with him, that these happen, sometimes, to be near
the farm or mansion-house. Always ready to defend, but never
over-anxious to conceal, his nest, he very often builds within a
small distance of the house, and not unfrequently in a pear or
apple tree ; rarely at a greater height than six or seven feet from
the ground. The nest varies a little in different individuals,
according to the convenieucy of collecting suitable materials. A
very complete one is now lying before me, and is composed of the
following substances : First, a quantity of dry twigs and sticks ;
then, withered tops of weeds, of the preceding year, intermixed
with fine straws, hay, pieces of wool and tow ; and, lastly, a thick
layer of line fibrous roots, of a light-brown color, lines the whole.
The eggs are four, sometimes five, of a cinereous-blue, marked with
large blotches of brown. The female sits fourteen days, and gener-
ally produces two broods in the season, unless robbed of her eggs,
in which case she will even build and lay the third time. She is,
however, extremely jealous of her nest, and very apt to forsake it
if much disturbed. It is even asserted by some of our bird-dealers,
that the old ones will actually destroy the eggs, and poison the
young, if either the one or the other have been handled. But I
cannot give credit to this unnatural report. I know, from my own
experience af least, that it is not always their practice; neither
have I ever witnessed a case of the kind above mentioned. During
the period of incubation, neither cat, dog, animal, nor man can
approach the nest without being attacked. The cats, in particular,
are persecuted whenever they make their appearance, till obliged
to retreat. But his whole vengeance is most particularly directed
against that mortal enemy of his eggs and young, the black snake.
Whenever the insidious approaches of this reptile are discovered,
the male darts upon it with the rapidity of an arrow, dexterously
eluding its bite, and striking it violently and incessantly about the
head, where it is very vulnerable. The snake soon becomes
sensible of its danger, and seeks to escape ; but the intrepid
defender of his young redoubles his exertions, and, unless hia

8

170

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOCY.

antagonist be of fi^rcat magnitude, often succeeds in destroying him.
All its protended jjowers of fascination avail it nothing against
the vengeance of this noble bird. As the snake's strength begins
to flag, tlie 3Iocking-bird seizes and lifts it up partly from the
ground, beating it with his wings ; and, when the business is com-
pleted, he returns to the rei)ository of his young, mounts the
summit of the bush, and pours out a torrent of song in token of
victoi;y.

" The plumage of the Mocking-bird, though none of the home-
liest, has nothing gaudy or brilliant in it, and, had he nothing else
to recommend him, would scarcely entitle him to notice ; but his
figure is well proportioned, and even handsome, i'he ease, ele-
gance, and rai)idity of his mo\ements, the animation of his eye,
and the intelligence he displays in listening and laying up lessons
from almost every species of the feathered creation within his
hearing, are really surprising, and mark the peculiarity of his
genius. To these qualities we may add that of a voice full, strong,
and musical, and capable of almost every modulation, from the
clear, mellow tones of the Wood Thrush, to the savage scream of
the Bald Eagle. In measure and accent, he faithfully follows his
originals. In force and sweetness of expression, he greatly im-
proves upon them. In his native groves, mounted on the top of a
tall bush or half-grown tree, in the dawn of dewy morning, while the
woods are already vocal with a multitude of warblers, his admirable
song rises pre-eminent over every competitor. The ear can listen
to his music alone, to which that of all the others seems a mere
accompaniment. Neither is this strain altogether imitative. His
own native notes, which are easily distinguishable by such as are
well acquainted with those of our various song-birds, are bold and
full, and varied seemingly beyond all limits. They consist of short
expressions of two, three, or, at the most, five or six syllables,
generally interspersed with imitations, and all of them uttered with
great emphasis and rapidity, and continued with undiminished
ardor for half an hour or an hour at a time. His expanded wings
and tail, glistening with white, and the buoyant gayety of his
action, arresting the eye, as his song most irresistibly does the ear,
he sweeps round with enthusii tic ecstasy; he mounts and de-
scends as his song swells or dies away ; and, as my friend Mr,

TllR MOCRING-BIRD.

171

Barfiain lias beautifully expressed it, ' He hounds aluft witii the
celerity of an arrow, as if to recover or recall his very soul,
expired in the last elevated strain." While thus exerting him-
self, a bystander destitute of sight woulu suppose that the wliole
featliered tribes had assembled together, on a trial of skill, each
striving to produce his utmost effect, so perfect are his imita-
tions. He many times deceives the sportsman, and sends him in
search of birds that perhaps are not within miles of him, but
whose notes he exactly imitates ; even birds ♦hemselves are fre-
quently imposed on by this admirable mimic, a id are decoyed by
the fancied calls of their mates, or dive with •; recipitation into the
depth of thickets at the scream of whai, they suppose to be the
Sparrow-hawk.

" The Mocking-bird loses little of the power and energy of his
song by confinement. In his domesticated state, when he com-
mences his career of song, it is impossible to stand by uninterested.
He whistles for the dog, — Caesar starts up, wags his tail, and runs
to meet his master. He squeaks out like a hurt chicken, — and
the hen hurries about with hanging wings and bristled feathers,
clucking to protect its injured brood. The barking of the dog, the
mewing of the cat, the creaking of a passing wheelbarrow, follow
with great truth and rapidity. He repeats the tune tauf;ht him by
his master, though of considerable length, fully and faithfully. He
runs over the quiverings of the Canary, and the clear whistlings
of the Virginia Nightingale, or Red-bird, with such superior execu-
tion and eflfect, that the mortified songsters feel their own inferiority,
and become altogether silent, while he seems to triumph in their
defeat by redoubling his exertions.

" This excessive fondness for variety, however, in the opinion
of some, injures his song. His elevated imitations of the Brown
Thrush are frequently interrupted by the crowing of cocks ; and
the warblings of the Blue-bird, which he exquisitely manages, are
mingled with the screaming of swallows, or the cackling of hens ;
amidst the simple melody of the Robin, we are suddenly surprised
by the shrill reiterations of the Whippoorwill ; while the notes of
the Killdeer, Blue Jay, Martin, Baltimore, and twenty others, suc-
eead with such imposing reality, that we look round for the origi-

•i3

n

■i >^
' i-i

o

Iku;

1 Travels, p. 32. Introd.

172

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

nals, and discover, with astoiii.slinient, tlmt (he sole* performer in
this singular concert is the adinirable bird now before ns. During
this exhibition of his powers, he spreads his wings, expands his tail,
and throws liimself around the cage in all the ecstasy of enthu-
siasm, seeming not only to sing, but to dance, keeping time to the
measure of his own music. Both in his native and domesticated
state, during the solemn stillness of night, as soon as the moon
rises in silent majesty, he begins his delightful solo, and sere-
nades us the livelong night with a full display of his vocal
powers, making the whole neighborhood ring with his inimitable
medley."

A mimbcr of eggs in my collection average about .98 of
an inch in length by about .70 inch in breadth ; their form
is generally ovate, and their color a pale emerald-green,
with spots of ferruginous and brown.

GALE0SC0PTE8, Cabanis.

Oaleoteopta, Cabanis, Mus. Hein., L (1860) 82. (Type Musdrapa CaroK-
nenm.)

Dill shorter than the head, rather broad at base; rictal bristles moderately devel-
oped, reachinp: to the nostrils; wings a little shorter than the tail, rounded; second-
aries well developed, fourth and fifth quills longest, third and sixth little sliorter,
first and ninth about equal, and about the length of secondaries, first quill more
than half the second, about half the third; tail graduated, tail feather about seventy
one-hundredths inch shorter than the middle ; tarsi longer than lateral middle toe
and claw by about an additional half claw, scutellate anteriorly, more or less dis-
tinctly in different specimens; scutellge about seven.

The conspicuous naked membranous border round the eye of some thrushes,
with the bare space behind it, not appreciable.

GALEOSCOPTES CAROLINEKSIS. — CabanU.

The Cat-bird.

Muscicapa Carolinensis, Linnaeus. Syst. Nat., L (1766) 328.
Orpheus Carutinensia, Audubon. Syn. (1839), 88.
Miinus Carolinensis, Gray. Genera (1844-49).

Tardus feliKox, Vieillot. Ois. Am. Sept., 11. (1807) 10. Aud. Om. Biog., II-
(1831) 171; V. 1839,440.

Orpheus felivox, Swainson. F. Bor. Am., IL (1831) 192.
Turdm lividm, Wilson. Am. Om., IL (1810) 90.

THE CAT-BIRD.

17^5

Dksciuption.

Third quill longest, first t>horter than sixth; prevailin)^ colur darlc plumbeou.'*,
more asiiy bencatli ; crown and nupo durk sooty-brown; wings dark-brown, edgud
with plumbeous; tail greenish-black, the lateral f'outhcrs obsv'urely tipped with
plumbeous; the under tail coverts dark -brownish chestnut; female smaller.

Length, eight and eighty-tive one-hundredths inrhcs; wing, three and sixty-five
one-hundredths; tail, four; tarsus, one and five one-huudrcdtha inch.

This very common and well-known species arrives in
New England about tlio first week in May, — in Maine,
perhaps about the 15th of that month. It • ) distributed
abundantly throughout these States, and its habits are so
well known that a description here is hardly necessary.
During the mating season, and indeed through the greater
part of the summer, the song of the male is heard in the
woods, pastures, and gardens at early morning, and some'
times through the day ; and, although most persons describe
it as being harsh and uncouth, it is really very pleasing and
melodious. It is a sort of medley, like that of the Brown
Thrush, but not near so loud : the bird usually perches on
a low tree, where, standing nearly erect, his wings slightly
expanded, and his tail spread beneath him, he pours forth
his notes sometimes for half an hour at a time. In addition
to this song, he, in common with the female, has a plaintive
note almost exactly like the mewing of a cat; and the spe«
cific name of felivox, given it by some authors, is much
more descriptive and appropriate than that of Carolinensis,
which is neither descriptive nor proper.

The alarm-note is a rattling cry, like the sound of quick
breaking of several strong sticks : it is perhaps well ex-
pressed by the syllables trat-tat-tat-tat, uttered very quickly.
I have noticed that this bird, as do many others, prefers the
neighborhood of thickly settled districts, even a home in
their midst, to others of a wilder character; and, when
travelling through the deep forests, I have invariably found,
that, when these birds became abundant, a settlement was
near.

Soon after mating, the birds build : this is from about the

i

S

174

OUNITHOLOOY AND 00

liOtli of Miiy to tlio first wook in June, i.io ucst is usuiillj
}ilaco(l in biislios and shrubs, soklom more than four or fivo
feet from fho ground; tlio location as often iu the deep
woods as in the fields or pastures. It is constructed first
of a layer of twigs and sticks, on which is built the body of
tho Jiest, whicli is composed of strips of grape-vine bnrk,
fine twigs, leaves, and straws : it is deeply hollowed, and
lined with filji'ous roots and hairs, and sometimes fine grass.
Tiie eggs are usually four in immlier, sometimes fivo: their
color is a bright, deep emerald-green, and their form gener-
ally ovate. A great number of specimens before me do not
exhibit great variations iu mcasuremeMt from tho dimen-
sions of a nest complement of four collected in Tliornton,
N.H. ; they aro as follows: .95 by .67 inch; .Do by .t'G
inch ; .93 by .07 inch ; .93 by .66 inch. Two broods aro
reared in tho season, seldom throe in this latitude.

About tho middle of October, this species moves iu itH
Southern migration.

TUE BLUE-BIRD.

176

Family SAXICOMD^E.' Tiik Ruck Iniiahitbrs.

Wiii;;s wry long and much pointed, rvnclilii^' licyotid tliu nilddlo of tlio «liort
l(|uaro iir uiniirginuted tail, and uim and a liult' tiineAt or niori- tliu li'n^lli of the
lattiT; tliu KpiiriouH primary very iihurt, tlie Bucoiid (|uill lunf^er thuri (he I'uurtli; in
the clust'd wing, the outer secondary resckM only about twu-thirds tliu length of tht
longest primary.

SIALIA, SwAiNHON.

Sinlia, SwAlNBoN, Zool. Jour., III. (Sept., 1827) 178. (S. WiUonii.)
Dill short, stout, hioudcr timii high at the base, then compressed, slightly notched
at tip; rictus with short bristles; tursi not longer than the middle toe; claws con-
tiderulily curved; wings niucli hmger than the tail, the tirst primary spurious, not
one-fourth the longest; tail moderate, slightly forked.

SIALIA SIALIS. — Baird.

The Blue-bird; Bed-brouted Blue-bird.

Syst. Nat., I. (1768) 187. Gmclin, Syst. Nat., I.

Wilson, Am. Orn.,I. (1808) 66

MotaciUa tialii, Linmeus.
(1788) 989.

Syhin rinlii, Latham. Index Om., II. (1790) 522.
Aud. Om. Miog , II. (1834) 84; V. (1839) 462.

AmpdU sinlia, Nuttall. Man., I. (1832) 444.

Deschiption.

Entire upper parts, including wings and tail, continuous and uniform azure-blue,
the checks of a duller tint of the same; beneath reddish-brown; tlie abdomen, anal
region, and under tail coverts white; bill and feet black; simfts of the quills and
tail feathers black; female with the blue lighter, and tinged with brown on the head
and back.

Length, six and sevcnty-flve onc-hundrcdthg inches; wing, four inches; tail, two
and ninety oue-hundredths inches.

rilHIS beautiful bird is a;'ery common summer inhabitant
_L of all Now England. It is one of the cailiest in its
arrival from the South, often making its a])pearanco by the
middle of March, sometimes even earlier. About the middle
of April, immediately after mating, the birds coininence pre-
paring their nest : this is made in a deserted woodpecker's

1 I have adopted the arrangement given by Professor Baird in his recent review,
in this family and the succeeding, as far as SyLVicouD.<s.

176

oiiNiTnoLoar and oolooy.

hull', ill a in.irtiii'H liox, or in a kiu)t-Iii)lo in a f(3iic(3-[)ost.
Till! iiiiitciials UHod ill its constnu'tioii aro i^oiiorally Hoft
uirasscs. fcatlioif, ami wools: tlio.so arc tlirowii toj^ctlici'

without any great care, tlio object being to got comfort and
warmth in the early season in which the first litter of eggs
is laid. The eggs are either four or five in number : they
aro of a light-blue color, with a very faint greenish tint.
Five specimens, taken at random from a great number,
exhibit the following measurements : .80 by .62 inch, .8')
by .62 inch, .84 by .61 inch, .82 by .60 inch, .80 by .60
inch. This species raises two broods, usually in the samo
nest, in the season.

The Blue-bird's habits are pretty well known ; and its
insectivorous character, and social and happy disposition,
havo established it as a great favorite.

tin: DLUiMiiiu).

177

Its 8011}^ Ls a soft ploasiii;^ \ViU'l)l(', \vliu;U is oI'umi ri;iit'ali!(i.
uiid is uttorcd by tho l)ircl butli wlicii Hying ami luMcliinu:.
Ill capturing iiisucts, it lui.s many of tho hal)it.s of tho Fiy-
catduM's. It remains perching on a post ur twig until its
proy allows itself, when it suddenly flies at it llii|»ping
its wings rapidly, seizes it, and returns to its perch to cat
it. It often descends (piickly, and seizes a grasshopper tliul
is crawling on a straw or weed; and, if it misses its aim,
even follows it while Hying.

About tho last week of October, the parents and young
leave in a detached flock for tho South.

o
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178

OUNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

Family SYLVIID^yE. The WooD-iNnABiTERS.

" Uill sleiidrr, broud, and depressed at tlie base, distinctly notched and decurrad
at the tip; iiiliiicii sharp ridged at base; frontal feathers reaching to the nosfrilu,
which are oval, wiih iiienibranu above, and overhung — not coneeuled — by u few
bristles or by a leather ; rielal bristles extending beyond nostrils; tarsi booted or
rcutellate; hasil joint of middle toe attached its whole length externally, half-way
internally; pnniaries ten; spurious primary about half the second, which is shorter
than the seventh; lateral toes equal." — liAiuu.

REGULUS, CuviEH.

Jiei/ulu.'<,Cv\iFA:, herons d'Anat. Coinp. 17311-1800 (Agassiz). (Type J/otaciWa
reytdus, Limianis; Jieyulus cristatus, Koch.)

Bill slender, much shorter than the head, depressed at base, but becoming rapidly
compressed, moderately notched at tip; culmen straight to near the tip, then gently
curved; commissure straight; gonj's convex; rictus well provided with bristles;
nostril covered by a single bristly feather directed forwards; tarsi elongated,
exceeding considerably the middle toe, and without scutellaj; lateral toes about
ei|ual. hind toe with the claw longer than the middle one, and about half tlie toe;
claws all much curved; first primary about one-third as long as the longest, second
equal to fifth or sixth ; tail shorter than the wings, moderately forked, the feathers
acuminate; colors olive-green above, whitish beneath; size very small.

EEGULUS CALJiilDDLA Licht.

The Euby-crowned Wren.

Motacilla calendula, LinniEus. Syst. Nat, I. (1766) 337.

Sijhia calendula, Wilson. Am. Om., I. (1808) 88.

Requlus calendula, Nuttall. Man., I. (1832) 415. Aud. Orn. Biog., II. (1834) 546

Description.

Above dark greenish-olive, passing into bright olive-green on the rump and
outer edges of the wings and tail ; crown with a large concealed p.itcli of scarlet
leathers, which are white at the base; the under parts are grayish-white tinged
with pale olive-yellnw, especially behind; a ring round the eye, two bands on the
wing coverts, and the exteriur of the inner tertials white. Young without the red
on the crown. The female differs very little in color. It is quite probable that the
species does not attain the red patch in the crown until the .second year, as the
spring migrations of flic sjiecies always embrace a considerable number with
(he head perfectly plain.

Length, four and fifty one-hundredths inches; wing, two and thirty-three one-
hundredths; tail, one and eightv-five one-hundredths.

THK GOLDKN-CUESTKD WUKN.

170

rflJilS (limiuutivo species is a quite common spring and
JL autumn visitor in New England, arriving i'rom the
South from April the 13th to the 20th in the dilierent States.
They are generally lirst seen in evergreen woods ; but
later are found among the opening foliage and blossoms of
I'orcst and orchard trees, — particularly tlie oak, elm, maple,
and apple, — darting about, climbing on the small twigs,
and prying in all directions in search of minute flying
insects, their eggs and larvae, frequenting the tops of the
trees as well as the lower branches. By the 12th of May,
they depart for the North to rear their young, — breeding
in Canada, Labrador, &c. From about the 1st of October
to the last of that month, they arc again with us, and are
seen diligently engaged in pursuit of food in our woods and
orchards.

They are not shy in their habits, and will permit one to
approach quite near them. I have noticed that they remain
in one cluster of twigs until it is completely cleared of
insects, and they often employ ten minutes in searching it
thoroughly.

The Ruby Ci'own winters in the more southern States of
the Union and in Mexico. On clear, fine days in spring, I
have heard this bird warble a beautiful song ; and it has
also a peculiar guttural, querulous call-note, which often
precedes this song.

8

SEGULUS SATBAPA. — £icA(.

The GoIden>crested Wren.

Rtgulus satrapa, LicUtenstein. Verzeich. Uoubl. (1823), No. 410 (Quotes Parus
tatrapa, Illigor, — probably a museum name). Aud. Syn. (1839), 82. /&., Birds
Amer., II. (1841) lef).

Bylvia regulus, Wilson. Am. Orn., I. (1808) 126.

Regulus tricohi; Nuttall. Man., I. (1832), 420. Aud. Orn. Biog., II. (1834) 476

Description.

Above olive-green, l)rif,'litfst on the outer edges of the wing; tail feathers tinged
irith brownisli-gray towards the head ; forehead, a line over the eye and a space

180

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

beneath it, w) ite; exterior of the crown before and laterally black, embracing a
central patcli of orange-red, encircled by gamboge-yellow; a dusky space around
the eye ; wing coverts with two yellowish-whito bands, the posterior covering, a
eitnilur band on the quills, succeeded by a broad dusky one; under parts dull
whitish.

The black of tlie head immediately succeeds the white ftontal band as one of
about the same width, passiiiR behind on each side. Generally the white line over
the eye is .se)>urated from the white forehead by a dusky lore. There is also a
dusky space lieneath the wliitish under the eye. The yellow of the crown
generally overlies and conceals the orange. The orange is wanting in tlie fe-
male, flic young birds always appear to have at least the yellow and black of the
crown.

Length, under four inches; wing, two and twenty-five one-hundredths inches;
tail, one and eighty one-hundredths inches.

This handsome and active species is also a common bird,
coming to us from the North the last of September, but,
unlike the preceding, braving the rigors of our winter;
and it leaves again by the 15th of April. Numbers, how-
ever, winter farther south ; and it is in spring and autumn
tliat tlie species is most abundant. On their arrival in
autumn, they frequent orchard trees, feeding among the
leaves of the apple-trees, which, at this season, are infested
with insects. Later, and in winter, they resort more often
to the evergreens, — such as the pine, spruce, and cedar,
but rove wliercver they can find food, generally in company
with the Chickadees, and occasionally the White-breasted
Nutliatch, Brown Creeper, and Downy Woodpecker; the
whole forming a lively, busy winter party, as they perambu-
late the country, intent on gathering their now scanty food.
Tlieir call-note at this season, indeed the only note that I
have heard at any time, is a faint pipe or whistle, sounded
quickly three or four times. I have never heard this bird
utter the querulous note assigned to it by Audubon and
Nuttall, but have often heard the Ruby Crown give this
.strain. In spring, having similar habits and diet with tlie
Ruby Crowns, they frequent the same hiuiting-grounds, and
are seen hanging to the extremities of twigs, liead down-
wards, and sometimes fluttering in the air in front of them,
seizing small flies, " and often exposing the golden feathers

THE GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN.

181

of their liead, which are opened and shut with great adroit-
ness." This species may possibly breed in Maine, having
been seen there in summer ; but I do not remember of its
having been found in the breeding season south of that
State,

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182

OUNITIIOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

Familt PARID^.

Bill generally short, conical, not notched nor decurved at tip; culinen broad and
rounded, not sliarp-ridgcd at base; nostrils rounded, basal, and concealed by dense
bristles or bristly feathers j loral feathers rough and bristly, directed forwards; tarsi
distinctly scutcllafe; basal jniiits of anterior toes abbreviated, that of middle toe
united about cqunlly for tliree-fourths its lenglli to the lateral, in Pdrime forming a
kind of palm fcir grasping; outer lateral toe decidedly longer than the inner; prima-
ries ten, the lirst much shorter than the second; tail feathers without soft tips.

The two sub-families may be thus distinguished: --

Parince. — Body compressed; bill shorter than the head; wings rounded, equal
(o or shorter than the rounded tail, second quill as short as the tenth; tarsus longer
tlian the middle toe and claw, which are about equal to the hinder; soles of toes
widened into a palm; plumage rather soft and lax.

SiltiiUB. — Body depressed ; bill about equal to or longer than the head ; wings
much pointed, much longer than the nearly even tail; tarsus shorter than the mid-
dle toe and claw, which are about e(iual to the hinder; plumage more compact.

Siih-Famihj Parince. — The Titmice.

• PARUS, Linn^us.

Farm, L1NN.KU8, Syst. Nnt., 1735 (Agassiz). (Type P. major.)
Head not crested; body and head stout; tail moderately long, and slightly
rounded ; bill conical, not very stout, the upper and under outlines very gently and
slightly convex ; tarsus but little longer than middle toe ; crown and throat gener-
ally black.

FARTTS ATSICAPILLlTS. — Linrmus.

The Black-cap Titmouse; Chick-a-dee.

Panis ntricapillus, Linnoius. Sjst. Nat., I. (1766) 341. Wilson, Am. Om., I
(1808) 134. And. Om. Biog., IV. (1838).
Parvs palmtris, Nuttall. Man., I. (1832) 79.

Descriition.

■Second quill as long as the secondaries; tail very slightly rounded, lateral
feathers about ten one-hundredths shorter than middle; back brownish-ashy; top 0*
head and throat black, sides of head between them white, beneath whitish ; brown-
ish-white on the sides; outer tail feathers, some of primaries, and secondaries con-
spicHouslj' margined with white.

Length, live inches; wing, two and fifty one-hundredths inches; tail, two and
fifty one-hundredths inches.

ri'lHIS well-known little bird is a very common resident

JL of all New England throiighont the year. It is one

of tlic veiy few species that are as abundant in the depths of

THE BLACK-CAP TITMOUSE.

18:1

Hndson's Bay Tltmonse, upper flg
Ulnck-cap Tllmouse, lower fl?.

winter as tlirough the summer, and it is deservedly ono
of the greatest fiivoritcs. Tt
commences building as early as
the second week in May. The
nest is placed in a hole exca-
vated in a dead tree or stump.
This hole is, like that of the
Woodpecker, gradually widened
at the bottom, and is about nine
or ten inches in depth. The'
nest is constructed of soft moss
and the hairs of different ani-
mals. One beautiful specimen
that I found in the northern
part of Maine is composed of
the hair of the common deer,
moose, and hare, a few feathers
of the Ruflfed Grouse, and a few fragments of soft mosses.
They are woven into a warm and comfortable tenement.

The eggs are from six to ten in number, usually about
six. They are of a nearly pure-white color, with a faint
reddish tint, and are spotted thickly, at the greater end,
with markings of reddish-brown : their form is nearly spher-
ical, and their dimensions vary from .65 by .52 inch to .60
by .50 inch. Two broods are often reared in the season.

The habits of this little bird are so well known, and have
been written about so much, that any description here is
almost superfluous. It is eminently kindly and sociable in
its disposition ; and, although almost always in company
with other birds, — such as the Golden-crested and Ruby-
crowned "Wrens, Nuthatches, &c., — it is never seen quar
relling with them, but fraternizes with them in the most
cordial manner. Often, when seated in the woods, have I
been surrounded by them ; and their curiosity to learn tho
cause of my presence and my employment was so great,
that they would often perch on a twig within two feet of my

-■■; ^

•")

1 1

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I 1

18 4

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

head, and scrutinize mo with their shining black cjcs in a
manner amusing to witness.

Ostensil)ly, they were searching beneath the bark for their
food ; but really they were watching mo. I once had one
perch on my boot, and look in my face with a perfectly plain
" what-do-you-want-here" expression on its countenance.
Always at short intervals, while perched in trees, and some-
times while flying, this bird utters its song, which consists
of several notes, that may be described by the syllables
chciceck-a-dce-dee-dee, chetveck-a-dee-dee-dee, emitted in a
clear, sweet tone, easily recognized, and not to be mistaken
for any other song. The flight of this species is wavering,
and not protracted; the bird seldom extending it further
than from one tree to another. When in the air at any
considerable height, it resembles the flight of the Wood-
jicckcrs, being undulating and partly gliding.

In some localities, the Titmouse is regarded as injurious,
from the fact that it is often seen among the branches and
leaves of the fruit-trees and shrubs, pecking off and destroy-
ing the biids. It docs not do this to the bud for food, but
really for the grub contained in it. If these buds be exam-
ined after the Cliick-a-dee has thrown them away, the bur-
row of a grub or caterpillar will appear in the very heart
of them. The bird is able to discover the presence of these
vermin much more readily than man could ; and it is thus
able to assail them at a period of their existence when they
are doing the most harm. But it is not the insects and
their larva) alone that he destroys. His microscopic eyes
enable him to discover their eggs deposited on and in the
crevices of the bark and in the buds, and in an instant ho
can destroy the wliolc future brood. The eggs of the moth
of the destructive leaf-rolling caterpillar, those of the canker-
worm, the apple-tree niotli, and others of these well-known
plagues, arc greedily eaten by it ; and this is in the inclem-
ent winter, when most of our otlier birds have abandoned
us for a more genial climate.

THE HUDSON S BAY TITMOUSE.

ISf)

In the summer time, the Chick-a-dcc's liibors are more
easily noticed; and as he raises a large l)rood of young, the
female laying six or eight eggs at a litter, lie is very busy
tlirougli the whole day in capturing vast quantities of cater-
pillars, flies, and grubs. It has been calculated that a single
pair of these birds destroy, on the average, not less than five
hundred of these pests daily; a labor which could hardly be
surpassed by a man, even if he gave his whole time to tho
taslc.

" ^Moreover, the man could not be as successful at so
small a cost ; for, setting aside the value of his time and
the amount of a laborer's daily wages, he could not reach the
denser and loftier twigs on which tho caterpillars revel, and
wliich the Titmouse can traverse with perfect ease. No
jnan can investigate a tree, and clear it of the insect hosts
that constantly beleaguer it, without doing some damage to
the buds and young leaves by his rough handling ; whereas
the Chick-a-dee trips along the branches, peeps under every
loaf, swings himself round upon his perch, spies out
every insect, and secures it with a peck so rapid that it is
hardly perceptible."

In some observations made on the habits of this and
some other birds in Paris, it was found that the Titmouse
destroys, at the lowest computation, over two hundred
thousand eggs alone of noxious insects in the course of a
year. That one small bird is thus able to accomplish so
much good in destroying these myriads of vermin is an
appeal to the good sense of the farmer, for the protection of
the whole class, that should not be slighted.

'"I

H

n

PAEUS HUDSONICUS. — For«<er.
The Hudson's Bay Titmouse.

Pans ITmbonicus, Forstcr. Philos. Trans., LXII. (1772) 383, 430. Aud. Om
Biog., II. (If34) 543. lb., Birds Amer., II. (1841) 155.

Description.
Above yellowish olivaceons-bro-n'n ; top of head purer brown, not very differert.
in tint; chin and tliroat dark sooty-brown; sides of bead white; beneath white

■f^^

180

OIXNITIIOLOOY AND OOLOC.Y.

lidts and nnal 'cpions liRlit bm^vTiiiili-cheRfnuti no wliitish on wings or fnil; tail
nearly oven, or 8li(,'titly omarginate and rounded; lateral feathers about twenty oiie-
liundrt'iUhs inch flinrti'st.

Lengtli, al)oiif five inclies; v/'ini^, two and forty one-hundrcdths inches; tail, two
and sixty-six (]ni;-liiinilrodths inches.

/M. — \(Mtli-<'iist(jrn jiDrtiuns of North America to the North Atlantic States.

This bird occurs in New England only in tho most
northern parts of Maine, New Ifanipsiiire, and Vermont,
where it is sometimes resident. I have never met with it
alive, and will be obliged to avail myself of Audubon's
description of its habits, nest, <fec. Ho says, in describing
tho nest : —

" It was placed at, the height of not more than three feet from
the ground, in the hollow of a decayed low stump, scarcely thicker
tlian a man's leg ; the whole so rotten that it crumbled to pieces on
heing touched. I cautiously removed the woody enclosure, and
took possession of the nest, which I obtained in perfect order. It
was shaped like a purse, eight inches in depth, two in diameter
inside ; its sides about half an inch thick. It was entirely com-
posed of the finest fur of different quadrupeds, but principally of
the great northern hare, so thickly and ingeniously matted through-
out, that it looked as if it had been 'felted* by the baud of man.
It was quite elastic throughout, and rather wider at the bottom,
probably in consequence of the natural growth of the young."

This hardy little bird resembles in its manners the other
species of its interesting and beautiful tribe : its notes
resemble those of our southern Black-headed Titmouse, but
are much weaker.

Sub-Family SiTTiNiE. — The Nuthatches.
SITTA, LiNN.EUs.

Sitta, LiNN^us, Syst. Nat. 1735 (Agassiz).

Bill subulate, acutely pointed, compressed, about as long ns tho bead; cu.mea
and commissure nearly strniglit; gonys convex and ascending; no.strils covered by a
tuft of bristles directed forward; tarsi stout, scutellate, about c(|uttl to the middle
toe, much shorter than tlic hiiKler, tlie claw of which is half the total length; outei

TFIE WHITK-nELLIKD NUTIIATril.

187

lateral top imicli Ii)nf,'pr tlmn inner, and nonrly pqunl tn tlio miililjpj tnll very nhnrt,
broad, aiul nearly even, tbe foatliers soft and truncate; winjjs reaching nearly to tlie
end of the tail, long and acute, the first priMmry one-third of (or less) the third, or
longest.

SITTA CAEOLINENSIS. — (hneUn.

Tbe Wtaite-bellied Nuthatch.

SiUn CnroVmennh, Latham. Ind. Om., I. (1700) 202. WiI,<on, Am. Orn., I.
(180!*) 40. Nutt. Man., I. (\><ii) 581. Aud. Orn. Hiog., II. (1831) 299; V. (1839) 473.

Desckiption.

Above ashy-blue; top of head and neck black; under part.s and sides of head, to
■ short distance above the eye, white; under tail coverts and tibial feathers brown;
concealed primaries white; bill stout.

I.engtli, about six inche!'; wing, about three and throe-qiiarters inches.

Uab. — Kastem North America to the high central plains. West of this, replaced
oy 8. aeulenta.

This species is a not uncommon one in New England,
where it is found through the winter. In the more north-
ern districts, it is a summer resident ; and it reguhirly
breeds as far south as Massachusetts. A nest was found in
Cambridge, Mass., in June, 1865. It was made in an exca-
vation in a dead tree (or rather stump), which was carried
to the depth of perhaps eight inches. The nest was com-
posed of soft grasses, hairs, and a few feathers : these were
arranged compactly in the bottom of the hole to the depth
of perhaps an incli and a half. The eggs were six in num-
ber, four of them are now before me : they are ovoidal in
shape, of a beautiful roseate-white color, and covered more
or less thickly with fine spots and dashes of light-reddish.
Their dimensions are .80 by .61 inch, .80 by .60 inch, .78
by .58 inch, .75 by .57 inch. Anocher specimen, collected
in the Adirondack Mountains, is marked more sparingly
with coarser and darker spots : its dimensions are .70 by
.57 inch.

The habits of this species are very similar to those of tlio
small woodpeckers ; and they are equally industrious with
those birds in their search for the larva) and eggs of insects,
which they obtain by boring in the bark, and knocking olf

;:3

O

.Mi

188

ORNITIIOI.OOY AND OOIXKJY.

Ilie moHs and (load pieces of trees witli tlicir sharp, powerful
hill.

Ill traversing? the limbs of trees, tlioy rescnihlo in their
movements the Downy Woodpecker; and their lli^^ht is also
similar to tiiat bird's. The note is a short, harsh call, simi-
lar to the syllables cha-cha-cha-ehdy uttered quickly, and with
emplK.-is.

SITTA CANADENSIS. — Linnmu.
The Bed-bellied Nuthatch.

Sitta Canndensh, LintiiPiis. Syst. Nat., I. ( 1766) 177. Nutt. Man., I. (1882) 688.
Aud. Om. IJiog., II. (1834) 24; V. 474.

Sitta varia, Wileon. Am. Om., I. (1808) 40.

DF.acRimnN.

Above nshv-hlne; top of head black; a white line above and a black one throngh
the eye; chin wliitc; rest of under parts brownish-rusty.

Length, about four and a half inches; wing, two and two-thirds inches.
IJtib. — North America to the Rocky Mountains, probably also to tha Pacific.

The same remarks as to distribution, habits, &c., will
apply to this species as to the preceding. It is quite abun-
dant as a sv.mmer resident in the wilds of Maine; and its
notes are almost the first sound heard by the traveller on
awakening in the early morning. I have sometimes heard
its note in the night, while floating in my canoe on the
bosom of some tranquil lake or between the banks of a
sombre river ; and frequently they seemed to be high up
in the air, as if the bird had taken flight. These notes
are a sort of drawling repetition of the syllable chape, like
perhaps the following : Cheadpe, cheadpe, cheadpe.

The nest is built in a hole in a tree or stump, usually
excavated by the birds for the purpose: it is of the same
description as that of the preceding, as are also the eggs
with the exception of size ; the present being considerably
smaller, averaging .64 by .53 inch.

Audubon, in describing the nest of the Red-bellied Nut-
hatch, says, —

THE RED-nELLIKO NUTIIATCII.

18»

" I found it building its nest near Kastport, in Maino. on tliH
19th of May, before the IJlue-bird iiud niiido its appearance there,
and wliile uuu'li ice btill rciiniincd on the noithoru exposures. Tlio
iH'st is (bij; in a low, dea<l stutni), .seldom more than four fret from
the ground; both the nude and the female working by turns until
they have got to the depth of about fourteen inches. The eggs,
four in number, are small, and of a white color, tin;,'*'! with a deep
biu.sh, and sprinkled with reddish dots. They rai»o, I believe,
only ODO brood iu the Keasou."

Although I found a pair on Nantucket in Juno, 180G,
which had young without doubt, tho only other occurronco
of this bird's breeding in New England that has come to
uiy knowledge was in West Roxbury, Mass., m June, 18G0,
whouja nest was found in an old stump by my young friend,
William Minot, jun. The ogga were four in number, and
were of the description given above.

In

in

lliO

OUMiHOLimY AND OOL()(JV.

Family CKRTIIIIADvE. The Crkkpkrs.

('(."St primary very Hliurl, Iuhk IIiuii liulf the ivconil; iiutcr latural toe murb
luiiK<'»t; liinil toe cxci'imIIii^' Imlli (lii> iiiiilUli' tou uiiil tli« turnu.4, wliicli in Bcutelial*
atilcriorly, oiul very xliort; bill HJi^iider, as imi^r u.t, ur longer timn, tliu lu'ud, iiiitcl)
••(iiiipresst'd uml anally dicurvcd; cmiy t'>""ivc, witliuut any notch; entire banal
Joint of thu niiddio tuvii united to tbu laturul, thu t'euthurit iitill'i.'iicd ut the tip*; tail
long, cuoeate.

CKUTIHA, LiNN.iatt.

Certhia, Lin.v.kuh, Synt. Nat., 1735 (liray). ( I'ypo C./iimiliiirlt.)
Hill 08 li)n>{ us the head, sliindur, much coinpresKcd and dcciirvcd from the bone,
without notch or rictal hristluHi tarsi diittinutly scutcllato, very Nliort, not longer than
the outer latern< toes, which much exceedii thu inner, rcucbinK nearly as tar as the
middle toe; hind toe longer than the middle one, its claw more than hall' the total
length; cluwa all very lon^ and acute; tail rather longer than the wings, arched or
vaulted, graduated or cuneate; the feathent very acute at the tips, thu shatU stJAT-
ened; first primary rather more than one-third the fourth or longest one; color
•hove brown, streaked with white, beneath white.

CERTHIA AJAERIGAH A. — Buiwpnrte.
The American Creeper.

Aud. Om. Blog., V.

Certhia Amencnna, Bonaparte. Conep. List (1888).
Certhia familiaris, Wilson. Am. Orn., I. (1808) 122
(1839) 168.

DEScnimoN.

Kill about the length of tlic head; above dark-brown, with a fllightly rufous
Bhadc, each feather streaked centrally, but not abruptly, with whitish; rump rusty;
beneath almost silky-whito; the under tail coverts with a faint rusty linge; a white
streak over the eye; the ear coverts streaked with whitish; tail feathers brown cen-
trally, the edfies paler yellowish-brown ; wings with a transverse bar of pule reddish-
white across both webs.

Length, about live and fifty one-huudredths inches; wing, two and sixty one-
hundredths inches; tail, two and ninety one-bundredths inches.

ffab. — North America generally.

THIS species is a resident of the three southern New-
England States through the year : in the otlior States,
it is not a common summt^* visitor. It arrives from the
South about the middle of April, and, on p;iiring, com^
mences building about the second week in May. The nesi

TIIR AMKUICAN CUKKrKR.

m

iH bulk in a hollow limb of a troo, in a doticrlod noMt of a
woodpecker or Hquirrel, or a holu in a fonco-post. Usually
the locality is chosen in tli«j dcop woods, and Hcldoni near
dwellings or in the orchards. The nuiUirials used in the
construction are soft grasses, feathers, and the l)ark of
the cedar and grape-vine. The eggs are usuidly about six in
number: their color is a dull-gray; and they are marked,
thickest near tho great end, with small sjiots <if reddish-
brown, and a few dabs of a darker color. Mr. Allen speaks
of a nest Iteiiig found " in a large elm in Court S(iinire,
Springfield, about ten feet from the ground, and built behind
a strip of thick bark that projected in such a way as to leave
a protected cavity behind it." Dimensions of eggs average
about .70 by .50 inch. But oao brood is reared in the
Beasou in New England.

1

■••1

192

ORNITUOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

Family TROGLODYTlDiE. The WuiiNS.

"Rictal bristles wanting; the loral feathers with bristly points; the frontal fcatlicrs
generally not reaching to nostrils; nostrils varied, exposed or not covered by
leathers, and piierally overhung by a seale-like membrane; bill usually without
notch; wings much rounded, about equal to tail, which is graduated; piiuiaries ten,
the first generally abnut half the second; basal joint of middle toe usually united to
half the basal joint of inner, and the whole of that of the outer, or more; lateral
toes about eciual, or the outer a little the longer; tarsi scutellate." — Uaiuu.

CISTOTHGUUS, Cabanis.

Cistothofus, Cabanis, Mus. Ilein. (1850-51), 77. (Type TivijMijUsi stellaris.)
Bill about as Innjr a? *'i'i head or much shorter, much conii)ressed, not notched,
gently decurved from the middle; the gonys slightly concave or straight; toes
reaching to tlie end of the tail; tarsus longer than the middle toe; hind toe longer
tlian the lateral, sliorter ilian the middle, lateral toes about equal, hind toe longer
than or e(iual to its digit; wings rather longer than the tail, all the feathers of which
are much graduated, the lateral only two-thirds the middle; the feathers narrow;
back black, conspicuously streaked with white.

CISTOTHORUS PALUSTEIS. — CabanU.
The Long-billed Marsh Wren.

Certhia pall , -is, Wilson. Am. Orn., IL (1810) 58.

Troylodytes pntustris, IJonaparte. Obs. Wils. (1824), No. 66. Aud. Orn. Biog.,
I. (1831) 500; V. (1839) 467.

Thryothorus paluatrit, Nuttall. Man., I. (1832) 439.

Desckiition.

Bill about as long as head; tail and wing nearly equal; upper parts of a dull
reddish-brown, except on the crown, interscapular region, outer surface of tertiaU,
and tail featli»rs, which art almost black, — the first with a median patch like the
ground-color; the second with short streaks of white, extending round on the sides
of the neck; the third indented with brown; the fourth barred with whitish, de-
creasing ill amount from the outer feather, which is marked from the base to the
(itth, where it is confined to the tips; the two middle feathers above like the back,
and barred throughout with dusky; beneath rather pure-white, the sides and under
tail coverts of a lighter shade of brown than the back; a white streak over the eye.

Length, five and fit>y one-hundrcdths inches; wing, two and eight one-hundredths
mches; tail, two inches.

Unb. — North America from Atlantic to Pacific, north to Greenland. — Rein-

HAUDT.

^\ *;

•It*'

•< fi«

-^ hi

"^f.

WM

r

r//// -r/y//r^

V.

>//r/

Z/'//

MME & FEMAte.

Xi'» Kiiu l.iili.S'. ii.il'iL'CV. -'in

THl
is
not un
States,
is conf
It mal<
present
and gt
whicli
exceed
Ho saj

May, 0
called s
water c
places i
from th
and a s{
notes, i
Standir
month
to that
boggy
"Wren :
to exce
liarly h
and pe
contem
a nest
inferioi
ren. '
well it
small
which
admiss
sometii
resists

THE LONG-BILLED MARSH WREN.

193

THIS interesting and not generally well-known little bird
is a summer inhabitant of Now England. Althongh
not uncommon in Massachusetts and the other two southern
States, it seldom ventui'es north of the first State, where it
is confined to the neighborhood of the salt-water marshes.
It makes its appearance about the middle of May ; and its
presence is soon made known by its lively, chattering song,
and grotesque dodgings among the reeds and tall grass in
which it makes its home. I cannot refrain from giving the
exceedingly interesting account of its habits, &c., by Wilson.
He says, —

" The Marsh Wren arrives in Pennsylvania about the middle ot
May, or as soon as the reeds and a species of nymphea, usually
called splatter-docks, which grow in great luxuriance along the tide-
water of our rivers, are sufficiently high to shelter it. To such
places it almost wholly limits its excursions, seldom venturing far
from the river. Its food consists of flying insects and their larvce,
and a species of green grasshopper that inhabits the reeds. As to its
notes, it would be mere burlesque to call them by the name of song.
Standing on the reedy borders of the Schuylkill or Delaware, in the
month of June, you hear a low crackling sound, somewhat similar
to that produced by air-bubbles forcing their way through mud or
boggy ground when trod upon. This is the song of the Marsh
Wren : but as, among the human race, it is not given to one man
to excel in every thing, and yet each perhaps has something pecu-
liarly his own ; so, among birds, we find a like distribution of talents
and peculiarities. The little bird now before us, if deficient and
contemptible in singing, excels in the art of design, and constructs
a nest which, in durability, warmth, and convenience, is scarcely
inferior to one, and far superior to many, of its more musical breth
ren. This is formed outwardly of wet rushes mixed with mud,
well intertwined, and fashioned into the form of a cocoanut. A
small hole is left two-thirds up for entrance, the upper edge of
which projects like a pent-house over the lower to prevent the
admission of rain. The inside is lined with fine soft grass, and
sometimes feathers ; end the outside, when hardened by the sun,
resists every kind of weather. This nest is generally suspended

U

8

til

194

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

among the reeds, above the reach of tlie liighest tides, and is tied
8o fast to every part of the surrounding reeds as to bid defiance to
the winds and tiie waves. The eggs are usually six, of a dark-fawn
color, and very small. The young leave the nest about the 20th of
June, and they generally have a second brood in the same season."

I am unable to add any thing of value to this description.
Several nosts in my collection, from various localities in
'few England and elsewhere, agree with the above descrip-
tion of nest. They are formed of reeds and grasses twined
strongly together in a bulky fabric; and the entrance, a
small round hole, is on one side (facing the south always,
I believe). The cavity is deep, and lined with soft grasses
and feathers. The eggs arc of a mahogany-color, with fine
dots covering the entire surface. These dots are darker than
the ground-color, and so fine as to be hardly visible. A great
number of eggs in my collection vary from .60 by .48 to .56
by .42 inch in dimensions.

CISTOTHOBUS STELLASIS. — Coianur.
The Short-billed Marsh Wren.

Cistothorus stellaris, Cabanis. Mus. Hein. (1851), 77. Type.

Troglodytes brerirostris, Nut'all. Trans. Amer. Acad. Arts and Sc, New Ser., L
(1S33) 98, with figure (quoted in Manual, though date of volume is subsequent to
1832). lb., Man., I. (1832) 438. Aud. Om. Biog., IL (T834) 427; V. (1839) 469.

Description.

Hill very pliort, scarcely half the length of the head; wing and tail about equal;
hinder part of the crown and the scapular and interscapular region of the back and
ruu'p almost black, streaked with white ; tail dusky, the feathers barred throughout
witli brown (the color grayish on the under surface); beneath white; the sides, upper
part of the breast, and under tail coverts reddish-brown ; upper parts, with the excep-
tions mentioned, reddish-brown.

Length, four and fifty one-hundredths inches; wing, one and seventy-five 0L«»
hun.lredths inch; tail, one and seventy-five one-hundredths inch.

f/'ib. — Eastern UnitPd States to the Loup fork of Platte.

Like the preceding species, this bird is limited to the
southern districts of New England ; Massachusetts being its
northern limit. It makes its first appearance about the
middle of May, sometimes a little earlier. The nest is built

TROGLODYTES.

195

about the last week in May: it is constructed of grasses and
sedg vS, and is pensile, or rather suspended in tall grass in
fresli-Avater meadows, which is woven into the body of the
fabric. I have never noticed any mud in the materials, and
doubt if any is used. The entrance is on the side ; it is a
small hole, just under the greatest bulge of the nest : the
whole fabric is lined with soft down from flying-seeds, and
sometimes a few feathers. The eggs are sometimes eight or
nine in number, usually about six : their color is piii'e-whitc,
and the shell is extremely thin and brittle. The dimension i
vary from .57 by .44 to .50 by .40 inch. But one l)rood is
reared in New England.

The habits of this bird are not so well known :-s those of
the preceding, as it is a much more shy bii J, and always
avoids the presence of man. When its nest is approached,
it hovers near the intruder, chattering and scolding in a
violent manner. It is hardly ever seen in the neighborhood
of the salt water, and seems to be found onl • in the mead-
ows in the vicinity of fresh water : its food asists princi-
pally of small insects, and spiders, which it is almost
constantly employed in capturing. Its song is short, and
consists of a repetition of the syllables, 'che, ^chet, de-de-de-
de-de. This is uttered when the bird is perched on a low
bush, or tuft of grass. A peculiarity of this bird, and also
of the preceding species, is its habit of building a number of
nests in the same season : it is believed by many persons,
that this is done to secure protection ; because, when a
person searches for the nest occupied by the female, the
male alwajs decoys the intruder to the neighborhood of one
of these empty ones.

•'2
i i'"'

TRUGLODY'IES, Vikillot.

T-"3hd!jUs, ViEiLLOT, Ois. Am. Sept., II. (1807) 52. (Type T. cedon.)

Wings longer than the tiiil, or nearly equal; tail rounded, the lateral feathers

p-aduated; hind claw shorter than the rest of the toe; back brown, obsoletely

waved with dusky; bill nearly aa long as the head.

196

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

TROGLODYTES aiDON. — lleillot.
The House Wren.

Troijhihjtes mlm, Vioillnt. ()i^^. Am. Sept., II. (\6^') 62. Ami. Cm. Biog., I.

(18.31)427; V. (IHSU) 470.

{(illvin (hmesticfi, Wilson. Am. Orii., I. (1S08) 129.
TroijUxliilts fulvus, Nuttull. Man., I. (1832) 422.

Descriptiox.

Tail and wings abont equal; bill phorter than the head; above reddish-bMwn,
darker toward.4 the head, brighter on the rump; the feathers everywhere, except on
the liead and neck, barred with dusky; obscurely so on the back, and still less
on tlie nnnp; all the tail leathers barred from the base; tlie contrast more vivid on
the exterior ones; beneath pale fulvous-white, tinged with light-brownish across the
breast ; tlie jiosterior parts rather dark-brown, obscurely ba.ided ; under tail coverts
\vliitisli, with dusky bars; an indistinct line over the eye, eyelids, and loral region,
whitish ; clieeks brown, streaked with whiti. a.

Len"-tli, four and ninety one-hundredths inches; wing, two and eight one-hun-
drodths inches; tail, two inches.

y/,,6. Eastern United States to the Missouri, or to tlie high central plains.

The bill of this species, even tVom the extreme base, is shorter than the head.
The wing is very nearly equal to the tall, and reaches over its basal fourth. The
tail is moderately graduated, the lateral feather about .32 of an inch shorter than tho
middle. The outstretched feet reach about to the end of the taiL

There are a few whitish spots on the wing coverts.

This interesting and well-known little bird is A'cry gen-
erally distributed throughout New England. It arrives from
the South as early as the first week in May, and soon appears

about its old haunts in the gar-
den and orchard. The famili-
arity of this species with man
is well known ; and comfortable
quarters are provided for its
reception, oftentimes in the
piazza of a dwelling-house, or
in the casement of a window.
Tiiis little bird is rather quar-
relsome, and often drives from
its home the Blue-bird and Martin, occupying the prepared
nest for its own domicile. When building a nest of its own,
it selects a hole in a tree, or post in a fence, and fills the
whole cavity with sticks and twigs : this mass is hollowed

THE WINTER WREN.

191

in tho centre, and lined with fine grasses, feathers, wool, and
other soft materials. Tho eggs are usually six in numljer,
Bometimes eight, and I have known as many as ten being
found in one nest : their color is a jtale-reddish fk'sh-color,
covered with fine dots or sprinlcling of a darker color.
Dimensions vary from .02 by .SO to .59 by .48 inch. Occar
sionally, two broods are reared in the season ; but, as a
general thing, one brood only. The wrens are extremely
beneficial in the garden and orchard : they destroy immense
numbers of insects and their larva), and are, in consequence
of their sociable habits and pleasant dispositions, gi-eat favor-
ites. It is hardly necessary to say a good word in their
favor, as thoy are well appreciated and protected.

As with many other birds, this species, although very
generally distributed, is not, by any means, regularly spread
through these States. It may be quite abundant in one
town ; and in another, perhaps five miles oif, not an indi-
vidual is to be seen. In Cambridge, Mass., it is one of the
most abundant of birds ; but, in Newion or Dorchester, it is
comparatively rare. I cannot account for this irregularity,
and have never heard a plausible or satisfactory reason for
it given. Some species of insects, which are favorites with
it for food, may possibly be found less abundantly in some
localities than in others ; but I am unable to say if this is
the case, since I do not know of any particular insect which
this bird prefers. Numbers that I have examined, con-
tained ill their stomachs spiders in abundance ; but what
species they were, or what were their peculiar localities, I
am ignorant.

'K'

, M

??

TBOGLODTTES HTEMAIIS.
The Winter Wren.

VitiUot.

Hylvia troglodytet, Wilson. Am. Om., I. (1808) 139.

Troglodytes hjemalis, Vieillot. Nouv. Diet., XXXIV. (1819) 514. Aud. Om.
Biog., IV. (1838) 430.

Troylodytea Ewopmis, Bonaparte. Obs. Wils. (1825), No. 137. Nult. Man., I
18iJ2^ 427.

IDS

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

Deschiition.

Hill very gtraiglit, slender, and conical; shorter than the head; tail considerably
sliiirter lliiiii the wingH, which reach to its middle; upiier parts reddish-brown,
betoiiiiiig blighter to the ruuiii and tail; everywhere, exce])t on the head and upper
part ut' the back, with transverse bars of diislsy and of lighter; scapulars and wing
C'()\erls with s[i(its of wliite; beneath pale reddish-brown, barred on the posterior
half of the body with dusky and whitisli, and spotted with white more anteriorly;
outer well of primaries similarly spotted with pale brownish-white; an indistinct
pale lino over the eye.

LeiiKth, about four inches; v/ing, one and sixty-six one-hundredths inch; tail,
one and twenty-six onc-hundredths inch.

Ilab. — North America generally.

This bird is quite abundant in the three northern New-
England States, and, as a winter visitor, is not uncommon
in tlie others. Wilson gives the following account of its
habits : —

"This little stranger visits us from the north 'n the mouth of
October, sometimes remaining with us all the wintsjr, and is always
obfierved, early in spring, on his route back to bis breeding-place.
Ill size, color, song, and manners, he approaches nearer to the
European Wren {M. troglodytes) than any other species we have.
During his residence here, he frequents the projecting banks of
creeks, old roots, decayed logs, small bushes, and rushes, near
watery places : he even approaches the farm-house, rambles about
the wood-pile, creeping among the interstices like a mouse. With
tail erect, which is his constant habit, mounted on some projecting
point or pinnacle, he sings with great animation. Even in the
yards, gardens, and outhouses of the city, he appears familiai, and
quite at home. In short, he possesses almost all the habits of the
European species. He is, however, migratory, which may be
owing to the superior coldness of our continent. Never having
met with the nest and eggs, I am unable to say how nearly they
approximate to those of the former."

I know nothing of the breeding habits, nest, or eggs of
this species. It has, whale in its summer home, one of the
most beautiful warbling songs that I ever heard.

THL WARBLERS.

100

Family SYIAqCOLIDiE. Tiik Wauhi.kks.

rrimaries nino, the first quill nearly as long as tlie second or third; tarsi dis-
tinctly scutellute the whole length anteriorly; hill i(jnical, slender, or depressed.
UBually halt' tlio length of head, more or less bristled or notched; nostril-* oval or
founded; lateral toes nearly or quite e<|ual, and shorter than the middle; the hasui
joint of the middle free nearly to its base externally, united for about half inter-
nally.

This family is well marked by its scutellate tarsi in front, the absence of any
spurious or short first primary, and the rather weak, slender, conical, or depressed,
sometimes decurved, bill. The base of the bill, with the nostrils, is not covered in
any genera by seta;, as in Pants, Atauda, &c. In many respects, there is a close
relationship to some Frinijillida; and there are some I'ornis, such as the TiimiijriiUe,
which it is difficult to assign to the one family rather than to the other. The chief
ditFerence, however, is to be found in the longer, slonderer, and less abruptly conical
bill of the Tannycrs.

The following synopsis will serve to point out the sub-families of the Sylci-
colidce : —

MoTACiLLiN.K. — lUU slcndcr; culmen slightly concave at base; legs long;
claws but little curved; hind toe considerably longer than the middle one; its claw
much longer (twice) than the middle claw; all the claws but slightly curved; tcr-
tials elongated, much longer than the secondaries.

Sylvicklin.k. — Bill rather slc.ider, conical or depressed; culmen straight or
convex; hind toe shorter than the middle; the claws all much curved; hind claw
not conspicuously longer than the middle one; when the hind toe is lengthened, it
is usually in the digit, not the claw; tertials generally not longer than the second-
aries.

TANAc.itiN.E. — Bill very stout, conical, as high as broad, or considerably
broader than high; tarsi short, not exceeding the hind toe; claws much cur\'ed, the
hinder scarcely larger than the middle anterior.

•'4 " t^

n

Sub-Family Motacillin^. — The Wagtails.
ANTHUS, Beciistein.

Anthus, Beciistein, Gemein. Naturg. Deutschl., 1802 (Agassiz). (Type Alaudd
ipindetla. )

Bill slender, much attenuated, and distinctly notched; a few short bristles at the
base; culmen concave at the base; tarsi quite distinctly scutellate, longer than
the middle toe, inner lateral toe the longer; hind toe rather shorter than tl"- tarsus,
but longer than the middle toe, owing to the long, attenuated, and moueratcly
curved hind claw, which is considerably more than half the total length of the too ;
tail rather long, cmarginate ; wing very long, considerably longer than the ler h-
ened tail, reachin', to its middle; the first primary nearly equal to the longest; the
tertials almost as ong as the primaries.

200

OKNirilOLOGY AND OULO(iY.

ANTHUS LUD0VICIANU3. - l.icht.

The TiMark.

Atiiuild Liulin'iriituii, (■iiii'liti. KvHt. Nat , I. (1788) 7'J3.
Aiitlius Liu/uriri'iiwt, Liclit. Verz. (lha:i), 37, No. 421. And. Sjm. (1838), 04.
Ahwiu )ii/a, ^Vil.1oll. y\ni. Orii., V. (1«12) 80.

Aniliiis sj'iiwhWi, Auaulj.iii, Orii. Hioj,'., I. (1832) 408, V. (1830), 440. Nutt
Mum., r. {\KVi)i-M.

Anlhua iilpiaii, Aiiduljoii. Orii. Uiog., I. (1882) 408, V. (1880) 440.

Desckiition.

Female, in (i|ii'inK.) Above olivu-brown, each fcnllicr 8lif,'htly darker towards
tlie iciilrnl portion; beiioatli pale dull-bitr, or yellowish-brown, with a miixillury
series of dark-browii .xpots and streaks across the breast and aloiit; sides; rinj}
round the eye, and siipereiliary stripe yellowish; central tail feathers like the back,
others (lark blai kisli-brown, the external one white, except at the base within, a
while s|)iit at the end of the second; ))riniarie8 edged with whitish, other quills witb
pale-lirownish.

Lenfith, six and tll>y one-hundredths inches; wing, three and forty-five one-
huiiilreillhs inches; tail, two and ninety-live one-hundredths inches.

Il'ih. — North America generally. Greenland (IJeiuhardt). Accidental in Eu-
rope.

riUIIS bird is a not uncommon fall and spring visitor in
jL New England; and, in the southorn parts of these
States, in mild seasons, it remains through the entire winter.
It is most frequently found in the neighborhood of the sea-
coast or its large marshes, and in large tracts of level, drj,
weedy pastures and fields.

While with us, it flics in loose, detached flocks, in a jerk-
ing, irregular sort of flight, uttering occasionally its feeble,
lisping (fleet, queet. It seems always busily employed,
either on the beach, in gathering the small shell-fish and
animalcules thrown up by the tide, or, in pastures and
stubble-fields, in gleaning the seeds of weeds and grasses :
it also feeds upon spiders and such insects as it is able to
find in the dead grass and weeds.

As this species breeds in the most northern parts of the
continent, I am unable to give any account of its breeding
hal)its ; and, having no egg in my collection, I can give
no description of it here. Nuttall says the " nest is built
in the fissures of cliffs, is composed of dry grass and a

THK BLACK AND WHITE CUKKI'Ktl.

201

little mosfi, and liiiud with liaor hlados of tlio I'urinor and a
few long hairs. The eggs are four or five in number, of
a suUied-whitc color, and covered with small brown spots,
collected chiefly towards the larger end."

Sub-Family SYLViCOLiNiE. — Tlie Wood-warblers.
MNIOTILTA, ViEiLU)T.

MniMta, ViKiLurr, AimlyRC, 1810 (Agassiz).

General form sylvicoline; bill rather loiiic, compressed, shorter than the head,
with veiy short rictal bristles and a. shallow notch; wings considerably longer than
the tail, which is slightly roundeil; first quill shorter than second and third; tarsi
rather short; toes long, middle one equal to the tarsus; hind too nearly as long, the
claw considerably shorter than its digit. Color white streaked with black.

This genus differs from other SykicoUnes in the elongation of the toes, especially
the hinder one, by means of which the species is enablvd to move up and down the
trunks of trees, like the true Creepers. But one species is recognized aa North
American, although Nuttall describes a second.

-f1

MNIOTILTA VAHIA.— Fi«7fo<.
The Black and White Creeper.

Motncilla vnria, Linnirus. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 333.

Mniolilla vnria, Vieillot. Analyse (1016). 76., Galerie Ois., I. (1634) 270. Aud.
Syn. (1839), 71. /*., Birds Am., il. (1841) 105.
" eykia vnria, Bonaparte. Syn. (1828), 81. Nutt. Man., I. (1832) 384.
Certhia maculata,\\' ihon. Am. Om., IIL (1811) 22.

Descriition.

Bill with the upper mandible considerably decurved, the lower straight ; general
color of the male black, the feathers broadly edged with white ; the head all round
black, with a median stripe in the crown and neck above, a superciliary and a max-
illary one of white; middle of belly, two conspicuous bands on the wings, outer
edfies of tcrtials and inner of all the wing and tail feathers, and a .spot on the inner
webs of the outer two tail feathers, white ; rump and upper tail coverta black,
edged externally with white; female similar; the under parts white, obsoletely
Btreaked with black on the sides and under tail coverts.

Length, five inches; wing, two and eighty-five one-hundredths in les; tail, two
tnd twenty-live one-hundredths inches.

Hah. — Eastern Nortti America to Missouri River, south to Guatemala.

This is a rather common summer inhabitant of all New
England. It arrives from the South before the 20th ol

"':^

202

OnNITIIOLOOY AND OO^jOY.

April, iiiid fjoinc'tiiiios is soon !►)' llio fu-Mt week in tlial
luotith. In its liiibitH, it ruHcnililos l>()th tlio CreupurH luiil
Wurblor.s; luuving al)out tiiu butlics and limbs of trues with
tin; (Jiisu of I bo Ibrnicr, iiiid gloaning lUUongHt the Ibliagi; the
iiiHoct hosts like the hitter. I. have sonietinies srcii it sci/.e
n Hying insect while on the wing, although thiii must huvo
been a deiiurturo from its general iiabits.

The song of the male during the mating season is a sort
of lisping n.-nditiou of the syllaltles whechee, wht'ihrf,
wht'cfiei; whcc/uf, uttered at first loud, and gradually weak-
ening to a subdued note, like chect. At other times, it has
only a faint cliirp or chink, which is uttered by both sexes.
About the lOth of May, after the birds have paired, they
conunenco building the nest: this, Autlubou says, in Louis-
iana " is usually ])laced iu some snudl hole iu a tree, and
is composed of mosses in a dry state, and lined with cottony
Kultstances." In New England, it is almost always built, or
rather placed, on the ground ; the situation is chosen usually
beneath an overhanging point of rock, or beneath a fi'llen
trunk of a tree : it is made of mosses, straw, leaveq , and
other soft materials, and is lined with cotton from forns,
soft grass, or hair. The eggs aro laid by the middle of
May. They are usually four or five in number: their color
is white, with a slight cream tinge; and they aro spotted
irregularly with fine dots and confluent blotches of reddish-
brown, thickest near the largest end of the egg. Dimen-
sions of four eggs found in a nest iu Reading, Mass. : .66
by .54 inch, .(jQ by .64 inch, .65 by .54 inch, .65 by .54
inch. Two broods aro occasionally reared by this species in
southern New England.

Probably the greater number breed in more northern
localities ; for it is much more common iu the ppring and
fall than in summer. By the 10th of September, they move
on their southern migration; and, after the 15th or 20th of
that month, none are to be seen in New Englana.

TUK ULUK YELLOW-HArKKI) WAnilLflR.

208

I'AKL'I.A, iiONAI'AIITK.

Pantld, KuNAI'AlirK, (ivim. ami rij|ii|i. IJ^t, txilH. (Typp I'nriu Ainrriuauui.^
In tlitt Kpvc'ioK oC tliiit K>'ii»'< ihu ''"I i'* •'<'>i<>'>il u"<l ucutu; tlio culmvii rrry ffvntty
cun'cd th)iii tilt' liii!'!'; thu iiiiiiiiilnHiirr ^ll({lltly ciiiiiuvv, thu iidIiIi wIiiii vinible in
furtht^r t'riiiii tin: lip than in llinilniifii, iiiit uhuuII.v \* liilu'r hIinuIi'Ii! it I'litinly
wanting; bri»tli',i very nliott; tliu tarsi uru Icin^iT tliaii lln' niliiitle tuv; tliv tail ii
nMrly evui, uiiil cuiisidirubly liliurtur tliau tliu wing.

PAEULA AMEBICAMA. — Bonapnrtt.
Tbe Blue Tellow-baoked Warbler.

Parut Ainericanut, I.iiinxuH. Sy»t. Nat., I. {17r)h) UiO.

Sjjlrin Ameriatna. Ami. Orii. lliog., I. (lt-33) 78.

I'driilii Amt'iicdtid, H()iiuf]urtu. List (le38). /&., Con»p. il650), 810.

Hykia jmiilu, Wilauii. Am. Urn., IV. (1811) 17.

l>E8Cltlin'IUil.

Abovu blue, the luiddlu of tliu baik with a patch of ycllowixli-f^rui'n; benc^atn
yellow untoriurly, whitu bidiiiid; a ruddi.sh-brown tin^o acruHs Ihu breast; lures and
apace round the eye dusky; u huiuII white spot on either eyelid; Mint of head
and netk like the crown; two conspicuous white bands (ni tho wiiif^s; outer two tail
fcAtherj with a conspicuous spot of white; female siini i, with less brown on the
breast.

Length, four and seventy-five onc-hundredths inches; winj;, two and thirty-lour
onc-hundredth.s inches; tail, one and ninety oiio-hundredtlis inch.

Iftib. — Kastern North America to tho Missouri, south to Uuateuiala.

This species, I am inclined to think, is rather common
in all of New England ; and it nndoubtediy breeds more
or less abundantly in each of these States. It arrives from
the South about the middle of May, sometimes a little ear-
lier. The birds, on their arrival, seem to be mated ; for
they are almost alwajs seen in pairs, often two males with
one female. Their habits are very similar to those of tho
Titmice, and they are equally at home in the high foliage of
trees and in the low thickets and shrubbery. When travel-
ling through the trees, they run nimbly both across and
along tho branches, sometimes hanging head downwards,
sometimes fluttering at the extremity of a small twig: they
are very nervous and active, and are almost continually
employed in catching caterpillars and insects, of which
their food consists. While thus engaged, they emit, occSf

c>

204

oris'itholj(;y and oology.

sioaally, a lecblo note like the syllables chcweccJi, chfweech,
chcu'cechf uttered at first low, and rapidly increasing in
volume. Wiien passing ti-vough the forests of Maine and
New ilauipshire, I have seen numbers of these birds, par-
ticularly in the neighborhood of swamp 3, flying from the
tups of the huge hemlocks, and seizing the small lace-
winged flies (^ephemerides) that are abundant in those
regions in May and June. I also noticed that they fed
largely upon the small caterpillars (^geometridte) ; and I saw
them occasionally descend to the surface of a lake or river,
and seize small sjjiders ^hat were struggling in the water.
The habits of tliis bird ii: ve caused it to be classed in many
different ways. LiuiitEus and others placed it in the genus
Furus^ Latham and many others called it Sylvia, some
have named it Motajilla, and Stephens named it Thryo-
thorus. It, however, l>elongs properly among the Warblers ;
and the position given it as above seems its most natural
one. About the first of Juno, the birds commence build-
ing their nest : this is jilaced in a foi-k near the end of a
brancli of a tree, about twenty feet from the ground. It is
usually constructed of the long, gray Spanish moss that
is so plentiful in the States of Maine, New Hampshire, and
Vermont. A beautiful specimen in my collection, found in
Maine by John Krider of Pliiladelphia, who kindly pre-
sented it to me, is of this doscription, and one of the most
curious specimens of bird architecture : the long hairs of
tlie moss are woven and twii ed together in a large mass, on
one side of which is the entrance to the nest, a mere hole
lel't in the moss ; the lining is nothing > it the same mate-
rial, only of a finer quality. There is another nest of this
description in the collection of the Museum of Comparative
Zoology in Cambridge, which was also found in Maine. The
eggs are usually four in number, and they are laid about
the first week in June. Tlieir color is white, with a very
slight creamy tint, and covered more or less thickly with
spots and confluent blotches of brownish-red and obscure-

THE MARYLAND YELLOW-THROAT.

20.')

lilac, tliickcst at the large end. Two eggs in my collection
are of the following mcasurcnients : .62 by .48 inch, and .63
by .46 inch.

GEOTHLYPIS, Cabamis.

Geothhjph, Cabanis, Wiegmann's Archiv. (1847), L 310, 840. lb., Schoinburc;k'a
Reise Guiana (1^48).

Bill sylvicoline, rather depressed, and distinctlj' notched; ricfal bristles very
short or wanting; wings short, rounded, scarcely longer than the tail; the first quill
shorter than the fourth; tail long, much rounded or graduated; legs stout; tarsi
elongated as the head; olive-green above, belly yellow; tail feathers immaculate:
legs yellow.

GEOTHLYPIS TSICHAS. — Cabanit.

The Maryland Yellow-throat.

Turdus irklins, Linna;us. Syst. Nat., I. (17C6) 293.

Sylvia triclids, Audubon. Orn. Biog., I. (1832) 120; V. (1838) 48a.

Geolhlypis Irlcliris, Cabanis. Mus. Hcin. (1850), 10.

Sylvia MarilmuUca, Wilson. Am. Orn., I. (1808) 88.

Trichas roacoe, Nuttall. Man., L (2d cd., 1840) 457.

Description.

Upper parts olive-green, tinged with brown towards the middle of the crown;
chin, throat, and breast as far as the middle of ihe body, with the under tail coverts,
bright-yellow; belly dull whitish-buff; sides of body strongly 'ingcd with light
olive-brown ; under coverts glossed with the same ; a band of black on the fore-
head (about twenty one-hundredths of an inch wide in the middle), passing back-
ward so as to cover the cheek and ear coverts, and extending a little above the eye ;
this band bordered behind by a sufl'usion of hoary-ash, forming a distinct line above
the eye, and widening behind the ear coverts into a larger patch, with a yellow
tinge. In winter dress, and in the female, without the black mask, the forehead
tinged with brown, the yellow of the throat less extended, the eyelids whitish, and
an indistinct superciliary line yellowish.

Length of male, five and fifty one-hundredths inches; wing, two and forty one-
hundredths inches; tail, two and twenty one-hundredths inches.

This bird is a common inhabitant of all the New-England
States. It arrives from the South about the second week in
May, sometimes earlier, and soon commences building.
The nest is usually placed on the ground, although often in
thickets of briers and bushes. It is constructed of leaves
and grasses, and is lined with fine grasses and hairs. It is
often built over at the top, with the entrance through a hole
in the side. The whole makes a bulky affair, almost imper-

t ' :

206

ORNITnOLOGT AND OOLOGY.

vioxis to water.' The eggs are laid about the last week in
May or first week in June. They arc variable in size and
markings, but are usually five in number. To illustrate
the dilference in size and markings, I will describe five eggs
found in a nest in Milton, Mass.: No. 1 is creamy-white in
color, with numerous spots of dark-brown and obscure spots
of lilac ; these markings are thinly scattered over the eggs,
but are quite thick at the larger end : dimensions, .70 by
.52 inch. No. 2 has the same ground-color, but the mark-
ings consist of numerous spots and confluent blotches
of light-brown and lilac at the large end of the egg : dimen-
sions, .70 by .50 inch. No. 3 is pure-white, with thinly
scattered spots of brown and black running like a ring
around the larger fend of the egg ; dimensions, .74 by .50
inch. No. 4 is of a pure-white color, with thinly scattered
spots of light-brown around the larger end : dimensions,
.60 by .52 inch. No. 5 of the same color, size, and mark-
ings as No. 4. Other eggs of this species in my collection
exhibit other markings from spots and blotches of lilac and
brown at the larger end to thinly scattered dots of reddish
over tlie entire surface ; and one specimen has numei'ous
irregular lines in a circle around the larger end of the egg.
This species rears two broods in the season in southern
New England. I have found nests often as late as the
middle of July. The habits of the Maryland Yellow-throat
are well known. He is first noticed in the swampy thickets,
darting id and out through the tangled shriibbery. Soon
he makes his appearance in the flower-garden and orchard,
where he may be seen at almost all times through the breed-
ing season, busily engaged searching for his insect food ;
occasionally paiising to carol his pretty song, luhe-tit-te-teey
whe'tit-te-tee, then darting away for a discovered insect, then
caressing liif* mate, or flying to his nest with food for their
young.

1 A nest sent me from Delaware is constructed of grasses, which are woven inta
• loose fabric, quite different from northern specimens.

THE MOURNING WAUBLKU.

207

In the woods, this species is more often found in low
thickets in or near wet, swampy localities, and is very sel-
dom seen in high, dry, heavily wooded countries. It seems
to prefer the neighhorhood of human habitations for its
homo, and its genial disposition and beneficial habits have
established it as a great favorite with the farmers.

As soon as the last brood of young leaves the nest, the
old birds become silent ; and, by the middle of September,
the whole family leave for the South.

GEOTHLTFIS PHILADELPHIA. — £atVd.

The Mourning Warbler.

Sylvia Philadelphia, Wilson. Am. Oni., IT. (1810) 101. And. Om. Biog., V.
(1839) 78. Nutt. Man., I. (1882) 404.

Description.

"Wings but little longer than the tail, reaching but little beyond its base; head
and neck nil round, with throat and fore part of breast, ash-gray, paler beneath ; the
feathers of the chin, throat, and fore breast in reality black, but with narrow ashy
margins, more or less concealing the black, except on the breust; lores and region
round the eye dusky, without any trace of a pale ring; upper parts and side? of the
body clear olive-green; the under parts bright-yellow; tail feathers uniform olive:
first primary, with the outer half of the outer web, nearly white. Female, with the
gray of the crown glossed with olive; the chin and throat paler centrally, and tinged
with fulvous; a dull whitish ring round the eye.

Length, five and fifty one-hundredths inches; wing, two and forty-five one-hun-
drcdths inches; tail, two and twenty-five one-hundrcdthg inches.

■:i:ii.:

;•■■

H

??

This bird is very rarely found in New England. It has
been taken in all these States, but in such small numbers
that it can hardly be called one of our birds. Mr. Allen
shot two ; I have taken but one ; and Mr. Verrill gives one
or two instances of its being taken in Maine. The specimen
that I captured had all the motions and habits of the Mary-
land Yellow-throat; and I neglected to shoot it for some
time, supposing it to be the female of that bird. Its note
was a simple chirp, with a warbling termination like the
syllables chirpchreee, chirpchreee, uttered in a soft, pensive
tone. Of its breeding habits, nest, and eggs, 1 am ignorant.

208

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

OI'DROR-VIS, Baird.

Bill sylvicolinc, rather comprcBsed; distinctly notched at tip; rictal bristles very
much reduced; wings elongated, pointed, much longer than the tail; the first quill
nearly or quite the longest; tail very slightly rounded; tail feathers acuminate,
pointed; the under coverts reaching to within less than half an inch of their tip;
tarsi elongated, longer than the head; claws large, the hinder one as long as its digit,
and longtT than tlie lateral toes; above olive-green, beneath yellow; tnil and wings
immaculate ; legs yellow.

OPOKO^NIS AGILIS.— BaiVrf.

Thi C onecticut Warbler.

Sylvia atjilh, Wilson. Am. Orn., V. (1812) 64. Aud. Cm. Biog., IL (1834) 227.

Syleicnla ayilis, Orn. Biog., IL (1841) 71.

Trirling ayilis, Nuttall. Man., I. (2d ed., 1840) 403.

Triclms tephrocutis, Nuttall. Man., L (2d ed., 1840) 462.

Description.

Upper parts and sides of the body uniform olive-green, very slightly tinged with
ash on the crown; sides of the head ash, tinged with dusky beneath the eye (entire
head sometimes a?h ) ; chin and throat grayish-ash, gradually becoming darker to
the upper part ot the breast, where it becomes tinged with dark-ash ; sides of the
neck, breast, and body olive, like the back; rest of under parts light-yellow; a
broad, continuous white ring round the eye; wings and tail feathers olive (especially
the latter), without any trace of bars or spots; bill brown above; feet yellow.

Length, six inches; wing, three; tail, two and twenty-flve one-hundredths.

This is another very rare bird in New England, and I
have never met witli a specimen that was taken north of
Massachusetts. In West Roxbury, of this Stai", in a large
tract of pine forest, two or three specimens have been taken
within as many years. So far as I can learn, this species
has all the habits and motions of the two preceding. It
has no song, but utters the note queet often, and in a
sprightly tone, as it searches among the shrubbery for its
favorite food of spiders and small caterpillars.

ICTERIA, ViKiLuyr.

fcteria, Vieillot, Ois. Am. Sept. L, (1790) 85.

Bill shorter than the head ; broad at the base, but rapidly becoming compressed
or much higher than broad, with the ridge elevated and sharp from the v-ety base
of the bill; the upper outline mucu curved throughout; the commissure less curved.

THE YELLOW-BREASTRD CHAT.

200

but strongly concave; the fjonys nearly sfrniplit, the upper cilfje of the lower jaw m
convex as the commissure is concave; no notcli in tne hill, and the riefal bristles
small; tarsi longer than the toes, without scutellu;, except faint inilieations on the
inner side; lateral toes about equal, shorter tluin the hinder; wings alioiit er|Mal to
tlie tall, rounded; the first quill longer than the secondaries; tail graduated, above
olive, beneath yellow; abdumen, eyelids, maxillary patch, and line to the bill,
white.

ICTEHIA nvims. — Bonaparte.

The Tellow-breasted Chat.

Musckapa viridis, Gmelin. Syst. Nat., I. (1788) 938.

Icteria viriilis, Bonaparte. Obs. Wilson (1826), No. 163. Nutt. Man., I. (1832)
289. And. Orn. Biog., II. (1834) 223; V. 433.

Pipra polyghtta, Wilson. Am. Orr., I. (1808) 90.

Description.

Third and fourth quills longest, second and fifth little shorter, first nearly equal
to the sixth; tail graduated ; upper parts uniform olive-green; under parts, including
the inside of wing, f imboge-yellow as far as nearly half-way from the point of the
bill to the tip of the tail ; rest of under parts white, tinged with brown on the sides ;
the outer side of the tibia plumbeous ; a slight tinge of orange across the breast ;
forehead and sides of the head ash, the lores and region below the eye blackish ;
a white stripe from the nostrils over the eye and involving the upper eyelid; a patch
on the lower lid, and a short stripe from the side of the lower mandible, and running
to a point opposite the hinder border of the eye, white; bill black; feet brown.
Female like the male, but smaller; the markings indistinct; the lower mandible nut
pure-black.

Length, seven and forty one-hundredths inches; wing, three and twenty-five
one-hundredths i tail, three and thirty one-hundredths inches.

Massaf^hiisetts seems to be the northern limit of this
hird's habitat in New England ; and, even in this State, it is
a very rare species. Every season, for the last three years, a
pair has nested near Lynn, in this State; and Mr. Allen
says, that they are sometimes seen, in the breeding season,
near Springfield. I have seen great numbers of these birds
in the Western States ; their habits, song, etc., are well
described by Nuttall in the following :

"The males, as in many other migrating birds, who are not
continually paired, arrive several days before the females. As
soon as our bird has chosen his retreat, which is commonly in some
thorny or viny thicket, where he can obtain concealment, he becomes
jealous of his assumed rights, and resents the least intrusion, scold-
ing all who approach in a variety of odd and uncouth tones, very

14

210

OttNlTUOLOGY AND OOLOOY.

dilficiilt to (Ic'scrilu; oi* imitate, except by a whistling ; in which rase
till! bird may lie made to approiich, hut seldom within sight. His
responses on such occasions are constant and rapid, expressive of
anger and anxiety ; and, still unseen, liis voice shifts from place to
place amidst the thicket, like the haunting of a fairy. Some of
these notes rosonil)le the whistling of the wings of a flying duck,
at first loud and rapid, then sinking till they seem to end in single
notes. A succession of other tones are now heard, some like the
barking of young pui)pios, with a variety of hollow, guttural, un-
common sounds, frequently repeated, and terminated occasionally
by something like the mewing of a cat, but hoarser ; a tone, to
which all our Vireos, particularly the young, have frequent recur-
rence. All these notes are uttered with vehemence, and with such
strange and various modulations as to appear near or distant, like
the manonuvrcs of ventriloquism. In mild weather also, when the
moon shines, this gabbling, with exuberance of life and emotion, is
heard nearly throughout the night, as if the performer were dis-
puting with the echoes of his own voice.

" About the middle of May, soon after their arrival, the icterias
begin to build, fixing the nest commonly in a bramble-bush, in an
interlaced thicket, a vine, or small cedar, four or five feet from the
ground. The outside is usually composed of dry leaves, or thin
strips of grape-vine bark, and with root-fibres and dry, slender
blades of grass. The eggs are about four, pale flesh-colored, spotted
all over with brown or dull-red. The young are hatched in the
short period of twelve days, and leave the nest about the second
week in June."

177.

Four eggs in my collection exhibit the following dimen-
sions : .71 by .GO inch, .70 by .60 inch, .68 by .59 inch, .67
by .68 inch.

The food of this bird consists of those small insects and
spiders that arc found in the thick shrubbery of brier patches,
and on the ground among the fallen leaves. It also occa-
sionally captures flying insects in the manner of the Vireos ;
and this fact has caused it, more than its peculiarities of
form, to be classed by some aiithors with those birds.

By the first week in September, none are seen in New

THE WORM-EATING WARBLER.

211

England ; they having left for the tropical countries of South
America, where they spend the winter.

HELMITHEKUS, Rakisesque.

Htlmithenu, Rafinesque, Journal de Physique, LXXXVIII. (lf:19) 417. (Type
Motncilla vermirora.)

Uill large and stout, compressed, almo:3t tanngrine; nearly or quite as long as the
head; culmen vcrj' slightly cur^'cd; gonys straiglit; no notch in the hill; rictal
bristles wanting; tarsi short, — but little longer, if any, than tlie middle tue; tail
considerably shorter than the wings, rather rounded ; wings rather long, the tint
quill a little shorter than the second and third.

HELMITHEEUS VEEMIVOEUS. — BonaparU.

The Worm-eating: Warbler.

1 Motacilla vermifora, Gmelin. Syst. Nat., I. (1788) 951.
Sylvia vermivora, Wilson. Am. Om., III. (1811) 74. Aud. Om. Biog., I. (18824
177.

St/lvia (DacnU) vermivora, Nuttall. Man., I. (1832) 409.

DESCniPTION.

Bill nearly as long as the head; upper parts generally rather clear olive-green,
head with four black stripes and three brownish-yellow ones, namely, a black one
on each side of the crown, and one frcim behind the eye (extending, in fact, a little
anterior to it), a broader median yellow one on the crown, and a superciliary from
the bill; under parts pale brownish-yellow, tinged with buff across the breast, and
with olivaceous on the sides; tail unspotted. Female nearly similar.

Length, five and fifty one-hundredths inches; wing, three; tail, two and thirty-
five one-hundredths inches.

This species is so rarely seen in New England, that it can
be regarded only as a straggler. I have never met with a
specimen alive, although it has been taken in all these
States. Audubon describes its habits as follows : —

" It is an inhabitant of the interior of the forests, and is seldom
found on the borders of roads or in the fields. In spring, they
move in pairs ; and, during their retrograde marches, in little
groups, consisting each of a family, seven or eight in number :
on which account I am inclined to believe that they raise only a
single brood in the year. They are ever amongst the decayed
branches of trees or other plants, such as are accidentally broken
off by the wind, and are there seen searching for insects or cater-

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'_'12

OUNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

I

|>ill;irs. Tlicy aho resort to tlie ground, and turn over tlif drii'd
leaves in quest of the same kind of food. They are unsuspecting,
and will mifCvs a person to approach witliin a few paces. When
disturbed, tliey fly oif to some place where withered leaves are
seen. They have only a few weak notes, which do not deserve
the name of song. Tl/eir inchistry, however, atones for this defect,
as they are seen continually moving about, rustling among the
leaves, and scarcely ever removing from one situation to another,
until aftei they have made a full inspection of the part in which
they have been employed."

Mr. T. H. Jackson, of Westchester, Pa., describes, in tlio
Am. Natiiralist, the nest and eggs of this bird as follows : —

" On the 6th of June. 18G9, 1 found a nest of this species
containing five eggs. It was ])laced in a hollow on the
ground much like llic nest of the oven bird {Sehn-KS auroca-
pillus), and was hidden from sight by the dry leaves that
lay thickly around. The nest was composed externally of
dead leaves, mostly those of the beech, while the interior
was prettily lined with the fine thread-like stalks of the
hair-moss (Polytrichium). Altogether it was a very neat
structure, and looked to me as if the owner was habitually
a ground-nester. The eggs most nearly resemble those of
the white-bellied Nuthatch (^Sitta 'Jarolinenm') , though the
markings are fewer and less distinct. So close did the
female sit that I captured her without difficulty by placing
my hat over the nest."

HELMINTHOPHAGA, Cabanis.

Helminthophnr/n, Cabanis, Mus. Hein. (1850-5!) '.,0. (Type Sylvia ruficnpiliu.)
Bill elongated, conical, verj- acute ; the outli'ies very nearly straight, sometimes
f lightly decurved; no trace of notch at the tir; wings long and pointed; the first
quill nearly or quite the longest; tail ncHy even or slightly emarginate; short and
rather slender; tarsi longer than the middle toe.

HELMINTHOPHAGA PINUS.— 5««rrf.

The Blue-winged Yellow Warbler,

Cerlhin pimi, I.inna-Mis. Syst. Nat, I. (176G) 1S7. Cm., I. (1788) 478.

Bylvia tolUaria, Wilson. Am. Om., II. (1810) 109. Aud. Om. Biog., I. (1882) 102

'f'dna (Dacnit) solitaria, Nuttall. Man., I. (1832) 410.

TUi; BLUE-WINGED YELLOW WAUHLKU.

213

Pbscriptioji.

Upper parts and cliueks olive-green, briKlitext on tlie niiiip; the win^i*, tail, and
ii|i|pt'r tail tovertfl, in purt, bluish-Kr«y; an inti;nsely bluck patch from tho bluo-
black bill to the eye, continued a short distance behind it; crown, except l)rliind,
Bnd the und'T parts generally, rich oriinge-ycllow, the inner wing and under tail
covert.H white; eyelids, and u short line above and behind the eye, brighter yellow;
wing with two while bands; two outer tail feuthera with most of the inner web,
third one with a spot at the end white. Female and young similar, duller, with
more olivaceous on the crown.

Length, four and lilly one-hundrcdths inches; wing, two and forty onc-biffl'
drcdths inches; tail, two and ten one-bundredths inches.

This species is also very rare in New Eiighiud. Iii 1857,
in the month of May, about the 12th or 15th, I found a
small fIoi;k in a swamp in Dedham, Mass. They were
actively employed in catching flying insects, and were po
little mistrustful, that they permitted me to approach quite
near, and observe their motions. I noticed nothing pecu-
liar in them ; but they had all the activity and industry of
tlie true arboreal Warblers. I know nothing of their breed-
ing habits, and will give the description by Wilson of the
nest and eggs. He says, —

" This bird has been mistaken for the Pine Creeper of Catesby.
It is a very diiferent species. It comes to us early in May from
the South ; haunts thickets and shrubberies, searching tlie branches
for insects ; is fond of visiting gardens, orchards, and willow-trees,
of gleaning among blossoms and currant-bushes ; and is frequently
found in very sequestered woods, where it generally builds its nest.
Tliis is fixed in a thick bunch or tussock of long grass, sometimes
sheltered by a brier bush. It is built in the form of an inverted
cone or funnel, the bottom thickly bedded with dry beech-leaves,
the sides formed of the dry bark of strong weeds lined within with
fine, dry grass. These materials are not placed in the usual
manner, circularly, but shelving downwards on all sides from the
top ; the mouth being wide, the bottom very narrow, filled with
leaves, and the eggs or young occupying the middle. The female
lays five eggs, pure-white, with a few very fiiint dots of reddish
near the great end ; the young appear the first week in June. I
am not certain whether they raise a second brood in the same
season.

" I have met with several of these nests, always !n a retired
thougti open part of the woods, and very similar to each other."

* i I

~i

214

OllMTIlOLOUY AND OOLOOY.

HELMINTHOPHAOA CHRYSOPTEHA. — Cnbamt.
The Oolden-winged Warbler.

Motnrilta chryaoplera, Linnicus. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 833. Gm. Syst. Hat
I (1788)971.

iSynVi clirijsopltni, WiUnn Am. Orii , 11. (1810) 113.

Desckiition.

UppiT |mrls uiiifiirm l)Iiiisli-Ki.:,v'; tlu! head iibovv iiiul a large patch (in tlin win^i
yellow; a bidud Aiivak Inuu thu bill thmiiKh and heliiiul thu vyu, with the chiu,
throat, and I'oiepiirt ollhe lirea^t, black; the (.•.\ternal ed{;e of the yellow croivn con-
tinuous with a broad piitch on the sid« of the occiput above the auricuhirs, a broad
maxillary Htripc wideuinj; on the sido of the neck, the under parts (generally, with
ino.st of the inner weba uf the outer three tail feathers white; the sides of the body
pale afhcolor. I'ennilo similar, but duller.

I,eni;th, about live inches; wiitf,', two and si.xty-live one-hundredths inches; tail,
two and tweiily-livu one-bundrcdths invhes.

^"This haiidsoniely luiukcd .spocios ha.s hitherto been con-
.sidered a very lai'o bird in Now England ; but it is less
uncommon than it is supposed to be. The first oiii. I saw
was cauglit by a cat in a garden in West Newton, Mass.
This was on May 10, 1801. That year, and since, I have
found it occurring, in small numbers, from the 14th to the
80th of May. The higher branches of trees, in the vicinity
of swampy land, appear to be its favorite hunting-places. It
may bo seen seeking its food quite diligently along the
branches and among the twigs, moving by short leaps, and
Htopping often to utter its drawling note, '■ zce-zee-zee-zee^ or
' dcc-dec-dce-dee.^

" I once saw one, who, having seemingly finished his
morning meal, was perched on the topmost twig of a tree,
(luite motionless, occasionally uttering the ibove song,
Avhich is easily recognized from that of any of our other
Warblers. On my alarming him, he flew down among the
undergrowth of young birches, and permitted me to approach
quite uear him : while watching his movements, I observed
a Nashville Warbler alight on the same bush in which he
was moving, when the Golden-wing immediately gave fight,
and chased the intruder away. I have never oI)served the

I See Appendix.

THE NASHVILLK WAIUILER.

:\:>

ftpocios ill iuituniii, tiiul uU tlu; sptM'iiiitMks that 1 hiivr met
with were nnles. It rears its young in tlio more nortliciii
regions prohably ; ami winters beyond the southern limits
of tho Union, in the West Indies, Central Amcrieii, and
oven as far south as Hogota, S.A. This Warlilm- is nut,
given in any of the lists of the hirds of Maine or Vermont
that I liave teen ; but, as it occurs in such small numliers, it
may have boon overlooked, or perhaps is now becoming a
regular visitor, during the spring migrations, in New Eng-
land."— Letter from Henri/ A. Punlic.

HELMINTHOPHAGA EUFICAPILLA. - fl'uV./.
The Naabvillo Warbler.

Sj/wa nificripUla, Wilson. Am. Orii., III. (1811) 120. Aud. Orn. liiog., 1

(1832)450.

Sylvia rubricnpilla, AVjIhoii. Am. Orii., VI. (Ibl'i) 15.
Sylvia (Dacnis) ruliiicajjiUc, Nuttall. Man., I. (1832) 412.

DESCKII'TION.

Head and neck above and on sides asii-}^ray, the crown witli a patcli of con-
cealed dark brownif-h-oraiige Inddcii by asby tips to tho t'calliers; upper parts
olivc-grcen, brightest on the rump; under parts generally, with the edgd of iIki
wing deep yellow; the anal region paler; the sides tinged with olive; a broad yel-
lowish-white ring round the eye; the lores yellowish; no superciliary stripe; the
inner edges of the tail feathcirs margined with dull-white. Female similar, but
duller; the under parts paler; but little trace of the red of the trown.

The bill is very acute; the wings long and pointed; the tail emarginatc, not
rounded.

In autumn, the entire upper parts are olive-green, ti.igcd with yellowi.sh on the
rump, sometimes with brownish on the head; the patch on the crown more or less
concealed; the female has the white on the middle of the belly mure extended.

Length, four and sixty-live one-hundredtbs inche.s; wing, two and forty-tw"
one-hundredths inches; tail, two and Ave onc-bundredths inches.

^:j

9*

This species is quite common in the spring migrations,
arriving about the first week iu May ; but few breed in the
southern districts of New England. Like some other spe-
cies, it has grown much more abundant than it was a few
years since, and is now quite common in localities where it
was once a stranger. Its habits are like those of the other
Warblers, eminently active and industrious: it seems always

216

OUMTUOUMjy AND OOLOCiY.

iiioviiifr thritiij(h lln; fuliajrn, jrlraiiiii^r its iiisei:t fooil. Its
iiitli' is u peculiar una, and family rt'cogiiizt'ii : it is bust
ilcrtcributl or iliustniled by thc3 souikI prtnlucoil by Htiikiiig
two ]»!bbli,'s togutbcr with soino furco.

AliDiU ibo liOlh of Juno, ul'tcr ibo birdt* liavo paired, they
<.'(uuuicui'(! buildiujr tiie lu'.-t: ibis is usually placud oJi tlio
HHHiud, in u sliglil iluprcssion usually made by Ibo birds
tbonisolvos. A spocinion boibro mc containing tbroo eggs,
coUjcted in Maiden, Mass., by Mr. II. A. I'urdio, is con-
htriictod of tlio leaves of tlio pine, wliicb are very neatly
Woven into a (.'onipact, cii'oular fal»rio, deeply 'loUowod, and
lined witli boisoliair and fine leaves of tlio p lO ; tlio eggs
aro of a white color, with a very faint rosy tint, and covered
irregularly with dots of reddish-ldown and obscure lilac.
Diniensions of tlio three specinions: ,01 by .AO inch, .00 by
.4.S iiicii, .')H by AH inch. J. A. Alloa, in his "Catalogue
of (lie JJirds of Sj'-ingfiold, Alass.," gives tlio following
exceedingly interesting description of the nest and eggs
of this bird : —

'• I liavo found the nest of this species for two successive
Beiisona us follows : May 31, 18(52, coiitiii'iin^ four froslily iiiid eggs.
The nest was placed on the ground, and sunken so tiiut tiie top of
the nest was level with the surface of the ground, and protected
and completely concealed above by the dead grass and weeds of
the previous year. It was composed of fine rootlets and dry grass,
lined witli line, dry grass and a few horsehairs, and covered
exteriorly with a species of fine, green moss. The eggs were
white, sprinkled with light reddish-brown specks, most thickly
near the larger end. Longer diameter sixty, and the shorter fifty
one-hundredths inch. Tiie following year, June 5, 18G3, I found
another nest of this species, within three or four feet of where
the one was discovered the previous year, and containing three
eggs of this species, and one of the Cow Bunting, in all of which
the embryos were far advanced. The nest, in every particular,
was built and arranged like the one above described ; and the eggs
must have been laid at just about the same season. In both cases,
the female bird was secured, aiid the identity ascertained beyond

TIIK TKNN£S8t:E WAUULEH.

21"

tjU''>tion. Tlie locality of the iifHts whh ii mossy hunk, at tlio i•^\^^^
of young woods, sio|iing tioiitlivvuril, itnd covered willi bullies utid
cuur»cr pluuts."

HELMIKTKOPHAGA PEBEORINA. - GtiunM.

The Teanosaee Warbler.

Sylvia ptrtijrim, Wilson Am. Uru., III. (Ibll) «3. Aud. Dm. Hiog., II.
11834) .1(17.

Sjfkia (DticnU) ptrtyritta, Kuttall. Man., I. (1)432) 413.

llKHCItlll'In.N.

Top and sidi's of the luiid and mik ar>li-gray; rent of uppor parts olive-Krcfn,
briKliti^Kt on tbu nmip; bvncutli dull-wliitu, faintly tiiiK<'<l in pla( ('.'•, vapcciully on tliu
Bides, witii yellowi.ih-olive ; eyt'lid.t and u stripe ovur tlio oyu whitish ; a dusky liiiu
from tlie eyo to tlie l)illi outer fail I'uuthvr with a whito spot aNiiifi; the inner cdj;!',
near the tip. Female, with the usli of the bead less conspicuous; the under parto
more tinged with olive-yellow.

Length, four and lil>y fuie-lumdredths inihes; winj,', two and ieventy-flve one •
hundredths; tail, one and eighty-live one-hundredths inches.

Tills hifd is ail extremely rare smnuiei' visitor in New
Eiigltiud. Mr. Allen says ho has taken it on Sept. 11) and
May 2'J: this shows that it passes north to hreed, but where
it passes the season of incubation wo are igiiurant. The
species itself seems to be a very small one ; and, as the mem-
bers are so few, they may be easily overlooked in the
forest through the whole season, particularly as they are
quiet and retiring in habits. I think that, perhaps, the
wilder sections of Maine and New Hampshire may give it a
Slimmer home, but of course can only judge from the above
reasons.

Mr. Geo. A. Boardman says in the Am. Naturalist that a
few remain in hi.s locality (Calais, Me.) through the season,
from which 1 judge that it breeds there.

■:l

.',:5!

''^

SEIUKUS, SwAiNSON.

Beiurut, Swaisson, Zool. Jour., III. (1827) 171. (Sufficiently distinct fVoiii
Sciuiiu. Type Motacilla aurocapUla, L.)

Bill rather sylvicolino, compressed, with a distinct notch; gonys ascending; ricta
liriatles very short; wings moderate, about three-quarters of an inch longer than the
tail; first quill scarcely shorter than the second; tail slightly rounded; feathei-s ocu-

218

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

miiiate; tarsi abuuf as lung a< the skull, coiisliluiulily txcceding the middle toe;
under tail covert) reat'liing within about hall' au inch o( the end of the tail; color
above olivaceous; beneath whitish, thickly streaked ; u the bieust and sides; winga
and tail inunuculatc.

SEIUEUS AUEOCAPILLUS. — Sicaiwfln.
The Oven-bird; Golden-crowned Thrush.

MolaohM uurncnpiUit, Linna'US. Syst. Nat., L (17(3«) 334. Gni., L (178?) 982.
Turdm auniciipiUii», WWmu Am. Orn., IL (IblO) 88. Aud. Orn. Biog., II
{1834)2.^)3; V. (\i>-M>) 4-17.

Turdus (Seiui-us) auinciijnUus, Nuttall. Man., 1. (1832) 356.

Deschu'tion.

Above unilbnn olive-green, with a tinge of yellow; crown with two narrow
streaks of black from the bill, enclosing a median and much broader one of brownish-
orange ; beneath white ; the breast, sides of the body, and a maxillary line streaked
with black. The female, and young of the year, are not appreciably dilferent.

Length, si.\: inches; wing, three inches; tail, two and Ibrty oue-huudredtha
inches.

This boauUrul and well-known bird is a common summer
inhabitant of New England, breeding abundantly in all the
States. It arrives from the South about tlic last week in
April or first in May, and soon comnienee.s building. The
birds are not often paired on their arrival, and many are
the little quarrels and battles that occur between two or
three males for the possession of one of the opposite sex.
The birds both wurk diligently in the construction of the
nest, which is a model of neatness and ingenuity. It is
built on the ground in the woods, usually in a dry situation.
The materials used are dry leaves and grasses : these are
arranged compactly together, and built over at the top, the
entrance being on tlie side, like an old-fashioned oven ;
hence tlie familiar name of the " Oven-bird." The nest is
usually placed in a slight hollow in the earth, scratched by
tlie birdis, and is lined with soft grasses and hairs. The
eggs are from tliree to five in number, usually four. They
are of a delitnite creamy-white color, and spotted irregularly
with dilfei'ent shitdes of reddish-brown ; and some sj)ecimen3
have a number of spots of obscure lil.ic-color. The mark-

THE OVEN-BIRD.

219

ings are usually thickest at the larger end of the egg, whore
they are often confluent, and cover the prhuary color.
Dimensions of four specimens collected in a nest in West
Roxbury, Mass. : .80 by .04 inch, .79 by .04 inch, .79 by
.62 inch, .78 by .02 incli. A great nnniber of spechuens,
collected in different localities of New England, show no
great variations from these measurements.

The habits of this bird are so well known tliat an ex-
tended description here is scarcely needed. It is seldom
found in any but the most retired and tiiickly wood'.'d local-
ities, and it generally prefers the neighborhood of a swamp
for its home. Its song is a peculiar one, and easily recog-
nized : it consists of the repeated utterance of the syllables,
quicha, qicicha, quicha, quioha, quicha, begun at first very
low, and rapidly increasing in volume. 1 have heard this
song, in the mating and incubating seasons, at all hours of
the night : the bird seems, at that time, to ascend into the
air to a considerable height, and utters its notes while hover-
ing and slowly descending. I have noticed the same habit
in the Maryland Yellow-tlu'oat and some other birds ; and
suppose tliat it is owing to, and to show, his great affection
for his mate, and to anxiety for the success of her lab )rs.

AVhen on the ground, the Oven-bird runs with f^vQui
rapidity, frequently jetting its tail and uttering its sharp
alarm-note : if the nest is approached, the male throws
himself in the way of the intruder, and endeavors to draw
him from its vicinity, scolding all the time with the greatest
vehemence. If the female is driven from her domicile, she
suddenly flutters along the ground, her wings extended,
counterfeiting lameness in a very natural and generally
effective manner.

This species, in consequence of its eminently terrestrial
habits, often falls a victim to snakes and skunks. I have
repeatedly found nests, and left them, in order that I might
acqiiaint myself with the breeding peculiarities of the bird ;
and in a day or two, on paying it a second visit, found

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1:20

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

tliat a skunk or other depredator had destroyed the whole
family.

The Oven-bird feeds principally upon small insects and
smooth caterpillars, which it obtains usually on the ground,
among the fallen leaves : when berries are in season, it feeds
occasionally ujjou them ; and it seems particularly fond of
small spiders, with which I have sometimes found its stom-
ach fdled. About the 12tli or loth of September, after the
young birds have become capable of providing for them-
selves, the whole family leave for the South.

SEIQEUS NOVEBOEACENSIS. — A^uMutt.

The Water Thrush ; Water Wagtail.

Motacilla Noveburaccnsis, Gnielin. Syst. Nat., I. (17S8) 958.

Turdus {Seiurus) Novtboracensis, Nuttall. Man., I. (1832) 358.

Turdus fujuatkus, Wilson. Am. Orn., IIL (1811) 66. Aud. Orn. Biog., V. (1889)

284.

Description.

Bill, from rictus, about the length of the skull ; above olive-bro\vn, with a shade
of green ; beneath pale sulphur-yellow, brightest on the abdomen ; region about the
base of the lower mandible, and a superciliary line from the base of the bill to the
nape, brownish-yellow; u dusky line from the bill through the eye; chin and throat
finely spotted; all the remaining under parts and sides of the body, except the
abdomen, and including the under tail coverts, conspicuously and thickly streaked
with olivaceous-brown, almost black on the breast.

Length, six and fifteen one-bundredths inches; wing, three and twelve one-hun-
dredths inches; tail, two and forty one-hundredths inches; bill, from rictus, sixty-
four one-huudredths of an inch.

This bird is not very uncommon in New England in the
spring and fall migrations (arriving about the 1st of May,
and departing about the last week in September) ; and I
have sometimes seen it in summer in Massachusetts. It
undoubtedly breeds in the three northern of these States,
and probably in them all. In its habits, it much resembles
the preceding species ; but it is seldom found iu any but a
wet locality.

Wilson says, "This bird is remarkable for its partiality
to brooks, rivers, shores, ponds, and streams of water ;

THE WATER-THRUSH.

221

wading in the shallows in search of aquatic insects, wag-
ging the tail almost continually, chattering as it flics ; and,
in short, possesses many strong traits and habits of the
Water Wagtail. It is also exceodindy shy, darting away
OP the least attempt to approach it, and uttering a sharp
tidp repeatedly, as if greatly alarmed."

Although I have met with quite a number of these birds
in their sylvan haunts, I have never heard them sing. That
it possesses a beautiful song most writers agree ; its notes
are described as follows : " They are eminently distin-
guished by the loudness, sweetness, and expressive vivacity
of their notes, which begin very high and clear, falling with
an almost imperceptible gradation till they are scarcely
articulated. At these times, the musician is perched on
the middle branches of a tree over the brook or river bank,
pouring out his charming melody, that may be distinctly
heard for nearly half a mile. The voice of this little bird
appeared to me so exquisitely sweet and expressive, that I
was never tired of listening to it, while traversing the deep-
shaded hollows of those cane-brakes where it usually
resorts."

Although I have looked repeatedly for the nest of this
species, I have never been able to find one, and will be
obliged to use the description of others. Mr. Verrill says,
in his paper on Maine birds, before referred to: —

"A nest found, June 8, 1861, in a dense cedar swamp, was built
in an excavation in the side of a decayed, moss-covered log, so that
the excavation itself formed an arch over the nest, instead of one
made by the bird, as in the preceding species. The nest was con-
structed of moss, and lined with fine roots. The five eggs were of
a delicate flesh-color, spotted with light reddish-brown."

:n:i

W

-■r-rs

"■J 11

Nuttall says of the nest : —

" It is placed usually at the foot of a tree, or by the side of a
decayed log, and is formed of dry leaves, moss, and fine grass ;
being lined with hair or the similar fibres of the Spanish moss

222

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

(Tilandsia). The eggs are four or five, flesh-colored, with dark
gpots at the greater end."

Several eggs in my collection agree with the above descrip-
tion : they exhibit an average of .81 by .6? inch in ditnen-
sions.

DENDROICA, Okay.
Sykicola, Gray, Genera Birds (2d ed., 1841), 32. (Not of Humphreys or Swain-

5UII.)

Dendroica, Gray, Genera Bird?, Appendix (1842) 8.

Bill con'cal, attenuated, depressed at the base, where it is, however, scarcely
broader than high, compressed from the middle ; culraen straight for the basal half,
then rather rapidly curving, the lower edge of upper mandible also concave; gonys
slightly convex and ascending; a distinct notch near the end of the bill; bristles,
though short, generally quite distinct at the base of the bill; tarsi long, decidedly
longer than middle toe, which is longer than the hinder one; the claws rather small
and much cun-ed, the hind claw nearly as long as its digit; the wings long and
pointed; the second quill usually a very little longer than the first; the tail slightly
rounded and emarginate.

Colurs. — Tail a' "'ays with a white spot; its ground-color never clear olive-green.

DENDROICA VIRENS,— BatVrf.

The Black-throated Green Warbler.

Motacilla virens, Gmelin. Syst. Nat., I. (1788) 985.

Sylvia virens, AVilson. Am. Cm., IL (1810) 127. Nutt. Man., I. (1832) 876.
And. Cm, Biog., IV. (1838) 70.

Sykicola vii'ens.

Description.

Male, upper parts, exclusive of wing and tail, clear yellow olive-green, the
feathers of the back with hidde" streaks of black; forehead and sides of head and
neck, including a superciliary stripe, bright yellow; a dusky-olive line from the bill
through the eye, and another below it; chin, throat, and fore part of breast, extend-
ing some distance along on the sides, continuous bhick; rest of under parts white,
tinged with yellow on the breast and flanks ; wings and tail feathers dark-brown,
edged with bluish-gray; two white bands on the wing; the greater part of the three
outer tail feathers white. Female, similar, but duller; the throat yellow ; the black
on breast much concealed by white edges; the sides streaked with black.

Length, five inches; wing, two and fifty-eight one-lumdredths ; tail, two and
thirty one-hundredths inches.

This beautiful bird is a quite common species in Rhode
Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, and is not rare in
the other New-England States, in which, I have no doubt, it

THE BLACK-TUROATKD OIIEEN WARBLER.

223

breeds, though not nearly so iihiuidiiutly as in those first
mentioned. It arrives from the South from about tho 2.")th
of April to the 1st of May, in Massachusetts. I have often
seen this species, as late as the last week in May, busily
engaged in destroying insects (of which its food, as also that
of the other Warblers, consists), apparently without being
mated, as several individuals of both sexes were together,
seemingly in harmony, but without those little fondlings
and attentions peculiar to mated birds. The nest is sehlom
built before the 10th of June in this latitude. It is con-
structed of fine grasses, fibrous roots, fine strips of barK from
the cedar, and the leaves of the pine: these are entwined
together strongly and neatly, and the interior of the nest is
lined with horsehair and fine moss. Nuttall, in describing
the only nest of this bird that he ever saw, says, —

" On the 8th of June, I was so fortunate as to find a nest of this
species in a perfectly solitary situation, on the Blue Hills of Milton,
Mass. The female was now sitting, anc .bout to hatch. The nest
was in a low, thick, and stunted Virginia juniper. When I ap-
proached near the nest, the female stood motionless on its edge, and
peeped down in such a manner that I imagined her to be a young
bird : she then darted directly to the earth, and ran ; but when,
deceived, I sought her on the ground, she had very expertly disap-
peared, and I now found the nest to contain four roundish eggs,
white, inclining to flesh-color, variegated, more particularly at the
great end, with pale, purplish points of various sizes, interspersed
with other large spots of brown and blackish. The nest was formed
of circularly entwined fine strips of the inner bark of the juniper,
and the tougli, fibrous bark of some other plant, then bedded with
soft feathers of the Robin, and lined with a few horsehairs, and
some slender tops of bent grass (Agrostis)."

Early in June, 1863, a nest of this species was discovered
in a grove of pines in West Roxbury : it was built in a
small fork of a pine, about ten feet from the ground. The
nest and its contents, four eggs, were removed ; but the
birds remained in the neighborhood, and soon commenced

-J!

224

ORNITHOLOOY AND OOLOOY.

building anotlier nest in the same tree, but a few feet higlier.
In it the fenuilc laid three eggs, after which this nest and
eggs were removed ; l)ut soon after they built another nest
ill another pine, near the first : this nest was pcrliaps twenty-
five feet from the ground ; in this, two eggs were laid, wiiich
were allowed to be hatched. One of these nests, with four
eggs, is in iny collection, and is already described above.
The eggs are a pale, creamy-white color, with a very faint
roseate tint, and one marked with coarse and fine spots of
brown of different shades, and obscure spots of lilac. These
markings are quite thick at the large end of the egg, — in
fact, are almost confluent into a sort of girdle. Their
dimensions are .06 by .53 inch, .66 by .52 inch, .64 by .52
inch, and .62 by .51 inch. A large number of nests, with
eggs collected in Massachusetts, have, within a few years,
passed through my hands : they were all of the above de-
scription.

This bird prefers the foliage of high trees to the lower
shrubbery, and I have noticed that it is most usually found
in or near the different pines. Its song is heard through
the mating and breeding seasons, as the bird is actively
moving about the trees searching for its food.

This song is something like the syllables, ta-te-te-it-td-tee,
uttered in a plaintive tone ; the first syllable low, the second
higher, the third and fourth quickly together and high, and
the fifth and sixth a little slower and lower. Its song is
peculiar, and cannot be confounded with that of any other
Warbler in New England.

DENDEOICA CANADENSIS. — 5aiVrf.

The Black-throated Blue Warbler.

Motadlla Canadensis, Linn.'cus. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 336. Gm., I. (1788) 991.
Sylvia Canadensis, Wilson. Am. Om., II. (1810) 115. Nutt. Man., I. (1832) 898.
Aud. Om. Biog., 11. (1S34) 309.

Sylvia pusilla, Wilson. Am. Om , V. (1812) 100.

Description.
Above uniform tontinuous grayish-blue, including the outer edges of the quill
and tail feathers; a narrow frontal line, the entire sides of head and neck, cliin and

THK IlLACK-THROATED BLUE WAllBLKU.

225

throat, lustrous black, this color cxtondiiij; in n liroail latoral strijie to the fail ; rent
ol' uiiiU'r ]iarts. iucluiliiiK the axillary ri';;ioii, white; wiii>;s unil tail black above, the
loruier witli a conspicuous wliitt; iiatch t'urnieil by ihu bases of all tliu priuiariis
(except the lir.«t); the inner webs of the secondaries ami tertials with similar patches
towards the base anil along the inner niarf^in; all the tail feathers, except the iuner-
Miost, with a white patch on the inner web, near the eml.

Female, olive-(;reen above and dull-yellow beneath; sides of head dusky-oiive,
the eyelids and a superciliary stripe whitish; traces of the white spot at the base of
the primaries and of the tail.

Length, live and fifty onu-hundredths inches; wing, two and sixty oue-hun-
dredths; tail, two and twenty-live one-liuiulredtlis inches.

This Warbler is not uncommon iix tho mountainous dis-
tricts of Massachusetts, from tiie middle to the end of May ;
and I found several specimens in tho Green-Mountain coun-
try as late as tlie 10th of June. Tliis occurrence, togetiier
with tlie fact tliat it has been found, in the breeding season,
on Mount Holyoko, in Mass., and along the ridges in the
western part of this State, shows that it probably breeds,
sometimes at least, in ^lassachusotts.

Tlie indi\l' lals that I saw were in tall oaks and chest-
nuts, actively moving about tlirough tlie foliage, snapping at
flies and other insects : they often uttered a faint, drawling
weesy^ w^esy, and occasionally a louder chirp or chink, like
tliat of the Nashville Warbler.

Being unacquainted with the nest and eggs, I give Audu-
bon's description of them : —

" The nest is usually placed on the horizontal branch of a fir-tree,
at a height of seven or eight feet from the ground. It is composed
of slips of bark, mosses, and fibrous roots, and is lined with fine
grass, on which is laid a warm bed of feathers.

" The eggs, four or five in number, are of a rosy tint, and, like
those of most other SylvicB, scantily sprinkled with reddish-brown
at the larger end. Only one brood is raised in a season."

m

^ 1-4

-ii

About the first week in September, this species Vaves
New England on its southern migration.

220

OBNITIIOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

DENDEOICA CORONATA. — Ormj.

The Yellow-rumped Warbler.

Mvtaeilla ccrvnata, Linniuus. Syst. Nat., I. ( 170G) 333. (im. Syst. Nat., I. ( 178B'.
974.

Sylvia conmiiln, Wilson. A- Orn , li. (.810) 138. Nutt. Man., I. (1832) 861
Aud. Orn. UUi^., 11. {WM) 301

Above bluinb-ash, streaked with bluck; undtv ; ;> ts white; the fore part of breaHt
and the bides black, tlie I'uutliurs mostly edged witii white; crown, rumii, and sides
of breast yellow; cheeks and lures black; the eyelids and ii superciliary stripe, two
bands on tlic win;;, and spots on the outer three tail feathers, white. Female, of
duller plumage, and browner above.

Length, five and sixty-five oue-hundredths inches; wing, three inches; tail, two
and fit'tv une-hundretbs inches.

Tlic YcUow'-niinpcd or Golden-crowned Warbler is very
abuiKlant in all parts of New England as a s[)ring and fall
vLsitor. It arrives from the South about the 20th of April,
and ])a8st's quickly northward. iiut few breed south of
^\!i. K ^. the northern parts of Maine,
and probably not a great many
pass the season of incubation
tiicre. AVhen with us in the
spring, they are found in the
pastures, woods, orchards, and
swamps, equally distributed,
and evincing no partiality for
any particular locality. Tliey
are then very active, and are constantly engaged in their
search for insects.

Their note is nothing but a kind of tcJiip and a tinkling
hvdeter, which they utter occasionally, both while on the
wing and while perching.

I have heard of no nest being found in either of the
soutiiern New-England States, — have met with but one in
Massacluisetts, and have heard of but two or three others.

THK BLACKBURNIAN WAUbLb;i(.

This nest was built in u low barbeny-hiisli in Wultlium : ii
was constructed of fine grasses and tlio down from ferns.
These materials were carefully woven togetiier into a neat
fabric, which was lined with cottony substances and a few
horsehairs. The eggs were three in number: these wore
of a creamy-white color, covered sparsely with spots and
blotches of dilferent shades of I'cddish-brown, thickest at
the large end of tlie egg. Dimensions of the eggs : .08 by
.50 inch, .07 by ,50 inch, .00 by .49 inch. Audubon
describes a nest and eggs sent him from Nova Scotia as
follows:. —

" It resembles that of tlie Si/lvia cestiva of Latliam, being fiiin,
couiiKict, the outer parts formed of bilky fibres from ditferent plants,
attached to the twigs near it by means of glutinous matter, mixed
witli the inner bark of some tree unknown to me. Within this is
a deep and warm bed of thistle-down, and the inner layer consists
of feathers and the line hair of small (piadiupeds.

" The eggs are rather large, of a liglit rosy tint, the shell thin
and transparent : they are sparingly dotted with reddish-brown near
tiie larger end, but in a circular manner, so that the extremity is
unspotted."

From the last of September until the middle of October,
they become very plentiful again, and may be seen in large
detached flocks in all the fields, orchards, and woods of the
country : they are very abundant in stubble-fields ; and 1
have seen as many as fifty in a flock start at the report of
my gun, when I have been quail-shooting.

DENDROICA BLACKBUBNIJE. — iJaiVd

The Blackburnian Warbler.

Motacilla Blackbumia, Gmelin. Syst. Nat., I. (1788) 977.
Sylvia Blackbunim, Wilson. Am. Om., III. (1811) 67. Nutt. Man., I. ^883) 87ft
Aud. Om. Biog., II. (1834) 208; V. 73.

Sylviaparug, Wilson. Am. Orn., V. (1812) 114.
lUmluck Waibltr, Aiithoi's.

22H

OUMTIIOI.OCV AND OOLKJY.

DlCNCIlllTION.

Uppor pftrtd ncarlj' uniform black, with a wliitwh ncapuliir slripfl and a lurg«
•vliitv pali'li ill tliR inidclli! of tlio win;; covltIm; nil oblon;; putcli in tliu iiiiddit' of
lliu eruwii, mid tin; entire side of tliu lii'ad and neck (including; • niipeiiiliiiry ntripu
from till) nostrils), tlie chin, tlirout, and fori part of tlie bp.a.st, briKlit oruiiKe-rcclj
a liluck Htrip'! Vinm tlie <diiiniis>nru pasniiif,' over the lov/er half of tlie I'Vc, and
iiK liidi i;,' Ihe ciir covcrU, with, Ikiwcvit, nil oraiiKU .'rescent in it, jimt hclow
tlie eye, the exlicinu lid beiii;; black; rest of iiiulcr parts white, slronKlv tiiipMl
with vclliHvish-oraiiffo on the breast ami belly, and streaki'd with black on the nideH;
outer three tail feathers white, the shafts am! tips ihirk-brown, tho I'ourlh and lltlh
Kpotted much with white, tho other tail feathers and (|uill9 ahiuist black. Femae
limilar; the colnrg duller; the feathers of the upper parts with olivaceous edjfes.

LeiiKlb, live and lifty one-liundredlhs inches; wiiifj, two and ei>;lity-tlirce oue-
bundrcdths inches; tail, two and twcnty-livu one-hundiedths inches.

This, tlio most Ijcautifiil of all our Warl)lors, is a raro
summer iiiliiihituiit of all Now England. Dr. Brewer found
it breeding in the eastern part of Massachusetts. \ errili
says it breeds In Maine ; Dr. Tliompson says it breeds in
Vermont; and I have seen it in New Hampshire in tho
season of incubation. It is a shy and mistru.stful species,
and is found only in the deepest woods, where it keeps in
Ihc thickest foliage of tall trees. Its nest and eggs 1 have
not seen, and I am obliged to give tho description by
Audubon: "-It [tho nest] is composed externally of dif-
ferent te.xtiu'cs, and lined with silky fibres and thin delicato
strips of line bark, over which lay a thick bed of feather;;
and horsehair. The eggs are suiall, very conical towai-ds
the smaller end, pure-white, with a few spots of light-red
towards the larger end. It was fouiul in a small fork of a
tree, five or six feet from the ground, near a brook."

DENDEOICA CASTANEA. — Buird.

Sylvia cnntnnea, Wilson.
Ami. Orn. IJiog., I. 368.

The Bay-breasted Warbler.
Am. Orn., II. (1810) 97. Nutt. Man., I. (1832) 382.

Dksciiiptiox.

Mnte. — Crown dark reddish-chestnut; forehead and cheeks, including a space

above the eye, black; a patch of bufT-yellow behind the cheeks; rest of upper parts

bluish-gray, streaked with black ; the ed^^es of the interscapulars tinged with

yellowish, of the scapulars with olivaceous; ]>riniarie8 and tail feathers edged ex-

Tin: riNE-ruKKi'iN*; wahulkii.

.).);i

trrimlly «illi liltii«h-(frny, the fxtremp nutrr nnM wiili wliilf; llir "I'diiidiirics HrciI
with oliv ct'oim; two IIIIIHI4 on tlii> wliii; mul tlii^ iili^i's of tlii' tiTlials wliiic; ilie
uiiiicr piirts arc wliltiHli wjlh ii tiiiKv of liiill'; the diiii, tlirout, t'ori'|iurt of tirr:i<<t, and
Ilie ("iili's, clicstiiut-hrown, liftlilt-r than the crown; two outer tnil fcnthers with a
piitch of whitp on the im it web npnr tlic end; the nthtrt odp'd intcninlly with
tlip sanip.

Fcmde with the nppor parts olivo, otronkcd thriiin;li(iMt wilti lil.nk, ntid an it-
rn«ionnl tinge of chfstniit on the crown; lower parts with iriicis of cheiilnMl, Imt
no Rtripca.

J.enjffh of male, live inches; winj^, three and live onc-hundredtlis indies; tail,
two and forty one-hiindrcdths inches.

The Bay breasted Warbler is, in most loorilities of New
Enjj^land, n<jt common, in some quite rare. In tlio eastern
localities of A[assachusotts it is very seldom met with.
Allen mentions instances when specimens could lie obtained
by the " bushel-basket full ; " but I think that jrencrally it is
rarely seen. Mr. Tripp, in the Am. Naturalist, says of this
species : '• It is not quite so active as the other warblers, and
keeps more on the lower liuughs, seldom ascending to the
tops of the trees. The young are totally ditferent in their
colors from the adidts, and so closely reseml)le the young
of the Black-[)olled Warbler that it is often very dilTicult to
distinguish them apart." It is seen in New England only
in the migrations.

"3

• t I
■J l\

?!

DENDEOICA PIRDS. — Bainl.

The Pine-creeping Warbler.

SyMa pinus, Wilson. Am. Orn , III. (1811) 25.
And. Orn. Diog., II. (1834) 232.

Nutt. Man., I. (1832) 387

Df.scr-I'tion.

Upper parts nearly uniform and clear olive-green, the feathers of the crowi, «iih
rather darUer shafts; under parts generally, except the middle of the belly heliind.
and under tail coverts (which arc white), bright gamboge- j'el low, with obsolete
streaks of dusky on the sides of the breast and body; sides of head and neck olive-
green like the back, with a broad superciliary stripe; the eyelids and a spot beneath
the eye very obscurely yellow; wings and fail brown; the feathers edged with dirtv
white, and two bands of the same across the coverts; inner web of the first tail
feather with nearly the terminal half, of the second w'th nearly the terminal tin'id,
dull inconspicuous wliite.

Length, five and fifty one-hundredths inches; wing, three inches; tail, two and
forty one-hundredths inches.

2nO

OfiNITHni.OOV AND OOLOOY.

This Hpocii'H nrrivcH from tin- Soufh vniy onrly, oftfn
bt'foro tlio liiHt Hiiow-Htorm ">f tin' si'iisoii, iiml nMoains in
the (loop 8\viiinj»H of liriulncks or piiii's until tlio woiitlu'i
opouH. AlMHit tlu; lirsl \v»M'k in .Iiiik-, tlio Idrds hocoiiii'
Hcarco, aii<l sddii Imf wry i'ow oiiu l)o fniiiid. A iioHt with
two ojrgs, foimd ill Wnliiirii, Mass. ; and aiiothor nost with
throo offgs, from West lloxbury, in tlio sanio Stato, — aro all
tlio HpocinionH uccossilili^ to mo at the [irosont timo. Those
nosts wiTO liuilfc in forks of pinc-tnicH, aliont twenty foot
from till- i^roniid. Tliijy aro oonstructt'd of the hark of tho
ci'dnr and loaves of tiie pine: those materials are intwinod
into a neat structure, which is warmly lined with mosses,
and hairs of different animals. The eggs are of a Idiiish-
white, with a sll;ilit roseate tint: this primary color is dotted
with spots of two shad(!s of l)ro\vn and reddish, and some,
spots of purple. Dimensions vary from .09 by .50 inch to
.(57 by .")1 inch.

In the migrations, these birds associate in detached flocks :
ill the spring they are in company v/ith the Red-poll
Warblers ; and, in tlie fall, with tho Yellow-rumps.

They are, in tho summer, almost always oliservod in the
pine-groves, actively traversing tho liml)s and branches,
sometimes with tho movements of the Creepers and Titmice,
sometimes witli those of the Warblers, and often flying
from tho foliage and seizing an insect on the wing, like tho
Flycatchers.

Their song is now somewhat similar to that of tho Field
Sparrow, or perhaps more like a mixture of .that and the
song of the Indigo-bird, if such can be imagined. It con-
sists of the syllables tweet ^weet 'weet ^weet ''iveet ^weety uttered
at first slow and faint, but rapidly increasing in utterance
and volume. Besides this, it has a sort of trilling note,
like fre We We 're We We, uttered softly and listlessly.

In the autumn, they add to tiieir usual insect-food small
berries and seeds: they are now nearly silent, having only
a quick, sharp chirp. They are scattered through the fields

TMK rilKSTN'T-PIDKn WAUm.rit.

i.':U

aiul woods, and soom lo Im* a.s niurh on I In; jp'i»uii<l as in
Mio trees. Till'/ <lt'piirt for the Suutli by the lOtli or
ISth of Octol)ci'.

DENDROICA PENNSTLVANICA. - Hmrd.
The Chestnut-sided Warbler.

AfolncHh PinnniilMiiirn, I.innii'iH. Syst. \af., I. (1701) .113.
{fi/lnn Prnmylmnicn, Wilson. Am. Orn., I. (isnx) Pt).

R<jkla icltrocephala, Audubdn. Om. Hiog., I. (l»<82) 800. Null. M.ui., 1.
(1832) 380.

DKSCmPTION.

Mile. — rppiT piirtu streaked will) l)Iiii'k niiil piilo !lllli^ll-;,'l•ny, wliii'li lici'iimct
Hourly wliito on the I'lircpnrt of tlu! luuk; the luiiMli' (if the back i,'l'>'"''''il with
«TPeni»h-yellow; the crown is oontiniiou.s yclliiw, borderecl liyafVimlnl and mipcr-
riliarv- hand, and ln'hind liy tt ."ipiare spot of white; lonil region hlaik, sendiuf,' nil'
a line over ihe eye, and another liehiw it; ear covert.* and lower eyeli<l mid entire
under parts puri'-white, a pnrplisli-eliestnut stripe slartinj; on eai h side in a line
witli the hlaek inonstaiho, and extending hack to the thighs; winj; and tail feathers
dark-hrown, elided with hluish-f^ray, except the secondaries and tertiald, which are
bordered with l!;;lit yellowish-green; the shoulders with two f^rfcnlsh-white lianiU;
three outer tail feathers with white patches near the end of the inner webs.

h'emnh like tln^ male, except that the upper parts are yrllowish-ffrecn, streaked
with black; the black moustache scarcely api>reciable.

Length, live inches; wing, two and fitty one-hundredlhs inches; tail, two and
twenty one-hundredth.s inches.

Tliis bird is a ratber common summer inbahitant of all
New Piiiglaiul, being most plentiful in Massaclnisotts and
tbo States soutli, and gradually growing more rare as wo
advance nortb. It makes its appearance from tbe Soutb
about tbe first to tbc middle of May, according to latitude,
and commences to build al)()ut tbe last week in tins montii
or tbe first in June. Tbe nest is usually built in a small
fork of a low tree, often in busbes, but a few feet from tbe
ground. It is constructed of tbin strips of pliable bark and
fine grasses: tliesc matci. ds are bent and intwincdtogctbor,
and over tbe outside arc pieces of caterpillar silk and col)-
webs, which are plastered d.i, seemingly to give tbe l\xbric
compactness and consistency. The nest is deeply hollowed,
and lined with horsehairs and slender strips of the bark of

'IH

S

232

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

the grape-vine. Xultall describes a nest found in Acton,
Mass., as i'olluws : —

" It is fix(Ml in tlu' forked twi-'s of a liazel. about breast-bijrh.
The fabric is rather ligiit ami airy, l)eiiig made exterualiy of a few
coarse blades and stalks of dead grass, then filled in with fine
blades of the same ; the whole matted and tied with caterpillars'
silk, and lined with very slender strips of brown bark and similar
white-pine leaves."

The nests whicli I liavc collected, and some I have before
me, arc of a dificrcnt character from his desci'iption, being
compactly and neatly made of bark from thr cedar, and
grasses, and lined with horsehair ; but I have no doul)t that
this species, like many others, varies in breeding habits in
different localities. The eggs are three or four in number,
and arc laid about the first week in June. They are of a
delicate creamy-white color, and marked at the great end
with spots of brown, which are often confluent: the spots
are of two colors, a reddish-brown and purplish-brown.
The dimensions vary from .70 by .51 inch to .03 by .50 inch.
But one brood is raised in tlie season in this latitude.

This is another of those birds wliicii seem to have become
quite abundant within a few years. Wilson, Nuttail, and
others speak of it as being a very rare species ; and it is now
one of the most common of birds in localities where it was,
a few years since, quite rare. It prefers a growth of low
shrubs and scrub-oaks and birches to a forest of tall trees,
and is seldom seen in the latter.

Its note consists of the syllal)los ^che ''che 'ch -ehcen,
repeated at short intervals : it has also, at times, a rattling
cry something like the alarm-note of the Maryland Yellow-
throat.

The female has nothing but a sharp chirp, which she
often emits in answer to the song of the male. When
approachcil while on the nest, she sits quietly until the
intruder is quite near. 1 once liad a dog make a j)oint

Platk II.

Fig. 1, flroat-prestcrt FlyCRtclier, Mijinnliua rriiiitus. Cubimis.

,, 2. Itlue Yollow-lmckt'cl Warblor, I'nrula Aiiiiririinn. Itniiiipiirto.

,, 3 Water Thrusli, .Vi'iHr/i.s- jVrnv'jurdr^HM.s-. NuthiU.

,, 4. Illiu'k-tliroiiteil (Irwn WurbliT, Untihnira virens. UiiirJ.

„ 5. WliiU'-hclliml Nutliiitcli. .S'///a Currlinmsis. Oincliii.

,, 6. ItfJ-licllicii Niitliatc'li, .S'Kdi ('iiiKiilmsis. I.iniin'iis.

,, 7. Whitu-tliroiitcU Sparrow, Xonotrichin nlbinillis. Uoiiupartc.

,. H. Snow-liiril, Junni hyemiUis. Scliiter.

,, !t. Tri'i' Spiirrow, S/iizrUa mnntivvln. naird.

,. 10, Uosr-hroaNtt^d (Iro.itH'ak, (inirara Iwlnrtnana. Swainson

,, 11. Orc'lmnl Orinlp, /r((TH,» .spiiriu.s. IlouapMrtc

,, I'J. Ruat)r Blackbird, Scolecophagusftrruginnts. fwaiiiNcm.

at OIK
pcrmi

By

appar(
and V

Mnn
Nat., I.

Sijln
Aud. 0

S<ilv.
447. N

Jfdl
the car
rest of 1
black;
witli du
tials edj
throat 1
black SI
tail foal
interna

Fen
crown,
with yc

Len
tail, tw

Til

Engl
to br
ing I
arriv
cccdi
aboil
coUe
they
stnu

THE BLACK-POLL WAllIJLKI!.

!:J3

at one while she was sittuig on her nest, and she almost
permitted mc to touch her before she flew off.

By tiie first week in September, the old birds and young,
apparently in a group by themselves, leave for the South,
and winter in Panama and the Bahamas.

DENDEOICA STRIATA Buinl.

The Black-poll Warbler.

Miitcicapa itiiatn, Forster. PhiJos. Trans., LXIL (1772) 3?3, 428. Gm. Sysl.
Nat., I. (17SS) 930-

Sijh-iii striatn, Wilson. An. Orii., IV. (1811) 40. Niitt. Man., I. (1832) 383.
Ami. Orn. Piog., JL (1834) 201.

tiijlvia milnmmlis, Wilson. Am. Oni., III. (1811) G5. And. Orn. Piog., I. (1882)
447. Nutt. Man., I. (1832), 390. (Female or young in autumn.)

Description.

^Me. — Crown, nape, and upper half of the head black; the lower lialf, including
the car coverts, white, the separating line passing tlirough the middle of the eye;
rest of upper parts grayish-ash, tinged with brown, and conspicuously streaked with
black ; wing and tail feathers brown, edged externally (e.xcept the inner tail feathers)
with dull olive-green; two conspicuous bars of white on the wing coverts, the tcr-
tials edged with the same; under parts wliite, with a narrow line on each side the
throat from the chin to the sides of the neck, where it runs into a close patch of
black streaks continued along the breast and sides to the root of the tail; outer two
tail feathers with an oblique patch on the inner web near the end, the others edged
internally with white.

Female similar, except that the upper parts are olivaceous, and, even on the
crown, streaked with black; the white on the sides iind across the breast tinged
with yellowish; a ring of ths same round the ej'e, cut by a dusky line through it.

Length of male, live and seventy-five one-hundredths inches; wing, three inches;
tail, two and twenty-five one-hundredths inches.

Tliis bird, althougli very abundant in all parts of New
England in the spiing migrations, passes far to the north
to breed ; but few remain in the States through the breed-
ing season, and these in the most northern districts. It
arrives from the South about the last week in May, and pro-
ceeds leisurely on its journey, arriving at its destination
about the second week in June. I have two nests in m^
collection, both found in the nortliern part of Maine:
they were placed in low trees or saplings, and arc con-
structed of first a layer of twigs and grass, then the

■' : J -

234

OriNITIIOLOOY AND 00L0(;Y.

leaves of the pine, niul moss; these materials are twined
into a conipaet structure, somewhat bulky, and deeply
hollowed, and lined with feailiers of wild birds and hairs
of diirorent animals. A nest •:;omplement of four eggs in my
eoUection. furnished l)y my friend, George A. Boardman,
arc of a grayish-white color, thickly marked with spots and
iilotches of two or three shades of brown and purple.
Dimensions vary from .71 by .04 inch, to .66 by .50 inch.
Audubon describes the only nest of this bird that he
c\cr "let with as follows: —

" It was placed about three feet from the ground, in the fork of
a small braucli, close to the main stem of a fir-tree. Its diameter
internally was two inches, the depth one and a half: externally, it
resembled tlie nest of a white-crowned sparrow, being formed of
green anrl wliite moss and lichens, intermixed with coarse dried
grass ; witliin tliis was a layer of bent grass, and the lining was of
very dark-colored, dry moss, looking precisely like horsehair,
arranged in a circular direction with great care. Lastly, there waa
a thick bed of large, soft feathers, some of which were from ducks,
but most of them from willow-grouse."

The same author describes the habits of this bird as
follows : —

" You see it darting in all directions after insects", . ,. •'nff them
on the wing, and not unfrequently snapping, so as to f nii* 'lie click-
ing sound characteristic of the true Flycatcher. lis activity is
pleasing ; but its notes have no title to be called a song. They are
shi'ill, and resemble the noise made by striking two small pebbles
together, more than any other sound I know."

I cannot agree with Professor Baird, that the Autumnal
Warbler of authors, and the young of the Bay-breasted,
are identical, at least in New England ; but I am persuaded
that the young of the present species is the Sylvia autumnalis.
Arid it seems to me, that no other argument is needed to
establish this beyond a doubt, than the fact, that the Bay-
breasted Warble.- is very rare, in all this section of the coun-

7' , ■*:.■

THK BLACK-POLL WAHHLKU.

285

f^i^

try, in spring and simimor ; and that it sliould l)cooine
exceedingly alnmdant in autumn is inconsistent with reason
and nature. The description of the young of the Black-poll
also agrees with that of the Autumnal Warbler, as do also
its habits and characteristics.

I will append Wilson's description of the hal)its of the
Black-poll and Autumnal Warbler, and also tlieir general
description. He says of the Autumnal Warbler, —

" This pl.ain little species regularly visits Pennsylvania from the
North, in the month of October, gleaning among the willow-leaves,
hut, wliat is singular, is rarely seen in spring. From the 1st to the
15th of October, tliey may be seen in considerable numbers, almost
every day, in gardens, particularly among the branches of the
weeping-'villow, and seem exceedingly industrious. They have
some resemblance, in color, to the Pine-creeping Warbler, but do
not run along the trunk like that bird, neither do they give a
preference to the pines. They are also less. After the 1st of
November, they are no longer to be found, unless the season be
uncommonly mild. These birds doubtless pass through Pennsyl-
vania, in spring, on their way to the North ; but either make a very
hasty journey, or frequent the tops of the tallest trees : for I have
never yet met with one of them in that season, though in October
I have seen more than a hundred in an afternoon's excursion.

" Length, four inches and three-quarters ; breadth, eight inches ;
whole upper parts olive-green, streaked on the back with dusky
stripes ; tail coverts ash, tipped with olive ; tail black, edged with
dull-white ; the three exterior feathers marked near the tip with
white ; wings deep-dusky, edged with olive, and crossed with two
bars of white ; primaries also tipped, and three secondaries next
the body edged with white ; upper mandible dusky-brown ; lower, as
well as the chin and breast, dull-yellow ; belly iind vent white ; legs
dusky-brown ; feet and claws j'ellow ; a pale-yellow ring surrounds
the eye. Tiie males of these birds often warble out some low but
rery sweet notes, while searching among the leaves in autumt ."

He says of the Black-poll Warbler, —

" This species has considerable affinity to the Flycatchers in its
habits. It is chielly confined to the woods, and, even there, to the

■'^ •-4

■fj*

2:]G

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

to[>s of tlio tallest ti('(!s, wlierti it is di-scriiid skipjiiiiij from hriuich
to branch in pursuit, of winged insf(;ts. Its nott; is a single srrcep,
scarcely audible from below. It arrives in Pennsylvania about the
20th of April, and is first seen on the tops of the higliest n^ajjles,
darting about among tiie blossoms. jjJls the woods thicken with
leaves, it may be found pretty generally, being none of the least
numerous of our summer birds. It is, hf)wever, most partial to
woods in the inunediate neighborhood of creeks, swamps, or mo-
rasses, probably from the greater number of its favorite insects
frequenting such places. It is also pretty generally diffused over
the United States, having myself met with it in most quarters
of the Union, though its nest has hitherto defied all my researches."

He then says of tlie female Black-poll, —

" From its habit of keeping on the highest branches of trees, it
probably builds in such situations, and its nest may long remain
unknown to us.

'' Pennant, who describes this species, says that it inhabits, during
summer, Newfoundland and New York, and is called in the last
Sailor. This riiiri", for which, however, no reason is given, must
he very local ; a^ the birl itself is one of those silent, shy, and soli-
tary individuals 'hat seek the deep retreat of the forest, and are
known to few or none but the naturalist.

" Length of the female Black-cap five inches and a quarter,
extent eight and a vparter ; bill brownish-black ; crown yellow-
olive, streaked with bliick; ojick the same, mixed with some psdc-
slate; wings ducky-brown, edged with olive; first and second wing
coverts tipped with white ; tertials . edged with yellowish-white ;
tail covert? pale-gray ; tail dusky, forked, the two exterior feathers
marked on their inner vaues with a spot of white ; round the eye
is a whitish ring ; cheeks and sides of the breast tinged with yellow,
and slightly spot u^d with 'ohxck; chin white, as are ahi the belly
and vent; legs nno feet duly-nrange.

"The young birdoi 'i'.e first season, and the female, as is usually
the case, are very much alilce in luraage. On their arrival, early
in April, the black feathers on thv crown are frequently seen coming
out, intermixed with the former ash-colored ones.

" This species has all the agility and many of the habits of the
Flycatcher."

THK YELLOW WARBLER.

2:}7

About the luiddlc of October, sometimes not 1/cforo the
last of that moiitli, the IJhiek-pull Wai'bier loaves ou its
southern migration : at that time, it has, in Now England
certainly, all the characteristics and habits of the Autumnal
Warbler described above; and, having exanuned numbers
of specimens, I conclude, from the reasons expressed above,
that the species are identical.

DENDEOICA JESTIVA. - Bwd.
The Yellow Warbler.

Motacilln cFStira, Gmclin. Syst. Nut., I. (ITsS) "J'.W.
Sylcia citrintllii, Wilson. Am. Orii , II. (1810) 111.
Syh-i(t cliiltlreni, Audiilioii. Oni. Biog., I. (1831) 180.
Motadlla ptUchia, Liiinieus. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 334.

DKsciui-rio}(.

Bill lead-color; head all round, and iiiidiT parfs gcnernlly, bright-yellow; rest ol
upper parts yellow-olivacuous, brightest on the rump; buck with obsolete streaks
of dusky reddish-brown; fore breast and sides of the body streaked with brownish-
red; tail feathers bright-yellow; the outer webs and tips, with the whole upper sui-
luies of the innermost one, brown; extreme outer edges of wing and tail feathers
olivaceous, like the buck; the middle and greater coverts and tcrtials edged with
yellow, tbrmiug two bands on the wings. Eemale similar, with the crown olivaceous,
like the back, and the streaks wanting on the back, and much restricted on the under
parts- tail with more brown.

Length of male, live and twenty-five one-hundredths inches; wing, two and sixty-
six one-hundredths; tail, two and twenty-flve one-hundredths inches.

Tills exceedingly abundant species is a summer resident,
and breeds in all the New-England States. It arrives from
the South about the last of April or first of May, and com-
mences building about the loth of the latter month. The
nest is usually placed iu a low bush, frequently the bar-
berry. Occasionally, it is built in an alder or maple tree,
seldom more than fifteen or twenty feet from the ground,
although Mr. Nuttall gives instances of its b^jing built in tlio
forks of a sugar-maple-tree, fifty feet from the ground : this,
however, is a very rare case. Nuttall's description of the
nest is the best I have seen, and I give it entire: —

" The nest is extremely ueat and durable ; the exterior is formed
of lavers of asclepias, or silk-weed lint, glutinously tlioiigh tilighti^

^ t3

:^3
■ 1 1^

R

i^

'..!v

wimm

•2:]S

OKNITIIOLOUY AND OOLOtJY.

iittaclu;<l to the supportiiiy twigs, mixed with some .nU'iKhir strips of
line hark and piiie-loaw-s, and thickly bedded with the down of wil-
lows, the nankeen wool of the Virginia cotton-grass (Urioji/torum
Virjinicvm), tlie down of line stalks, the hair of the downy seeds
of the button-wood {Plalanus), or the papus of compound flowers,
and then lined either with fine bent grass {Ayrostis), or down, and
horsehaii', and rarely with a few accidental feathers."

The eggs uro usually four in nuiubor, souiL'tinics fivo :
:liuy vary in color from creamy-wiiite, with miiucrous spots
iiiid blotchos of (liflbront shades of brown, to a grayish-white
with a grcenisli tint, and marked with the same spots and
blotches ; tliese markings are thickest at tiie larger end of
tlie egg, where tliey are often confluent. Dimensions vaxy
from .07 by .50 inch to .04 by .50 inch. The habits of this
bird are well known ; and its genial, nature and confid-
ing disposition have rendered it a great favorite with the
farmer.

DENDEOICA MACULOSA. — A/i,</.

The Black and Tellow Warbler ; Maguolia Warbler.

Motacilla macutosf^j, Gmelin. Syst., I. (1788) 984.

Sylvia maculita, Nuttall. Man., I. (1832) 370. Aud. Cm. Bioj;., I. (1831) 260
II. (1S34) 146; V 1839)458.

^Ivia magrmlin. \\'ilson. Am. Om., HI. (1811) 63.

l)KSCl!U>TIOX.

^fale, in sprlny. — Rill dark bluish-black, riitlior llKhtor boneatli; tail dusky,
Kip of bead light grayish-blue; front, lore, cheek, and a stripe und^r the eye, black,
running into a large triangular patch on the back, between the wings, which is also
black; eyelids and a stri|)c from the eye along the head wliite: upper tail coverts
black, some of the feiithers tipped with grayish; abdomen and lower tail coverta
white; rump and under parts, except as described, yellow; lower throat, breast, and
sides streaked with black, the streaks closer on the lower throat and forebrciujt;
lesser wing coverts, and edges of the wing and tail, bluish-gray, the former spotted
with black; (|uills and tail almost black, the latter with a square patch of white on
the inner v;vh> of all the tail feathers (but the two imier), beyond the middle of the
tail; two white bands across the wings (sometimes coalesced into one), formed by
the small coverts and secondaries; part of the edge of the inner webs of the quills
white; feathers margining the black patch on the back behind and on the sides
tinged with greenish.

Second an.l third quills longest, first shorter than fiuirth ; tail rounded, emarginate.

Female, in sprini/. — In general appearance like the male, but with the corre-
sponding colors much duller; the black on the back reduced to a lew large proxi-

TlIK lil.A(K AND VKLLOW WAUULKIl.

280

niiitf spots; tlic spots on the uikIit parts iiiucli fuwur; u|ip.r purLs (li^ty-u^ll, tinged
with fjrtLliisli on the lowiT back; on the rump (liill-yi'lli.w.

Male, in iiuliiiiui. — Hill brown, liglitor alonj^ tliu edges and base ot' lower inan-
dibli.'; liead and liind iieek dirly-a>li, tinged above wilU green; back greenish-
yellow, obsok'tely spotted willi blaek; ninii) yellow; tlirnat and breast yellow,
(ibsolctely spotted with blaek, strongly tingeil witli liglit-asli on the lower throat;
eyelids dirty-white; ditlerit Ironi the spring plumage in being without the blaek on
the baek, front, sides of the bead and eheeks, uml in a great degree on the under
parts; uiueh less white on the wing and side of the head; the colore generally
uU3 are <lullcr.

Female, ill autumn. — Similar, generally, to the male in full. Hack grceni.sh-
yallow, brighter on the rump; rest of upper parts deep-ush ; lower parts yellow,
cbsoletely streaked with black, the light-ash on the lower throat decided; the
white on the wings reduced to two narrow bands. There is a continuous white ring
round the eye; bill light bro.vn; basal part of lower mandible dirty-white; feet
lighter brown.

Specimens vary somewhat in the amount of black on the under parts.

Length, live inches ; wing, two and lifty oue-hundredths ; tail, two and twenty-five
onc-hundrudths inches.

Tliis beautiful bird is not uiicommoiL in tlie migrations
in the tluco southern New-England States, and is a summer
resident in the others. It does not make its appearance
before the 10th of May, and
proceeds slowly in its travels.
1 found numbers in Nortlierii \^V'
Maine and New Ilampsliire as
late as the 17th of June. They
were uidustrious, and seemed to /^"'^i i
be, at that lato date, but just<^
mating. Hence I infer that they
rear but one brood, and not until
late in the season.

The note of the male is very
similar to that of the Chestnut-
sided Warbler ; and I was de-
ceived by it into mistaking this
for that species. It had tlie hal>
its of that bird also, imd seemed
to prefer the low, swampy woods to the higher ones.

Although I looked very carefully and diligently for the
nest, I could not find it. From the fact that tlie birds were

Upp'T flR., Yellow Warbler.
Lower flg., 151ack and Yellow Warbler

^

^3

240

OltMTIIOLOCJV AND OOLO(iY.

almost always in or near clt'iiiings or young growtli, I judgo
that tlujy UL'st in such localitios. Mr. llutuhins iuforins us,
that, in tho Hudson's Day country, the nest is built in wil-
lows, and tliat it is constructed of grass and leathers: ho
also says that the I'enialo lays lour eggs. 1 can find no
other deserijition of the nest or eggs.

After tho 2oth of Se])tenil)er, none are to bo found in
New England.

DENDROICA TIGHINA. — limid.

The Cape-May Warbler.

ifutncilhi liyrim, (Jmiliii. S^ -I. Nal., 1. ( 17SS) itSri.

SyU'ia iiKtiiliiiKi, Wilson. Am. Urn., VI. (1812J I'U. Nutt. Man., I. (1832) 166.
Aud. Oiii. Uiog., V. (ISii'J) 150.

I>ESCnilTION.

Hill viTv iiiiitc, conical, and dcciiiodi y curved ; bill and feet black ; upper part of
liiacl (liill-lilac k. M>int' nf tlii' tialliii-s laintly margined with li^rht ycllowiRh-bnnvn;
collar iicarccly iiiieling behind; rump and under parts ^ciierally rich-yellow; throat,
foro part of breast, and sides, streaked with black ; alidonien and lower fail coverts
pale-yellow, brif^liter uliout the vent ; ear coverts Huhl redilisli-ebestnut ; back part of
a yellow line iVoni nostrils over the eye, ol' this same color; chin and throat tinged
also with it; a black lino from commissure through the eye, and running into tha
chestnut of the ear coverts; back, shoulder, edges of the wing and tail, yellowish-
olive, the former spotted with dusky; one row of small coverts, and outer bases of
the secondary coverts, form a large patch of white, tinged with pule-yellow ; tcrtials
rather broadly edged with brownish-white; (luills and fail dark-brown, the three
outer feathers of the latter largely nnirked with while on the inner web; edge of tho
outer web of the outer leathers white, nuae perceptible towards the ba.se.

Length, five and twenty-live one-hundrcdths inches; wing, two and eighty-four
one-huudredths; tail, two and lifleen one-hundredths inches.

This species appears to he quite rare in New England,
but it probably occurs regularly in the migrations. It is
said to breed in south-eastern Maine, and it probably does
so in the northern sections.

DENDEOICA PALMAEDM. — fiaW.

The Yellow Eed-poll Warbler.

Motacilla palmanim, Gmelin. Syst. Nat., I. (1788) 9C1.

Syhia petechin, Wilson. Am. Orn., VI. (1812) 10. Nutt. Man., I. (1832) 36*.
Aud. Orn. Biog., II. (1834; 259, 360.

THR PRAIRIR WAUHLKIl.

241

Pk^cription,

Iloail above cht'nlnnt-n'd ; rent of iipp^r piirtu hnnviiisli olive-prny; tlio iVutli. r<
'vith darker ccntren, tlio color liri^'lileiiiu^' on t\u>. riiinp, upper tail covorts, and oiitor
nmrir;n» of wins and tiiil I'eutluTrt, to ffreiMiish-ycUow; ttBtrcnk from no.strilo ovlt iIh'
eve, HI ! undor parts (^ciifrally, including; thi! tail coverts, lirijilit-yiUnw; pidcr on
llie body; a nmxillary line; breast and sicK'S fin dy but nilber ot)siililily slrcakiil
Avitb reddish-brown; cheeks brownish (in iii^liest spring phnnaj^o, clic-lriut like tin'
Iliad); the eyelids and a spot Under the eye olive-brown; lores dii-ky ; a white spot
on the inner web of the outer two tail feathers at the end.

f.ength, five inches; wini:;, two and forty-fwo one-hundrcdths; tail, two and
twenty-flve one-hundredtha inches.

This is one of the earliest of our apriiiji visitoi-s, ariiviiig
sometimes as early as the fast week in April: it is (jiiito
abundant until the second week of May, when it moves on
to its northern breeding-homes. While here, it prefers the
neighborhood of a swampy thicket, and is seldom seen in
high dry woods. It is, like the dtltci" Warblers, always
actively employed in searching for insects, which it captures
as often while on the wing as otherwise. Its note is a faint
tinkle like that of the Golden-crested Wren. There are only
a few that breed in New England. I have in my collection a
nest and eggs collected in Northern Maine by Mr. George
A. Boardman, of Calais. Tlu nest was ])laced on tin;
ground. It is constiMctcd loosely, first of stalks of weeds
and grasses : above these is placed n layer of fine roots and
grass ; then are laid pieces of moss, caterpillars' silk, fine
grasses, and hairs ; and the whole is deeply hollowed, and
lined with fine roots and pine-leaves. Two eggs in the nest
are of a delicate white, with a faint roseate tint: they are
marked at the larger end with fine spots and blotches of
reddish and brown. They are about the size of the eggs
of the Blue Yellow-backed Warbler, being .61 by .50 inch
and .62 by .51 inch.

: 'J

.^jj ^i

DENDEOICA DISCOLOR. — Bnird.

The Prairie Warbler.

Sylvia discolor, Vicillot. Ois. Am. Sept., II. (1807) 87.
(1S81) 76. Nutt. Man., I. (1832) 294.

Sylvia minuta, Wilson. Am. Orn., III. (1811) 87.

16

Aud. Om. Bio^., 1.

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET {MT-3)

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Hiotographic

Sciences

Corporation

23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTiR.N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

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242

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

I)K.SCI!irTrON.

Al>cive unirdnii dlive-firuen; tlic miiUlIo of the back streaked witli brownish-red
Unilcr purls .uid sides ot' the head, including a brond supercilinrj- lino from the nos-
trils to a little behind the eye, bright-yellow, brightest anteriorly; a well-delined
narrow sliipe from the eommissure of the mouth throngh the eye, and another from
the same point curving gently below it, also a series of streaks on caeli side of the
body, extending from tlie throat to the flanks, black; qnills imd tail feathers brown,
fdged with white; the terminal half of the inner web of the lirst and second tail
feathers white; two yellowish bands on the wings. Female similar, but duUci;
the dorsal streaks indistinct.

I-englh, four and eiglity-six onc-hundredths inches; wing, two and twenty-five
onn-hundredths; tail, two and ten onc-hundrcdths inches.

This beautiful bird is not very common iu any part of
New England ; and it appears to be a rather rare species
north of Massachusetts, which State seems to be its northern
breeding limit. It makes its appearance about the tliinl
week in 3Iay, and commences building about the last of
that month. I have been so fortunate as to find two nests
in Norfolk County, and have had another nest and eggs sent
nic from Belmont, in this State : I have also known of sev-
eral other nests being found, and judge that the species
breeds not Tincoinmonly in Massachusetts and the other two
southern New-England States. Tliese nests were all placed
in low barberry bushes, in rocky localities. They are ex-
ceedingly neat structures, the most so of any of our New-
England Warblers' nests : they are constructed of various
soft cottony substances, after the manner of the nest of tlie
Yellow Warbler, and arc lined with soft feathers and wool.
The eggs are usually three in number. These are of a beau-
tiful pearly-white color, with a slight roseate tint, and cov-
ered irregularly with small spots of different shades of
brown and lilac, thickest at the large end. Dimensions of
ihroe eggs collected in Belmont, Mass. : .G4 by .52 inch, .63
by .52 inch, .60 by .50 inch. The above-described nests
were invariably placed in the fork of the bush in which
they were built : the materials were the same, consisting of
the down from different plants, cotton, wool, and other like
Bubstances. I find, on referring to Audubon, Wilson, and

THE PRAIRIE WARBLER.

24a

others, considerable differences in the description of the
nest, &c. Wilson's description is os follows : —

" The nest of this species is of very neat and delicate workman
ship, being pensile, and generally hung on the fork of a low hush
or thicket. It is formed outwardly of green moss, intermixed with
rotten bits of wood and caterpillars' silk : the inside is lined with
extremely fine fibres of grape-vine bark ; and the whole woul('
scarcely weigh a quarter of an ounce."

Audubon says, —

" Its nest, which forms by far the most interesting part of its his-
tory, is uncommonly small and delicate. Its eggs I have uniformly
found to be four in number, and of a white color, with a few brown-
ish spots near the larger end. The nest is sometimes attached to
three or four blades of tall grass, or hangs between two small sprigs
of a slender twig. At first sight, it seems to be formed like that of
the Humming-bird; the external parts being composed of deli-
cate gray lichens and other substances, and skins of black cater-
pillars, and the interior finished with the finest fibres of dried
vines."

Nuttall says, in contradiction to these descriptions, —

" The nest was hardly distinguishable from that of the Summer
Vellow-bird (Yellow Warbler), being fixed in a trifid branch (not
pensile), and formed of strips of inner red-cedar bark and asclepias
fibres, also with some caterpillar silk, and thickly lined with cud-
weed down (Gnaphalium plantagineum), and slender tops of bent
grass (Agrostis). The eggs, four or five, were white, rather sharp
at the lesser end, marked with spots of lilac-purple, and others of
two different shades of brown, rather numerous at the great end,
where they appear most collated together in a circle."

Nuttall's description of the nest is certainly the most
correct, so far as shown in all the specimens that I have :
probably, in difTerent sections, the breeding habits of this
bird are, like those of some others, subject to great varia-
tions.

•4

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244

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

Wilson says, in his description of tlie habits of tlieso
birds, —

"They seem to prefer these open plains and thinly wooded
tracts, and have this singularity in their manners, that they are
not easily ahirmcd, and search among the leaves the most leisurely
of any of the tribe I have yot met with ; seeming to examine every
blade of grass and every leaf; uttering, at short intervals, a feeble
rJiirr. I have observed one of these birds to sit on the lower
branch of a tree for half an hour at a time, and allow me to come
up nearly to the foot of the tree, without seeming to be in the least
disturbed, or to discontinue the regularity of itil occasional note.
In activity, it is the reverse of the preceding species ; and is rather
a scarce bird in the countries where I found it. Its food consists
principally of small caterpillars and winged insects."

In closing with the genus Dendroica, I give the remarks
of J. A. Allen concerning the distribution of the different
species at Springfield, Mass. : —

" Of the twenty-two species of Dendroica inhabiting the United
States, thirteen have been found at Springfield, and one other
{D. coerulea) may occur as accidental or extremely rare. Four of
tliem (Z). virens, pinus, Pennsylvanica, cestiva) are known to breed
here, and two others (2). Blackhurnice, castanea) have been taken
in the breeding season. None are permanent residents, and none
are seen in the winter. The remaining five {D. coronata, striata,
7naculosa, tigrina, palmarum) are at present known merely as
spring and autumn visitants. D. coronata is most abundant;
striata next so ; virens, Canadensis, maculosa, estiva, and palma-
rum are but little less common ; Blackhurnice is more rare ; casta-
nea and discolor are quite rare, while tigrina is extremely rare.
The earliest to arrive are pinus and palmarum, commonly appearing
early in April ; striata is rarely seen before May 30 : the others
commonly arrive from May 5th to May 12th, and stragglers remain
till June. D. coronata is decidedly gregarious in its migrations,
and is everywhere about equally abundant The others are usually
seen in small parties, and keep pretty closely to the woods, except
D. cestiva and palmarum, cestiva, being never found in the deep
woods."

THE HOODED WARBLER.

'24ri

MYIODIOCTES, Aududom.

Myiodiocta, Audubon, Syn. (1889), 48. (Type MotaciUa milrata.)
Bill depressed. Flycatcher like; broader than high at the ba!>e; i;&pe with bristles
nearly as long as the bill, which is distinctly notched at tip; both outlines gently
convex; tarsi longer than the head, considerably exceeding the middle toe; claws
all considerably curved ; tail decidedly rounded or slightly graduated; the lateral
Teathers one-fifth of an inch shorter; wing very little longer than the tail; the first
qsill decidedly shorter than the fourth; colors yellow.

MTIODIOCTES mTBAWS. — Aiulubm.

m

The Hooded Warbler.

MotaciUa mitrata, Gmelin. Syst. Nat., I. (1788) 977.

Sylvia mitrata, Nuttall. Man , I. (1832) 373. Aud. Om. Biog., II. (1834) 68

Sylvania mitrata, Nuttall. Man., I. (2d ed., 1840) 333.

Mtucicapa cucuUala, Wilson. Am. Orn., III. (1811) 101.

Deschiption.

Male. — Bill black; feet pale-yellow; heod and neck all round, ond fore part of
the breast, black; a broad patch on the forehead extending round on the entire
cheeks and ear coverts, with tlie under parts, bright-yellow; upper parts and sides
of the body olive-green ; greater portion of inner web of three outer tail feathers
white.

Fema/e similar; the crown like the back; the forehead yellowish; the sides of
the head yellow, tinged with olive un the lores and ear coverts.

Length, five inches; wing, two and seventy-five one-hundredths ; tail, two and
fifty-five one-hundredths inches.

This bird is so extremely rare in Now England, that it
can be regarded only as a straggler. It has been known to
occur in Connecticut, but its regular habitat is more a
southern one. Audubon describes its habits **s follows : —

" The Hooded Flycatcher is one of the liveliest of its tribe, and
is almost continually in motion. Fond of secluded places, it is
equally to be met with in the thick cane-brakes of the high or low
lands, or amid the rank weeds and tangled rushes of the lowest
and most impenetrable swamps. You recognize it instantly, on
seeing it ; for the peculiar graceful opening and closing of its broad
tail distinguishes it at once, as it goes on gambolling from bush to
bush, now in sight, now hidden from your eye, but constantly

■ H

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240

ORNITHOLOUV AND OOLOGY.

'* The nest of this species is always placed low, aud is yeiierallj
attached to the forks of small twigs. It is iitatly aii<l compactly
formed of mosses, dried grasses, and tibrous roots, and is carefully
lined with liair, and, not unfrecpiently, a few large feathers. The
cifgs are from four to six, of a dull-white, spotted with reddish-
brown towards the larger end. The male and female sit by turns,
and show extreme anxiety for the safety of their eggs or young."

MYIODIOC.es PUSILLCS. — BunaparU.
The Green Blaok-oap Flyoatcher ; Wilson's Black-cap.

Afuicicai>a jnisiUa, Wilson. Am. Orn., III. (1811) 103.
Sylvaniti jmillu, Nuttall. Man., I. (2d ed., 1840) 335.
Sylvia Wilsonii, Nuttull. Man., I. (1832) 408.
Muicicapa WiUonii, Audubon. Orn. Biog., II. (1834) 148.

Description.

Forehead, line over and around the eye and under parts generally bright-yellow ;
upper part olive-green ; a square patch on the crown lustrous-black ; sides of body
and cheeks tinged with olivo; no white on wings or tail. Female similar; the
black of tlie crown obscured by olive-green.

Length, tour and scventy-tive one-hundredths inches; wing, two and twenty-
five oue-huudredtlis ; tail, two and thirty one-huiidrodlhs inches.

Occurs ill sparing numbers from May 12tli to 27th. Have
seen it in apple-orchards, actively engaged in hunting in-
sects, at wliich times it was quite taine, uttering its song at
intervals. It has also been observed in August. Probably
breeds in Northern New England.

"It has all the habits of a true Flycatcher, feeding on small
insects, which it catciies entirely on the wing, snapping its bill with
a smart clicking sound. It frequents the borders of the lakes, and
such streams as are fringed with low bushes, from which it is seen
every moment sallying forth, pursuing its insect prey for many
yards at a time, and again throwing itself into its favorite thickets.

" The nest is placed on the extremity of a small horizontal
branch, among the thick foliage of dwarf firs, not more than from
three to five feet from the ground, and in the centre of the thickets
of these trees so common m Labrador. " The materials of which it
is composed are bits of dry moss and delicate pine twigs, aggluti-
nated together aud to the branches or leaves around it, and beneath

^:^

THE CANADA FLYCATCHER.

21"

v/hicli it is suspended, with a lining of extremely fine and trans-
parent fibres. The greatest diameter does not exceed three and »
half inches, and the depth is not more than one and a half. Tlie
eggs are four, dull-white, sprinkled with reddish and brown dots
towards the larger ead, where the marks form a circle, leaving
the extremity plain. The parents show much uneasiness at tlio
approach of any intruder, skipping about and around among tiie
twigs- and iu the air, snapping their bill, and uttering a plaintive
note. They raise only one brood in Ae season. Tlie young
males show their black cap as soon as they are fully fiedgod, and
before their departure to the South." — Auuubon.

This bird, according to Audubon, is not very rare lu
Maine, and it becomes more abundant the farther north we
proceed. He found it in Labrador and all the immediate
districts ; it reaching that country early iu June, and rc-
turnuig southward by the middle of August.

MIIODIOCTES CANADENSIS. — ^lM</«Aon.

The Canada Flycatcher.

Muscicapa Canadensis, Linnoeus. Syst. Nat., I. (1760) 327. Wil. Am. Orn.,
III. (1811) 100. Aud. Orn. Biog., 11. (18:34) 17.

Sylvia pardalina, Bonaparte. Nutt. Man., I. (1832) 372.

Desciui'tion.

Upper parta bluish-ash; a ring round the ej'e, with a line running to the nos-
trils, and the whole under part (except the tail coverts, which are white), bright-
yellow; centres of the feathers in the anterior half of the cro^vn, the checks, con-
tinuous with a line on the side of the neck to the breast, and a series of spots across
the fore part of the breast, black; tail feathers unspotted. Female similar, with the
black of the head and breast less distinct. In the young obsolete.

Length, five and thirty-four one hundredths inches; wing, two and sixty-seven
one-hundredths; tail, two and fifty one-hundredths inches.

This beautiful species is a rather common spring and
autumn visitor in all New England, and, in the northern
sections of these States, is an inhabitant through the whole
Gdmmer. It sometimes breeds in Massachusetts ; and J
have no doubt, that, in a few years, it will bo found to
breed abundantly in this State, as it has increased in num-

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248

OIINITHOLOGY AND OOLOCY.

bei'B greatly within four or fivo years. It arrives Iroiu tlio
South Irom about the 10th tu tlio 2oth of May. The birdf
seem to bo mated on their arrival ; for I have noticed, that,
if a male is seen, a feuialo is almost always to be found in
his immediate vicinity.

About the first weeli in Juno, the nest is built.i This is
fixed in a fork of a low cedar or pino bush, very near the
ground, and is constructed of pino leaves, fine roots and
grusbes, and a few hairs : it is loosely put together, and is
lined with fine pieces of the same materials and lichens.

Tiie eggs are four in number. They are small and
abruptly pointed: they are of a grayish-white color, with a
slight roseate tint, and are marked with spots and fine
blotches of lilac and browu, usually thickest near the larger
end. Tiie only nest and eggs that I have seen were of this
description : tliey were found in Quincy, Mass., hi an old
pasture, partly grown up with bushes.

Tl •" eggs were nearly of a uniform size and shape, and
n)C;i!''.'« d about .Go by .48 hich in dimensions.

'•"( • habits of this species are so much like those of the
preceding, that, if the Wilson's Black-cap were more com-
mon, the two birds might be easily confounded. The flight
of the present is rapid ; and all the motions of the bird, when
it is pursuing insects, are those of the true Flycatchers. Its
note is a shrill iveechj, wicchi/, which is uttered at short
intervals by the bird, both while on the wing and when
perching. About the first week in September, it begins to
grow abundant; and, by the loth of that month, it has
df'i)artcd on its southern migration.

SETOPHAGA, Swainso.v.

Selflpharja, Swainson, Zool. Jour., III. (Ucc, 1827) 3G0. (T^-pe Mutcicapa ruti-
dHa, LinniEus.)

Bill depressed, broader than high; rictus with loiig bri.stlos; wings rounded,
equal tn or shorter than the tail; first quill shorter t'.ian the fourth; tail long, some-
what graduated, the outer feathers about twenty one-hundredtlis of an inch or mora
shorter; all the feathers unusually broad, and widened at the end; feet short; tavsuj

1 See Appendix.

THK BED START.

249

(hortcr tlian the head ; hind toe ci|iial to the lateral ; coloration enibracing niorv or
le«ii of red in nortlicrn xpecivs.

This genus dill'ers I'rum Mijiudkcttt chiefly in the longer, broader tail, and ruther
shorter tarsi and toes, thu hinder cspecJully; the liill is more luuseicapine; the
culinen nearly straiglit to the abruptly decurvud and much notched tip; the gonys
straight; in Myiudwctes the verticiil outlines are more convex; the gunys mote
ascending; the tip gently and but slightly decurved.

SETOPHAQA RUTICILLA. — Summon.

The Red Start

Mutdcapa mticilla, Linnxua. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 826. Wil. Am. Om., I.
(1808) 103. Aud. Orn. Biog., I. (1831) 202; V. (1839)428.
Sylvania iiUiciUa, Nuttall. Man., I. ( 1832) 201.

Desckiption.

Male. — Prevailing color black ; a central line on tlie breast, the abdomen, and
under tail coverts, white; some leathers in the latter strongly tinged with dark-
brown ; bases of all the quills, except the inner and outer, and bn.iul half of all
the tail feathers, except the middle one, a patch on each side of the breast, and the
axillary region orange-red, of a vermilion shade on the breast. Fcniiile with the
black replaced by olive-green above, by brownish-white beneath ; the head tinged
with ash; a grayish-white lore and ring round the eye; the red of the male
replaced by yellow.

Length, five and twent^'-flve one-hundredtbs inches; wing, two and titty one-
bundredths inches; tail, two and forty-five one-hundredths inches.

This quite common species is a summer resident, ami
breeds in all the New-England States. It arrives from the
South from about the first to the middle of May, accord-
ing to latitude, and commences
building about the first week
in Juno. The nest is usually
placed on a low limb of a
small tree, often in a hori-
zontal fork, seldom more than
ten feet from the ground. It
is constructed of strips of
cedar bark, grape-vine bark,
grasses, and fine weeds : these
materials are adjusted neatly, and agglutinated by the bird's
saliva into a compact structure, to the exterior of which
* arc attached, or plastered on by the bird's saliva, fragments

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2o0

OBNITIIOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

of suft liclions, catorpilliirs' silk, and down from tlio fonis
It is due|tly Iiollowed, and lined with thin strips of grapo-vino
l)ark and cottony substances, and somotinics a few hairs or
(ihroiis roots. NuttiiU, in destiibing the nest, says " the
lining is neither soft nor downy;" hut Wilson and Audubon
l)oth assert to the contrary. I have examined a groat num-
ber of the nests, and Imvo found them to agree with tlio
foregoing description. The eggs are usually four in number.
Their color is a beautiful creamy-white, which is covered,
more or less thickly, with spots of reddish-brown and lilac.
Average dimensions of eggs, about .03 by .50 inch.

Perhaps the best description I can give of tho habits of
this bird is to say that they are a combination of those
of tho Flycatchers and Warblers ; for, like tho former, it
pursues Hying insects in the air, and seizes them with a
loud snapping of the bill, und, like the latter, gleans indus-
triously for them among the foliage and branches of trees.
Tho note of the Red Start is a shrill cheweea, which If
uttered at intervals of perhaps a half or whole minute.

I have not noticed that it prefers any particular locality ;
but it seems to frequent the woods, pastures, and orchards
in equal abundance : and I have known of a pair building,
and rearing a brood, in a garden, within five rods of a house.

About the loth of September, the Red Start leaves for
the South ; and, after the •20th of that month, none are to
be seen in New England.

Sub-Family TANAGRiNiE. — The Tanagers.
PYRANGA, ViKiLLOT.

Pyranga, Vieillot, Ois. Am. Sept., I. (1807) IV. lb., Analyse (1816), 32.
Sclater, Pr. Zool. Soc. (1856), 123.

Bill somewhat straight; sub-conical, cylindrical, notched at tip; culnien moder-
ately curved; commissure with a median acute lobe; wings elongated; the four first
P'imaries about equal; tail moderate, slightly forked. Colors of the male chiefly
scarlet, of the female yellowish.

the: scarlet tanaoer.

2;")!

PYBANOA SDBRA. - ritiUot.

The Scarlet Tanager.

Tanagra rubra. Linn., I. (17U6) 3U. Wil. Am. Orn., IL (1^10) 43. Ami. (»rii.
Illog., IV. (1838)388.

DKMCKU'noN.

Uill shorter than the huud; aecond quill lunKest; flr^^t and thiid a little- nhotturi
luil niudurutely I'oilii'd; geiiuriil color ul'iiiulu bri){ht-carniine ; win|{K Hiid tail velvet-
lilack, the (juIIIh iiituriially I'd^ud with whilu towards thu base. FeuiaU) ulivp-Krcvn
aliove, yvllrwish bciiuuth; uiii|{ and tail d'athurg brown, edged with ulivucidiiH.

The yuuiig m.iles are colored like the lemales, but generally exhibit iiiort; or Iuhh
of red feathers among the groeniah unuK. .Soniutiiiies the full plumage i.t varied by
a few yollow fcathorg or by olivarcous edges to the wingo; not iiiilVeiiuently there
is u partly concealed bar of red or yellow on the wing, across the median coverts.
Young m:de.s are sometimes seen with the body like the female, the wings and tail
like the male.

Length, seven and forty one-hundredths inchei; wing, four inches; tail, three
inches.

This gaudy siimnior visitor breeds in all the Now-Eiigliind
States ; less plentifully, however, in the northern than in the
southern districts. It arrives from the South about the fif-
teenth of May, and conimencos building about the last of
that month. The favorite localities of this bird seem to bo
oak-groves, situated near swamps : here I have often heard
several males singing at the same time, and have watched
them in their active movements in their pursuit of insects,
of Avhich this species destroys great numbers. The nest is
placed on a horizontal lin)i> of a tree, usually from fifteen
to twenty feet from the ground, in the deep woods. It is
constructed of slender twigs of the oak, huckleberry or
whortleberry bush, and weeds: these are loosely put to-
gether ; so much so, that, were it not for the interlacing of
tlie small joints of the twigs, it would soon fall apart. It is
not deeply hollowed, and is lined with thread-like fibrous
roots and the leaves of the various pines. The whole
structure is so thinly made as almost to fall to pieces on
removal from the tree. The eggs are usually four in num-
ber, sometimes three, seldom five. They are of a dull light
greenish-blue color, of different shades, and spattered with

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OKNlTHoLUltY AND OOLOOY.

purpliBli-browii, iik hoiuo hpociuiuiiH quito thickly, in others
loH8 80. Tliu ground-color is tho most prominent; tho murk-
iiigH uovor cumplctoly hiding it, or BuduiiMitly confluent tu

be called blotches. A nest complement of four eggs, in a
nest collected in Milton, Mass., exhibit the following meas-
urements: .97 by M inch, .93 by .65 inch, .90 by .62 inch,
.88 by .64 inch. Other specimens show no great variations
from these dimensions.

The Scarlet Tanager thrives well in confinement, and
makes a beautiful and interesting pet. I once kept one
caged for over six months. He eat seeds and small fruits,
and, within a \yeek after his capture, chanted his warbling
fiong with perfect freedom. He had, and I have also noted
that all of this species have, a sort of ventriloquism in his
soug: it at times sounded as if at quite a distance; and I
have been deceived in this manner, by birds that were almost
over my head, into supposuig that they were far away.

TIIK SCAULKT TANAOKll.

2.')^

Tlio Houff Ih aliUUHt oxiirtly liko that of tin' Uoliiii, bat in
nftt^ii Itnikon with a puimivu ciiU-noto, Hoiiiidiii)^ liko thu
gylhibloH chip chirr.

Early in September, the TuiiagcrH leave for their Southern
Iioiuoh; from which they socm, while here, iiardly more than
wanderers, so commonly do wo nssociato goudy plumagOH
with tropical climes. Thoy winter, probably, in Central
America and the Bahamas.

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ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

Family HIRUNDINID^. The Swallows.

Sub-Family Hirundinin^.

Hi"l triangular, very short and broad, much dcpressr J ; the ridge much icss than
helf the head; the gonys two-thirds this length; the gape extending to below the
eye; primaries nine; the first longest, and, with the second, considerably longer
than the others; the secondaries and tertials not reaching the middle of the prima-
ries; the secondaiies deeply emarginate; wings vciy long, '•caching beyond the
tonimcncenient of the fork of the tail, which is generally more or less deep; tarsi
pcutellate, very short, less than the lateral toes, tiie ini. "»• of which is more deeply
cleft than thb outer.

IIIRUKDO, LiN.N^us.

Hirundn, Linn.kus, Syst. Nat. (173E). Gray, Genera, I. (1845).

Nostrils basal, small, oblong, and covered pa, ly by a membrane ; tail more or
less forked; the outer lateral feather sometimes greatly lengtheied; tarsi shorter
than the middle toe, and scutellated ; tarsi naked ; toes long, slender, the lateral ones
unequal; claws moderate, curved, mute.

HIEUNJjO HOBEEOKUM. — 5artofl.

The Barn Swrllow.

nirundo horreorum, Barton. Fragments N. H. Penna. (1799) 17.
Eirundo Americana, Wilson. Am. Orn., V. (1612) 34.
Eirundo rustica, Audubon. Orn. Biog., II. (1834) 413.

Description.

Tail very deeply forked ; outer feathers several inches longer than the inner, verj
narrow toward a the end; above glossy-blue, with conceale') white in the middle of
the back; tliroat chestnut; res* of lower part reddish-white, not conspicuously dif-
ferent; a steel-blue collar on the upper part of tlic breast, interrupted in the middle;
tail feathers with a white spot near the middle, on the inner web. Female with the
outer tail feather not quite so long.

Length, six and ninety one-hundredths inches; wing, five inches; tail, four and
fifty one hundredths inches.

rilHIS beautiful and well-known bird arrives in New
-I-. England from about the 10th of April to the 25th of
that month, according to latitude : it is quickly dispensed in
great numbers tlirough these States, and soon commences
mating. Its habits arc so well known that any description

THE BARN SWALLOW.

255

This nest is built out

iiere is hardly needed. About the 10th of May, after the
birds have paired, they commence building; or sometimes
the same couple begin repairing the nest of the preceding
year or years, as the same nest
is occupied several seasons. It is
built in tlie cavos of houses or
barns, or on rafters of barns and
other buildings. It is constructed
outwardly of a strong shell of
pellets of mud, which are plas-
tered together, and, as NuttalL
says, "tempered with fine hay,
and rendered more adliesive by
the glutinous saliva of tlie bird."
and up until the top is about horizontal, and then lined with
a layer of fine grass or hay, which is covered with loose
feathers. This bird is fond of society, often as many as
twenty nests being in the same eaves. Tlic eggs are
usually four in number, sometimes five : they are of a
nearly pure-white color, with a slight roseate tint ; and are
spotted more or less thickly with fine dots of two shades of
brown, reddish, and purplish. The dimensions of four eggs,
collected in Upton, Me., are .76 by .56 inch, .70 by .52
inch, .76 by .52 inch, .69 by .53 inch. The largest speci-
men, in a great number, is .78 by .57 inch ; the smallest,
.67 by .50 inch. Two broods, and sometimes thi-ee, are
reared in the season. The period of incubation is thirteen
days.

About the first week in September, the old and young
birds of different families gather in immense flocks ; and,
after remaining about the marshes near the seacoast for a
few days, they leave for their winter homes.

" 19
•I »"J

,1 ii

266

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

HIEDNDO LUNIFRONS. — Sni/.

The Cliff Swallow ; Eave Swallow.

Tlirunih lunifrons, Say. Long's Exped. R. Mts., II. (1823) 47.
Tlinmdo rerpubllcnna, Audubon. Ann. N.Y. Lye, I. (1824) 104.
Jlinmrlo fiilm, Audubon. Orn. Biog., I. (1831) 353.
Hifundo meliinnr/nster, Swainson. Philos. Mng., I. (1827) 366.
Petroclididon mdanogastra, Cabania. Mus. Hein., 47.

Description.

Cro^vn and back steel-blue; tlie upper part of the latter with conrcalod pale
edges to the feathers; chin, throat, and sides of the head dark-chestnut; breast
fuscous; belly white; a steel-blue spot on throat; rump light-chestnut; forehead
browi;ish-white; a pale nuchal band; tail slightly cmarginate.

Length, about five inches; -w' j, four and forty one-hundredths; tail, two and
twenty cne-hundredths.

Hab. — North America from Atlantic to Pacific.

The Cliff Swallow is very generally distributed as a sum-
mer inhabitant of New England. It arrives from the South
from about the 25th of April to the 1st of May. It has all
the habits and characteristics of the preceding species, and
is probably as well known throughout New England as that
bird. About the 10th of May (sometimes earlier, sometimes
later, according to latitude), it pairs, and commences build-
ing. The nest is usually fixed beneath eaves or cornices,
or other jutting portions of buildings, or on cliffs, beneath
overhanging portions of rock : it is constructed externally
of pellets of mud and earth, which are gradually plastered
together into a large gourd-shaped structure ; the larger part
attached to the building or cliff, and the neck curving out-
ward and downward. At the part of the nest resembling
the neck of the gourd is the entrance. The whole fabric is
much more brittle than the nest of the Barn Swallow, for the
reason that no grass or hay is worked into the mud to give
it strength. A lining of fine grass and feathers is fixed in
this, and the whole makes a very neat and comfortable
structure. The eggs are usually five in number. They
can hardly be distinguished from those of the preceding

THE WHITE-BELLIKD SWALLOW.

257

species ; and, in fact, identification is next to impossible.
In a majority of the present species, the spots are somewhat
coarser, and the eggs are generally longer. Fonr eggs,
collected in Dorcliester, Mass., are of the average dimen-
sions of .84 by .64 incli ; other specimens, from variou.s
localities, are about this size.

Like the Barn Swallow, this species gathers into largo
flocks at the end of the summer, and freqiicnts the same
localities, but not at the same time ; as it leaves usually a
week or ten days before the other bird.

491.

HIBUMDO BICOLOB. — nei7/u(.
The White-bellied Swallow; Blue-backed Swallow.
nirundo Wco/or, Vieillot. Ois. Am. Sept., I. (1807) 81. Aud. Orn. Biog. (1881),

Description.

GloBsy metallic-green above; entirely white beneath. Female much duller in
color.

Length, six and twenty-five onc-hundredths inche.s; wing, five inches; tail, two
and sixty-live one-hundrcdths inches.

This very common and well-known species is a summer
inhabitant of all New England; being most abundant in
localities near sheets of water, and less common in higli,
dry districts. Its habits are well known ; and arriving, as
it docs, early in the season, and fraternizing with man, it is
a great favorite. It makes its appearance as early as the
first week in April, but docs not commence building before
the middle of May. Near cities and towns, the nest is
built in martin-boxes provided for its reception: but, in
less thickly settled districts, it is built in holes in stumps
and trees ; and cases are on record of its being built in a
deserted nest of the common Barn Swallow. When passing
through the chain of the Umbagog lakes, in Maine, I
observed great numbers of these birds whose nests were
built in holes in dead trees standing in the lake near the
shores. These nests were so plenty, that, in the area of

17

258

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

about ten rods square, I counted over fifty. Of course, the
birds were in myriads, and the species constitutes the com-
mon Swallow of the districts in that latitude. The materials
used in the construction of the nest are fine grasses, hay,
and feathers : these are adjusted loosely in the cavity of the
tree, and without any form. The eggs are, most commonly,
five in number. Their color is a beautiful clear-white, with
a roseate tint before their contents are removed : they are
extremely thin and fragile, much more so than most of the
other species ; and their form is a slender oval. Of a great
number of specimens, collected in various localities, the
largest is .79 by .56 inch ; the smallest, .69 by .51 inch.
Two broods are generally reared in the season, and the
period of incubation is fourteen days.

This species leaves New England in the fall migration
about the 10th of September.

COTYLP, BoiB.

Ootyle, BoiE, Isis (1822), 550. (Type H. riparia.)

Bill vei^' flat, extremely broad at the base, and gradually narrowed towards
the tip; nostrila prominent and rounded; tail moderate, nearly straight, or some-
what emarginated; tarsi rather shorter than the middle toe, slender and scutellated;
toes very slender, the claws slightly curved ; colors generally dull brown above,
without gloss.

COTTLE SIPABIA. — £oie.

The &ank Swallow.

Hirundo riparia, Linnaeus. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 844.
Aud. Om. Biog., IV. (1838) 584.

Cotyk riparia, Boie. Isis (1822), 550.

Wils. Am. Om., V. 46.

Description.

The smallest of American swallows; tail slightly emarginate; outer web of first
primary soft, without hooks; lower part of the tarsus with a few scattered feathers;
above grayish-brown, somewhat fuliginous, with a tendency to paler margins to tha
feathers ; beneath pure-white, with a band across the breast and sides of the bodf
like the back.

Length, four and seventy-five one-hundredths inches; wing, four; tail two
inches.

THE BANK SWALLOW.

201)

Unlike all our other swallows, this species avoids the
iieigliborhood of man in selecting its breeding-place ; and it
is abundant only in the neighborhood of streams or other
sliccts of water. It is distributed, as a summer resident,
ill all the New-England States, and in many localities is
very abundant. It arrives the first week in May, often
earlier ; and soon pairs, and commences building, or rather
excavating, for the nest. The excavations are made in
sand-banks, in the same manner as those of the Kingfisher,
and are often three or four feet in depth, usually about
eighteen inches. At the end of this burrow, which is
widened and enlarged, is placed the nest, composed of
dried grasses, hay, feathers, and other like soft materials.
The birds are sociable iu their habits, as are all the other
species ; and often as many as twenty and thirty holes
may be seen in the same bank. The number of eggs is
either five or four. These are of a pure-white color, and
vary but little in size or shape; the latter being almost
always ovai, and the size ranging from .72 by .52 inch to
.68 by .49 inch. Usually two broods are reared in the
season, but often only one.

In habits, this bird resembles the other swallows, but is
not so quarrelsome as they, and I never noticed two of this
species fighting: its note is not, like theirs, shrill and oft
repeated, but is only a seldom-uttered lisping chatter. It
leaves New England by the last week in August.

I '-J
C3

PROGNE, BoiB.

Progne, BiOB, Tsis (1826), 971. (Type Hirundo purpurea, L.)
Bill, strong, short; the gape very wide; the sides gradually compressed, the
culmen and lateral margins arched to the tip, the latter inflected; the nostrils
basal, lateral, open, and rounded ; tail considerably forked ; tarsi shorter than the
middle toe and clav, about equal to the toe alone; toes long, strong; lateral ones
equal.

The large size, very stout bill and feet (for this family), with the usually uni-
form black glossy plumage, readily distinguish this genus among the swallows
Bnt one species is well established as North American.

2G0

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

PHOONE PUHPUREA. — floie.

The Purple Martin.

fT!ruruh purpurea, Linnnjus. Syst. Nat., I. (1768)1)44. Aud. Om. Bioff., I
(1831)115.

Progne pur/mria, Boiu. Isis (1826), 071.

DESCKII'IID.V.

Lnrgc.it of North-Americnn Swallows; closed wings rather longer than tho
deeply furkcd tail; t.irsi and tuts naked; color, in the old male, everywhere glossy
•teel-bluc, with purple and violet reflections. Female and immature male le.<s
brilliant above, pale-bro^vnish beneath, blotched with darker or with bluish.

Length, seven and thirty one-hundrcdths inches; w ng, five and eighty-five
one hundredths; tail, tliree and forty one-hundrcdths incnes.

The Purple Martin is the least abundant of all our
Swallows, and, indeed, in some localities is quite rare.
It arrives from the South about the first week in May,
and is distributed in single pairs through all New Eng-
land.

The description, by Wilson, of the habits of the bird, is
so well written that 1 present quite a liberal extract from it.
He says, —

•

" The summer residence of this agreeable bird is universally
among the habitations of man. who, having no interest in his
destruction, and deriving considerable advantage as well as amuse-
ment from his company, is generally his friend and protector.
Wlierever he comes, he finds some hospitable retreat fitted up for
his accommodation and that of his young, either in the projecting
wooden cornice, on the top of the roof or sign-post, in the box
appropriated to the Blue-bird, or, if all these be wanting, in the
dove-house among the pigeons. In this last case, he sometimes
takes possession of one quarter or tier of the premises, in which
not a pigeon dare for a moment set its foot. Some people have
large conveniences formed for the Martins, with many apartments,
which are usually full tenanted, and occupied regularly everv
spring; and, in such places, particular individu.^" have been noted
to return to the same box for several successive years. Even the
solitary Indian seems to have a particular respect for this bird.

THE PUUI'LE MAUTIN,

261

The Choctaws and Cbickasaws cut ufT all the top branches fruni a
sapling near their cabins, leaving the prongs a foot or two in
length, on each of which they hang a gourd or calabash, properly
hollowed out, for their convenience. On the banks of the Missis
sippi, the negroes stick up long canes, with the same species of
apartment fixed to their tops, in which the Martins regularly
breed. Wherever I have travelled in this country, I have
Been with pleasure the hospitality of the inhabitants to this favor-
ite bird.

" About the middle or 20th of April, the Martins first I 3gin to
prepare their nest. The last of these which I exa-^.tned was
formed of dry leaves of the weeping willow, slender straws, hay,
and feathers in considerable quantity. The eggs were four, very
small for the size of the bird, and pure-white, without any spots.
The first brood appears in May, the second late in July. During
the period in which the female is laying, and before she commences
incubation, they are both from home the greater part of the day.
When the female is sitting, she is frequently vj-ited by the male,
who also occupies her place while she takes a short recreation
abroad. He also often passes a quarter of an hour in the apart-
ment beside her, and has become quite domesticated since her con-
finement. He sits ou the outside, dressing and arranging his
plumage, occasionally passing to the door of the apartment, as if
to inquire how she does. His notes, at this time, seem to have
assumed a peculiar softness ; and his gratulations are expressive of
much tenderness. Conjugal fidelity, even where there is a num-
ber together, seems to be faithfully preserved by these birds. On
the 25th of May, a male and female Mirtin took possession of a
box in Mr. Bartram's garden. A day or two after, a second
female made her appearance, and stayed for several days ; bu* r^om
the cold reception she met with, being frequently beat off by the
male, she finally abandoned the place, and set off, no doubt, to seek
for a more sociable companion.

" The Purple Martin, like his half-cousin the King-bird, is the
terror of crows, hawks, and eagles. These he attacks whenever
they make their appearance, and with such vigor and rapidity that
tliey instantly have recourse to flight. So well known is this to
the lesser birds, and to the domestic poultry, that, a? soon as tliey

■ ■ H

;i3

'^

262

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

hear the Martin's voice engaged in fight, all is alarm and conster-
nation. To observe with what spirit and audacity this bird dives
and sweeps upon and around the Hawk or the Eagle is astonish-
ing. He also bestows an occasional bastinading on the King-bird
when he finds him too near his premises ; though he will, at any
time, instantly co-operate with him in attacking the common
enemy.

" The Martin differs from all the rest of our Swallows iu the
particular prey which he selects. Wasps, bees, large beetles, par-
ticularly those called by the boys goldsmiths, seem his favorite
game. I have taken four of these large beetles from the stomach
of a Purple Martin, each of which seemed entire, and even
unbruised.

" The flight of the Purple Martin unites in it all the swiftness,
ease, rapidity of turning, and gracefulness of motion of its tribe.
Like the Swift of Europe, he sails much with little action of the
wings. He passes through the most crowded parts of our streets,
eluding the passengers with the quickness of tliought ; or plays
among the clouds, gliding about at a vast height, like an aerial
being. His usual note, peuo, peuo, peuo, is loud and musical;
but is frequently succeeded by others more low and guttural.
Soon after the 20th of August, he leaves Pennsylvania for the
South."

Ill New England, this species begins to prepare its nest
about the 20th of May : this is composed of dried grasses,
leaves, and feathers, and is deposited usually in a box pre-
pared for this purpose. The eggs are from four to six iu
number, of a pure-white color, and vary but little in form
from exactly oval. Four specimens, collected in Connecti-
cut, exhibit the following measurements : 1.04 by .70 inch,
1 by .70 inch, 1 by .68 inch, .97 by .68 inch. Other speci-
mens vary but little from these dimensions. Two broods
are often reared in the season, and the period of incubation
is fourteen days.

In dismissing this family, it is hardly necessary, at this
late day, to say a word in favor of their beneficial habits ;

THE PURPLE MARTIN.

•2t]:'.

for every farmer has recognized them, and encouraged
the presence of the birds, and protected them for years ;
but the immense amount of injurious and noxious insects
they destroy is astonishing, and hardly realized ; amount-
ing probably to several hundreds by every bird in tluj
day.

•5 ^

#% ■

204

OltNITIIOLOOV AND OOLOGY.

Family BOMnYCILLIDil':. Tiik Ciiattkbeks.

rrimnrie? ten, the first very slmrt or muderatG, ulways 1cm than half the necond;
Mil short, broad, triangular, much (IcprcsKcil ; gupo opening nearly to the eyes,
twice the length of the culnien; both ninniliblcs notched, the upper with a tooth
behind llio notch; tariii scutulluto anteriorly, with indications uIaooC scales interiorly
■ju the sides (except in Mi/inilestest), shorter than tiie middle toe; outer lateral to«
bnifest; toes unequally dell ; head generally crested.

Sub-Fdiuilji HoMHYCiM-iNiK. — The Wax Wings.

AMPELIS, LiNN^us.

Am/ieli$, LiNN.Kua, Syst. Nat. (1735). (Type A. garrutiu.)

Head with a broad, depressed crest; bill verj' broad, opening nearly to the eye;
a series of short, velvety feathers at the base of the bill, with bristles directed for-
wards and covering the nostrils, but none along the rictus; commissure straight ;
lulmcn and gonys curved, convex; both mandibles notched at tip; legs htnut; tarsi
shorter than the middle toe, scutellate anteriorly, and slightly on the lowir half on
the sides behind, sliglitly feathered above; hind too shorter than the lateral, which
ore equal; wings very long, pointed, reaching almost to the tip of the nearly even
tail; first primary so short as to be with difficulty discernible, the second quill
longest; tips of secondary quills with horny appendages, like sealing-wax.

AMPELIS OABSULUS. — Linrunw.

The Waz-wing ; Bohemian Chatterer.

" Laniiu gan'ulus, Linnaius. Fauna Suecica, II. No. 82."
AmpeVis i/arrulus, Linnoius. Syst. Nat., I. (1760) 297.
Bombydlla gan-ula. Aud. Orn. Biog., IV. (1838) 462.

Deschiition.

Highly crested; general color brownish-ash, with a faint shade of reddish,
especially onteriorly ; the forehead, sides of the head, and under tail coverts, brown-
ish-orange; the hinder ports purer ash; the region about the vent white; primaries
and tail feathers plumbeous black, especially towards the tips; the tail with a ter-
minal band of yellow; a narrow frontal line passing backward ond involving the
eye, and extending above and behind it; chin and upper part of throat black; tips
of the secondary coverts, and a spot on the end of the outer wsbs of all the quills,
white ; those on the inner primaries glossed with yellow ; secondaries with red, homy
tips, like sealing-wax; side of the lower jaw whitish.

Length, seven and forty one-bundredths inches; wing, four and fifty one-hon-
dredths inches; tail, tliree inches.

THE CEDAU-lilUU.

20u

Thit ipecien, with the generiil appearance of Ihu Cv<lar-I>iril, ii readily dUim-
fuiahed b/ Uh lupcrinr lUe, iiiucli lur^fer ctghI, bluck tliin and thrual, iiittvud of
chin ulotic, hrowiiislK'liL-Ktniit under tail covertx, inHtvad of wliite, ami the wliilo
iimrld on tlio wing not iuund ut ull in lliu otiier. In tliv closvd win);, tliu wliite on
the undH of tliu prinuirien t'orinit a I'onliuuuun uurruw atripu ueurl/ purullel with Uik
outer ed^e of tliu wing.

THIS bird is au extremely rare winter visitor in New
England, appearing only in severe seasons. It is seen
in small lloeks of perhaps six or eight individuals, usually
in groves of cedars or Virginia junipers, where it feeds on
the small blue berries or seeds that are found on those trees.
This s[)ecies breeds in *ho most northern portions of the
continent.

AMPELIS CEDBOBUM. — Baird.

The Cedar-bird; Cherry-bird.

Amptllt garrulus, Linnwua. Syst. Xat., I. (176C) 297.

liumbijcilla CnroUnctms, Audubon. Orn. Biog., I. (V831) 227; V. 404.

Ainj)eli* Americana, Wibiou. Am. Orn., I. (1808) 107.

Deschiption.

Head crested; general color reddish-olive, passing anteriorly on the neck, bean,
and breast into purplish-cinnamon, posteriorly on the upper parts into ash, on tlie
lower into jellow; under tail coverts white; chin dark sooty-black, fading insensibly
into the ground-color on the throat ; forehead, loral region, spate below the eye, and
a line above it on the side of the head, intense black; quills and tail dark-plumbeous,
passing behind into dusky; tlie tail tipped with yellow; the primaries, except the
(irst, margined with hoary; a short maxillary stripe, a narrow crescent on the infero-
posturior quarter of the eye, white; secondaries with horny tips, like red sealing-wax.

Length, seven and twenty-five one-hundredths inches ; wing, four and live one-
hundredths; tail, two and sixty one-hundredths inches.

IIiJ). — North America generally, south to Guatemala.

This very common and well-known bird is a summei
inhabitant of all New England. It remains in the southern
districts through the winter, but usually arrives, in flocks
of twenty or thirty, as early as the first or second week
in March. About the middle of May, these flocks are
divided into smaller ones, and these soon into pairs,
which commence building about the second week in June.
The nest is placed in the midst of twigs on a horizontal

•I

■■1

266

onNirnoLOOY and oology.

Lower flu., ( 'cdttr-blrd.
Upper flg., Kod-oycJ VIreo.

brunch, gonorally of a trco iu tlio ori;limd ; somotiinca in a
codur or othor trco in a pasturo or wood. It is coii-
Btructod of stalks of weeds, loii^j; fino roots, grus.s, grapo-

viuo bark, and leaves : it is
deeply hollowed, and lined with
fine roots, horsehairs, and fino
grass. Olio speeimon in my col-
lection is partly composed of
strips of twine and thread,
which aro woven together in a
very neat and compact man-
ner, and interlaced with nu-
merous lino roots and weeds.
Tho eggs are usnally four or
five in number: they aro laid
about tho twentieth of Juno,
and a second litter often in Au-
gust. They arc of a light-bluish
or clay-whito color, with a slight purplo tint, and aro marked,
more or less thickly, with distinct spots of black, and more
obscure spots of purplish-brown : tho appearance of those
latter spots is as if thoy were " beneath tho surface of
the shell." Dimensions of five eggs collected in Now
Hampshire: .86 by .64 inch, .86 by .63 inch, .86 by .60
inch, .80 by .62 inch, .80 by .60 inch. A great number of
specimens from different localities do not exhibit any great
variations from these measurements.

There is a great deal of ill feeling manifested towards
this well-known bird by the farmers, on account of its occa-
sionally helping itself to a few cherries or other small fruits.
Its valuable services in the orchard and nursery seem to bo
overlooked, and its life is often forfeited for this little weak-
ness. But if the farmer will observe it in its insect-destroy-
ing labors, watch it as it devours caterpillar after caterpillar,
or draws from its lurking-place the larva of some injurious
insect, he will come to the conclusion, as many have already

b^

THR CKDAK-UtRD.

267

douo, that tliiii bird is wurthy Iuh protection, iustoad uf
duHorviiig Wm utigt!r.

Says Nuttull, in Hpeuking of tliiH fact, —

" At this HUiiDuu (April), lu ropuy the giiriluncr fur the tithu
of his cru]), tiicir nuturui due, thoy full not to usxiHt in ri«l(ling IiIh
triiud of iuuri3 duudiy unumies wiiiuh iiifiist thun., mid thu HmiiU
cuturpillurM, boetlus, nnd various iusuuts now cunstituto their only
food ; und tor hours ut a time they may ho seen feeding on the ull-
ihiflpoiling cunker-wornis, which infest our apple-trees und elms.
On these occasions, silent and sedate, iil'lor plentifully feeding, they
sit dressing their feathers, in near contact on the same brunch, to
the number of fivo or six ; and, as the season of selective attach-
ment upproaches, they may bo observed pluming each other, and
caressing with tho most gentle fondness. This friendly trait is
carried so fur, that an eye-witness assures mo he has seen one
among a row of theso birds seated upon a brunch durt oiler an
insect, and ofi'er it to his associute when cuught, who very disin-
terestedly passed it to the next ; and, each delicately declining Uie
otfer, the morsel has proceeded backwards and forwards before it
was oppropriated."

The uoto of tho Oodar-bird, like that of tho Wax-wing, is
a feeble, plaintive twSey tw^e, uttered often, and by both

sexes.

■4

208

OUNITIIOLOOY AND OOLOGY.

Family LANIID^.

Bill strong and compressed, the tip abruptly hooked ; both mandibles distinctl^v
notched, the upper with a distinct toolh bcliiiid, the lower with the point bent up;
tarsi longer thiin the middle toe, stronjjly scutellute; primaries ten; tirst primary
hull' tlio second, or shorter (occasionally wiuitinfj).

The sub-families of Luniidm belonging to the United States are as follows: —

I>ANiiN/K. — Hill verj' powerful, much compressed, and abruptly hooked, with a
very prominent toolh beliind the notch; wings considerably ;ounded; tail ratlier
long and graduated; sides of the tarsi scutellate behind.

ViuEONiN.K. — liill moderate, cylindrical, somewhat compressed; wings long, the
first primary sometimes wanting; tail short and nearly even ; -sides of the tarsi behind
not iicutellate.

Sub- Family Laniin.£. — The Shrikes.
COLLYRIO, MoEHRUJQ.

Collyrio, MuEHKLNO, Genera Avium (1762), 28. (Type Lanius excubitor, L.)
Lanius, of Authors.

Feathers of forehead stiffened; base of bill, including nostrils, covered by bristly
feathers directed forward; bill shorter than the head, much compressed, and very
powerful ; culmen decurved from base, the mandible abruptly bent down in a power-
ful hook, what in acute lobe near the tip; tip of lower mandible bent upwards m a
hook; the gonys very convex; rictus with long bristles; legs stout; the tarsi are
rather short, longer than the middle toe; the lateral equal; the claws all very sharp
and much curved; wings rounded; the first primary about half the second, which is
v({ual to the sixth or seventh; tail longer than the wings, much graduated, the
feathers broad.

COLLYEIO BOEEALIS. — Baird.

The Great Northern Shrike; Butcher-bird.

Lanius septentrionalis, Bonaparte. Syn. (1828), 72. Bon. List (1838). Kutt.
Man., L(1S32) 2r>K.

Lanius borealis. Audubon. Syn. (1839), 157.

Lanius excubitor. VVils., L (1808) 74. Aud. Orn. Biog., IL (1834) 634.

Description.

Above light bluish-ash, obscurely soiled with reddish-bro^vn ; ibrehead, sides of
the crown, scapulars, and upper tail coverts hoary-white; beneath white, the breast
with line transverse lines; wings and tail black, the former with a white patch at
base of primarlos and tips of small (|inll->, the latter with the lateral feathers tipped
withwliite; bill blackish-brown, considerably ligliter at theba.se; black stripe from
the bill through and behind the eye, but beneath the latter interrupted by a whitisli
crescent. Female aud young with the gray soiled with browuish.

>**.,

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THE ORRAT NORTHERN SHRIKE.

20!)

Lengtli, nine and eifthty-fivc oiic-hundrodths inches; wings, four nnd fifty one-
hundrcdtho inches; tail, four and eighty one-hundredths inches; its graduation,
ninety one-hundredths inches.

THIS species, although not uncommon as a winter visitor
in New England, is seldom seen here during the sum-
mer months ; and I think that it very rarely breeds in these
States, and then only in the most northern and retired
sections.

It makes its appearance about the last week in October,
and is seen until the last week in April. During this period,
it preys upon small birds, mice, and such insects and larviB
as it finds in exposed situations, such as fences, piles of
stones, &c.

In watching for its prey, it usually remains perched on a
stake or small tree, in a field or meadow, carefully scanning
the surrounding neighborhood. When a mouse or other
small mammal presents itself in the grass, the bird folds
its wings, drops on it with an unerring aim, and seizes it
with its bill. If a flock of small birds, such as Pine-finches
or Red-polls, appear in sight, he immediately pursues them,
and generally secures one or two before they are dispersed.
I have seen an individual dart into a flock of Tree Sparrows,
and kill three of them before they could escape ; and it
seems a characteristic of this bird to secure more than
enough food for its present wants. Its habit of suspending
small birds, mice, and insects on thorns and small twigs,
is well known. This is done, I am inclined to think, not
because, as many writers assert, that it will not eat its food
when freshly killed, and it thus suspetids it in order that
it may become tainted, but rather to have this food stored
for future need. We see many other birds witli this same
habit of providing for future wants ; particularly the Blue
Jay, and some of the Woodpeckers.

I have never mot with the nest of this species, and will
borrow the description by Audubon : —

"About the 20th of April, tlie male and his mate are seen

270

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

engaged in building their nest in the covered and secluded parts of
the forests. I found several of their nests placed on bushes not
above ten feet from the ground, without any appearance of choice
as to the tree, but generally towards the top, and placed in a fork.
The nest is as large as that of the Robin, and is composed exter-
nally of coarse grasses, leaves, and moss ; internally of fibrous roots,
over which is a bed of the feathers of the wild turkey and pheas-
ant (Tetrao uvibellus)."

Nuttall, in describing the nest, says that it is "large and
compact, in the fork of a small tree, and sometimes in an
apple-tree, composed externally of dried grass, with whitish
moss, and well lined with feathers."

The eggs are from four to six in number, of a dirty lead-
colored white, and marked more or less thickly, around the
greater end, with dashes and spots of biown of different
shades. Dimensions of four eggs : 1.12 by .80 inch, 1.12
by .78 inch, 1.08 by .78 inch, 1.04 by .77 inch.

Sub-Family Vireonxn^. — The Vireos.

VIREO, VlEILLOT.

Vireo, Vieillot, Ois. Am. Sept., L (1807) 83. (Type Muscicapa Noveboracensis,
Gm.)

Bill short, strong, straight; the culmen slightly curved, the sides much compressed
to the tip, which is rapidly curs-cd and deflected ; the gonys long and ascending; the
gape with short, weak bristles; the nostrils basal, rounded, and exposed, the feathers
of the head advancing forward on the bill to the nostril; wings variable, rather long,
and pointed ; the first quill sometimes spurious, the larger outer one always gradu-
ated a little; tail nearly even and rather short; tarsi longer than the middle toe;
outer toe a little longer than the inner; hind toe rather shorter than the middle one.

VIREO OLIVACEUS. — Vieillot
The Bed-eyed Vireo.

Muscicapa oUvacea, Linnaeus. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 827. Wils. Am. Om., II
(1810) 55.

Vireo olivacetu, Nuttall. Man., I. (1832) 812. Aud. Om. Biog., II. (1834) 287;
V. 430.

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THE RED-EYED VIREO.

271

Descuiption.

Second and third quilla nhout equni, and longest ; first a little fihortcr than the
fourth, but considerably longer than the fifth: back, rump, and edges of wing and
tail feathers bright olivaceous-green; side of hend iind neck paler; crown dark -ash,
eharply defined; a well-defined whitish line from the bill, over the eye, nearly to the
occiput; a dark lino separating it above from the ashy crown; a dusky line through
the eye; beneath white; under tail coverts pale sulphur-yellow; iris, red.

Length, about six and fifty one-hundredths inches; wing, three and fifty on»-
hundredths.

I feel that no description of mine can begin to do justice
to the genial, happy, industrious disposition of this one of
our most common, and perhaps best-loved birds. From the
time of its arrival, about the first week in May, until its
departure, about the first week in October, it is seen in the
foliage of elms and other shade-trees in the midst of our
cities and villages, in the apple-trees near the farm-houses,
and in the tall oaks and chestn\its in the deep forests.
Everywhere in these States, af all hours of the day, from
early dawn xmtil evening twilight, his sweet, half-plaintive,
half-meditative carol is heard. I Lnow that I am not singu-
lar in my preference, when I say, that, of all my feathered
acquaintances, this is the greatest favorite I have. I always
loved it ; and I can never look upon one, after it is killed,
no matter how naturally it is preserved, without a sad feel-
ing, as if it were one of my own most dear friends dead
before me.

The Red-eyed Vireo is one of the most industrious of
our birds. Whenever we see him, we notice that he is
busily searching in the foliage of trees for caterpillars and
noxious larvae, or pursuing winged insects that have taken
flight from the trees. While thus engaged, he utters at
short intervals his warbling song. This consists some-
times of a few syllables like \oSe chewio turrullit cheiveeo,
given in a singularly sweet tone. This is only a part of its
song ; and the whole is so difficult of description that I can-
not put it on paper.

Says Nuttall, —

•1 •'Jl

v*>'

07^

ORNITHOLOr.Y AND OOLOCY.

" The whole is flclivorcvl almost witliout any scnsihlo interval,
with earnest animation, in a pathetic, tender, and pleasing strain,
well calculated to produco calm and thonijhtfiil reflection in the
sensitive mind. Yet, while this heavenly reverie strikes on
the human ear with such peculiar effect, the humble musician
himself seem? but little concerned : for all the while, perhaps, that
this flowing chorus enchants the hearer, he is casually hopping
from spray to spray in quest of his active or crawling prey ; and,
if a cessation occurs in his almost untiring lay, it is occasioned by
the caterpillar or fly he has fortunately just captured. Ho unaf-
fected are these delightful efforts of instinct, and so unconscious is
the performer, apparently, of this i)leasing faculty bestowed upon
him by nature, that he may truly be considered as a messenger of
liarmony to man alone, appointed by the fiat of the Creative
power. Wantonly to destroy these delightful aids to sentimental
happiness ought therefore to be viewed, not only as an act of bar-
barity, but almost as a sacrilege."

The Red-eyed Vireo commences building about the first
week in June, frequenting the woods rather more commonly
than the pastures and orchards, although it often breeds in
these places. The nest is pensile, and is hung f'-om the
fork of a small limb of a tree, seldom more than fifteen or
twenty feet from the ground : it is constructed of thin strips
of cedar bark, pieces of wasps' nests, spiders' nests, pieces of
caterpillars' silk, and other pliable materials. These are
woven together neatly and compactly, and agglutinated
together by the bird's saliva. It is suspended in the form
of a basket from the forked twig to which it is attached, or
rather sewed firmly. It is lined with narrow strij)s of
grape-vine bark, pine leaves, and sometimes fine grass. On
the outside are often visible bits of rotten wood, fragments
of newspapers, and hornet's nests. One specimen in my col-
lection, obtained in Maine, is constructed almost entirely of
pieces of the bark of tlie white bircli: it is a very neat
fabric. The eggs are four in niimbcr, pure-white in color,
and thinly spotted, chiefly at the great end, with dots of

THE WARBLING VIRKO.

l>7;]

brownisli-black. Tho moasiiroinoiit of four eggs in a nest
collectod in Milton, Mass., are .84 by .00 inch, .80 by .60
inch, .80 by .59 inch, .78 by .59 inch. Other specimens
vary but little from these dimensions. Two l)roods are
often reared in tho season. Tho period of inciil)ation is
twelve days.

TIBEO QlhWS.— Bimnpnrte.
The Warbling Vireo.

Mutdcapa gilva, Vieillot. Ois., I. (1807) 65.

Mreo gileut, Nuttall. I. (1882) 309. Aud. Oni. Biog., 11. (1834) 114; V. (1889.

433.

Aftucicnpa melodia, Wilson. Am. Om., V. (1812) 85.

Description.

Third, fourth, an ' fifth quills nearly equal; second and sixth usually about equai,
and about twenty-five one-hundredths of an inch shorter than third ; the exposed
portion of spurious quill about one-fourth the third; above greenish-olive; the
head and hind neck ashy, the back slightly tinged with the same; lores dusky; a
white streak from the base of the upper mandible above and a little behind the eye;
beneath the eye whitish; sides of the head pale yellowish-brown; beneath white,
tinged with very pale yellow on the breast and sides; no light margins whatever on
the outer webs of the wings or tail.

Length, about five and a half inches; wings nearly three. Spurious primary,
one-fourth the length of second.

This species is a not very common summer inhabitant of
New England, arriving and departing at about the same
time as the preceding species. It is seldom seen in the
deep forests ; and, while usually found about farm-houses
and villages, is most commonly seen in localities where there
are numbers of the trees of the poplar and ash. In these
trees, it inhabits the higher branches ; and is, with the Red-
eyed Vireo, equally industrious in its search for insects. Its
song is difficult of description : it is, unlike that of our other
Vireos, a long-continued, cheerful warble ; and is perhaps
best described by saying that it almost exactly resembles
the love-song of the Purple Finch. In fact, I have some-
times mistaken the song of this bird for that of the other,
and only discovered my error after carefully watching the
bird in his movements in the tree-tops.

18

'i
??

274

0IINITII01,()(!Y AND OOLOGY.

Tlio Waibliiij^ Virco seems to arrive here in pairs ; for tlioy
Booin to be mated when wo first discover them. Wliether
their attachment continues thronj^h several seasons, I am
ignorant.

About the first of .June, tlic pair coniraence Iniilding.
The nest in pensile, and usiuilly built, in tall trees (usually
poplars), oftiMi fifty feet from the ground. It is constructcid
of strips of grapi;-vino bark, grass, leaves, or bass-wood
liark; and sonu'tiinos bundu's of catorpillars' silk arc left on
the outside, as if for ornament. The following very inter-
esting account of the brooding habits of this bird is given,
by Audul)on, who watched a pair building in a Lombardy
poplar : —

"One morning, I observed both of them at work: they had
already attached some slender blades of grass to the knots of the
braiicli and the bark of the trunk, and had given them a circular
disposition. They continued working downwards and outwards
until the structure exhibited the form of their delicate tenement.
Before the end of the second day, bits of hornelo' nests and particles
of corn hnsks had been attached to it by pushing them between the
rows of grass, and fixing them with silky substances. On the third
day, the birds were absent, nor could I hear them anywhere in the
ncigldiorhood ; and, thinking *hat a cat might have caught them from
the edge of the roof, I despaired of seeing them again. On the
fourth morning, Iiowcver, their notes attracted my attention before
I arose ; and I had the pleasure of fuiding them at their labors.
The materials wliich they now used consisted chiefly of extremely
slender grasses, which the birds worked in a circular form within
the frame wliich they had previously made. The little creatures
were absent nearly an hour at a time, and returned together, bring-
ing the grass, which, I concluded, they found at a considerable
ilistanc^e. Going into the street to see in wiiat direction th(,y went,
I watched them for some time, and followed them as they flew from
tree to tree towards the river. There they stopped, and looked as
if carefully watching me, when they resumed their journey, and
led me quite out of the village to a large meadow, where stood an
old h.ay-stack. They alighted on it, and, in a few minutes, each had

TIIK WHITK KYKD VIRDO.

276

selected a blade of grnsx, Ri'tiiniiiij; by tlie same unite, tliey
moved so slowly from one tree to nnother, tliut my piitieiice wuh
levorely tried. Two other dnys were consumed w traveilinjrj for
tlie snme kind of j^rass. On the seveiitli. I saw oidy the femalo nt
work, usinrr wood nnd horsehair: tho eit^hth was almo-i entirely
spent liy both in smoothing the inside. They wituld liter the nest,
sit in it, turn round, and press the lining. In the course of flv-
days, an equal number of eggs were laid : they were small, of a
rather narrow ovnl form, white, thinly spotted with reddish-blaek
ut the larger eml. The birds sat alternately, thougli not with regu-
larity as to time ; and, on the twelfth day of incubation, the young
came out. I observed that the male wouhl bring insects to the
female, and that, after chopping and macerating them with her
beak, she placed them in the mouth of her young with a care
and delicacy which were not less curious than pleasing to me."

This account is so full and complete that I can add notTi-
ing to the history of the breeding habits of this bird. But
one brood is reared in the season in this latitiido. The
dimensions of four eggs in my collection from different
localities are .83 by .56 inch, .80 by .56 inch, .78 by .54
inch, .78 by .53 inch. These will be found to be the aver-
age size of this species. The nest is about three inches in
exterior diameter, and about two and a half in depth.

:.^:i

mi

VIBEO NOVEBOEAOENSIS. — Bonaparte.

The White-eyed Vireo.

Mmcicapa Noveboracevsis, Gmolin. Syst. Nat., I. (1788) 947.
Vireo Noveboracentis, Bonnjtane. Obs. Wils. (1825), No. 122. Aud. Om. Biog.,
I. (1831) 828; V. 431, 433; Birds Am., IV. (1842) 146; Nutt. Man., I. (1832) 306.
Mwcicapa cantawix, Wilson. Am. Orn., II. (1810) 266.

Description.

Spurious primft'7 about lialf the second, which is about equal to tlie eighth quill ;
entire upper parts bright olivaceous-green; space around the eyes and extending
to the bill greenish-yellow, interrupted by a dusky spot from the anterior canthus to
the base of the gape; beneath white; the sides of the breast and body well defined,
almost gamboge-yellow; edges of greater and middle wing coverts (forming two
bands) and of inner tertiaries greenish-yellow white; iris white.

Length, five inches; wing, two and Rdy one-hundredths.

m

OIlNITIIOLOfiY AND 00l,0(ir.

Tliirt H|ii'ci(!fl is very Irrojjiiliirly distiilniloil in Now Ew^-
liiiid us a Huinini;r iiili!il)itiint. In .Maiiio, New Ilaiiipsliiru,
aiitl VcM'iiioiit it iH raro ; and, wliilo it is quite abundant in
tho euHtern parts of MassaclniHottfl, it is raro in tho western.
Says J. A. A11(Mi of it, nt Spriiif^^fiold, —

"I hiivn iiover known tlio Wliitc-eyed Vireo taken iioro ; ami if
ocnurrin^, ;is it very probably (Iocs, boinjj not very uncommon it.
tin' ciisfcrn parts of tin! .State, it must be cxpcssividy rare. In
alioiit a thousdini spocimens of tins smaller land birds taken at
Spriiif^flcld dining tho lost three years by dillerent collectors, not
a single White-eyed Vireo has been found."

This specios arrives from tho South, usually iu pairs, from
about tho 25th of April to tho Ist of May. It generally
frequents low thickets and swamps. I do not remomher of
ever meeting with one in deep, high woods; but have often
found a pair in a brier-patch in the middle of an old field or
pasttirc. Ln such localities, its peculiar note \-hip cheive/'o,
''chip 'chip cheiveeo, is often heard ; together with another
rattling, scolding note, difficult of description. When Ihe
bird is approached, it meets the intruder with this scidding
rattle ; and, if the nest is approached, the Vireo becomes
almost outrageous iu its remonstrances. The nest is usually
placed in a thicket of briers or vines, often in the gardens
and fields. It is constructed of fibres of the inner bark of
trees, fine twigs, grasses, pieces of liornets' nests, and frag-
ments of paper. These are built in a pensile form, sus-
pended by tlic upper edge, and lined with slender strips of
grape-vine bark and roots. The eggs are usually four iu
number, and can hardly be distinguished from those of tho
Red-eyed Vireo in shape or color; the average dimensions
being a trifle smaller. Several eggs collected in different
localities exhibit, as an average measiirement, .82 by ..59
inch. A nest complement of four eggs, collected in Milton,
Mass., vary but a trifle from this size ; their measurement
oeiug .83 by .59 inch, .82 by .59 inch, .82 by .58 inch, .80

TllK hOLlTAUV VIIIKO.

1177

by SiH inch. Hut oik; hniod ia UHiiiilly rosirod in New Knj;-
liind in tlio suauun, und tliu puriod uf incubutiun id Iwl-Ivu
duya.

VIBEO SOLITABIDS. - VUiUut.

The Solitary Vireo; Blue-headed Vireo.

.Hiucicnpa Kilitdiid, Wilnoii. Am. Oni., II. (IKllt) 143.

\'iieo ititiliiriiu, Vieillot. Nimv. Diet (IH17). Aud. Om. Bit.^., I. (l»3l), UTj V.
(188U) 4»'J. Nutt. Man., 1. (Ib8'i) 306.

Dehchution.

S|iuri(>ii8 primary very iniull, nut uiio-fourlli the fecund, wliicli is longer lliuii
lliuKlxth; tnp and Hidvii of tliv liriid ami iippvr part of tliu nick dark lilui.-li-aHli;
rvHt (if upper purtH clear (>livu-(;rut'n ; u wliito rln;{ ruund tliu eye, interrupted in the
anterior cantliut by a du»ky lure, but the white cutor e.>Ltundin}{ abuve this updt tii
the bi'se of the bill; under parts white; (lie sides under the wiiij,'» grei'iilsli-yelhuv ;
two bands on tlio winff coverts, with the ed(;es of the secondaries, greenish-white;
outer tail feather with its edge all round, includinfj the whole outer weii, whitish.

Length, about five and a half inches; wing, two and lurty oiio-hundredths.

Tliis bird occurs as a suunner resident in New England.
It has been talten in till tlicso States, but not in any numbers.

it makes its appearance about the first or second wcolc in
May, usually in pairs, and cominoncos building its nest
about the last week in that month. I have never met with
its nest; and Audubon's description, though meagre, is the
l)est available. It is as follows : —

" The iiest is prettily constructed, and fixed, iu a partially pensile
manner, between two twigs of a low bush on a branch runniin;
liorizoiitally from the main stem. It is formed externally of gray
lichens slightly put together, and lined with hair, chiefly from the
deer and raccoon. The female lays four or five eggs, which are
white, with a strong tinge of flesh-color, and sprinkled with brown-
ish-red dots at the larger end."

A number of eggs in my collection correspond in color
and markings to the above description, and measure on
the average .81 by .59 inch. But one brood is reared in the
season, although there have been specimens taken as late as

■ 'i

ff

i'i

278

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

October. But little is known of the habits of this bird, as
it prefers tlie deep woods and swainps to the more open dis-
tricts.

VIEEO FLAVIFEONS. — VieiUot.
The Yellow-throated Vireo.

\^reo flnvlfrovs, Vieillot. Ois. Am., L (1807) 85. Aud. Om. Biog., IL (1884^
119; V. 428. * Jk, Syn. Jb., Birds Am., IV. (1842) 141.
Musckopn sykkvla, Wilsoa. Am. Orn., IL (1810) 117.

Description.

No spurious quill ; the first and fourth equal ; from bill to middle of back, sides
of head, neck, and tore part of breast olive-green; beneath, from bill to middle of
belly, witli a ring round the eyes, sulphur-yellow; lores dusky; rest of under parts
white; of upper, a.sliy-blue, tinged wilh green; two white bands on the wing; ter-
tiaries edged with white, other quills with greenish; outer tail feathers edged with
yellowish-white ; the outer web of first feather entirely of this color, except near
the end.

Length, nearly six inches; wing, three and twenty oae-bundredths.

' !■!

This beautiful Vireo is not very common in New England,
although it is found in all these States as a suninier visitor.
It arrives from the South about the tenth of May, sometimes
not earlier than the fifteenth, and commences building
about the fii'sl or second week in June. The nest is placed
in a small fork of a trej, usually the apple-tree, at a height
of about fifteen or twenty feet from the ground. It is the
most beautiful nest made by birds of this genus : it is built
of nearly the same materials as the others, but is covered in
the most tasty manner with pieces of lichens and caterpil-
lars' silk and spiders' webs, which are plastered or aggluti-
nated on over the entire surface, giving the nest the
appearance of a large bunch of moss hanging from a forked
twig. Several of these nests, collected m different locali-
ties, are in my collection. They are invariably of this
descrip+ion, and are all lined with pieces of paper, wasps'
nest, anu fine grasses. With the exception of the nest of the
Ilumming-bird, and perhaps two or three of the Warblers,
the nest of this species is the most beautiful specimen of

THK YELLOW-TIIROATIOn VIUKO.

27 D

birc architecture that I am acquainted with. The c<igs are
usually four in mauber. They arc of a pure-white color,
with tliinly scattered spots of two shades of reddish-brown
and black. The dimensions of four eggs collected in Con-
necticut are .83 by .61 inch, .82 by .00 inch, .82 by .GO inch,
and .80 by .59 inch. But one brood is reared in the season
in New England.

Wilson, in describing the habits of this bird, says, —

" This summer species is found chielly in the woods, bunting
among the liigli branches ; and has an indolent and plaintive note,
which it repeats, with some little variation, every ten or twelve
seconds, like preeo, preeu, &c. It is oftun heard in company with
the Red-eyed Flycatcher (Muscicapa oUvucea) ; the loud, energetic
notes of the latter, mingling with the soft, languid warble of the
former, producing an agreeable effect, paiticularly during the burn-
ing heat of noon, when almost every other songster but these two
is silent. Those who loiter through the shades of our magnificent
forests at that hour will easily recognize both species. It arrives
fi'om the south early in May, and returns again with its young
about the middle of September. Its nest, which is sometimes fixed
on the upper side of a limb, sometimes ou a horizontal branch
among the twigs, generally on a tree, is composed outwardly of
thiu strips of the bark of grape-vines, moss, lichens, &c., and lined
with fine fibres of such like substances : the ejgs, usually four, are
white, thinly dotted with black, chiefly near the great end. Winged
insects are its principal food."

In dismissing this beautiful and favorite family of our
birds, I feci that it is impossible to say too much in their
favor : their neat and delicate plumage and sweet song, their
engaging and interesting habits, and their well-known insect-
destroying proclivities, have justly rendered them great
favorites ; and the farmer, in protecting them, and encour-
ing them to take up homes near his orchards and gardens,
but extends a care and welcome for his best friends.

8

280

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

Family ALAUDID-ffi. The Skylarks.

First primary very short ".;• wan^infr- 'irsi scutellate anteriorly and posteriorly,
with tlic platts nearly nf corresponding ^^osition and number; hind ciaw very long
and nearly stnif.ht; bill sliort, conieiil, frontal feathers extending along the side of
tlif bill ; the no.^trils usually concealed by a tuft of bristly feathers directed forwards;
terlials greatly elongated beyond the secondaries.

EREMOPHILA, Boie.

Kremophita, BoiE, Isis (1S28), 322. (Type AUiiula alpeslris.) Sufficiently distinct
from Ertmojjhilus, Humboldt (Fishes, 1805).

First primary wanting; bill scarcely higher than broad; nostrils circular, con-
cealed by a dense tuft of feathers ; the nasal fossie oblique ; a pectoral crescent and
cheek patches of black.

EBEMOPHILA COBNUTA. — £ote.

The Skylark; Shora-lark.

Eastern and Northern variety,
Alauda comuta, Wilson. Am. Cm., I. (1808) 86.
Eremophih, comuta, Boie. Isis (1828), 322.

Alaiula alpeslris, Wilson. Am. Oru., I. (1808) 85. Nutt. Man., I. (1832) 456.
Aud. Om. Biog- , II. (1834) 570; V. 448.

DESCnU'TION.

Above pinkish-brown, the feathers of the back streaked with dusky; a bioad
band across the crown, extending backwards along the lateral tufts; a crescentic
patch from the bill below the eye and along the side of the head; a jugular crescent,
and the tail feathers, black; the innermost of the latter like the back; a frontal band
extending backwiirds over the eye, and under parts, with outer edge of wings and
tail, wliite; chin and throat yellow.

Length of Pennsylvania specimens, seven and seventy-five one-hundred ths
inches; wing, four and fifty one-hundredths inches; tail, three and twenty-five one-
hundredths inches; bill, above, fifty-two one-huiidredtlis of an inch.

THIS bird is found in New England only as a winter
visitor. It makes its appearance by the latter part of
November, in flocks of thirty or forty, which repair to the
salt-marshes, and low pastures and fields, where they remain
during their stay with us. Here they feed on the seeds of
various grasses and weeds, and such insects as they may be

THE SKYLARK.

281

able to obtain at that inclement season. They often associate
with the Snow Buntings, and sometimes make short excur-
^i(jns inland. I have seen them on the beach busily search-
ing among the seaweed for small shell-fish and animalcules ;
and, in country roads, have observed that they visit tlie drop
pings of horses and cattle for the seeds contained in them.

By the middle of March, the Shore-larks leave New Eng-
land for the North, where they breed, and spend the summer.
Aiidubon says, of their breeding habits, —

" The Shore-lark breeds on the high and desolate tracts of
Liibrador, in the vicinity of the sea. The face of the country
iil)iiears as if formed of one undulated expanse of dark granite,
covered v ith mosses and licliens, varying in size and color ; some
greeu, otliers as white as snow, and others again of every tint, and
disposed in large patches or tufts. It is on the latter that the Lark
places her nest, whicli is disposed with so much care, while the moss
so resembles the bird in hue, that, unless you almost tread upon her
as she sits, she seems to feel secure, and remains unmoved. Should
you, however, approach so near, she flutters away, feigning lameness
so cunningly that none but one accustomed to the sight can refrain
from pursuing her. The male immediately joins her in mimic
wretchedness, uttering a note so soft and plaintive that it requires
a strong stimulation to force the naturalist to rob the poor birds oi
their treasure.

'• The nest, which is embedded in the moss to its edges, is com-
posed of fine grasses, circularly disposed, and forming a bed about
two inches thick, with a lining of grouse-feathers and those of other
birds. In the beginning of July, the eggs are deposited. They
are four or five in number, large, grayish, and covered with numer-
ous pale-blue and brown spots. The young leave the nest be-
fore they are able to fly, and follow their parents over the moss,
where they are fed about a week. They run nimbly, emit a soft
prep, and squat closely at the first appearance of danger. If ob-
served and pursued, they open their wings to aid them in their
escape, and, separating, make oflf with great celerity. On such
accasions, it is difficult to secure more than one of them, unless
several persons be present, when each can pursue a bird. The

f,;',,

.''•■3

>%r»

u

282

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

parents, all this time, are following the enemy overhead, lamenting
the danger to wiiieh their young are exposed. In several instances,
the old bird followed us almost to our boat, alighting occasionally
on a projecting crag before us, and entreating us, as it were, to
restore its oftspring. By the first of August, many of the young
are fully fledged, and the different broods are seen associating
together to the number of forty, fifty, or more. They now grad>i-
aliy remove to the islands of the coast, where they remain until
their departure, which takes place in the beginning of September.
They start at the dawn of day, proceed on their way south at a
small elevation above the water, and fly in so straggHng a manner
that they can scarcely be said to move in flocks."

A miuiber of eggs in my collection, from Wisconsin and
Illinois, where these birds breed in considerable numbers,
are of a faint grayish-brown color, and marked with numer-
ous dots and spots of umber, of different shades, over the
entire surface of the egg. On one or two specimens, these
markings are confluent into coarser blotches of the two
shades of umber and lilac. The greatest dimensions of my
specimens are .93 by .65 inch ; the least dimensions, .85
by .63 inch.

THE PINE GROSBEAK.

288

Family FRINGILLID^. The Seed-eaters.

Primaries nine ; bill very short, abruptly conical and robust ; commissure strongly
aogulated at base of bill ; tarsi scutellate anteriorly, but the sides with two undivided
plates meeting btliind along the median line, as a sharp posterior ridge.

Sub-Family CoccOTHRAUSTiN.ffi. — The Finches.

Wings very long and much pointed, generally one-third longer than the more or
less forked tail; flrst quill usually nearly us long or longer than the second; ter-
tiuries but little longer, or equal to tlie secondaries, and always much exceeded by
the primaries ; bill very variable in shape and size, the upper mandible, however, as
broad as the luwer; nostrils rather more lateral than usual, and always more or \6?^
concealed by a series of small bristly feathers applied along the base of the up,.er
mandible; no bristles at tlie base of the bill; feet short and rather weak; hind claw
usually longer than the middle actcrior one, sometimes nearly the same size.

PINICOLA, ViEILLOT.

Pinicola, Vieuxot, Ois. Am. Sept., I. (1807).

Bill short, nearly as high as long, upper outline much curved from the base; i ua
margins of the mandibles rounded ; the commissure gently concave, and abruptly
deflexed at the tip; b ?e of the upper mandible much concealed by the bristly feath-
ers covering the basal third ; tarsus rather shorter than the middle toe ; lateral toe
short, but their long claws reach the base of the middle one, which is longer than
the hind claw ; wings moderate, the first quill rather shorter than the second, third,
and fourth ; tail rather shorter than tlie wings, nearly even.

But one species of this genus belongs to the American fauna, and is closely allied
to, if not identical with, that belonging to the northern portions of the Old World.

,■ d

<• .. i:

i:-L

!"1

4

PINICOLA CANADENSIS — CabanU.

The Fine Grosbeak.

Pinicola Canadensis, Cabanis. SIus. Hein. (1851), 167.
Loxia enucleator, Wilson. Am. Orn., I. (1808) 80.
Pyrrhula enucleator, Audubon. Orn. Biog., IV. (1838) 414.

Desckiption.

Bill and legs black; general color carmine-red, not continuous above, however,
except on the head ; the feathers showing brownish centres on the back, where, too,
the red is darker; loral region, base of lower jaw all round, sides and posterior part
of body, with under tail coverts, ashy, whitest behind; wing with two white bands

2H4

OUNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

iitross the tips of the greater ami iiiidille coverts; the outer edges of the quills also
white, broadest on the tertiaries.

Female, ashy ; brownish above, tinged with greenish-yellow beneath; top of head,
rump, and upper tail coverts brownish gamboge-yellow; wings as in tlie male.

I^ength, about eight and lifty oue-hundredths inches; wing, four and fifty one-
hiindredths; tail, four inches.

A

LTHOUGH we find in Vcrrill's list of birds found at
Norway, Me., that this species is there a very common
winter visitor, my experience has been, that it is an "ex-
tremely rare one in Massachusetts, and is only found with
us in very severe seasons.

This winter (1866-67), they have been very abundant,
and good opportunities have been obtained for studying
their habits.

Like other northern .species, the Pine Grosbeak is very
tame and familiar while hei*e in winter. Mr. Maynard, of
Newtonville, Mass., informs me, that he has repeatedly,
during this season, captured specimens in his hands, and
has had no diificulty in slipping a noose over their heads, as
the birds were employed in opening tlie puie seeds, or eating
the berries of the cedar; and he has now iu captivity a
number of specimens that are exceedingly tame and inter-
esthig, feeding readily on various seeds and fruits. A pair
that I have in my possession, which he captured, are so
tame that they take food from my hand, and even perch
upon my finger. Their song is a soft, pleasing warble, not
unlike that of the canary.

Both sexes have a number of call-notes, and they keep up
a continuous twitter through the day : they are always lively
and good-tempered, and are really entertaining pets.

Mr. Wheelwright, in his valuable and exceedingly inter-
esting book, " A Spring and Summer in Lapland," gives
the following account of the habits of the European Pine
Grosbeak, a bird nearly allied to, if not identical with, our
own : " By the first week in May, they had paired ; and we
took our first nest on June 4, with three eggs, iu a small fir,
about ten feet from the ground, on the side of a small fell,

THE PURPLE FINCH.

28u

ioinmon

in by no moans a large wood: and I may ol)scrvc, tliat all
tin nests we took were built in small firs, never higb from tlie
ground, or in deep woods, and generally in conspicuous situa-
tions. The nest is neither large nor deep, but very com-
pactly and cleanly built, like basket-work, the outside walling
of very fine fir branches and thin cranberry fibres tightly
interlaced, and lined with fino stiff grass and a little hair.
The eggs vary much, both in size and coloring; but aro
usually of a pale blue-greeu ground-color, blotched and lined
with light-purple and dark burnt-umber spots and pricks,
always thickest towards the large end. Average size, 1 inch
by .75 inch."

The food of the Grosbeak is not, as in the Crossbills, from
the seed of the fir cones, but the small buds or embryo of the
young branches which shoot out fi'ora the lateral branches
of the fir ; but they can pick out the seeds from the cones,
both of the pine and fir, quite as cleverly as the Crossbills.

For a very full and interesting description of the habits
of this species, I will refer the reader to vol. IV. Audubon's
Am. Orn. Biog., p. 414.

CARPODACUS, Kaup.

Carpodacus. Kaup, " Entw. Europ. Thierw., 1829." (Type Loxia eri/thrinn, Pall. )
Bill short, stout, vaulted ; the culmen decurved towards the end ; the commis-
sure nearly straight to the slightly decurved end; a slight development of bristly
feathers along the sides of the bill, concealing the nostrils; tarsus shorter than the
middle toe; lateral claws reaching to the base of the middle one; claw of hind toe
much curved, smaller than the middle one, and rather less than the digital portirn;
wings long and pointed, reaching to the middle of the tail, which is considerably
shorter than the wing, and moderately forked ; colors red, or red and brown.

^^H

""EPODACUS PUEPUEEUS. — Gray.
The Purple Finch.

FringiUa purpurea, Wilson. Am. Orn., I. ( 1808) 119. Aud. Orn. Biog., I. ( 1831 )

24; V. 200.

Descrution.

Second quill longest ; first shorter than third, considerably longer than the fourth ;

body crimson, palest on the rump and breast, darkest across the middle of back and

wing coverts, where the feathers have dusky centres ; the red extends below coiitinu-

280

OKSITHOLOOY AND OOLOfJY,

iiuRly to the Iowit part of the hrcnst, nnd in spots to thi; titiiio; the hc]]y nml iinilcr fnil
coverts white, strenl<((l tiiintly with l)rown, except in the vorj- middio ; edges of wingo
and tiill featliers browni.-li-red; lesser coverts lilte the bnok; two reddish bands across
the win(;s (over tlie ends of tlie iniiMIe and greater coverts); lores dull-^jniyish.

I'eniule olivaccoiis-lirown, l)rinhler <.n the rump; beneath white; all tlic feathers
cvcrj'where streaked with lirown, except, on the middl<) of the belly and under coverts,
a superciliary lifrht stripe.

Length, six nnd twi nty-five one-hundrcdths inches; wing, three and thirty-foui
pne-hundredths; tail, two and titty one -hundredths; bill, above, forty-six one-hun-
drcdths o'' an inch.

Tills species, although quite common in many localities
of Now England, is very irregularly distributed. For in-
stance, it breeds abundantly in and near Cambridge, Mass.,
but is not found in any other part of the State in any thing
like the abundance that it is there. In that locality, it is
one of the most common birds breeding ; in other localities, it
is occasionally found in only detached pairs. So, in Maine,
it is common in the neighborhood of the Umbagog lakes ; but
elsewhere it is not often seen. There seems to be, as Mr.
Allen justly remarks, a great increase of this species within
the last few years ; and it is beginning to be one of our most
common species. The birds separate into pairs soon after
their arrival, about the middle of April, but do not com-
mence building before the middle of May. They arc occa-
sionally resident here through the mild winter ; but, as a
general thing, they arrive in New England in flocks of ten
or a dozen about the last of March. The nest is usually
built in a pine or cedar tree, and is sometimes thirty or even
forty feet from the ground, — oftener about fifteen or twenty.
It is constructed of fine roots and grasses, and is lined with
horsehair and hogs' bristles. One specimen in my collection
has the cast-ofF skin of a snake woven in the rest of the
fabric ; and I have seen nests lined with mosses. Generally,
hairs of different animals form the lining, and roots and
grass the main structure.

The eggs are of a beautiful bluish-green color, and marked
with spots and streaks of black : their form is a sharply
pointed oval, and their dimensions vary from .94 by .64 inch

THE PURI'LK FINCn.

•J«7

to .88 by .60 iiicli. Two broods are ofton reared in tlio
eeasoii.

This species is one of tho few injurious birds tliat wo have ;
aud, altliougli it has a beautiful warbling song, an.l is alto-
gether a fine-loo]<ing bird, it is niucli dislilced in tho country
in consequence of its bad habit of cutting off and eating
the buds and blossoms of fruit-trees. Wilson says of this
habit, —

" Tills is a winter bird of passage, coming to us in large flocka
from the North, in September and October ; groat numbers remain-
ing with us in Pennsylvania during the whole winter, feeding on
tlie seeds of the poplar, button-wood, juniper, cedar, and on those
of many rank weeds that flourish in rich bottoms and along the
margin of creeks. When the season is very severe, they proceed
to the South, as far at least as Georgia, returning North early in
Aprih Tliey now frequent the elm-trees, feeding on the slender
but sweet covering of the flowers ; and, as soon as the clierries put
out their blossoms, feed almost exclusively on the stamina of tlie
flowers: afterwards, the apple-blossoms are attacked in the same
manner ; and their depredations on these continue till they disap-
pear, which is usually about the 10th or middle of May. I have
been told that tliey sometimes breed in the northern parts of New
York, but have never met with their nests. About the middle of
September, I found these birds numerous on Long Island, and
around Newark in New Jersey. They fly at a considerable height
in the air ; and their note is a single chink., like that of the Rice-
bird. Tliey possess great boldness and spirit, and, when caught,
bite violently, and hang by the bill from your hand, striking with
great fury ; but they are soon reconciled to confinement, and in a
day or two are quite at home. I have kept a pair of these birds
upwards of nine months to observe their manners. One was caught
in a trap, the other was winged with the gun : both are now as
familiar as if brought up from the nest by the hand, and seem to
prefer hemp-seed and cherry-blossoms to all other kinds of food.
Both male and female, though not crested, are almost constantly
in the 'abit of erecting the feathers of tlie crown. They appear to
be of a tyrannical and domineering disposition : for they nearly

1 !

288

OUNITUOLO(iY AND OOLO(;V.

killiiil an Tii(l!!.'o-1iin1, nnd two or throe otiiors, tlmt were occasion-
nlly [iliiced with thorn, driving tlicin into ii corner of the cnjfo.
Btiuifling on thoni. nnd tearing out their fonthors, striking them on
the head, ninnching their wings, &c., till I was obliged to intorfere;
nnd, even if called to. the aggressor would only turn up a malicious
ey(i to me for a moment, and renew his outrage as before. They aiM
a hardy, vigorous bird. In the month of October, about the time
of their first arrival. I shot a male, rich in plumage, and plump in
flesh, but which wanted one leg, that had been taken off a little
above the knee: the wound had healed so completely, and was
covered with so thick a skin, that it seemeii as though it had been
so for years. Whether this mutilation was occasioned by a shot, or
in party quarrels of its own, I could not determine : but our invalid
seemed to have used his stump either in hopping or resting; for it
had all the appearance of having been brought in frequent contact
with bodies harder than itself."

CHRYSOMITRIS, Boie.

Chrymmitns, BoiK, Isis (1828), 822. (Typo Fringilh »pinus, Linnirus.)
Bill rather acutely conic, the tip not very shnrp; the culmen slightly convex at
the tip; the commissure gently curved; nostrils concealed; obsolete rid ges on the
upper mandible; tarsi shorter than the middle toe; outer toe rather the longer,
reaching to the base of the middle one ; claw of hind toe shorter than the digital
portion; wings and tail as in Atgiothus.

The colors arc generally yellow, with black on the crown, throat, back, wings,
and tail, varied sometimes with white.

CHETSOMITEIS TRISTIS. — JSonoparrt.
The Tellow-bird; Thistle-bird.

Fringilla tristtv, Linnseus. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 320. Wils. Am. Om., I. (1808) 20.
And. Om. Biog., I. (1831) 172; V. 610.

Description.

Bright gamboge-yellow; crown, wings, and tail, black; lesser wing coverts,
band across the end of greater ones, ends of secondaries and tertiarica, inner mar-
gins of tail feathers, upper and under tail coverts, and tibia, white. Female re-
placing the yellow of the male by a greenish-olive color.

Length, five and twenty-five onc-hundredths inches ; wing, three inches.

This well-known bird is a very common summer inhab-
itant of all New England, and in the southern districts

Tin; YKLI.OW-IIIUD.

280

remains tlirougli the ycivr. Xotwithstaiidin^i; its luMiifj hero
tlirou<fli the early spring, it does not Ix^gin to liuild hcfore
tlic middle of Jiiiic Tlio oiirliost iiost that I ever heard of
WHS found June tlie lOtli, and very few are found as curly
as the middle of that month. The neat is usually placed in
a forked In-anch in an applc-trec in the orchard, sometimes
in a maple or birch tree near the roadside. It is constructed
of soft strips of the cedar and jrrapo-vin(! itark: these are
very neatly woven together into a compact structure, which
is deeply hollowed, and lined with soft down from tho
thistle, and sometimes a few feathers. Tho eggs are
usually four in number : their form is generally oval,
and their color a bluish-white. Dimensions vary fiom .<!8
by .53 inch to .02 by .50 inch. But one brood is reared in
the summer.

Tho habits of this bird arc so well known that I will not
give tliem an extended notice here. It seems to be a per-
sistently gregarious species : for, even in the breeding
season, several families are usually found in one neighbor-
hood ; and th.e males often assemble together, and pass the
time in collecting food, trimming their feathers, and bath-
ing. In fact, this bird seems to be more of a dandy, and
consequently less of a family man, than most of our other
species ; and I have noticed that ho leaves the greater part
of the burd 3n of the family cares upon tlie shoiilders of his
attentive mate.

When the season of incubation has passed, the birds
assemble in flocks of from ten to twenty or thirty in num-
ber, and frequent the gardens and stubble-fields, where they
subsist upon the seeds of various weeds and grasses. They
have a short note like die weee, which is uttered often,
sometimes in a drawling, plaintive key, and at other times
in a brisk, cheerful tone. Tlieir flight is undulating and
irregular, and resembles very much that of the Wood-
peckers. When on the wing, they have a short, simple
chatter, like ^ohe 'chS *che 'che, uttered rapidly, and with

19

0(

\){)

OIlNIillOI.OCY AND OOLOCV.

(Miipliasis Oil till) socoml sylliihlo. Occasionally, tlio malo
umitrt a coiitimiiMl waililiii^ sonjr, vnry siiniiiir to that of tliu
Canary-I»ii'l ; iiiul I linvo luianl out! of tliirt s|i(hmcs Hiiijr in
coiifiiHMiiciit almost as sweetly and oftoii uh its luoro familiar
and domesticated nilativo.

CHRYSOMITBIS Pl^VS.— lionnpnrte.
The Pine Fineh.
/Viw.(/i7Ai/)im«, Wilson. Am. Orn., II. (1810) 183. Aud. Om. niog., 11. ;i33«)

Cliryiiomilfiijnnut, ISonaparte. Coinp. (1880), 616.

DKSCnilTION.

'I'liil (Ippply fbrked; above brownish-olive; beneath whltinh, every feather
utrenkcd diKtinotly willi dusky; cnncealcd bases of tail feathers and quills, together
with llieir inner cd^es, sulphur-yellow; outer edfjea of quills and tail feathers yel-
lowish-(,'recn; two brownish-white bands on the wing.

I.enjith, four and sevonty-fivo one-hundredtbs inches; wing, thren inches; tail,
two iiriil twenty one-hundredths inches.

This bird is found in Now England, usually as a winter
visitor. While hero, it has all the habits of the preceding
species, and might, at a little distance, be mistaken for that
bird. The Pine Finch, as its name implies, prefers the
groves and forests of pines to other trees ; and it is found in
all our pine woods in flocks of twenty or thirty, where it
feeds on the seeds contained in the cones on these trees.
It has been known to breed in Cambridge, in this State ; and
breeds regularly in the northern sections of New England.

CURVmOSTRA, ScopoLi.

Loxia, I.1NN.F.U8, Syst. Nat., 1758. (Type Loxia curviroitra, L. Not of 173r),
which has for type Lnxia coccnthrnu»tes, L.)

Cuirirostra . Scorou, 1777. (Type L. curvirottra.)

Mandibles much elongated, compressed, and attenuated; greatly curved or
falcate, the points crossing or overlapping to a {,Teater or less degree; tarsi very
short; claws all very long, the lateral extending beyond the middle of the central;
hind claw longer than its digit; wings very long and pointed, reaching beyond the
middle of the narrow, forked tail.

Colors reddish in the male.

Till". HKl) CIIOSSIIILL.

•J!)l

Ttio eli>nifati>(l, r(.inprc«^i'<!, ('iiliiito-cim-i'il, nti't nvcrlnppiiiff m.ui lililc* rrailily
fliiinirterizii tliin nciiin iimoiitj liinU.

The IJnlti'd-Stntfn !<pi'ri('s nf Cun-ifKHtrn urn ri'iidily i1i<liiit;iii«lii'il by llu' pr«»
»nco of white lmnil'< mi the win;; in l,fuf'>plfrn mid tlnir nlwiiro i!i Amrrininn.

1* ,

rot of 173%

COEVIROSTRA AMERICANA. - WiUon.

Tb) Red Crossbill.

Curvirottrn Ameiicnnn, Wllsiui. Am. Orn., IV. (ISlt) 41.
Loann cuvvimttm. And. Bio^., 11. (lR;i4) 3.W; V. 611.

DRSnilPTlON.

Male dull-rod; darki'fit acroHs the linck; wlnK» mid tiiil dark l(lnikinh-l)n>wn.

Femnln ilull (^rccnish-dlivo nbnvc, each fcutlii^r with a dii'<ky centre; rump and
crown hri^jlit ffrcciiisli-ycllow; lii'iicnth ^rnyisli; finf^cd, especially on the sides of
the hody, with ^'reeiiish-yellow; younf? entirely lirown ; p.nler beneath.

'I'lie iimiiiitiire and youiijj birds exhibit all imafjiiiahle coniliiimtionn of the colon
1)1' the male and female. They all agree in the entire absence of white bands on
tlie wings.

Male about six inches; wing, three and thirty one-hundrcdths Inches ; mil, two
and tweiity-nve one-hiindrcdthH inches.

This bird is very irrejTiilarly di.stribntcrl in New Eiip-
laud, usually as a winter visitor. Sonictiincs it is quite
rare at that season iu all sotUioiis ; and occasionally it
is very abundant. It also occurs liore during the sum-
mer, breeding regularly in the pine and hemlock forests of
the northern sections. Wilson says of the habits of this
bird, —

'• On first glancing at the bill of this extraordinary bird, one is
apt to pronounce it deformed and monstrons : but on attentively
observing the use to which it is applied by the owner, and the dex-
terity with which he detaches the seeds of the pine-tree from the
cone, and from the husks that enclose them, we are obliged to con-
fess, on this, as on many other occasions where we have judged
too hastily of the operations of nature, that no other conformation
could have been so excellently adapted to the purpose ; and that
its deviation from the common form, instead of being a defect or
monstrosity, as the celebrated French naturalist insinuates, is a
striking proof of the wisdom and kind superintending care of the
great Creator.

■;: »..

»:T»

! i

R

■MMIkMBEMhm ■rttr>4Ml .-MiHf

292

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

" This species is a regular inhabitant of almost all onr pine
forests sitnatcd nnrtli of 40°, from the beginning of September to
the miilille of April. It is not imp bable that some of them re-
main dnring the summer witliin thi; territory of the United States
to breed. Tlieir numbers must, howeve", be comparaJ\'ely few, as
I have iiLVcr yet met with any o^ them in summer, tliough lately
I took a journey to the Great Pine Swamp beyond PoCano jNIoun-
tain, in Northampton County, Pa., in the month of May, expressly
for that purpose ; and ransacked, for pix or seven days, the
gloomy recesses of that extensive and desolate morass, without
lieing able to discover a single Crossbill. In fall, however, as
v/ell as in winter and spring, thi.'. .ract appears to be their favorite
rendezvous ; particularly about the head waters of the Lehigh, the
banks of the Tobyhanna, Tunkliannock, and Bear Creek, wliere I
have myself killed them at tiiese seasons. They then ajtpear in
large flocks, feeding on the seeds of the hemlock and white-pine;
have a loud, sharp, and not u.imusical note ; chatter as they fly ;
aligbt, during the prevalence of deep snows, before the door of the
hunter, and around the house, picking off the clay with which
the logs are plastereu, and searching in corners where urine, or any
substjuice of a saline quality, had been thrown. At such times,
they are so tame as only to settle on the roof of the cabin when
disturbed, and, a moment after, descend to feed as before. They
are then easily caught in traps, and will frequently permit one to
ai)proach so near as to knock them down with a stick. Those
killed and opened at such times ar(; generally found to have the
stomach filled with a soft, greasy kind of earth or clay. When
kept in a cage, they have many of the habits of the Parrot ; often
climbing along the v/ires, and using their feet to grasp the cones in,
while takin<r out the seeds."

Nuttiill pnys of its brooding habits, —

" They often breed in winter in more temperate countries, as in
January and February; and the young fly in March, 'ihe nest
is said to be fixed in the forks of fir-trees ; and the eggs, four or
five, are of a greenish-gray, with a circle of reddish-brown spots,
points, and lines, disposed chiefly at the larger end : the lines also
often extend over the whole surface of the egg."

THE WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL.

•293

CUEVIROSTBA LEUCOPTEEA.- IFiiion.

TLe White-winged Crossbill.

Litna leucnptera, Audubon. Orn. Biiig., IV. (18;i8) 467.
Curviroatra kucoptera, Wilson. Am. Orn., IV. (1811) 48.

Deschution.

Uill greatly compressed, and acute towards the point; male carmine-red, tingi I
with dusky across the back; the sides of body under the wings streaked with
brown; froa> the middle of belly to the tail coverts whitish, the latter strcakcil
with brown; scapulars, wings, and tail, black; the broad bands on the wings
across the ends of greater and median coverts; white spot.s on the end of tlie inner
tcrtiaries.

Female brownish, tinged with olive-green in places; feathers of the back and
crowu with dusky centres; rump bright brownish-yellow.

Length, about six and twenty-five one-hundredths inches; wing, three and filly
one-huudredths inches; tail, two and sixty one-hundredths inches.

This beautiful bird seems to
be much less frequent in its
winter visits to New England
than the preceding. It has all
the general characteristics of
that bird. In May, in tlic Hud-
son's Bay country, according
to Mr. Hutchins, it builds its
nest in a pine-tree. This is
constructed of grass, mud, and
leathers, and is lined witli moss
and other soft materials. The
female lays five white eggs,
marked with yellowish spots.

' ;;;'^

I- 4!

i ,

iEGIOTHUS, CABANI8.

^(/iothus, Caha.nis, Mus. llein., 1851, 161. (Type Fringilla linaria, Linn.)
Bill very short, conical,' and acutely pointed, the outlines even concave; the
commissure straight; the base of the upper mandible and the nostrils concealed by
*tifr, appressed bristly feathers; middle of the mandible having several ridges
parallel with the culmen ; inner lateral toe rather the longer, its claw reaching the
middle of the middle cliiw; the hind toe rather longer, its claw longer than the digi-
tal portion ; wings very long, reaching the middle of the tail j second quill a little
longer than the first and third; tail deeply forlied.

294

OUMTIlOLOCiY AND OOLOCiV.

aiGIOTHUS LINAEIA. — Oiiimis.

The Lesser Redpoll.

Fiiuf/illd limiia, Linuitus. Sytt. Xat., I. (17CG) 822. Aud. Orn. Biog., IV
J8S) 533.
/llyivtlius linavia, Cubouis. Mus. HeiD. (1851), 161.

Desciuption.

Above ligiit-yolldwipb, each feather streaked with dark-brown; crown datk-
iTimsoii; upper part ol' breast and sides of the body tinged with a lighter tint of the
tiume; flie rump uiid under tail coverts also similar, but still less vivid, and with
dusky streaks; rest of under parts white, streaked on the sides with brown; loral
region and chin dusky; cheeks (brightest over the eye), and a narrow front,
whitish ; wii'g leathers edged externally, and tail feathers all round with wliite; two
yellowish-white bands across the wing coverts; secondaries and tertiaries edged
broadly with the same; bill yellowish, tinged with brown on the culmen and
gonvs; the basal bristles brown, reaching over half the bill.

The specimen described above is a male in winter dress. The spring plumage
has much more of the red. The female winter specimens lack the rose of the
under parts and rump; the breast is streaked across with dusky.

Length, five and tifty one-hundredths inches; wing, three and ten one-hundredths
inches; tail, two and seventy one-huudredths inches.

This species is a pretty common winter visitor in all parts
of New England. It congregates in large flocks, which
frequent old fields and pastiwes and stvibble-liclds, and feed
on the seeds of weeds and grasses. It has, while with us,
the note and general habits of the Goldfinch and Pine
Pinch, and might easily, at a little distance, be mistaken for
those birds. Tliey seem fond of the seeds of the white
birch ; and they cluster so thick on a branch of tliis tree,
wliile securing the seeds, that I have killed as many as a
dozen at a shot. Mr. Selby's account of the nest and eggs
is as follows : —

" It is only known in the southern parts of Britain as a winter
visitant ; ami is at that period gregarious, and frequently taken, in
company with the otlier sj)ccies, by tlie bird-catchers, by whom it is
called the Stone Redpoll. In the northern counties of England,
and in Scotland and its isles, it is resident through the year. It
retires, during the summer, to the underwood that covers the bases
of many of our mountains and hills, and that often fringes the

THE MEALY REDPOLL.

2%

e-liundredths

banks of their precipitous streams ; iu which sequestered siiuii-
tioiis it breeds. The uesc is built in a. bush or low tree (such as
willow, alder, or hazel), of moss and the stalks of dry grass, inter-
mixed with down from the catkin of the willow, which also forms
the lining, and renders it a particularly soft and warm receptacle
for the eggs and young. From this substance being a constant
material of the nest, it follows that the young are produced late
in the season, and are seldom able to fly before the end of June or
the beginning of July. The eggs are four or five iu number : their
color pale bluish-green, spotted with orange-brown, principally
towards the larger eud. In winter, the Lesser Redpoll descends to
the lower grounds iu considerable flocks ; frequenting woods and
plantations, more especially such as abound in birch or alder trees,
the catkins of which yield it a plentiful supply of food. When
feeding, its motion affords both interest and amusement ; since, in
order to reach the catkins, which generally grow near the extremi-
ties of the smaller branches, it is obliged, like the Titmouse, to
hang with its back downwards, and assume a variety of constrained
attitudes : and, when thus engaged, it is so intent upon its work, as
frequently to allow itself to be taken by a long stick smeared with
bird-lime ; in which way I have occasionally captured it when in
want of s[)ecimens for examination. It also eats the buds of trees,
and (when in flocks) proves iu this way seriously injurious to
young plantations. Its call-note is very frequently rei)eated when
on wing, and by this it may be always distinguished from the other
species. The uotes it produces during the pairing season, although
few, and not delivered iu continuous song, are sweet and pleasing."

:in

:' hi*

aiGIOTHUS CANESCENS. — Ciiani*.
The Mealy Bedpoll.

JEgiothicg cane»certs, Cabanis. Miis. Hein. (1851), 161.
1 Fnngilla boi-eiilis, Audu'uon. Orn. Biog., V. (1839) 87.

Desckii'tion.

Size laree; bill short; claws elongated; rump white, (in the spring, male tinged
with rose), r"v('r stroalied; the quills broadly margined with white.
Length, ciix inches; tail, three and seventeen one-huiulredrLs.

This bird occurs only as an exoeediiif^ly rare winter visi-
tor in New England. I have never met with it myself, but

296

OUNITIIOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

Mr. Verrill says that it is found rarely in Maine. It is con-
sidered by some ornithologists as identical with the pre-
ceding.

PLKCTROPHANES, Meyer.

Plectrophanes, Meyeh, Taschenbuch (1810). Agassiz. (Type Emberiza nivalii.)
Dill variable, conical, the lower mandible higher than the upper; the sides of
both mandibles (in the typical species) guarded by a closely applied brush of stiffened
bristly feathers directed forwards, and in the upper Jaw concealing the nostrils; the
outlines of the bill nearly straight, or sli-'Uly curved; the lower jaw considerably
broader at the base than the upper, and . er than the gonys is long; tarsi consid-
ably longer than the middle toe; the U eral toes nearly equal (the inner claw
largest), and reaching to the base of the middle claw; the hinder claw very long;
niodenitely curved and acute; considerably longer than its toe; the toe and claw
together reaching to the middle of the middle claw, or beyond its tip; wings very
long and much pointed, reaching nearly to the end of the tail; the first quill longest,
the others rapidly graduated; the tertiaries a little longer than the secondaries; tail
liuiderate, about two-thirds as long as the wings; nearly even, or slightly emargi-
nated.

PLECTROPHANES NIVALIS. — A/<iiier.

Wils. Am. Ora., III.

The Snow Bunting.

Emberiza nivalif, Linnaeus. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 308.
(1811) 86; Aud. Orn. Uiog., II. (1834) 515; V. (1839) 496.
'■• PkctrophiiHcs nivalis, Meyer." Bon. List (1838).

Description.

Colors, in full plumage, entirely black and white ; middle of back between scapu-
lars, terminal half of prnnarics and tcr ties, and two innermost tail feathers, black ;
elsewhere pure-white; legs black at all seasons. In winter dress white t-.aeath;
the head and rump yollowish-brown, as also some blotches on the side of the breast;
middle of back brown, streaked with black ; white on wings and tail much more
restricted.

This species varies much in color; and the male in full plumage is seldom, if ever,
seen within the limits of the United States.

Length, about six and seventy-five one-hundredtbs inches ; wing, four and thirty-
tive one-hundredt".is ; tail, three and five one-hundredths inches; first quill longest.

This is a very common winter visitor in all parts of Now
England, but is most abundant in localities near the soa-
coast. I have seen flocks of hundreds of individuals in the
marshes in Plymouth County, Mass., and have almost
always noticed that they were accompanied by Shore-larks
and Redpolls. They feed on seeds of various wild plants

THE SNOW BUNTING.

297

and small shell-fish, and become, during their stay hero,
very fat, and are accounted as delicato oatii.g by epicures,
for whose tables they are killed in great numbers.

The following interesting account of the habits of tliis
species is b^ Wilson. It is partly compiled from the observu-
tious of Mr. Peimant : —

"These birds," says Mr. Peunant, "inhabit, not only Greenland,
but even the dreadful climate of Spitzbergen wliere vegetation is
nearly extinct, and scarcely any but „^^ . _

ci'yptoyamous plants are found. It
tlierefore excites wonder, how birds
which are graminivorous in every
other than those frost-bound regions
subs' .,, yet are there found in great
Hocks, both on the laud and ice of
Spitzbergen. They annually pass
to this country by way of Norway ;
for, in the spring, flocks innumer-
able appear, especially on the Nor-
wegian isles, continue only three
weeks, and then at once disappear.
As they do not breed in Hudson's
Bay, it is certain that many retreat
to this last of lands, and totally uninhabited., to perform, in full
security; the duties of love, incubation, and nutrition. That they
breed in Spitzbergen is very probable ; but we are assured that
they do so in Greenland. They arrive there in April, and make
their nests in the fissures of the rocks on the mountains in May :
the outside of their nest is grass, the middle of feathers, and the
lining the down of thii arctic fox. They lay five eggs, — white,
spotted with brown : they oing finely near their nest.

" They arc caught by the boys in autumn, when they collect
near the shores in great flocks, in order to migrate, and are eaten
dried.

" In Europe, they inhabit, during summer, the most naked Lap-
land alps ; and descend in rigorous seasons into Sweden, and fill the
roads and fields, — on which account the Dalecarlians call them

'•>'*!

hT

mmmmr-m.jimu

208

OUNITUOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

lllwarsfogel, or bad-wtjatlicr binis ; tlio Upluiidcis, Jlurdwui $•
fixjeU exjjresoive of tlio sauie. Tho Lupluiulurs atyle them Alaipg.
Lcoms rciiiiirks, I know not with what fouiidaliou, that they fatten
on the flowing of the tides in Finmark, aud grow lean on the ebb.
The Laphiiiders take theiu in great numbers in hair springs, for the
tables ; their fh^sh being vory delicate.

" They seem to make the countries within the whole arctic circle
their summer residence, from whence they overflow the more south-
ern countries in amazing multitudes at the settiug-iu of winter in
the frigid zone. In the winter of 1778-71), they came in such mul-
titudes into Birsa, one of the Orkney Islands, as to cover tlie whole
barony ; yet, of all the numbers, hardly two agreed in colors.

" Lapland, and perhaps Iceland, furnishes the north of Britain
with the swarms that frequent these parts during whiter, as low
as the Cheviot Hills, in latitude 52^3"J'; their resting-places, the
Feroe Isles, Shetland, and the Orkneys. The Highlands of Scot-
land, in particular, abound with them. Their H'<rhts are immense;
and they mingle so closely together in foi'm of a ball, that the
fowlers make great havoc among them. They arrive lean, soon
become very fat, and are delicious food. They either arrive in the
Highlands very early, or a few breed there ; for I had one shot for
me, at luvercauld, the 4th of August. But there is a certainty of
their migration ; for multitudes of them fall, wearied with their
passage, on the vessels that are sailing through the Pentlaud
Firth.

" In their summer dress, they are sometimes seen in the south of
England, the climate not having severity sufficient to affect the
colors ; yet now and then a milk-white one appears, which is
usually mistaken for a white Lark.

" Russia and Siberia receive them in their severe seasons
annually, in amazing flocks, overflowing almost all Russia. They
frequent the villages, .and yield a most luxurious repast. They vary
there infinitely in their winter colors, are pure-white, speckled, and
even quite brown. This seems to be the influence of difference of
age, more than of season. Germany has also its share of them.
In Austria, they are caught and fed with millet, and afford the
epicure a treat equal to that of the Ortolan.

" These birds appear in the northern districts of the United States

IHK SNOW BUNTING.

2W

early in December, or with tlie first heavy snow, particularly if
drifted by high winds. They are usually oalh'd the Wliite Snowbird,
to distinguish them from the small dark-bluish Snowbird already
described. Their numbers increase with the increasing st'verity of
weather, and depth of snow. Flocks of them sometimes reach as
far south as the borders of Ma"yland ; and the whiteness of their
plumage is observed to be greatest towards the depth of winter.
They si)read over the Genesee country and the interior of the
District of Maine, Hying in close, compact bodies, driving about
most in a high wind ; sometimes alighting near the doors, but sel
dom sitting long, being a roving, restless bird. In these plentiful
regions, where more valuable game is abundant, they hold out no
temptation to the sportsman or hunter ; and, except the few caught
by boys in snares, no other attention is paid to them. They are,
however, universally considered as the harbingers of severe cold
weather. How far westward they extend I am unable to say.
One of the most intelligent and expert hunters, who accompanied
Captains Lewis and Clark on their expedition to the Pacific Ocean,
informs me that he has no recollection of seeing these birds in any
part of their tour, not even among the bleak and snowy regions of
*be Stony Mountains ; though the little blue one was in abundance.
" The Snow Bunting derives a considerable part of its food from
the seeds of certain aquatic plants, which may be one reason for its
preferring these remote northern countries, so generally intersected
with streams, ponds, lakes, and shallow arms of the sea, that proba-
bly abound with such plants. In passing down the Seneca River
towards Lake Ontario, late in the month of October, I was sur-
prised by the appearance of a large flock of these birds, feeding on
the surface of the water, supported on the tops of a growth of
weeds that rose from the bottom, growing so close together that out
boat could with great difficulty make its way through them. They
were running about with great activity ; and those I shot and ex-
amined were filled, not only with the seeds of this plant, but with a
minute kind of shell-fish that adheres to the leaves. In this kind
of aquatic excursions, they are doubtless greatly assisted by the
length of their hind heel and claws. I also observed a few on
Table Rock, above the Falls of Niagara, seemingly in search of the
same kind of food.

■ ... »..J|

■,^:*

300

OUNITHOLOOY AND OOLOOY.

Accfirdini; to tlie statcnients of thoso traders who liavo resided
near TTudson's Bay, the Snow Huntinirs are the earliest of their
migratory birds; appearing there altoiit the 11th of April, staying
about a month or five weeks, and proceeding farther north to breed.
Tliey return again in September, stay till November, when the
severe frosts drive them southward."

PLECTSOPRANES LAPPONICUS.
The Lapland Longspur.

• Se%.

Emberizn lapponica, Audubon. Orn. Hiop., IV. (1838) 472.
Pkctrophanes Inpponicus, " Sclby." Bon. List (1838).

Descriition.

First quill Ion?ri'-^t; Irgs blftck; lieiid all round blnck, this exfendinp as a snmi-
circular patcli to tlie upper part of breast; sides of lowor neo]< and under pnrta
white, with black streaks on the sides, and spots on the side of the breast; a short
l)rownish-white streak back of the eye; a broad chestnut collar on the back of the
neck; rest of upper parts brownish-yellow, streaked with dark-brown; outer tail
feathers white, except on the basal portion of the inner web.

This species is very seldom seen in ftiU spring plumage in the United States. In
perfect dress, the black of the throat probably extends further down over the breast.
In winter, the black is more or less concealed by whitish tips to the foathers beneath,
and by yellowish-brown on the crown. Some fall specimens, apparently females,
show no black whatever on the throat, which, with the under parts generally, are
dull-white, with a short black streak on each side of the throat.

I,en({th, about six and twenty-five one-hundredths inches; wing, three and
ninety one-hundredths; tail, two and eight one-hundredths.

This bird is found only as nii extremely rare winter
visitor in the interior of New England ; but in some local
ities on the seaboard it is not uncommon, associating
with flocks of Snow Bimtings. We are informed by Dr.
Richardson, that it breeds in the moist meadows on the
shores of the Arctic Sea. The nest is placed on a small
hillock, among moss and stones ; is compcsed externally
of the dry stems of grass, interwoven to a considerable
thickness ; and lined, very neatly and compactly, with doer's
hair. The eggs, usually seven, are pale ochre-yellow,
spotted with brown.

THE SAVANNAH SPARROW.

301

Suh-Famibj SriZKLMNyK. — The Sparrows.

Rill variablo, usually almost strnifjhti somptimpfl curvt'il ; commissure ficncrnllv
nonily strai^jhf, or .•ilif;litly cnncnve; upper mnndible wider tlinn lower; nostrils
exposed; wings niodenite; the outer primaries not much rounded; fail variable;
Ceet lar;;e; tarsi mostly longer than the middle toe.

'I'he species are usually small, and of dull color. Nearly all are streaked on the
hack and crown; often on the belly. None of the United-States species have any
red, blue, or orange; and the yellow, when present, is as a superciliary streak, or on
fhe elbow edge of the wing.

PASSERCULUS, Bonapaktr.

Pnnserailtu, BoNAPAnTE, Comp. List Birds (1838;. (Tyiie I'rinrjUlit Sdviinnrt.)
Bill moderately conical; the lower mandible smaller; both outlines nearly
straight; tarsus about equal to the middle toe; lateral toes about equal, their claws
falling far short of the middle one; hind toe much longer than the lateral ones,
reaching as far as the middle of the middle claw; its claws moderately cur\-ed;
wings unusually long, reaching to the middle of the tail, and almost to the end of the
upper coverts; the tcrtials nearly or quite as long as the primaries; the first primary
longest; the tail is quite short, considerably shorter than the wings, as long as
from the carpal joint to the end of the secondaries; it is emarginate, and slightly
rounded; the feathers pointed and narrow.

Kntire plumage above, head, neck, back, and nimp, streaked; thickly .streaked
beneath.

PASSEECULUS SAYkVVIA. — Bonnpnrte.

The Savannah Sparrow.

Fringilla Savanna, Wilson. Am. Om., III. (1811) 55. And. Om. Biog., 11.
(1834)63; V. (1839), 516.

Passerciiliis Savanna, Bonaparte. List (1838).

.1

^f.

-;,«

■ (4

r -

DEscnimoN.

Feathers of the upper parts generally with a central streak of blackish-brown;
the streaks of the back with a slight rufous suffusion laterally; the feathers edged
with gray, which is lightest on the scapulars; crown with a broad median stripe of
yellowish-gray ; a superciliary streak from the bill to the back of the head, eyelids,
andedgeof the elbow, yellow; a yellowish-white maxillary stripe curving behind
the ear coverts, and margined above and below by brown; the lower margin is a
series of thickly crowded spots on the sides of the throat, which are also found on
the sides of the neck, across the upper part of the breast, and on the fides of the
body; a few spots on the throat and chin; rest of under parts white; outer tail
feather and primarj' ed^'cd with white.

Length, five and fifty one-hundredths inches; wing, two and seventy one-hun-
Iredths inches; tail, two and ten one-hundredths inches.

302

OUNITIIOLOfiY AM) OOl.OOV,

'I'liis bird sooms to l)o ratln^r irroeiilarly tlisfriljutpii
flimugliout New Eii<rliin(l in tlio suninier season. In tlic
eastorii part of Massaolmsotts, it is qiilto common ; in
the western part, "chiefly a spring and summer visitant,"
Init "not common." Mr. Allen has never found it breed-
ing in the neighborhood of Springfield ; but, in the ncighbof-
hood of the seacoast in the same State, it is abundant in
the breeding season. On the contrary, in Elaine, it is not
very common near the seacoast; but in the interior, even
as far as the western Itorders, it is one of the most plentiful
of Sparrows. It arri\'cs in Massachusetts as early as the
first week in April ; in Maine, seldom before the middle of
that month. About the first week in May in Massachnsetts,
and later as we advance north, the birds commence build-
ing. The nest is placed on the ground, usually \ander a
tussock of grass : it is constructed of fine grasses and
roots, which are bent and twined together rather neatly;
and the whole is lined with hairliko roots and fine grass.
The eggs are xisually four in number, grayish-whito in color,
and covered irregularly with spots of umber-brown and lilac.
Their form varies from long and slender to quite short
and thick : their dimensions vary from .76 by .60 to .72 by
.58 inch. Two broods are often reared in the season. This
species rather prefers pastures and fields at a distance from
houses for a home to their more immediate neighborhood.

On the seaboard, this species is most often found on or
near the sandy beaches, where it is observed busily glean-
ing, in the seaweed and little bunches of beach-grass, the
insects and mollusks that are found there. In the interior,
it prefers the dry, sandy fields and pastures, where, running
about with great rapidity, its white outer tail feathers spread,
it is always industrious in its search for coleopterous insects
and seeds.

The female, when the nest is approaclied, leaves it, and
runs limping off, her wings extended, uttering the chatter-
ing cry peculiar to the Sparrows.

THF, ORASS FINCH.

Tlio lualc, (liiriii;; tlio iimliiiir and the ciiily part of tin'
r)roc(iiii^ soivsoii, lius n V(>ry swci't uiid prolty soii^ wliicli ho
chants most often nt niorninj^ and oarly cvoiiinu:, and diiriii^
dark and cloudy woathor.

'Tliis sonj^ is difficult of description : it roscnil»lcs nearly
the syllables 'vhrnu'c. 'chrwitt \;hciriff 'chcwitt ^rhenu'ct V'/nvr/^c,
Uttered slowly and plaintively. It has also a short cliirp,
quite faint, yet shrill, which, as Mr. Nuttall truly remarks,
almost exactly resembles the chirping of a cricket.

AI)ont the first week in October, this species fiathora in
small, det.ached flocks; and, after frequenting the 8tnbi)le-
(lelds and gardens a week or two, the wliolo leave for the
South.

POOCiETES, lUiitn.

Hill rattier Inrp;c ; upper outline sliglitty <lecurv-ed towards tlie end, lower straiRht ;
commissure sti^'htly concave; tarsus about equal to ttie middle toe; outer toe a
little longer tlian tlie inner, its claw reaching to the concealed base of the middle
claw, hind toe rendiing to the middle of the middle claw; win;^s unusually long,
reaching to the n\i(ldlo of the tail, as far as the coverts, and pointed, the primaries
considerably longer than tlie secondaries, which are not niudi surpassed by the
tertiariHs; second and third quills longest; first little shorter, about equal to the
•burth. shorter than the tail; tho outer feathers scarcely shorter; the feathers rather
stiff, aacli one acuminate and sharply pointed; the feathers broad nearly to the end,
when they arc obliquely truncate; streaked with brown above everj'where; beneath,
(O the breast and sides; the lateral tail feather is white.

;;:il^'

POOCJETES GEAMINEUS. - linh-d.

The Grass Finch; Bay-winged Bunting.

f'Ttnijitla grnminen, Gmelin. Syst. Nat., I. (1788) 922. Aud. Om. Riog., I.
1881, 473; V. 502.
Fmherizn graminen, Wilson. Am. Orn., IV. (1811) 51.

De-scriition.
I an feathers rather acute; above light yellowish-brown; the feathers everywhere
streal^ed abruptly with dark-brown, even on the sides of the neck, which are paler;
t)eneatli yellinvish-white; on the breast and sides of neck and body streaked with
brown, a faint lifclit superciliarj* and maxillary stripe; the latter margined above
aud below with dark-brown; the upper stripe continued around the ear eovert-s
which are darkor than the brown color elsewhere; wings with the shoulder light
chestnut-brown, and with two dull-whitish bands along the ends of the coverts; the
outer edge of the secondaries also is white; outer tail feather, and edge and tin
of the second, Tthite.

804

OUNITIIOLOGY AND (>(JLO(iV.

I.cnjftli, flliniit ii|x nml twcnty-rtve oiH'-liiimlri'dthi InchMi wing, thwe and tin
ono-liiiiiilri'illli'< iiiclu'K.

HiIj. — I'liitiMl SlatuH IVoiii Allaiitic to tin- I'lirillc; or elao one uppfieii to tht> hi^U
contnl pliiiii", mid nnotlier from tlii.s to tliu i'acitlc.

This sparrow in al)iiii(lantly distrilnitod throiiglioiit New
Fiiffland in tlio hrcoding sea.soii. It arrives about tlio first
wt'(;i< in April, and conmioncos l)iiildinj^ al»ont tho last of
that inonlii in MasHacliUHctts ; in Maine, about the first
of Juno. Tlio nest, like that of tho preceding species, is
liuilt in open, dry pastures and fields, at the foot of a tuft
of grass, and is coin|)os('d of tlie same materials and con-
stnu;tod in tlie sumo form as the others; and I won)' here
remark, that, of our N'ew-Eiit^laiul sparrows, it is impossible
to distinguish most species, either in manner and material
of nest, and form and color of eggs, in the great variations
whieh exist in them. The descriptions already given, and
those which follow, are made from the average specimens,
or in the forms in which they are most often met. The
eggs of tho Grass Finch are usually about four in number :
they are of a grayish, livid-white color, and marked irregu-
larly with sjKjts of obscure brown, over which are blotches
of l)lack. Dimensions of specimens from various localities
vary from .88 by .60 to .70 by .58 inch. Two broods, and
somotimes three, are roared in the season.

Ihe habits of this and tho succeeding species so much
resemble those of tho preccdiiig, that it is diflicult to
describe cither so that they may bo readily recognized.
The present bird is more civilized in its haltits, and usually
resides much nearer the habitations of man than the others ;
but in other respects it resembles them in all their charac-
teristics.

COTURNICULTIS, Bonapabte.

Cotemiculuf, Bonapartf, Gcor. List (1838). (Type Frint/illa paeserina, Wila.)
Hill very large and stout; tho under mandible broiulcr, but lower than the upper,
which is considerably convex at the basal portion of its upper outline; lep* mod-
orate, apparently not reaching to the end of the tail ; the tarsus appreciably longer

TIIK YKIJ,OW-WIN(»KD MI'AllltOW.

nOo

than the mliMIr ton; llu' liitornl fnrt ('i|iml, ninl with tlnir ilaw-t tailing,' ili'iiili'illy
dliort of the niiiMli; cluw; Out hind lim intiTnuMliiiti' hetwron thii two; ihi- winit" iiru
nhort and rnuniloil, ri'tichiii); to tliii lin'<i> ot' lliu tail; tlic d rliai'l<"< iilini»t ii^ hmn lu
thi! prirniirics; ti't much (lltfiTi'Mcn in tho Icnirth* ot' tlii! priniarii'?*, iillhiiii;;h iho
miter Ihreo or I'Mir aro cli^rhtly j;railimt(il ; tli« tail it short iiml niirriiw, clirjilMlly
shorfur than the \\\i\n, nr-MluatM lutiTHlly, hut BliKhlly cinar^iinutis thu teathi'r.t all
lanccolatu and atiito, hut not slidrnod, nn In Ammmln'miit.

The upper partt ^jenerolly uru .strcaUod; the hlotchc* on the liitrricapidar roKi"n
very wide; thu hrcatt and sidi's arc gciiu'rally strcakccl morn or lets dittiiu'tly ; the
edjt« of the wing is yellow.

COTUHNICULUS PASSERINUS. - ll',w<,„irU:.
The Tellow-winged Sparrow.

Fnnyilln pnMtrinn, Wilson. Am. Orn., III. (1811) 76. Aud. Orn. Bioj;., II
(1884) 180; V. 497.

Oitnrnkuhu prtfterinn, nonapnrte. Mat (18!18).

t'ririi/illd HamiKtrum ((imi'lin), Nuttall. Man., I, (1812) 4'J4. /A. (2d ed.,
Ifi40), (,70.

Dkschumion.

Feathers of the upper parts brownish-rufous, margined narrowly and abruptly
with ash-c'olor; reddest on tho lower part of the hack iiiid rump; the fciitlierH all
uhniptly black in tho central portion; this color visible on tlie inlcrscipular region,
where the ruCous is more restricted; crown blaekisli, witli a central and superciliary
stripe of yellowish tinged with brown, brightest in from of tho eye; bend of tho
wing bright-j'.llow; lesser coverts tinged with greenish-yellow; quills and tail
feathers edged with whitish; tertiaries much variegated; lower parts hmwnisli-
yellow, nearly white on the middle of tho belly; the feathers of tho upper breast
and sides of the body with obsoletely darker centres.

Length, about live inches; wing, two aud forty ono-hundrcdihs inches; tail, two
inches.

Tho young of this species has the upper part of tho breast streaked with black,
much more distinct than in tho adult, and exhibiting a close resenililance to C. Ilvns-
Imei.

Specimens from the Far West have the reddish of the back considerably paler;
the light stripe on the head, with scarcely any yellow; a decided spot in front
of the eye quite yellow.

ti\

This bird is irregularly distributed. In Massachusetts it
is rare near the seacoast, but iu the westeru })art is an
" abundant summer visitant ; arrives about the first week
in May, and leaves in autumn the earliest of the Sparrows."
— Allen. It is not included in Mr. Vorrill's list of Maine
birds ; and I have never met witli it in tliat State or the
other two northern ones, although it probably occurs there,

20

300

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

but not abuiulantly. The nest is built, like the two preced
ing species, on the ground, in the same localities, and of the
same materials ; but the eggs are different, being pure-whito
in color, with thinly scattered spots of reddish-brown : they
are usually five in number, and their dimensions vary from
.78 by .00 to .74 by .58 inch. Two broods are often reared
in the same season. Its habits are similar to those of tho
Savannah Sparrow.

COTUESICULUS HENSLOWI. — BmaparU.
Hnnslow's Bunting.

Emberka ITen$lowl, Audubon. Orn. Biog., I. (1631) 360. Nutt. Man., I. (1882)
A pp.

C(y«rntc«/us //cn«Wi', Bonaparte. List (1838). 76., Consp. (1850), 481.
FringiUa ITenslom, Nuttidl. Man., I. (2d ed., 1840) 671.

Dc'CRIFnON.

Upper parts yellowish-brown ; tiie head, neck, and upper parts of back tinged
with greenish-yellow; interscapular feathers dark-brown, suffused externally with
bright brownish-red; each feather with grayish borders; tertiaries, rump, and tail
featliers abruptly dnrk-brown centrally, the color obscurely margined with dark-red;
crown with a broad black spotted stripe on each side, these spots continued down
to the back; two narrow b'ack maxillary stripes on ecch side the head, and an
obscure black crescent behind the auriculars; under parts light brownish-yellow,
palor on the throat and abdomen ; the upper part of the breast, and the sides of the
body, conspicuously streaked with black; edge of wing j-ellow; a strong tinge of
pale-chcstnut on the wings and tail.

Length, five and twenty-five one-hundredths inches; wing, two and fifteen one-
hundredths inches; tail, two and fifteen one-hundredths inches.

Tliis bird is a rare summer resident in New England as
far north as Massachusetts, in which state it probably breeds
regularly in certain localities. A nest found in Berlin,
Mass., by Mr. E. S. Wheeler, contained four eggs. Mr.
Allen says that " this species must still be considered a rare
summer visitor, though it proves more common than was
supposed a few years since."

Individuals are occasionally found in the eastern part of
the state, and their nests discovered. Mr. Maynard con-
jectures that it may have been confounded with the yellow-
winged sparrow by some collectors.

THE SHARP-TAILED FINCH.

307

AAfMODROMUS, Swainson.

Ammodromut, Swainson, Zool. Jour., III. 1827. (Type Oriuliu caudacutiu,
Ginelin.)

Hill very long, slender, and attenuated, considerably-curved towards the tip above ;
the {jonys straight ; the legs and toes are very long, and reach considerably beyond
the tip of the short tail; the tarsus is about equal to tli« elongated middle toe; the
lateral toes equal, their claws falling considerably short of the base of the middle
one; the hind claw equal to the lateral one; wings short, reaching only to the base
of the tail; much rounded; the secondaries and tertials equal, and not much shorter
than the primaries; the tail is short, and graduated laterally, each fcither stift'ened,
lanceolate, and acute.

Cbtor. — Streaked above and across the brpast; very faintly on the sides.

id fifteen one-

AMMODSOMUS CAUDACDTUS. — Sioatn«on.

The Sharp-tailed Finch.

Oriolut caudacutiu. Gm., I. (1788) 394.

Fringilla cmuiacuta, Wilson. Am. Orn., IV. (1811) 70. Aud. Om. Biog., II.
(1884) 281; V. 499.

Ammodromus caudacuius, Swainson. Birds, II. (1837) 289.
Fringilla liUoralis, Nuttall. Man., I. (1832) 504 (2d ed., 1840, 590).

Description.

Upper parts brownish-olivaceous; head brownish, streaked with black on the
sides, and a broad central stripe of ashy; back blotched with durker; a broad
superciliary and maxillarj' stripe, and a band across the upper breast buff-yellow;
the sides of the throat with a brown stripe; the upper part of the breast and the
sides of the body streaked with black; rest of under parts white; edge of wing
yellowish-white.

The young is of a more yellowish tinge above and below; the streaks on the
back more conspicuous; the scapular feathers without the whitish edging.

Length, five inches ; wing, two and thirty one-hundredths inches.

Hab. — Atlantic Coast of the United States.

a
??

Massachusetts seems to be the northern limit of this spe-
cies. In this State and those south, it is not uncommon ;
but it is confined to the districts in the neighborhood of the
coast, and is never found more than a mile or two from
those localities in the breeding season. About the last
week in May, the nest is built : this is placed in a tussock
of grass above the tide-marks, and is constructed of coarse
grasses, which are woven into a strong fabric, and lined with
finer grasses and seaweed. The eggs are generally five in

Mt>-

308

ORNITHOLOr.Y AND OOLOGY.

miinbcr. Tlioir color is a bluish-wliito, which is covoroil
with fine brown dots : these dots are coarser in some spc'ci-
mens, and almost continent near the greater end. Dimen-
sions vary from .80 by .04 inch to .70 by .00 inch. But one
brood is generally reared in the season in this latitude.

The description, by Wilson, of the habits of the Seaside
Pinch is so applicable to this species, that I give it here :
"It inhabits the low, rush-covered sea islands along our,
Atlantic Coast, where I first found it; keeping almost con-
tinually within the boundaries of tide-water, except when
long and violent east and north-easterly storms, with higii
tides, compel it to ceek tho shore. On these occasions, it
courses along the margin, and among the holes and inter-
stices of the weeds and sea-wrack, with a rapidity equalled
only by the nimblest of our Sand-pipers, and very much in
their manner. At these times, also, it roosts on the ground,
and runs about after dusk.

" This species derives its whole subsistence from the sea.
I examined a great number of individuals by dissection,
and found their stomachs universally filled with fragments
of shrimps, minute shell-fish, and broken limbs of small
sea-crabs. Its flesh, also, as was to be expected, tasted of
fish, or what is usually termed sedgy. Amidst the re-
cesses of these wot sea-marshes, it seeks the rankest growth
of grass and seaweed, and climbs along the stalks of the
rushes with as much dexterity as it runs along the ground,
which is rather a singular circumstance, most of our
climliers being rather awkward at running."

AMMODEOMUS MAHITIMUS. — Swntnson.
The Seaside Finch.

Frlngitta maritima, Wilson. Am. Om., IV. (1811) 68. Aud. Orn. Biog., I. (1831).
AmmcKlrnmus maritimus, Swainson. Zool. Jour., III. (1827) 328.
Frinr/illa (Ammodromm) maritima, Nuttall. Man., I. (2d ed., 1840) 592.
Fririi/iUa MacyilUvrayi, Audubon. Orn. Biog., It. (1834) 285; IV. (1838) 394i
V. (1839) 499.

Fringilla {Ammixlrflrmts) MacgiUivrayi, Nuttall. Man., I. (2d ed., 1840) 593.

THE WHITE-CUOWNED SPAUUOW.

GOO

DKaCllUTION.

Above olivaceous-brown; bcneuth wliitc; the breast and siJoa of bi Jy jtUowisli-
browii, obsoletely streaked with plumbeous; sides ot'liead and bndy, a central stripe
on the head above, a maxillary stripe, and indistinct lonj;it):dinal streaks on the
breast, ashy-brown ; the sides and the breast tin;.^ed '.viiii yrllowish; the niaxillury
stripe cuts off a white one above it; u superciliary stripe h bri^jht-yellow anterior to
tin ej'e, and pi' ibeous above and behind it; edge of winj; yellow; bill blue.

Length, about six inches; wing, two and fifty one-bundredths in':hes.

This bird's habits and distribution are the same as those
of the preceding species, as also are the nests and eggs,
which are impossible of identification when placed side by
side.

ZONOTRICIIIA, SwAiNsoN.

Zonotrichia, Swainsom, Fauna Bor. Am., II. (1831). (Type EniLenza kucophrys.)
Body rather stout ; bill conical, slightly notched, somewhai compressed, excavated
inside; the lower mandible rather lunger than the upper; gonys slightly convex;
commissure nearly straight; feet stout; tarsus lather longer than middle toe; the
lateral toes very nearly equal; hind toe longer than the lateral ones, their claws just
reaching to base of middle one; inner claw contained twice in its toe proper; claws
nil slender and considerably curved; wings moderate, not reaching to the middle of
the tail, but beyond the rump; secondaries and tertials equal and considerably less
than longest primaries; second and third quills longest; first about equal to the fifth,
much longer than tertials; tail rather long, moderately rounded; the feathers not
verj' broad; back streaked; rump and under parts immaculate; head black, or with
white streaks, entirely diti'erent from the back.

ZONOTBICHIA LEUCOFHBTS. — SwainsM.

The White-crowned Sparrow.

Emberiza letwqphrys, Forster. I'liilos. Trans., LXII. (1772) 382, 428. Wils. Am.
Om., IV. (1811)49.

Frinyilla (Zonotrichia) leucophnjs, Swainson. F. B. Am., II. (1831) 255.
Frinyilta lettcophrys, Audubon. Om. Biog., II. (1834) 88; V. 515.

Dksckiition.

Head above, upper half of loral region from the bill, and a narrow line through
and behind the eye to the occiput, black ; a longitudinal patch in the middle of the
crown, and a short line from above the anterior comer of the eye, the two confluent
on the occiput, white; sides of the head, fore part of breast, and lower neck all
-ound. pale-nsh, lightest beneath and shading insensibly into the whitish of the belly
and chin; sides of belly and under tail coverts tinged with yellowi.-h-brown; inter-
scapular region streaked broadly with dark chestnut-brownish ; edges of the tertiarie*
brou'nish-ehestnut; two white bands on the wing.

I; ^ i

ii!»

^

810

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

■•'omiile similar, l)iit smaller; immature male with tiio black of the head replaced
by dark chestnut-brown, the white tm^ieil with brownish-yellow.

The white of the crown separates two black lines on either sides, rather narrower
than it.sclf; the black line behind the eye is continued anterior to it into the black
at the base of the bill; the lower eyelid is white; there are some obscure cloudings
of darker on the neck above; the rump is immaculate; no white on the tail, except
very obscure tips; the white crosses the ends of the middle and (rreatci coverts.

Length, seven and ten one-hundredths inches; wing, three and tvc ity-tive one-
hundredths.

Tliis lieautiful bird is a rare spring and autumn visitor
in New England. It arrives about the first week in May,
sometimes as late as the 20th of that month, and returns
from the North about the 10th of October. While with
us, it lias all the habits of the succeeding species, with
which it usually associates.

The following description of its breeding habits, nest, and
eggs, is given by Audubon : —

" One day, while uear American Harbor, in Labrador, I observed
a pair of these birds rep . rting to a small ' hummock * of firs, where
I concluded they must have had a nest. -A fter searching in vain, I
intimated my suspicion to my young fi-iends, when we all crept
through the tangled branches, and examined the place without suc-
cess. . . . Our disappointment was the greater, that we saw the
male bird frequently flying about with food in his bill, no doubt
intended for his mate. In a short while, the pair came" near us,
and l)oth were .siiot. In the female we found an egg, which was
pure-white, but with the shell yet soft and thin. On the 6th of
July, while my son was creeping among some low bushes to get a
shot at some Red-throated Divers, he accidentally started a female
from her nest. It made much complaint. The nest was placed in
the moss, near the foot of a low fir, and was formed externally of
beautiful dry green moss, matted in bunches, like the coarse hair
of some quadruped ; internally of very fine dry grass, arranged
with great neatness to the tliickness of nearly half an inch, with a
full lining of delicate fibrous roots of a rich transparent yellow.
It was five inches in diameter externally, two in depth ; two and a
quarter in diameter within, although rather oblong, and one and
three-quarteis diiep. In one nest, we found a single featlier of the
Willow Grouse. The eggs, five in number, average seven-eighths

THE WKITE-TimOATED SPAnUOW.

:ni

of an iiicli in length, are proportionally broad, of a light soa-gropii
color, mottled toward the larger end with brownish spots and
blotches ; a few spots of a lighter tint being dispersed over the
whole. . . . We found many nests, which were all placed on tlus
ground or among tiie moss, and were all constructed alike. This
species deposit their eggs from the beginning to the end of June.
In the beginning of Au[;ust, I saw many young that were able to
fly ; and, by the twelfth of that month, the birds had already com-
menced their southward migration. The young follow their parents
until nearly full grown.

" The food of this species, while in Labrador, consists of small
coleopterous insects, grass seeds, and a variety of berries, as well
as some minute shell-fish, for which they frequently search the mar-
gins of ponds or the seashore. At the approach of autumn, they
pursue insects on the wing to a short distance, and doubtless secure
some in that manner."

The "^ong of the White-crowned Sparrow consists of six
or seven notes, the first of which is loud, clear, and musi-
cal, although of a plaintive nature ; the nexi broader, less
firm, and seeming merely a second to the first; the rest
form a cadence, diminishing in power to the last note, which
sounds as if the final eRbrt of the musician. These notes
are repeated at short intervals during the whole day, — even
on those dismal days produced by the thick fogs of the
country where it breeds, and where this species is, of all,
the most abundant.

r
a:

ZONOTRICHIA ALBICOLLIS. — 5(^n«/)a,<e,

The White-throatftd Sparrow; Peabody Bird.

Fringiila aUncoUis, Gmelin. Syst. Nat., I. (1788) 926. VVila. Am. Orn., III.
^811) 51.

ZomtricMa albicollia, Bonap. Consp. (1850), 478.

Frinyilla Pennsylva.iica, Audubon. Orn. Biog., I. (1831) 42; V. 49T.

Desckution.

Two black stripes on tbe crown separated by a median one of wliito ; a broad
superciliary stripe from the base o." tlie mandible to the occiput, yellow as far as
the middle of the eye and white behind this; a broad black streak on the side of ilia

312

OKNITHOLOUY AND OOLOGY.

Iiuad i'rom behind the eye; chin white, abruptly defined against the dai'li-.-;''') of
llic sides (if tbu head and upper part of the breast, fading into white on tlie belly,
uiid margined by a narrow black maxillary line; edge of wing and axillarics j'ellow;
back and edges of secondaries rul'uus-brown, the former streaked with dark-brown
two narrow white tjands across the wing coverts.

Female smidler, and the colors mther duller, hnmaturu and winter specimens
have th(^ white ehiii-palch less abruptly defined; the white markings on the top and
sides of the head tinged with brown. Some specimens, apparently mature, show
(juite distinct streaks on the breast, and sides of throat and body.

Length, seven inches; wing, three and ten one-hundredtlis; tail, three and twenty
one-liundredths inches.

This beautiful Sparrow arrives in Massachusetts by the
last week iu April. It docs not tarry long, but passes
)K»ith, and breeds abundantly in the northern districts of

New England. I have
found the nests as early
as the last week iu May ;
but generally they are
not built before the 10th
of June. They are
placed under a low bush
on the ground, some-*
times in swamps and
pastures, sonjetimes in
high woods and ledges.
They are constructed of
fine grasses, twigs, and
mosses, and lined with
finer grasses, and sometimes a few hair-like roots. Some
specimens that I have collected in Northern Maine were
placed in a hollow in a mossy knoll, which was scratched
by the birds to the depth of the whole nest. The eggs are
usually four in number : their color is a grayish-white, and
marked with spots and confluent blotches of brown and
obscure lilac. A number of specimens, collected in differ-
ent localities in Maine, exliibit the following variations iu
size : .92 by M inch, .92 by .60 inch, .90 by .62 inch, .86
l)y .62 inch, liut one brood is reared in the season. This

JUNCO.

;5i:3

three and twenty

bird is a great favorite iu the North, and justly so. It is
one of the sweetest songsters of the locaUties where it
is found ; and, having no bad precedents with the farmer,
and being of a sociable, lively disposition, it is no wonder
that it meets with great favor.

The song of this species is very beautiful. It is difficult of
description, but resembles nearly the syllables ^elU-a dee de;
de-d-ih',-de-d-de, de-d-de, de-d-de, uttered at first loud and
clear, and rapidly falling in tone and decreasing in volume.

This is chanted during the morning and the latter part of
tlie day, and, in cloudy weather, through the whole day. 1
have often heard it at different hours of the night, when
1 have been encamped in the deep forests ; and the effect, at
that time, was indescribably sweet and plaintive. The fact
that the bird often sings in the night has given it the name
of the " Nightingale " in many localities ; and the title is
well earned.

While in its spring and autumn migrations, this Sparrow
prefers low moist thickets and young woods ; but, in its sum-
mer home, it is found equally abundant in fields, pastures,
swamps, and forests.

It feeds on insects, various seeds, and berries, and some-
times pursues flying insects in the manner of the preceding
species.

Aboiit the last week in October, the birds, after congre-
gating in loose flocks of a dozen or fifteen, leave New Eng-
land for their winter homes.

1

Ma

I 'A

^'4

JUNCO, Wagler.

Junco, Wagler, Isis (1831). (Type Fnngilla cinerea, Sw.)
Bill small, conical; culmen curved at the tip; the lower jaw quite as high as the
upper; tarsus longer than the middle toe: outer toe longer than the inner, barely
caching to the base of the middle claw; hiud toe reaching as far as the middle of
the latter; extended toes reaching about to the middle of the tail; wings rather
short, reaching over the basal fourth of the exposed surface of the tail ; primaries,
however, considerably longer than the nearly equal secondaries 8"d tertials; tlie
second quill longest, the third to fifth succes"'"-' •■ "''tie shorter; first longer than
sixth, much exceeding secondaries; tail \ .ittle shorter than the wings;

314

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

llightly cinarfriiiatc and rounded ; fciitlicr.s ratlicr nnrrt w, oval nt the end , no Htreaki
on the head or l.od /; color above unitbrni on tho lieiid, back, or nanp, separately or
on all together; ocily wliite; outer tail t'ealhcrs white.

Tho L'.sHential characters of this genus are, the middle toe rather thortcr than the
short tarsus; the latcrol toes slightly unequal, the outer reaching tho ba«o of
the middle cliiw; the tail a little ."horter than the wings, slightly emnrginate. lu
Juncu ciiiereut the claws are lunger; the lower ";sandib;3 a little lower than the
ii|i|i'r; the species have the upper parts ashy oi p'umbcous, the belly and lateral
tail feathers white.

JONCO HYEMxl ■ . — .' cL r.

The Snowbird,

Fnngilla hyemalis, Linnaius. Syst. Nat., L (10th ed., 1758) 183. Aud. Cm. Biog.,
. (1831)72; V. 505.

J unco hyemalis, Sclater. Pr. Zool. Soc. (1857), 7.
FnnyiUa nicalU. Wils., IL (1810) 129.

Desckiftiok.

Everywhere of a grayish or dark ashy-black, deepest anteriorly; the middle ol
the breast behind and of the belly, the under tail coverts, and first and second exter-
nal tail feathers, white; the third tail feather white, margined mth black.

Length, six and twenty-live one-huuilredths inches; wing, about three inches.

This interestiiifr aud well-known littlo species is an abun

dant inhabitant of New Eng-
land. Intlio spring it migrates
from tlie southern districts,
where it spends the winter, to
the northern sections, and late
in fall returns to its winter
home. A few pairs breed in
Massachusetts on the Holyoke
Mountains, and in New Hamp-
shire on the White Mountains :
but the great numbers pass to
the nortliern districts to spend
I'- the summer ; and near the Um-
K bagog lakes, and nortli to the
Canada frontier, it is the most
common species. I have been
so fortunate as to find a number of the nests: some had eggs
as early as the last week in May, and others as late as tho

.Snowbird, uppor Hg.
Song Sparrow, lower fig.

THE SNOWBIRD.

315

middle of July ; therefore two broods are probably reared.
The nests are constructed of fine grasses and leaves, ami
are placed sometimes in a slight hole scratched iu a mossy
knoll, sometimes in an old stump of a tree or iu a tuft of
grass in a thicket of bushes. Tlie eggs are usually fiMir in
lunuber: they vary in color from nearly pure-white witli
reddish spots, to grayish-white with reddish-brown spots, and
l)luisli-white with a roseate tint and spots of umber, reddish-
brown, and lilac. Dimensions vary from .70 by .00 inch to
.70 by .56 inch.

The description by Wilson of the habits of this species is
so full and accurate that I can do no better than give it
here : —

"Tliia well-kuowu species, small and iusiguificant as it may
appear, is by far the most numerous, as well as the most extensively
disseminated, of all the feathered tribes that visit us from the frozen
regions of the North, — their migrations extending from the arctic
circle, and probably beyond it, to the shores of the Gulf of Mev.ico-,
spreading over the whole breadth of the United States, from the
Atlantic Ocean to Louisiana ; how much farther westward, I am
unable to say. About the 20th of October, they make their first
appearance in those parts of Pennsylvania east of the Alleghany
JNIountains. At first they are most generally seen on the borders
of woods among the falling and decayed leaves, in loose flocks of
thirty or forty together, always taking to the trees when disturbed.
As the weather sets in colder, they approach nearer the farm-house
and villages ; and, on the appearance of what is usually called fall-
ing weather, assemble in larger flocks, and seem doubly diligent in
searching for food. This increased activity is generally a sure prog-
nostic of p storm. When deep snows cover the ground, they
become almost half domesticated. They collect about the barn,
stables, and other out-houses, spread over the yard, and even round
the steps of the door, not only in the country and villages, but
iu the heart of our large cities ; crowding around the threshold
early in the morning, gleaning up the crumbs ; appearing very lively
and familiar. They have also recourse, at this severe season, when
Uie face of the earth is shut up from them, to the seeds of many

."K;

OUNITHOLOOY AND OOLOOY.

kiii(].-( of weeds that still line above the biiow in isomers of fieUls,
iiiid low, shelten.'d Hituatioas, uloiig the borders of crocks and fences,
where they asHociate with several otlujr species of Spurrows. They
are, at this time, easily caught with almost any kind of trap ; are
generally fat, ant!, it is said, are excellent eating.

" I cannot but consider this bird as the most numerous of its
tribe of any within the United States. From the northern parts
"f the District ' of Maine to the Ogeechee River in Georgia, — a
distance, by the circuitous route in which I travelled, of more than
eighteen hundred miles. — I never passed a day, and scarcely a
mile, without seeing numbers of these birds, and frequently large
flocks of several thousands. Other travellers with whom I con-
versed, who had come from Lexington, in Kentucky, through Vir-
ginia, also declared that tiiey found these birds numerous along the
whole road. It should be observed, that the roadsides are their
favorite haunts, where many rank weeds that grow along the
fences furnish them with food, and the road with gravel. In
the vicinity of places where they were most numerous, I observed
a Small Hawk, and several others of his tribe, watching their
opportunity, or hovering cautiously around, making an occasional
sweep among them, and retiring to the bare branches of an old
cypress to feed on their victims. In the month of April, when the
weather begins to be warm, they are observed to retreat to
the woods, and to prefer the shaded sides of hills and thickets ; at
which time, the males warble out a few very low, sweet notes, and
are almost perpetually pursuing and fighting with each other.
About the 20th of April, they take their leave of our humble
regions, and retire to the North and to the high ranges of the Alle-
ghany to build their nests and rear their young. In some of those
ranges, in the interior of Virginia, and northward, about the wa-
ters of the west branch of the Susquehanna, they breed in great
numbers. The nest is fixed in the ground, or among the grass ;
sometimes several being within a small distance of each other.
According to the observations of the gentlemen residing at Hudson-
Bay Factory, they arrive there about the beginning of June, stay
a week or two, and proceed farther north to breed. They return
to that settlement in the autumn, on their way to the South.

1 Now State.

TIIR TREK SPARROW.

317

"In snmo parts of New Eii^jrlaml, I foiiiid tlio opinion pn>lfy
poneral, that tli" SnowMnl, in summer, is transf. 'ini('<l into flin
Small Chipping Sparrow, wiiidi wo find so common in that season.
I had convinced a gentleman of New York of his mistake in tliis
matter, by takinjj liim to the honsc of a Mr. Gantier tliere, who
amuses himself liy keeping a great numher of native ns well as
foreign birds. This was in the month of July ; and tin; Snow-
bird appeared then in the same coh)red phim.age he usually has.
Several individuals of tlu' Chipping Sparrow were also in the san\(<
apartment. The evidence was, therefore, irresistible ; but, as I
had not the same proofs to offer to the eye in New England, I had
not the same success.

"There must be something in the temperature of the blood or
constitution of this bird, which unfits it for residing, durinc sum-
mer, in the lower parts of the United States, as the country here
abounds with a great variety of food, of which, during its stay, it
appears to be remarkably fond. Or perhaps its habit of associating
in such numbers to breed, and building its nest with so little pre-
caution, may, to insure its safety, require a solitivry region, far from
the intruding footsteps of man."

,. M

SPIZELLA, Bo.NAPAHTK.

Spizella, Bonapaute, Geog. and Comp. List (1888). (Type FringiUa CinaJen-
iu, Lath.)

Bill conical, the outlines slightly cur\-ed; the lower mandible decidedly lower
than tlie upper; the commisaure gently sinuated; the roof of the mouth not
knobbed; feet slender; tarsus rather longer than the middle toe; the hinder toe a
little longer than the outer latenil, which slightly exceeds the inner; tlio outer claw
reaching the base of the middle one, and half as long as its toe; claws moderately
curved; tcrtiaries and secondaries nearly equal; wing somewhat pointed, reaching
not quite to the middle of the tail; first quill a little shorter than the second and
equal to the fifth, third longest; tail rather long, moderately forked, and divaricated
at the tip; the feathers rather narrow ; back streaked; rump and beneath immacu-
late; hood generally uniform.

The genus differs from Zimotrkhia in the smaller size, and longer and forksd
instead of rounded tail.

tl-

SPIZELLA MONTICOLA. — Baird.

The Tree Sparrow.

FringiUa monticola, Gmelin. Syst. Nat., L (1788) 012.

Fringilla Cttnadensia, Audubon. Orn. Biog,, II. (1834) 511 ; V. 604.

FringiUa arbwea, Wilson. Am. Orn., II. (1810) 12.

018

OIINITIIOLOOY AND OOLOOY.

DEsriiiiTio!*.

Middle of Imck with the frnlhern dark-hrnwn rontrnlly, then riifoin, and fd^Pil
with fmlwCiilvniiK (nomofimc!! with whitish). Ilnoil niiil up|MT pint nf niipo ccintiiiii-
uun ('lii'Hliiul ; II liiii^ t)( (III! nnini' Irniii lirhiiid tint I'vo; ^iilcn of head ami ni'ck a*hy;
A liioad li;;hl siipcrcili.iry bniul ; Ijiiicatli whilhli, with a cmnil lirciilar lilotch of
briiwnisli ill ihi^ iiiidilli) of .he upper purl of tlii! I)ri'n«t; im1j;i'« of tail li'allicru, pri-
mnrytpiilln, and two linnd* ncroiw the tipn of the gi'condarii'H, white ; tortiarii'ii nearly
blaik; od^od externally with riifoiiK, turninn to white near the tips; lower Jaw yel-
low ; upper liluck.

Thin Kpecii'H varies in the amount of whltifh od);lng to tlie quilN and tail.

Length, six and Iwenty-llvo onc-hundredths inches; wing, three inches.

iiih. — F.ttotom North America to the Missouri; also on Pole Creek and Llltit
Colorado Kivcr, New Mexico.

This species occurs in Now England only as a winter
visitor. It arrives from tlio North about the lust of October,
mid remains in swamps and sheltered thickets through the
winter, and imtil the first week in May. While with us, it
is gregarious, and often visits stubble-fields and gardens,
whore it foods upon the seeds of grasses and various weeds.
It has, at this season, a persistent twitter, which is uttered
by all the members of the flock at short intervals. As it
sometimes utters a sweet soft warble in the spring, it un-
doubtedly pos.ses.scs quite a song during the mating season.

It is not impossible that this bird sometimes breeds in
the most northern sections of these States ; but there is no
authenticated instance on record of its doing so. The bird
alluded to in the " Proceedings of the Boston Society of
Natural History" (vol. V. p. 213) was undoubtedly the
Chipping Sparrow.

The Treo Sparrow breeds, according to Mr. Hutchins,
around the Hudson's Bay settlements. " Its nest is placed
in the h(!rl)age, is formed externally of mud and dry
grass, and lined with soft hair or down, — probably from
plants, — in the manner of the Yellow-bird." The eggs
are about fi\e in number: they are of a liiiht grayish-bhie
color, and are marked with spots and blotches of two shades
of brown and red. To compare them with another species,
I would say that they almost exactly resemble sriiall speci-
mens of the eggs of the common Song Sparrow. They are

TlfK F/KLl) .SPAIIUOW.

319

oMito or ovoidiil in form, and average about .70 b) .'0 inch
ill (limciisiuiis.

SPIZELLA fVSlLLK.-Bnnnpnrlt.

Tbo Field Sparrow.

Fnngilla fnuilh, Wilson. Am. Orn., II. (IHIH) 121; And. Orn. ItioK . H. i.nai)
2bll.

S/iizella piifilln, Ilnnnporto. Mat (IH3H).

FiinyiUa jiman-um, Nuttall. Man., I. (1H32) 400. /«. (2.1 td., 1840), 677.

Uebchiption.

Hill red; crown rontiniiniis ruloiHrpd; buck nomcwlmt similar, dtrcakcd with
Ijjinkiiihi BiduH of lipnd and neck (including a supcrciliiiry stripe) ashy; car coverts
niliMw; bcncntli white, tinged witli yellowisli anteriorly; tail feathers and quilll
faintly cdi,'ii(l with white; two white bands across the win^ coverts.

This species is about the size of S. torialit, but is more rul'ous above; lacks the
hhick forehead and cyc-stripo; has chestnut cars insteiul of a.'th; has the bill red
instead of black; lacks the clear ash of the rump; has a longer tail, fee. It is
nmre like Afmillcdtit, but is much smaller; lacks the spot on the breast and tlio
predominance of white on the wings, &c. The young have the breast and sides
(Streaked.

Length, about five and sovcnty-five one hundredths inches; wing, two and thirty-
four one hundredths inches.

Ildb. — Kastcm North America to the Missouri River.

Tliis bird makes its appearance about the first week in
April, in Massachusetts, and soon scatters throughout New
England. It prefers dry bushy pastures and low open
woods, and is seldom found in the near vicinage of human
habitations.

The male sings during the season of incubation, and,
indeed, through nearly all the summer : mounted on a low
tree or fence-rail, ho utters his pleasing yet plaintive ditty
at early morning and evening, and, in dark and cloudy
weather, through the whole day. The song is a peculiar
warldc, something like the syllables, 'te 'ie 'cfe ^de ^de *de ^de
\l \l ^d dr, uttered at first low, and rapidly increasing, and
then decreasing in tone to a fain chatter, something like the
twitter of the Chipping Sparrow.

About the middle of May, the fir.-^t nest is built. It is con
structed of stalks of dried grass and fine twigs, is loosely
put together, and placed usually on the ground beneath a

m

R20

ORNITIIOLOOY AND OOLOGY.

l)usli, somotiinos in a bush : it is lined with fine grass and
horsehairs. Tlio eggs are usually four in numl)er : they arc
of a grayisli-wliito color, with thinly scattered spots and
blotches of reddish-brown and lavender ; and their dimen-
sions vary from .72 by .52 to .70 by .50 inch. Two broods
are reared in tlie season.

Early in September, these birds collect in loose flocks,
when they liave all tlio habits and notes of the Tree Spai--
row. In October, they all leave New England for the
Soutli. •

SFIZELLA SOCIALIS. — Bonaparte.

The Chipping Sparrow; Hair-bird.

Fr'mijilln socialis, Wilson. Am. Orii., II. (1810) 127; And. Cm. Biog., II. (18H4I
21; V. 517.

Sjiiniles sncialis, Cabanis. JIu3. Ilpin. (1851), 1.33.

Description,

Rump, back of neck, and pides of neck and head, ashy; interscapular region with
black streaks, maigined with palc-nubus; crown continuous and uiiifonn chestnut;
forehead black, .separated in the middle by white; a white streak over the eye, and
a black one from the base of the bill through and behind the eye; under parts un-
spotted whitish, tinged with ashy, especially across the npper breast; tail fi'athers
and primaries edged with paler, not white; two narrow white bands across the wing
coverts; bill black.

Length, five and seventy-five one-hundredths inches; wing, nearly three inches.

Hah. — North America, from Atlantic to Pacific.

This very common and well-known little species makes ii s
appearance in Massachusetts sometimes as early as the 25th
of March,^ usually about the 5th of April, and spreads
throughout New England. The habits are so well known
that any description here is superfluous.

About the fifteenth of May, the nest is built. It is
placed in an apple-tree in the orchard, or in a lilac-busli
under the windows of a dwelling-house ; and I found nests
in low juniper bushes in the deep woods in Maine. It is

1 I am indebted for the time of the arrival of this and of many other birds to
Mr. H. A. I'urdie, of Boston, who has kindly furnished me with full and copious
notes ind memoranda on the arrival of species, which are of value, having been con-
ducted for several years.

THE SONG SPARROW,

".•)

1

constructed of fine twigs and roots and grasses, and is almost
invariably lined witli horsehairs ; honce its name, in some
localities, of " Hair-bird," " Hair Sparrow." The eggs are
usually five in number. Tlieir color is a bluish-green ; and
they are marl<ed with spots and lines of Idack and obscun;-
hrown, which are thickest at the great end : some specimens
have these spots confluent into a sort of ring. The dimen-
sions vary from .74 by .50 to .70 by .48 inch. This species
is the most often chosen by the parasitic Cow-bird as a parent
for its young ; and many ornithologists account by this fact
for its persistent fainiliarity with man.

About the middle of October, the old and young birds
gather into small flocks, and proceed leisurely on the south-
ern migration.

MELOSPIZA, Baird.

Body stout; bill conical, very obsoletely notched or smooth, somewhat com
pressed; lower mandible not so deep as the upper; commispure nearly straight ; gonys
a little curved; feet stout, not stretching beyond the tail; tarsus a little longer
than the middle toe; outer toe a little longer than the inner, its claw not quite
reaching to the base of the middle one; hind toe appreciably longer than the middle
one; wings quite short and rounded, scarcely reaching beyond the base of the tail;
the tertials considerably longer than the secondaries; tlie quills considerably gradu-
ated; the fourth longest; the first not longer than the tertials, and almost the short-
est of the primaries; tail moderately long, and considerably graduated; the feathers
oval at the tips; crown and back similar in color and streaked; beneath thiekir
streaked; tail immaculate.

This genus differs from Zonotrichia in shorter, more graduated tail, rather longer
hind toe, much more rounded wing, which is shorter; the tertiaries longer; the first
quill almost the shortest, and not longer than the tertials. The under parts are
spotted ; the crown streaked and like the back.

'.■'4

*:3

MELOSPIZA HELOBIA. — Bai'n/.

The Song Sparrow.

FringiUa melodia, Wilson. Am. Orn., TI. (1810) 125; Aud. Orn. Biog., I. (1833i
126; V. 507,

Desckiption,

Genera' tint of upper parts rufous-brown, streaked with dark-brown awl ashy-
gray; the crown is rufous, with a superciliarj' and median stripe of dull-gray, the
former lighter; nearly white anterinrly, where it has a fiint shade of yellow; eacli
feather of the crown with a narrow streak of dark-brown; interscapulars dark-
brown in the centre, tiien rufous, tlicn grayish on the margin; rump grayer than

2l"

322

OliNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

upper tail covertf, both with ohsolcfe dark stroaks; there is a wliitish maxillary
5tripp, bordered alxjvif and helciw by one of dark rufous-brown, wifli a similar one
from behind the eye; the under parts are white; the breast and sides of body and
throat streaked wtli dirk-rutbus, with a still darker central line; on the middle of
the breast, these marki< are rather aggregated so as to form a spot ; no distinct white
on tail or wings.

Specimens varj* somewhat in having the streaks across the breast more or less
sparse; the spot more or less distinct. In autumn, the colors are more blended, the
light maxilliiry stripij tinged with yellowish, the edges of the dusky streaks suffincd
witli browni.sli-rufous.

The young bird has the upper parts paler, th- streaks more distinct, the lines on
tlie head scarcely appreciable. The untler parts are yellomsh; the streaks narrower
and more sharply defined dark-brown.

Length of male, six and fifty one-hundredths inches; wing, two and fifty-eight
(iiu'-lunidi'cdtbs; tail, three inches.

Hub. — Eastern United States to the high central plains.

TIlis beautiful songster is one of the most common and
wcll-ltnown of our summer visitors. It arrives from about
the first week in March to the middle of that month. On
its first appeai'ance, it prefers the low tliickets and bushy
woods, where, at all hours of the day, it chants its beautiful
song. It is somewhat gregarious at this time, and is
usually found in flocks of half a dozen individuals. It soon
commences mating ; and, after a short season of courtship,
both l)irds begin building their first nest. This is about the
middle of April, sometimes earlier ; and I have found the
nest with eggs when there was an inch or two of snow on
the ground. The nest is usually built on the ground, some-
times in a low bush, and occasionally in low trees : it is
constructed of stalks and leaves, of grasses and weeds, and
is lined with softer grasses and fine weeds. The eggs are
four or five in number, and they are subject to great varia-
tions ill form and markings: they exhibit all the changes
from grayish to bluish-white, with spots, thinly scattered,
of I'cddish-brown, to confluent blotches of umber-brown,
thickest at the greater end. Their dimensions vary from
.94 by .64 to .78 by .62 inch. Four eggs in one nest
measure .94 by .64, .81 by M, .80 by .58, .78 by .62.
inch. Two broods, and sometimes three, are reared in the
season.

Till-; SWAMP Sl'AHUOW. o2o

There has been considerable discussion amonjr oniitliolo-
gists regarding this bird ; and many arc of tlie belief, that,
from its irregular habits, there are two species found in
N\w England. I have examined with great care many
specimens, and have attentively observed their habits, and
think that it yet remains to be proved that we have more
than one species. Late in October, this species assembles in
small detached flocks, and leaves New England for its
southern home.

MELOSPIZA PALUSTEIS.— BatVrf.

Tho Swamp Sparrow.

FringiUa palmtris, Wilson. Am. Orn., HI. (1811) 49. Aud. Orn. Biog., I.
(1831) 331; V. 608.

Fnnqilla (Amnmlromut) Georgiana, Nuttall. M.in., I. (2(1 ed., 1840) 588.

Dkscriition.

Middle of the crowr. uniform chestnut; forehead black; superciliary streak,
pides of head and back and sides of neck, ash; a brown stripe behind the eye; back
broadly streaked with black ; beneath whitish, *inged with ashj' anteriorly, espe-
cially across (be breast, and washed with yellowish-brown on the sides; a few obso-
lete streaks across the breast, which become distinct on its sides ; wings and tail
strongly tinged with rufous; the tertials black, the rufous edgings changing
abruptlj' to white towards tlio end.

Female with the crown scarcely reddish streaked with black, and divided by a
light line.

In autumn the male of this species has the feathers of the crown each with a
black streak ; and the centre of the crown with an indistinct light stripe, materially
changing its appearance.

The forehead is usually more or less streaked with black.

Length, five and seventy-five one-hundredths inches; wing, two and forty one-
hundredlhs inches.

Uab. — Eastern United States from the Atlantic to the Missouri.

This bird, although not rare, is not so common as the
preceding. It is about equally distributed throughout New
England, and breeds in all these States. It arrives from
tlic South about the first week in April in Massachusetts ;
in Maine, about a fortnight later. It prefers the swampy
localities to all others, and is seldom found at any distance
from such places. The nest is built about the 10th of May.
It is constructed of leaves of grass and fine hair-like roots.

■I

*.:i*

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGV

and lined with finer of the same : these arc adjusted into n
loose fabric, and placed in or be.icath a tussock of grass in
a swamp. I have known of instances of its being fonnd
in a low barl)crry-l)ush ; but such cases are extremely rare,
and form exceptions to the rule. The eggs are four or five
in number: their color is a grayish-white, with sometin\cs a
bluish tint, and marked witli thinly scattered spots of biowu
over tlie entire surface, except a circle around the greater
end, where they ai-c confluent, and hide tlie primary color.
Dimensions of a number in my cabinet vary from .80
by ..')8 to .76 by .54 inch. Two broods are reared in the
season.

Wilson, m describing the general habits of this species,
says, —

" It is one of our summer visitants, arriving in Pennsylvania
early in April ; frequenting low grounds and river courses ; rearing
two, and sometimes three, broods in a season ; and returning to the
South as soon as the cold weather commences. The immense
cypress swamps and extensive grassy flats of the Southern States,
that border their numerous rivers, and the rich rice plantations,
al)ounding with their favorite seeds and sustenarice, — appear to
be the general winter resort and grand annual rendezvous of this
and all the other species of Sparrow that remain wilh is during
summer. From the river Trent in North Carolir ■ •. ; /;hat of
Savannah, and still farther south, I found this species . .-ry numer-
ous ; not flying in flocks, but skulking among the canes, reeds, and
grass, seeming shy and timorous, and more attached to the water
than any other of their tribe. In the month of April, numbers
pass through Peimsylvania to the northward ; which I conjecture
from the circumstance of finding them at that season in particular
l)arts of the woods, where, during the rest of the year, tlioy are
not to be seen. The few that remain frequent the swamps and
reedy borders of our creeks and rivers. They form their nest in
the '.;.'ound, sometimes in a tussock of rank grass surrounded by
water, and lay four eggs, of a dirty-white, spotted with rufous. So
late as the loth of August, I have seen them feeding their young
that were scarcely able to fly. Their principal food is grass seeds,

it.!i*rtf

THE FOX-COLOBED SPARROW.

3Jo

wild oats, .and insects. They have no song ; are distinguished liy a
single cliip or cheep, uttered in a rather hoarser tone ihaii that of
the Song Sparrow ; fiirt tiie Uiil as they Hy ; seldom or never take
to the trees, but skulk from one low bush or swampy thicket to
another."

Sub-Family PASsEUELLiNiE. — The Buntinyi.

Toes and tl.iws very Btout ; the lateral claws reaching beyond tlie middle of tne
middle one; all very slightly curved.

Bill conical, the outlines straight; both mandibles eqtal; wings long, longer
tlian the even tail, reaching nearly to the middle of its exposed portion; hind claw
longer than its digit; its toe nearly as long as the middle toe; tarsus longer than
tlie middle toe; brown above, either uniformly so or faintly streaked ; triangular
Bpottj below.

PASSERELLA, Swainson.

Pdssei'eUa, Swainson, Class. Birds, II. (1837) 288. (Type Friny'dla iiiucit,
Merrem.)

Body .stout; bill conical, not notched, the outlines straight; the two jr.ws of
equal depth; roof of upper mandible deeply excavated, and vaulted, not knobbed;
tavsus scarcely longer than the middle toe; outer toe little longer than the inner, its
claw reaching to the middle of the central one; hind toe about equal to the inner
lateral; the claws all long, and moderately curved only; the posterior rather longer
than the middle, and equal to its toe; wings long, pointed, reaching to the middle
of the tail ; the tertials not longer than secondaries ; second and third quills longest ;
first <;qual to the filth; tail very nearly even, scarcely longer than thawing; inner
claw contained scarcely one and a half times in its toe proper.

Colw. — Rufous or slaty ; obsoletely streaked or uniform above; thickly spotted
with triangular blotches beneath.

-■J

PASSEBELIiA ILIACA. — Swaimm.

The Fox-colored Sparrow,

Fringilla ilinca, Audubon. Oni. Biog., II. (1834) 58; V. 512.
Passerella iliaca, Swainson. Birds, II. (1837) 288.
Frinyilla i-ufa, Wilson. Am. Orn., III. (1811) 58.

Desciuption.
Middle of the back dull-ash, each feather with a large blotch of brownish-red;
top of head and neck, with rump, similar, but with smaller and more obsolete
blotches ; upper tail coverts, with exposed surface of wings and tail, bright-rufous ;
bsneath white, with the upper part of the breast and sides of throat and body with
triangular spots of rufous, and a few smaller ones of blackish on the middle of th«

:52n

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

4

l)ii',i>t; inner vH'^cn of quills and tail feathers tinged with rnfons-pink; no light lines
nn till! Iicad, but a patch of r'.fous on the cheeks; first quill ruthcr less thun the
fitUi; hind toe about e(|uai to its claw; sometimes tlie entire head above is reddish,
like tlie hack.

Length, about seven and fifty onf-hundredths inches; wing, three and fifty oue-
hundredths inches.

Hub. — Eastern United States to the Mississippi.

This beautiful Sparrow is very abundant iu spring and
autumn in Now England, arriving in spi'ing early in March,
and de[)arting for the North by the third week in April ; and
arriving in autumn from the North about the 10th of Octo-
ber, ajid departing for the South late in November. While
with us, it remains in low, moist thickets and woody pas-
tures ; and occasionally visits tlie stubl)le-fields and gardens,
where it busies itself in searching among the dead leaves
and weeds for its food of seeds and insects. It generally
has, while in New England, only a short, lisping note, occa-
sionally a pretty warble ; but it is said to have in its northern
home a boautifil song, that is excelled by that of hardly
any other specie?. Aulnbon, in describing the nest and
eggs, say3, " The nest of the Fox-colored Sparrow, which
is large for the she of the bird, is usually placed on the
ground, among mosti or tall grass, near the stem of a, creep-
ing fir, the branches of which compljfcly conceal it from
view. Its outside is loosely tnrmed of dry grass and moss,
with a carefully disposed inner layer of finer grasses, circu-
larly arranged ; and the lining consists of very delicate
fibrous roots, together with some feathers from ditFerent
species of water-fowls. The period at whicli the eggs are
laid is from the middle of June to the 5th of July. They
are proportionally '.arge, lour or five in nurabei, rathei
sharp at the smaller end, of ;i dull-greenish tint, sprinkled
with irregular small l)lotchP?. of brown." Their dimensiona
average about .86 Sy .62 inch.

A

THE BLACK-TUUOATED BUNTING.

•Jarl I

Suh-Fainily Si'iziNyE.

Rill variable, always large, much arched, and with the culmeu coiitiidurald^
curved; nometimcs of enormous size, and with a great development bacl.wurds of
the lower jaw, which is always appreciably, eomeiimcs considerably, broader behind
than the upper juw nt its base; nostrils exposed; tail rather variable, bill generally
black or red; wings shorter than in the first group; gape almost always i luch moro
strongly bristled; few of the species sparrow-like or plain in appearauik. ; usually
blue, red, or black and white; seldom (or never?) streaked beneath.

EUSPIZA, BoNAPAKTK.

Empiza, Bonafartk, List (1838). (Type Eviheriza Americana, Oni.;

Bill large and strong, swollen, and without any ridges; the lower mandible
nearly as high as the upper; as broad at the base as the length of the gonys, and
considerably broader than the upper mandible; the edges much inflexed, and shut-
ting much within the upper mantible; the commissure considerably angulated ul
the base, then decidedly sinuated; the tarsus barely equal to the middle toe; the
lateral toes nearly equal, not reaching to the base of the middle claw; the hind toe
about equal to the middle one without its claw; the wings long and acute, reaching
nearly to the middle of the tail; the tertials decidedly longer than the secondaries,
but much shorter than the primaries; first quill longest, the others regularly gradu-
ated; tail considerably shorter than the wings, though moderately long, nearly even,
although slightly cmarginate; the outer feathers scarcely shorter; middle of back
only striped; beneath without streaks.

EUSPIZA AHEBICANA. — Bmaparte.

The Black-throated Bunting^.

Emberiza Atnerkana, Gmelin. Syst. Nat, I. (1788) 872. Wils Am. Orn., III.
(1811) 86. Aud. Orn. Biog., IV. (1838) 579.

Empiza Amencnnn, iionai>arte. List (1838). (Type.) /A., Consp. (1S50) 469.
Euspina Americana, Cabanis. Mus. Hein. (1851). 133. (Type.)

Deschiition.

.\fale. — Sides of the head, nnd sides and back of the neck, ash ; crown tinged with
yellowish-green and faintly streaked with dusky; a superciliary and short maxillary
line, middle of the breast, axillaries, and edge of the wing, yellow; chin, loval
region, spots on sides of throat, belly, and under tail coverts white; a bliick patdi
on the throat diminishing to the breast, and a spot on the upper part of the belly;
wing coverts chestnut; interscapular region streaked with black; rest of back
immaculate.

Female with the markings less distinctlj' indicated; the black of the brea-t
replaced by a black maxillary line and a streaked collar in the yellow of the uppi-t
port of the breast.

Length, about six and seventy one-hundredths inches ; wing, three and liily '.ne-
hundredths inches.

Jfab. — United States from the Atlantic to the border of the high central plains.

' i
ft?*

328

OllNITIIOLOUY AND OOLOUV.

-•I

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4

^

Tliis bird can bo roj^nrdctl only as an cxtruincly rare
bdninnji- visitor in Now England, Massacluisotts a|)})arontly
boing its noitlicrn limit. J iiavc lu'iird ol" two or tbri'o
8pccinicn8 boing found in this State, and it is possible that
otliors may have occurrod bore.

The nost of this spocios is placed on the ground, usually
in a dry j)asturc or field, and most generally beneath a tuft
of grass or a small bush. It is loosely constructed of grass
and fine roots arranged circularly, and with a finer lining.
The eggs are four in number: they are of an ovoidal shape,
and are but little pointed. Their dimensions vary from .82
by .GO incli to .79 by .58 inch : their color is a delicate
greenish-blue, without spots or markings.

I have had no opportunities for observing the habits of
this bird, and can present nothing of value with relation to
them.

GUIRACA, SwAiNsoN.

Guiraca, Swainsos, Zool. Jour., III. (Nov., 1827) 350. (Tj'pe Loxia cmrulea, L.)
Bill very large, nearly us lii{,'h as long; the culincn curved, with a rather sharp
ridge; the commissure conspicuously angulated Just below the nostril, the posterior
leg of the angle nearly as long as the anterior, both nearly straight; lower jaw
deeper than the upper, and extending much behind the f'lreheiid; the width greater
than the length of the rinys, considerably wider than the upper jaw; a prominent
knob ia tlie roof of the i -mth; tnrsi shorter than the middle toe; the outer toe a
little Vmger, reaching not quite to the base of the middle claw; hind toe rather
longrrf than to this base; wings long, reaching the middle oi .he tail; the seconda-
ries ttnd tertiuls nearly equal ; the second quill longest ; the lirst less than the fourth ;
tail ^'e^}• nearly even, shorter than the wings.

^

GDIBACA LUDOVICIANA. — Hwamson.

The Rose>breasted Grosbeak.

L"xin Ludoviciana, Linnoius. Syst. Nat., I. (1786)806. Wils. Am. Om., II.
(1810) 135.

Guiraca Lwhviciana, Swainson. Phil. Mag., I. (1827) 438.
Frinyilla L'ldoviciana, Audubon. Orn. Biog., II. (1834) 166; V. 513.

Deschiption.

Upper parts generally, with head and neck all roimd, glossy black ; a broau
crescent across the upper part of the breast, extending narrowly down to the belly,
axillaries, and under wing coverts, carmine; restof under parts, rump, and upper tail
coverts, middle wing coverts, spots on the tertiaries and inner great wing coverts,

acarulea, L.)
. ratllur sliarp

the posterior
it; lower jaw
width greater
; a prominent
le outer toe a
ind toe rather

tlie seconda-
an the fourtli ;

km. Orn., II.

::3

RosK-BUKAsTKi) Gkosbka" Guiraca ludovicianti. bwainson.

:.-A

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m

THE KOMK-BIIEASTEO 0R08BEAK.

321>

haxal liair of |iriinaricn uinl .scciindnrit's, and u large imtcli on the ends of the inmi
«rlis of tliu (iiilcr Ihri'o tail foalluTs, jiurc-wliitc

Fei<ia!i>, witliuut ttiu whitu ut' iiuilU, tail, and rump, anil wilhoiit any black ut
red; tttx.ve yellowmh-brown stri'akod with ilarker; hiad with a cvntrul stripr above,
gnil a supiaci'iry un uacli side, whitu; beneath dirty-white, Htnuiked with brown on
llie l)rea.--t ami fides; under win); covert:* and axillarlei Hall'ron-yellow.

In tho mule, the black feathum of th« baik and Mvs of the uuLk liave a Rubler-
niiiial white bar: there are a few black spots on the aidea of the breant juHt below
the red,

The yuung male of the year is like the female, vxcf pt in having the axillarieH,
under wing covertM, and a trace of a patch on the breaat, light ro»e-rud.

The tint of carmine on the under parts varies u good deal in ditl'urent specimens.

Length, eight and lifty one-hundrcdths inches; wing, four and Otleen one-hun-
dredths inches.

JM), — Eastern United States to the Missouri plains, south to Guatemala.

This beautiful bird is a not very coimnoii summer iiihnbi-
ttuit of New England. It seems to be pn^tty generally dis-
tributed, but is in no loeality plenty. It arrives about tho
first week in May in tho southern districts of those States,
and a fortnight later in tlio northern sections. It prefers
the neighborhood of a swamp, and is most often found in
low growths of birches and alders. The nest is jjlaccd
in low shrubs and trees, often in the barberry-busli and
alder, usually in the deop woods, sometimes in a pasture.
It is loosely constructed of twigs and roots, and lined with
grass and hair-like roots, and sometimes a few leaves. Tho
eggs are usually four in number, more often less than
more. Their ground-color is a greenish-blue : this is irregu-
larly covered with fine spots and dashes of umber-brown,
thickest at the greater end of the egg. Dimensions vary
from 1 by .74 to .90 by .70 inch. One brood only is reared
in tho season hi New England. I am aware that this
description differs from those which have been written of the
nest and eggs of this bird ; ^ but it is correct. I have had o
number of the eggs, and have seen several of the nests,
tliese were invariably of the above description, and differed
in no essential particular, though from various localities.

1 According to Bonaparte, its nest is concealed amidst the thick foliage of tlie
ihady forest , externally, it is composed of twigs, and lined with slender grass ; and
the eggs are four or tive, white, spotted with brown. — Nuttall»

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TEST TARGET (MT-3)

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23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

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330

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

The habits of this bird arc pretty well known. It is a
very fine songster, and is hardly excelled by any of oiir
other species ; its notes being uttered, not only through tlio
day, but also during the night, as I have heard on several
occasions. Tho song is difficult of description : it is a
sweet warble, with various emphatic passages, and some-
times a plaintive strain, exceedingly tender and affecting.

The Grosbeai< feeds upon the seeds of the birches and
alders, which it obtains very expertly. It also is very fond
of vai'ious berries and buds, and it occasionally searches
aijiong the fallen leaves for insects and worms.

After the young birds have become capable of providing
for themselves, the whole family sometimes visit the orchards
and gardens, where they eat a few berries and currants.
By the middle of September, thoy proceed leisurely ou their
southern migration.

CYANOSPIZA, Bauid.

Passeriltn, Vieillot, Analyse (1816). Xot of Linnasus; used in Botany.

Cyanotjnza, Baiuv. (Type Tanat/ra cyanea, L.)

Bill deep at the base, compressed; the upper outline considerably curved ; the
commissure rather concave, with an obtuse, shallow lobe in the middle; gonys
slightly curved ; t'cct niodcrate; tarsus about equal to middle toe; tho outer lateral
toe barely lunger th:in the inucr, its claw falling short of the base of the middle;
hind toe about equal to the middle without claw; claws all much curved, acute;
wings lung and pointed, reaching nearly to tho itiddle of the tail; the second and
third quills longest; tail appreciably shorter than the wings, rather narrow, very
nearly even.

The species of this genus are all of very small size and of showy plumage,
urually blue, red, or green, in well-defined areas.

CYANOSPIZA CYAHEA Baird.

The Indigo-bird.

Tanagra cyanea, Limiseus. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 815.

FringiUa cyanea. Wils., I. (1810) 100; Aud. Orn. Biog., I. (1832) 877; V. 503.

Description.
Male. — Blue, tinged with ultramarine on the head, throat, and middle of breast ;
elsewhere with verdigris-green; lores and anterior angle of chin velvet-block; wing
feathers brown, edged externally with dull bluish-brown.

THE INDIGO-BIRD.

301

of showy plumage,

(1832) 877; V. 503.

Fetnale. — Brown above ; whitisli, obscurely streaked or blotched with brownish-
yellow beneath ; immature males similar, variously blotched with blue.

Length, about live aud seventy-Qvo one-huiilredtha inches; wing, nearly tliruu
inches.

Ilab. — ICastem United States to the M:'<sou:i, south to Guatemala.

This beautiful species is pretty generally distributed
throughout New England as a summer visitor, and is rather
common in thickly settled districts. It arrives from the
south about the 10th of May, aud soon mates aud selects its
liomc for the ensuing summer. Says Nuttall, —

" Though naturally shy, active, and suspicious, they still, at this
interesting period of procreation, resort chiefly to the precincts of
habitations, around which they are far more common than in the
solitary woo<ls, g^ieking their borders, or the thickets by the sides of
the road ; but their favorite resort is the garden, where, from the
topmost bough of some tall tree, which commands the whole wide
landscape, the male regularly pours out liis lively chant, and
continues it for a considerable length of time. Nor is this song
confined to the cool and animating dawn of morning; but it is
renewed and still more vigorous during the noonday heat of sum-
mer. This lively strain seems composed of a repetition of short
notes, commencing loud and rapid, and then, slowly falling, they
descend almost to a whisper, succeeded by a silent interval of about
half a minute, when the song is again continued as before. The
most common of these vocal expressions sounds like, tshe tshe
tshe — tshe tshee tshee — tshe tshe tshe. The middle syllables are
uttered lispingly in a very peculiar manner, aud the three last
gradually fall : sometimes it is varied and shortened into tshea
fshea tshea tshreh, the last sound being sometimes doubled. This
shorter song is usually uttered at the time that the female is
engaged in the cares of incubation, or as the brood already appear,
and when too great a display of his music might endanger the
retiring security of his family."

The Indigo-bird commences building about the last of
May. The nest is usually placed in low bushes, often
bramble and brier bushes, usually near houses and gar-
dens: it is constructed of coarse sedge grass, some withered

332

OllNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

leaves, and lined with fine stalks uf the same and the slen-
der hair-like tops of the bent grass (^agrostis^, with a very
few cow-hairs, though sometimes they make a substantial
lining of hair. The eggs are four or live in number; and
their color is a nearly pure white, sometimes with a bluish
tint. In a large number in my collection from L. E. Rick-
seeker, of Pennsylvania, a few have scattered blotches of
reddish-brown. Their size varies from .80 by .(jO to .70 by
.52 inch. But one brood is reared in the season in New
England.

About the middle of September, the whole family leaves
New England, and winters in tropical America.

PIPUO, ViKILLOT.

Pipilo, ViKILLOT, Analyse (1816) Agassiz. (Type FrimjUla erythrophthcdma,
Linn.)

Bill rather stout; the culiuen gently curved, the gonys nearly straight; the com-
missure gently concave with a decided notch near the end; the lower jaw not so
deep as the upper, not as wide as the gonys is lung, but wider than the base of the
upper mandible ; feet large, the tarsus as long or a little longer than the middle
toe; the outer lateral toe a little the longer, and reaching a little beyond the baee
of the middle claw ; the hind claw about equal to its toe ; the two together about
equal to the outer toe; claws all stout, compressed, and moderately curved; wings
reaching about to the end of the upper tail coverts; short and rounded, though the
primal ies are considerably longer than the nearly equal secondaries and tertials;
the outer four quills ure graduated ; the first considerably shorter than the second,
and about as long as the secondaries; tail considerably longer than the wings;
modcratelv oraduated externally; the feathers rather broad; most rounded o£f on
the inner webs at the end.

The colors vary; the upper parts are generally uniform black or brown; the
under white or brown; no central streaks on the feathers. The hood sometimes
differently colored.

The essential characters of the genus are in the curved culmen and commissure;
the strong feet; the outer toe rather longer than the inner; the wings rounded, but
the primaries decidedly longer than the od.ers; the outer four quills considerably
graduated, but the first usually not shorter than the secondaries. The graduated
tail longer than the wings.

PIPILO EHTTHBOPHTHALMUS.— Het^fot.

The Ground Eobin; Towbee; Chewink.

FringiUa eryikrophihalma, Linnseus. Syst. Nat,, I. (1786) 318 ; Aud. Om. Biog.
I. (1832) 161 ; V. 611.

THE GROUND ROBIN.

83JJ

limber ; and

Emhei-hn enjlhmphthnlma, Gmclin. Syst. Nat, I. (176S', 874; Wild. Am. Om.,
VI. (1812) itO.

Pi/rilh enjthrnphlhnlmui, Vicillnt. CJal. Ois., I. (1824) 109.

DESCitimoy.

Upper parts generally, head and neck all round, and upper part of the hrea«t,
Ijlossy black, abruptly defined against the pure white which extend.s to the anu.*,
but is hounded on ihe sides and under the wings by light-chestnut; under coverts
similar to sides, but paler; edges of outer six primaries with white at the ba.se and
on the middle of the outer web; inner two fcrtiaries also edged externally with
white ; tail feathers black ; outer web of the first, with the ends of the first to the
third white, decreasing from the exterior one. Female with the black replaced by
brown ; iris red.

Length, eight and seventy-five one-hundredths inches; wing, three and seventy-
five onc-huiidredths; tail, four and ten one-hundredths inches.

Wl iH

1 erylhrophthalma,

i; Aud.Ora.Biog

This beautiful and well-i<nowii species, although common
in Massachusetts and the other southern New-England
States, is rare in the three northern. It begins to grow
scarce in the northern districts of Massachusetts ; and, before
we have passed fifty miles beyond its northern limits, it is
very rarely seen. It makes its appearance about the 20th
of April, the males preceding the females by a week or ten
days. As soon as the females arrive, the pairing season
commences. Tlie male, perched on a low limb of a tree or
high bush, chants his pleasing song, sometimes for half an
hour at a time : this song resembles the syllables, tow-h^e
^che '1e ^de ^de ^de, uttered at first slowly and plaintively, and
quickly increased in volume and rapidity of utterance. He
has also a sort of qiiavering warble difficult of description.
If he is approached, he watches the intruder, and, after
ascertaining iiis business, utters his note tow-hee, and pro-
ceeds his search among the fallen leaves for his favorite food
of worms, insects, and seeds, which he is almost continually
scratching for among the dead vegotatioi;.

About the second week in May, the birds commence build-
ing. The locality usually chosen is in low, thick woods,
or in thickets of briers and bushes near streams of water,
in which places this species is most often found. Tlie nest
is placed on the ground, usually beneath a bunch of grass,

iii

334

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

or in a pile of old brush and fagots : it is constructed of
fine twigs, leaves, and grasses, and is lined with fine leaves
of grasses, and sometimes a few hair-lilcc roots.

The eggs are usually four in number. Their groiuid color
varies from grayish to reddish-white: this is covered, over
the entire surface, with fine dots and points of reddi.sh-
brown : in some specimens these dots run into each other,
and from small blotches. The average dimensions of a
gi'eat number of specimens in my collection is about .94 by
.76 inch. When placed in a tray beside an equal number
of the eggs of the Brown Thrush, the eggs of this species
appear much paler, and with a more roseate tint ; otherwise,
except with regard to size, the two species resemble each
other much.

In New England, but one brood is usually reared in the
season. I have found nests with young in June and
August, but generally the first brood leaves the nest too late
for another to be brought out before the early frosts.

About the middle of October, the old birds and their
young, in small detached flocks, leave New England on
their southern migration.

THE BOnOLINK.

335

Family ICTERlDiE.

Primaries nine, tarsi scutellate anteriorly; plated behind; bill long, generally
fqiial to the head or longer, straight or gently curved, conical, without any notch,
the commissure bending ilownwards at an obtuse angle at the base ; gonys generally
more than half the culmen ; bnsnl joint of the middle toe free on the inner jide,
united half-way on the outer; tail rather long, rounded; legs stout.

Sub-Family Agelaein^. — The Starlings.

Bill stout, conical, and acutely pointed, not longer than the head ; the outlines
nearly straight, the tip not decurved; legs adapted for walking, longer than tha
head; claws not much curved; tail moderate, shorter than the wings; tearly even

DOLICKONYX, Swainson.
Dolicfiont/x, SwAiNSON, Zool. Jour., III. (1827) 361. (Tvpe Emberiza oryaw-

Bill short, stout, conical, little more than half the head; the commissure slightly
sinuated; the culmen nearly straight; middle toe considerably longer than the tar-
sus (which is about as long as the head) ; the inner lateral toe longest, but not reach-
ing the base of the middle claw; wings long, first quill longest; tail feathers
acuniinately pointed at the tip, with the shafts stiffened and rigid, as in the Wood-
peckers.

The peculiar characteristic of this species is f^und in the rigid scansorial tail and
the very long middle toe, by means of which it is enabled to grasp the vertical stems
of reeds or other slender plants. The color of the known species is black, varied
with whitish patches on the upper parts.

DOLICHONTZ OBTZITORUS. — iSftooifuon.
Tbe Bobolink; Beed-bird; Sice-bird.

Emberiza oryzivora, Linnieus. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 811. Wils. Am. Om., 11.
(1810)48.

DoUchonyx oryzivora, Swainson. Zool. Jour., III. (1827) 351.

Icterus agripennis, Bonaparte. Obs. Wils. (1824), No. 87. Aud. Om. Biog., I.
(1831) 283; V. (1839) 486. Nutt. Man., I. (1832) 185.

Description.
General color of male in spring black ; the nape brownish-cream color ; a patch
on the side of the breast, the scapulars and rump white, shading into light ash on
the upper tail covers and the back below the interscapular region ; the outer prima-
ries sharply margined with yellowish-white, the tertials less abruptly; the tail
feathers margined at the tips with pale brownish-ash. In autumn similar to tiie
female.

>, j*iMM».MM'>ta«

■.•«HM>t«KM««-*#4I«i

?.m

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

Fi-nnle, vfllnwish licncnth; two utripes on the top of the hfad, and the upper
pnrts throughout, except the back of the neck and rump, and including all the wing
reiitlivrH genunilly, dnik-brown, nil edged with brownish-yellow; which becomes
whiter nearer llir lips of the quills ; the sides sparsely streaked with dark-brown,
and • nimiliir stripe behinil the eye; there is a superciliary and a median band of
yellow on the head.

Len^rth of male, seven and seventy one-hundredths inches; wing, three and
eighty-three one-hundredths; fail, three and liftcen onc-hundredths inches.

/Aii. — Kastrrii United States to the hi^'h central plains. Seen fifty miles east
uf Laramie.

THIS well-known merry soiif^.stcr of the Noith, Reed
Bird or Ortolan of tlie Middle States, and Rice Bird
of the Sontli, is abinulantly distributed tliron<iliout most
sections of the eastern half of the continent, ranging from
the latitude of Qucl)ec, in Lower Canada (which is its most
northern breeding point), throngh New England and its
latitnde in summer, to Mexico, Central America, West
Indies, and tlic northern portions of the Southern Conti-
nent, where it passes the winter.

Early in spring it makes its appearance in the Southern
United States, usually in small detached parties of from
eight to a dozen individuals, and proceeds leisurely to its
summer home in tbe North, generally at about the following
dates: being abundant in Georgia about April 20; in Dis
trict of Columbia, " distributed about orchards and meadows
in flocks, from May 1st to loth ; " arrives on Long Island,
N. Y., " about the 20th of May ;" and is abundant in the
latitude of Middle New England by the latter part of that
month.

The males usually arrive in the North several days before
the females, during which interim they frequent meadows
and fields in cultivuied districts, preferring them to thinly
settled localities, and soon become very tame and familiar,
considering the severity with which they were pursued by
the inhabitants of all the countries they traversed in their
migration, by whom they are regarded only as a pest and a
nuisance. The Bobolink knows when he has arrived among
his friends ; and the same bird which would have risen be-

1, and Hie upper
ling all the wing
which bcconuis
fitli (lark-brown,
median band of

wing, thrc« and
inches.
J fifty miles east

H

JWi4

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r*-'.:

Bobolink, llee<l-liinl, JJolichutiyx oryzimrus. Swaiiisoii.

THE BOUOLINK.

887

yontl jrinsliot from yon in flic Soiitli will |MMrli on yonr
jranU'ii Iciicc in Nfw Knvrland ns riiinilinilv iis if In* weif
" to tlu! niaiior linni," iind rrgiile yon willi a flood of lii.s
choicest niclotlics.

Almost L'vcryl)oily in tlio Xortli knows tlu' soni; of this
hird, ami has laughed, in spite of him or herself, at the gro-
tesqtie singer, as. perched on a twig in the elierry-tree Ity
the honse, or in the elm hy the roadside, or alder liy the
hrook, ho nodded his head, (piivcred his wings, opened his
mouth, and rattled out the most curious, ineomprdiensihlo,
jingling, ronndahout, careless, joyous, laughalile nicdley
tliat any Itird throat ever uttered.

As soon as the females arrive, they Itccomc the especial
ol)jects of attention with their male neighl)ors ; anil the little
contentions, both in music, and something more severe, wo
must confess, for the possession of a favored one, between
the contesting suitors, are almost inmuneraltle.

When the birds are mated, usually eaily in June, they
commence the stmcturc in which their family is to be
reared. Selecting a thick tussoek of grass in a field or
meadow, through which, or near which, a brook i)rattles of
cool and delicious draughts, and sweet and refreshing baths,
beneath the bending and concealing leaves, they entwine
fine grasses and rootlets into a loose and not deeply
hollowed nest, which they line with softer pieces of the
same material.

The position is so well chosen that, nine times out often,
if you walk the meadow over again and again, knowing it
to be there, you will not discover the nest ; the male bird
flics over your head, chiding and complaining at your pres-
ence, and his mate skurrying off through the thick grass,
rises away from the nest, that you may not discover its
locality.

The eggs, four or five in number, vary in color from a
light ashy-blue, with si)ots of blackish-brown, to a pale-

22

;{;{M

OKMIIIOLOGY AND OOLO(;Y.

Iirowiiisli vM\f, with wpotH nml blotches of umiIkt ofdiirciciit
HhndcH ; tlicir form is usually a pcrli-ct ovafc, (ui«l \\\cy vary
in <liuuM)sious iVoni .1)0 of an inch in h>n;rth liy .(!.*) of nn inch
in hrt'udth, tu ,M of an inch in length \>y Xfl uf ;ui inch in
hroatith.

Ah Hoon as tho young itinls iirc hatched, the father, hith
erto full of song and inorrinuuit, hecouies more (juiet,
Hpendin<r a great part of his time in family cares. Tho
young l»irds are led on grasshoppers, crickets, and variou.s
other iiisecta ; and this food is the chief sustenance of the
parents as well, at this period, for tho seeds of tho wild
grasses are not yet ri|»ened, aiul incursions in the grain-
lields are tabooed while the; young arc; in the nest. Is there
lujt a little of judicious reasoning in this? look at it: if the
bird cultivates tho good will of tho farmer, by destroying
his insect onomics, and letting his crops grow in peace, he
is permitted to rear his family in security, and is oven
rather liked, his song being a most pleasant companionship
to the farmer who delves and plods in the fields around him.

When the young birds leave the nest, tho parents provide
for them for a few days, and then turn them away to shift
for themselves: this is in about the middle of July. Tho
old birds then pass a comparatively idle season, — roaming
through the country, recuperating from tho cares of parent-
age, and exchanging their nuptial dress for one more in
accordance with their matured, respectable, old folks' con-
dition ; the male assumes the sober, and lately more sober,
attire of his mate, and dropping his song, contents himself
with repeating her simple '• chinks

So much do the old and young birds resemble each other
that, in the flocks of from fifty to one hundred individuals,
in which they gather in early fall, it is almost impossible by
the plumage to distinguish either.

Early in September the Bobolinks begin to move south-
ward, and although they obtain a great portion of their

TIIK COW IILACKIIKU).

;j:i{»

8iiHt(!imnce from ficMs ainl nii'mlows, jrltaiiin^r scctls of

gnisscH and wootls, and capturiiif^ orlliopterdiis and (tllicr

iiiM('ct8, they niakt; sad liav(»c in tlio fields of late ^jiiiiti and

rice; and the thiii|>{ of guns (hirUig their i)assage tlimngh

the Middle and Southern States, not only by farmers' and

[ilanters' hoys, liut hy sportsmen and pot-hnnters, who

shoot them for the tahle and market, is often almost injes-

sont.
«

MOI.OTIIRUS, SwAiNsoM.

Mvliithrui, SWAINRON, F. Bor. Am., II. (1881) 277. (Type Frini/Mt pefoii*,Gm.)
Kill uliort, dtoiil, about two-thinU the lcn|.'th of head; the commi^Kuro BtraiKlit;
riilinon and Roiiy" oliKlitly cun-ed, convex, tl c former broad, rounded, convox, and
running back on the hea<l In a points lateral torn nearly equal, rcaehiriR the banc of
the middle one, which is shorter than the tarsus; claws rather imall; tail nearly
even; wings long, pointed, tho first quill longest.

HOLOTHSTTS PEC0RI3. — Swmnton.

The Cow Blackbird; Cowbird.

Fringilla peenrii, Omelin. Syst. Nat., I. (1788) 010.
EmbtrizH i>ecnrn, Wilson. Am. Om., II. (1810) 145.

Icttrut ptcorit, Bonaparte. Obs. Wits. (1824), No. 88. Aud. Om. Biog., I. (1881)
498; V. (1839) 238, 490.

IcUrui (emberizoidei) pecoi-it, Nuttall. Man., I. (1632) 178; 2d cd , 190.
t'liniiilla (iinbiyua, Nuttall. Man. I. (1H32) 484. (Young.)

Description.

Second quill loufjest; first pcarcely shorter; tail nearly oven, or very slightly
rounded; male with the head, neck, and anterior hali" of the breast, light chocolate-
brown, rather lighter above; rest of body lustrous-black, with a violet-purple gloss,
next to the brown, of steel-blue on the back, and of green elsewhere. Female, light
olivaceous-brown all over, lighter on the head and beneath; bill and feet black.

The young bird of tho year is brown above, brownish-white beneath; the throat
immaculate; a auxiliary stripe and obscure streaks thickly crowded across the
whole breast ond sides; there is a faint indication of a pale superciliary stripe;
the feathers of the upper parts arc oil margined with paler; there ore also indications
of the light bands on the wings; these markings ore all obscure, but perfectly appre-
ciable, and their existence in adult birds may be considered as embryonic, ond show-
ing an inferiority in degree to the species with the under parts perfectly plain.

Length, eight inches; wing, four and forty-two one-hundredtha inches ; tail, thre«
and forty one-bundredths inches.

Hab. — United States from the Atlantic to California: not found immediately on
the coast of the Pacific.

^^MM^M^^T''^

840

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

Tliis coinmon and well-known bird is abnndantly dis-
tributed througliout New England as a summer visi-
tor. It makes its first appearance al)out the middle of
Marcli in INrassarhusctts, and, instead of mating and scj)-
arating into pairs, remains in small flocks tbrough tlio
.summer.

At all times, tbe males and females congregate togetlier
and visit tbe fields and pastures, (wberc tbey destroy num-
bers of insects, priiicipally Ortlinpfrr(i), aiul are usually in
greatest numliers wbere droves of cattle are assembled.
Tbe male, in spring and early summer, lias a guttural song,
wiiicb be utters from a tall tree, somctin;es an hour at a
time. Tills song resembles tbe syllables \:luk ^seee. When
he omits this note, he bristles out the feathers of his neck,
and spreads his tail, and seems to swell out his body with
tbe effort to produce an agreeable tone.

When the desire for laying is awakened in the female,
instead of building a nest of her own, she seeks the tene-
ment of some other bird, usually a smaller species than
herself; and, watching an opportunity when the other bird
has left it, she drops an egg in it, and leaves it to the tender
mercies of the owner of tbe nest. The birds most often
chosen for this purpose are the Vireos, Warblers, and Spar-
rows : sometimes the Small Thrushes are thus imposed upon,
aad rarely the Wrens.

Some birds build over the stranger egg a new nest. I
have in my collection a nest of tlie Yellow Warbler thus
doubled, and another of the Goldfinch. Sometimes the
host is aljandoiied, jiarticularly if the owner has no eggs of
her own ; but usually the intruding egg is hatched, and the
young bird attended with all the care given to the legitimate
young. The eggs of this species are of a grayish-wbite,
with fine spots of brown over the entire surface. Their
dimensions vary from .96 by .70 to .80 by .62 inch : some
specimens are marked with very minute reddish dots, which
are scattered over the entire surface; others have bold

in the female,
seeks the tene-
jr species than
I the other bird
it to the tender
irds most often
biers, and Spar-
s imposed upon,

^5

t^K

Rbd-winoed Bi.ackbiki), AijeUiius phveniceut. Vicillot.

THE SWAMP BLACKBIRD.

841

(lashes and confluent blotches of brown, thickest at the
greater end.^

By the last week in October, the young and old birds
assemble in large flocks, and leave for the South.

AGKLAIUS, ViEiLi-oT.

Agelaius, Vieiixot, "Analyse, 1816." (Type Oriolus PlioeukcM, L.)
First quill shorter tlian second; claws short; the outer lateral scarcely reaching
the base of the middle; culmen depressed at base, parting the frontal feathers;
length equal to that of the head, shorter than tarsus; both mandibles of equal thick-
ness and acute at tip, the edges much curved, the culmen, gonys, and comniissuro
nearly straight or slightly sinuated; the length of bill about twice its height; tail
iiKiderately rounded, or very slightly graduated; wings pointed, reaching to end of
lower tail coverts; colors black, with red shoulders in North-American species.

The nostrils are small, oblong, overhung by a membranous scale; the bill is
higher than broad at the base; there is no division between the anterior tarsal
scutcllic and the single plate on the outside of the tarsus.

AGELAIUS PHCBNICfiUS,

Vmllot.

The Swamp Blackbird; Bed-wing Blackbird.

Oriolus Pliceniceiis, Linnasus. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 161.
Ayelaim Phmnictm, Vieillot. Anal. (1816).

Iclerus Phceniceus, Audubon. Orn. Biog., I. (1831) 348; V. (1839) 487.
Icterus (Xanthornus Phainiceus), Bonaparte. Syn. (1828), 52. Nutt. JIan., I.
(1832) 167.

Slanius 2»'(Bdalonus, Wilson. Am. Orn., IV. (1811) 30.

Deschii'ticis.

Tail much rounded; the lateral feathers nbnut half an inch shorter; fourth quill
longest; first about as long as the fitth; bill large, stout; half as high, or more than
half as high as long.

Male. — General color uniform lustrous velvet-black, with a greenish reflection,
shoulders and lesser wing coverts of a bright-crimson or vermillon-red; middle
coverts brownish-yellow, and usually paler towards the tips.

1 By an amusing yet incomprehensible mistake of the printer, the .subjoined
description of eggs, &c., was annexed to this species, in an article published in the
" licDort of the U. S. Department of Agriculture for 1864," p. 426. It belongs to
the C'hewink or Ground Robin, page 425 of that volume: "Their form varies I'rom
elongated oval to nearly spherical. The dimensions of a nest complement of four
eggs, collected in Quincy, Mass., are 1 by .74 inch, .96 by .72 inch, .90 by .70 inch,
tlO by .68 inch : other specimens do not vary materially from these measurements.
3u: one brood is usually reared in the season. This bird, although subsisting prin-
cipally on variou.i seeds and small fruits, destroys great numbers of insects, particu-
larly in the breeding season : in tact, its young are fed entirely on insects and theii
larvu;, and the well-knowu wire-worms."

M

ill' ;

■Bses&aMmSimi

342

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

Female. — Drown above, the feathers edged or streaked with rufous-brown and
yellowi^li; bencatli wliitc, streaked with brown; forepart of throat, superciliary, and
luediuu btiipu btrungly tinged with browiiish-yeliuw.

The female differs greatly in appearance; the prevailing color above is brownish-
black, all the feathers margined with reddish-brown; some of those on the back
with brownish-yellow, which, on the nicili:iri and greater wing coverts, forms two
bunds; the under parts arc uiill-whilish, each feather broadly streaked centrally with
dark-brown; the chin and throat yellowish, and but little streaked; there is a dis-
tinct whitish superciliary streak alongside the head, tinged anteriorly with brownish-
yellow, iind another les« distinct in the median line of the crown; there i» usually
n> indication of any red on the wing; the innnature males exhibit every possible
condition of c(duration between that of the old male and of the female.

Length of mule, nine and litly one-hundredths inches; wing, five inches; tail
four and iillcen one-hundredths inches.

This conimou and well-known species makes its appear-
ance about the middle of March. It arrives in small flocks,
the males preceding the females a week or ten days. On
its arrival, it frequents the meadows and swamps, where,
from early dawn to cwilight, its song of quonk a ree is
heard, sometimes uttered by a half-dozen birds at a time.
As soon as the females arrive, the birds mate, and disperse
throuah these States, but not so abundantly in the northern
as in the southern districts. It commences building about
the first week in May. The nest is usually placed in a
tussock of grass or low bush hi a meadow and swamp : it
is constructed of coarse grasses, which are woven and
intvvined into a strong fabric, into which are incorporated
the grass to which it is suspended, or the twigs of the bush
in which it is built. It is deeply hollowed, and lined with
fine grasses, and sometimes a few hair-like roots. The eggs
are four or five in number ; and they vary, in color, two or
three shades of light-blue : they are marked with spots and
streaks of vandyke-brown and black, generally distributed
thickest at the greater end. Their dimensions vary from
l.Oo by .75 inch to .90 by .66 inch. Average size about
.97 by .70 inch.

Sometimes several pairs breed in the same swamp or
meadow : they always fly to meet an intruder in tl eir
nauiits, and hover over biin, uttering their cries of anger

THE MEADOW-LARiC.

34.'5

and complaint ; and, as the alarm passos along the country,
sometimes as many as a dozen or twenty birds arc hovering
over him, scoldiiig vociferously.

Two broods are usually reared in tlio season : as soon us
the last brood leaves the nest, tlie whole family joins witli
its neighbors into a flock of sometimes a hundred or liun-
dred and fifty or more. They then visit tlie grain-fields, and
inflict considerable damage by eating and destroying the
grain. In many localities, they are so numerous at this
season, that they are a serious nuisance ; and the farmers
destroy great numbers of them with poison and with the
gun.

Localities in the neighboi^hood of the seaboard are thus
afflicted more than others ; and I have seen flocks of these
birds in Plymouth County, Mass., containing as many as a
thousand ijidividuals.

About the last of October, they depart on their southern
migration.

STURNELLA, Vieillot

Stumella, Vieillot, Analyse (1816). (Type Alaudn mngna, L.)
Body thick, stout; legs large, toes reaching beyond the tail; tail short, even,
with narrow acuminate feathers; bill slender, elongated; length about three tim>>4
the height; commissure straight from the basal angle; culmen flattened basnily,
extending backwards, and parting the frontal feathers ; longer than the head, but
shorter than tarsus; nostrils linear, covered by an incumbent membranous scale;
inner lateral toe longer than •ho outer, but not reaching to basal Joint of middle;
hind toe a little shorter than the middle, which is equal to the tarsus; hind claw
nearly twice as long as the middle; feathers of head stitfeucd and bristly; the
shafts of those above extended into a black seta; tertiaries nearly equal to the
primaries; feathers above all transversely banded; beneath yellow, with a black
Dectoral crescent.

'ii

II,' ■'

it;j

"I

r

STUBNELLA MAGNA. — Swainson.

The Meadow-lark; Old Field-lark.

Alauda mnrjiin, Linnajus. Syst. Nat., I. (1758) 167, 10th ed. (based on Almtda
wmi/na, Catesb}-, tab. 3.3). Wils. Am. Orn., III. (1811) 20.
Siumeila Mnijna, Swainson. Phil. Mag., I. (1827) 4.36.
Sturnui Ludoriciuuui, Andubon. Orn. Biog., IF. (1834) 210; V. (1839) 4«i.
Sturndta Lwtuviciana, HuUM. Man., I. (1832) 147.

dU

OUNITHOLOUY AND OOLOGY.

Uksckution.

'I lit' fealliirs atiovc (lurk-brown, iiiiirt;im'(l witli hrowiiisli-wliile, and wifli a ter
iniiiul I'ldtili ol' ]iiilc ri'ildisli-lirdwii ; cxpn^cil pdrtidiis of win^s and tail with trans-
viT^R dark-brown bars, which on tht! ini(hllu tail It'athcrs uru coiilluunt alon^ the
shall i beneath ^illiiw, with u bhuk pectural crt'sceut, thu ytllow not extending or
the side ul' the maxilla; tddes, erissum, and tibi;e pulu reddish-brown, streaked with
blaekish; a light mediaji and superciliury Btrii)e, the latter yellow anterior to the
eye; u black line behind.

Lengtii, li 11 and sixty one-hundredtlis inches; winf;, live; tail, three and seventy
ono-hiindrodths inehes; bill above, one and thirty-live one-hundredtlis inches.

Tliis l)eautiful and well-know ii bird is a connnon summer
Inlialiitant of tho tlirc suutlieiu New-England States, but is
luorj rare in. the others. If a mild winter, it remains through

the year ; but generally leaves for the South late in the
fall, and returns about the " second or third week in
March." It commences building about the second week
in May, sometimes earlier : the locality is generally in a
meadow or low field. Tho nest is usually built in a tussock
of grass: it "is pretty compact, made of dry, wiry grass,
to which a hidden and almost winding path is made, and
generally so well concealed that the nest is only to be found
wheu tiie bird is flushed." — Nuttall.

A uumber of nests that I have examined agree with thia
description: all were beneath bunches of grass; and, though

THK MEADOW-LAUK.

345

souio were only partly covorod, still there was a ilooulod
roof to iill. Tiio eggs are usually four in number: their
color ia generally nearly pure-white, sometimes reddish-
white, with fine spots of reddish-brown diffused over the
entire surface of some specimens ; on others, thiidy scat-
tered spots, blotches of two or three shades of brown and
lilac. Their dimensions vary from 1.10 by .85 to 1 by .78
inch. Their forai is usually a rounded oval.

A rather peculiar specimen, kindly ju'esented me by
Mr. J. P. Norris, of Philadelphia, is nearly spherical in
form, rosy-white in color, with exceedingly minute dots of
reddish. Size, 1.05 by .90 inch. Nuttall says of the food
of this species, —

" Tluiir food consists of the larvaa of various insects, as well as
worms, beetles, and grass seeds, to assist the digestion of wiiich
tiiey sw.'dlow a considerable portion of gravel. It does not ajjpear
that this species ever adds berries or fruits of any Kind to liis fare,
like the Starling, but usually remains the whole summer In moist
meadows ; and in winter retires to the open, grassy woods, having
no inclination to rob the orchai'd or garden ; and, except in winter,
is of a shy, timid, and retiring d'sposition."

m

^

orce with thia

But one brood is reared in the season.

In the autumn, the Larks collect in small flocks of ten Oi*
a dozen, which visit the marshes and stuljble-fiekls in their
neighborhood. Their note at this season, as in other periods
of the year, is nothing but a shrill, prolonged, plaintive
whistle. Usually one bird of a flock is perched on a tree
or fence-post as a sentinel ; and, the moment a gunner
approaches, the bird gives his alarm, and the flock is on the
qui vive. They are so shy that it is extremely difficult to
approach them; and, when shot at, they are secured only by
guns of long range. Their flight is a peculiar hovering
one, — the wings moving in short, almost imperceptible,
vibrations.

r

846

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

Sub-Family Ictkiun^. — T/ie Orioles.

Bill slender, elongated, as long as tlie head, generally a little decurved, and ver>'
■cute; tarsi not lunger tliun the middle toe, nor tlian the head; claws short, iiuich
curved; outer lateral too a littlo longer than the inner, reaching n little beyond base
of middle toe; Ccet adapted lor perching; tail rounded or graduated; prevailini;
colors yellow oi orange, and bluclt.

ICTERUS SPURIUS. — /iona/ja/te.

The Orchard Oriole.

Qri)lm $punu$, Linnoiua. Syst. Nat., I. (1700) 102.

fcttrus spurius, Bonaparte. Obs. on Noni. Wils. (1825), No. 44. Aud. Cm.
Biog., L (1831) 221; V. 485.

Oriolus mutaliit, Wilson. Am. Orn., I. (1808) 64.

Descrution.

Bill slender.'nttrnuated, considerably decurved; tail moderately graduated.

Mate. — Head and neck all round, wings, and iiitersonpular region of back, with
tail feathers, black ; rest of under parts, lower part of back to tail, and lesser upper
wing coverts, with the lower one, brownish-chestnut ; a narrow line across tlie wing,
ind the extreme outer edges of quills, white.

Female. — Uniform greenish-yellow bc-catli, olivaceous above, and browner in
the middle of the back ; two white bands on the wings. Young male like the female,
with a broad black patch from the bill to the upper part of the breast; this coh)r
extending along the base of the bill so as to involve the eye and all anterior to it to
the base of the bill.

In this species the bill is slender, attenuated, and a good deal decurved to the
tip. The second and third quills are longest; the first intwmcdiate between
the fourth and fifth. The tail is rather long ; the feathers moderately graduated, the
greatest difference in length amounting to half on inch.

The black of the throat extends backwards us far as the bend of the wing, and
ends as an obtuse angle. The tail feathers are entirely black, with dull whitish tips
when not fully mature.

Specimens are found in all stages between the characters given above. When
nearly mature, some yellowish feathers are found mixed in with the chestimt ones.

Length of specimens, seven and twenty-five one-hundredths inches ; wing, three
and twenty-five one-hundredths inches.

This bird is rather rare in New England, and is confined
to the southern districts as a summer visitor. It arrives
about the second weelc in May, and coinmenccs building
about the first week in June. The nest is usually placed in
a forked branch of a tree in the orchard, seldom more than
twenty feet from the ground. It is constructed of different

curved, and very
laws ghort, niiieU
ittle beyond bii»e
lated; vrevrtiliiii;

ly graduated,
egionof back.witli
il, and kwer upper
ine across the wing,

vc, and browner in
nale like the female,
10 breast; this color
1 all anterior to it to

ieal decurved to the

irmediate between

ately graduated, the

nd of the wing, and
ith dull whitish tips

iven above. When

the chestnut ones.

1 inches; wing, three

lud is confined
or. It arrives
cuccs building
,ually placed in
dom more than
ted of different

I

i ■

Iri

Orciiauo Oriole, Tcterus sptirius. Bonnparte.

THE ORCHARD ORIOLE!.

347

grassoH, which aro wovoii toj^ctlier very iioatly and com
pactly: tho whulu iu liiiuil with line griiHrt, and Hoiut^tiiucs :\
W'AV hurflciiiiirH. It itt not ikmihIIo, Imt is huilt on tho Itrniich
The eggs lire I'onv or live in iiuiul)er : tlieir color varies from
!i liglit-bhie to ii tli.'sliy tint, wliicli is nuirkeil witli irri'jiii-
lar spots and lines of obscure lavender, over wjiich aro l>old
spots and Idotehoa of black and brown. Tlio dimensions
vai-y from .80 to .50 by .54 inch. But ono Ijrood is reared
in tiie season.

Nuttall, ill describing tho habits of this species, says, —

"The Orchard Oriole is an oxccedinyly active. s|iri;jhtly, aiiJ
resdcss bird: in tho sumo instant ;ilnjo.>t, ho is on tlio i^round after
some fallen insect; fhitterinfj amidst the foliage of the trei'-i, prying
and springing after his lurking prey ; or flying, and tuning his lively
notes in a manner so hurried, rapid, and seemingly confused, that
the ear is scarce able to thread out the shrill and lively syllables
of his agitated ditty. Between these hurried attempts, he also
gives others, which are distinct and agreeable ; but still his tones
are neither so full nor so mellow as those of the brilliant and gay
lialtimore."

After a description of tho nest and eggs, ho continues : —

" The female sits about fourteen days, and the young continue
in the nest ten (?) days before they become qualified to flit along
with their parents; but they are generally seen abroad about the
middle of June. Pieviously to their departure, the young, leaving
the care of their parents, become gregarious, and assemble soni<!-
times in flocks of separate sexes, from thirty to forty upwards ; in
the South, frequenting the savannahs, feeding much on crickets,
grasshoppers, and spiders. According to Audubon, they sing with
great liveliness in cages, being fed on rice and dry fruits, when
fresh cannot be procured. Their ordinary diet, it appears, is cater-
pillars and insects, of which they destroy great quantities. In the
oourse of the season, they likewise feed on various kinds of juicy
fruits and berries ; but their depredations on the fruits of the orchard
are very unimportant."

4

if

;Ms

UUM'lllOLOia' AND OOLOUY.

)!

ite

i

ill II litiy(! MUllllK'r uf IH'Ntri t'CCI'ivcil iVilU. WiHCUllHill, HMICC

tliu I'urcgoiii^r was in typo, a pntiMntinn ucrc |icii.iilo, Utiiig
C(iiii|juHed ul' liiiu gtuHHCii, nuatiy inturwovun.

ICTERUS BALTIMORE. - Oowlin.

Tho Baltimoia Oriole; Golden Roblo; Hang-np«t.

Uiftlu* liitUimuie, l.iunuiijt. 8}-iit. Nat., I. (ITUe) lU'i. WIIk. Aid. Orn., I
(1B08) 2.'1.

" Jcttrut Unltimwt, DuuUiii." Aiul. Orii. Ww^., I. (1831) 66; V. (183U) 278.

I)E8<'llirTION.

Tail nearly even; ln'inl nil niiiiiil uiul ti> nililillu of buck, Kcupulurx, wIiik>*i and
upper Hiirf'iu'i' of (nil, black; ri>t ol' iimli'r luirtx, riiinp, tippi-r tail iiivurtH, iiiid IcHnei
wiiin c'dvcrls, with tcriiiiiiul pnriinii ol' tail l'catliiT.'< (uxnpt twn iiiiuTfiiimt), (iraiiKe-
ri'd; t'd);os of wing i|uills, wiili it liaiid acrosH tliu tip^ of the Krvuler coverta,
white.

'I'hu t'l'inali! \* uiiii'h Ickh hrtlliaiit in cnhir; thu black nl' the hcail and hai k ^eno-
rully rt'plucud by browuish-ycllow, purer on the thiuut; each leather with u block
»pot.

Length, ncven and fifty one-huMdrcdthx inches; wing, three and sevenly-tive
uiie-hundre<lth!4 inches.

This wo'l-kiiown species is abundantly disti'ibutod tlirougii-
out New I'Jiiglaiid as a sunnuer visitor. It makes its appear-
ance about tlio 8th ol" May in Massaclui.sotts, and about tlio

middle of that month
or later, in tiie north-
ern distiicts. It com-
mences building about
the -JOtii of May. Tho
nest is usiii^Uy fixed
in an elm-troe near
houses, or in an apple
or pear tree in the or-
chard. Niittall's de-
scription of tho nest
is tho best that I have ever soon, and nuicli better than
any I could make; although somewhat lengthy, I give it
entire : —

TIIK FALTrMORF: ORIOLK.

!M(«

r,e and »i!veiily-tiv«

"TluTCi JH nntliin^ mom rt'iimrkulilc in tlio wlioli- iii«tiiict «f our
OoMi'M Koliiii timii tliK injjfiniity ilis|i|ityi'il in tlic t'aliriciktion of \[n
nost, wliit'li ix, in fact, n ]u'\ti\\\h>\\<, (yliniiiif |kiiicIi of (iv»> to sfvi-n
inclicH in doptli, imnitliy snH|i<'ni|i>il from nt'ur tint cxticniititH of tlio
lii>{h <lni ipini; luanrln's of trees («ucli as tlie clni, llie pear, or apple
tree, wild elierry, weeping willow, tnlip-treo, or hiittonwood). It
is li('i;nii l>y firmly fasteiiinjj natural sfriii;;n of tlie (lax of tlie silk-
weed, or swamp liollylioek, or stout nrlilicial tlinails, arouml two or
more forked twit's, eorrespondinjj; to the intende<l width and depth
of the nest. With the saino materials, willow-<lown, or any neci-
dental ravelliiijfs, striiij^s, thread, sewin<;-silk, tow, or wool, that may
lie lyin;^ near th(! neij,dd)orin<^ houses, or arouml f^raf'ts of trees, they
interweave and fahrieato a sort of coarse cloth into the form in-
tended, towards the bottom of which they |ihioo tlie real nest, mn<lo
chiefly of lint, wiry grass, horse aiul cow hair: sometimes, in defect
of hair, lining the interior with a mixture of slender strips of
smooth vine-hark, and randy with a few feathers; the whole heing
of a consideralde thickness, and more or less attacluMl to the exter-
nal pouch. Over the top, the leaves, as they grow out, form a
verdant and agreeable canopy, defending the young from the sun
and rain. There is sometimes a considerable ditterence In the
manufacture of these nests, as well as in the materials whi(di enter
into their composition. IJoth sexes seem to be equally adepts at
this sort of labor; and I have seen the female alone perform the
whole without any assistance, and the male also complete this
laborious task nearly without the aid of his consort, who, however,
in general, is the principal worker."

U

The eggs are four or five in iminbcr. They arc of a flesh-
color, with sometimes a bluish tint : they are marked with
obscure lines of laveiuler, over which are irregular scratches
and lines, as if done with a pen, of vandykc-brown and
black. Their dimensions vary from 1 l)y .72 to .88 by .0(1
inch. The food of this bird, and also of the preceding
species, consists of caterpillars and other injurious insects :
great numbers of the hairy caterpillars are destroyed; and
sometimes a large nest of the apple-tree caterpillars is de-
populated in a few days. Tiie Orioles are certainly, thcro

350

OUMTllOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

fore, worthy tlio highest consiclcratioii and protection from
the farmer.

TIk; familiarity of this bird with man, and its sociable and
•icnial disposition »*i-o so well known that any description
of its habits here is unnecessary. About the middle of
September, after forming into small detached flocks, this
species leaves New England on its southern migration.

t

Suh-Family QuTSCALixiE. — The Gmdles.

Bill rather nttenimtcd, as hn\g or longer than the head; the ciilmen curved, the
tip much l)ont dnwn ; the ciitiing edges inflected, so as to impart a somewhat tubular
appearance to each niiuidiblc; the commissure sinuatcd; tail longer than the wings,
usuidly much graduated; legs longer than the head, fitted for walking.

The bill of the QuiscitlimE is very difTerent from that of the other Ictcridoe, and is
readily recognized by the tendency to a rounding inward along the cutting edges,
rendering the width in a cross section of the bill considerably less along the commi j-
sure than above or below. The culmen is more curved than in the Agelaina.

The only genera in the United States are as follows: —

ScoLKroi'iiAoua. — Tail shorter than the wings, nearlj' even ; bill shorter than
the head.

QuiscAi.us. — Tail longer than the wings, much graduated; bill as long as or
longer than the head.

SCOI.ECOPHAGUS, Swainson.

Scolecophngvs, Swainson, F. Bor. Am., II. (1831). (Type Oriolus ferruffineni,
fimelin.)

Hill shorter than the head, rather slender, the edges inflexed as in Quiscalua, which
it otherwise greatly resembles; the commissure sinuated; culmen rounded, but not
flattened: tarsi longer than the middle toe; tail even, or slightly rounded.

SCOLECOPHAGDS FEREDGINEUS. — Sim mson.

The Rusty Crackle.

Crnculn fernig'men, Wilson. Am. Om., III. (1811) 41.

Quiacnliig fcrrutjiiieus, Xuttall. Man., I. (1832) 199. Aud. Om. Biog., II. (1834)
315; V. (18.39)483.

l^cdkrophnijiiit fcrniiptievs, Swainson. F. Ror. Am., II. (1831) 286.

DKSCltllTIOX.

Bill slender, shorter than the hend, about equal to the hind toe; its height not
quite two-fifths the total length; wing nearly an inch longer than the tail; second
\uill longest ; first a litt'e shorter than the fourtli ; tail slightly graduated; the lateraJ

THE RUSTY BLACKBIRD.

n.-i

oteclioii from

n; bill shorter than
I; bill as long as oi

Oriolus ferruginem.

feathers about a qiiarlor of an iiidi pliortcst; general coltpr Irlatk, with piii]il(' rcflco-
tions; tiie wiii^js. uikIit (ail coverts, and liiiulor part of the Ijclly, f^losseil with
green, rcmale, diill-lirowu. Iris, pale-straw color.

!.eiii;tli, nine ami lilty oiie-hiindreilllis IiuIks; "iiifj, four ami sovcnty-five oim
liun(lri.'iltlis; tail, lour iiiehes.

This bifd is not uiicominoii in the New-Eiighxiul States in
tlic spring and fall migrations, but is nevop jih'nty, and
retires to high latitudes to l)reed. A few ivniaiu in the
northern distriets of Maine and New Hampshire througli
the breeding season ; l)ut their nests are scklom found.
Wliilc in the valley of the Magalloway River, in Elaine, in
June, 18G4, I found several; and two of them eontained
three eggs in each. Tiicse nests were all built in low alders
overhanging the water: they were constructed of, first, a
lityer of twigs and brier-stalks; on this was built the nest
jiropcr, which was comjiosed of stalks and leaves of grass,
which were mixed with mud, and moulded into a firm, cir-
cular structure, and lined with fine leaves of grass and a few
hairlikc roots. The whole formed a large structure, easily
seen at the distance of a few rods through the foliage.

The eggs are of a bluish-white coh)r, of oval form, and
covered with fine scratches and s()ots of light-brown. These
markings arc almost exactly similar to those on the egg of
the Great-crested Flycatcher : they appear as if done with
a pen, which, as soon as it is pressed forcibly on the object,
is suddenly withdrawn, making a mark wide at one end,
and sharply pointed at the other. ,

The dimensions of three eggs in my collection are 1.0-i
by .76 inch, 1.05 by .75 inch, 1 by .70 inch.

The habits of this species are less known than those of
any of our other Blackbirds. This is owing as much to
its unsociable, retiring disposition as to the scarcity of its
numbers. When it arrives in spring, — sometimes as carlj
as the third week in March, — it frequents the low, swampy
thickets, where, in companies of three or four, it employs itr
eelf in searching for seeds of various aquatic grasses, insects,
worms, and tlic small crustacae found in suoh localities.

;:!

%

352

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGi'.

li

If approached, it flies a sliort distance into a low tree, and
watches the intruder, uttering its alarm-note check, — some-
times, chct'k-che iv6ech or check che wiecha. Tliis note is
uttered by l)oth sexes, and seems to he the only song pos-
sessed by citlicr. I have ol)served thorn carefully, not only
in the S|)ring, but during the breeding season and in the
autumn, and I never heard them emit any other. Both
sexes iiicul)atc, and manifest great anxiety wlien the nest is
approached ; tlic males flying and scolding over tlio head
of the intruder, in the manner of the Red-winged Blackbird
As I paddled my canoe up beneath one of the nests de-
scribed above, the parent bird remained sitting, almost until
my liand touched tlie limb on which the structure was
j)laced. On flying off, she littered a chattering cry, almost
exactly like tliat of the female Redwing wlien disturbed
in a similar manner.

Early in September, the old and young birds collect in
small detaclied flocks, and frequent the same localities that
they haunt in spring, from which they occasionally visit old
cornfields and stubl)le-riclds, where they catch grasslioppers
and other insects, and eat the seed of weeds and such grains
as arc left by tlic farmer after harvesting.

Tliey remain in southern New England until early in
November.

QUISCALUS, ViEiLi-OT.

QH('s(;rt/«s, ViKiu.of, Analyse (1816). (Gray.) (Type Gvncula qiiiscaln, L.)
Hill ns Ions <is t'le hend, the ciilmen sliglitly curved, the gonys almost .straight;
the edges of tlie hill inflected and rounded | the commissure (juite strongly sinuated;
outlines of tarsal scutclliu well dcflned on the sides; wings shorter than the tail,
sometimes much more so ; tail long, the feathers conspicuously and decidedly gradu-
ated. Colors black.

QUISCALUS VEESICOLOE.- Vlcillol.

The Crow Blackbird ; Purple Orakle.

Grncula quiscala, Liiintcus. Syst. Nat., I. (1706) 1C5. Wils. Am. Orn., Ill
(1811)44.

Qiiiscn'AU remicnhr, Vieillot. Analyse? (1?16). Jf>., Nouv. Diet., XXVIII.
1819) 4S8 Xutt. Mun., I. (isaa) 104. Aud.Orn. Biog., I. (1831) 35; V. (lS3f>)481

low tree, and
u'.ch, — some-
This note is
ily song pos-
lUy, not only
(U and ill the
other. Botli
oil tlie neat is
)vcr the liead
>-cd Blackbird
the nests de-
T, ahnost nntil
strnctnve was
iig cry, ahnost
hen disturbed

lirds collect in
! localities that
onally visit old
h grasshoppers
lud such grains

nntil early in

ncnln quiscdln, L.)
ys almost straight;

kite stront;ly simiated;

urtcr tlmn the tnil,

and (Icfidt^dly gradu-

Wils. Am. Orn., HI

<ouv. Diet., XXVIII.
831) 35; V. (183!*) 481

k;-

sil

»6^

;

THE CROW ULACKniUD.

353

DKSrRIITIOV.

Bill above, about as lonjf as the hoad, more thnii (viVo as loti;; is hif,'li : tlio rom-
nilssiire moderately siniiatcil and cnnsidiTilily di-ciirved at tip; tail a iittle sIkjiIit
tlinn the wing, iniiili Kri'dnatcd, tin; lateral tcatliers one and ten one-hiindridlli-i
inches shorter; third ciiiill l(in;,'est, first between fourth and filth; head and neek all
well defined steel-b'ue; the rest of the body with varied reflections of bronze,
golden, green, eopper, and purple, the latter most conspicuous on the tail, the tail
coverts, and wini,'s; the edfes af primaries and of tail greenish, reiuale similar,
but smaller and duller, with perhaps more green on the head. Iris, yelluw.

Length, thirteen inches; wings, si.x; tail, five and eighty one-hundredths; bill
»bf)ve, one and twenty-five one-huudredths inches.

This vcr}' common and well-known liird is distributed
tl\rougiiout New England in the snmmer season ; arriving
ahont the first week in April. It is a social species ; and,
instead of breaking up into scattered pairs, the liirds
remain in flocks, and breed in communities, sometimes
several pairs on one tree. The nest is composed of mud,
in which grass, seaweed, fine roots, and other like mate
rials, are mixed and woven into a large, compact scructure,
which is lined with fine grass, seaweeds, and sometimes
a few horsehairs.

The eggs are four or five in number. They vary in color
from light-blue to light-brown, aiitl are marked with obscure
spots of light-brown, over which are laid blotches and lines
of black and umbcr-brown. They vary in dimensions from
1.30 by .88 to 1.18 by .84 inch. Usually, but one brood is
reared in the season ; and in September the birds collect
into immense flocks, and do considerable mischief in the
cornfields: in other seasons, their food consists of "larva),
caterpillars, moths, and beetles, of which tlicy devour such
numbers, that, but for this providential economy, the wholo
crop of grain in many places would probably be destroyed
l)y the time it began to germinate."

Wilson, in describing the habits of this species, says, —

" The trees where these birds build irrc often at no great distance
from the farm-house, and overlook the plantations. From thence
tliey issue in all directions, and witli as mucli confidence, to mako
their daily depredations among the surrounding fic^lds, as if tho
whole were intended for their use alone. Their chief attention.

23

3.54

OUNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

J

•

liowever, is directed to tlie Indian corn in all ita progressive stages,
As soon as the infant I)l;i(l(\ of this grain begins to make its appear-
iiiee ahovo grniind, the (Jrakies hail tlie weli^onie signal witli
screams of peculiar satisfaction ; and, without waiting for a fijwnal
invitation from the proprietor, descend on the fields, and begin tn
pull ii|i and regale themselves on the seed, scattering the green
blades around. AVhile thus eagerly employed, the vengeance of tluj
gun sometimes overtakes them; but tliese disasters are soon forgot
ten, and those —

' Wiio live to get away,
Return to steal, anotlier day.'

About the beginning of August, wlien the young ears are In their
milky state, they are attacked with redoubled eagerness by the
Grakles and Redwings, in formidable and combined bodies. They
descend like a blackening, sweeping tempest on the corn, dig off"
the external covering of twelve or fifteen coats of leaves as dex-
terously as if done by the hand of man, and, having laid bare the
ear, leave little behind to the farmer but the cobs and shrivelled
skins tiiat contained their favorite fare. I have seen fields of corn
of many acres, where more than one-half was thus ruined."

About the last week in Soptcmber, these birds, in ini-
meiiso liocks, depart on their southern migration : so abun-
dant are they at tliat time, and so closely do tiiey fly
together in a flock, tliat I have killed, at one discharge of
my gun, over a dozen birds. They visit the beech woods,
and also the oak groves, and feed upon the nuts found
on and beneatli those trees. They also cat the seeds of
weeds anU various wild plants, as I have proved by cxamiu
ing the sloninchs of difti'rcnt specimens.

In tlie evidence before the Committee on Agriculture, in
the session of Massachusetts Legislature, for ISGO and 'TO,
it ap])eared»i'rom the testimony of numerous observers, tluit
the Crow Blackbird, or Orakle, destroys, in the breeding
season of the smaller birds, great numbers of eggs and
young birds, eating them after the manner of the jays and
crows, i have not observed this fact mysell", but on inquiry
liud from different observers that such is often the habit of
this species

THE AMKUICAN RAVEN,

355

jgressive stages,
nake its appeai-
mu signal witli
tiiic;; f„r a fcwuial
lis, anil bi'gin to
teving tlie green
vengeance of tlio
i are soon forgot

Family CORVIDiE.

rriinariea ten; the first short, pcncrnlly ntioiit hnlf hs lonff iis the Rccoml (or u
liltli' iri'ire), the outer four sinuatcd on the inner edj^e; tlic na«iil fossoe and nostrils
ii'iiially more or less concealed liy narrow stiffened liristlc-; (or hristly t'eathcrs), willi
(ihort appressod lateral hranclies cxtcndinj; to the very tip, all directed forwards;
tarsi scutellate anteriorly, the si<les undivided (except sonielinies lielow) and separa-
teil from the anterior plates hy a narrow, naked strip, sometimes tilled up with small
scales; hasal joint of middle toe united ahout equally to the lateral, generally hir
about half the length; bill generally notched.

ears are In their
ea"'ernoss by tlic
0(1 bodies. They
the corn, dig oft"
of leaves as dex-
,iiitr laid bare the
lbs and shrivelled
seen fields of corn
IS ruined."

se birds, in im-
ation : so abiui-
.oly do they fly
one discharo-c of
the beech woods,
the nuts fouiul
cat the seeds of
oved by examiu

n Agriculture, in

for 1SG9 and 'TO,

)us observers, that

in the luvedintr

srs of e}2'gs and

of the jays and

elf, but on inquiry

often the habit of

Suh-Family CoiiviN^.. — The Crows.

Wings long and pointed; longer than the tail, and, when closed, reaching nearly
to its tip, extending far beyond the under tail coverts; the third, fourth, and fifth
tpiills fiirming the tip of the wing.

CORVUS, LiNN.EUs.

Cor"<ts, LiXN.EUS, Syst. Nat. (1735). (Typ3 Con^is corax, L.)
The nasal feathers lengthened, reacliing to or beyond the middle of the bill;
nostrils large, circular, overhung behind by mambrane, the edges rounded else-
where; rictus without bristles; bill nearly as long .is the tarsus, very stout; much
higher than broad at the base; culmen much arched; wings reaching to or nearly to
the tip of the tail; t.irsi longer than the middle toe, with a series of small .scales on
tlie middle of each side separating the anterior scutell.ite portion from the posterior
continuous plates; side of the head occasionally with nearly naked patches; tail
gr.iduated or rounded; the outer four primaries sinuated internally.

CORVUS C&nmVORVS. — nartrnm.

The American Baven.

Coniis carnknrus, Bartram. Travels in E. Florida (17'j3), 290.
Cmi'iis corra, Wilson. Am. Om., IX. (1825) 136. Nutt. Man., I. (1832) 202.
And. IJirds Am., IV. (1812) 78.

Df-scrhtion.

Fourth quill longest ; third and fifth about equal ; second between fifth and sLxtti ;
first nearly equal to the eighth; entirely glossj- black, with violet reflections.

In this species, the feathers of the head above and body are compact and blended ;
tlin«e of the back of the neck are very smooth and even, but do not show the out-
linos of e,ich separately as elsewhere; on the chin ami throat, the feathers are
ilongated and lanceolate, each one more or less pendent or free, with the outlines
distinct to near the base; the bill is very long (three inches), and consideiably
curved, the upper mandible extending considerably over the upper at the end.

RoO

OIJNITHOLOOY AND OOLOGY.

'I'lu' ft'ct appear von- sliort and stout; the tani with but seven gcutcllip, rathei
lontjcr than the iniilillo toe and chiw; tlie hiteral claws nhout equal, and extendiii;;
to a littlo bevijiul the biiKe of the inid<lli' claw; the Inurtli (piill in Um^^unt, the
third about cipial the fil'th, the second considerably longer than the sixth, the first
about equal to tliu ci^^hlh priiiian .

5-engtli, about twenty-four or twenty-live iiulies; extent, fifty to fifly-one; winfj,
about sevcnticu; tail, teu. Tail moderately graduated; the outer about one and
sixty one-hundreilths to one and ninety one-hiuidrcdths of an inch less than tli9
middle.

THIS bird is an extromoly raro resident in New England.
I have never heard of its l)reeding here ; but it occa-
sionally rears its young on the island of Grand Menan,

off the north - east coast of
Maine. There, on the steep
and almost inaccessible cliffs,
its nest is built. Tliis is com-
posed of twigs, sticks, seaweed,
and pieces of turf, and is lined
witli the finer seaweeds and
algae found on the seacoast.

A nest that I found in Ohio
was built on a jutting rock in
0, large cave. On ascending
to it, I found that it was built
of coarse sticks and twigs, and
was lined with leaves, strips
of bark, and pieces of moss.
This nest had been occupied — so a settler told me — for a
number of years, by the same pair of birds, who made tlio
cave and its surrounding forest their permanent home
through the year.

From its protected situation, it required but few altera-
tions and additions each year ; and many of the sticks of
which it was composed were quite rotten and decayed.

It contained five young, about half-grown. As this was
on the 18th of March, I judged the eggs must have been
!aid by the 20th of February.
The eggs of this species are generally four or five in

THE COMMON CUOW.

number: they almost exactly roseniltlo those of llie Coui-
iiion Crow; hut are coiisideralily hirgor, averaging ulxiut
two inches iu length by l.oo ineii in breadth.

A specimen in my colleelion, of undoubted authenticity,
collected on Grand Munau, is much smaller than the usual
.size, being but 1.70 by 1.24 inch iu dimensions.

Tiie hal)its of (his bird have been described so many
times, and are so familiar to all, that I will not give them
an extended notice here.

Uy four or five in

COBVUS AMEBICANUS. — ^u(/u/«'».

The Common Crow.

Ormu cnrone, Wilson. Am. Orii., IV. (Ibll) 79. Niitt. Man., I. (IfK) 2u».
Contit Americatius, Audubuii. Oru. Uiog., II. (Ib34) ai7; V. 477. Nutt. Man.,
I. (2(1 ed., 1840) 221.

Deschiition.

Fourth quill longest, second shorter tliun sixth, first shorter than ninth; kIoxsv
tilaclc with violet reHections, even on tlic bully; tarsus longer than the niiildlu toe
iiiid claw.

Tlie bill is considerably narrower than hi{{h or much compressed; it is giiitly
curved from the very base, rather more rapidly towards the tip; the incumbent
feathers of the nostril reach half the distancu from the base of tlie bill to lliu end of
the lower jaw, and not quite half-way to that of the upper.

The tarsus has eight scutella; anteriorly, aud is rather longer than the middle tu«
and claw; the hiteral toe.s are very nearly equal; the inner claw the larger, ami
reaching to the base of the middle claw.

The webs of the tliroat feathers are a little loose, but lie quite smoothly, without
the piiinted lanceolate character seen in the ravens.

Length, nineteen to twenty inches ; wing, thirteen to thirteen and fifty onc-hun-
dredths; tall, about eight inches.

TIlis well-known bird is abundant through New England
in the summer, and in mild winters is a resident through
tlie year. The species — as Mr. Allen justly remarks, in
his Catalogue of the Birds of Springfield, Mass. — " seems
to have diminished very materially in numbers in the last
six or eight years ; hundreds, and probably tlioiisands, hav-
ing been killed in the State by the use of strychnine almost
every year."

About the first week in May, the birds separate into pairs,
and soon commence building. The nest is usually built in a

;l

3r)8

OKNITFIOLOOY AND OOLOOY.

;5!l

fork of a lull piuc, Hoinutiincs in a thick l^iicli or Iioinlock :
it 18 Cfuistnicted of, firHt, a liiyor of coarso twigs and .sticks,
then a layer of tho l)ark of the cedar, moss, and sonictinius
l»iniches of grass; it is warndy lined witli tiie l)!irk of tlie
I'edar, and sometimes a few leaves. Tho eggs are usually
lour in nnmhor: their color is of dillerent shades of green,
which is covered with hlotchesand spots of dilleront hrowns,
and dusky. Dimensions vary fronx !.()') hy 1.20 to l.oO by
l.U-S inch. IJut one brood is reared in the .neason.

Perhaps no branch of American rural economy has boon
so little investigated as the food of our native birds. In
Europe, within a few years, tho attention of scientific men
has l)eon turned to tho subject: but the information they
have been aide to obtain, although valuable, cannot, of
course, bo applied, otherwise than by a series of analogies,
to this country ; and the economical value of most of our
spocios is as yet almost entirely unknown to us. This igno-
rance is owing, principally, to the difficulty attending such
investigations, — the killing of great numbers of birds hi
all the seasons when they are found with us, which is abso-
lutely necessary, but which is extremely distasteful to most
persons ; and it has been aggravated somewhat by the con-
tradictory statements of various persons in difTerent locali-
ties regarding the food of some species that they have had
the means of observing.

Of those birds, none have given rise to more controversy
than tho Corvidce ; and I propose to discuss briefly here this
interesting topic, and bring a few facts and arguments,
founded on reason or actual observation, to show their
actual economical value.

Until very recently, I have been the earnest advocate of
these birds, and have believed that tho benefits they render
much more than balance the injuries they inflict ; but 1
must say, that, after careful consideration, my faith in tlieir
utility is sadly shaken.

At the outset I will say, that I have kept specimens in

or liomlock :
s uikI sticks,
id HomiitiintJS
s bark of tl»«
H jiro urtiuiUy
idort of groon,
forciit brownw,
.20 to 1 .oO by
iison.

loiny lias been
ive birds. In
scientific men
Ibnnation tbcy
lie, cimnot, of
s of analogies,
of most of oni-
us. Thisigno-
attcnding such
[ers of birds in
, which is abso-
tastefnl to most
rhat by tl\e con-
ditTercnt locali-
, they have had

lore controversy

)ricfly here this

and arguments,

to show their

lest advocate of
cfits they render
y inflict; b\it 1
my faith in their

^fel

I

Common Ciiow, Corviis Anien'rdiiiin. AiubiVmn.

■ f

m

THE COMMON ruow.

:l.VJ

rn[)fivity ; and liuvc, l>y iicliial (ilistMviilioii, provi-i] lliut ni
It'asl I'ililit (Miiit't's (tf s\iv\\ roiiil n-A iVn^fs, lisli, Ac, iin; tMlcii
fi'iily l»y our Cuiuiuou Crow. Of uoiirso, likf otlcr l»ir<l«, it
(.an live oil a v*M'y liiuitiMl allowtiucf ; ))iit I think that tho
iihovt! is a ri'iisoiial>h' aiiioiiiit: liowovor. to hi' ali.Holuti'ly
within lioiimis, wi; will li\ (ho food of tlit; (.'row to Im! <>i|ii;i1
to livi; ounces of aiiiiiial inatti'r piT dii'iii. Jcjrinninjr, tiicn,
with the now yoar, wu will follow tin! lifo of this iiird throin^h
nil tlio seasons, and tlicii eoinparo tlio results arri\i'd at
topalior, good and hud.

During the nionths of .January, Fijhruary, and March,
when the face of the country is covered with snow, the
insects heing donnant, and the small hirds away to more
southern districts, most of tiie Crows migrate frtuii New
Kiigland : and the few that remain depend upon a scanty
sulisistence of seeds of wild plants and weeds, ac(jrns, apples
that have heen left on the trees in the orchard, and frozen ;
and they occasionally capture a iield-inouse that strays from
its nost in the stuhhle-lield or swamp. The life of the Crow
during these months is ouo continued starvation ; and the
I'.Kpression, " poor as a crow," may he applied to it, as well
doscrihing its condition. It succeeds in linding a few
cocoons of Lepidopteroua insects; meets occasionally with a
caterpillar or beetle ; and, on the whole, its labors during
these months may bo called benelicial ; although the good
resulting from them is of so little amount that we might
safely regard them as neutral. But, to Ite beyond the chance
of doing it an injustice, we will assume, that, during the
tiiree months above mentioned, the Crow does as much good
as during the whole month of April.

Let us adopt, iii this discussion, a system of numerals to
signify the relative values of this bird through the year;
taking the unit one to represent the labors of each day. The
Crow is therefore valuable, during January, February, and
March, thirty units, and in April is unquestionably thirty
units more ; for its food then consists almost entirely of

i

.-11

i

■6Q0

OHNITHOLOCiY AND OOLC^"^

*i

fJ

C?

■n

■"<ff

;!!

' ' ■ .

■I

•^

•1

15

tk

it

*•»•

;**

,tf

noxious insects in their dilTeront forms. It is perfectly safe
to say, tliat it would destroy a thousand insects in making
uj) tlie amount of food that I mentioned above ; and it is not
improbable, that, during this mouth, it actually eats tiiat
number daily.

During the first half of May, its labors are undoubtedly
beneficial; for its food still consists almost entirely of bi-
sects : but after the middle of that month, when the small
birds iiave begun to lay their eggs and hutch their young,
the Crow divides its diet pretty equally between them and the
insects. Now, it is not apparent, at the first glance, how
immensely injurious it becomes the moment it begins to
destroy the eggs and young of our small birds ; but we may
demonstrate it to an apiu'oximation. We will allow, that,
during the latter part of May, half of its food consists of
injurious insects and other vermin : it is therefore beneficial
in the whole month about twenty-three units. But it is
perfectly reasonable to say, that it destroys at least the eggs
or young of one pair of Sparrows, four iii number ; one pair
of Warblers, four in number ; and one pair of Thrushes or
Starlings, four in number: for I have known one pair of
Canada Jays to kill and devour the half-grown young of four
families of Snowbirds (Janco hyemalis'), sixteen birds in all,
in one forenoon ; and have seen a pair of crows, in two
visits to an orchard, within a half-hour's time, destroy the
young birds in two robins' nests.

Now, let us see what the injury amounts to that it does in
destroying the four eggs or young of the Sparrows, Warblers,
and Thrushes. It is a well-known fact, that the young of
all our small birds, whether insectivorous or graminivorous
in the adult stage, are fed entirely on insects. Bradley
eays that a pair of Sparrows will destroy iJ,300 caterpillars
for a week's family suj)plies. For four weeks, at the lowest
estimate, the young of our Sparrows are fed on this diet ;
and the family that the crow destroys would, in that time,
eat at leaat li>,4-i0 noxious insects ; and, as they feed moro

j i 'i

TIIK COMMON CUOW.

;'.i;i

or less ui)OU the same diet during their stay with us, killing
certainly as many as fii'ty insects each daily, the luniily
would devour two hundred per diem, or, before they leave
us in Septemlier, as many as twenty thousand. The War-
blers are entirely insectivorous, and we can certainly allow
them iV6 great destructive capacity as the Sparrows. The
lour that the crow destroys would have devoured, bel'ore
they leave us in autumn, at least thirty thousand cater-
pillars and other insects. A pair of thrushes has been
actually seen to carry over a luiudred insects, principally
caterpillars, to their young in au hour's time : if we su})-
pose that the family mentioned above be fed for only six
hours in the day, they would eat six hundred per diem, at
least while they remain in the nest, which being three weeks,
the amount would be 12,600 ; and before they leave us in
the fall, allowing only fifty each per day, — a very small
number, — they would, in the aggregate, kill twenty thou-
sand more.

Now, we find that the Crow in one day destroys birds
that would together eat 96,040 insects before they would
leave us for their winter homes, or about ninety-six times as
many as it would eat in a day if its food consisted entirely
of them. It is therefore uijurious, during the last half of
May, — keeping our original calculation in view, — 598
units.

During the whole month of June and the first half of
July, while its family are in the nest, it is at least doubly
destructive ; for its young are possessed of voracious appe-
tites, requiring an abundance of food to supply them. Al-
lowing, then, that of its and their diet, half consists of insects
during this period, it is beneficial about forty-six units ; but,
as at least one-half of the other half consists of young birds
and eggs, it is injurious, during the same period, at least 96
units daily, or 4,320 units for June and the first half of
July. The remauiing quarter of its and their food, durii'g
tliis time, consists of berries and various small seeds and

ri

862

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

• !
c:!

reptiles ; and this diet may be considered as of neutral im-
portance, economically speaking.

During the last halt' of July, and through August and
the first half of September, its diet consists of about half
insects and mice ; and the balance, of berries and small
fruits. It is therelbre, during this time, beneficial about
thirty units, and is not injurious, otherwise than by eating
garden fruits or grains, — items that I do not consider in
the present discussion. From the middle of September
until November, its food h^scs much of its fruit character,
because of the failure of suj)ply, and it leeds at least two-
thirds on insects and other noxious animals : it is theru'bre
beneficial thirty units, and is not injurious ; and, during
November and December, it is beneficial to about the same
extent that it is in February and March, or about forty
units.

We have now l)ut to condense the foregoing results, and
we have, in the aggregate, the sum total of the Crow's
merits and demerits.

We find, that, during the whole year, it is beneficial to the
amount of 229 units, and that it is injurious to the extent
of 4,918 units. If, for the sake of the greatest indulgence,
we take but one-fourth of this enormous disproportion as
the actual fact, we still have an exhibit that proves at once
that these birds are not only worthless, but are ruinously
destructive.

In presenting this extended sketch, I will say that I am
not moved in the least by prejudice or ill feeling for a much-
disliked bird, but that I state the facts as they are, and
simply to tl'.row a little light on a subject that has given
rise to much discussion and controversy. In conclusion,
I will say that the Jays are equally injurious with the Crows,
and that they arc not deserving of a moment's iudulgenco
or protection at the hands of the ruralist.

icutral im-

aigust ami
about luvll"
and small
licial about
u by eatinjj;

consiilci" '•'

■ September
it character,
it least two-
; is tberi.*"ore

and, durhig
,ut the same

■ about forty

; results, and
f the Crow's

neficial to the
to the extent
st indulgence,
sproportion as
roves at once
are ruinously

say that I am
,ng for a much-

they arc, and
that has given
In conclusion,
with the Crows,
iit's indulgence

I

FlSB CilOW, Vurvus osiifraguii. Wilsou.

^>_r?ii!nL'«ap^»^w

Ka

»5;|

!?

THE FISH CROW.

363

CORVDS OSSIFBAGUS. — mUon.

The Finh Crow.

Coitus ossi/i(iyui,\Vi\:n)n. Am. Orn., V. (1812) 27. Nutt. Man., I. (1!>32) 216.
Aud. Orn. Biog., II. (1834) 208; V. 479.

DEscniPTiox.

Fourth quill longest; second rather longer tlmn seventb fu-st shorter than the
ninth; glossy-black, with green and violet reflections; the gloss of the belly
greenish.

In this species the bill is shaped much as in tne Common Crow, the upjier outline
pi'iliaps a little more convex; the bristly feathers at the base of the bill reach
nearly half-way to the tip; I lind no bare space at the base of tlie lower mandible,
jltlioiigh the feathers are not (r.'te so thick there as in the Common Crow; the
liirsus has eight transverse scu'ei' e, .'uul is decidedly shorter than the miildle toe
with its claw; the lateral cla .-s di' not reach within one-tenth of an inch of the base
of the middle claw.

The wings are long and acute; the fourth is longest; ne.xt the third, tifth, second,
and sixth ; the iirst is about as long as the secondaries.

Length, about fifteen and fifty one-hundredths inches; wing, ten and fifty one-
huudrcdths inches; tail less than seven inches; tarsus shorter than Uie middle
toe and claw.

Hub. — South Atlantic (a Gulf ?) coast.

This bird is so extremely rare in New England, that it
can be regarded only as an occasional straggler. I under-
stand that it has been taken on Long Island, and, on one
or two occasions, in Connecticut, in company with the Com-
mon Crow.

Audubon says of the habits of this species, —

" While on the St. John's River in Florida, during the montb of
February, I saw flocks of Fish Crows, consisting of several hun-
dred individuals, sailing high in the air, somewhat in the manner
of the Raven. These aerial excursions would last for hours,
during the calm of a fine morning, after which the wliole would
descend toward the water to pursue their more usual avocations in
nil the sociability of their nature. When their fishing, which lasted
jil)out half an hour, was over, they would alight in flocks on the
live oaks and other trees near the shore, and there keep up their
gabble, pluming themselves for hours.

" The nest of this species is smaller than that of the Common
Crow, and is composed of sticks, moss, and grasses, neatly finLihed

i;

::;S£a2*3

iJ()4

OUNITHOLOOY AND OOLOUy.

or lined witli libroiis roots. Tlic r'^'^n are from four to six, and
resemble those of tlie American Crow, but are smaller."

Two cgtrs ia my colloctioii, from Florida, aro of the
above (i(;.scription, and are almost exactly like the others,
measuring a little smaller : their dimensions being l.GO hy
1.10 inch and 1.52 by 1.04 inch.

•A
r-i

'•1
id

Sub-Fumihj Gakrl'lin^k. — The Jays.

Wings short, rounded; not loiigur or muck shorter thiiu the tail, whirh is grad-
uated, sometimes excessively so ; wings reaching not much beyond tlie lower till!
coverts; bristly feathers at base of bill, variable; bill nearly as long as the head, oi
shorter; tarsi longer than the bill or than the middle toe; outer lateral claws rather
shorter than the inner.

CYANURA, SwAiNsoN.

Cynnurus, Swainson, F. Bor. Am., II. (1831) 495, App. (Type Corvui cristatus,
Linn.)

Head crested; wings and tail blue, with transverse black bars; head and back
of the same color; bill rather slender, somewhat broader than high at the base; cul-
men about equal to the head; nostrils large, nearly circular, concealed by bristles;
tail about as long as the wings, lengthened, graduated; hind claw large, longer than
its digit.

The culmen is straight to near the tip, where it Is gently decurved ; the gonys is
convex at the base, then stroight and ascending; the bill has a very slight notch at
the tip; the nostrils are large, nearly circular, or slightly elliptical; the commissure
is straight at the base, then bending down slightly near the tip; the legs present no
special peculiarities; the crest on the head consists of a number of elongated, narrow,
lanceolate occipital feathers.

GTANDRUS CBISTATUS. — Swainson.

The Blue Jay.

Corvus cristattis, Linnieus. Syst. Nat., I. (10th ed., 1768) 106. Wils. Am. Om.
1 ',1808) 2. Aud. Om. Biog., II. (1834) 11; V. (183ft) 475.

Cyanurus cristatus, Swainson. F. Bor. Am., II. (1831) App. 496.

Description.

Crest about one-third longer than the bill ; tail much graduated ; general color
above, light purplish-blue; wings and tail feathers ulU'aniarine-blue ; the se.condaries
and tertials, tlie greater wing coverts, and the exposed surface oi' the tail, sharply

to six, and
ei-."

ivc of the
the others,
in«? 1.00 by

nil, wliirh is grad-
j„d the lower tail
iig as the head, oi
iteral claws rulUi-r

■pe Corvut crittatiu^,

irs; head and back
ghat the base; cul-
mcealed by bristles;
w large, longer than

urved; the gonys is
very slight notch at
cal; the commissure
1 the legs present no
of elongated, narrow,

108. Wils. Am. Om.

). 496.

iduated; general color
3-blue; the secondaries

face of the tail, sharply

SI
i;

Blue Jay, Ci/tniuni cn'sla/a. Swaiiison.

.11^,1

TIIK nUIK JAY.

^65

bandi'il with blaik, nnd hrnnilly tippi'il wiili wliitr, cxcnpt on tlio rcnlnl (nil fcatlii'M;
bcnnitli wliitc; tiii),'i'(l with piirplisli-l)Iii(< on the thnmt, nnd with lihiiHli-liruwn
on the sidva; a liln(k tri'sccnt on the tiircpiirt nt" tlio lirt'iist, tlu! hcirns pnssini; l'i)r-
wnrd and conncctin with n linlt'-colinr on thi' limk of the neck; n nnrrotv Iroiital
line and lornl region l)lnek; IVntliors on tlie hn»<^ of tlic l)ill l)hio, like the crown.
Female rather duller in color, nnd a little snntllcr.

Length, twelve and twenty-five one-hiindredths iiuhes; wini;, live nnd si.ity-livi'
one-hundredths inches; tail, five and Reventy-flve one-luindrcdths inches.

This beautiful and wcU-knowu binl in abundantly dis-
tril)utod throu.t>l»out New England. It is less common in
the nortltern than in the soutiicni districts, but is often scon
there, not in company with the Canada Jay, however.

Its food is more varied than that of almost any other
bird that wo have. In winter, the berries of tlie cedar, bar
berry or black-thorn, with the few cirgs or cocoons of in-
sects tliat it is able to find, constitute its chief sustenance.
In early spring, the opening buds of shrubs, caterpillars,
and other insects, afford it a meagre di'^t. Later in tlie
spring, and tlirough the greater part of summer, the eggs
and young of the smaller birds constitute its chief food,
varied by a few insects and early berries. LattM' in the
summer, and iu early autumn, berries, small fruits, iirains,
and a few insects, afford it a bountiful provender ; and later
iu the autumn, when the frosts have burst open the burrs
of chestnuts and beechnuts, and exposed the brown, ripe
fruit to view, these form a palatable and acceptalde food •
and a large share of these delicious nuts fall to the portioa
of these busy and garrulous birds.

The notes of the Blue Jay consist of a shrill cry, like
jay-jay-jaij repeated often, and in- a high key ; a shrill
whistle like the syllables tvheeo-irheeo-wheeo ; a hoarse
rattle, something like a Kingfisher's well-known alarum ;
and an exceedingly sweet bell-like note, that possesses a
mournful tone, like that of a fi>,r-off hamlet bell tolling
a funeral dirge.

I have often heard this tone in the autumn, when the
leaves were falling from the trees, and all natiu-e wore its

'

I

I!
Ji

860

ORNITIIOLOr.Y AND OOT.Or.Y.

fuiioral livery ; ami it scoinod to nio, when the clear notes of
the bird were echoed from hill-Hide to liill-sido in the forcHt,
that it wiis wandering liko a forest elf thronj;)! tlio trees,
monrninj!; tlie decay of all the charms that had made them
80 l)eaulirul tlirongh the spring and summer.

Ahout the first or second week in May, the Blue Jay com-
mences building. The nest is usually placed in a fork of a
low pine or cedar, in a retired locality : it is l()o«;;iy eon-
.strdcted of twigs and coarse roots, and lined with the sauK!
materials, but of a liner quality, and sometimes a few pieces
of moss or a few loaves. The eggs are four or five in
numl)er. Their color is generally light-green, with spots of
light-brown ; sometimes a dirty brownish-gray, spotted with
dillercnt shades of brown and l)lack. The dimensions vary
from 1.20 by .85 to 1 by .80 inch. But one brood is reared
in the season.

PERISOREUS, Bo.NAPARTK.

PfnWcJM, Honapaute, Saggio di una dist. met. (1831). (Type CorvuB Cnna-

demit ? )

Kentliers hix and full, especiiilly on the back, and of very dull colors, without
any blue; head without distinct crest; bil' verj' short, broader than high; ctdmen
scarcely half the length of the head, straight to near the tip, then slightly eur\-ed;
gnn_vs more curved than culmen; bill notched at tip; nostrils round, covered by
bristly feathers; tail about to the wings, graduated; tarsi rather short, but little
longer than the middle toe.

This genus includes the species of dullest colors among all of our Jays. It has,
00, the shortest bill, and with this feature bears a very strong resembliince, in Many
respects, to some of the Titmice.

PEEISOREDS CANADENSIS.— Bonrr;)f(W(f.

The Canada Jay.

Corvus Canadensh, I.inmeiis. Syst. Nat., I. (17GG) ir.8. Wils. Am. Om., III.
(1811) 33. Aud. Om, IJiog., II. (1834) 53; V. (1S39) 208.

Perisoretis Cnmuhmh, Bonaparte. List (1S38). lb., Consp. (1850) 375.

Description.

Tail graduated; lateral feathers about one inch shortest; wings n little shorter
than the tail; head and neck, and forepart of the breast, white; a plumbeous brown
nuchal patch, becoming darker behind, from the middle of the crown to the back,
from which it is separated by an interrupted whitish color; rest of upper parts ashy-

THE CANADA ..AY.

367

pliiinbi'cxin; tlii> outer priniari'i iiiar;^'iiir(l ; lli<> "ii'oiulnrii'H, trrtiaN, an<l tall liiitlicn
(ili'^riinly tijipiil witli wliilc; bi'iicalli piiioky-crftv ; (•ri««iiiii wliili«li; Mil nml liit
lila.U.

Till' yniiii;; (it' tills "ipiNicM aru evcrywhcro of n dull sofity-lirown, li(,'litir on ilii>
uiiiMli' of till' hilly, ami HMre pluiMlicnMs uu tin,' wi^ij,". ami tail; willi iiitna-'iuK
Hj;c', IIh' r(';;iHii aliout tlio l>a*i' of tlio l>ill wliiliMH, nml iIiIk colnr fjrnilually oxti'iiiN
liai'kwanis until tim wliolu head, cxvi'ptin^ tliu oi'iiput nml nope, 1.4 white; ihu
uudtM' parts aru doiiK'tluR'S whitrr than in the typical Kpoi iini'iiH.

I.('ii;,'lh, fen and seventy DUc-luiudredlliM inches; win;;, live and seventy- the no«-
huiidre ltli< inches; tail, six inches; tarsus, one and I'oity onc-hundrcdihs inidies.

Type CorvuB Cam-

This species is confined to tlio nortliern districts in New
Eiiglaiid, where it is resident through the year. I luvo
not ijeen so fortiiiiuto as to find tlio nest, and will have to
liorrow Audubon's description of that and the ojrj^s: —

'• The Ciiiiada Jay breeds in Maino. in New Brunswick, Novii
.Scotia, Ncwfouuillaiid. and Liibrador. It begins as early as Feb-
riiiU'y or Mareli to form its nest, which is placed in tlio tliickest
part of a fir-tree, near the trunk, and at a heiglit of from five to
ten feet. Tiio exterior is composed of dry twigs, with moss and
grass ; and the interior, which is flat, is formed of fibrous roots.
The eggs, which are from four to six, are of a light-gray color,
faintly marked with brown."

This bird is not generally so well known as tlii. jireceding.
I have had numerous opportunities for observing its habits,
and I can positively affirm that it is equally rajiacious and
destructive with the Blue Jay, which it resenildes in motions
and cry.

I once knew of a single pair of these birds destroying the
young in four nests of the Common Snowbird (./. hi/fmalis')
in a single day. I found these nests in an old abandoned
lumber-road on the morning of June 20 : in the afternoon,
when I returned through the same path, every nest was
depopulated; and a pair oi the.se Jays were lurking in the
trees, shouting defiance at us, while surrounded by the
afflicted Snowbirds, that were uttering their cries of com-
plaint and sorrow. I einjjtied both barrels of my gun in
the direction of the Jays, and I am inclined to think that

ncs

ORNiTnor,onY and ooi.onv.

I3t:{

I

r • '

' ***»;

:'8:

flii'y Iiiivo killed no yoim^ l)irds siiico. Tlio familiniify with
wliidi tliis Hj)(,'(!io8 fnUoniizos witli man in tlio worxls is
interesting and annisinj?. I was onco *' snowed in," us tin:
expression is, in a large tra(!t of forest, and, with my com-
panions, was ol)liged to wait nntil the storni hail (umisimI
hel'oro we conM resume our march. Wo remaincil in camp
two days. A pair of these Itirds, prohahly with young in
the neiglihorlio(jd, visited our camp, and even ponctrntod
into our t<Mit I'or eruinhs and pieces of hroad. Tliey always
flew oil" with their mouths full, and soon returned for more:
their visits soon got to Ikj any thing hut a joke, particularly
when they flew off with the last plcco of our soap. Wo
couldn't kill them, howovor; for any thing with life was
company, and wo folt that wo had none of that to spare.

NOTE S.

I present a continuation of Mr. Coupor's valualile notes,
taken at (Jucljoc, Lower Canada, on the species desci-ihod in
the present Order.

TEOCHILUS COLUBRIS, — Coninion in this neighborliood nnd in tlio
mntintnin wilds niid savannas north of the city. I have had the pleasnre
of finding its nest on more than one oucasion. It generally arrives here
about the middle of May.

CH^ITURA PELASGIA. — Very nbundiint. It builds its nest in unused
(hinmcys in the ';ity. I have remarkeil that no more than a single pair will
occupy a flue; and, although tliere are many instances here of chimneys
having unused flues, it is curious that they are not occupied while one is in
possession of tlie Swallow. I have noticed this species flying over the woods
many miles north of Quebec; and I think that it l)recds within large forest-
trees.

ANTEOSTOMUS VOCIFERUS. — 'I'his bird is occasionally heard in the
mountains north of Quebec. It is, however, very rare in this latitude,
which may bo considered its northern limit.

CHOEDEILES POPETUE. — Very common. It deposits its eggs in a small
cavity in the ground, in the midst of a woodland clearing, or wherever there
is a young shrubbery. Its principal food in spring consists of ants. I can-
not spy how fi'.r north it goes.

NOTES.

r,»ii)

iiiliiArity willi

il in," ivs tho
.ith my t'«)"»-
I hail coiistMl
Lii\c(l in ciin>i)

,ill\ young i»
on ponctmtod
Thoy always
nod for moro :
>,, piulicularly
,ur soap. Wo
with litb waft
at to aparo.

vaUialilo notes,
1C9 described in

,orlioo(\ anil in the
■e bull tlic pleasure
Inerally arrives here

, its nest in unused
[mu a single pair will
L hero of chimneys
fipieil while one is in
llyinp over the woods
Is within large forest-

lonally heard in the
}are in this latitude,

lits its eggs in a small
Lg, or wherever there
Insists of ants. lean-

CERTLE ALCTOR. — Tlic KiiiKflohir occiirK iihoiit all our northern iiiki'*
and riverii, and hreedn jilontilully. It prolmhly exlendjt thrtt' dii{ri'i>» n' -III
of liuplioc.

TTBANNDS CAKOLINENSIS. — Comimm. It buildn its ni'nt inviirlahly
iioHF tkrin-hoiiiici.

CONTOPUS VIHENS. — I di'tccti-cl iIiIh Nppcics licrp thU iiprln« for the flr»l
llnic. I do Tiot iliirik it hrei'dii coiiiinoiily in IiIkIi lulitiidpii.

EMPIDONAX TRAILLII. — Thl* ipecies ocdiM during miinnier in tlii'
wooiiliindN near (jiieliec. It rarely I)uIIiIh \t» neNt h'liih from the Kniiind. It
I* extri'inely ciiniiing, and invariiilily Heleuts the moit hidden portion of a
chnnp of I)iinIic!4.

TURDUS PALLASII. — Thin thrush hreods in the neJKhliorhooil of Quebec ;
but it U not coniiiKin. It biiildn its nest much higher than Wilson's 'I'lirush ;
tliiit is to say, llie latter is generally fouml conceuleil at the lower ixjrtion
of a bush, while ilie fonner Is often found on ft heavily bninuhed pine-tree
Tlie egtfs of 7'. juillnvi are iilue anil spotted.!

TURDUS FUSCESCENS. — This is one of our most common thrushes. It
breeds pleiitiliilly in tliis neighborhood. Its nest is generally placed near the
ground, at the lower airiions of bushes growing near a swamp or river. The
eggs are generally lour or five, of a clear greenish-blue color.

SIALIA SIALIS. — The Hedbreasted Hluebird is only seen hero early in
8i)iing, while on its passage to the West. It does not breed in Lower
Canada.

REGULU3 CALENDULA. — This species, in company witli U. mlmpn, visit
this locality, from the North, in the autumn.

ANTHUS LUDOVICIANUS. — Common in the autumn. Thoy frequent
fields and barnyards, and are generally in flocks. I think they breed in
Labrador.

MNIOTILTA VARIA. — This species is not common in our Northern woods
It, however, breeds in the neighborhood of Quebec.

GEOTHLTPIS TRICHAS. — Very common. Breeds.

SEIDRUS AUROCAPILLUS. — Common. Breeds.

DENDROICA VIRENS. — Only noticed in spring, on its way North. It wns
rather common in the spring of 1800.

DENDROICA CANADENSIS. — Common. Breeds.

DENDROICA CORONATA. — Very common in tlie autumn. I think they
breed far nortli.

DENDROICA BLACKBURNIJE. — This beautiful Warbler was very abun-
dant here last spring. None of the young returned this way. There appears

1 Mr. Couper undoubtedly refers to T. Swaintonii. — E. A. S.
24

370

OUMTIIOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

tscs

'•lie:!

to be some mystery (;()iiiK'i.'te(l witli tlie breeding lociililies of many of our
Wiirblers. Some of tliem are found breeding over tlie whole of temperate
America, wliile others, who evidently eat the same kinds of food, pass to
tlie inaccessible parts of the northern forests, where the foot of man never
trod.

DENDBOICA CASTANEA. — This is another of the mysterious Warblers
that shows itself in spring, and afterwards slowly departs to its nortliern
hermitage.

DENDEOICA PINUS. — Spring. Not common. Follows its kindred, North.

DENPEOICA PENNSTLVANICA. — Not common. Breeds.

DENDEOICA C^EULEA, — This species was very common in this oeigh-
borhood in tlie spring of 180G. I have never seen its nest or eggs.

DENDBOICA STEIATA. — Not common. Breeds.

DENDEOICA .ESTIVA — Common. Breeds.

DENDBOICA MACULOSA. — Common. Breeds.

MYIODIOCTES CANADENSIS. —Common. Breeds.

SETOPHAGA EtJTICILLA. — Common. Breeds.

PYEANGA EUBEA. — Rarely seen in the woods north of Quebec. They
breed in the maple woods ; and this latitude may be considered its northern
limit of migration.

HIEUNDO HOBBEOBUM. — Uncommon. It builds its nest on the beams
of out-houses and barns in this neighborhood.

H. LUNIFBONS. — Very common. It builds mud or clay nests under the
thatched barns and coimtry-houses near Quebec. They are protected by
farmers, who will not allow them to be disturbed during their stay here.
They return annually to the old nests, which they repair.

H. BICOLOE. — Common. It builds its nest in any hole it may find in
the houses in the city. In the woodland districts, it generally selects an
abandoned Wood > uker's nest in trees.

COTYLE EIPAKIA. — Common. Breeds in every sand-bank in the country.

PEOGNE PUEPUEEA. — The brcoding-place of this Swallow is confined to
a building called the .Tesuit Barracks, of this city, where they raise tlieir
young every season. I have repeatedly tried to induce them to occupy
boxes, but the Whito-belliod Swallow alwa/s took possession first. In this
locality, the Purple Martin loves its own conmiunity, and will not be induced
to occupy tho most tempting abode unless made sufficiently large to accom-
modate seveial pairs.

AHPELIS GABBULUS. — During severe winters, this species arrives here
from the north to feed on the berries of the mountain-ash, which growi

NOTES.

871

its kindred, North,

nest on the beams

d-bank in the country.

abundantly in the neigliborhood of tlie city. Tlioy ;.;<) in flocks. They
must Itreeii lute in tiie season, as I had the young with the downy ('cMtiier"'
attiiclicd to their heads during the depth of winter.

AMPELIS CEDEORUM.— Common. IJreods.

COLLTSIO BOBEALIS. — Arrives early in Spring. I tliink they go to
high latitudes to breed. The specimens which 1 procure are either in gprini'
or fall plumage.

VIREO OLIVACEUS. — Not common. Breeds.

MIMUS CAROLINENSIS.— Not common. Breeds.

TROGLODYTES HYEMALIS.— Common. Breeds.

CERTHIA AMERICANA. — Common. Breeds.

SITTA CANADENSIS. — Common in summer and winter. Breeds.

PARUS ATRICAPILLUS. — Common. Breeds.

P. HDDSONICUS. — Arrives about the middle of September from the
North, and remains until the snow falls. It has not been found breeding in
this locality. They go in flocks, like the former species.

EREMCPHILA CORNUTA. — This Lark arrives here in the month of Sep-
tember. It gathers in flocks, which remain until the snow falls. It breeds
in Labrador.

PINICOLA CANADENSIS. — Arrives from the North, sometimes in com
pany with the Bohemian Waxwing, and feeds on the same berries. They
frequently remain during winter.

CARPODACDS PORPUREUS. — Common. Breeds.

CHRTSOMITRIS TRISTIS. — Common. Breeds.

C. PINUS. — Sometimes common in winter.

CURVIROSTRA AMERICANA. — Sometimes very abundant in winter. I
am told it breeds in Nova Scotia.

C. LEUCOPTERA. — Very numerous during winter. Breeds in Labrador.

^QIOTHUS LINARIA. — Common in the fall. Breeds in Labrador and
Northern Newfoundland.

PLECTROPHANES NIVALIS. — Common in winter. Breeds in Labrador.

POOCaiTES GEAMINEUS. — Common. Breeds.

ZONOTRICHIA LEUCOPHBTS.— Common. Breeds.

Z. ALBICOLLIS. — Common. Breeds.

JDNCO HYEMALIS. — Common. Breeds.

SPirELLA MONTICOLA. — This species goes far north to br*ed, probably
Labra<lor. It returns in the fall.

872

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

■■■■•■.It

''".I

S. SOCIALIS. — Common. Breeds.

MELOSPIZA MELODIA.— Common. Breeils.

M. PALUSTEIS. — Not common liere ; but it breeds in some of the soutli-
em towns of Lower Cimada.

PASSEEELLA ILIACA. — Not common. Breeds. I tbink tliat tliis species
is more abundant in Labrador durinf< summer,

6DISACA LUDOVICIANA. — Not common. Breeds. Quebec may be con-
sidered its northern limit.

CTANOSPIZA CYANEA. — Not common. Breeds.

DOLICHONYX OEYZIVOEUS. — Common. Breeds. This is the most
northern limit of this species.

AGELAinS PH(ENICEUS. — This species is a very rare visitor in this
neighboriiood, and is seen only in the spring, wlien on its passage to the
swamps in the West. It breeds abundantly at Toronto, Upper Canada.

SCOLECOPHAODS FEEBUGINEUS. — "Very common in the fall, at which
season they visit this locality on their passage south. Great numbers are
shot, and sold like game in our markets. Tiiis species has been noticed here
as late as the 24th of May, when it disappears. It has not been found breed-
ing witliin the habitable portions of this province.

ftUISCALDS VEESICOLOE. — Rare in this district. A few pairs have
been discovered breeding at Three Rivers, between this city and Montreal.

COEVUS AMEEICANUS. — Common. Breeds in large numbers. A few
generally remain here during winter. They feed on the berries of the
mountain ash. The old nests are invariably occupied, and the birds lay
their eggs very early. I have seen the young ones fully fledged before the
24th of May.

COEVUS CAENIVOEUS. — Occasionally seen in this district. It breeds on
the high, rocky portions of islands in the lower St. Lawrence.

CYANUEA CBISTATA. — Abundant in the mountains north of this city,
where they breed.

PEBISOBEUS CANADENSIS. — Sometimes very common in the fall. I
have not noticed tiiis bird in the vicinity of Quebec during summer; but,
while on a coilecting trip down the St. Lawrence, in the month of July, I
saw numbers of the old and young in the woods, at a i)lace called Mille
Vaches. They were following each other in one direction, and appeared to
me to have habits similar to those of the Black-cap Titmouse. Fi n this
fact of its occurrence on the north shore of the St. Lawrence at tlie above
season, it is evident that they breed in our wild, unfrequented forests, such
Hs may l)e found north and cast of the river Saguenay. I have offered n
liigh price for the nests and eggs of the Canada Jay; but, as yet, nothing of
the kind has appeared.

le of the goutb
that this species
bee may be con-

'his is the most

re visitor in tliis
ts passage to tlie
Upper Caiiaila.

the fali, at which
Ireat numbers are
, been noticetl liere
; been found breed-

k few pairs have

[ity and Montreal.

, numbers. A few

tlic berries of tlie

and the birds lay

fledged before tlie

Istrict. It breeds on
;cnce.
north of this city,

Inion in the fall. 1
luring summer ; but,
[the month of July, I
L place called MiUe
Ion, and appeared to
(itmoU5.e. Fi ithis
Ivrcuce at the above
Iquented forests, such
lay. I bave offered n
It, as yet, nothing of

^^^

Wild Piokon, Kc.topistes miyratoria. Iswaiusoa.

( I ;

»"i:!

'*tt.

THE WILD PIGEON.

873

SUB-ORDER COLUMB^.

The basal portion of the bill covered by a soft slcin, in wliich arc aitunird tlie
nostrils, overliung by an incumbent fleshy valve, the apical portion hard and ion-
vex; the hind toe on the same level with the rest; t.ie anterior toe without mem-
brane at the base; tarsi more or less naked; covered laterally and behind with
hexagonal scales.

Family COLUMBIDiE. The Doves.

Bill homy at the tip; tail feathers twelve, only occasionally fourteen; beau
smooth.

Sub-Family Columbine.

Tarsi stout, short, with transverse scutellis anteriorly; feathered for the basal
third above, but not at all behind; toes lengthened, the lateral decidedly longer tlian
the tarsus; wings lengthened and pointed; size large; tail feathers twelve.

This section of doves embraces the largest North-American species, and among
them the more arboreal ones.

ECTOPISTES, SwAiNsos.

Ectopistet, SwAijjsoN, Zool. Jour., III. (1827) 362. (Type Culmiba migraloria, L.)

Head very small; bill short, black; culnien one-third the rest of the head; tarsi

very short, half covered anteriorly bj' feathers; inner lateral claw much larger than

outer, reaching to the base of the middle one; tail very long and excessively

cuneate; about as long as the wings; lirst primary longest.

This genus is readily distinguished from the other Coliimbime by the excefsively
lengthened and acute middle feathers. It formerly included the Columba Caroli-
nenm ; but this, with more propriety, has been erected into a different genus, and
will be found in the next section.

ECTOPISTES MI6BAT0RIA. — SwaiRjon.

Tbs Wild Pigeon; Passenger Pigeon.

Coluniba tnigratoria, Linnteus. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 285. Wils. Am. Om., I
(1808) 102. Aud. Orn. Biog., I. (1831) 319; V. 661.

Ecloputei migratoria, Swainson. Zool. Jour., III. (1827) 356.

Description.
Tail with twelve feathers ; upper parts generally, including sides of body, head,
and neck, and the chiu, blue, beneath, purple brownish-red, fading behind with a

374

OHNITUOLOGV AND OOLOGY.

rrc:

violet tint; anal region and under tail coverts, bluish-white; 8ca, ulars, inner (enials,
and middle of back, with an olive-brown tinge; tlie wing covert.s, scapulars, and inner
tertials, with larjie oval spota of blue-black on the outer webs, mostly concealed, except
on the latter; primaries blackish, with a border of pale-bluish tinged internally with
red; middle tail feathers brown; the rest pale-blue on the outer web, white inter-
nally ; each with a patch of reddish-brown at the base of the inner web, followed by
another of black ; sides and back of neck richly glossed with metallic gulden-violet ,
tibia bluish-violet; bill black; feet yellow.

The female is smaller; much duller in color; more olivaceous above; beneath,
pale-blue instead of red, except a tinge on the neck; the jugulum tinged with
olive; the throat whitish.

The blue of the side of the head extends to the throat and chin; the upper part
of the back and k'sser coverts are of a darker blue than the head and rump; the
inner primaries are more broadly margined with light-blue, which tapers off to
the end; the axillars and under surface of the wing are light-blue; the longest
scapulars have the black on both webs; there is no blue on the outer web of the first
tail feather, which is white, and the inferior surface of the tail generally is white.

In some specimens the entire bead all round is blue.

The immature male varies in having most of the feathers of the head and body
margined with whitish.

Length of male, seventeen inches; wing, eight and fifty one-hundredths inches;
tail, eight and forty one-hundredths inches.

THIS bird has become of late years rather scarce in
New England ; so much so, that, in localiti i where it
was formerly abundant, it is now seen only occasionally in
small flocks of a dozen or fifteen. It is a resident of these
States through a greater part of the year; only absenting
itself in the most severe portion of winter, when its food is
usually covered with snow. It depends principally upon
acorns and beechnuts for subsistence, and is most abundant
in localities where these nuts are found. It also frequents
grain-fields, where it gleans among the stubble and weeds ;
and, when berries are in season, it feeds plentifully upon
them, and it is at that time when the greater number are
seen in New England.

Early in May, the birds, although associating still in com-
munities, as in sections where they are more abundant,
separate into pairs, and build their nest. This is placed in
a forked branch of a tree, usually in a swamp or thick
wood. It is constructed of twigs and leaves, which are
loosely arranged into a frail structure hardly strong enough

THE CAROLINA DOVE.

STfj

to support the parent bird: it is but very little hollowed,
and has no lining of softer material. The leiualc deposits
in this one or two eggs, on wliicli both birds incubate.
These eggs are pure-white in color, nearly oval in form, and
have the slightest roseate tint before tlieir contents are
removed: they average in dimensions about 1.54 by l.lU
inch. Many writers affirm that but one egg is laid at
a time. I think that in the greater number of nests two
are deposited, as I have inquired of many hunters and
woodsmen, and they all agree on that number.

Sub-Family ZGNAiDiNiG.

Tarsi stout, lengthened; alwas's longer than the lateral toes, and entirely with-
out feath>!rs; the tibial joint usually denuded; tarsus sometimes with hexagonal
scales anteriorly; tail feathers sometimes fourteen.

ZENAIDURA, Bonapakte.

Zenaidura, Bonaparte, Consp. Avium, II. (1854) 84. (Type Culumba CarvU-
nensis, L.) Probably named previously in Comptes Hendus.

Bill weal?, black; culmen from frontal feathers, about one-third the head above;
tarsus not quite as long as middle too and claw, but considerably' longer than the
lateral ones ; covered anteriorly by a single scries of scutelhe ; inner lateral claw
considerably longer than outer, and reaching to the base of middle; wings pointed,
second quill longest, first and third nearly eipial; tail very long, equal to the wings;
excessively graduated and cuneatc, of fourteen feathers.

The foiu-teen tail feathers render this genus very conspicuous among tlic Xorth-
American doves. It was formerly placed with the Passenger Pigeon in Eclopistes,
but has nothing in common with it but the lengthened tail, as it belongs to a ditfer-
ent sub-family.

ZENAIDUBA CAEOLINENSIS. — ^(>nn/;a;'<e.

The Carolina Dove ; Turtle Dove.

Culumba Carolinensls, Linnieus. Syst. Nat, I. (1766), 286, No. 37. Wils. Am.
Orn., V. (1812) 91. Aud. Orn. Biog., I. (1831) 91; V. (1839) £55. Nutt. Man., I.
(1832)626.

Zenaidura Carolinensis, Bonaparte. Consp. Av., II. (1854) 84.

Description.
Tail feathers fourteen; above bluish, although this is ovorlaid with light brown-
isl) olive, having the blue pure only ou the top of the head, the exterior of th«

jf?iifiTin*r

376

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

.-J

wings, ana upper surfuce of tlio tail, which is even slightly tinged with this color;
the entire hend, except the vertex, the Eides of the neck, and the under parts general-
ly, lif-'ht brownish-red, strongly tinged with purple on the breast, becoming lighter
behind, and passing into brownish-yelluw on tlie anal region, tibiu, and under tail
roverts; sides of the neck with a patch of metallic purplish-red i sides of body and
inside of wings clear light-blue; wing coverts and scapulars spotted with black,
mostly concealed, and an oblong patch of the same below the ear; tail feathers seen
fr<im beluw blackish, the outer web of outermost white, the others tipped with the
same, the color becoming more and more bluish to the innermost, which is brown,
seen from above, there is the same graduation Irom white to light-blue in the tips;
Uie ijst of the feather, hiiwcver, is blue, with a bar of bl'^ck anterior to the light tip,
which rui)^ a little forward along the margin and shaft of the feather; in the sixth
feather the color is uniform bluish, with this bar; the seventh is without bar; bill
black ; feet yellow. Female smaller, and with less red beneath.

Length of male, twelve and eighty-five one-hundredths inches; wing, five and
seventy-live one-hundredths; tail, six and seventy one-hundredths inches.

Tins beautiful and well-kiiowu species is distributed
throughout New England as a summer resident. It is
more rarely seen in the more northern sections than in the
southern; but it breeds in all these States. It arrives
from the South early in spring, sometimes by the 10th of
March. On its first appearance, it is found in small, loose
flocks of five or six individuals, which frequent old stubble-
fields and orchards, where they feed on scattered grains and
the seeds of various weeds. They also sometimes associate
with domestic doves iu the poultiy yard, as I have witnessed
on several occasions.

About the middle of Ivlay, they separate into pairs, and
commence their duties of incubation. Tiie nest is placed in
a forked, horizontal branch of a tree, sometimes in the
orchard, usually in a grove of pines or in a swamp. It is,
like the nost of the Wild Pigeon, a lot ,e, frail structure, in
which the female depo&its two eggs, which are pure-white
iu color, and usually nearly oval in form.

A great number of specimens in my collection, from dif-
ferent parts of the country, vary from 1.20 by .85 to .98 by
.82 inch. The size most often found is about 1.12 by .80
inch. Two broods are reared in the season.

About the last of July, the old birds and young collect in
flocks, and frequent grain-fields, where they feed upon the

THE CAROLINA DOVE.

o^

1

grain, and berry-patches, whoro they oat plentifully oi
berries: they are now fat, and very delicate eating ; and, ua
tliey are much pursued by guiuiers, they soon become very
shy, and difficult of approach.

During the mating season, and part of the period of incu
batiun, the male has a soft, melancholy cooing note, which
lie utters often through the day. During the remainder of
the year, he seems to have no note ; for I have watched indi-
viduals for hours to ascertain, and never heard them emit
any thing but tiie short chuckle peculiar to all doves.

By the first week in October, this species leaves New
England on its southern migratiou.

878

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

SUB-OllDEll GALLIN^E.

Bill usually rather Hhort and atout, and Iivsa than the head; basal portion hard,
generally covurud with fuathcrs, and not by a soil naked skin; legs Icn^thoncd;
the hind too generally elevated al)ovf the level of the rest, and Kliorl; when lower
down, it Ih longer; toen connected at the batte by a membrane; tlio reather.t of tore-
head not extending on the culmen in a point, but more restricted, and parted by the
backward exteuuiou uf the culmen.

Family TETllAONlDiK. Tm; Guouse.

•"»#!

The Tetvnoiiiila are pre-eminently characterized among gallinaceous birds by
their densely feathered tarsi, and by the feathers of the uusal Ibssa or groove, whiili
fdl it completely, and conceal tiie nostrils; the toes are usual l}- luiked (leathered
to tlie claws in the ptarniigai^), and with pectinati'ins of scales along the edges;
the tail feathers vary from si ctcen to eighfeen and even twenty in number; the
tail is rounded, (icute or forkad; tlie orbital region is generally somewhat bare,
with a naked stripe ubovu the upper eyelid, beset by short fringe-like processes.

TETUAO, Li.N.N.KUs.

Tetrao, UnuMva, Syst. Nat. (1744) Gray. (Type T. urogatlus, L.)
Tail lengthened, slightly narrowed to the srjuare or somewhat rounded tip; about
two-thirds the wing; the feathers with stilleiied shafts; tarsus feathered to and
between the bases of the toes; no unusual feathers on the side of throat; culmen
between the nasal fossiu nearly half the total length; color mostly black.
Inhabit wooded regions.

TETBAO CANADENSIS. — Li»n(£us.

The Canada Grouse ; Spruce Partridge.

Tetrao Cnnadentis, Linnajus. Syst. Nat., 1. (1766) 274.
887. Aud. Cm. Biog., II. (1834) 437; V. (1839) 563.

Nutt., Man. I. (1832)

Desckii'tion.

Tail of sixteen feathers; feathers above distinctly banded with plumbeous;
beneath uniform black, with a pectoral band of white, and white on the sides of tie
belly; chin and throat above black; tail with a broad brownish-orange terminal
band.

Prevailing color in the male black; each feather of the head, neck, and upper
pirlH generally, having its surface waved with plumbeous-gray; this is in the
form of two or three welldelined concentric bars, parallel to each other, one aloiij,'
the e.\terior edge of the feather, the others behind it; the sides of the body, tho

.; banal portion liar<l,
tiu; Ifgs lei'Hthoiiid;
i„l fliorf, wlieii low.r
.; tho I'enlliers of tore-
ted, and verted by the

luOUSE.

f (gallinaceous birds by
1 lossa or nr""^'"' ^'''''''
„ually ""^"''i (leathered
,calc3 ulonK the ed(;o« ;
twenty in number; the
,ncrally somewhut ban,
•inge-like processes.

•what rounded tip; about
[tarsus feathered to and
side of throat; culmeu
[mostly black.

Nutt., Man. I. (1832)

aanded with plumbeous;
, white on the sides ot tie
Ibrownish-orange terminal

Iho head, neck, and iipp«r
lous-gray; this is in the
I to each other, one aloiin
Le sides of the body, the

( 1

THE CANADA GROLTSK.

379

iK-apulan, and outer aiirface of the wiii|{« are motilud like the back, but lunra irrrgn.
Itrly, ami with n hrowiu-r uliado of Kfuy, the tunthcni with a ciMitral white •irpiik
i>x|ian(lin(; towurdi* the ti|i ("ii (liv wiii({ thcne utri'iiliii iiecii only on toiiu^ ul thii
^iLOter ooVJ'rtu); tliore in iid wliitu ahovc, cxii|)l u.t domTihiMli thu uikKt |iiirln
tro mostly uiiit'orm black, thu I'l'iilhcrK of lliti lidt'it of Iho hi^lly and brcunt broadly
tipped with white, »hich soini'iiiiiui* funna a peitoral bund; tlirru Ir a while bur
ni roHK thu fuatluTK, at thu buiiu of thu upper iiiaiidililr, umiully iiiti-rriipted uhovu)
u while vpot on llie lnwer eytdid, ami a whitu liiii< bc^^innin^' mi the ilu'cks, and
riiiiiiiiiK into a aeiirn of whitii upotA in tlie ffatlivrn of the throat; thu lowir Ivatlirra
i.f tlii^ art! bamlud It'iiiiimilly witli whitisli; ih« fcalhcrit at the basu of thu bill,
imd the head, bulow thu vyvf, and bunuatli, arc puro-black; thi) (iiiilh uru dark-
liMwn, without any 8polB or band*, the outer cil^e* only uiotllud with ^'layi^ii; the
liiil leathers are ainiilar, but darker, and the tail U lippeil wilh u band of nraiiKe-
rhi'fliiut, nearly half an imh wi<li', ob-cured on the ceiilrHl lealhem, the under
tail covertu are black, broadly barred and tipped with wliilu; the feathers of the \vgn
iniiltled-brown and whitiHh; dirly-»liilu behiml the tarsi; the bill in blaek.

The feniulu is smaller but nouiewhat similar, the blaek bars above broader, the
anier gray bars of each feather, ineludin(; the tail, replaced by broader ones of
liriiwiiisli-oranKi'; thu under parta have the feathers black, burred with tlie brownish-
(ininge, which, on the tips of the belly feathers, is pure-white; thu clear continuous
black of thu head and breast are wantini;; the scapulars, greater coverts, and sides,
arc streaked as in the nialu.

F.englh, sixteen and twenty one-hunircdths inches; wing, six and seventy ona-
liimdredths ; tail, live and forty-four hundredths inches.

IT is only in the most retired and unsettled localities in
northern Now England that this very beautiful grouse is
found. There, in the spruce and pine woods and Bwainps,
it is not uncommon as a resident through the year. I have
.shot specimens in the White Mountains, between what is
called Waterville, a hamlet in Thornton, N.H., and Bethle-
hem, in the same State ; but they are more commonly found
ill tlie localities above mentioned. In its native haunts, it
is very unsuspicious, permitting a person to walk within a
few feet of it without stirring ; and, when it does take flight,
it goes but a few rods, when it alights on a tree, and turns
to watch the intruder.

It is a very graceful bird on the ground, moving with a
stately step over the long elastic moss so abundant in the
woods of Maine.

It feeds upon the buds of the evergreens, and their seeds
and foliage. This food imparts to the flesh of the bird a
disagi'ccable resinous flavor, particularly in fall and winter,

380

OIINITUOLOGY AND OOLOGY,,

• ♦■ ml

Vit'.2

" A

when it can get no other food. In fact, at all seasons, i\ la
far infei'ior to aJl our other game birds in flesh, and is never
delicate nor palatable.

About the middle of Ma^ , the female scratches together
a loose nest, beneath the branches of a creeping fir, and
lays in it from eight to twelve eggs. Tliese are of a beau-
tiful yellowish-buff color, witli spots and blotches of two
shades of brown: one a purplish-brown ; the other, a burnt-
sienna. They average in dimensions about 1.G8 by 1.2G
inch : tiieir form is generally ovoidal ; sometimes nearly
oval, and occasionally more rounded, it is said, that,
" when incubation begins, the males go apart by themselves
to ditferont portions of the forest, and remain until late in
autumn, when they rejoin the females and young,"

This species flourishes well in confinement: it tames
readily, and soon eats all kinds of grains and seeds, and
pieces of potatoes and fruits. It requires a large cage or
coop, and is contented if it has, now and then, a sin'uce or
cftdar-tree given it to roost and climb upon.

CUPIDOXIA, Reichknbacii.

Cupidunia, Reiciienbacu, Av. Syst. Nat. (1850). (Type Tetrno CvpUIo, L.)
Tail short, half the lengthened wings ; the feathers stitlencd and more or less
graduated; bare space of the neck concealed by a tufl: of lanceolate fcatliers; tarsi
feathered only to near the base, the lower joint scutellate; culinen between the nasal
foeso! scarcely one-third the total length.

CDPIDOKIA CUPIDO. — £mVrf.

The Pinnated Grouse; Prairie Hen; Prairie Chicken.

Tetrao Ciipido, Liunajus. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 274. Wils. Am. Om., III. (1811)

104. Nutt. Man., I. 662. Aud. Om. Biog., II. (1834) 490; V. (1830) 550.

Cupidonia Americwia, Huichenbach. Av. Syst. Nat. (1850).

I

DE8CRIPT10N.

Tail of eighteen feathers, varied with whitish-brown and brownish-yellow; almout
everywhere with well-defined transverse bars of brown on the featliers.

Body stout, compact; a tuft of long, pointed lauceulule feathers on each side of
the neck, covering a bare space capable of much inHntion ; tail short, truncate, much
graduated, composed of eighteen feathers, the lateral feathers about two-thirds the

11 seasons, 1^ la
ssh, and is never

ratches together
'i-eepiug fir, and
3 are of ti ^«*^i-
blotclios of- two
10 other, a burnt-
aut 1.08 hy 1.26
onictimes nearly
it is said, that,
art by themselves
:iain until late in
young."

lement: it tames
IS and seeds, and
s a large cage or
I then, a spruce or
pon.

ype Tetrno Cupido, L.)
itiBeiicd and more or less
f lanceolate feathers; tarsi
culinen between the nasal

rie Chicken.

Wils. Am. Om.,III. (18U)

[)0; V. (1830)659.
(18B0). ^

,nd brownish-yellow; almost
on the featliers.
Ue feathers on each side of
n; tail short, truncate, much
athers about two-thirds the

THE PINNATED GROUSE.

381

miJJl!; the ftatliers stiffened, nearly linear and truncate; the tail is scMcely longer
than the coverts, and half the length of the wing; tarsi covered with feathers anteriorly
and laterally to the toes, but bare, with h^xagonul scutelUe behind; the middle toe
and claw 'onger than the tarsus; the toes margined by pectinated procesics; a space
Elii've the eye provided with a dense pectinated process in the breeding season,
sometimes separated from the eye In' a siipnrciliary space covered with feathers.

Length, sixteen and tifty one-hundredths inches; wing, eight and eighty one-
liundredths; tail, four and Deventy one-hundredths inches.

Although once very abundant in many localities, the Pin-
nated Grouse is now about e.xteriiiinated from the country
east of the Mississippi Valley.

It was once found in considerable numbers, I am i'l-
formed, in some portions of New England, but does rot
occur now in this section except on Martha's Vineya 'd,
where it is still left in small numbers. It was also found
on Long Island, but not a single bird is now left there. I
think that none are now found in Ohio, and but few, com-
paratively, in Indiana and Michigan, but in Illinois, Iowa,
Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin it is
still very abundant. " Prairie Chicken " shooting is one of
the finest of all the field sports of the West.

Early in the fall the birds are found in large bevies in
wheat and oat stubbles and in the open pastures and prai-
ries. In such localities, before the Grouse have become wild,
the sportsman makes large " bags," an ordinary shot being
able to bring in, as the result of a day's shooting, from ten
to twenty brace.

But later in the season, when the Grouse are wild and
strong on the wing, the sportsman must be quick and sure
in his aim to be able to make much of a showing.

The Grouse late in the fall are mostlv found in the corn-
fields, and as the Western cornstalks grow to a height of
eight or ten feet, and close together at that, it is easily seen
how good a chance the birds have for getting away. One
of the peculiarities of the Pinnated Grouse is thus described
bv Wilson :

382

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOOY.

lili

-m

i^

" During tlie period of mating, and while tlie females
are occupied in ininibation, the males have a practice of
assemblnig princii)ally by themselves. To some select and
central spot, where tliere is very little miderwootl, they re-
pair froni i;he adjoining district. From the exercise })er-
formed there, this is called a scratching-place. The time
of meeting U the break of day. As soon as the light ap-
pears the company assembles from every side, sometimes
to the number of forty or fifty. When the dawn is past,
the ceremony begins by a lov tooting ' from one of the
cocks. This is answered by another. They then come
forth one by one from the bushes, and strut about with all
the pride and ostentation they can display. Their necks
are incurvated, the feathers on them are erected into a sort
of ruff ; the plumes of their tails are expanded like fans ;
they strut about in a style resembliTig, as nearly as small
may be illustrated by great, the pomp of the turkey-cock.
They seem to vie with each other in stateliness ; and, as
they pass each other, frequently cast looks of insult and
utter notes of defiance. These are the signals for battle.
They engage with w'onderfui spirit and ^erceness. During
these contests they leap a foot or two from the ground, and
utter a cackling, screaming, and discordant cry. . . .

*• But what appears to me the most remarkable circum-
stance relative to this bird is that not one of all those
writers who have attempted its history has taken the
least notice of those two extraordinary bags of yellow skin
which mark the neck of the male, and which constitute so
striking a peculiarity. These appear to be formed by an
expansion of the gullet, as well as of the exterior skin of the

' When the male Grouse utters this peculiar sound " the parts about
tbe throat are sensibly inflated and swelled. It may be heard on a s ill
morning for three or more miles ; bome say they have perceived it as
far as five or six. This noise is a sort of ventriloquism. It does tiot
strike the ear of a by-stander with much force, but impresses him with
the idea, though produced within a few rods of him, of a voice a mile
or more distant."

THE PINNATED GROUSR

SSP,

ound " tbo parts aV)out
may lie heard on a sal
y have perceived H as
iloquism. It does not
at impresses him with
him, of a voice a mile

neck, wliicli, when the Lird is at rest, liaiigs in loose, pciulu-
Iniis, wi'inklod folds aloii^ the side of the neck ; the sujiple-
iiioutal wings, at tiie same time, as weii as when the l)ii'd is
thing, lying along the neck. Ihit when t]ie»e hags are in-
flated with air, in hreeding time, they are oqnal in size, and
very much resemble in color, a middle-sized, fully ripe
orange. By means of this curiou-; ai)j)aratus, wliich is very
observable several hundred yards off, he is enabled to pro-
duce the extraordinary sound mentioned above, which,
though it may be easily in -ated, is yet ditll(!ult to describe
l>v words. It consists of three notes of the same tone, re-
sembling those produced by the Xight-hawks in their rapid
descent, each strongly accented, the last being twice as long
as the others. When several are thus engaged the ear is
unable to distinguish the regularity of these triple notes, there
being, at such times, one continued humnnng, which is dis-
agreeable and perplexing from the impossibility of ascer-
taining fro,.i what distance, or even quarter, it proceeds.
AVhile uttering this the bird exhibits all the ostentatious
gesticulations of a turkey-cock — erecting and fluttering his
neck wings, wheeling and passing before the female, and
close before his fellows, as in defiance. Now and then are
heard some rapid, cackling notes, not unlike those of a per-
son tickled to excessive laughter ; and, in short, one can
scarcely listen to them without feeling disposed to laugh
from sympathy. These are uttered by the males while en-
gaged in light, on which occasion they leap up against each
other, exactly in the manner of turkeys, seemingly with
more malice than effect. This bumming continues from a
little before daybreak to eight or nine o'clock in the morn-
ing, when the parties separate to seek for food."

The Pinnated Grouse will in a verv few rears become ex-
terminated unless the close season is extended very consider-
ably. The 15th of October, or at the very earliest the
1st of October, should b': the opening day of the season,
and the 1st of January should begin the close.

884

OUNITHOLOnV AND OOLOGY.

^'1;

From about tlio micMlo of April to the lOtli of May, ac-
cording to latitude and advance of the season, the nests are
prepared.

These are formed of dried grasses and weeds, and are
loosely made on the ground, generally in a patch of weed-?,
or a thick tussock of grass, <»r bunch of bushes Sometimes
they are made in low lands which arc occasionally overflowed
by spring rains or freshets ; the eggs are then destroyed, in
which case another setting is laid, but the chicks liatched
from them are of less size and strength than are tliose
hatched in earlier broods.

The C'ggs of the Pinnated Gi'ouse are generally ovoidal in
form, and arc often pretty sharply tapered at their small
ends. They vary in color from a dirty drab to a grayish
white, and are covered more or less thickly with fine spots
or dots of bi'own ; some specimens have none of these
markings, v,'hile others are abundantly spotted. A large
number from which I took measurements averaged about
1.80 bv 1.2i5 inch in dimensions.

K^.:.h

BONASA, Stephens.

Bmiasn, STEPnENS, Sliaw's Gen. Zool., XI. (1819). (Type Tetrno bonasia, L.)
Tail widening to the end, its featliers very broad, as long as the wings ; the
feathers soft, and eighteen in number; tarsi naked in the lower half; covered with
two rows of hexagonal scales anteriorly, as in the OrtygincB; sides of toes strongly
pectinated ; naked space on the side of throat covered by a tuft of broad soft feathers ;
portion of culinen between the nasal fossie about one-third the total length ; top of
head with a soft crest.

BON AS A VVCBELVO^. — Slcphem.
The Buffed Oronse ; Partridf^e ; Pheasant.

Tetrao umiellus, Linnfeus. Syst. Nat, I. (1766) 275. Wils. Am. Om., VI.
(1812) 48. Aud. Om. Biog., I. (1831) 211; V. 560.

Tetrao {Bonatia) umbellus, Bonaparte. Sj-n. (1828), 126. Nutt. Man., I. ',1882)
657.

Sonata umbellut, Stephens. Shaw, Gen. Zool., XI. (1824) 800.

«r "*■

TFu: uui'FP.i) (;r<)u>k.

rs:>

OtU of May, ao-
jn, the nests are

weeds, aiul are
patch of weeds
[les Sometimes
anally overflowed
lien destroyed, in
e chicks hatched
1 than arc those

snerally ovoidal in
ed at'^their small
Llrab to a grayish
{ly with fine spots
ve none of these
spotted. A large
nts averaged abont

(Type Teirno bonana, L.)

,8 long as the wings ? the
he lower half; covered w.h
Lce; sides of toes strongly
a tuft of broad soft feathers.;
Lthetotanength;topof

lena.

I275. Wils. Am. Orn., VT.
I 128. Nutt.Man.,I.',l93«)
1(1824) 800.

nF.sriMrriux.

Tail of clgtitcen fratlicrf", roddi-ii-ljrown or frr.iy iilwivc; tlio tmck »itli 1 irdate
ipfit'* (if ligtitcr; Iji'iiiatli wliilisli, transversely harriil «itli diill-lirnwii; tail lip|>('d
witli gray, and with a siibterminal bar of black; broad fiatluTsi of the riitl' Mack.

Tail lengthened, neaily as long oa the wing ; very broad, nml nicjilcralcly
iDiiiuUd; the feathera very broad and truncate, the tip ?lif,'litly convex, eifjlifci'ii in
iiiiinher; upper lialf of tarsus only feathered; bare behind and l)el(jw, wiili twu
inws of hexagonal scutella; anteriorly; a naked epace on tlie side of the neck, con-
cealed by an overhanging tuft of broad, truncate feathers; there are no iiectlnated
processes above the eye, where the skin instead is clothed willi short feathers.

length, eighteen inches; wing, seven and twenty one-hundredlln; tail, so\en
Inches.

This beautiful and well-known bird, coininonly, but very
improperly, called Partridge, is a general resident in all t\u\
Xow-Eiigland States throughout the year. In tlnj most
retired localities, and in the near vicinage of towns, it is
found almost equally abtmdant ; and its habits and charac-
teristics arc the same in all localities, except that in thickly
settled districts, in consequence of its being more pursued
by sportsmen, it is mnch wilder and more difficult of ap-
proach than in less settled neighborhoods. So tame and
unsuspicious arc these birds in the deep forests, that I have
had considerable difficulty at times in flushing them. When
I have approached them, instead of flying otf, as they should,
they stood watching me like so many barn-yard fowls ; and
when I walked up to within a few feet of Ihem, to get them
awing, — for no true sportsman will ever kill a game bird
unless it is flying, — they only retreated slowly into a thicket
of nndergrowth, and remained there until actually forced to
take flight.

About the first of May, sometimes a little earlier, more
often later, the female withdraws from the society of the
male, and repairs to a retired spoL in the woods, where,
usually beneath a thicket of c\crgre;.n, or a bunch of brush,
or perhaps a fallen log ^r rock, she scrapes together a few
leaves into a loose nest, and deposits from eight to twelve
=" These are usually of a yellowish-white, sometimes

u.a-ker color, sometimes nearly pure-white. They are

3S0

OKNMTHOLOCY AND OOLOOY.

, , .,

• ' K'\

<^^:

usually ovoidiil iu form, somotimos nearly rouuded, and tlioir
dimensions averajro about l.<i") hy 1.20 inclios: specimens
arc oecasionully found uiucli laruer than this size, and many
considorahly smaller. In about fifty specimens !)efore me,
eollected perhaps in ten difiercnt Stales, al)Out five are of a
ycllowish-bufT color, marked with numerous spots of brown ;
thers are more yellowish, and have more obscure spois,
^\^v}'i the greater number have no markings at all.

i".' :>m several instances which have come to my knowl-
edge, I am inclined to think that the female Ruffed Grouse,
if persistently molested when nesting on the ground, avails
herself of the abandoned nest of a crow, or the shelter
afforded in tlie top of some tall broken trunk of a tree,
in which she deposits her eggs. Two of my collectors i:i
Northern Maine have sent me eggs which they positively
declared were found in a crow's nest in a high pine, but
which are undoubtedly of this species ; and recently I have
heard of another occurrence from my friend L. E. Rick-
secker, of Pennsylvania. The only satisfactory theory that
I can advance to account for these departures from the
usual habits of the Grouse is, that the birds had been much
disturbed, their eggs or young perhaps destroyed ; and as
they are often in the trees, and are expert climbers, they
laid their eggs in these lofty situations to secure protection
from their niimerous foes below.

During the season of incubation, the males congregate
together and remain apart from the females, until the young
birds are nearly full-grown : they then join them, and remain
with them until the ensuing spring.

Early in spring, the male begins " drumming: " thio habit
is peculiar to this species, and is probably familiar to all
persons who have passed much of their time in the"woods.

I have heard this drumming as early as February, and as
late as September ; but usually it is not heard much before
the first of April. The bird resorts to a fallen trunk of a
tree or log, and, while strutting like the male Turkey, beats

THE Rt'FFKP OnofSR.

:JS7

nming:" thL habit
ably familiar to all
time in the-woods.
IS February, and as
heard much before
a fallen trunk of a
male Turkey, beats

Ills wiiifrs against liis sides and the log with coiisidoralilo
force This produces a hoUow drumming noise, tliat iiiiiy
1)0 heard to a coiisldr!ral)li! distance: it connnences vory
slowly, and, after a fcnv strolxcs. gradually increases in
velocity, and terminates with a rolling beat very similar to
the roll of a drum.

I know not by what law of acoustics, Imt this drumming
is peculiar in sounding equally as loud at a considerable
distance off, as withiu a few rods. I have searched for the
bird when I have heard the drumming, and, v; .0 ^'ipposing
him to be at a considerable distance, have flushed h i within
the distance of fifty feet, and viee vena.

The young birds, like those of all our GalUncp, follow
their mother almost as soon as they are hatc'-ed. I liave
often found these broods in the woods, and can coin-
|)are them to nothing so much as the < cks of domestic
poultry.

The female, when her family is surprised, quickly gives a
warning cluck, when the whole brood adroitly conceal them-
selves. I have known a number to disappear, as if by
magic, beneath a bunch of leaves or grass ; and it required
a long, careful search to discover their whereabouts.

I once came suddenly upon a covey of these young birds,
when the mother, taken by surprise, uttering a harsh cry,
flew at my foot, and commenced pecking it fiercely : the
young scrambled off, uttering {oXwi peets, when the old bird,
perhaps astonished at this departure from her usual mod-
esty, suddenly retreated, and concealed herself. The young
birds associate with the female until scattered by sportsmen
or by a scarcity of provender. They are much more deli-
cate as food, when about two-thirds grown, than the old
liirds, as they have less of that peculiar bitter taste, and
have a rich flavor, almost similar to that of the Woodcock.

The food of this species consists of various seeds, berries,
grapes, and insects. When nothing else can be obtained,
they will eat the leaves of the evergreens, and buds of

^3S3SP****"

388

OUN'ITiroi,0(;Y AND OOLOOV.

treos ; a'ld, when all other food is covered with snow, tip')
eat dried pieces of apjdes that are left hanging on the treoH.
mosses, and leaves of the lanrel. It is after feeding on this
last pltiiit tliat tlKiir flesh hecomcs dangerous to bo eaten ;
and it is always safe not to eat these hirds in winter, if they
have been killed for any great lengtli of time, or if their
intestines and crofw have been left in them.

One hal)it that this species has is, I believe, peculiar to
it ; and that is its manner of diving iuto the deep snow
to pass tlie night in cold weather: this it does very fre-
quently, and its snowy covering affords it a warm and
effectual protection. But if it rains during the night, and
then the weather changes to freezing, the Grouse, imprisoned
beneath the crust that forms on the surface of the snow,
soon dies ; and it is noticed, that, in seasons after winters
when the weather frequently changes from raining to freez-
ing, there is a scarcity of these birds. It is a common
occurrence to find them, in the spring, dead, having perished
in this manner.

f\i\\ flllOW, tll'^J

ig on tho troos,
feeding on thin
ms to bo eaton ;
\ winter, if they
imc, or if their

evo, pccnliar to
tho deep snow
t does very fre-
it a warm and
ig tlie night, and
onse, imprisoned
ice of tho snow,
ans after winters
raining to frccz-
It is a common
I, having perished

lin^'

TUK VIlUilMA I'AUTlllUOK.

.•IS!»

FaMILT VKHDWIDAL Tuk I'AIlTKIDOBi.

Noxir.ln |iriitL'ctc<l by u iiukvU M-alv; tliu tursi liare uii'l sciitillutv.

Tliu I'trd'uutix (till'iT Iruiii tliu (jruusu iii tliu boru li;^"< und liukid iiukuI tuMir;
they aru much vmul.ur In hIzu and i. >re almiuluiit in niicricii; tlivy aru widely diit-
Iribulvd over the Hurtace oi Iho Klobe, a Ur)(i! immbttr bvlon^iiiK tu Aiiii'ricu, whcrti
the Hub-l'iiiiiilii'H huvu no Uld-World rvpresciitativvit whatuvcr; thi' liiud Ht'ldoni, il'
ever, nhiiWH (hi: nnkcd npace iiruiind and ubovu the uye, vi coiniiinii in the Tttiatmidtt ;
and the HiduH (if the tuuit Hcarcely exhibit ihu puculiur pectiaatiuu I'urmud by a luc-
teMion of Binall scales or platei.

Sub-Family OiiTYGiNiE.

mil stout; the lower mandible mure ur Iomh bidentulu on each side near the end.

The Oit)/i/ituB of lionapurtu, or Otlontajtliiiriiiit of other aiithorn, ure characterized
an a ifTaup by the bidentutiun on either itidu of the edge of lower inaiidiMu, uHuully
concealed in the clo-^cd mouth, and Bomctinies scarcely appreciable; the bill is short,
and rather high at base, stouter and shorter tliiin what is usually seen in Old-
World partridges; the culiuen is curved from the bate; the tip of the bill broad,
and overlapping the end of the lower mandible; the nasal groove is short; the tail is
rather broad and long.

ORTYX, Stephens.

Ortyx, STEriiENB, Shaw's Gen. Zool., XI. (1819). (Type Tetrao \'irijininniu, L.)

Bill stout; head entirely without any crest; tail short, scarcely more than half

the wing, composed of moderately soft feathers ; wings normal ; legs developed, the

t(ies reaching considerably beyond the tip of the tail; the lateral toes short, equal,

their claws falling decidedly short of the base of the middle claw.

ORTYX VIRGINIANUS. — £ofin/)ar<e.

The Virgrinia Partridge; Quail; Bob-white.

Tetrao Virgininnut, I.innieus. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 277.

Perdue Virgininna, Wilson. Am. Orn., VI. (1812) 21. Aud. Urn. Biog., i.
(1831) 888; V. (1839) 564.

Ortyx Virgirtiana, Jardine. Nat. Lib. Birds, IV.; Game Birds, 101.
Perdix ( Colinia) Vtrginiana, Nuttall. Blan., I. (1832) 646.

Description.
Forehead, and line through the eye and along the side of the neck, with chin
und throat, white; a band of black across the vertex, and extending backwards on
the sides, within the white, and another from the maxilla beneath the eye, and
crossing on the lower part of the throat ; the under parts are white, tinged with
brown anteriorly, each feather with several narrow, obtusely V-shnpcd bands of

K.-tTo:. Ti-w i.wt^il=*«iHSif.Ti-i^*4

a!t<»

ORNn'IIOLO(;Y AND OOLOGY.

Iiliick; the forepart of l)ack, the side of the breast and in front just below the blaek
collar, of a dull pinkish-n.il; the sides o;' body and wing coverls brownisli-red; tha
latter iihnost uniform, without indication of mottling; SL':i]Hilars and upper tertiala
i-.iiirsolv blotched with bliick, and edged internally with brownishytllow; top of
lii'iid reddish; the lower part of neck, except anteriorly, streaked with white and
Mark; primary quills unspotted brown; tail ash.

i'emale with the white markings of Llie head replaced by brownish-yellow; tha
black wanting.

This species is subject to considerable variations both of size and color, the more
nortlicru being considerably tlie larger; southern specimens are darker, with
more black about the head, on the wings, and the middle of the buck; there is also
a more appreciable mottling on the wiiigs, and the feathers of the buck are streaked
with black.

Length, ten inches r wing, four and seventy one-hundredths inches; tail, two and
eighty five one-hundredths inches.

»-i::

1^ »-.l

■4 S

'Hltit :;

THIS bird is well known in various localities as " Boh-
Whiie;' "J/w«-UV^" ^' nnvl-M'heat:' etc., from
its peculiar call or whistle; it i.s pretty general', disti'ilmted
throughout nio.st of the coinitry, from the Koeky Moiuitains
to the Atlantic Ocean. In the New England States it is
very rai-ely found north of Massachusetts, but in the
Western States and in some of the Southern it is quite
generally met with. In Illinois and the other prairie States
it is exceedingly abundant, and in sections where large areas
of Indian corn and wheat are raised, it is found in great
numbers. In Oliio it is in some localities the most common
of birds, and with a good dog in some of the extensive
ranges of yoimg growth devoted to pasturage I have had
magniticent shooting.

Tlie call of the male bird is a familiar sound in our fields
and pastures in the spring and summer months. Perched
on a fence or on a low tree or bush, he repeats his cheerful
song time and time again, and I know of nothing among
the sounds of runil life that is more inspiriting to the city
denizen and the weary man of business.

To listen to the Quail repeating his notes in summer is to
recall our boyhood's days in the lields ajid meadows of the
old homestead. It is to bring back to memory the delicious
rambles in the old berry pastures of long ago. It is to call

ist below tlie black
brownish-red; the
and uiu>er tertiala
ish-jiUow; top of
ed with white and

ownish-y';l''>w ; th«

and color, the more
3 are darker, with
i back; there is also
le back are streaked

inches; tail, two and

lities as " Boh-
uf„'' etc., from
■ill ' ■ distributed
ocky ^Mountains
and States it is
tts, but in the
leru it is quite
er prairie States
here large areas
found in great
le most eoninion
of the extensivt;
irage I have hatl

iund in our fields
loiiths. Perched
)cats his cheerful
f nothing among
liriting to the city

US in summer is to

1 meadows of the

niory thedelici(>iis

■i.r,). It is to call

■■^ S

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ii

« I,

i)<

Tim VlIKilXIA rAUTRIDCIv

.301

lip tlie vision of days gone by, the liappiest aiul purest days
of life. Ileiiiembraiiceri of tlie ba1)blin«:; brodk, where, in
days of yore, with alder rod in liand, we tempted from tlio
deep atul sparkling pools the spotted trout, come up and
mingle with the recolleetion of the meadow's sweetest odors
and songs of Bobolink and Thrush.

To listen to the (Juail is to bring back to memory every
pleasant hour of boyhood's life, ami without that song half
of the cliarms of our fields and mondows and pastures would
l)e lost.

The Quail, or more ])roperly, Partridge, speaking oriii-
thologically, pairs and eommences nesting about the tii'st
of May in our latitud(!, sometii.ies earlier if the spring is
forward ; in more southern localities the eggs are laid
earlier.

The nest is often concealed under a clump of bushes or ;i
tuft of thick grass, but sometimes it is built in a quite ex-
posed position. I have found nests in little thickets of
brier bushes growing beside walls and fences, and have seen
one at least that was made under the lee side of an old
^tump. The nest is constructed of small twigs and grass,
and is lined with liner leaves of grass and herbage. I have
never seen one covered at the top like the nest of the Oven
i^)ird or Golden-crowned Thrush such as has been described,
although the birds may occasionally so cover them. I have
seen altogether perhaps fifteen or twenty nests, and not
one was covered at the top. "Wilson says that the nest
"is well covered above and an opening left on one side for
entrance," and other writers have put on record tlie same
fact, so that it is probable that the bird's nesting habits vary
in different sections. In a great numlier of eggs from many
localities that I have examined, some were nearly pure white,
others were smeared with some blotches or confluent dabs of
yellow. These markings were caixsed, I j udge, by stains from
the earth or damp vegetation on which the eggs were laid.
The form of tiie egg is pyriform or pear-shaped ; their aver-

:v.y2

()kmth()L()(;y and oolooy.

.i :'■-•»,

H^

* 'I'M

!i;:i.' length I.- ahniit 1! inch, and the average greatest width
1 iiu-li.

Tlie nuinhor of oggs usually laid in a nest is from ten to
lit'teen, although when two females lay in the same nest,
uhicli is sometimes the case, as many as twenty or even
ludre t'ggs are i'ound. During the time of incubation the
iriale Ijinl remains in the vicinity of his mate, and occasion-
ally takes her place on tiu; nest. 1 have often seen the cock
(^uail thus engaged and believe it is a c mmion occurrence.

The period of incubation has been variously stated by dif-
ferent writers, some 2)laciiig it at tlirce weeks, some less, and
some even at four weeks. J have heard of a number of in-
stances M'licre the eggs of the Quail have been set under ban-
tam hens, and in every case they liatchc'i iu three weeks.
In one instance the fresh-laid eggs oF th.- Quail were put
with a bantam's eggs; in three Mceks the Quails and ban-
tam chicks were hatched in one brood.

In seasons of very early springs I Lave no doubt tliat two
broods are hatched, for it is not uncomTrum to find in the
autumn coveys in which full-grown chicks are associating
with some but half-matured.

The Quai'- "uless much puri^ued by lumters, is a very fa-
miliar bird I ];ave often seen small coveys running about
with the faiuiers' chickens, and I believe it is a common
habit for them, iu sections where they are not molested,
to share the rations of the domestic fowls about the gi'ain-
ricks and barn-yards.

The thorough domestication of the Quail is so pi'acticabie
that it is strange it is not more generally followed. A gen-
tleman of my acquaintance has rejieatedly reared large num-
bers in confinemetit, and I have heard of other instances.
In the case I refer to, two pairs of the birds were placed in
a large attic in a dwelling-house, the floor of which had been
covered with sand and loam, over which some bunches of
brush and herbage had been scattered. The Quails were
watered and fed like so many domestic fowls, and in the

.: "*'->X!t'.'i"

>rs, is a very fa-

THE VIRGINIA rARTRIDGB.

39n

Micccediiiij autiiinii tlicy miinbered, witli their proj^cny,
twenty-eight birds. The whole lloek was very tame and
i'unnliar, and they proved very interesting pets.

To the spoi'tsniuii the ()iiail is one of tlie greatest favor-
ites among our game birds. It lies well to the dog in almost
all seasons and localities, and when a covey is found in de-
.-ii-ablo cover, a good bag may be counted ou by a fair shot.
I have often bagged as large a percentage as a dozen out of
fifteen birds in a covey, and there are sportsmen who claim
111 have shot everv bird in the covev. When the l)irds iir,-t
break cov r, if the dog has done his work well, one ought to
get at least a brace with right and left barrels, and tlicii
wlien the covey is " marked down '" in good cover, their scat-
tered numbers onght to be [)icked up, one by one, by almost
a novice. Of course, perfect coolness in the sportsman is a
rcijuisite ; for the bird gets up with a sudden whir and dash
and llies away with the speed of a bullet.

In nine cases out of ten when I have missed my l)ird it
has been owing to my tiring too(piickly, and before the bird
had got fairly out where the charge could separate.

The Quail is a very [irolitic bird or it woidd be entii-ely
extirpated. Tlie trained dog points to its hiding-place with
inierring accuracy ; the inqn'oved breech-loader, aimed by
the practiced hunter, empties its charge with fearful cer-
tainty and is reloaded with great rapidity. The net cap-
tures with one fell swoop a whole covey; the birds and
beasts of prey destroy great numbers; and the merciless
winter piles a nnirderous depth of snow npon ihem in their
roosting-places on the ground. Yet by a series of wonder-
ful escapes, enough are left in the spring to perpetuate the
race and enliven with their sprightly wliistle our fields and
meadows tlirough the glorious summer time.

394

OBMTUOL0(JY AND OOLOGY.

'IS

;-*■;-;

■ "^.H

^-

NOTES.

I coiitiuuo Mr. Coupor's iiotos, made at Quebec, Lower
Canada : —

ECTOPISTfiS MIGEAI0BIU3. — Tlie Passenger Pitjeon is not so common
in this portion of Lower us in Upper Canada, wliere tliey breed in Iar;;e
numbers. They are found breeding in tlie eastern townships of Lower
Canada; but I have not ascertained that tliey breed in tliis district or north
of it. I remember at one time findir.jf a nest of this pigeon in tlie woods
nortli of Toronto : it contained a .siiijrle young one. I bcliuvu tiiere are
many instances of its breedin;; in solitary yairs, souietliing like the Wood
Pigeon of Kiuope.

ZENAIDUHA CAROLINENSIS. — Tlio Carolina Dove lias never been noticed
in Lower Canada. It occurs occasionally in the woods north of tlie city of
Toronto, where, I believe, it breeds.

TETEAO CANADENSIS. — This species is very common from October to
February. They are in prime condition during the last month. It breeds
on both sides of the St. Lawrence, but more connnon on the south. During
the above month.s, there are generally six males to one female exhibited
on our markets. The inhabitants inform me that females are very scarce
daring winter. This is a parodox to nie, when I iinow that both male and
female feed on the same tree. AVIiat is also astonismng, the nest and eggs
of this bird are as hard to discover in spring as the female is in winter. 1
li.'ive offered to purchase every nest of this species brought to me ; but,
Btrange to say, I have not beer, fortunate in seeing one yet.

BONASA UMBELLUS. — Common. Breeds. I have repeatedly found the
nest of tills species

Or';ER V. — OBALLATORES.

no.-,

ORDER v. — GRALLAT0RE8. Wadehs.

Legs, neck, and usually the bill, much lengthened ; tibia bare
for a certain distance above the tarsal joint; nostrils exposed; tail
u lUally very short ; the sj)ecies live along or near the water, more
rarely in dry plains, wading, never swiniining habitually, cxcej)!
purliaps in the case of the Phabuojx's.

Tiio bill of the GniUaturas is usually in direct proportion to the
length of legs and neck. The toes vary, but are usually connected
at the base by a membrane, which sometimes extends almost or
(luite to the claws.

The GraUatores, like the Rasores and Natatores, are divisible
into two sub-orders, according as the species rear and feed their
young in nests, or allow them to shift for themselves. The follow
iiig diagnoses express the general character of these subdivisions :

IIkrodionk.s. — Face or lores more or less naked, or else
covered with feathers different from those on the rest of the
body, except in some Gruidce ; bill nearly as thick at the base as
the skull ; hind toe generally nearly on same level with the ante-
rior : young reared in nests, and requiring to be fed by the parent.

GKALLij:. — Lores with feather^; similar to those on the rest of
ilie body ; bill contracted at base, where it is usually smaller than
the skull ; hind toe generally elevated ; young running about at
birth, and able to feed themselves.

300

OUNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

SUB-ORDER HERODIONES.

Hill generally thick at the base and much longer than the head; frontal feathers
with a rounded outline; lorcH, and generally the region round the eye (sometiues
most of the head), nuked

'I'hc primary cliurncteri.stic of the Ihivdiunes, though physiological rattier than
Boolojjital, is of tliu highest importance; the young are born weak and iniperfcct,
■nd are reared in the nest, being fed directly by the parent until able to take care of
them?olve8, when they are generally abandoned. In tlie Orall(e, on the contrary,
the young run about freely, directly after being hatclied, and are capable of securing
food for themselves tinder the direction of the parent.

The chief zoological charuiter (not, however, entirely without exception) is to be
found iu the bill, which is generally very large, much longer than the head, and
thickened at the base so as to be nearly or quite as broad and high as the skull; the
lores are almost always naked, or, if covered, it is with feathers of a different kind
from those on the rest of the body ; the hind toe in most genera is lengthened and
on a level with the ontcrior, so as to be capable of grasping; sometimes, however, it
is elevated and quite short. — Baiuu.

FAMiLr ARDEID^. The Heijons.

Bill conical, acuminate, compressed, and acute; the edges usually nicked at the
end; the fh)ntal feathers generally extending beyond the nostrils; tarsi scutellate
anteriorly; the middle toe connected to tlie outer by a basal web; claws acute; the
edge of the middle one berrated or pectinated on its inner edge.

)

GARZETTA, Bonaparte.

Garzetta, Bonaparte, Consp., II. (1856) 118. (Type Ardea ganeUd, L.,
whether of Kaup, 1829?)

Hill slender; outlines nearly straight to near the tip, when they are about
equally convex; middle too more than half the tarsus; tarsi broadly scutellate ante-
riorly; tibia denuded for about one-half; outer toe longest; head with a full occipital
crest of feathers having the webs decomposed, hair-like ; feathers of lower part of
throat similar; middle of back with long plumes reaching to the tail, recurving at
tip; the?* plumes and the crest apparently permanent; lower part of neck behind,
bare of feathers; colors pure-white in all ages.

GAEZETTA CANDIDISSIMA. — BonapaHe.
The Snowy Heron.

Anka candidisdnui, GmeWn. Syst. Nat., I. (1788) 633. Wils. Am. Om., VII.
(1813) 120. Nutt. Man., II. (1834) 49. Aud. Om. Biog., III. (1635) 317; V.
(1839) 606.

GaitnUa candidiatima, Bonaparte. Consp. (1855), 119.

THF SNOWY HEUON.

;v.r.-

nrsciiiiTlON.

Occiput much crested; dorsal pliimcs rcndiinR to the end of the tail; colors pure-
white; bill black; the base yellow; \ffj;* bliick; irin, ha/cl in youii),', y< How in
iiilult.

Length, twenty-four inches; win^, ten and twi-nfy onc-hundrodths inches; tar
sus, three and eighty one-hundredtlis inches; bill, above, three and titlecn one-lmii
drodths inches.

k usually nicked at the
lostrils; tarsi scutellate

pe Ardea ganetta, L.,

THIS beautiful bird is a very rare summer visitor in
the soiitbcrn New-England States. I bavc never liail
an opportunity for observin<>' its babits, and will give the
description by Wilson : —

"The Snowy Heron seems partionliirly fond of the salt marshes
during summer, seldom penetrating far inland. Its white plumage
renders it a very conspicuous object, either while on wing, or while
wading the meadows or marshes.
Its food consists of those small
crabs usually called jiddlers, mud-
worms, snails, frogs, and lizards.
It also feeds on the seeds of some
species of nympha?, and of several
other aquatic plants.

On the 19th of May, I visited
an extensive breeding-place of the
Snowy Heron, among the red ce-
dars of Summer's Beach, on the
coast of Cape May. The situiition
was very sequestered, bounded on
the land side by a fresh-watf;;-
marsh or pond, and slieltered from
the Atlantic by ranges of sand-hills. The cedars, though not high,
were so closely crowded together as to render it difficult to pene-
trate through among them. Some trees contained three, olhers
four nests, built wholly of sticks. Each had in it three eggs of ii
pale greenish-blue color, and measuring an inch and three-quarters
in length by an inch and a quarter in thickness. Forty or fifty of
these eggs were cooked, and found to be well tasted : the white
was of a bluish tint, and almost transparent, though boiled for a
considerable time ; the yolk very small in quantity. The birds

898

OnSITIIOLOOY AND OOLOfJY.

rose in vast numbers, hut without I'hiuKir. iiliiihtiii;^ on tlic trtjis of
the trtii's arotiiid, iiud watdiin;; tlu; result in silent anxiety. Amonff
tliem were luimbers of the Niglit Heron, and two or tlir< e I*nr|)l('-
headed Herons. Great quantities of eirji-sliells lay scattered under
the trees, oceasioned by the depredations of the Crows, who were
continually hf)verinj; about tlie place. On one of the nests I faind
the dead body of the bird itself, half devoured l)y the Hawks,
Crows, or Gulls. She had probably perished in defence of her

"The Snowy Heron is seen at all times during summer among
the salt marshes, watching and searchini; for food, or passing, some-
times in flocks, from one part of the bay to tlie other. They often
make excursions up the rivers and inlets, but return regularly in
the evening to the red cedars on the beach to roost."

,••■■1

1»l»r

ARDEA, LiNN.RUS.

Allien, LiNN-OT's, Syst. Nat., T. (ITS'). (Tj-pe A. cinerra.)
Hill very thick; culmen iirarly sfraiglit; ponys nscenflitifj, its tip more coiivpx
tlinn that of cuhiion; middle toe more than half the tarsus; tibia bare for nearly
or quite one-half; claws short, much <urved; outer toe IcniKPst; tarsus broii(ll\-
Mutcllate anteriorly; occiput with a few elonjjated occipital feathers; scapulars
elongate lanceolate, lis long as the secondaries; no dorsal plumes; tail of twelve
broad stiffened fcather.s; back of neck well feathered; size very large; colors pluni-
beoug, streaked beneath.

ASDEA HEEODIAS. — Urmceus.
The Great Blue Heron, or Crans.

Ardta Ilerodwt, LinniEus. Syst. Nat., I. (17C0) 237. Wils. Am. Orn., Vlll.
(1P14) 28. Nutt. Man., II. (1834) 42. Aud. Orn. Biog., III. (1835) 87; V. C90.

Desckiption.

Lower third of tibia bare; above bluish-ash; edges of wing and the tibia nifous;
neck ciimamon-brown; head black, with a white frontal patch; body beneath black,
broadly streaked on the belly w^ith white; crissum white; middle line of th rout
white, streaked with black and rufous.

Adult. — 15111 yellow, dusky at the base and greenish abo^ : the forehead and
central part of the crown are white, encircled laterally and iiehind by black, of
which color is the occipital crest and its two elongated feathers; the neck is of a
light smoky cinnamon-brown, with perhaps a tinge of purple; the chin and throat
whiti.sh ; the feathers along the central line of the throat to the breast white, streaked
with black, and ilso with reddish-brown, except on the elongated feathers of the

THE cniDAT ItLLK IIKUON.

.;!i'.t

hr«a«t; llu' Imdy mny !"■ doK-rilwil a« l)liii-li-»tli iilmvc nml en tlir «iili-<; ihi' iimlif
parts, incliiiliiiK iIk' l"'^ <>' i'alln'rs on eiicli •'U\f the liri'a>t aixi tlii^ liclli in ilie
wliitf rrisKiim, Hri> ixioty bliuk, iiiiuli varicil nloii^; ilic iiiiiliili' line witli wliili';
till' tlliiii ami llio ednc <il' the wiiij; iir« riUMiiiii thi^ <|iillU nrv. him k, In'coiiiiiiK iii'iru
|iliiiiitn(m.i intcrnully until tlie innormint iici'iiiuliirii's nro a'^liy, like tin- buck; tli«
fliin>.'at('(l tips of tlifi Fcnpular tVntli' r, liavc a whitish »hni1>': the tail i^ of a Miiixh-
flali- iiilor; aciordinn ti« Mr. Auiliihini, th>; bill in life is yclhiw; dusky -jfrci'n iibovi';
liiral nml orliital places liKlit-fjrii ii; iris mellow; fi'pt olivaccoiiit, paler above Iha
tiliiii-tarsal joint; claws black.

young. — The upper nmniiiblo is bla<Uish; llio lower yellow, except nlotin Iho
foniinlMsiirc! the head above is entirely dusky, without the iniuh ilonj,'i\ted occipital
Halhersi the breast la grayish, streaked with white and li^jht-brnwti, but with ut
an V jiure-black patches; the back is without the elongated scajiular feathers; in
Mill younger specimens, the coverts are all inarj,'ined with rufous, whii h becomes
lighter ut the tip; the rufous of the tibia is much linliter.

I.ength, forty-two inches; wing, eighteen and lirty one-bundrc dllis; tarsus nbimt
fix nnd fifty one-hiindredths inches; bill about live and tiity one-hundrcdthii
inches.

abo^ ; tbe forehead nml
and iichind by black, of
cnthers; the neck is of a
pic; the chin and throat
the breast white, streaked
elongated feathers of the

Tills, the largest of our New-Eii gland Iluroiis, is pretty
gononilly clistril)uted throughout these States as a suminei
resident ; and, although not very abundant in any section, it
is of course more oi'ten found in localities near large bodies o*"
water than elsewhere. It arrives from the South about the
second week in April, sometiuios a little earlier. During
the day, it seems to prefer the solitudes of the forest for
its retreat, as it is usiuiUy seen in the meadows only at early
ni'irning, and in the latter part of the afternoon. It then,
l)y the side of a ditch or pond, is observed ]iatien(ly widchiug
for its prey. It remains standing motionless until a fish or
frog presents itself, when, with an unerring stroke with its
beak, as quick as lightning, it seizes, beats to pieces, and
swallows it. This act is ol'ien repeated ; and, as the Heron
varies this diet with meadow-mice, snakes, and insects, it
certainly does not lead the life of misery and want that
many writers ascribe to V In fact, it is always plump and
in i:ood condition ; and by many is considered as a palatable
bird on the table.

About the 10th of May, this species commences ))uilding:
as with the other Herons, it breeds in communities, and
several nests may he found in an area of a few rods. These

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23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

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400

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

are placed in high forks of trees, generally in retired, almost
impassable swamps. I once visited a heronry of this species
in Erroll, N.II. It was in a deep swamp, which was inter-
sected by a small branch of the Androscoggin River. I
think tJiat I never penetrated a more villanoius tract: every
few rods a quagmire would present itself, which, although
familiar to the persons who accompanied me, was generally
unrecognizable by me, from any patches of green turf; and
it was only by wading through mud and water, sometimes
up to my waist, or by leaping from one fallen tree to another,
through briers and brushwood, that I at last succeeded in
arriving beneath tlie trees in which the nests were built.
These were all dead hemlocks, white and smooth, without a
branch for certainly forty feet, and unclimbable. We could
see that the nests Avere nearly flat, and were constructed of
twigs of different sizes, ptit together in a loose and slovenly
manner. This was about the 25th of June : the young were,
of course, then about two-thirds grown ; and, as I had heard
that they were excellent eating, I emptied both the barrels
of my gun into one of the nests, when down tumbled two
" squab Herons," as they are called. We had them broiled
for supper: they tasted something like duck, but had a
strong flavor that was not pleasant. " I don't hanker after
any more," as one of our company said after supper. The
old birds, at the report of my gun, began flying over our
heads, uttering their hoarse honks and guttural cries. Tliey
were careful to keep out of gunsliot ; and, after flying back
and forth a few minutes, they disappeared, and all was still.
The eggs of this species are laid about the loth or 20th of
May : they are usually three or four in number, and their
form is ovoidal. Tliey are of a light bluish-green color, and
average in dimensions about 2.62 by 1.75 inch. But one
brood is reared in the season.

This is one of the most suspicious of our birds, and
the most difficult to bo approached. It is constantly on the
lookout for danger ; and its long neck, keen eyes, and deli'

THE LEAST BITTERN.

401

n retired, almost
ry of this species
which was inter-
30ggiu River. I
nous tract: every
r, wliich, althougli
me, was generally
f orrceu turf; and

water, sometimes
en tree to another,
last succeeded in
J nests were built.

smooth, without a
.nbable. Wo could
i^cre constructed of
I loose and slovenly
le : the young were,

and, as I had heard

led both the barrels

down tumbled two

e had them broiled

^e duck, but had a

|l don't hanker after

after suppev. The

[gan flying ^^'^^ «'"'
juttural cries. They
[nd. after flying back
•ed, and all was still,
■the 15th or 20th of
n number, and their
luish-green color, and
1.75 inch. But one

L of our birds, and
|t is constantly on the
I, keen eyes, and .leh'

cate organs of hearing, enable it to detect the approach of
a liunter long before he can get w'tliin gunshot.

About the middle of October, >t leaves New England, in
small detached groups, for the South.

ARDETTA, Gray.

Ardetla, Gray, List of Genera, App. (1842), 1.3. (Type Anka minuta, L.)

Bill slender, acute; both mandibles about equally curved; legs very short; tarsi

less than middle toe; inner toe much longest; claws long, acute; tarsi broadly

tcutellate anteriorly.

Tail of ten feathers; neck short; body much compressed; head smooth; tlie

occipital feathers somewhat lengthened; the lower neck bare of feathers behind; no

plumes; plumage compact, lustrous; unifonn above; sexes differently colored.

ARDETTA ZXILIS. — Gray.

The Least Bittern.

Ardea exilis, Gmelin. Syst. Nat, L (1788) 648. Wils. Am. Om., VIIL (1814<
87. Aud. Om. Biog., IIL (1835) 77; ■V.(1839) 606.
Ardea {ardcola) emits, Nuttall. Man., IL (1834) 66.
Ardelta exilis, Gray. Gen. (1842).

Description.

Head above and the back dark glossy green; upper part of neck, shoulders
greater coverts, and outer webs of some tertials, purplish-cinnamon; a brownisli
yellow scapular stripe. Female with the green of head and back replaced by
purplish-chestnut; iris yellow.

Length, thirteen inches; wing, four and seventy-flvc one-hundredtha ; tarsus,
one and sixty one-hundredths ; bill, above, one and seventy-live one-hundredths
inches.

This, the smallest of our Ardeidae, is a rare summer
inhabitant of New England. It is only seen in pairs or
solitary individuals, and, unlike most of our birds in this
family, seems persistently solitary in its habits. I have
never met with an Individual alive, and will give a short
extract from the description by Audubon of its habits. Ho
says, " Although the Least Bittern is not unfrequentiy
started in salt marshes, it gives a decided preference to
the borders of ponds, lakes, or bayous of fresh water ; and
it is in secluded situations of this kind that it usually forms
its nest. This is sometimes placed on the ground, amid tho

402

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOOY.

'«■«-■

rankest grasses, but more frequently it is attached to tlio
stems several inches above it. It is flat, and composed of
dried or rotten weeds. In two instances, I found the nests
of the Least Bittern about three feet above the ground, in a
thick chister of smilax and other briery plants. In tlie
first, two nests were placed in the same bush, within a few
yards of each other. In the other instance, there was only
one nest of this bird, but several of the Boat-tailed Graklo,
and one of the Green Heron, the occupants of all of which
seemed to be on friendly terms. .When startled from tlie
nest, the old birds emit a few notes resembling the syllable
qml, alight a few yards off, and watch all your movements.
If you go towards them, yoii may sometimes take the female
with the hand, but rarely the male, who generally flies olT,
or makes his way through the woods.

" The food of this bird consists of snails, slugs, tadpoles
or young frogs, raid water lizards. In several instances,
however, I have found small shrews and field-mice in their
stomach. Although more nocturnal than diurnal, it moves
a good deal about by day in search of food. The flight of
this bird is apparently weak by day ; for then it seldom re-
moves to a greater distance than a hundred yards at a time,
and this, too, only when frightened in a moderate degree,
for, if much alarmed, it falls again among the grass, in the
manner of the Rail : but in the dusk of the evening and
morning, I have seen it passing steadily along, at the height
of fifty yards or more, with the neck retracted, and the legs
stretched out behind in the manner of the larger Herons."

The eggs of this specie are usually four in number:
they are nearly oval in form, and are of the size, and almost
exactly the form, of eggs of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, ex-
cept with regard to color ; the present species being con-
siderably paler. It lias been found to breed in all the
New-England States, but seems to be more of a southern
species, and it is not abundant anywhere north of the
southern portions of the Middle States.

THE BITTERN.

4(t;j

BOTAURUS, Stemikss.

Zool, XI. (1819) 592.

(Type Ardea stti

Botaurui, Stephe.ns, Shaw's Gen.
I(iri>, I>.^

Bill moderate, scarcely longer than the head; bill outline.s pently convex, gonys
asccMidiiig; tarsi very short, less than the middle toe; broadly scutellafe ; inner
lateral too much longest ; claws all very long, acute, and nearly straight.

Tail of ten feathers; no peculiar crest; plumage loose, opaque, streaked; sexes
similar.

BOTAUBUS LEKTIOnrOSnS. — Stephen,.
The Bittern ; Stake-driver.

Botaurtu lentiginonu, Stephens. Shaw's Gen. Zool., XI. (1819) G96.

Ardea [botaurvt) lentiginota, Nuttall. Man., II. (1834) 60.

Ardea minor, Wilson. Am. Om., VIII. (1814) 35. Aud. Om. Biog., IV. (1888)
290.

Dksckiption.

Brownish-yellow, finely mottled and varied with dark-brown and brownish-red ; ■
iiroad black stripe on each side the neck, starting behind the ear; iris golden yellow.

Length, twenty-six and fifty une-hundredths inches; wing, eleven; tarsus, three
and sixty one-hundredths inches; bill, above, two and seventy-five one hundredths
inches.

Hob. — Entire continent of Xorrh America.

Perhaps hone of our Herons are more generally known
than this species ; for it is common in all New England as a
summer resident, and in some localities, particularly the
northern, is quite abundant. It arrives from the South
from about the last week in March to the 10th of April,
according to latitude, and remains in the meadows, where it
makes its hone until the middle of October. It seems to
he more diurnal in its habits than most of our other Herons,
and seems always employed in the pursuit of fishes, frogs,
and other reptiles and insects, of which its food consists.

The nests trie pUiced on low hnshes, or thick tufts of
grass, sometimes in low trees, and are compo.sed of coarse
grasses, twigs, and a few leaves. I know' of no other place
in New England where these birds breed in such abun-
ilaiice as in the neighborliood of the Rangeley Lakes, in
Maine. There, in some of tlie tangled, boggy, almost im-

1 »

:' i

404

ORNITHOLOGY AXD OOLOP.Y.

•■-'..t

"**:

^

pcnotraMe swatnp.s thepc birds have gcveral liaunts, wliicli
they have inhabited f»jr years. When tlieir nests are ap-
proaclied, the birds rise with a frnttural note, like tlie sylla-
ble fjutU\ ami alight in some tall tree, from which they
silently watch the intruder.

The eggs are usually four in number. Their form is
generally ovoidal, and their color a rich drab, with some-
times an olive tinge. I know of no species that exhibits so
little variation in the size of its eggs as this; for in a largo
number of specimens in my collection from half a dozen
different States, east and west, the only variety of dimen-
sions is from 1.92 by 1.50 inch to 1.88 by 1.48 inch.

In the mating season, and during the first part of the
period of incubation, the male has a peculiar love-note, that
almost exactly reseml)lcs the stroke of a mallet on a stake ;
something like the syllables 'chmk-a-lunk-chunk, quank-
chunk-a-lunk-chunk. I have often, when in the forests of
Northern Maine, been deceived by this note into believing
that some woodman or settler was in my neighborhood,
and discovered my mistake only after toiling through swamp
and morass for perhaps half a mile. But one brood is
reared in the season by this bird in New England ; and, by
the first week in August, the young are able to shift for
themselves.

BUTORIDES, Blyth.

Butnridct, Bltth (1849), Horsf. (Type Ardea Javanica.)

Bill acute, rather longer than the head, gently curved from the base abo7«;
gonys slightly ascending; legs ver}' short; tarsi scarcely longer than the middle
too; broadly scutellate anteriorly; lateral toes nearly equal; head with elongated
feathers above and behind; these are well defined, lanceolate, as are the inter-
Bcnpulars and scapulars; the latter not exceeding the tertials; neck short; baie
behind inferiorly; tibia feathered nearly throughout; tail of twelve feathers.

BUTOBIBES VIRESCENS. — Bonaparte.

The Green Heron; Fly-np-the-Creek.

Ardea virescent, Linnaeus. Syat. Nat., L (1766) 288. Wils. Am. Cm., VII.
:1813) 97. Aud. Cm. Biog., IV. (1838) 274.

Ardea {botaurus) virescens, Nutt., II. (1834) 63.
Bulorides virescent, Bonaparte. Consp. At., II. (1855) 128.

V-Tf*

\ haunts, wl\ifl»
oh- nests are ap-
e, like the syUa-
rom which they

Their form is
drab, with some
s that exhibits so
lis ; for in a largo
rom half a dozen
variety of dimen-

1.48 inch.
3 first part of the
liar love-note, that
mallet on a stake ;
lunk-chmk, quank-
I in the forests of
note into believing

my neighborhood,
ling through swamp

But one brood is
^ England ; and, by
xe able to shift for

lanica.)

urved from the base abo»«-,

-ely longer than the m.ddle
'equal-, head with elongated
lanceolate, as are the inter-
,e tertials; neck short, b.ie
tail of twelve feathers.

maparte,
Creek.
288. Wils. Am. Om., VH.

855) 128.

••*»<*..-

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THE QREEN HEBON.

4U5

Dmcriftion.

" The Green Bittern ia eighteen inchca long, and twenty-flve inchfii in pxtent
hill black, lighter below, and yellow at the baxe; chin, and narrow streak down Ilia
lliroat, yellowish-white; neck dark vinaceoun-red; back covered with very lont;,
tapering, pointed fenthem, of a houry green, itlial^ed with wliite, on a durk-jrrecn
^^roun'^; the hind part of the neck ia destitute of plumage, that It may hr tliu niiire
conveniently drawn in over the breast, hut ia covered with the lonj; feuthem of the
throat and sides of the neck that enclose it behind; wings and tail dark glossy
giecn, tipped and bordered with yellowish-white; logs and feet yellow, tinged before
\vith green, the akin of these thick and movable; beliy ashy-bruwn; iridea bri^'ht-
orange.

" The created head very dark glossy green. The female, as I have piirticiilarly
observed in numerous instances, dilfers in notliing, as to color, trom the male;
neither of tbem receive tlie long feathers on the back during the tint season."--
Wilson.

The above description of this beautiful bird is so compre-
hensive and accurate, that I cannot do better than to pre-
sent it in this volume ; and the account of this bird's liabits,
by the same author, is so interesting and full, that, being
unable to add to it any thing of value, I give it as below : —

" The Green Bittern makes its first appearance in Pennsylvania
early in April, soon after the marshes are com()leteIy thawed.
There, among the stagnant ditches with which they are intersected,
and amidst the bogs and quagmires, he hunts with great cunning
and dexterity. Frogs and small fish are his principal game, whose
caution and facility of escape require nice address and rapidity of
attack. When on the lookout for small fish, he stands in the water,
by the side of the ditch, silent and motionless as a statute ; his
neck drawn in over his breast, ready for action. The instant a fry
or minnow comes within the range of his bill, by a stroke, quick
and sure as that of the rattlesnake, he seizes his prey, and swallows
it in an instant He searches for small crabs, and for the various
worms and larvae, particularly those of the dragon-fly, which lurk
in the mud, with equal adroitness. But the cipturing of frogs
requires much nicer management. These wary reptiles shrink into
the mire, on the least alarm, and do not raise up their heads again
to the surface without the most cautious circumspection. The Bit-
tern, fixing his penetrating eye on the spot where they disappeared,
approaches with slow, stealing step, laying his feet so gently and
silently on the ground as not to be heard or felt ; and, when arrived
witliin reach, stands fixed, and bending forwards, until the first

4i)<'>

OBNITHOLOC.Y AND OOLOGY.

|:i:i

;J5y

.:%•

glimpse of tho frog's bond nmkcH its appeuruncc, wlit-n, with a
struiiu iiiHtuiitancuus uh liglitniiig, ho seizes it in his bill, buuts it to
duuth. uiid feiists on it at his luisure.

" When aliirincd, the Green Bittern rises with a hollow, guttural
gcreiiui ; does not fly fur, hut usuiilly alights on some old stump,
tree, or fence iidjoiiiin>;, and looks about with extended neek ;
though, soniotinu'!^, this is drawn in so that his bend seems to rest
on his breast. As he walks along the fence, or stands gazing at
you with outstretehed neck, he has the frequent habit of jetting the
tail. lie sometimes flies high, with doubled neck, and legs
extended behind, flapping the wings smartly, and travelling with
great exjiedition. lie is the least shy of all our Herons, and
perhaps the most numerous and generally dispei'sed ; being found far
in tho interior, as well as Jilong our salt marshes, and everywhere
about the muddy shores of our mill-ponds, creeks, jvud large rivers.

" The Green Bittern begins to build about the 20th of April :
sometimes in single pairs, in swampy woods ; often in companies ;
and not unfrcquently in a kind of association with the Qua-birds,
or Night Herons. The nest is fixed among the branches of the
trees ; is constructed wholly of small sticks, lined with finer twigs ;
and is of considerable size, though loosely put together. The female
lays four eggs, of the common oblong form, and of a pale light-blue
color. The young do not leave the nest until able to fly ; and, for
the first season at least, are destitute of the long-pointed plumage
on the back : the lower parts are also lighter, and the white on
the throat broader. During the whole summer, and until late in
autumn, these birds are seen in our meadows and marshes, but
never remain during winter in any part of the United States."

A large number of this bird's eggs, lying before me,
exhibit a variation of only from 1.56 by 1.20 inch to 1.49
by 1.15 inch in dimensions. But one brood is reared in
the season ; and, by the 20th of September, the old and
young leave New England for the South.

• NYCTIARDEA, Swainson.

Nyctiardea, Swainson, Class. Birds, II. (1837) 354. (Type Ardea nycHcora*i
Linn.)

\ycticorax, Stephens, Shaw's Gen. Zool., XL (1819) 608. Same type.

i

i

li

11

THK NIUIIT IIKItON.

I"

Bill very (tout; culiuoii curved fWim >)aa('; tlic Ihwlt uullino iitraiglit, ur .t littlo
concave; cml ul' upper iiiaiulibltf Ki^iitly ilccurvol; tnr:<i eliort, t'lpinl to tlit- iiiiililU
toe; tlie scaluR inure than unuully liexaKuiiul inlVriurly; outer luterHl tuu r:itlivr
lun^'er; no iinuxml (levelopiiieiit ol' I'tuthcrK, excipliiiK a lon^, atritiKlit o<ripital
])luine of tlirt'c li'iitlie'ii, rolU-d loj^etlicr; lieik uliort, uioderutely t'eallu'reil lieliinil

Tlio Ni^'lit Herons, v ,li u lertaiii rfsemlilaiiie to the Itittern, dilVer in the mii.h
Kiciiiler anil more curved bill, the lower ed^e of which is ntrainht, instead of niiun at
llie end; the tarsuH ii) eipial to the middle toe, not Hhorter, and ii* covered antcriiirly
below by iiuiull hexa){onal Hcalesi, instead of lur^^e trunaverxo iicutella>; '.he clawi
(re much bhorter and more curved; the tail has twelve feather* instead of ten.

STCTIARSEA QkROKVl- li.iinl.

The Night Heron ; Qua-bird.

Ardea tiycticornx, Wilaou. Am. Dm., VII. (1813) 101. Aud. Orn. DIog., III.
(1885)276; V. 600.

Ardna {botaunu) diicon, Nuttall. Man., II. ( 1834) 64.

DKSCKirrioN.

Head above ond middle of back steel-fjroen ; wings and tail asliy-bluc; under
part8, forehead, and long occipital feathers white; iiide.i tinged with lilac.

Bill very thick at the base, and tapering all the way to the tip. Culmen nearly
straight for half its length, then considerably curved; lower outline of bill nearly
straight; gonys proper slightly concave; legs short, but btout; the tarsu.s cijual to
the middle toe; covcrec) throughout with hexagonal scales, the antericr Lirgcst, but
tliu.sc on tlie up|)cr portion much larger, and going entirely across; tibia bare for
about one-flrth; lateral toes nearly equal; the outer rather longest; claws sniali;
considerably curved; tail short, of twelve broad, rather stiff feathers.

Head with the occipital feathers elongated, and with two or three very long,
straight feathers (as long as the bill and head) springing from the occiput. These
are rolled up so ns to appear like a single cylindrical feather; back of the neck
covered witli down, but not provided with long feathers; interscapular feathers and
scapulars elongated and lanceolate, the webs scarcely decomposed.

The upper part of the head, including the upper eyelids, the occipital crest, and
the interscapular region and scapulars, dark lustrous steel-green; the wings and tail
are ashy-blue; the under parts, the forehead, and the long occipital feathers, are
white, passing into pale ashy-lilac on the sides and on the neck above; this color, in
fact, tingcing nearly the whole under parts. The region along the base of the bill,
however, is nearly pure, as are the tibia. The bill is black; the loral space green;
the iris red; the feet yellow; the claws brown.

Length, about twenty-five inches; wing, twelve and fifty one-hundredths; tai-
Bus, three and fifteen one-hundredtlis; bill, above, three and ten one-hundredths
inches.

Ilid), — United States generally.

The Night Horou is pretty generally distributed through-
out New England as a summer resident. It seems to pre-
fer the neighborhood of the scacoast, but is found in many

if:

408

OIINITHOLOOY AND OOLOGY.

^'i'

HuutioiiH quite aliiiii(luiit in tiiti iiitoriiir ; uh, for iiiHtaiico, Dr.
Wood siiy.s, '• I know ol' a Hwuiup Homo foiirtooii luilcH iVoiu
lioro (Kartt Wiud.sor Hill, Cuiiii.) whcro thounanJti broed." —
" I liiivo cotiiitod eight iiOHtH on oiio luaplo-treo," «Vc. TiiiH
H|)ucimi iri most coiiunonly found during the dii\ linio porch-
ing in high truus in Hvv°uiup.s and thick woods, and huuiuh tu
loud almost entirely hy nigiit. As soon as it l)ogins to grow
dark, it begins its flight ; and if we stand in a large meadow,
or by a pond or other shoot of water, wo may sometimes
liear tho notes of several, as they are engaged in their
Boarch for pniv. Tho call of this bird resembles the sylla-
ble quack, which gives the bird tho name of Stputwk in
many localities. Tho nest of this species is placed in a fork
of a tree in a swamp : it is constructed of coarse twigs and
leaves, and is very loosely put together. As above remarked,
several of these structures may bo found on one tree ; and,
after tho young are hatched, their noise, as they scream for
food, is almost deafening. I once visited a horonry of this
species in Dcdham, Mass. As many as a hundred pairs
wore breeding in tho area of an acre ; and, as Wilson truly
says, "Tho noiso of tho old and young would almost induce
Olio to suppose that two or three hundred Indians were
choking or throttling each other."

Another larger heronry that I visited last season in
company with my friends, F. G. Sanborn and H. A. Purdie,
occupied an area of several acres. Tho locality was a
swamp, in which were growing cedar-trees. These were
rarely over thirty foot in height ; but their dense and twin-
ing branches wore occupied often by tho nests of two or
three pairs in a single tree. The reader may judge as to the
multitude of parent-birds that wore flying in wild confusion
over our heads, and may fancy the effect of all their guttural
cries. We ascended to a number of tho nests, and found
them occupied by eggs, both freshly laid and others, far
advanced in incubation, and chicks from one day old to
some half grown. As the work of ascending to the filthy

TUB NIOHT HERON.

•iK!)

r iiiHtiUioo, Dr.
sell niilca from
,id» l)iceii." —
JO," <Vc. This
inyiimo porch-
, and HCOiua to
ln-^iiiH to grow
, \a.v\i^i moadow,
may soiuothues
igagod iu their
ubles the Hylla-
> of Squawk iu
placed in a fork
uoarso twigs and
above remarked,
11 one tree ; and,
they scream for
a, licronry of Uiis
a hundred pairs
, as Wilson truly
lid almost induce
rod Indians were

last season in
lud H. A. Purdie,
10 locality was a
•CCS. These were
douse and twin-
Q nests of two or
lay judge as to the
ill wild confusion
f all tlicir guttural
nests, and found
id and others, far
m one day old to
iiding to the filthy

iicsts wuH not of the plousantost, wo limited our ii.vostigii-
tions to the securing of u few of the most recently liiii!

L'ggH.

The eggs of the Night Heron are laiil about the 20ih of
May. They are UHually four in numbL'i-, and thciir genoral
form is an elongated ovoidul. In a groat numlior of spoci-
nions, the coh)r is generally bluisli-grcon, sometimes a light
pea-groou or greenish-yollow. Their dimensions vary from
li.li") by IM inch to 12.0;") by 1.40 inch. Aliout the latter
part of August, the young birds aro found in det'j) woods,
and l»y many aro csloomed as excollont eating, as tlioy aro
plump and fat. They loavo for tho Soutli early in October.

Mr. William Eudic tt, who visited tho same heronry, givea
the following descriplion of it : '• Tiio first thing which
called the attention of the explorer was the whiteness of
the ground, owing to the excrements of the l»irds ; the air
hot and close was loaded with its keen, penetrating odor;
the fine particles of it, floating in the air and comuig in con-
tact with tho perspiring body, made one smart all over.
T.^ore was also a smell of tho decaying iish which lay
around ; some dropped by accident by the old birds (who,
1 believe, never stoop to pick them up again), and much
more disgorged when their tree was assailed. These fish
were mostly such as could not be obtained in the jjonds and
rivers. I onco saw a piece of a pout, and once a fragment
of a pickerel, but most of the remains were those of herrings.
The light-green eggs were usually four in numljcr ; but I
have seen five and six repeatedly, and once seven, in a nest.
The young are downy, soft, helpless things at first, but soon
gain strength enough to climb to the upper branches, where
they hang on with bill and claws, and are led by their
parents till nearly fuU-growu."

^ 'd «!il£Z,'^Sif;u'-v.tir-^ y^

m

410

OBNITHOLOOY AND OOLOGY.

SUB-ORDER GRALLiE. Waders.

Feathers of the head and neck extending over the entire cheeks to the bill ; bill,
when much longer than head, ^lender at the base; sometimes thick and shorter than
■h, head; young running about and feeding themselves as soon as hatched.

The preceding characteristics indicate, in a jeueral way, the rliaructeristica of
the Grallm as distinguislied from the Uerodiones: they are usually much smaller
birds, and more especially inhabitants of the open sandy shore. Few or none of the
■pecies nest on trees or bushes, tl>e eggs being generally laid in a cavity scoopeo
out in the sand.

The sub-order is divided by Bonaparte into two tribes, Curiores and Aleclorukt
(by Burmeister into Limicola and Paludicoke" : the first having the hind toe elevated,
small, or wantin;^'; the second having it lengthened, and inserted on a level with the
rest. Additional characters are as follows: —

L1MICOL.1S. — Species living on the shore, and generally probing the ground or
mud in search of food; bill and legs generally lengthened and slender; bill hard at
tip, sorter and more contracted at base; anterior toes connected at base more or less
by membranes, and with very short claws; hir.d toe very short, elevated, or wanting;
wings long, pointed ; outer primaries longest, and reaching to or beyond the tip of
tail, which is stitf.

Paludicol.k. — Species living in marshy places among the grass, feeding from
the surface of the ground; bill hard to its base, where it is not contracted; toes clert
to the base, lengthened, with very long claws; hind toe lengthened, and on same
level with tiie rest; wing short, rounded, not reaching the tip of the sort tail; outer
primaries graduated.

Tribe L1MIGOL.S.

Birds living on the shore or in open places, usually small species, with rounded
or depressed bodies, and slend<^r bills of variable length, having a more or less dis-
tinct horny terminal portion, ihe remainder covered with soft skin, in which are
situated the elongated, narrow, open, and disti nostrils ; the feathers of the head
are small, and extend compactly to the base of the bill; they are similar in character
to those of the neck and body; the wings are long, acute, and, when folded, reach-
ing to or beyond the tip of the tail ; the posterior or inner secondaries are generally
as long as the outer primaries; the primaries are ten in number; the three outer
longest and about equal; ihe tail is stiiT, short, broad, and rounded or graduated;
the feathers usually twelve, sometimes more ; the legs are slender and delicate, but
corresponding with the bill in proportions; a large portion of the tibia below is bare
01' featliers ; the covering of the legs is parchment-like, not horny, generally divided
anteriorly and behind -'nto small half rings, laterally more in hexagons ; the claws
are delicate, sharp, and gently curved; the hind toe is very small, scarcely touching
the giound; sometimes wanting; there is ujually lexcept in Calidris, Tnnt/a, Sec]
a rather broad basal membrane between the outer and middle toes, sotnetinies
between the inner and middle; this web occasionally extends toward the ends of the

toes. — BUHMEISTEU.l

1 See Introduction.

THE GOLDEN PLOVER.

•n

Family CHARADRID^. The Plovers.

Bill rather cylindriial, as lon^ as the head, or shorter; the culmeii imu li iiulented
opposite the nostrils, the vaulted apex more or less swollen and rising,', (iiiito distiiiot
Iroui the membranous portion; legs elevated; hind toe raiuly present, and llien rudi-
mentary; the outer and middle toes more or less united by membrane.

CUAUADlilUS, LiNN^wus.

Charadrius, Lixn.kus, Syst. Nat. (1735).

I'lumage ycllowish-{rray, spotted; tail transversely banded ; no collar on necki
tatsi and lower thighs uniformly reticulated.

CHARADBinS Yl'kGimGJJS. — Boicktiuseti.

The Golden Plover; Bull-head.

Charadvittt pluvialU, Wilson. Am. Orn., VII. (1813) 71, Nutt. Man , IL (1834) 18.
Aud. Orn. Biog., KI. (1835) 623.

Charadrius Virginicus, " IJorckausen and Beehstein." Licht. Verz. Doubl. (1823).
Charadrius marnwratus, Audubon. Orn. Biog., V. (1839) 575.

Descriition.

Bill rather short; legs moderate; wings long; no hind toe; tarsus covered before
and behind with uniall tireular or hexagonal sciiles; upper parts brownish-black,
with numerous snmll circular and irregular spots of golden-yellow, most immerous
on the back and runi]), and on the upper tail coverts, assuming tlie form of trans-
verse l>ands generally; also with some spots of ashy-white; entire under parts
black, with a brownish or bronzed lustre, under tail coverts mixed or barred with
wliite; forehead, border of the black of the neck, under tail coverts, and tibiie, white;
axillary feathers cinereous; quills, dark-brown; middle portion of the shat^s wliite,
Irociuently extending slightly to the webs, and forming longitudinal stripes on the
sliorter quills; tail dark-brown, with numerous irregular bands of ashy-white, and
freque.itly tinged with golden-yellow; bill black; legs dark bluish-brown.

Yuunyer. — Under parts dull-ashy, 8|iotted with brownish on the neck aud
breast, frequently more or less mixed with black ; many spots of the upper parta
dull ashy-white; other spots, especially on the rump, golden-yellow.

Total length, about nine and a half inches; wing, seven inches; tail, two and a
half inches.

llab. — All of North America, South America, Northern Asia, Europe.

THIS beautiful aud well-kuowu bird pas.ses through New
England in tlie spring aud fall migrations, but does not
pause here, in cither, longer than two or three days. It
arrives from the South about the 25th of April or 1st of
May, in small flocks of fifteen or twenty, and frequents the

Ajag£Ea.aw3g)iag^a

413

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

(■1

fr„,:

-■}

boacli on the seashore and marshes in its neighborhood,
where it feeds on small shell-fish and animalcules, and such
seeds as it may find at that early season. It is, at this
period, thin in flesh, but its plumage is perfect ; and it is
nioi'e desirable for cabinet preservation then than in the
fall. It is irregular in its visits in the spring migratii ns ;
being quite plenty in some seasons, and in others quite rare.
It passes to the most northern portions of the continent to
breed ; none being found in the season of incubation in the
limits of the United States. The flocks separate into pairs ;
but they breed in small communities, two or three pairs
being found in the area of an acre. The nest is nothing
but a hollow in the grass or mohs, on the open plain,
scratched by the female: in this she deposits four eggs,
which are oblong- pyriform in shape, of a cx'camy-buff culoi',
sometimes with an olive tint ; and are marked irregularly
chiefly at their larger end, with spots and confluent blotches
of umber and obscure spots of lilac. In dimensions, they
average about 2.10 by 1.40 inch. It is in the fall migra-
tions that these birds are most actively pursued by sports-
men. The great flight arrives about the 2oth of August,
sometimes a little earlier or later, if we have a driving
north-east storm. The gunners make it a point to be on the
plover grounds the last week in August and first week in
September : if they get no plovers then, they usually aban-
don the hunt for the season. In the fall of 1865, these
birds did not alight in New England in any numbers, but
were seen seven or eight miles out at sea, flying at a great
height, in immense flocks, towards the South, and not a
dozen birds were killed in localities where thousands are
usually taken. When the flights are conducted during a
storm, the birds fly low ; and the gunners, concealed in pits
dug in the earth in the pastures and hills over which thj
flocks pass, Wiih decoys made to imitate the birds, placed
within gunshot of their hiding-places, decoy the passhig
flocks down within reach of their fowling-pieces, by imitat-

THE KILL-DEER PLOVER.

413

iiig tlicir peculiar whistle, and kill great numbers of them.
I have known two sportsmen to bag sixty dozen in two days'
shooting; and instances are on record of still greater num-
bers being secured. The flesh of this bird is very delicate
and fine-flavored ; and the birds are in great demand in all
our markets, bringing equally high prices with the favorite
Woodcock. The Golden Plover feeds on grasshoppers,
various insects, and berries, but is seldom found in the inte-
rior of New England ; the pastures, fields, sandy hills, and
dry islands near the seacoast, being its favorite resorts.

iEGIALITIS, BoiE.

jEgialitis, Boie, Isia (1822), 558. (Tj-pe Charadriiis hiaticula, L.)
Plumage more or less uniform, without spots; neck and head gmcrally with
dark bands; front of the legs with plates arranged vertically, of which there are
two or three in a transverse series.

This genus, as far as North America is concerned, is distinguished from Chara-
l-ius by the generally lighter color and greater uniformity of the plumage, by the
absence of continuous black on the belly, and by the presence of dusky bands on
the neck or head; the size is smaller; the tarsi, in most species, have the front plated
larger, and conspicuously different in this respect from the posterior ones.

iEOIALITIS TOCIFEBUS.— Coastn.
The Kill-deer Plover.

Charadrius vodferus, Linnceus. Syst. Nat, L (1766) 253. Wils. Am. Orn., VII
(1813) 73. Nutt. Man., II. 22. Aud. Orn. Biog., III. (1835) 191; V. 577. lb.
Syn., 222. Jb., Birds Am., V. (1842) 207.

^gialtes voci/erus, Bonaparte. List (1838).

Description.

Wings long, reaching to the end of the tail, which is also rather long; head above
and upper parts of body light-brown with a greenish tinge ; rump and upper tail
coverts rufous, lighter on the latter; front and lines over and under the eye white;
aiother band of black in front above the white band; stripe from the base of the
bill towards the occiput brownish-black; ring encircling the neck and wide band on
the breast black; throat white, which color extends upwards around the neck;
other Uiider parts white ; quills brownish-black with about half of their inner webs
white, shorter primaries with a large spot of white on their outer webs, secondaries
widely tipped or edged with white; tail feathers pale-rufous at base; the four mid-
dle light olive-brown tipped with white, aud with a wide subterminal band of black;
lateral feathers widely tipped with white; entire upper plumage frequently edged

'^ii^i^SS3SBk^n0v}rTr: --7-'SxeMVB39

414

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

:i

" - ■ 1

<-'4

1

?'(

i

, 1

■1

'i

■i

^1

ji

4

i

■:i

i

and tipped with rufous; very young have upper parts lighf-gray, with a longitudinal
band on the head and back, black; under parts white.

Total length, about nine and a half inches; wing, six and a half inches; tail,
three and a half inches.

/I((b. — North America to the Arctic regions, Mexico, South America.

Tliis species is pretty generally distributed throughout
New England as a summer resiuent. It is not common in
any localities, but seems to be found in pairs all along our
scacoast; and, although occasionally breeding in the inte-
rior of these States, in the neighborhood of large tracts of
water, it is almost exclusively found, during the greater
part of the year, in moist fields and meadows and sandy
pastures, within a few miles of the sea. Wilson describes
its habit- as follows : —

" This restless and noisy bird is known to almost every inhabi-
tant of the United States, being a common and pretty constant
resident. During the severity of the winter, when snow covers
the ground, it retreats to the seashore, where it is found at al
seasons ; but no sooner have the rivers opened, than its shrill
note is again heard, either roaming about high in air, tracing the
shore of the river, or running amidst the watery flats and meadows.
As spring advances, it resorts to the newly ploughed fields, or level
plains bare of grass, interspersed with shallow pools ; or, in the
vicinity of the sea, dry, bare, sandy fields. In some such situation
it generally chooses to breed, about the beginning of May. The
nest is usually slight, a mere hollow, with such materials drawn in
around it as happen to be near, such as bits of sticks, straw, peb-
bles, or earth. In one instance, I found the nest of the bird
paved with fragments of clam and oyster shells, and very neatly
surrounded with a mound, or border, of the same, placed in a very
close and curious manner. In some cases, there is no vestige
whatever of a nest. The eggs are usually four, of a bright ricli
cream or yellowish-clay color, thickly marked with blotches of
black. They are large for the size of the bird, measuring more
than an inch and a half in length, and a full inch in width, taper-
ing to a narrow point at the great end.

" Nothing can exceed the alarm and anxiety of these birds
during the breeding season. Their cries of kill-deer, kill-deer, as

THE KILLrDf:F,R PLOVER.

4i:

they winnow tlie air overhead, dive and course around you, or run
iilong the ground counterfeiting lameness, are shrill and incessant.
The moment they see a person approach, they fly or run to attack
him with their harassing clamor, continuing it over so wide an
extent of ground, that they puzzle the pursuer as to the particular
spot where the nest or young are concealed ; very much resem-
liling, in this respect, the Lapwing of Europe. During the even-
inir, and long after dusk, particularly in moonlight, their cries are
f'tHMjuently heard with equal violence, hotii in the spring and fall.
From this circumstance, and their flying about both after dusk and
before dawn, it appears probable that they see better at such times
than most of their tribe. They are known to feed much on worms,
and many of these rise to the surface during the night. The
prowling of Owls may also alarm their fears for their young at
those hours ; but, whatever may be the cause, the facts are so.

" The Kill-deer is more abundant in the Southern States in win-
ter than in summer. Among the rice-fields, and even around the
planters' yards, in South Carolina, I observed them very numerous
ill the months of February and March. There the negro boys fre-
quently practise the barbarous mode of catching them with a line,
at the extremity of which is a crooked pin, with a worm on it.
Their flight is something like that of the Tern, but more vigorous ;
and they sometimes rise to a great height in the air. They
are fond of wading in pools of water, and frequently bathe them-
selves during the summer. They usually stand erect on their legs,
and run or walk with the body in a stiff, horizontal position : ihey
run with great swiftness, and are also strong and vigorous in the
wings. Their flesh is eaten by some, but is not in general esteem ;
though others say, that, in the fall, when they become very fat, it
is excellent.

" During the extreme droughts of summer, these birds resort to
the gravelly channel of brooks and shallow streams, where they can
wade about in search of aquatic insects : at the close of summer,
they generally descend to the seashore in small flocks, seldom more
than ten or twelve being seen together. They are then more serene
and silent, as well as difficult to be approached.

The eggs of this species are four in number. They iire
oblong-pyriforin in shape, creamy-buff in color, with numer

I?

416

ORXITHOLOOT AND OOLOOY.

0U8 spots and blotches of dark-brown, chiefly at their greater
end. They vary in dimensions from 1.65 by 1.10 inch to
1.50 by 1.08 inch ; but one brood is reared in the season.

I'i. :

4 '■

Miff

-vl

£GI ALIUS WILSONIUS. — ((7r(/.) C.iMtn.

Wilson's Plover; Binir-nock.

Charadriui Wihomwi, Ord. Ed. Wils. Om., IV. (1826) 77. Nutt Man., IL
(1834) 21. Aud. Om. Biog., III. (1835) 73; V. (1839) C77. /*., BirJs Am., V.
'1842) 214.

Description.

Smaller than the preceding; bill rather long and robust.

Male. — Front, and stripe over the eye, and entire under parts, white; front with
a second band of l)lack above tlie white band; stripe from the base of the bill to the
eye and wide transverse band on the breast, brownish-black ; upper parts of head
and body light ashy-brown, with the feathers frequently edged and tipped with pale-
a.shy ; back of the neck encircled with a ring of white, edged above with flne light-
reddish; quills brown, with white shafts; shorter coverts tipped with white; outer
feathers of the tail white, middle feathers dark-brown; bill black; legs yellow.

Female. — Witliout the band of black in front, and with the pectoral band dull-
reddish and light apliy-brown ; iris reddish-brown.

Total length, sc-.'cn and three quarter inches; wing, four and a half inches; tail,
two inches.

ffab. — Middle and Southern States on the Atlantic, and the same coast of South
America.

This species is found in New England only as a somewhat
rare visitor in the autumn, after it has reared its young in a
more southern locality. I think that it seldom passes north
of the southern coast of Cape Cod; but it is there occa-
sionally seen in the early part of September, gleaning its
food of animalculae and small shell-fish and insects on the
sandy beach of the ocean.

The Wilson's Plover is more southern in its habits than
either of the succeeding species ; but it breeds abundantly
on the seacoast of New Jersey. The nest is nothing but a
hollow scratched in the sand, above high-water mark, with
a few bits of seaweed or grass for its lining. The eggs are
'aid about the first week in June. They are, like those
01 the other Waders, pyriform in shape ; and, when placed
in the nest, their small ends are together in the middle of
the nest. They almost exactly resemble the eggs of the

THE SEMIPALMATEH TLOVER.

417

at their greater
by 1.10 inch to
in the season.

mtu

i) 77. Nutt. Man., IL
jT. lb., Bills Am., V.

r parte, white; front vrUh
Ihe base of the bin to the

ack, upper part'^f^"'*
Iged and tipped with pale-

gedabovewithflnehght-

tippcd with white; outer

11 black; legs yellow-
th the pectoral band dull-
bur and a half inches; tail,
tnd the same coast of South

only as a somewhat
jared its young in a
seldom passes north
ut it is there occa-
;ember, gleaning its
and insects on the

n

in its habits than
breeds abundantly
>st is nothing but a
rh-water mark, with
iiing. The eggs are
rhey are, like those
e; and, when placed

ber in the middle ot
ble the eggs of the

Kill-dccr Plover, but arc some little smaller ; varying in
dimensions from 1.40 by 1.0.') to l.ol by 1.02 inch. The
spots and markings are similar to those of the other, but
are less thickly distributed : some specimens have obscure
spots of purple and lilac, and the brown spots vary from
quite blackish to the color of raw-umber.

JEOT^LITIS SEMIFALMATDS. — (iJim.) C«bam$.

The Semipalmated Plover ; Bing-neok.

CharadriuB semipalmatut, Nuttall. Man., II. 24. Aud. Orti. Biog., IV. (1888)
256; V. 579. lb., Birds Am., V. (1842) 218.
jEgialles semipalmnta, Bonaparte. List (1838).
jEgialilis semipalmatus, Cabanis. Cab. Joum. (1856), 425.
Tringa hiaticula, Wilson. Am. Om., VII. (1813) 65.

DEscKirxioN.

Small; wings long; toes connected at base, especially the outer to the middle
toe; front, tliioot, ring around the neck, and entire under parts, ■white; a band of
deep-black across the breast, extending around the back of the neck below the white
ring; baud trom the base of the bill, under the eye, and wide frontal band above
the white band, black; upper parts light ashy-brown, with a tinge of olive; quills
brownish-black, with their shafts white h\ a middle portion, and occasionally a lan-
ceolate white rtiot along the shafts of the shorter primaries; shorter tctinries cdgeil
with white ; lesser coverts tipped with white ; middle feathers of the tail ashy olive-
brown, with a wide subterminal band of brownish-black, and narrowly tipped with
white; two outer tail feathers white, others intermediate, like the middle, but widely
tipped with white; bill orange-yellow, tipped with black; legs yellow. Female simi-
lar, but rather lighter-colored. Young without the black band in front, and with
the band across the breast ashy-brown; iris, dark -hazel.

Total length, about seven inches; wing, four and three-quarters inches; tail, two
and a quarter inches.

Uab. — The whole of temperate North America; common on the Atlantic.

This pretty and well-known species is abundant in New
England in the spring and fall migrations. It arrives from
the South by the latter part of April, in small flocks of
eight or ten individuals; some following the coui-se of large
fivers, like the Connecticut; others haunting the shores of
largo ponds and meadows ; but the greater number follow-
ing the seacoast, where they feed, like the others c' this
genus, on small crustaceans, shell-fish, and the e^s of fish
and other marine animals.

418

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

*'■<■!

.1!

AlUiougli I found a single pair with their nest on the
islaiul of Muskcgcot, Mass., in June, 186G, this bird gener-
ally breeds in the most northern parts of the continent.
Audubon, in describing its breeding habits, says, —

" As soon as odd of us was noticed by a Ring Plover, it would
at once stand still, and become silent. If we did the same, it
continued, and seldom failed to wear out our patience. If we
advanced, it would lower itself, and squat on the moss or bare rock
until approached, when it would suddenly rise on its feet, droop its
wings, depress its head, and run with great speed to a considerable
distance ; uttering, all the while, a low rolling and querulous cry,
very pleasing to the ear. On being surprised when in charge of
their young, they would open their wings to the full extent, and
beat the ground witli their extremities, as if unable to rise. If
pursued, they allowed us to come within a few feet, then took flight,
and attempted to decoy us away from their young, which lay so
close that we very seldom discovered them ; but which, on being
traced, ran swiftly off, uttering a plaintive peep, often repeated,
that never ftiiled to bring their parents to their aid. At Labrador,
the Ring Plover begins to breed in the beginning of June. Like
the Piping Plover, it forms no nest ; but, whilst the latter scoops a
place in the sand for its eggs, the Ring Plover forms a similar
cavity in the moss, in a place sheltered from the north winds, and
exposed to the full rays of the sun, usually near the margins of
small ponds formed by the melting of the snow, and surrounded by
short grass. The eggs, like those of all the family, are four, and
placed witli the small ends together. They are broad at the larger
end, rather sharp at the other ; measure 1^ inch in length, 1|
inches in their greatest breadth; are of a dull-yellowish color,
irregularly blotched and spotted all over with dark-brown of dif-
ferent tints."

i

Early in September, sometimes by the 20th of August,
small flocks of these birds appear in New England, and
they remain here as late as the first week in October : tliey
are now f^ and delicate, and are esteemed excellent for the
table.

THE PIPINvl PLOVER.

4i!)

lieir nest on the
, this hird gcucr-
)f the continent.
its, says,—

ng Plover, it woul.l
,e did the same, it
,r patience. If we
le moss or bare rock
on its feet, droop its
ced to a. considerable
^ and querulous cry,
I when in charge of
, the full extent, and
if unable to rise. If
V feet, then took flight,
• young, which lay so
; but which, on being
' peep, often repeated,
eiraid. At Labrador,
inning of June. Like
liilst the latter scoops a
'lover forms a similar
. the north winds, and
y near the margins of
low, and surrounded by
,e family, are four, and
are broad at the larger
1^ inch in length, U
a dull-yellowish color,
ith dark-brown of dif-

the 20tli of August,
,n New England, and
leek in October : they
Imed excellent for the

JEOIALITIS MELODDS. — (Or(/.) CiibanU.

The Piping Plover.

Charadriut meWtw, Nutt«ll. Man., 11. 18. Aud. Cm. Bio^f, III. (188.1) Ifil
V. 578.

jfjyinllei meloduB, Bonaparte. List (1838).
^i/ialilii melmlttt, Cabnnia. Jour. (1866), 424.
Charadriut hiaticuta. Wila. Am. Om., V. (1812) M

Desciwption.

About the size of the preceding; bill short, strong.

Adult. — Forehead, ring amund the back of the neck, and entire under pnrtH,
white, a band of black in front above the band of white; band encircling the neck
before and beliiiid black, immediately below the ring of wliitc on the neck behind;
head above, and upper parts of body, light brownish-cinereous; rump and upper tail
coverts lighter, and often nearly white; quills dark-brown, witli a large portion of
their inner webs and shafts white; shorter primaries with a large portion of their
outer webs white; tail at base white, and with the outer feathers white; middle
feathers with a wide subtcrminal band of brownish-black, and tipped with white;
bill orange at base, tipped with black; legs orance-yellow.

female. — Similar to the male, but with the dark colors lighter and less in extent.

Ymmff. — No black band in ftont; collar around the back of the neck ashy-
brown; iris brown.

Total length, about seven inches; wing, four and a half inches; tail, two inches.

Ilab. — Eastern coast of North America ; Nebraska (Lieut. Warren); Louisiana
(Mr. G. Wurdemann).

This pretty and well-known species is pretty abundantly
distributed along the coast of New England as a summer
resident. It arrives from the South about the 20th of April
in small flocks, and soon selects its breeding-residence on
some tract of ocean beach ; dividing, early in May, into pairs,
wliich, however, associate somewhat together through tho
whole season. It occasionally penetrates into the interior,
and has been known to breed on the borders of a pond
twenty miles from the seaboard ; but generally, in New Eng-
land, it seldom wanders far from the shore, where it is one
of the most beautiful and interesting of our Waders.

It seems to prefer sandy islands a short distance from the
main land for its breeding-place. I have found numbers
breeding on the island of Muskegeet, off the southern coast
of Massachusetts, and have found it on many others of our
islands of similar character.

420

.nNITHOLOOY AND OOLOOY.

.1 > ,'

Tlio ucst is nothing but a hollow in tlio sand Bcrapod hy
the fomalo bird : it somotimos has a Hlight lining of pieces
of grass or seawcod ; l)ut usually the eggs are deposited on
fiio bare sand. Those arc four in number, abruptly pyri-
forin in shape, and a beautiful light creamy-buff in color,
with thinly scattered spots of black and brown, and some-
times a few obscure spots of lilac. They average smaller in
size than either of the preceding, varying from 1.30 by 1 inch
to 1.20 by .95 inch in dimensions. They do not resemble
the others, being much more finely marked ; and their small
ends are more rounded.

The breeding habits and general characteristics of this
so much resemble those of the preceding species that the
same remarks will apply to both.

SQUATAROLA, Cuvier. '

Bjuntarola, Cuvteb, R^gne Anim., I. (1817). (Type Tringa squntaroln, Linn.)
A rudimentary hind toe ; legs reticulated, with elongated hexagons anteriorly, of

which there are five or six in a transverse row; fewer behind; first primary longest)

tail slightly rounded.

•::

SQUATABOLA HELVETICA. — CVtvier.

The Blaok-bellied Plover.

Tringa Mvetica, Linnteus. Syst. Nat., I. (1768) 250.
Squatnrola helvetica, Cuvier, R. A., (1817).

Charadnm helveticus, Audubon. Om. Biog., IV. (1888) 280. /J., Birds Amer.,
V. (1742) 190.

Charadnm apricariui, Wilson. Am. Om., VII. (1813) 41.

Description.

Bill and legs strong; wings long; aveiysmall rudimentary hind toe; around the
base of the bill to the eyes, neeli before and under parts of body, black ; upper
white, nearly pure and unspotted on the forehead; sides of the nock and rump tinged
with ashy, and having irregular transverse bars of brownish-black on tlie back,
scapulars, and wing coverts; the brownish-black frequently predominating on those
parts, and the rump also frequently with transverse bars of the same; lower part of
the abdomen, tibia, and under tail coverts, white; quills brownish-black, lighter on
their inner webs, with a middle portion of their shafts white, and a narrow longi-
tudinal stripe of white frequently on the shorter primaries and secondaries; tail
white, with transverse imperfect narrow bands of black; bill and legs black; the
black color of the under parts generally with a bronzed or coppery lustre, and pre-

THE BLACK-BELLIEP PLOVKH.

\n

mnd ficrapoil hy
lining of l)i<!ccs
fti-o (loposited on
or, abruptly pyii-
my-buff in color,
Drown, and somo-
ivcrago ftmallcr in
roml.BObylinch
y do not rosomblo
1 ; and their small

.racteristics of this
g Bpocies that the

ated hexagons anteriorly, of
ihind; first primary longest,

Cuvitr.

0.

1888) 280. lb., Birds Amer.,

813) 41.

mentary hind toe, around th.
"arts of body, black, uppe
softhenuck and rump tmgcd

brownish-black on the bac^
icntlypredominatmgonthos
£ of the same, lower part 0.
ills brownish-black, lighter on
ts white, and a narrow ions.

in^aries and secondaries, tm
lack, bill and legs black -,1^
ed or coppery lustre, and pre-

tenting a srale-llke •ppeitrance, (he bruwn!!ih-l>lu('k of Iho upiiir pirlK with a
((ri't'nish luKlre.

Youiiyrr nml winter plumaijt. — VstA\Te up|H.T part* dark-brown, with lirciilar
and irri';?iilar sninll »potM of wliltf, and IriMimiilly of yillow, niunt ^ullll•roll^l dm
till! wing covertH, upptir tail covort» wliitu; unJur parts wliiti', witli short limtfi-
tiuliiial lines and H|)ots dark liruwniHh-cinvrvuus uu th« nvt'k and bnaHt ; ipiilU brown-
i.s|i-black, witli largu longitudinal Hpot8 uf wliitu ou thuir innur wubs, and uUo on thu
outer webs of the shorter primaries.

I'ouni/. — Upper parts lighter, and with tliu wliitu npfjta nmru irregular or
urarccly assuming a circular shape; narrow linua ou tliu nvcl( and breast inui«
niinierous; iris black. ,

Total length, about eleven and a half inches; wings, seven and a half inches;
tail, three inches.

Ilab. — All of North America. The soacoasts of nearly all countriua of the
world.

This beautiful bird is almost of tlie same habits and
cliaractoristios as the Golden Plover described on a preced-
ing page. It arrives and departs at nearly the same time
ill spring, and, like that species, breeds in the most nortlicrn
sections of the continent. Wilson, in speaking of its breed-
ing in Pennsylvania, says, —

" This bird is known in some parts of tlie country by the name
of the Large Whisthag Field Plover. It goiieruUy mukos its first
appearance iu Pennsylvania late in April ; frequents the countries
towards the mountains ; seems particularly attached to uewly
ploughed fields, where it forms its nest of a few slight materials, as
slightly put together. The female lays four eggs, large for tlie
Bize of the bird, of a light-olive color, dashed with black, and has
frequently two broods in the same season. It is an extremely shy
and watcliful bird, though clamorous during breeding-time."

About the 10th or 15th of September, or a fortnight later
than the Golden Plover, it returns on its southern migra-
tion ; and the same means are employed for its destruc-
tion as for that bird : these birds are called by the gunnera
by the name of Beetle-heads, and are esteemed as being
nearly as palatable and delicate as the other species.

.}.!

OltNITilOLOUV AND OOLOOT.

Family ilvEMATOrODIUJE. Tuk Oystek-catciikiib.

Hill RM Irjii^ ax llio huuil, or twice u innif, comprennpd ; culiiicn but littl«
inJuiituJ, unit thu liill uut vuullud buyuiid the uuntrils, wbich are quite boul.

H/KMATOI'US, LiNN.KUs.

IhtmitU'puf, I.iNN.KUH, Syi-t. Nut. (173&). (Typu //. Oilrnlryiu, L.)
Bill lon^^rr thuii tliu log, twicu nx lon^ an tlit huad; iiiniidiblvx mucb mmprcgged,
nhirp-cdKLMl, ojid truiicuto at end; iiiiiil tdti wniiliii^; \t>gn rvticiduti'd, witb fire 01
lix I'Idiipitt'd (iliiti's ill u transverse fiurifx; iiu'hIiuh lur){ur anturiorly; a basal mciii-
hrauu bc'twvKii middle and outer Uku; Iuu:* uiilur^rvd laterally by a tbickenvd
imaibraue; tuil eveu; tirst primary lungvgt.

'^ ♦■•3

HJEMATOPUS PATiLtATDS. — Temm.

The Oyster-catober- '

llamatcput pnUiatut, Temm. Man., II. (1820) &32. Aud. Orn. Biog., Ill
(1835) 181; V. 680. /A., Birds Am., V. (1842) 230.

llannatojwii otlraleyus, Wilson. Am. Orn., VIII. (1814) 16.

Descrii>tion.

Bill long, Htniiglit, flattened vcrticutly; wing long; tail short; lega moderate,
rather robust; toe.s iiiiirgincd; outer and middle united at base; bead and neck
brownish-black, with a slight ashy tinge in very mature specimens; upper parts of
body light aHliy-brown, rather darker on the rump; upper tail coverts and wide
diagonal band across the wing white; quills brownish-black; toil feathers at base
white, with their terminating half brownish-black; under parts of body and under
wing coverts white; bill and edge of eyelids bright orange-red; legs pale-rcddi.sh ;
iris bright-yellow.

Totol length, about seventeen and a half inches; wing, ten; tail, four ond a half;
bill to gape, three and a half; tarsus, two and a quarter inches.

THIS bird is of rare occurrence on the seacoast of New
England as a summer visitor. I am not aware that it
breeds here ; but it may, as it is said to be found all along
our coast from Mahie to Florida. Wilson, in describing its
habits, says, —

"The Oyster-catcher frequents the sandy sea-beach of New
Jersey, and other parts of our Athmtic coast, in summer, in small
parties of two or three pairs together. They are extr aely shy;

THE 0V8TKII-CATCIIKU.

9TF.R-CATCHERB.

,„e<l! culmon but llltl«
hich are quite bawl.

ttraUgui, li.)

,ulil)lf« much comprcBued,
, rclinilutwl, with five oi
anteriorly! a basal mem.

laterally by a thickened

I. Aud. Orn. Uiog-, I"
^4) 16-

tail short; 1^ moderate,
■d at base; head and neck
|o specimens; upper part« of
ipner tail covcrtB and wide
l.laok; tail feathers at base
i,r parts of body and undef
•angc-red; legspale-rcddish;

f,r, ten; tail, four and a half;
inches.

the seacoast of New
am not aware that it
to be found all along
son, in describing its

pdy Boa-beach of New
St, in summer, in small
hey are extr aely shy ;

jnd, oxcopt iihout tlio soiwon of hrroding. will si-ldom pcrinif t\ ptT
noil to iipiiroiicli wiiliin ;;iiiiKli()t. Tlu-y walk uloiii; ilii.' nIhuo in ii
wiitclifiil. Hditoly inuimcr ; ut tiiucs pioltiii}; it with tlicir loiij;,
WLMi<re-liko l)ill», m Bean-li of HtiiitU hIu'II-IIhIi. This a|>p('iir!t cvi-
iltut, on iiximiiniiij? tlin Iianl sands wluTc they usually iTsmt
which aio fouii<l thickly pciloiatctl with oliloii;,' holes, two nr
three inches in depth. The Kniall criihs, called liddlciH, tiiat
hurrow in the mud at tlio bottom of inlets, uro freiineiitly the
prey of the Oyster-catcher ; us uro muscles, spout-lish, und a
variety of other shell-fish and sea insects witli which thoso shores
uhouiid.

" The Oyster-catcher will not oidy take to the water wlien
wounded, hut can also swim and divo well. This fact I can assert
from my own observation, the exploits of one of them in this way
having nearly cost me my life. On the sea-heach of Cape May,
not far from a deep and rnj)i(l inlet, I broke the wing of one of
these hirds, and, being without u dog, instantly pursued it towards
the inlet, which it made for with great rapidity. We both plunged
in ncArly at the same instant ; but the bird eluded my grasp, and I
sunk beyond my depth : it was not until this moment that I recol-
lected having carried in my gun along with mo. On rising to the
surface, I found the bird had dived, and a strong ebb current wius
carrying me fast towards the ocean, encumbered with a gun and
all my shooting apparatus. I was compelled to relinquish my bird,
and to make for the shore with considerable mortilication, and the
total destruction of the contents of my powder-horn. The wounded
bird afterwards rose, and swam with great buoyancy."

The euL^s of this bird are most generally a croiiray-drab
color, with numerous blotches and spots of blackish-brown.
Their form is ovoidal ; and their dimensions vary from 2.30
to 2.12 inch in length by from 1.62 to 1.50 in breadth.

STREPSILAS, Illiger.

Strfpsilaa, Ii.i.ic.eu, Prodromus (1811). (Type Tringa interpret, L.)
Upper jaw with tlie culmen straight from the nasal groovo to near the slifjhtly
upward bent tip; tlie bill tapering to a rather blunt point; no membrane between
the anterior toes; hind toe lengthened, touching the ground; legs transversely
scutellate anteriorly; reticulated laterally and behind; tail rounded.

424

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

The nasal groove is very broad and shallow, obtuse anteriorly, and not extend-
ing beyond the middle of the bill; the lower edge of upper jaw ascends slightly
from the middle to near the tip.

STBEf SILAS INTERPRES. — /%er.
The Turnstone.

Tringa interpret, Linna!us. 3y8t. Nat., I. (1766) 248. Wib. Am. Orn., VII.
(1813) 82.

Strepsilasinterpves,l\\\^f:T. Prod. (1811), 263. Nutt., II. 30. Aud. Cm. Biog.,
rV. (1838) 31. lb.. Birds Am., V. (1842) 231.

Desckhtion.

Upper parts ratlier irregularly variegated with black, dark -rufous, and white j
head and neck above generally white, with numerous spots and stripes of brownish-
black on the crown and occiput; space in front of the eye white, usually surrounded
with black ; throat white, on each side of which is a stripe of black running from
the base of the bill downwards and joining a large space of the same color (black)
on the neck before and breast; abdomen, under wing coverts, under tail coverts,
back, and rump, white; quills brownish-black, with their shatU white; tail white at
base, with its terminal holf brownish-black, and tipped with white; greater wing
coverts widely tipped with white, forming a conspicuous oblique bar across the
wing; bill black; legs orange; in winter, the black of the upper parts is more
apparent, and the rufous is of less extent and of lighter shade; iris hazel.

Total length, about nine inches; wing, six; tail, two and a half inches.

Uab. — Shores of the Atlantic and Pacific, throughout North America. One of
the most widely diffused of birds, being found in nearly all parts of the world.

It is only on the seacoast, and in very small numbers
even, that tins bird is found in New England as a spring
and summer visitor. It occasionally is found in company
with some of the Sandpipers and other beach-birds; but
usually appears alone, or in parties of two or three, on the
beach, or on the shores of sandy rivers that empty into
the ocean, near their outlets. It is almost always actively
employed in turning over the pebbles and small stones with
its strong, sharp bill, beneath which it finds small marine
animals and eggs, on which it principally feeds. It also
eats greedily, according to Wilson, on the eggs of the
Horse-shoe, or King Crab, and small shell-fisli, and occa-
sionally wades into the water for a shrimp or other small
animal that is left in a shallow pool by the retiring waves.
It breeds on the most northern sections of the continent,

THE TURNSTONE.

425

iorly, aiul not exUnd-
r jaw ascends slightly

Wils. Am. OrniVn.
J. 30. Aud. Orn. Biog.,

dark-rufous, and wbite;
} and stripes of brownish-
white, usually surrounded
pe of black running from
of the same color (black)
overts, under tail coverts,
shafts white; tail white at
with white; greater wing
,u8 oblique bar across the
f the upper parts is more
er shade; iris hazel,
and a half inches.
It North America. One of
all parts of the world.

:ery small numbers
nglaud as a spring
, found in company
er beacli-birds; but
;wo or three, on the
srs that empty into
lost always actively
lid small stones with

finds small marine
)ally feeds. It also
,u the eggs of the

shell-fish, and occa-
[rimp or other small
tr the retiring waves.

us of the continent,

l)uilding its nest in the Hudson's Bay country, early in
June: this nest is nothing but a slight hollow scratcliod
in the earth, and lined with a few pieces of grass or sea-
weed. The eggs are lour in number : they are of an olive
color, sometimes a drab ; and are marked with spots aud
blotches of reddish and black, chiefly at the greater end,
where they are confluent, and nearly cover aud conceal
the ground-color. Their form is abruptly {)yrilbnn ; '.uid
their dimensions average about 1.55 by 1.15 inch.

It is rarely that we find two specimens of this bird in the
full plumage, or marked alike : they exhibit all the varieties,
from almost entirely gray on their upper parts, to the
plumage described above.

42G

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

■1

j

Family RECURVIROSTRIDiE. The Avosets.

Legs covered ■with hexHRonal plates, becoming smaller behind ; anterior toes all
connected more or less by membrane; bill much lengthened and attenuated; the
groove alor;g tlio side of the upper mandible not extending beyond the middle;
gums denticulated only at the base.

In addition to the features above mentioned, these birds are essentially charac-
terized by the excessive length of the legs, with a very long, slender neck and slen-
der elongated bill. Of the several genera assigned the family, but two belong to
the United States, with the following features: —

Kecuuviuostka. — Hind toe present; toes webbed to the claws; bill recurved
at tip.

IIiMANTfU'Us. — Hind toe wanting; a short web between middle and outer toei
at base; bill straight.

RECURVIROSTKA, Linn.kus.

JtecuiTirostrn, I.inx.kus, Syst. Nat. (1744). Gray. (Type E- avocetia, L.)
Hind toe rudimentary; anterior toes united to the claws by a much eniarginated

membrane; bill depressed, extended into a fine point, which is recur\'ed; tali

covered by the wings.

m

^

:li

BECUBVIBOSTBA AMEBICANA. — (?fne;<n.
The American Avoset.

Recurvirostra Ameviamn, Gmelin. Syst. Nat., I. (1788) 693. Wils. Am. Cm.,
VIL (1813) 126. Nutt. Man., II. 78. Aud. Cm. Biog., IV. (1838) 168. lb., Birds
Am,, VI. (1843) 247.

Descrii'Tion.

Bill rather long, depressed; wings long; logs long; tarsi compressed; tail short.

Adult. — Head and neck pale reddish-brown, darker on the head, and fading
gradually into white; back, wing coverts, and quills, black; scapulars, tips of
greater wing coverts, rump and tail, and entire under parts, white, the last frequently
tinged with reddish ; bill brownish-black ; legs bluish.

yuituff. — Very similar to the adult, but with the head and neck white, frequently
tinged with ashy on the head and neck behind ; iris carmine.

Total length, about seventeen inches; wing, eight and a half to nine; tail, three
and a half; bill to gape, three and three-quarters; tarsus, three and a half inches.

THIS bird is a rare summer visitor in Now England
I am unacquainted with its habits, having never met
with one alive ; and I must avail myself of the observations
of others. Wilson says, —

THE AMERICAN AVOSET.

427

tIE AV03ET8.

" In describing the Long-legged Avoset, the similarity between
that and the present was taken notice of. This resemblance
extends to every thing but their color. I found both these birds
associated together on the salt marshes of New Jersey, on tlie 20th
of May. They were then breeding. Individuals of the prcsen:
species were few in respect to the other. Tiiey ilew around the
shallow pools exactly in the manner of the Long-logs ; uttering
the like sharp note of click, click, click; alighting on the marsh or
ill the water indiscriminately ; fluttering their loose wings, and shak-
ing their half-bent legs, as if ready to tumble over ; keeping up a
continual yelping note. They were, however, rather more shy,
and kept at a greater distance. One which I wounded attempted
repeatedly to dive; but the water was too shallow to permit him to
do this with facility. The nest was built among the thick tufts of
grass, at a small distance from one of these pools. It was com-
posed of small twigs of a seaside shrub, dry grass, seaweed, &c.,
raised to the height of several in es. The eggs wei-e four, of a
rluU-olive color, marked with large, irregular blotches of black, and
with others of a fainter tint.

Audubon, who found it breeding in the neighborhood of
Vincenues, in tlie State of Indiana, describes the nest and
eggs as follows: —

"The nests were placed among the tallest grasses, and were
entirely composed of the same materials, but dried, and apparently
of a former year's growth. There was not a twig of any kind
about them. The inner nest was about five inches in diameter, and
lined with fine prairie grass, different from that found on the islets
of the pond, and about two inches in depth, over a bed having a
thickness of an inch and a half. The islets did not seem to be
liable to iimndation ; and none of the nests exhibited any appearance
of having been increased in elevation since the commencement of
iticubation, as was the case with those described by Wilson. Like
those of most Waders, the eggs were four in number, and placed
witji the small ends together. They measured two inches in length,
jue inch and three-eighths in their greatest breadth, and were
exactly, as Wilson tells us, ' of a dull-olive color,' ice. To this I
have to add that tUoy are pear-shaped and smooth."

42S

OBNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

Family PHALAROPODIDiE. The Phalaropes.

Feathers of breast compact, duck-like ; legs with transverse scutellee before and
Dehind; toes to the tips with a lateral margin, more or less indented at the joints
the hinder with a feeble lobe ; bill equal to or longer than the head, the lateral groove
•xteuding nearly to the tip.

PIIALAROPUS, Bkissojj,
Membrane of toes scolloped at the joints.

I I

■i

41

s

FHALAROFUS HYPEBBOBEUS. — Temm.

The Northern Phalarope.

IMnga kyperborea, Linnaeus. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 240.

Phalarqp'is hyperhoreus, Temm. Man., IL (1820) 709. And. Cm. Biog., III.
(1885) 118; V. 695.

Desciuption.

Bill short, straight, pointed; wings long; tail siiort; legs short.

Adult. — Neck encircled with a ring of bright-ferruginous, and a stripe of the
same on each side; head above and neck behind sooty-ash; back, wings, and tail,
brownish-black, paler on the rump, mixed with bright-ferruginous on the back; tips
of greater wing coverts white; sides and flanks ashy, frequently mixed with red-
dish; throat, breast, and abdomen white; bill and legs dark; iris dark-brown.

Young. — Entire upper parts brownish-black; many feathers edged and tipped
with dull yellow and ashy; under jarts white; tips of grenter wing coverts white.

Total length, about seven inches; wing, four and half; tail, two and a quarter;
bill, one; tarsus, three-fourtlis or an inch.

THE Northern Phalarope is rarely found on the seacoast
of New England in the spring and autumn migrations ;
appearing in tlie former about the 10th of May, and in the
latter about the 25th of August. The migrations are per-
formed by the birds in small flocks out at sea ; and it is only
when they are driven into shore by heavy winds and storms
that they are found here, and then scarcely more than two or
three birds are taken in a season. This species is equally a
swimmer and wader. When on the water, it has the appear-
ance of a small Gull or Tern, swimming with great elegance

THE NOUTHERN PHALAROPE.

429

Phalaropes.

eree scutellee before and
, indented at the joint*,
le head, the lateral groove

. Temm-

49.
09.

And. Om. Biog., HI.

legs short.

iginous, and a stripe of the
■ash; back, wings, and tail,
.rruginousontheback; tips
frequently mixed with red-
dark ; iris dark-brown.
f feathers edged and tipped
■rre-tcr wing coverts whit«.
ilf; tail, two and a quarter;

and ease, frequently dipping its bill into the water to secure
a small marine animal or fly. Ii^ motions arc so graceful
when thus employed, that tlie bird has been compared to a
swan ; and all writers agree that it is one of the most beauti-
ful of our aquatic birds.

On the shore, it frequents small pools or ponds of water,
near the coast, iii which it wades and swims with equal
facility ; frequently uttering a shrill cry similar to the sylla-
bles creet cree teet. It is said that the same pairs are faith-
ful to each other for successive seasons. I know not how
true this maybe; but it seems not improbable, from the
fact, that, in their winter homes on the shores of the Gulf
of Mexico, they are most often seen in small parties of three
or four, often by pairs. This species breeds in the most
northern sections of the continent. It builds its nest about
the first week in June, in the Hudson's Bay country : this
is constructed of a few pieces of grass and moss, put loosely
together, and placed in a tussock of grass or moss. The
eggs are usually four in number. They vary in color from a
brownisli-drab to light-olive, and are thickly covered with
large blotches and spots of dark umber : their form is abrupt-
ly pyriform, and their dimensions vary from 1.12 by 1.02
to 1.06 by .98 inch.

bund on the seacoast
autumn migrations ;
of May, and in the
migrations are per-
atsea; and it is only
Lvy winds and storms
•ely more than two or
is species is equally a
,tcr,ithastheappear-
,g with great elegance

a BM*»ihb^\fiiv-'^ ,.. -^ j:

430

OUNITHOLOOT AND OOLOGY.

Family SCOLOPACIDiE. The Snipes.

Legs with transverse scutclliE before and behind; toe» not margined broadly to
the tips, with or without basal membrane; hind toe generally present; bill generally
longer than the head, the groove extending beyond the middle.

:!!'

Sub-Family ScoLOPACiNiE.

Bill swollen at the end, and covered almost to the tip with a soft skin, the edges
only of the rather vaulted tip homy; the end of the upper bill generally bent n
little over the tip of lower; the jaw-bone in typical genera finely porous, and per-
forated by vcsscIh and nerves, imparting a high degree of sensibility to the bill,
enabling it to And food in the mud; after death, the end of bill is usually pitted;
legs rather stout; the naked portion of the tibia much abbreviated ; the hind toe
well developed and generally present; the toes usually without basal membrane
f except in Afacrorhnmphts, &c.).

PHILOHELA, G. R. Gray.

Phihhela, Gray, List of Genera (1841). Gmelin. (Type Scolopax minor.)
Body very full, and head, bill, and eyes very large; tibia short, feathered to the
joint; toes cleft to base; wings short, rounded; first three primaries very narrow,
r'jd much attenuated ; the fourth and fifth equal and longest; tarsi stout, shorter
ihan the middle toe; hind nail very short, conical, not extending beyond the toe;
tail of twelve feathers.

The present genus, embracing a single species, the American Woodcock, is much
like Scolopax, with the European Woodcock as type, in color and external appear-
ance. The most striking difference is seen in the wings, which are short, rounded,
the fourth and fifth primaries longest, and the outer three attenuated; while in Scolo-
pwt the wings are long, the first primary longest and more attenuated.

PHILOHELA MINOE. — Cray.

The American Woodcock.

Scolopax minor, Wilson. Am. Orn., VL (1812) 40. And. Om. Biog., III. (1836)
474.

Rmticola minor, Nuttall. Man., II. (1834) 194.

Scolopax (microptera) minor, Nuttall. Man., II. (1884) 194.

Philohela minor, Gray. List Genera (1841).

Description.

Bill long, compressed, punctulated and corrugated near the end ; upper mnndinle
longer than the under, and fitted to it at the tip; wings moderate, three first quills
very narrow; tail short; legs moderate; eyes inserted unusually distant from the

Snipes.

ot margined broadly to
y present; bill generally
Idle.

ith a soft skin, the edges
per bill generally bent a
rii finely porous, and per-
of sensibility to the bill,
,d of bill is usually pitted;
abbreviated; the hind toe
without basal membrane

rype Scolopax minor.)
ibia short, feathered to the
ree primaries very narrow,
ongest; tarsi stout, shorter
sxtcnding beyond the toe;

nerican "Woodcock, is much
color and external nppear-
, which are short, rounded,
attenuated; while in Sco/o-

re attenuated.

And.Om.Biog.,in.(1836)

4) 194.

Lr the end; upper mnndinle

1 moderate, three first quill?

unusually distant from the

»:*:

:fi.

THE AMERICAN WOODCOCK.

•i;u

bill; occiput with three transverse bnnds of bliick, nhertmtliiK with three othorn rf
pale yeliowi^li-rufntis; upper parts of boily varicKnted with pale-asliy, nil'oui, ni
_villi)wi8h-re<l of various .IukIcm, aud blaclt; large space iu fniut.ainl Ihruat, rciljisli-
ashy; lino from tlio eye to tlio bill, and another oil the neck below the eye, browiiisli-
black; entire under parts pule-rufoux, brighter on the sides ami under wing coverlji:
quilN ashy-brown; tail fentliers browniHli-blnrk, tipped with ashy, darker on the
upper surface, paler and fretiuently white on the under; bill light-brown, jialer auM
yellowish at base; legs pale-reddish ; iris brown.

'lotal length, about eleven inches; wing, five and a quarter; tail, two and a
qunrtci ; bill, two and a ciiiartcr; tnrsus, one and a ([uarter indies.

//'(6, — Eastern North America.

"VTO sportsman will over forpjot liis first "Woodcock brought
i-^ to bag, for of all our game ])ir(ls lumo affords more
real gratification by its possession. In its Imbits it is so ca-
pricious, and its presence in a given locality can bo counted
upon with so little certainty, that a day's success with it gives
the hunter a degree of satisfaction that is derived from the
pursuit of hardly any other of our game birds.

The Woodcock is the jewel of our woods, and a genuine
sportsman would think nothing of a twenty-mile tramp in
the worst of cover if there were a reasonable prospect of
meeting this delectable bird in any numbers. 1 have often
in my enthusiasm for field sports compared, by their pecu-
liarities and habits, tlie various game birds with our game
fish, and the only fish that seems to be worthy of naming
in connection with the Woodcock is the brook trout ; not
the little iingcrling that one takes in the mountain brooks
and rivulets, but the monarch of the llangeley Lakes ; a six-
ponnder, it is true, but nevertheless a gemiine brook trout.
The degree of satisfaction that I have felt in conquering
with an eight-ounce rod one of these magnificent fish after
a half hour's struggle is equalled only by tlie gratification I
have experienced in consigning to my garae-bag a vigorous,
quick-flying autumn Woodcock.

"There is something wondrously like reason and intuitive
mathematics in the knowledge which Woodcocks pos.^ess of
the difference between straight lines and angles, and in the
adroit feats which they employ wherewith to dodge and

4.32

OUNITHOLOOY AND OOLOOV.

.« .-1

?'S

V

haiiiboozlc the s|»ortP:ti:ui. If tlu^y iiriivo in any j^ivcn lo-
cality to-diiy, they are thoroughly awiuaiiited to-inorrow
with the best feediiig-grouiids in those parts ; and you will
not cati'h them wasting time and wing-lal)or in any circuitourt
flights thitlierward. How did they know where the best
grounds were ? By what process of thinking did they ar-
rive at the fact that Marsh A contains jnoro delectable
watcrpools, more penetrable mn>l and fatter and longer
worms than Marsh 15, both being contiguous to theiradopted
woods and covers, and both of them equally as promising to
eyes less searching than a AVoodcock's ? Why, also, does ho
fly direct and in a straight lino to them, never varying his
direction more than twenty yards, even when disturbed or
frightened 'i "'

Not one among all our game birds is there that is so ca-
pricious as the Woi)dcock, and tho sportsman nnist bo some-
what of a naturalist to hunt it with success. To-day it may bo
found only in the deepest recesses of the swamp; to-morrow
it is quietly lying in a dry and sheltered spot on the sunny
hillside among tho birches and blackberry bushes ; on the
day following it may bo concealed in a clump of alders in
the middle of a meadow, or it may bo liiding in an over-
green forest or cornfield.

It is also fickle in its habits, now being as swift of wing
as a flash of light, anon being the veriest sluggard ; some-
times it is flushed without difficulty, again it lies so close
after pitching that the best dogs will pass it by, and will
spring up only when almost kicked out of its cover.

Ordinarily one must be a quick and sure shot to bag the
autumn bird, for it is usually found in thick covert, and the
moment it rises above tho trees is off and away. One must
shoot, if possible, before tho bird attains tho height of the
trees, and snap-shots are the rule in such cases if tho foli-
age is very thick.

In my own shooting I usually wait until the bird has at-
tained the full ascent and is just on the point of darting

0 in any given lo-
laiutcd to-morrow
[vrtrt ; and you will
)!• in any circuit(>\H
(W whcro tlie best
nking did they ar-
is nioro dclectablo

fatter and longer
onsto their adopted
vUy as promising to

Why, also, does he
1, never varying hi«
L when disturbed or

3 there that is bo Ga-
sman must bo some-,
,8. To-day it may be
5 swamp ; tomorrow
d spot on the smmy
crry bushes ; on the
clump of alders in
hiding in an over-
ling as swift of wing
iest sluggard ; somc-
■ain it lies so close
pass it by, and will
of its cover,
sure shot to bag the
thick covert, and the
|nd away. One must
ms the height of the
nch cases if the foli-

Inntil the bird has at-
Ithe point of darting

1 1 ■

SI

i <lr

THE AMKRtCAN WOOnrOPK.

43.1

Hway horizontally ; but iiiaiiy old Piiort-iincii <lrn\v tri;.'g<'r
..II the first t'loar Hijjht of thu hinl. It is a sato rule, how-
ever, to iii'vor give tho W.mhIcocU iniicli time, for to tlii>
vport,-iiiaii \v1h> hesitate.-* — the game i^ lust.

Tho WodtU'oi'k is found in most jiortiims of tin; Kastern
iiiited States and in Canaila. On I'rinet' Kdward l^lalld
it is also ({uitu ahundant in houio years, and i have made
tine hags therti in the swamim and swales of the numerous
streams that traverse! the island.

It is one of the earliest of our spritig arrivals ; a|)j)earini;
in New I'lngland hy March loth, and sometimes nnieh
earlier, even heforo Kchruary 2.')th. When it first arrives,
it is ])artially gregarious ; heing fouixl in small eomiiaides
iif I'lun* or live, in tho area of a few rods. It fre(|ueiits low
swampy woods and thiekets at tlds season, where during the
(lay it remains eoneoalod, only moving about in search of
I'.iod in tho night.

It begins its noctnrnal rambles by early twilight, and only
retires to its swamp at daybreak. Jf we stand, in the evening,
in tho neighborhood of a swamp, or low tract of wood.e, we
sometimes hear two or three individuals juoving abont in tho
umlergjrowth uttering their note, vhljt-jwr, c/n'ji-jxr, <li>j>,
sometimes varying it to h/aif, ov/ilatf fn, hl<at t(( ; or sec them,
against tho evening sky, flying rapidly from one swamp to
another. Abont the first week in April, after separating into
pairs, the AViJodeocks begin their duties of incubation ; the
female gathers together a few leaves, on a slight elevation in
pome n)eadow or swamp, and this forms the nest. I have no-
ticed that tlie locality most often selected is in a small bunch
of bushes, or small birches or alders, located sometimes in the
midst of a meadow. The eggs arc usually four in nnndicr :
their ground color is a rich creamy drab, sometimes with a
slightly olive tint, and they arc marked, more or less thickly,
with coarse and tine spots and blotches of two sliades of brown
and obscure spots of lilac. Tliey are less pyriform than the
eggs of any other birds in this group, being often almost

-iV^f^pf^^'iy^--

434

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

exactly ovoidal. They exhibit great variations in size, sonne
specimens from JJri.stol County, Massachusetts, averaging
1.80 by 1.25; and other.s from tlie south and west averag-
ing only 1.4.") by 1.15 ; others from Western Massachusetts
average about 1.50 by 1.20, being nearly rounded ; and oni'
from J. P. Norris, found in Chester County, Pennsylvania,
is abruptly pyriform, being in dimensions 1.45 by 1.20 inch.

Both bii'ds assist in iiicubation ; and they are bo unwill-
ing to leave the nest at this time, that T have known of an
ox-teain being frequently driven within a foot of a bird
without starting her from the nest, and have heard of in-
stances of the eggs being removed from beneath the sitting
bird without her taking flight. The food of the Woodcock
consists of worms and animalcula?, which it secures by
thrusting its bill into the soft earth and beneath the dead
leaves and grass in swamps and other wet places. I have
also found spiders in its stomach.

The holes where the bill is thus thrust in the earth are
called, by sportsmen, " borings ; " and the presence of the
bird is detected by them, as none of our wood-birds make
any similar " signs."

In the latter part of July and during the month of
August, while the birds are moulting, they retire to the
most secluded localities ; and it is difficult to find them at
that season. In September, during the continuance of dry
weather, they frequent cornfields and ditches ; . and I have
seen thein seai'ching for worms in the mud in a sink drain
within a few yards of a dwelling-house.

At this season they are also found in swales and meadows.
and in such localities they are very easily shot, their flight
having none of the vivacity that it displays in the woods
and swamps.

)GY.

iations in size, some
cliiisetts, averaging
h and west averag-
stern Massacluisetts
f rounded ; and oni;
lunty, Pennsylvania,
ns 1.45 by 1.20 inch,
they are so unwill-
[ have known of an
in a foot of a hinl
(I have heard of in-
n beneatii the sitting
)od of the Woodcock
which it secures by
(id beneath tiie dead
■ wet places. I have

rust in the earth are

the presence of tlu!

our wood-birds make;

uring the moiith of

ir, they retire to the

ficulttofind them at

lie continuance of dry

ditches;. and I have

mud in a sink drain

e.
swales and meadows,

apily shot, their flight

displays iu the woods

72

^ 3
.„ o

'A ^

72

■Ji

i:j:>

»«ir->

m

WILSON S SNIPE.

40;-)

GALLINAGO, Leach.

Gray. (Type Scnhpnx

Gallinago, 'Leacii, Catal. British Birds (1B16).
mnjnr, L.) .

Lower portion of the tibia bnre of feathers, scutel'.ate before and behind, roticu-
lated laterally like the tarsi ; nail of hind toe slender, extending beyond the too :
hill depressed at the tip; middle toe longer than tarsus; tail with twelve to sixteen
leathers.

The more slender body, longer legs, partly naked tibia, and other features, dis-
tinguish this genus from Scohpax or Philohela.

GALLINAGO WILSONII. — Bonaparte.

The Snipe; Wilson's Snipe; English Snipe.

Scohpax WiUonii, Nuttall. Man., II. 186. Aud. Orn. Biog, III. (1835)822,
V. (1839) 583. 76., Birds Amer., V. (1842) 339.
Gallinago Wi&onii, Bonaparte. List (1838).
Scohpax (jallinago, Wilson. Am. Om., VI. (1812) 18. Not of Linnieus.

Description.

Bill long, compressed, flattened, and slightly expanded towards the tip, pustu-
lated in its terminal half; wings rather long; legs moderate ; tail short; entire upper
parts brownish-black; everj' feather spotted and widely edged with light-rufous,
yellowish-brown, or ashy-white; back and rump transversely barred and spotted
with the same; a line from the base of the bill over the top of the head; throat and
neck before, dull reddish-ashy; wing feather marked with dull brownish-black;
otlier under parts white, with transverse bars of brownish-black on the sides, axil-
lary feathers and under wing coverts and under tail coverts ; quills brownish-black ,
outer edge of first primary white ; tail glossy brownish-black, widely tipped with
Iright-rufous, paler at the tip, and with a subterminal narrow band of black ; outer
feathers of tail paler, frequently nearly white, and barred with black throughout
their length; bill brown, yellowish at base, and darker towards the end; legs dark-
brown ; iris hazel.

Total length, about ten and a half inches; wing, five; tail, two and a quarter;
bill, two and a half; tarsus, one and a quarter inch.

Bab. — Entire temperate regions of North America; California (Mr. Szabo).

The Wilson's Snipe, or the Engli.sh Snipe as it is often,
though improperly called, is one of the most generally dis-
tributed of our waders, being found in almost every portion
of the Union at some period of the year.

"With us in the spring migrations the Snipe is as a rule
ill rather poor condition, although I have occasionally shot
specimens that were as fat as the best autumn birds.

436

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

I! >

But no matter wliat the condition may be, every sports-
man, as soon as the snows of winter have melted away and
the icy fetters of tlie ])onds and Ijrooks are removed, is on
the alert for the earliest arrival of Snipe, and when the first
birds are seen in the new grass and rushes the wel(!oine
news is soon spread among the fraternity and the sliort
season is improved. I confess to lool<ing forwaril every
si)ring with the greatest eagerness for the arrival of tliis,
one of my favorite game birds.

The American Snipe, as I think it should be called — for
it is the American Snipe j')a;' excellence and different from
the English Snipe — is found usually in small detached flocks
or " wisps." A number of the birds migrate together
both in spring and in autumn, although not associated in
just what are called Hocks. I liave repeatedly found eight
or ten scattered birds on a meadow in the morning wheh
not a single Snipe could be seen on the preceding afternoon.
I have, however, in Is'orthern Maine in the fall seen large
numbers of Snipe in small flocks of eight or ten flying ,"bout
precisely like so many Plover, or yellow-legs, and have re-
peatedly called them down within shot by imitating the
whistle of the yellow-legs.

The localities that are most often frequented by the Snipe
in the spring are fi'esh-water meadows in which there are
numerous spring-holes and brooks. In the autumn they are
found in almost any tracts where tliere are damp or wet
places such as low pastures, meadows, and the edges of
swamps.

I am unable to say why it is, but there are certain portions
or tracts of meadows upon which Snipe are rarely found,
although they seem to ofFer every temptation, so far as mud-
holes and mucky soils are concerned, for them to alight.

They are also often found in swamps and wet pastures.
and I have frequently shot them in cornfields when huntintr
for Woodcock, particularly if those fields were situated near
the meadows and possessed a moist soil.

WILSON'S SNIPa

4.'5(

I know of none among our other pranieblrdf^ tlint are more
uncertain and fickle in tlieir liabits. On une day a tract nf
meadows will seem to be almost crowded with them, and
on the next not a bird is to bo seen. Sometimes they will
lie so well before the dog that every bird in the meadow
may be picked up consecutively and saved ; while at other
times they are so wild that the single disch'U'ge of a, gnu
will send every Snipe " scaaping " high into the air ami
away to other meadows.

Often have 1 when hunting wild Ducks, while stationed
out in the meadows in my " stand,'' early in the morning,
heard and seen scores of Snipe around me in the grass and
sedge feeding and mnvhig about. Yet when the sun had
risen, and further chance for work among the Ducks was
not to be expected, on searching for the numy Snijje I had
seen but an hour or two before, and which 1 su[i[)osed were
scattered in the meadows about me, not a bird was to be dis-
covered. They had [)ped to feed in the night and at
sunrise had moved on.

In the spring migrations while with us, they appear to
be pairing; and, although associating in small detached
riocks, they are most often found in pairs by theiiiselves. It
is during this season that the male performs his well-known
gyrations in the air ; he ascends to a considerable height,
early in the evening, and, almost in the manner of the
Night-hawk, dives toward the earth, uttering his bleating
cry, and peculiar rumbling sound with his extended wings.
The Snipe forms a loose nest of grass and a few leaves, on
the ground, in a bog or wet swampy thicket ; and about
the tirst week in May the female lays three or four eggs.
These are more pyriform in shape than those of the
Woodcock, and average about 1.44 by 1.15 inch in di-
mensions. Their color is an olivaceous drab, marked with
spots of brown, which are, at the greater end, confluent
into blotches, which almost entirely hide the ground-
color.

4:58

ORNITHOL(;OY AND OOLOGY.

*'Kl.

411

Tlio Snipe lias been known to breed in Massachusetts ; but
the occurrence is very rare, and can be regai'ded oidy as ac-
cidental. It breeds in Maine and further north, and in
Wisconsin and otlier Western States of that latitude it breeds,
I undei'.stand, not unconnnojdy. By the 25th of August it
returns to the meadows of ^'ew England in small parties of
three or four ; but it is not abundant nmch before the 10th
or 15th of (September, and then is not found in great num-
bers, unless we have had two or three sharp frosts.

I am often asked what my opinion is as to the best dog
for snipe-hunting. I nmst confess that generally speaking
there is not much choice between a good setter and pointer,
although my preference certainly lies with the latter. With
a fast-working yet steady and staunch pointer I have made
my best bags, and I liavo shot over some very good setters.

Setters ai'c in my opinion less desirable than pointers in
wet, muddy, boggy meadows. One objection to them is that
theii" thick coats become saturated with water and mud,aiul
if the weather is cold they suffer considerably from the ex-
posure, and if they are taken in the carriage after the day's
sport is ended they make a sad mess.

The pointer, on the contrary, in consequence of his short
coat of hair, dries off quickly and does not cause nor suffer
discomfort. The snipe-dog, liowever, should always be a
good retriever. Often is a bird shot on the opposite side
of a wide ditch, or river, or bog from the sportsman, and
unless the dog can be depended upon to retrieve he is al-
most useless. I have several times been obliged to strip and
swim across a river to recover a Snipe that liad fallen on the
other side, and it requires but few such experiences wh^a
the water is barely above the freezing-point to convince one
of the importance of using oidy a good retriever.

The Snipe remains with us in New England, in the au-
tumn, until quite severe freezing weather. In fact I have
shot them when the ground was frozen hard, a few spring-
lioles only being open.

lY.

OBNITHOLOUY ANU OOLDGY.

i:;'.)

klassachusetts ; but
;('arded only as uc-
iicr north, and in
it latitude it breeds,
25tli of August it
in small parties of
icb before tlie lOtli
pund in great nuni-
arp frosts.
as to the best dog
generally speaking
I setter and pointer,
th the latter. With
winter I have made
e very good setters,
ble than pointers in
etion to them is that
water and mud, and
^lerably from the ex-
•riage after the day's

equence of his short

; not cause nor suffer

should always be a

m the opposite side

the sportsman, and
. to retrieve he is al-
ii obliged to strip and

at had fallen on the
ch experiences wh^a
point to convince one

i

I retriever.
England, in the an-
ther. In fact I have
hard, a few spring-

JLVCKOKIUMPIIUS, Lkach.

.V((0)w7jum/;A!M, "Lkach, Cutul. Urit. Hird.s 1810." Gray. [Scolop<tx gi-ittn.)
Gmelin.

General appearance of Gallinntjo. Tarsi longer than middle toe ; a short web
between the base of outer and middle toe.

The membrane at the base of the toes will at once distinguish this genus from
Gallinago, though there are other characters involved.

MACEOSHAMPHUS OEISEUS. — (Cm.) Leach.

The Red-breasted Snipe ; Gray Snipe.

Seohpax grisea, Gmelin. Syst. Nat., I. (1788) 658, No. 27.
Scokpax Noveboracensis,Vfi\aon, Am. Orn., VII. (1813) 46. Aud. Om. Biog.,
rV. (1838) 285. lb., Birds Amer., VI. (1843) 10.

Descriition.

Bill long, compressed, flattened, and expanded towards the end, and, in the same
space, punctulated and corrugated ; wing rather long; shaft of first primary strong;
tail short; legs rather long.

^(/«&. — Upper parts variegated with dark-ashy, pale-rcddisli, and black, the lat-
ter predominating on the back; rump and upper tail coverts white, tlie hitter
spotted and barred transversely with black; under parts pale ferruginous-rod, with
numerous points and circular spots of brownish-black on the neck before, and
transverse bands of the same on the sides and under tail coverts; axillary featliers
and under wing coverts white, spotted and transversely barred with black; quills
brownish-black; shafl of first primary white; tail brownish-bhick, with numerous
transverse bands of ashy-white, and frequently tinged with ferruginous, especially
on the two middle feathers; bill greenish-black; legs dark greenish-brown.

Younger. — Entire under parts dull-white, strongly marked with dull-ashy on
the neck in ft-ont, and transverse bands of the same on the sides; axillary feathers
and under wing coverts white, spotted with brownish-black; upper parts lighter
than in the adult.

Total length, about ten inches; wing, live and three-quarters; tail, two and a
quarter; bill, two and a quarter; tarsus, one and a quarter inch.

Uab. — Entire temperate regions of North America.

This handsome bird is found in small numbers in the
marshes along our coast, in the spring and autumn migra-
tions. It seldom penetrates into the inland waters of Now
England, but prefers the salt marslies. I think that it is
much more of a beach bird than the Common Snipe ; for it
is often found on the beach of the seashore, while thu
other is never seen there, so far as my experience goes.

140

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

Suh-FumUy Tringinm;. — The Smidpipers.

Hill shorter than the naked lep, widened or rather spoon-shaped at tlie end, with
(he cdRcs not bent over; roof of nmuth excavated to the tip; no grcavo along th«
culmen; ear behind the eye ; tail without bands?

:\ -.1

**K

TRINGA, LiUN^us.

TVin^n, LiNN.KUS. Syst. Nat., (1735). (Type T. canu<u5, L.)

Description.

Size moderate or small ; general form adapted to dwelling on the shoras of both
unit and fresh waters, and subsisting on minute or small animals, in pursuit of
which they carefully examine and probe with their bills sandy or muddy deposits
and growths of aquatic plants, rocks, or other localities; flight rather rapid, but
not very strong nor long continued; bill moderate, or rather long, straight or
8light'y cur\'ed towards the end, which is genornlly somewhat expnnded and flat;
longitudinal >,T00ves, in both mandibles, distinct, and nearly the whole length of the
bill; wings long, pointed; the tii-st primary longest; tertiaries long; secondaries
short, with their tips obliquely incised; tail short; legs moderate, or rather long,
slender; the lower portion of the tibia naked, and with the tarsus covered in front
and behind with transverse scales; hind toe very small ; fore toes rather slender,
with a membranous margin, scaly and flattened underneath, free at base.

This genus comprises a large number of species of all parts of the world,
some of which are very extensively dift'used, especially during the season of their
southern or autumnal migration. Generally, these birds are met with in flocks, fi-e-
quenting every description o"^ locality near wjiter. and industriously searching for
the minute animals on which they feed. The species of the United States are mi-
gratori', rearing their young in the north, and, in autumn and winter, extending to
the confines of the Republic and into South America. The colors of the spring and
autumnal plumage are different in nearly all species, though that of the two sexes is
ver>' similar.

TEINGA CANUTUS. — Zinn(m.
The Gray-back; Bobin Snipe.

Frlnga camitus, Linnreus. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 251.

Tringa cinerea, Gmelin. Syst. Nat., I. (1788) 678. Wils. Am. Oin., TTl
(1813) 36.

Trmf/a islandica, Audubon. Om. Biog., IV. (1838) ISO. lb., Birds Am., V.
:i842) 254.

Tringa rvfa, Wilson. Am. Om., VIL (1813) 57.

THE GRAY-BACK.

441

DivsrniiTioN.

Lar^'u; bilj strnih'lit, rather longer lliaii tlif lieuJ, coinpresscd, slightly enlar^td
«t th« tip, ujiper muiidible with the iiu.sai (jruove extundiii^,' to near tlie tiji; leg*
iiindtroti;; tibia witli is lower third jiart Halted; laeli mudcrutu, w'lnti Idhk; tail
short; to"9 free at base, flattened heneatli, widtdy murj;iiied; hind toe slender, small

entire upper parts Iif{ht-gray, witli lam lale, linear, and irregular spcits of blaek.

and others of pale-reddish; rump and upper tail eoverts while, with trau.tverse nar-
row bands and cresccnt-shuped spots of black; under par's li^;ht browniah-reil.
paler ill the middle of the abdomen; under tail eoverts, tibial feathers, tlanks, axil-
lary feathers, and under winj; coverts white, generally with spots and transverse
bars of brownish-blaek ; quills brownish-black, with their shaiVs while; luil li^ht
(irownish-cinereous (without spots or burs); all the feathers edged with white, and
frequently' with a second sub-edging of dark-brown; bill browuish-black; legs
greenish-black.

Young and Winter Plumaye. — Upper parts brownish-ashy, darker on the back,
tvery feather having a sub-terminal edging of brownish-blaek, and tipped with dull
ashy-white; rump white, with crescents of black; under parts iliill ashy-white,
nearly pure on the abdomen, but with numerous longitudinal lines, and small spots
(jf dark-brown on the breast and neck; sides with creaceiit-shaped and irregular
spots of brownish-black; an obscure line of dull-white over and behind the eye.

Total length (from tip of hill to end of tail), about ten inches; wing, six and a
half; tail, two and a half; bill from gape, one and a halt; tarsus, one and a quarter
inches. Female larger?

This is the largest of the Sandpipers of the United States, and appears to be
restricted to the shores of the Atlantic in this division of the continent of America.
Wb have never seen it from the Pacific Coast.

In the United States, this bird is known as the Ued-breasted Snipe, or sometimes
as the Gray-backed Snipe, though wu have never heard the name " Knot" applied
to it, which appears to be a common appellation of the same species in Europe, and
is given by American authors. This is one of the few species of birds which appears
to be absolutely identical with a species of Europe, and is of very extensive diliu
sion over the world, especially in the season of southern migration.

The bird has received a variet_v of names, of which the very lirst appears to be
that adopted at the bead of this article.

This species appears in New England only in the laigra
tions in spring and autumn. It is only seen on the shore,
and with us only in small flocks of eight or ten. I have
had no opportunities of observing its liabits, and will give
tlie description by Wilson : —

" lu activity it is superior to the preceding, and traces the flow
iiig and recession of the waves along ...e sandy beach with great
nimbleness, wading and searching among the loosened particles for
its favorite food, which is a small, thin, oval, bivalve shell-fish, of a
white or pearl color, and not larger than the seed of au apple.

442

ORNIinOLOOY AND OOLOGY.

I i ;

These usually Ilo at a slinrt (l('|)fli below the surface ; hi.t, in some
plac^es, aro seen at low water in lieajis, liko masses of wet grain, in
(luantiticH of more than a hustliul together. During the latter part
of summer and autumn, these minute sliell-fish constitute the food
of almost all those busy flocks that run with such activity along tin;
sands, among the flowing and retreating waves. They are univer-
sally swallowed whole ; but the action of the bird's stonuicli,
a.<8isted by the shells themselves, soon reduces them in a pulp. If
we may judge from their effects, they must be extrcuiely nutritious ;
for almost all those tribes that feed oi: them are at this season mere
lumps of fat. Digging for these in the hard sand would be a work
of considerable labor ; whereas, when the particles are loosened by
the flowing of the sea, the birds collect them with great ease and
dexterity. It is amusing to observe with what adroitness they fol-
low and elude the tumbling surf, while, at the same time, they seem
wholly intent on collecting their food.

•' The Ash-colored Sandpiper, the subject of our present account,
uihabits both Europe and America. It has been seen in great
numbers on the Seal Islands, near Chatteau.x Bay ; is said to con-
tinue the whole summer in Hudson's Bay, and breeds there. Mr.
Pennant suspects that it also breeds in Denmark, and says that
they appear in vast flocks on the Flintshire shore during the winter
season. With us they are also migratory, being only seen in
spring and autumn. They are plump birds ; and, by those accus-
tomed to the sedgy taste of this tribe, are esteemed excellent
mting."

ARQUATELLA, Daird.

TEIN6A MASITIMA. — £n<nmcA.

The Purple Sandpiper.

IWn^ra mnnYJnii, Brunnich. Cm. Bor. (1764), 54. Nutt. Man., II. 115. Aud.
Om. Biog., III. (1835) 558. lb., Birds Am., V. (1842) 261.

Description.

Bill rather longer than the head, straight, compressed; nasal groove long; winps
long; tail short, rounded; legs moderate; toes free at base, flattened underneath and
slightly margined; hind toe small; entire head and upper parts dark smoky-brown

THK CUllLEW HANUPII'ER.

443

wllh a pnrplo and violut tiiiKc, utroni^pst cjii tli.' bnck and »rapiilnr<<! nmlor pnrti
from the breast wLite, (,'i'npriilly with lon^itinliiiiil sput of dnrk-niliy j wiriu' r(.\irfii
more or less i'il>,'«;il and tiplicd witli wliite; ([udln brjwninli-lilii. k, iMlK''d Willi wliili';
middle tail leatlmrs bru\viii>li-black, outer tVatlurs li^,'litei, wilh tln.ir sbiilN white;
uxillaries and under winj} coverts white; bill yellow ut banc, dark ut lip; U-kh
yellow.

Total length, about eit,'ht to nine inches; win/,', live; tail, two and a half; lidl
from gape, one aiid a (piarter; farsiis, one inch; iris orange.

JJiib. — Kaslirn North America; Kurope.

This Species is not iincomiuoii on our shores tluiiiii:i' lliu
spring and autumn migrations, where thijy lire aclivi; ;iiid
busy in their search for small shell-lisli, and crustaeeuiis,
wliich constitute thoir principal food. Thry have all tlu
characteristics of the Spotted Sandpiper wliile with us, and,
from their preference to rocky beaches and shores, are often
called Rock Snipes. They proceed to the most northern
])ortions of the continent to breed, where, according to Dr.
Richardson, they lay four eggs, which are " pyriform, six-
teen and a half lines long, and an inch across at their great-
est breadth. Their color is yellowish-gray, interspersed
with small irregular spots of pale brown, crowded at tho
obtuse end, and rare at the other."

Nutt. Man, II. 115. Aud.
261.

TSIII6A SUBABQUATA — Tenm.

The Curlew Sandpiper.

Tnnga subnr(fuata, Tcmm. Man., II. (1820) 609. Nutt. Man., II. 104. Aud.
Cm. Biog., III. (1835) 444. lb., Birds Am., V. (1842) 209.

Descriition.

Bill rather longer'than the head, slender, compressed, slightly curved towards
the tip, which is somewhat expanded; both mandibles grooved ; wing long, pointed;
tail short; legs long, slender; toes moderate, marginated and flattened underneath.
Upper parts brownish-black, nearly every feather edged and spotted win bright
yellowish-red, rump ashy-brown, upper coverts of the tail white, with transverse
bands of brownish- black; wings ashy-b iwn, shafts of primaries white; under pails
fine dark-yellowish rufous; sides, axillarics, and under tail coverts, white; under
surface of wing whitoi tail pale brownish-ashy, with a greenish gloss; bill and leg's
greenish-brown.

Younij. — Upper parts much more ashy, and with little of the red of the preced-
ing; under parts entirely dull-white, tinged with yellowish on the breast and sides;
an obscure line over the eye ashy-white; outer feathers of the tail nearly white.

'114

OKNl'lHOLOCjy AND OOLOGY.

Total li'nKth, about pIbIiI nnil a linlf tn iiiiU' inili<'»; wirik'i live; tail, two and t
'liinrtcr; liill, Iroin K»I>*'' """ "■"' " '(xortiT lo miu and a hull'; tar.'<ii!t, oiiu to <mi' uiid
I i|iiHrt('r Inc'lii'n; iriH tia/til.

Hub. — Atlantic cuuDt uf the United Stato, rare ; Kuropo ; Aaia ; Africa.

This i.s uiiiJoubtcdly tlio inont rare of nil our slioro birds.
1 fouiid a .single Hpecimoii in a imiicli of Saiid|)i|H;r.s shot on
(Ja|K.' Ann, in thu aulumn of IHO."), foi" salo in Iho principal
market in Boston. This is the only instance that has come
to my own knowledge of its being found here. Audubon
speaks of two ; and other writers, of a few more in diflbront
years.

f!

"c;

C

TBINGA ALPINA var. AMERICANA. - OiMin.

The Bed-backed Sandpiper; Grass-bird.

Tringaatpina, Liiimcus. Syst. Nat., I. (1706)249. Wils. Am. Orn., VII. (1818)
25. Nutt. Man., II. lUU. And. Urn. liiug., III. (1836) CtsO. /&., Birds Am., V
(1842) 2G6.

Descuiptiom.

Hill longer than the head, wide at liiisc, curved, slifrhtly widened and flattened
towards the end; Da.ial groove and anutlur groove in tlio under mandible long
and very distinct; wings long; tail short, with the two ni'ddle leathers longest and
pointed; legs rather lung and Hlundcr, lower halt' uf the tibia naked; toes moderate,
free at base, tiatteuud undorneatli and sliglitly iniiiginuted; claws much compressed,
hind toe small; upper parts yellowish-red, mi.ied with ashy, and every feather hav-
ing a lanceolate, ovate, or narrow spot in the centre, most numerous on the back and
rump; front, sides of the head, and entire under ]iarts, ashy-wliite ; nearly pure-white
on the abdomen and under tail coverts; a wide tranverse band of black across the
lower part of the breast ; neck before and upper part of the breast with narrow
longitudinal spots of brownish-black; under wing coverts and axillary feathers
white; quills light ushy-brown, darker on their outer edges, with their sliatls white;
toil feathers light ashy-brown; middle feathers darker, outer nearly white; bill and
legs brownish-black; sexes alike; iris durk-hazel.

Winter IHumtuje.. — Kntire upper parts dark-ashy, neaily black on the rump, and
upper tail coverts; throat, abdomen, axillaries and under wing coverts, white;
breast pale-ashy, with longitudinal lines of dark-brown.

Total length, eight tu eight and a half inches; wing, five; tail, two and a quar-
ter, bill, trom cape, one ond a half; tarsus, one inch.

Uab, — Entire temperate regions of North America.

f

This is a rather abundant species on our shores in the
spring and autumn migrations. It appears here about
the last week in April or first week in May, and frequents

TIIK PK.f'TOIlAL SANDPirKll.

41.-.

[w; AniiM Africa.

tlio liojxch, wliiTi' it 1ms nil ilic Imliits and activity nf tli.-

other Siiiiil|>i|H'rs, niiiiiiiij^ aloii^ tl lire cil" tho siirf, ami

git'aiiiiig ill tli<> vvavi'H and on tlii> sands its food of small
niarino animals. It mixes with tin; othtT Hpfcics, Itiit is
readily distinguished from them hy tlio hri^Mitiiess of its
pliimago. It is in l)C8t condition for cabinet preservation
in the vernal migration. It passes leisurely to the most
iiorthoru scctiouH of the continent, where it passes the
hreediiig season. Maggillivray describes the breeding haliits
as follows : —

" The nest is a sliijht hollow in a dry place, having a few bits of
withered henth and grass irregularly plactid in it. The eggs, four
in numl)er, are ovnto-pyriforin, an inch and foiir-tweltlhs in lengtli,
eleven-twelfths in brea<lth, oil-green or light greenish-yellow, irregu-
larly spotted and blotched with deep-brown ; the spots bfcoming
more numerous to >ard the larger end, where they are confluent.
The young, like tliose of the Golden Plover and Lapwing, leave
the nest immediately after exclusion, run about, and, when alarmed,
conceal themselves by sitting close to the ground and remaining
motionless."

ig, five ; tail, two and a quur-

This species, when it returns in the autumn, late in Se))-
toraber, is very fat, and is considered delicate and palatable
as food.

ACTODROMAS, Kaui-.

TEINOA MACULATA. - lleillol.

The Pectoral Sandpiper.

Tringa maculata, Vieillof. Nouv. Diet., XXXIV. (1810) 485.
Trint/a pect(»-n!i.i, Nuttnll. Jinn., II. 111. And. Om. Biog., III. (1835) 001 1
V. 682. lb., Birds Am., V. (1842), 269.

Description.

Bill rather longer than the head, comprosscd, slightly depressed and expanded at
the tip; nasal (groove long; wings long; legs rather long; tibia with nearly its lower
half naked ; toes free at base, flattened underneath and slightly margined ; tail rather
short; middle feathers pointed ; entire upper parts brownish-black; all the feathers
e<Iged and tipped with ashy and brownish-red; rump and upper tail coverts black,
some of the outer feathers of the latter edged with white; line from the bill over

446

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

?:

the eye ashy-white ; throat, abdomen, under wing coverts, axillary feathers, and
under tail coverts, white; breast and neck before ashy-white; all tlic featliers darker
at base, and witli partially concealed lanceolate or pointed spots of brownish-black ;
quills brownish-black; shaft of first primary white, of others brown; secondaries
tipped enc' ed^ed with white; tertiaries edged with dull reddish-yellow; bill and
feet dark (jreeuish-black; iris dark-hazel.

Total length, about nine inches; wing, five and a quarter; tail, two and a half;
bill to gape, one and one-eighth; tarsus, one inch.

Ilab. — The entire coasts of North America ; South America; Europe.

This well-known species is pretty abundantly distributed
along our coast in the spring and autumn migrations, when
it appears in small flocks, in May, in the former seasons,
and in August and September in the latter. It has all the
habits of the other Sandpipers, but is more often seen in
the marshes and meadows, particularly in the autumn, than
the others, where it eagerly pursues the various insects
which are found there, particularly the grasshoppers and
crickets, that furnish food for so many of our passing birds.
This species is beSt known to our gunners by the name of
the Grasb-bird. It is a favorite with them because of its
fine flavor on the table; and it is found in considerable
abundance in our markets, where it meets a ready sale at a
very remunerative price.

TBINOA ^Ql^kV&Xm. — Schlegd.

Bonaparte's Sandpiper.

Tringa ScMmii, Nuttall. Man., IL 109. Aud. Om. Biog., III. (1835) 629.
lb., Birds Amer., V. (1842) 275.

Tringa Bonaf-Ttii, Schlegel. Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur., (1844) 89.

Description.
Smaller; bill slightly arched towards the tip, which is somewhat enlarged aud
flattened, about the length of the head; grooves in both mandibles long and nar-
row; wings long; secondary quills obliquely incised at the ends ; tail rather longer
than usual in this group, with the feathers broad; legs rather long and slender; toes
free at base; hind toe very small; upper parts light ashy-brown; darker on the
rump ; nearly all the feathers with ovate or wide lanceolate central spots of broAvnish-
black, and many of th-im edged with bright yellowish-red ; upper tail coverts white ;
under parts \ 'hite, with numerous small spots of dark -brown on the neck before,
breast, and sides, somewhat disposed to form transverse bunds on the last; quills
brownish-black, darker at the tips; shaft of outer primary white, of others light-
brown; middle feathers of tail brownish-black; outer feathers lighter, and edged

THE LEAST SANDPIPER.

447

r.

:9, axilliiry fenthers, and
e ; all the feathers darker
spots of brownish-black ;
there brown; secondaries
reddish-yellow; bill and

rter; tail, two and a half ;
lerica; Europe.

adantly distributed
I migrations, when
he former seasons,
ter. It has all the
nore often seen in
n the autumn, than
bhe various insects
i grasshoppers and
f our passing birds.
3rs by the name of
them because of its
md in considerable
ts a ready sale at a

egd.

)m. Biog., III. (1836) 629.
1844) 89.

is somewhat enlarged and
h mandibles long and nar-
the ends; tail rather longer
[ither long and slender; toes
ashy-brown; darker on the
,te central spots of brownish-
d ; upper tail coverts white ;
-brown on the neck before,
!e bands on the last; quills
nary white, of othere ligbt-
feathera lighter, and edged

with ashy -y/hite; under wing coverts ind axillaries white; bill and feet greenish-
black ; iris hazel.

Total length, about seven inches; wing, four and three-quarters; tail, two and a
quarter; bill, one; tarsus, ratlier less than an inch.

Ilab. — North America, east of the Kocky Mountains.

This bird also is often known to sportsmen l)y the com-
prehensive name " Grass-bird." It is less abundant than
the preceding, but has all its habits. It appears in small
flocks of eight or ten, and frequents the marshes and marshy
shores in preference to the sandy beach. In such localities,
it feeds upon various insects and aquatic animals, and lar-
vae of aquatic insects ; and is often seen in fresh-water
meadows, at a considerable distance from the shore, busy in
search of this variety of food. Nuttall says it lays four
eggs, smaller than those of the T. alpina, of a yellowish-
^ray color, spotted with olive or chestnut-brown.

TEINGA WILSONII.— JVu«a«.
The Least Sandpiper; Peep.

TYinga ptisilla, Wilson. Am. Om., V. (1312) 32. Aud. Om. Biog., IV. (I8881
180. 76., Birds Am., V. (1842) 280.

Tringa Wihonii, Nuttall. Man., II. (1834) 121.

Description.

The smallest of all known species of this group found in North America; bill
about as long as the head, slightly curved towards the end, which is very slightly
expanded; grooves in both mandibles to near the tip; wing long; tcrtiaries nearly
as long as the primaries; tail short; middle feathere longest; outer feathers fre-
quently longer than the intermediate; legs long; lower third of the tibia naked;
toes long, slender, margined, and flattened beneath ; hind toe small ; upper parts with
nearly every feather having a large contrnl spot of brownish-black, and widely mar-
gined with ashy and bright brownish-red; rump and middle of the upper tail
coverts black ; outer coverts white, spotted with black ; stripe over the ej'e, throat,
and breast, pale ashy-white, with numerous small longitudinal spots of ashy-brown ;
abdomen and under tail coverts white ; quills dark-brown, with the shafts of the
primaries white; tertiaries edged with reddish; middle feathers of the tail brownish-
black; outer feathers light ashy-white; under surface of wing light brownish- ashy,
with a large spot of white near the shoulder ; axillary feathers white ; bill and leg*
f,Teenish-brown, the latter frequently yellowish-green.

Total length, from tip of bill to end of tail, about five and a half to six inches;
wing, three and a half to three and three-quarters; tail, one and three-quarters; bill
to gape, tb"i>e-quarter8j tarsus, three-quarters of an inch.

Sab. — Entire temperate North America.

448

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY,

'^

-•;:%

The Least Sandpiper or "Peep" is so well known on
our siiorcs that any description is almost siipcrfluons. It
makes its appearance early in May^ in small parties of
five or six, and quickly proceeds to the most northern
sections of the continent, where it breeds, and then im-
mediately returns to our shores, where it remains until
early in October, when it passes on to +he South. Au-
dubon, in describing its breeding habits, says, " Tliat
this species is naturally disposed to seek alphie sections
of the country for the purpose of I'eproduction, I obtained
abundant proof whilst in Labrador, where I found it plen-
tiful, and breeding on tlie moss-clad crests of tlio highest
rocks, within short distances of the sea." On finding the
nest, he says, —

" Four beautiful eggs, larger than I had expected to see pro-
duced by birds of so small a size, lay fairly beneath my eye, as I
knelt over them for several minutes in perfect ecstasy. Tlie nest
had been formed first, apparently, by the patting of the little
creatures' feet on the crisp moss, and in the slight hollow thus
produced were laid a few blades of slender, dry grass, bent in a
circular manner; the internal diameter of the nest being two
inches and a half, and its depth an inch and a quarter. The eggs.
which were in shape just like those of the Spotted Sandpiper, T.
macularius, measured seven and a half eighths of an inch in length,
and three-fourths of an inch in breadth. Their ground-color was a
rich cream-yellow tint, blotched and dotted with very dark umber,
the markings larger and more numerous toward the broad end.
They were placed with their broad ends together, and were quite
fresh. The nest lay under the lee of a small rock, exposed to all
the heat the sun can afford in that country."

It is during the latter part of Augiist and the greater
part of September that this species is most abundant in
New England, where it generally confines itself ti the sea-
coast, but sometimes penetrates to the large tracts of water
in the interior, gleaning there its food of small shell-lisli,
crustaceans, and insects in the pools of water and on tlie

THE SANUKULINO.

441)

, well known on
svipcrfluons. It
small parties of
5 most nortliorn
Js, and then ini-
it remains until
the South. Au-
its, says, "That
;k alphie sections
action, I ohtaincd
0 I found it plcn-
jsts of the highest
On finding the

»>

expected to see pro-
oeneath my eye, as I
:t ecstasy. The nest
patting of the little
le slight hollow thus
, dry grass, bent in a

the nest being two
I quarter. The eggs.
Spotted Sandpiper, T.
[s of an inch in length,
eir ground-color was a
vith very dark umber,

,ward the broad end.
jether, and were quite
m rock, exposed to all

i'

|xist and the greater
most abundant in
les itself tc the sea-
liar ge tracts of water
of small shell-fish,
fof water and on the

sands and flats. It associates ia large flocks at tliiit si'usnn,
and often with other birds.

CAMDUIS, CuvTKR.

CnluMi, CuviER, Anat. Comp., V. in chart (l^nr)). (Typo Trhujn nremrh, I,.)
General diameters of ^Wnja, but without hind toe; hill straight, rather longer
than the head and tarsus, widened somewhat or spoon-shnpcd at the end ; tail douhly
emarginate; toes short; middle one scarcely two-thirds the tarsus.

CALIBRIS ABENASIA. — llllger.
The Sanderling.

Tringa arenaria, Linnoeus. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 251. Aud. Om. Biog. lb..
Birds Am., V. (1842)287.

Cnlidris arendrin, Uliger. Prod. (1811), 249. Nutt. Man., 11. (lf.34) 4.

Clinr(i(lriu3 cnlidris, IJnnosus. Syst. Nat, I. (1760) 2j.'). Wils. Am. Om., VII.
(1813) 68.

Charmlrius rvhUlus. Gm., I. (1788) 688. Wils. Am. Oni., VH. (1S13) 129.

Desckiption.

No hind toe; front toes moderate or rather lonj;, flattened underneath; distinct-
ly margined with a membrane; bill rather longer than the head, straight, rather
thick; ridge of upper mandible flattened; nasal groove deep, and nearly as lung a,s
the upper mandible, not so distinct in the lower; both mandibles widcied and (lat-
tened at the tip; aperture of the nostril large, and covered with a membrane; wing
long; tail short, with the middle feathers longest; under coverts long as the tail;
legs moderate ; lower third of the tibia naked; upper parts light-ashy, with lanceo-
late, hastate, and ovate spots of bro^vllish-black on the top of the h.Mid, on tin.' back,
scapulars, and shorter quills; rump and upper tail coverts with fine transverse lines
of black; under parts pure-white; shoulders brownish-blaek, without .spots: fpiills
bnnvnish-black, with their shafts white, and much paler on their inner webs; gnater
wing coverts widely tipped with white; middle feathors of the tail ashy -brown,
edged with white ; outer feathers paler; bill and legs greenish-black; sexes alike;
iris brown.

In spring plumage, the head, neck, and breast are tinged with pale ye'low-
ish-rod, and spotted with dark-bro^vn ; back and scapulars eilgid and tipped with
yellowish-red; rump and imder tail coverts ashy-brown; under pans of the body
pure-white.

Total length, .seven and three-quarters to eight inches; wing, live; tail, two; bill,
about one inch; tarsus, about one inch.

Hub. —Entire temperate regions of North America, South America, Europe.

An abundant species on both the Atlantic and Pacific coa.sts of the Republic, and
extending its r.inge, in winter, into South America. We can find no reliable dis-
tinction between the American and the European bird, though specimens dift'er
quite materially in size and length of bill.

29

450

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

1 l^r:

.1. \' ■ '

"^M

9

Tlie Sandorliiig, most often called the " Beacli-bird " by
gunners, is pretty abundant on our shores in the autumn
migrations. It is rarely seen in spring, but seems to move
by us in. passing to its northern breeding-giounds. Accord-
ing to Mr. Hutchins, it breeds on the coast of Hudson's
Bay, where it constructs, on he marshes, a rude nest of
grass, laying four dusky eggs, spotted with black, on whicli
it begins to sit about the middle of June. Early in Septem-
ber, sometimes by the 20th of August, it returns to our
shores, wlicre it associates with the Sandpipers in small
flocks. It has all the habits and characteristics of these
birds, busily seeking in the retreathig waves, and in the
pools on the beach, its food of small shells and crustaceans.
It is quite fat in the autumn, and is esteemea by many, a
fine-flavored bird for the table.

ERKUXETES, Illigek.

I

Ereunetes, Illiger. Prod. (1811), 262.

The bill of our species of Ereunetes is quite stout, and consideribly expanded, by
which it is readily distinguished from Actodromas Wilsonii, independently of the
semipalmated feet; the tarsus and middle toe are about equal; the tibia denuded
anteriorly for about two-thirds the length of tarsus; the basal membrane of toes
is more scolloped out interiorl)' than exteriorly; the notch externally not quite as
deep as to the first joint, altliough the membrane extends beyond the second.
There is a tendency to hexagonal subdivision in the bare portion of tibia anteriorly.
The tail is doubly einarginate.

EREUK2TES PETRIFICATUS. — Mger.
The Semipalmated Sandpiper; Peep.

Ereunetes petrificatuSfUVigeT. Prod. (1811), 262. (Proved identical with Tnngn
temipalmala, Wils., by Cabanis.)

Trinr/u scmijxilmata, Wilson. Am. Orn., VIL (1813) 131. Aud. Orn. Biog., V.
(1839) 111. Jb., Birds Am., V. (1842) 277.

Tringa {lictcropoda) semipalmata, Nuttall. Man., II. (1834) 136.

Description.
Bill about the length of the head, rather thicker than usual in this group; both
mandibles somewhat expanded and flattened at the tip, and minutely punctulated,
IS in the genera Scolopax and GaUinago ; wings long; legs moderate, rather slnn-
der; toes united at base by a membrane, which is large, between the outer and
middle toes, extending to the first joint; bind toe small; tail short, with tbi iniddlo

• . Ll

THE SEMIPALMATKD SANDI'IPKR.

— Mger.

Peep.
(Proved identical with Tnngn

813) 131. Aud. Om. Biog., V.

11. (1834) 136.

ban usual in this group; both
tip, and minutely punctulnted,
,k; IcRs moderate, rather slon-
.large, between the outer ami
wU; tail Bhort, with the mddlo

ffnlhcrs longost; outer feathers frequently longer than the third, prcsfiitinj; ii d iilily
fninrpinatc ch. .-ncter to the tail; under coverts nearly as Imii,' ai tlio tail; \\\\\h't
parts li:;lit brownish-ashy, with lanceolate or ovate spots of hrowiiisli-hlack in llie
middle of the feathers; rump and upper tail coverts black; front, liaiid i>( the eye,
und entire under parts, iishy-white, with small spnfs on the hrea-t of asliy-bro\Mi :
i|uills hrownish-black, lighter on their inner webs, aud with their shafts while;
middle feathers of the tail brownish-black; outer featheis paht browni-'li-asliy;
under wing coverts and axillaries white ; bill greenish-black; feet dark, the lower
part of the t;irsus and toes frequently tinged with yellow; uiiper parts, in summer,
mixed with light-reddish; iris brown.

Total length, about six and a half inches; wing, three and three-quarters; tail,
one and three-quarters; bill, from gape, three-quarters; tarsus, three-quarters to one
inch.

This abundant little species is singularly variable in the length of the bill, so
mue'\ so, in fact, that a student with two specimens representing extremes in this
particular would deem it quite impossible that they could be identical specifically.

Hab. — Entire temperate regions of North America; South America.

The Semipalmated Sandpiper is so similar in its general
appearance and liabits with the common " Peep," tliat it is
usually confounded with that bird by all our sportsmen. It
appears at the same time, associates with it, and altogether
might easily bo mistaken for it, were it not for the semi-
palmation of this species. It breeds in the most northern
localities.

Mr. Hutchins says that it arrives at Severn River, in the
fur countries, in great numbers, about the middle of May,
where it builds a loose nest of withered grass in a slight
hollow in the ground, early in June, and lays four white
eggs, spotted with black or dusky-brown. Like the " Com-
mon Peep," the flight of this bird is rapid and wavering,
almost exactly resembling that of the Snipe. It also has the
same soft call-note, Hweet Hweet, that the other has, which
it utters frequently, both while on the strand and when
flying.

Sub-Family Totanin^. — The Stilts.

Bill as long as the head, or longer; the basal portion covered with soft skin; the
terminal portion (generally at least half) horny, and more or less attenuated and
pointed in Totnnece; the lateral grooves of bill extending to the horny terminal
portion ; the gape of mouth extending behind the base of culmen toes generally

452

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

junnoctcd by a bnsnl membrane ; the tail always with dlHtinct tnnnvcno bare lii
North-American species, except in fTeteroicetii/>.

This sub-family appears to dilFer fmm most Sculojxu nue in the less flcgreo of sen-
sitiveness in the tip of the bill, which is more homy, and not covered 4)y soft skin
well supplied with nerves. The toes are almost always connected at the base by a
membrane; this being the rule and not the exception, as in Scohpacina.

i:rj,

-1

tcr*

*"C

?

SYMIMIEML\, Rakinesque.

Symphemw, RAFlNlisqUB, Jour, de Phys. (1819). (Type Scohpix semi;<t'.mnta,
Gmelin.)

liiU compressed, vcrj- thick, the culiiien rounded; the lower mandible scarcely
RTOoved; the upper ^'rooved to about the middle; culnicu slightly convex; gonys
ascending; bill cleft but little beyond base of culmen; feathers of sides of bntli
mandibles falling short of the nostrils; the lower rather farther forward; chin feath-
ers reaching to beginning of nostrils; bill longer than head, about equal to tarsus,
which is more than one and a half times the middle loc; both toes webbed, the
emargination of inner web as far forward as the middle of basal joint of middle toe,
the outer reaching nearly to the end; bare portion of tibia rather less than middle
toe without claw; tail nearly even, or little rounded, not half the wings.

SYMPHEMIA SUmPAlMX'IA. — nnrtlmib. ,

The Willet.

Scolopnx semipalmatus, Gmelin. Syst. Nat., L (1788) 659. Wils. Am. Dm., Vll.
(1813)27.

Totanus semipalmatus, Audubon. Orn. Biog., TIT. (18 •) 510; V. 585. Birds
Am., V. (1842) 324.

Totanus {catoptrophoiiu) semipnlmntus, Bonaparte. Syn. (1828), 828. Nut',
Man., II. (1S34) 144.

Symphemia semipalmatn, Hartlaub. Rev. Zool. (1845), 342.

Description.

The largest American species of this genus ; bill longer than the head, straight,
rather thick and strong; groove in the upper mandible extending about half its
length, in the lower mandible nearly obsolete; wings long; legs long, strong; toes
moderate, united at base by membranes, the larger of which unites the outer and
middle toe; hind toe small; tail short.

AdtUt. — Kntire upper parts dark-ash color (without spots); the shafts of the
feathers brownish-black; rump and upper tail coverts white; under parts white,
tinged with ashy on the neck and sides; nxillaries and under wing coverts brown-
ish-black; primary quills white at base, and tipped with brownish-black; secon-
daries white, spotted with brownish-black; tail ashy-white, the two middle feathers
strongly tinged with ashy; others spotted with dark ashy-brown ; bill dark bluish-
brown, lighter at base; legs light-blue.

Yoiirtf/er. — Entire plumage spotted, and transversely banded with brownish-
black ; iris brown.

Total length, about fifteen inches; wing, eight and a quarter; tail, three and a
quarter; bill, about two and a half; tarsus, about two and a half inches.

THE WILLET.

4."

Htintt transvcno bars in

'ype Scohpix semi!<a'.mafi,

lout spots); the shafts of the
rts white; under parts wlnto,
and under wing coverts hrown-
l with brownish-black; secon-
white, the two middle feathers
nshy-brown; bill dark bluish-

•ersely banded with brownieh-

Tiiis large and handsome species is easily recof;nizcd, and is nbiinilaiit on Im.iIi
.he Atlantic and I'acilic coa.sts of the Ucpublic. riicro is very idiisulorable dilVur-
;iice of color between the adult and yount; birds; but tlie white space on tin: wings
is a character always present and easily distinguished. It is the largest bird of this
gruiip inhabiting the United States.

Hub. — ICntire temperate regions of North America; South America.

This bird ia not very abiiiiclaut on the shoros of Nmv
England as a summer visitor and resident ; l)ut it is tiikcn
ill considerable numbers in the autumn. It oecassionally
breeds within our limits, iisually preferring a sandy island
to the main shore ; but it sometimes selects a locality in a
marsh for its nest, and has been known to breed in a rye-
field twenty-niiles from the seashore.

The nest is built about the last week in ]i[ay. It is
])laced in a slight hollow iu the sand or in a tus.sock of
grass, and is composed of grasses and weeds, arranged in a
heap, sometimes three or four inches in depth. It is hol-
lowed an inch and a half or more, and is sometimes lined
with softer pieces of grass or weeds. The eggs are four iu
number: tlu'y are pyriform in shape, and are abruptly
jjointed from the larger end. They are of a pale-olive color,
sometimes grconish-drab ; and are marked with blotches of
two or three shades of brown, which are confluent at the
larger end, and sometimes almost entirely hide the ground
color.

They vary iu dimensions from 2.15 by 1.58 inch to 1.98
by 1.45 inch. When its breeding-place is approached, the
VVillet flies to meet the intruder, and, coursing around over
his head, utters its shrill cries, like the syllables, 'pill-wilkt-
Hit pill ivillet, vociferously ; and sometimes darting down at
him, or alighting before him, it endeavors to lead him from
its nest by pretending lameness.

When the young are able to fly, the whole brood associate
with the parents in a flock, and frequent the pools and
ditches near the beach, where they busily wade about in the
water, searching for small shcU-lish, aquatic insects, mol-
lusks, &c., on which they feed. When wounded, they take

154

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

to tlio wator, and swim off with great activity. Thoy all
leave Now England ih Octol)er, when they aro exceedingly
fat and well-flavored.

'"i
1

GAMlSliTlA, Kaup.

Gaiiibettn, Kaup, Entw. Europ. Thierw. (1829). (Type Scolujmx calidrii^ L.
Gray.)

Hill mucli iitfcmiatod towards and tapering to the ond, the cxtremo tip do( urvcd ;
both culmcn and Konyi Iiowever, bent upwards from the middle; the lateral
grooves of upper bill broad, shallow, and not extending to the middle; that of lower
reaehing about as far; feathers on side of both mandibles extend to about the sanie
point, but fall short of nostrils; those on chin extend as far as middle of nostril; bill
nearly as lung as the tarsus, wliieli is one and a half times the length of middle loe;
outer toe webbed to first joint; the inner web very sliort; bare portion of tlie tibia
equal to the toes; tip of tail about opposite the middle of outstretched tarsi; leg.i
yellow.

GAMBETTA MELANOLEDCA. — Bonaparte.

The Telltale; Stone Snipe; Greater Tellow-Iegs. i

Scohpax mdanoleucus, Gm^Wn. Sj'st. Nat., L (1788) 659.
Totanus melanoleucus Audubon. Orn. Biog., IV. (1838) 68.
Gambetta vielanoleuca, Bonaparte. Comptes Rendus (Sept., 1856).
Scohpax vociferus, Wilson. Am. Orn., VII. (1818) 57.

Description.

Bill longer than the head, rather slender, curved tovards the tip; wings rather
long, first quill longest; tail short; neck and legs long; toes moderate, marginiil
and flattened underneath, connected at base by membranes, the larger of wliiili
unites the outer and midd'j toe; hind toe small; claws short, blunt; grooves in boili
mandibles extending about half their length; entire upper |)arts cinereous of various
shades, dark in many specimens in full plumage, generally light with white lines on
the head and neck, and with spots and edgings of dull-white on tlie other upper
parts; lower back brownish-black; rump and upper tail coverts white, generally
with more or less imperfect transverse narrow bands of brownish-black; und.T
pp.fts white, with longitudinal narrow str'-'^s on the neck, and transverse cres-
cent lanceolate and sagittate spots and stripes on the breast and sides; abdomen
pure-white; quills brownish-black with a purplish lustre, shaft of first primary
white; secondaries and tertiaries tipped and with transverse bars and spots of asliy-
white; tail white, with transverse narrow bands of brownish-black, wider and
darker on the two middU feathers; bill brownish-black, lighter at the base; leys
vellow; iris dark-brown.

Total length, about fourteen inches; wing, seven and a half to eight; tail, three
ana a quarter to three and a half; bill, two and a quarter; tarsus, two and a half
inches.

Hub — Entire temperate regions of North America; Mexico.

TIM': YlCl.LUW-LKCiS

455

Type Scolopax catidrii, L.

and a half to eight; tail, three
nmrter; tarsus, two and a half

Tlie Creator Vrll(»\v-l('«^s is not cuuunon in New ICimlaiiil ;
u low bciiifT taken annually.

Nuttall, ill describing its habits, tfec, saya, —

" The Greater Yellow-shauks, or Telltale, so reiimrkable for its
uoise aud vigilunce, arrives on the coast of the IMlddle States early
in April, and, proceeding principally by au inland route, is seen in
abundance as far north as the plains of the Saskatchewan, where, no
doubt, in those desolate and secluded marshes, far from the prying
eye and persecuting hand of man, the principal part of the sj)e(.'ies
pass the period of reproduction, re-appearing in the cooler parts
of the Union towards the close of August: yet so extensive is the
breeding range of the Telltale, that many continue to occupy
tiie marshes of the JMiddle States until the approach of cold
weather, in the month of November, breeding in their favorite
resorts, on the borders of bogs ; securing the nest in a tuft of rank
grass or sedge ; and laying four eggs, of a dingy-white, irregularly
marked with spots of dark-brown or black."

The vociferous vigilance of the Telltale lias justly stig-
matized him with the present name ; for no sooner docs the
gunner appear than his loud and shrill whistle of about lour
lapidly repeated notes is instantly heard, as he mounts on
wing, and proves generally so good a wariung to all the rest
of his feathered ueighboi's, and particularly the vigilant ducks,
that the whole, to the frequent disapi)uintment of the fowler,
at once accompany their faithful and officious sentinel.

The food of the Telltale is similar to (hat of our other
shore birds. This it obtains by wading in the pools and
ditches, which it is almost constantly doing ; it being seldom
seen in the grass or running on the beach like the Sand-
pipers.

GAMBETTA ThAVlPES. — Bonaparte.
The Tellow-legs.

Scolopaa flavipei, Gmelin. Syst. Nat., I. (1788) 659. Wils. Am. Orn., Vlf.
1813) 55.

Totanui Jlavipcs, Audubon. Orn. Biog., III. (1835) 573; V. 586. Jb., Birds
Am., V. (1842) 313.

Ganibdlajlacijiei, Bonaparte. Comptes Kendus (Sept., 1856).

456

ORN!J)T<:'..OUY AND OOLOdY.

DKscmi-iiwN.

Bill rather Inngur tlinn t)i» head, HtriiiKlit, ylcntlur, compressed; wing loti((
pointrilj tail nlicjrt; li'^s l')n^', Iomit hall' iif tht; tibia naked; toes niodcrato, slen-
der, inar^iiii'd, tlio outer iind uiiddlu united at base; rump and upper tail coverl.i
white, the latter transversely barred with nshy-brown ; other upper parts ashy, many
feather!* having lur^e arrowhead.^ and irregular npotH of browni'<h-bl:ick, un<l edged
with ashy-whito; under |)arts white, with nnnieroiiH longitndiinil lincH on the neck
bet' re, and nrrow heads on the sides, of dark ashy-brown; uxillarivs und under
wing eoveriK while, with bandu of asliy-biown, very indistinct in nuuiy speeinieiis,
but generally well defined; ((uilU brownish-blaek; tail ashy-whitu with trunsvelse
bandi* of dark-brown, middle feathers darker; bill greeniah-bluck; legs yellow; iris
dark-browu.

Yiiuuij. — Kntlru upper plumage tinged with reddish-brown; neck before with
lines nuu'h less distinct and pule-ash)'.

I'dtal lenglli, abnut ten to ten and a half inehe!i; wing, six to bix and a half;
tail, two and a half; bill, one and a half; tarsus, two inches.

llnl). — Eastern North America; western V

t:i-2

The Common Yellow-legs is well known on our coast as
a spring and autumn visitor. It does not pause here in its
northern migiation, but passes at once to its breeding-home.
This is generally in ligh latitudes: there, early in June, its
nest is bull', and its }OUiig are reared. 1 am unacquainted
with its breeding habits and eggs, and can find no descrip-
tion of them in any book that I have access to.

Early in September, it returns to New England, where it
fretiuents the muddy flats and marshes on the seacoast, and
penetrates into the interior. It is also sometimes quite
abundant in the fresh-water meadows and on the shores of
large ponds. I have killed numbers while Snipe-shooting :
and they are almost equally well-flavored with that bird.
They congregate in small flocks, fly rapidly, uttering a loud,
shrill whistle, which being imitated by the experienced
sportsmen, the whole flock is decoyed within shot ; and, as
they fly compactly, quite a number often fall at a single dis-
charge of the giui.

Like the preceding, this bird is fond of wading about in
pools of water, whore it secures for its food larva? of insects
and small crustaceans. With one or two of our other
Waders, it has the peculiarity of keeping its wings open
and elevated after alighting, as if it were uncertain of tho

THE HOLITAIIY SANUi'Il'KK.

4."

>i

lomprcssedi wint? loutj
L'd; tots modiTiilo, slcn-
p aiuJ uiiptT tivil coverts
,r uppiT purls "'*''>'> """">■
•owiii'li-l)!"*;'', ttiKl edniil
itiuliiml lines on tliu iitck
vn; uxilluriw uiid uudw
,linct iu many HpucimoiiH,
sby-wliitu with trunsveme
,U-bUick-, legsjello>vi iris

■brown; nock before vfith

ng, six to »ix and a halfj
inches-

vu OH our coast as
ot pause here iu its
J its breoding-liouio.
■0, early iu June, its
1 am uuacquaiutod
can find uo descrij>-

access to.

y Euglaud, where it
ou the scacoast, and

so sometimes quite
lud ou tlie shores of
'hlle Suipc-sliooting:

red with that bird,
[idly, uttering aloud,

by the experienced
Lvithiu shot ; aud, as
111 fall at a single dis-

of wading about in
I food larva? of insects
Ir two of our other
Ipiug its wings open
lore uncertain of the

firmness of its resting-placo. I have sometuucs thon^fht
that it might ijc a hal)it caused by the bird fro(|uenling Ihits
on which the uuid was soft and yielding. This is one of
the handsomest of our Waders, in the autuuui, it is fat,
and in [)oor phuuage ; but iu the spring it is iu good condi-
liun lur cabinet preservation.

RIIYACOI'inLUS, Kaup.

Hhi/iicopliitiu, Kaui', Sk. Entw. Europ. Th. (1820). (Type Trimja yhireula, \..,
(Iriiy.)

Hill sleiidur, but widening a little towards the cud; lutoml rio vis cjf both man-
dibles oxtciidinn to the iiiiddk! of bill; iiu.Htril short; Icutlicrs on sulc of bill cxliiitl-
iii},' to about the i^mw. |iiiiiit and as far as beginning of nostrils; those of ebiii an
l;ir as their end; both mandibles curved upwards slightly I'rom middle; legs short;
ImII about the length of tarsus, which is c(|ual to middle toe; bare poilion of tibia
about twu-thirds the toes; tail about opposite the middle of tucH when outstretched.

EHYACOPHILUS SOLITAHIUS. - limaparU.

The Solitary Sandpiper.

Tringa inlitarin, AVilson. Am. Orn., VII. (1813) 53.

TvUmus sotUnrius, Audubon. Hirds Am., V. (1842) 309.

TutdiiM vhloriijiijijius. Nutt., II. 15'J. Aud. Orn. Hiog., III. (1835) 670; V. 683.

Ueschiption.

liill rather longer than the head, straight, slender, compressed; both mandibles
with narrow grooves; wing long, pointed; tail medium or rather short, rounded;
legs rather long, slender; lower half of the tibia naked; toes long, the outer united
to the middle by a sniul. membrane, flattened underneath, niarginated; upper parts
greenish-brown, with numerous small circular and irregular spots of ushy-white;
upper tail coverts darker; under parts white; breast and neck before with numerous
longitudinal lines of greenish-brown; sides, axillaries, and under wing coverts
white, with numerous transverse narrow bands of dark greenish-brown; under tail
coverts white, with a few transverse bands of dark-brown; quills brownish-black,
with a slight bronzed or reddish lustre on the primaries; two middle feathers of the
tail greenish-brown; other feathers of the tail pure-white, with about live transverse
bands of brownish-black; bill and legs dark greenish-brown; iris hazel.

Total Icngthj about eight to eight and a half inches; wing, five; tail, two and a
•[uarter; bill, one and a quarter; tarsus, one and a quarter inches.

Ihb. — Entire temperate regions of North America ; Jlexico.

The Solitary Sandpiper is not very common in any part
of New England. It arrives from the South early in May
iu pairs, aud frequents tlie sliores of our fresh-water ponds

4i^8

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOUY.

: : 1

<5

niid streams in proforoiico to those of tlio soaconftt, where,
ruiiniiig ulioiit with gitsiit activity, it hurtiurt itsulf iii Hcarch-
itig fur the lurva) ut' vuriuus atiuutio insects, of which its
food priiioipully coii.si.sts. Like the succeeding bpecies, it
hus the haint of nodding its head, and tipping up its liody
and tail, wiiicii lias given it tliu name of "• Wagtail," or
"Tuetler." NuttuU says timt it is seen in MassiU'lmsetts
only at the commencement of cold weatiier. 1 have fre-
quently met with it, both on our seashores and in tlio
meadows around our fresh-wutcr ponds, through the whole
sununjr. Sc^rral pair:* n^side through thn season on tin;
borders of P' ikapoag I'ond, in Canton, Mass.; anil they
undoubtedly breed there, although 1 have been unable to
lind their nest. This species remains with us until late in
September. When tlushed, it rises with a short, sharp
whistle, dillerent from that of the Spotted Sandpiper, which
it re.sembles in almost every other respect.

TKINGOIOKS, Bo.NAPAKTK.

TntKjoUki, BojJAl'AIiTE, Saggio di una (list., etc. (1831). (Typo Tringii hij/Ki.
kucus, L., Gray.)

.iclilis, llolE, lais (1S22), 600. Not of Illiger, I'radroraiis (1811).

Upper inaiidiblo grooveil to the tcnnhinl fourth; the bill tiiporinf; and ratlior
amle; ilol't of mouth only moderate; the culmeii about (Ive-sixtli.s the commissure;
feathers e.xteinliiif; rather further on side of lower jiiw lluiu upper, the former reaili-
inn as far as the bef^iuniufj of the nostrils; those of the chin to about their middle;
bill shorter than the head, straight, ciiuul to the tarsus, which is of the lent;th ul'
middle toe and claw; bare part of tiliia half the tarsus; outer too webbed to first
joint; iuner cletl about to the base; tail much rounded; more than half the wing.

TEINGOIDES MACULABIDS. — C/vij/.
The Spotted Sandpiper.

Tringa ma<jularia, Linnxus. Syst. Nat., I. (1768) 249. Wils. Am. Om., VII.
(1S13) 60.

Tutanus mnculnriiis, Nuttall. Man., II. (1834) 162. Aud. Orn. Hiog., IV.
(1838) 81. 74., Birds Am., V. (1842) 303.

Tringoules macularius, Gray, genera.

Dkscription.
Small; bill rather longer than the head, straight, slender; long grooves In both
mandibles; wing rather long, pointed; tail medium, rounded; legs rather lonn;;

TUK SPOTTED SANI>rilM;il.

469

IB31). (Typo Tringii hyim-

liiwer (bird of tlm titila iiaki'd! U»<* Imij,', iimrKiiiHd, hiuI flntliiiPil unclrniMlli i
miter connectfil with lln- iiilddlu tor liy a lur;;.' Mi>'mliriitii'; iriiifr very Kli>;litlv
nitinecti'ii to till) iiiidillii tor; uiipir partn browiiiHti idivc-jfrit'ii, with ii soiiu'whiil
iiii'tallic (ir liroiui'd lu.^tri', ami willi mmiditmii^ lnii^rjiii,|ii,a| liu,.^, ai,,t nai^iiititi',
liilii'polalu, niul irri'Kiilar ipnts of hrowiiWi-lilark, liaviiij{ thf Kami' lu-irrj linn
over tliH eye, and mllru mider pans wliitf, with iiiiimTinii cin uhir and oval fpcin
i)t"hrov\'iilKli-hlu(k,!iiiialU'r on tliu throat, larne.^t on llir alidnin.'ii; (|iillN lirowii, with
a >(>■<■''» lu'tru; primarion hlinhlly tippcil with wliltr, and li.uim; a whito -|iot
on their innvr cdi;i':i; Hccundariux whit« at thi'ir lia.o^i, and lipiinl with wlilti'; niiil-
die luathers of the tail naniH ^ri'tMi as other upp.T parts; outer tippcil with whit«<,
and with irri'h'nlar liurs of brownish-black; bill yullowish-^rt'en, tipped with brown ;
fi'i't rt'ddirh-ycdlow; iris ImzLd.

Voun^ le:'s liron>^ud above, and under parts white, without spoli.

Tolal length, suveii and a half tu eitfht imhe:<; win;;, four ami u huh; tail, two,
hill, oniM tarsus, rather le.'^s tluin omi ineh.

flub. — Kntire temperate North America; ()ri't;on; Kurope.

1'oi'1ki[).s iioiiu of ouf Hiiiniuci' residents are distiilmted ho
goueniUy and so iilxiiiiliindy tlndugliout Now Kiiglaiid us
the species now before ua. Every pond :ind stream of
water has two or th.roo pairs breeding on its shores; and it
is as abundant in the most thiekly settled as in the nioro
retired iuid secluded localities. It arrives from the South
al)out the first week in April ; and, separating into pairs, it
soon commences the duties of incubation. It manifests no
preference for a location near tho seacoast to one in the
interior ; and I have found it breeding as abundantly iu
the depths of tho Maine forests as on tlie low sandy islands,
or in tho marshes by our soacoast. Tho female, about the
third week in Ai)ril, scratches a hollow in tho sandy earth
by some pond, or sometimes in a grain-field or garden ; and,
lining it with a few pieces of straw or moss, lays four
eggs, which she adjusts with their small ends tt)gcther
in the middle of the nest. These eggs are usually abruptly
pyriform, sometimes a little more lengthened ; and are of a
yellowish-bu(T color, marked with blotches and spots of
iiraber and sienna, thickest at their greater end, where they
are ."ometiraes confluent. Occasionally, the primary c(jlor is
of a yellowish-drab tint, when the spots are much darker
tlian on the other shade. A great number of specimens in
uiy collection from many different localities exhibit a varia*

4G0

OllNlTUOLOUY AND OOLOGY.

tion of size from 1.40 by 1 inch to 1.2G by .9o inch. I can
sec no niarlicd peculiarity in any scries of specimens, except-
ing that those collected in the interior of Maine average
a little larger than those T'om the seacoast.

The flight of the Spotted Sandpiper is jrencrally low, its
wings being kept bent at an angle beneath its body. It has
a peculiar note, like peet-tveet, peet-weet, easily recognized.

AGTITUKUS, lioNAPAHTE.

AclUurus, liosAVAKCE, Sagglo, etc., (1831). (Type Tringa Bartramia, Vfil-
Bon.)

Upper inanJible grooved laterally to within the terminal foiirth, the lower not
quite s) far; culmen concave to near the tip, where it is sliglitly deciirvod ; gonys
straight; mouth deeply clelt, almost as far back as the anterior canthus; the culmen
only about two-thirds the commissure, shorter than the Imad or tarsus, and about
equal to middle toe without claw ; feathers extending much further forward on tlie
upper jaw than on the lower, althon,:;li those of chin reach nearly to end of nostrils;
tarsus one and a half times middle toe and claw; the bare part of tibia not quite
equal to the middle toe above; outer toe united at base as far as first joint; web of
inner toe very basal; tail long, graduated, more than half the wings.

ACTITUEUS BAETBAMIDS. — Bonaparte.

The Upland Plover ; Bartram's Sandpiper ; Field Plover.

Trinf/a Bartramia, Wilson. Am. Orn., VII. (1813) 63. Aud. Birds Amer., V.
(1842) 248.

Tvlanus Bartrainitts, Audubon. Orn. Biog., FV. (1838) 24.
Tringa (Eviiga) Bartramia, Nuttall. Man.. II. (1834) 108.

Descripi'ION.

Bill about as long as the head, rather wide and flattened at base, curved at the
tip; nostril with a large membrane; nasal groove long; wing long; tail long for this
group; legs moderate or rather long; lower half of the tibia naked; toes moderate,
the outer and middle toe united by a membrane, inner and middle free to the base,
hind toe snull; gi'neral color of tlie upper part.s brownish-black, with a giceiiish lus-
tre, and with the feathers edged with ashy-white and yellowish, the latter especially
on the wing coverts ; lower part of tiie back, rump, and upper tail coverts, brownisli-
black; lateral coverts of the tail j'ellowish-white, with arrow-heads and irregular
spots of black; wide stripe over the eye, and entire mdci' parts very pale yellowish-
white, nearly pure-white on the abdomen; neck before with numerous longitudinal
lines of brownish-black; breast and sides with waved and pointed transverse narrow
bands of the same ; axillory feathers and under wing coverts pure-white, with nume-
rous nearly regular transverse narrow bands of black; quills brownish-black, with
numerous tiansverse bands of white on their inner webs, very conspicuous on the
under surface of the wing ; shaft of first primary white ; middle feathers of the tail

I'LATK 111

r .95 incli. I can
specimens, cxccpt-
of Maine average

)ast.

frenerally low, its
1 its body. It has
xsily recognized.

i Tringa Barli-amia, Wi\-

,inal fourth, the lower not
s fliglitly (lecurvod; gonys
tcrior canthus; tlio culmeu
U.ad or tarsus, und about
luch further forward on the
h nearly to end of nostrils;
bare part of tibia nut quita
as far as first joint; web of
If the wings.

ynaparte.
; Field Plover.
63. And. Birds Amer., V.

38) 24.
J4) 168.

:ened at base, curved at the
wing long ;taillonK for this
tibia naked; toes moderate,
,.,kI middle free to the base,
sh-black, with a greenish lus-

ellowish, the latter especially
upper tail coverts, brownish-
h arrow-heads and irregular
c./ parts very pale ycUowish-
, with numerous longitudmal
nd pointed transverse narrow
.vcrts pure-white, with nume-
; quills brownish-black, with
,'ebs, very conspicuous ou the
e; middle feathers of the t&il

1

3

^^:: *>*i-, ..•■ Civ

iig- 1. t'lumau (irons.-, Tetmo Cnim'lfnsi.i. LinnnMis.

,, 2. Kiliac'or I'lovor, Amialilis roci/rriis. (,'ii.ssiii.

,, y. ^•nilimUtmtvd Vlmvr, Aigiiililis smiiiialDKilir'!. Ciibiiiils

., 4. Aiiicriciin Woo.lTO.k, i'/iiV<ifcf/a jHi/Kir. (Irn.v.

,, '>■ Wilstm's Snip,., (7((//m(H'o HV/jOHii. Itona|iartP.

,, ti. liilmiil nr Kiii.l IMovur, Arlilurus Rirlramiii- Ilomipiirto.

,, 7. Vii'K'iniii Itiiil, Unllus \'ir:;iniiinii). I.iinm-ui.

,. S. ("iiroliiia Kail, I'urznnu ('unilina. Vicillot.

■<;>

»;r»

Mr-

THE UPLAND PLOVER.

4ul

onmn ffrocnish-brown as the back, witli irreguJar and impprfoct trnnsv>r«L' linii(l>( of
black; outer feathers pale redilisli-ycllow, edjjed and tipped with white, mid with
several irregular transverse bands and a large pubterminal arrnw-heail ol' black;
bill greenish-yellow, with the under mandible mor<! clear yellnw towards il-s base,
tip brownish-black; legs light-yellow; toes darker; iris haztl.

Total length, about twelve inches; wing, six and a halt'; tail, three ami a half.

Uab. — Eastern North America, Snutii America, P'uropc.

Everywhere in the interior of the States on the Atlantic, this is the uuwt abun-
dant and best-known ppecics of this group, l.'nlike neiirly all other \ this bird
prefers plains and cultivated fields, and is one of tlu, species which has not dicreaseil
in numbers on account of the extension of cultivation and the settlement of the
country. On tho contrary, it appears to be quite at home in the farm lands, and
rears its young in the fields of grass and grain in tho most populous rural districts
of the country.

This bird, commoniy known as the " Upland Plover," is
not abundant in New England as a summer resident, it
breeds sparingly in all these States, arriving in pairs about
the 10th of April. It is less aquatic tliau most of tho
other species in this order, and frequents old j)astures,
stubble-fields, and cornfields, in preference to meadows and
flats. It begins to nest about the last week in ]\[ay. It is
quite shy at all times, and difficult of ap{)roach, and I have
spent half a day in one pasture before I could find the nest ;
both old birds keeping up their shrill whistle, and flying
about me always out of gunshot. The nest is placed in a
slight hollow ill the ground, and is constructed of a few
loose straws and leaves, arranged in a circular manner.
The eggs are four in number, sometimes three. They arc
more ovoidal in form than most of our other Waders' eggs,
and almost exactly resemble those of the Woodcock, but
average considerably larger ; varying from 1.92 by l.:31 inch
(from Wisconsin) to 1.70 by 1.25 (from Massachusetts).
The primary color of some specimens is a buff, while others
are of a creamy-drab: they are marked with spots of two
shades of brown, and obscure spots of lilac.

By the middle of August, and from then until late in
September, these Plovers assemble in small flocks of eight
or ten individuals. They then frequent hilly pastures, both
on the seacoast and in the interior, where they feed on

4G2

ORNITnOLOOY AND OOLOGY.

.1 -?

:i

trr*

grasshoppers, crickets, grains, and seeds. Tliey arc tlicn in
good condition, and of delicate flavor on the table, and are
much pursued by sportsmen ; but, as they arc swift-flying
birds, and vary shy, it requires a more than ordinary shot to
bag many o;^ them.

TRYNGITES, Cabanis.

Trirtfiites, Cabanis, .Jour, fiir Cm. (1856), 418. (Type Tringn rufescent,
Vioillot.)

Upper mandible grooved to about the temiinfll fourth; the lower nut quite so
far; culmen and gonys about straight; mr.ith deeply cleft more than half-way to
the eye ; the culmen about two-thirds the commissure ; culmen much shorter than the
head, and about equal to middle toe without claw; tarsus about one and one-sixth
as long as middle toe and claw; bard part of tibia decidedly shorter than middle toe
without claw; toes cleft to the base, with only a very rudimentiirj* web; upper jaw
feathered to the nostrils ; the side of the lower and beneath feathered much further,
or to the end of the nostrils; the interspace of the rami entirely filled; tail some-
what graduated, not half the wing.

TETNGITES EUPESCEKS. — Cahami.

The Buff-breasted Sandpiper.

rringa rtifescens, Nuttall. Man., II. (1834) 118. Aud. Om. Biog., III. (1885;
451. 76., Birds Am.. V. (1842) 264.

Description.

Bill about the length of the head, straight, compressed, narrow at the point;
nasal groove long; wings verj'long; first quill longest; tertiaries rather shorter;
tail moderat" or longer than usual in this group ; legs rather long ; lower third of the
tibia naked; toes free at b.ise, flattened underneath, and slightly margined ; hind
toe sm.ill; upper parts pale and dull ashy-brown witli a yellowish tinge; every
feather with a large central, lanceolate, crescent-sh.aped, or oblong spot of black,
frequently with a glossy-green tinge, especially on the back and siiorter tertiaries;
under parts light j'cUowish-red, or pale-fa^vn color; many fe.ithers tipped with white,
aud p.'der on the flanks and abdomen, on the breast with partially concealed small
spots of black; axillary feathers white; quills with their outer webs light-brown,
inner webs ashj'-white, marbled with black and narrowly tipped with white ; middle
tail feathers brownish-black; outer feathers lighter, with transverse waved lines of
black, and tipped with white; bill black; legs greenish-yellow; iris hazel.

Total length, seven and a half to eight inches; wings, five and a half; tail,
three: bill, from gape, one, tarsus, one and a quarter inches.

IT':b. — All of North America, South America, Kurope.

This is a little bird of rather pocidiar style of form, and of remarkable and hand-
Bome plumage. Its relationship appenrs to be to the preceding well-known species.
Both this and the preceding bird more habitually frequent plains and other dry
localities than any of the true Sandpipers.

THE MARBLF.O (iODWIT.

4m

Type Tringa rufescevt.

The Biiff-brcasted Sandpiper, althougli not alniii(laiit on
the shores of New England, is by no nvians rare, in tlie
montliH of August and Sei)toml)er, when it is returning
iVom its uortlierii breeding-places. It is seldom seen hero
in spring; but it seems to pass over Now England in its
northern flight. Of its breeding habits, nest, eggs, «S;c.,
we are ignorant. Audubon was of the opinion that it breeds
ai)out tiie arctic seas, as he had seen a wing of tliis bird
tliat came from there ; but i^e knew notliing of its bi ceding
habits whatever.

In the autumn, while with us, it does not frequent tlio
beach as much as it does the marslies and flats in its vicin-
ity, where it is known as one of the " Grass-birds " to our
gunners. It feeds upon grasshoppers and other insects,
and becomes very fat; so much so, that skinning it for
cabiujt preservation, at that season, is almost an impos-
sibility.

ud. Om. Biog., Ill- (188B;

Section Limosr^..

Bill longer than the tarsus, curving slightly upwards towards the end, where it is
thickened; both mandibles grooved for nearly the whole length; gape of mouth
very short, not extending beyond the base of culmen.

LIMOSA, Bbisson.

Limosn, BuissoN, Om. (1760). (Type Scolopnx limosa, L.)

Bill lengthened, exceeding the tarsus, slender, and curving gently upwards;
grooved to near the tip; the tip not attenuated, but pointed; the lower almost as
long as the upper; culmea without any furrow; tarsus with t .lUsvcrse scutella
before and behind, reticulated laterally; a short basal membrane between the middla
and outer toes ; tail short, even.

nd of remarkable and hand-
iceding well-known species,
qnent plains and other diy

, LIMOSA FEDOA. -(Ainn.) Ord.

The Marbled Godwit.

Soolopax fedoa, Wilson. Am. Oru., VIT. (1813) 30.

Limotafedoa, NutwU. Man., II. (1834) 173. Aud. Om. Biog., III. (1886) 287;
V. B90.

464

OUNITHOLOr.Y AND OOLOGY.

,| ...1

J f-r;

PF.SflinTION.

Hill Inns, curvrd "pwnrds; both mandibles grooved ; winfjslnng; tail short; leg!"
lon(f ; tibia with its Inwerhalf nnked; toes rather short, margined and flattened undiT-
neath; the outer and middle toes united by a rather large membrane; entire upper
parts variegated with I)rownisli-bliick and pale-reddish, the former disposed in irrcgu-
l.ir and conlluent bauds, and the latter in spots and imperfect bands; in many !-|ii( i-
i.uns the black color predominating on the back, and the pale-re<l on the rump and
upper tail coverts; under parts pale-rufous, with transverse Vmo^ of brownish-lilaik
iiu the breast and sides; under wing coverts and axillarie? darker rufous; outer
webs of i)rimaries dark-brown, inner webs light-rufous; secondaries liglit-rufous;
tail light-rufous, with transverse bars of brownish-block; bill pale-yellowish, red at
base, brownish-black at the end; legs ashy -black.

Total length, about eighteen inches; wing, nine; tail, three and a half; bill, four
to five; tarsus, three inches; iris, brown.

f/(ib. — Entire temperate regions of North America; South America.

A large and handsome shore bird, well known to sportsmen as the Godwit, and a
great favorite for shooting. From the collections of tlie sur\-cying expeditious, it
appears to be '.'qually abundant in tlie interior and on the Pacific as on the eastern
coast of the United States.

It is only in the spring and autumn migrations that the
Great Marl )led Godwit is found in New England; and at
those times it makes oidy a short stay, particularly in the
spring.

They arrive from the south early in May, and pass to the
most northern countries, where they pass the season of
incubation.

Of their breeding habits I am ignorant, and I have no
eggs in my collection to give a description here.

In the autumn, even as early as the middle of August,
flocks of ten or a dozen birds appear in the marshes on the
seacoast of Massachusetts ; and, these flocks uniting their
numbers, sometimes as many as a hundred birds are found
together. They are called by our sportsmen " Dough " or
" Doe " Birds ; and, as they are in good condition and well
flavored, they are in great repute, and are hunted with great
activity. The gunners, using decoys, conceal themselves in
the manner described in the account of the Golden Plover
on a preceding page, and secure great numbers. They meet
with a ready sale in our markets, at very remunerative
prices ; and I have known of two gunners realizing sixty
dollars as the proceeds of one day's shoothig.

«r 'i»-

y.

THK IIIIDSONIAN (idDWIT.

4«io

inffslonR; fnil sliort; 'eR*
■pnod and flattened undir-
e membrane; entire iippir
, fonncr disposed in irrc(;ii-
fcct bands; in many !-pe> i-
pnle-rod on tbe rump and
•fl'e linof* of brownisli-bliuli
larie^ darker rufous; outor
; setonduries light-rufous;
1 bill pale-yellowish, red at

, three and a half; bill, four

South America,
rfsmen as the Godwit, and a
lie su^^•eving expeditious, it
,e Paciflo as on the eastern

migrations tliat tho
2W England ; and ai
ly, particularly in the

|May, and pass to the
pass the season of

orant, and I have no

ription here.

lie middle of Aiigust,

in the marshes on the
e flocks uniting their
ndred birds are found
ortsmeu "Dough "or
od condition and well
are hunted with great
conceal themselves in
of the Golden Plover
numbers. They meet
at very remunerative
Linuers realizing sixty
shooting.

At this season, these birds associate witli otlier species ;
and it is a common occurrence to l)ring to the ground, at
one discharge of the gun into one of those floci<s, two or
three different species.

By the 20th of September, they have left our shores.
Tliey are most abundant about tho first week in tliat month.

LIMOSA KVHSOmCA. — Sirmnsnn.

The Hudsonian Godwit.

Scohpax Iludsorica, Latham. Ind. Om., II. (1790) 720.

Limosa Iludionica. Sw. F. B. A., II. (1831) 396. Nutt. Man., II. (1834) 176
Aud. Om. Biog., III. (1835) 426; "V. 592. lb., Birds Am., V. (1842) 335

DKSCRimoN.

Smaller than the preceding; bill longer than the licad; botli U'andiblca grooved,
slightly recurved; wings long; legs moderate; membrane uniting the outer and
middle toe large.

Adult. — Upper parts brownish-black, with spots and transverse bars nf pule-
reddish on the b.ick; rump brownish-black ; upper tail coverts white; wing covert.s
and shorter quills dark-cinereous; primaries brownisli-black ; under parts ycllnwisli-
red, with transverse bars of brownish-black on the breast and sides and undtT t;\il
coverts, and frequently with the feathers on the abdomen widely tipped wiili white;
tail black, with the base white, and narrowly tipped with white; under wing coverts
and axillaty feathers black ; shafts of primaries white ; bill pale-yellowish at base ;
tip brownish-black ; legs bluish-brown.

Ycntnger. — Head and upper parts cinereous, irregularly marked on the top of the
head, and on the back, with brownish-black: stripe before, and over the eye, white:
imder parts dull yellowish-white; under wing coverts and axillaries black; rump
black; upper tail coverts white; tail black; base and tip white; bill yellow, tippid
with brownish-black; legs dark-brown; iris brown.

Total length, about fifteen inches; wing, eight; tail, three; jill, two and three-
quarters to three and a half; tarsus, two and a half inches.

This species is less abundant than the preceding, seldom
more than a half-dozen specimens being taken in a season
oil our coast. It associates with the other, and has all it.s
habits and characteristics. It is called by the gunners, the
" Smaller Doe-bird."

Like the Greater Godwit, it breeds in the most northern

.sections of the country. I have no specimen of its egg

b^^ . and can give no description of its breeding habits

).

80

#

466

OriNlTHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

NUMEXItTS, T.iNS.Kiis.

iVumeni'ui, I.iNN.Tci's. Syst. Nat. (1740). (Typo Scalnprix ariunln, \,.)
I.ej^a covcrcil anteriorly with trnnsvcrsL' scutfllic, laterally niid beliiiid with small
hiixngonal Rcales; bill very Itmg, cxcooding the tibia, and curved downward? fur
the terminal hall; the ciilmen rounded; tip of bill ex|)anded laterally, anil cliil>-
shaped; grooves of bill not reaching beyond the middle; tcrtiuls as long oa pri-
maries.

1 ';

3 *^

NUMENIUS LONGIROSTEIS.— mVs'm.

The Long-billed Curlew; Sickle-bill Curlew.

Numeniiis hrxjirnslris, Wilson. Am. Om., VIII (1814) 24. Nutt. Man., 11.

(1834) 8S. And. Orn. liiog., III. (1835) 240; V. 587. lb., IJirds Am., VI. (1843)

85.

Description.

The largest American species of this genus; bill very long, much curved; upper
mandible longer than the under, somcwiiat knobbed at the tip; wing rather long;
legs modcrat*; toes united at base; entire upper parts jiale-rulnus, tinged with
nshy; every feather with transverse and confluent bands of brownish-black, mou
numerous and predominating on the back and scapulars; secondary quills, under
wing coverts, and axillarics, bright-rufous; primaries with their outer webs brownish-
blnck, and their inner webs rufous, with transverse bands of black; under parts
pale-rufous, with longitudinal lines of black on the neck and sides; tail rufoua,
tinged with ashy, transversely barred with brownish-black; bill brownish-black;
base of under niamlible reddish-yellow; legs bluish-brown; specimens vary to some
extent in the shade of the rufous color of the plumage, and very much in the length
of the bill; the rufous color is probably more distinct in the j'oung; iris hazel.

Total length, about twentj'-iive inches; wing, ten to eleven; tail, four; bill, five
to eight; tarsus, two and a quarter inches.

Ilab. — The entire temperate regions of North America.

This spcci(?s is not very abundant on our coast in the
spring and autumn. Wilson, in describing its habits,
says, —

" Like the preceding, this bird is an inhabitant of marshes in the
vicinity of the ses. It is also found in the interior, where, from
its long bill, and loud, whistling note, it is generally known.

"The Curlews appear in the salt marshes of New Jersey about
the middle of May, on their way to the north ; and in September,
on their return from their breeding-places. Their food consists
chiefly of small crabs, which they are very dexterous at probing
for, and pulling out of the holes with their long bills; they also
feed on those small sea-snails so abundant in the marshes, and on

>0Y.

TJIK SIIOUT-UILLED OR HUKSONIAN CUULKW.

Wl

kohpnx arqurtln, L.)
irally ami beliiiul with Binall
.and" curved downwards f.T
'xi.andfd laterally, and dul'-
dle; tcrtiuls aa lout' as i)ii-

■ WiUon.

)ill Curlew.

(1814) 24. Nutt. Man., n.
. lb., Hirds Am., VI. (1*43)

cry long, much curved; upper
at" the tip; wing rather long;
parts palc-rul'ous, tinged with
bands of brownish-black, moU
pillars ; sceondary quills, under
with their outer webs brownish-
bands of black; under parts
ic neck and sides; tail rufous,
sh -black; bill brownish-black;
brown; specimens vary to some
re, and very much in the length
tin the young; iris hazel.
1 to eleven; tail, four; bill, five

nerica.

on our coast in the
describing its habits,

habitant of marshes in the
the interior, wiiere, from
generally known,
hes of New Jersey about
lorth; and in September,
ces. Their food consists
ery dexterous at probing
lieir long bills ; they also
t in the marshes, and on

various worms and insecti». Tlioy .ire likttwi.st; ioml ul' luiiiiiMf
berries, fn-quenting the fields and ui)lands in search of this fruit,
oil which they get very fat, and ai-c then tonder and good catini;.
altogetlicr free from the sedgy taste with wliidi their tlcsli is usually
t;iiiit('d while tliey feed in the salt marshes.

" The Curlews fly high, generally in a wtulge-like form, somewhat
le.'iemhling certain Duci<s, occasionally uttering tlieir loud, whistling
note, by a dexterous imitation of which a wiiole Hock may some-
times be enticed within gun-ihot, while the cries of the wounded
are sure to detain them until the gunner has made rope d shots
and great havoo among them."

The eggs of the Long-billed Curlew arc four in num
bcr. Tliey are pyriform in shape, and almost e.Kuctly
resemble the eggs of the Willct, but are considerably
larger ; their dimensions being 2.75 inch in Icigth by 1.9t5
in breadth.

Along the shores of the northern side of Cape Cod, this
species is most abundant in the autumnal fliglit, where it
appears in flocks of fifteen or twenty. Like many others of
our shore-birds, it is taken, with the aid of decoys, by per-
sons concealed in pits ; and, being a delicate and well-con-
ditioned bird, it is in high esteem, and much sought for in
the markets where it is exposed for sale.

HUMENIDS RVDSOmCVS. — Latham.
The Short-billed or Hudsonian Curlew.

Sflrfopaa; Joren/ts, Wilson. Am. Om., VII. (1813) 22.

Numenius Ilvdsonicut, Nuttall. Man., 11. (1834) 97. Aud. Orn. Biog., m.
(1635) 283; V. 589. lb., Birds Am., VI. (1843) 42.

DnscniPTioN.

Sm.nllerthan the preceding; bili about twice the length of the head; wings long;
tail short; legs moderate; head above brownish-black, with a longitmlinal band:
other upper parts brownish-black, tinged with ashy, spotted with dull yellowish-
white, and lighter on the rump; under parts dull yellowish-white, with loiigitiidiiial
narrow stripes of blackish-brown on tlie neck and breast; under wing coverts and
axillaries pale ashy-rufous, transversely barred with black ; quills brownish-black,
with transverse, bars of pale-rufous on the inner webs; tail brownish-black, with

di^i

4)1^

OIlNITHOLOfiY AND OOLOflY.

tronsveisp Imrs of pnio ashr-lirowti ; hill browninli-hlnck ; hnxe of lower maiidilil'
rtMtdisli-ycIlow; Ic^h Krponislihrnwn; upocimcnn vrtry in thr> ulindc of the liuli i
colurfl of ti'(! pUiiiiii;{c and in the longth of thu bill; iri.t lirnwn.

Smiillpr, ntid with the colors diiriTciit iy<im the preordiiif;. I his hird i-i repn'-
lentcd a', alininliint in the nurtlicm rcj^inns of thU ri>nlint>nt, hut Ih much \i'**
frequcDC in tlie I'nitod StateK than thu pri'ciMlin^;.

Total lcti(;tli, about eighteen in(hei); win^, nine; tail, four; hill, three to four;
tamii^, two and a c|uartor inches.

flnb. — Athintic and Pacific coasts of North America; (^alifoniia (Mr Cii*-
»i Jy ).

»:r

This species is rare in New Enpland. 1 have never mot
with it alive, find will have to depend npon the observations
of others. Wilson says, —

" The Short-billed Ciirlnw tirrives m Inrge flocks on the seacoast
of New Jersey early in IMay, from Iho South ; frequents the salt
marslics, muddy shores, uiul inlets, feedinjr on small worma and
minute shell-fish. They are most commoidy seen on mud-flats at low
water, in company with various other Waders ; and, at high water,
roam along the marslies. They fly high, and with great rapidity.
A few are seen in June, and as late as the beginning of July, when
they generally move off toward the North. Their appearance on
these occasions is very interesting : they collect together from tlio
marshes, as if by premeditated design, rise to a great lieight in
the air, usually an hour before sunset ; and, forming in one vast
line, keep up a constant whistling on their way to the north, as
if convening with one another to render the journey more agree-
able."

Nuttall says, —

" From the middle of August to the beginning of September,
they arrive in the vicinity of Massachusetts Bay and other parts of
New England, frequenting the pastures as well as marshes, and
fatten on grasshoppers and berries till the time of their departure,
about the close of September."

THE ESyUlMAUX (LULKW.

4U8

.e beginning of July, wliou

NDUENIUS BOREALIS. - hiih.im.

Tba Esquimaux Curlew.

SumeniutU>renlii,'Sutta\\. Man , II. (1834) lOU. Aud. Urn. Ilioj; , 111. (l>>81)
SO; V. 690. lb., Uirds Am., VI. (1H43) 45.

DK.stiurrio.N.

Miuli sinallcT tlmii citlii'r of the prcitdiiij,', liul v .n.ililiiin .V. llmUim'n'iit in iiilDrj
lii'.l rutlicr longer than the head. slencUr; wind's lunKi tall shcrt; \\.%* modorute;
entire upiier parts bruwni«h-l)lui k, spotted with dull yellnwiiih-rulbiiR; tpiills brown-
i^ll-llla(■k, unit'onu on both webi^, wilhoiit burs ou either; under win;; coverts and
n.^illarieH lifcht-rnCous, with tran»ver.-e .stripes of browiiisli-biack ; iindiT partM dull-
\tliile, tniKed with rul'ou.i, with longltiidinul narrow utripe.t of bruwni^h-black on the
lieek ami breast, and transverse stripe.s of the same on the side.s and under tail
coverts; tail ashy-brown, willi transverse bauds of brownish-blaek; bill biownish-
bluek; base of under nuindible yellow; legs greenisb-bruwn; iris dark-brown.

Total length, about thirteen and a half inches; wing, eight and a (piarler; tail,
three; bill, two und u quarter to two and a half; tarsus, one and lliree-<|uarterR
inches.

This snnall and interesting Curlew is merely a bird of passage in the United
States, to be nut with in the Hprin^; and autumn. It Is easily distinguished I'roni
either of the preceding by its small size and its comparatively short and weak bill
We have never seen it from the western countries of the United States.

It is only in tho migrations that this bird visits Nuw
Kiigland, and then only in small munbors. Tboy make
their appearance by the last week in April, and pass to the
most northern sections, where they Ijieed, aud tlnjii return
here about the first week in Peptombcr.

Says Nuttall, "On tho loth of June, 182-J, Dr. Riuli-
ardson discovered one of these Curlews sitting on throe
eggs, on tho shore of Point Lake. When appruached, she
ran a short distance from the nest, crouching near to tho
ground, and then stopped to watch the motions of her
encroaching visitor. The eggs, sometimes as many as four,
have a pyriform shape, and a sifekin-groen color, clouded
with a few irregular spots of bright aimber-brown."

Ou their return in autumn, this Curlew lias all the habits
of the two preceding species : like them, " they are remark-
ably gregarious, each company seeming to follow some tem-
porary leader ; and, on starting to fly, a sort of watch-cry
i.s heard, resembling the whistling pronunciation of the

470

(mMTIIOUXiV AM) OOLiXJV

word fiir-ht'f. On tluiir iinival from tlio North, tlu!)' aro
vui-y I'lit, |)luiii|), ami well fliivorrd, and iiiclinlt'd, like t)i<>
prccfdiii;^ ami I Ik; Marliltjd (iodwit, uiidm' tin; g(;iu;nil iiuuii:
of Doc-binU : tlioy iiro souglit out hy epicures, and onlmiict)
tlio vuliio of a tublu ontortaimnoiit." Tlu;)' frociuoiit tlio
uiarslios and adjoiniii)^ pastuicrt, wIkuo tliuy food muoli upnii
grasslioppors ami olli(;f iiisocls and oartliwonn.s, which tlicy
colloul piiiicijiully towards ovoniiig, or early in tlio morning.

Trioe I'alldicoi,^:,'

:i

■% ••-j

5J

Spi'cii'H liviii)^ in niarslu's, wit.i flevotud boilios, much comprcsBcd laternllv:
ustually with lun(;i;r niitks tliuii niosl Snipi', with mudiTali'ly loii^, stronj?, iiiiil stout
billH, ulrto imu'li Cdinprt'sst'd, and covered at tip hy a horny invcHtniciit ; tin' rcinaiiiiiii^
portion nieinbranou.s, witli elouKatcd nasal furrow, and narrow, more or less perlor-
ate, nostrilw; the lores are fualliered unilbrndy as in the LiinicnUe ; the rest of lliu
piumat^e without the spotting; of the Snipes; wiii;;s rather short, more roundeil than
pointed, and when folded do not reach beyond the short, 8oft, and l'eel)lo tail, in
fact, seldom to its base; the outer two or three primaries j;enerally abbreviated; tlio
toes aro very lonj?, cleft to the base, thin, and jjenerally with verj- lon^ claws;
the same is the case with the hind toe, which is not only niueli lonjjer than in tl.e
Liinkulai, but is (generally inserted more nearly un the same level with the anterior
ones, touching the ground for most of its extent.

The species pick up their food on the surfuco, ond do not probo the soft mud in
search of it.

The North-American species of this tribe aro few in number, though very aljun-
dant in individuals. Their habit of close concealment among tho reeds and (;rasi
of marshy places rcinlers them very ditlicult of detection, except when their abodes
•re more or less submerged.

Suh-Family Rallin.«. — The Rails.
RALLUS, LINN.KU8.

Rallits, LisN.KUs, Syst. Nat.

Bill longer thnn the head, rather slender, compressed; upper tnandildo slightly
cun-ed; nostrils in a long groove, and with a large membrane; wings short; tertiary
quills long, frequently longer than the primaries; tail very short; legs modemte;
tarsus shorter than the middle too, and covered on all sides with transver.'.e scales;
toes long and rather slender; inner toe rather shorter than the outer; hind toe sb.d
and weak.

1 See Introduction.

,00 Y.

tlio Nortli, tlioy ait'
ml iiicliiilt'tl, like tlf
ulcr til"! gt;ii<;nil niuiir
jpicuros, and onhiuiri!

TIh!)' IVcClUtMlt till'

! tliey loctl iimcli \ipou

rthwonus, which tlicy

oarly in Iho luoniing.

K.'

s, much compressed laterally:
(U'Wli'ly loiiK. stvmiK. ""'l """"
(irny invcrttmitit; tli" rcmainim,'
ml narrow, inoro or k.-^s \Krhir-
ill the LimkiiUf, the rest of lliu
rather short, mnre roiimlril th;iii
le short, soft, uiid t'eehle tail, in
;iries jjeiierally abbreviated; tlio
eiierally with very loiiK daws
uiily much loiiKir than in tl.e
lie same level with the aiiteriur

1 do not probe the suit inud in

V ill number, though very ainm-

cut among "'O f'^"'** "'"' ^^'^**
cction, except when their abodes

The Rails.

iresscd; upper mandible slightly
membrane; winns short; tertiary
tail very short; legs moderate;
n all sides with transverse scales ;
er than the outer; hind toe sb,M

i

a«

S

t-f.

■ •< fj

»^

"^ ^

HiQ

THE CLAPPER RAIL.

171

RALLUS ELEGANS. — /Iu(/u6(m.

Marsh Hen.

Rallus (hgans, Audubon. Orii. IJiog., IIL (1837) 27.
Jidllus crtjnlans, Wilson. Am. Oru., VII. (lM3j.

Desckution.

Upper parts olivc-browi:, with longititlinal stripes of brownish-black, most
miinordiis on the back; line from the base of the bill over the eye dull orunpe-ycl-
low; space before and behind the eye browni.sli-tinereous; throat .ind lnwtr evelid
white; neck before and breast bright ruf(j.>-ehe,--tiiut; tiides and abdomen, and under
tail coverts, with traiL-iverse bands of browni.sh-bluek and white, the dark bands
being the wider; tibioe dull yellowi.sh-white, with spots and tranhvtrse bars of u.->hv-
lirowu; upper wing coverts reddish-chestnut; under wing everts black, with trans-
verse lines of white. Sexes alike.

Total length (from tip of bill to end of tail), about seventeen inches; wing, six
and llfty one-hundredths ; tail, three inches.

This beautiful bird is so exceedingly rare in Now Eng-
land, that it can be regarded only as a straggler from its
southern home. It has all the habits of the following
species ; and its eggs exactly resemble those of the Clapjjer
Rail, but average about one-fifth larger.

EALLUS CREPITANS. — Gmtlin.

The Clapper Bail; Mud-hen.

Rallui crepitans, Gmelin. Syst. Nat., L (1788) 713. Wils. Am. Orn., Vll.
(1813) 112. Aud. Orn. Biog., IIL (1835) 33; V. 570. Jb., Birds Am., V. (1842) 106.

Description.

Upper parts light ashy-olive, with longitudinal stripes of brownisli-black, most
numerous on the back; a lino of dull yellowish-whitu from the base of the bill over
the eye; space before and behind the eye ashy; throat and under eyelid white;
n«'ck before and breast pale reddish-yellow, or tawny, tinged with bluish-ashy on
the breast: sides, abdomen, under taii coverts, and tibiie, with ttansverse bands of
brownish-black and wliite, the former being the wider; upper wing coverts brown-
i.sh-olive; under wing coverts black, with transverse lines of white; iris pale-yellow.

Total length (to end of tail), about fourteen inches; wing, live and a half; tail,
two and a half inches.

This bird, so well known in the Middle and Soutiiern
States, is rarely found in New England as a summer visi-
tor. It has been known to breed in the most southern
localities in these States ; but the instances are few, and it
can be called only an accidental species in New England.

472

OUNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

i.i:

It begins to build about tlie lOtli of May. The nest is
placed on tlie ground in a marsh, sometimes in a tussock ol'
grass or on a pile of seaweed : it is constructed of a largt;
mass of dried grasses and weeds, and is but little hollowed.
The eggs are from five to seven or eiglit in number. Theii-
form is usually ovoidul, and their primary color dull creamy-
drab or dirty-buir. This is marked more or less thickly with
sjiots and blotches of different shades of brown and obscure
spots of lilac. The nearest in resemblance to these eggs
are those of the Woodcock ; but, when a number of each are
placed side by side, the eggs of the latter may be readily
identified by their generally more pyriforra shape. The
dimensions of the eggs of the Clapper Rail vary from
1.82 by 1.25 inch to 1.63 by 1.14 inch. The greater
number of sjjots are more of a purplish tint ; and they
are generally rather sparingly distributed over the entire

The habits of this species are similar to those of the fol-
lowing ; but the Clapper Rail seems to prefer for it' home
the marshes in the neighborhood of salt water.

EALLUS VIEGINIANUS. — imntEMS.

The Virginia Bail.

Kallus Mryinianm, Linnaeus. Syst. Nat., L (1766) 263. Wils. Am. Om., VIL
(181!5) 109. NuU. Man., IL (1834)'205. Aud. Om. Biog., IIL (1835) 4I5 V. 673.
76., liiids Am., V. (1842) 174.

Description.

Slucli fiiialler tlinn cither of the preceding, but resembling tliem in form, oinl
resembling also 11. nhtjints in colors; upper parts olive-brown, with longitudinal
.stripes of browni.'ih-blaek; line from base of bill over the eye reddish-white; throat
white; neck before and brea.^t bright-rufous; abdomen and under tail coverts with
transverse bands of black aud white, thetbriner being the wider; upper wing covert*
bright rutbiis-cliestnut; under wing coverts black, with transverse lines of white,
iris briglit-red.

Total length (from tip of bill to end of tail), about seven and a half inches; winR
lour; tail, cue and a half incites.

This handsome species is pretty gcnorally distributed
tl roughout Now England as a summer resident. Unliki

THI': VIRGINIA liAlL.

47:5

esembling tliem in form, and
live-brown, with longitudinal
the eye reddish-white ; throat
and under tail coverts with
the wider; upper wins coveru
ith transverse lines of white;

icven and a half inches; wins

the jirucediujr, it locates itself in the fresli-water mead-
ows, where, iu a tussock ui" grass or in a jjile of ilrif;-
weed, it forms its nest. This is nothing but a pile of
weeds or grass, which it arranges in a compact manner,
aid hollows to the depth of perhaps an inch or an inch and
a hair.

The eggs are from six to ten in munber, usnally about
seven. They are ovoidal in form, and generally seem to be
like a miniature of those of the Chipper Rail: some speci-
mens, collected in Cambridge, Mass., are of a deep-buff color ;
but none approach the color of the Carolina Kail suflicieiitly
to be mistaken for them. They are spotted with small
marks of reddish and brown, and with a few obscure spots
of lilac. They vary iu their dimensions from 1.30 by .96 to
1.2.3 by .90 inch.

This species is undoubtedly more abundant in New
England, particularly in its southern portions, than most per-
sons generally believe. It is of very retiring habits ; and as
it selects the almost inaccessible meado'.vs and boggy swamps
for its sanmicr home, and, when approached, quickly retreats
into the farthest recesses, I am not sui prised that it is in
most cases overlooked. I have found it breeding in many
localities in Massachusetts, and have no hesitation in call-
ing it one of the commonest of our Grallatores. It feeds
only during the twilight and in early dawn, and remains
concealed in the grass during the greater part of the day
Its food consists of various insects and worms, such as are
aljundant in the localities which it frequents. It leaves New
England for the South by the 10th of September.

PORZANA, ViEiixoT.

Porzana, Vieillot, Anal., p. 61 (1816), 61. (T\pe Rnllus jiorzana, L.)
Bill shorter than the head, compressed, straight; nostrils in a wide groove, with
a large membrane; wings moderate; primaries longer than tertiarie'; tail short;
tarsus about the length of the middle toe; toes long; inner toe slightly shorter thao
thfc outer; general form compressed and slender; legs rather robust.

474

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

.^3

t:c

ft-

.~,>

»)C

PORZANA CAEOLINA,

The Carolina Bail; Ortolan.

liallus {Crez) Carolinus, Bonaparte. Obs. Wils. (1825), No. 230. Nutt. Man.,
IT (1834)208.

OtiijiiumeLra Carolina, Audubon. Birds Am., V. (1842) 145.

DESCKU'TION.

Space around ilie base of the bill, extending downwards on the neck before and
aver the top of the head, black.

Male. — Upper parts greenish-brown, with loiigitudinal bands of black, iind
many feathers havin;; narrow stripes of white on tlieir edges; behind the eye, sides
of the neck, and tlie breast, tine bluish-asliy, wi.h circular spots and transverse
bands of white on the breast; middle of the abdomen and under tail coverts white;
sides and flanks with transverse bands of brownish-black and white; bill greenish-
yellow; legs dark-green.

Ftmale. — Similar, but duller in colors.

Youni). — Without black at the baie of the bill or on i\.p. neck; throat dull-white;
breast dull yellowi.-h-ashy ; upper parts tinged with dii!i-\\!'low; iris chestnut.

Total length, about eight and a half inches; wing, if ur and a quarter; tail, two
inches.

This species, like the Virginia Rr.il, is probably more
abundant iu our fresh-water meadows? than is generally sup-
posed. It arrives m April, about the lOth ; and, separating
into pairs, takes up its residence ii. the inland marshes,
where it breeds, and remains until its departure for the
South, about the middle of October. Early in May the sea-
son of inr"'"".t.iou commences. The nest is constructed of
pieces o^ -i ;.»' and weed, arranged in a large pile, and hol-
lowed to tlio depth of an inch or more : it is usually placed
iu a tussock of grass, or beneath a piece of turf. A speci-
men which I found in Dedham meadows w^as built beneath
some thick cranberry-vines, and I have known of others
being placed iu small brier patches ; but generally the
fabric is built in an open meadow, usually on an elevated
tussock in a boggy tract of ground. The eggs vary from
five to eight or ten in number : their form is almost always
an exact ovoidal. Their color is a yellow-drab, with a faint-
olivaceous thit, different from the color of any of our other
Rail's eggs. They vary iu dimensions from 1.35 by 1 inch
(Quincy, Mass.) to 1.15 by .85 inch (Albion, Wis.). The

m

: "-■^*«5».

THE YELLOW RAIL.

475

t*.-

■da on the neck before and

average size is about 1.2G by 1.02 (Cambridge and Nccd-
liam, Mass.).

After leaving Now England and other northern breeding-
places, this species congregates in great numbers on the
shores of some of the southern streams and bays, wiujre
they furnish much sport to the gunners of those luealilics.

POEZANA NOVEBOSACENSIS.

The Yellow Bail.

Ortyr/ometra Noveborncensis, Audubon. Birds .\m., V. (1842) 1S2.
Rallus N "'eboracensis Audubon. Orn. Biog., IV. (183S) .'."il.

Deschu'tion.

Entire upper parts ochre-yellow, witli longitudinal wide stripes of brownish-black
and transverse narrow strii)es of wliite; neck and broast reddish ochre-yellow;
many featlicrs tipped with brown; middle of abdun\en white; llanlis and vcMitnil
region with wide transverse bands of dark roddisli-bmwn and narrow bands of
white; under tail coverts rufous, willi small .^pots of white; undir -ving coverts
white; iris liazel.

Total length (from tip of bill to end of tail), about six inches; wing, three and a
quarter; tail, one and three-quarters inches.

This beautiful bird is an exceedingly rare spring and
autumn visitor in New England. I have, in a number of
years' shooting, been able to procure l)ut two ; and have
not heai'd of more than two or three more being taken liere.
It has all the characteristics of the other species, but prefers
the fresh-water meadows to the salt marshes.^ Dr. Richard-
son, in his " Northern Zoology," says, " This elegant bird
is an inhabitant of the marslies on the coast of Hudson's
Bay, near the mouth of the Severn River, froni the middle
of May to the end of Septemljcr. It never (lies above
sixty yards at a time, but runs with great rapidity among
the long grass near the shores. In the morning and evening,
it utters a note which resembles tlie striking of a flint and
steel : at other times, it makes a shrieking noise. It builds
no nest, but lays from ten to sixteen white eggs among the
grass."

1 The specimens that i procured were found in fresh-water meadows early io
3epte;nlier.

470

OUNITHOLOOY AND OOLOGY.

FULICA, LiNNHJUS.

Fulica, L1NN/KU8, Sygt. Nat. (1735). (Type Fulira ntra, L.)
Hill Rhorter than the head, strai^'ht, Mroni;, compressed, and advancing into tha
feathers of the forehead, where il frequently forma a wide and somewhat projecting
frontal plate; nostrils in a groove, with a large membrane near the middle of the
bill; wings rather short, second and third quills usually longest; tail very short;
tarsus robust, shorter than the middle toe, with very distinct trauss'crse scales; toes
long, each toe having semicircular lobes, larger on the inner side of the toe; bind
toe rather long, lubed.

■^* ^i

k:

FULICA AMERICANA. — GvuUn.

The Coot; Poule d'eau; Mud-hen.

Fulica Americana, Umelin. Syst. Nat., I. (1788? 704. Aud. Om. Biog., III.
(1835) 291; V. 568. 74., Uinls Am., VI. (1842) 138.
Fulica atia, Wilson. Am. Orn., IX. (1825) 61.

Descuiptiojj.

Head and neck glossy-black, with u tinge of ashy; under tail coverts white;
entire other plumage diivk bluish-cinereous or slate-color, with a tinge of olive on
the back and darker on the rump; edge of wing at shoulder and edge of first pri-
inary white; secondary quills tipped with white; rump frequently tinged with
brownish; '/ill very ( ''.le-yellow or nearly white, with a transverse band of brown-
ish-black near the end; tip white; legs dull grayish-green. Female similar, but
with the tints lighter. Young like the adult, but with the under parts lighter;
abdomen frequently ashy-white; back and rump dark olive-brown; head and neck
lighter; iris reddish-hazel.

Total length, about fourteen inches; wing, seven; tail, two inches.

This species probably breeds in all the New-Eiigland
States, but not abundantly. It prefers the neighborhood of
some small muddy pond for its habitation ; and its nest is
usually built in an almost inaccessible bog. Of the charac-
ter of the iiost, I am ignorant, but judge that it resembles
that of the other members of tliis family.

The eggs are from eight to twelve in number. Their
form is an elongated ovoid. Their color is a pale yellowish-
buff, or dirty-cream tint; and they are marked with fine dots
and spots of dark-umber and obscure tine dots of lilac.
In all the specimens that I have examined, these dots are
pretty thickly distributed or sprinkled, but are in no case
confluent into blotches. Their dimensions vary from 2.10
by 1.85 to 2 by 1.28 inch.

NOTES.

477

,h.)

and ailvaiicing into tha
ud somewliat projecting
e near the middle of the
longest; tuil very short;
ct trausverso scales; toes
ler Bide of the toe; hind

14. Aud. Om. Biog., HI.

under tail coverts white;
r, with a tinge of olive on
Ider and edge of first pri- '
np fretiuently tinged with

transverse band of brown-
;reen. Female siniilar, but
i the nnder parts lighter;
ive-browu; head and neck

1, two inches.

the New-England
he neighborhood of
on ; and its nest is
og. Of the charac-
re that it resembles

lily-

ill number. Their
. is a pale yellowish-
larked with fine dots

tine dots of lilac,
lined, these dots are

but are in no case
ions vary from 2.10

This species is more abundant in the early spring and
autumn than in the rest of tlio season ; and I infer from
this, tliat it breeds principally in the northern cnuiitri(>s.

Wilson describes its general habits in the following lan-
guage : —

" This species makes its appearance in Pennsylvania ahmit *.he
first of October. Aiaong the mnrlciy flats and islands of the river
Delaware, which are periodically overflowed, and which are over-
grown with the reed, or wild oats and rushes, the Coota are found.
They are not numerous, and are seldom seen, except their places
of resort be covered with water : in that case, they are generally
found sitting on the fallen reed, waiting for the ebb of the tide,
which will enable them to feed. Their food consists of various
aquatic plants, seeds, insects, and, it is said, small fish. The Coot
has an aversion to take wing, and can seldom be sprung in its
retreat at low water : for, although it walks rather awkwardly, yet
it contrives to skulk through the grass and reeds with great speed ;
the compressed form of its body, like that of the Rail genus, being
well adapted to the purpose. It swims remarkably well ; and,
when wounded, will dive like a duck. When closely pursued in
the water, it generally takes to the shore, rising with apparent-
reluctance, like a wounded duck, and fluttering along the surface,
with its feet pattering on the water. It is known in Pennsylvania
by the name of the Mud-hen."

NOTE S.

I continue Mr. Couper's valuable notes, made at Quebec,
Lower Canada : —

ARDEA E[£BOI)IAS. — The adult is never seen in this lati.uri". However,
in the fall, tlie young pass this way to the Atlantic States. Tliey breed near
Rice Lake, in Upper Canada.

BOTADRUS LENTIGINOSUS. — The Bittern breeds here, and appears to
be common. It prefers savannas to lakes ; and, as plenty of food is found on
the latter, probably this species may visit higher latitudes.

NTCTIABDEA GARDENI. — Common. Breeds on the island of Orleans,
eut of Quebec, and in the woods adjoining the St. Iiawrence, This bi. i

478

OUNITIIOLOOY AND OOLOC.Y.

suits ita own convenience in building in tliis nclKlilmrliood ; for tlie niiijorit?
of nesta on tlie latter island are tiie architecture of our Common Crow.

CHARADRIDS VIEGINICUS. — Common during the fall. Breeds furtlier
north. This species camo on board a steamsliip, on tlie Atlantic, six hun-
dred miles out from Europe.

aiGIALITIS SEMIPALMATDS. — Uncommon. Occurs in the spring, on its
way north to breed.

SQDATAEOLA HELVETICA. — Uncommon. Occurs in spring only.

STEEPSIIiAS INTEEPEES. — Uncommon. Only in spring.

PHALAEOPDS HTPEEBOEEUS. — Occasional. Common in Labrador.

PHILOHELA MINOE. — Not common. A few breed.

OALLINAGO WILSONII. — Abundant in the spring and fall. None breed
In this district : they go further north.

MACRORHAMPHUS GEISEUS. — Occasional. None breed.

TEINGA CANDTUS. — Occasional. None breed.

T. MAEITIMA. — Accidental at Quebec.

T. MACULATA. — Common. None breed.

T. WILSONII. — Occurs in spring. None breed.

CAIilDRIS ABENAEIA. — Occurs in spring. Goes far north to breed.

EEEDNETES PETEIFICATDS. — Occurs in spring only. None breed.

GAMBETTA MELANOLEUCA. — Occurs in immature plumage in the fall.

GAMBETTA FLAVIPES. — Occurs in the fall.

BHYaOOPHILUS SOLITAEIUS. — Uncommon. Only noticed in the spring,
when on their way north to breed.

TRINGOIDES MAOULAEIDS. — Common. Breeds.

ACTITURUS BAETEAMIUS. — Rare. Occurs in the spring.

LIMOSA HUDSONICA. — Occurs in spring and fall.

NOMIKUS HUDSONICUS. — Occurs in the fall.

N. BOREALIS. — Visits Quebec in the fall.

RALLU3 VIRGINIANUS. — Uncommon.

PORZANA CAROLINA.— Uncommon.

P. NOVEBORACENSIS. — This little Rail is found here in the fall, at
wliich season it is found in Snipe-grounds. There is no doubt that it breeds
ftirther north than Quebec.

FULICA AMERICANA.— Uncommon.

NATATORES.

■17 !•

D(l; for tlie mnjcritj
Jommon Crow.

fall. Breeds further
the Atlantic, 8ix hun-

rs in the spring, on it«

in spring only.

spring.

imon in Labrador.

1.

and fall. None breed

8 breed.

far north to breed,
only. None breed,
re plumage in the fall.

fily noticed in the spring,

3.

bie spring.
1.

ORDER VI. — NATATORE?. Swtm.mers.

Toes connected by memhranc to the daws; tli(> feet fitted for
Bwimming ; lower part of the tibia usually foatluTod to near tlie
joint, which is bare ; hind toe, however, usually elevated, and rather
small, except in PeUcanidcB ; fitted for an aquatic life, swimming
and diving freely; rump with well-develii|i('d oil glands.

The order Natatores, as characterized al)ovf', embraces a large
number of species of very varied forms, all more or less aquatic in
their habits. A character common to nil consists in the presence
of a membrane between the toes, usually extending to the claws.
This membrane, when found in the Grallatores, is confined more
or less to the basal joint, unless Phcenicoptencs be an exception.
This genus has been variously placed in both orders, and it is still
a question where it really belongs. The internal anatomy resem-
bles that of the Natatores, as well as the lamellated bill and fully
webbed toes ; the external form however, as well as habits, bring
it nearer the Grallatores.

The order Natatores of most authors has been divided by Bona-
parte into two, — the Gavice and the Anseres : the former em-
liracing species which rear their young in nests, and belong to the
sub-class Altrices ; while the latter are Prcecoces, the young pro-
curing food for themselves almost from birth.

GavijE. — Bill without lamellte, and more or less entire ; feet
with the toes all connected by one continuous membrane ; or the
hind toe free, with the anterior continuously webbed.

Anseres. — Bill with transverse lamellae along the edges ; hind
toe free.

lund here in the fall, at
lis no doubt that it breeds

480

OBNITIIOLOr.Y AND OOLOdY.

SUB-OTIDRR ANSERKS.

Family ANATIDiE.

•^ r:

, ,..1

!3

"1 »^n

-:3!

The two jaws with trnnsvcrfo lamcllip, altomatiiif,' ami fittinp; In oach othrr,
upper mamliblc cniliiif; in an obtuse rounded niiil; a fjroove runninj; along hotli
jaws to the nail; the feathers of the forehead extend forward on tlio culmen in a
rounded or acute (iiitliiio; those on the side of lower jaw and on the ihin extend
(brward in a siiiiilm manner; coniini-ure st'night; legs short.

Sub-Family Cygnin.k. — The Swans.
CYONUS, LisN.«rs.

CygnuB, LisN.Efs, Syst. Nat. (1835). (Type Anm olnr, Gm.) Gray.

Neck very long; bill longer than the liead (commissure longer than the tarsus),
the basal portion covered by a soft skin extending to the anterior half of the
eye; the |>lane of the upper outline from eye to eye horizontal; the lateral outline
extending nearly straight to the commi?'>urc, or even sometimes widening slightly;
not half the width of the bill at tip; nostrils situated in the inidille portion of
the bill; lower portion of tibia bare; the tarsus much shorter than tlie toot, much
compressed, covered with hexagonal scales, which become smaller on the sides ami
behind; hind toe small, much elevated; the lobe narrow; tail of twenty or more
feathers, rounded or wcdge-.shaped ; sexes similarly colored.

CYONUS AMERICANHS. —Sharplem.

The American Swan.

CUffnua Americnnvs, Sharplesa. Doughty's Cob. N. 11., I. (1830) 185. Aud. Om.
Blog., V. (1839) 133. Jh., Birds Am., VI. (1843) 226.
Cygnut fervs, Nutfall. Jlan., II. (1834) 368.

Description.

Bill as long as the head, broad, high at the base; the feathers ending on the fore-
head in a semicircular outline; nostrils far forward, the anterior extremity consider-
ably more forward than half the commissure; tail of twenty feathers.

Adult pure-white; bill and legs black; the former with an ( mge or yellowish
spot in front of the eye ; less mature specimens with the head above tinged with
reddish-brown ; iris brown.

Length, fifty-five inches; wing, twenty-two; tarsus, four and twenty-five one-
bundredths; bill, above, fouv and twenty one-hundredfhs inches.

flab — Continent of North .America.

THK AMEIUCAN SWAN.

4n|

11., I. (1830) 185. Aud. Om.

The Common Ainoricaii Swmi h o.|iially ahiiiid.iiii ,,,1 liuil, ,i,|e, „f ||„. .■..miiunt,
i.« will a« ihr-iiiKliout tho interior: lli.' younj; liirU in l.rown inst-mJ ..f wliltr; ||i«'
«aiilt si'lddiii, il ever, i- without ihu ycUow ur urm^v Kpace ul Uiu ha-i' ul' the bill,
vsliit'h id ulhvrwJHo bluok.

rpiIlS hciuitiCiil bird is so oxtremoly rare in Now Knuhiml
X. that it cannot pruiMTly bo cunsiderod as btdongin^' to
oiir I'auiia. Within a Ibw years, pijrliajis throu or I'unr Hpeci-
nicn.s havu buoii
talvoii in the waters 4"

oi'Lal<o Chaniplain ;

and I believe a small f

Hock is recorded to
iiavo been seen in
Lake Mcmphroina-
giig. Those are
llio only iiistanc(!s
known to nio of its
occurrenco in these
States. It retires to the most northern countries to pass
the season of reproduction. It nests on tho ground, on
tlio islands and plains in tho Hudson's Hay country. Thx
Mcst is constructed of a snudl cullecliou of weeds and
dried grasses, loosely adjusted by tho female. Tlie eggs
are from six to eight or tea in number. They are broadly
ovoidal in shape, and of a pale olivaceous-green in color.
Tiiey vary in dimensions from 4.05 by 3 inches to 8.1)8 liy
2.85 inch.

ic feafhcrs ending on the fore-
anterior extremity consiJer-

wenty feathers.

with an . inge or yellowish
the head above tinged with

four and twenty-five one-
hs inches.

Sub-Family Anserin^e. — The Geese.

ANSKR, l.iNN.KUs.

Bill as lonpj as the head, mostly red or orange-colored; tlio lamcllic of upper
iiiaihllble pnijeet below the edge as conical points; nostrils opening behind thi'
middle of the commissure, the anterior edge only reachiQi; to this point; tip of bind
toe teaching to the ground.

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482

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

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ARSES HYPEBBOBEDS.— />aZ{n«.

The Snow Goose.

Anter hyperboreus, Pallas. Spio. Zoo)., VI. (1767) 25. Nutt. Man., XL 844.
\ud. Orn. Hiog., IV. (1838) 562. Jb., HiiiU Am., VI. (1843) 212.
Anas hjperborea. Gm., I. 504. Wils. Am. Orn., VIII. (1814) 76.

Deschiitioji.

Adult. — Kill and legs red; color pure-white; primary quills black towards tlie
end. silvery-bluish uniy towards tliebase, where the shafts are white; the siiurioiis
quills are also bluish ; in.sidu of wings, except primary quills, white ; immature birds
have the head washed with rusty.

Yvuny. — Head and upi)ur part of neck white; lower part of neck to the wicgs
dark-brown, passing on the sides of body into a more ashy shade; rest of under
parts, concealed portions of the back, rump, and upper coverts, white; the entire
scapular and scapular region is ashy-brown, each feather with faint reddish-brown
margin ; the upper surface of the wing is of a clear silvery-a.sh, but passing iuto dark-
brown on the ends of the quills; the coverts, secondaries, tertials, and scapulars,
edged with white; iris light-brown.

Length, about thirty inches; wing, sixteen and forty one-hi'ndredths; tarsus,
three and twelve one-hundrudths; commissure, two and ten onc-buadredths inches.

This is another rare species on our New-England sea
coast. As a general thing, it is only seen during the winter ;
but we have, in the Massachusetts State Cabinet, a fine speci-
men that was taken in Boston Harbor, in July, 1863. It is
strictly a northern species, and hardly belongs to our fauna.

Dr. Richardson, in describing its breeding habits, says,
" It breeds in the barren grounds of Arctic America, in
great numbers. The eggs, of a yellowish-white color and
regularly ovate form, are a little larger than those of the
Eider Duck; their length being three inches, and their
grentest breadth two. The young fly in August ; and, by
the middle of September, all have departed to the south-
ward. The Snow Goose feeds on rushes, insects, and in
autumn on berries, particularly those of the Empetrvm
nigrum.^'

BERNICLA, Stefhens.

Bernida, Stei'HEHB, Shaw's Gen. Zool., XII. (1824) 45. (Type Anat btr-
mcla, L.)

Bill about as long as head or shorter; the commissure nearly straiglit; the tectb
of upper mandible concealed, except perhaps at the base ; bill and legs black.

m

THE CANADA GOOSE.

483

(1824) 45. (Type Am$ hir-

iissure nearly straight; the teolh
(base; bill and legs black.

The American geese, with black bill and legs, exhibit very great varjatiorj In
?ize; so much so, indeed, as to render it very dillicult to distinguish them by this
.■haracter alone : the variation in tlie shade of plumage in tl same species is liko-
wisu considerable.

BEBNICLA CANADENSIS. - Buit.
The Canada Goose.

Anai Canadensis, Linnosus.
(1814) 62.

Amer Canadensis, Nuttall. Man., II. 84b<
V. 607. Jb., Birds Am., VI. (1843) 178.

Beitiicla Canadensis, Boie. Isis (1826) 921.

Syat. Nat., I. (1706) 198. Wils. Am. Orn., VIII.
Aud. Cm. Biog., III. (Ib35) li

Deschiption.

Tail of eighteen feathers; head, neck, bill, and feet, deep-blucK; a large trian-
gular (jatch of white on the cheeks behind the eye; the two of opposite sides
broadly confluent beneath, but not extending to the rami of lower jaw; a few
whitish feathers on lower eyelid; upper parts brown, edged with paler; under
parts light, with a tinge of purple-gray, sometimes a shade of smoky-brown; the
edges of the feathers paler; the color of the body of the feathers, though similar,
becoming deeper on the sides, tibia, axillars, and inside of wings; the gr/iy of the
belly passes gradually into white on the anal region and under coverts: i'u> upiier
tail coverts are pure-white ; the primary quills and rump are very dark blackish-
brown; the tail feathers are black; iris chestnut-brown.

Length, thirty-five inches; wing, eighteen; tarsus, three and ten one-hundredths;
eummissure, two and ten one-hundredths inches.

This well-knowix bird passes through or over New Eng-
land in the spring and autumn migrations, appearing in tlie
former about the first week in April, and passing in flocks
until the 10th of that month. In the autumn, it returns as
early as the last week in September ; and from then until
tlie first of December, and even later, it passes in flocks in
its southern migrations. The Wild Goose, as the rule,
breeds in the most northern portions of the continent : it
sometimes passes the season of incubation in the limits of
the United States ; but the occurrences are very few of its
having been found to remain in New England. I under-
stand that it has bred on Martha's Vineyard, south of
Massachusetts, several times ; and I have been told of other
instances, but do not consider them to be well authenti-
cated. The nest is located in some retired place not far
iVoin the water, generally among the thickest grass, and not

484

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOUY,

,,,.1

-^3

"'.-I

uiifrequently under a bush. It is carelessly formed of dry
plants of various kinds, and is of a large size, flat, and
raised to the height of several inches. The eggs are usually

-^^v^S^^^^

about six in number : they average three and a half inches
by two and a half, are thickTshelled, rather smooth, and of
a very dull yellowish-green color. The period of incuba-
tion is twenty-eight days. "Wilson says of this bird : —

" Their first arrival on the coast of New Jersey is early in Octo-
ber; and their first numerous appearance is the sure prognostic
of severe weather. Those which continue all winter frequent the
sliallow bays and marsh islands : their principal food being the broad,
tender, green leaves of a marine plant which grows on stones and
shells, and is usually called sea-cabbage ; and also the roots of the
sedge, wliich they are frequently observed in the act of tearing up.
Every few days, they make an excursion to the inlets en the beach
for gravel. They cross, indiscriminately, over land or water, gen
erally taking the nearest course to their object ; differing, in this
respect, from the Brant, which will often go a great way round by
water, rather than cross over the land. They swim well ; and, if
wing-broken, dive, and go a long way under water, caus ng the

THE BUANT.

48.J

sportsman a great deal of fatigue before lie can kill thoni. Kxrrpt
in very calm weather, they rarely sleep on the watfr, but roost all
night in the marshes. When the shallow bays are frozen, they
seek the mouths of inlets near the sea. occasionally visiting the
air-holes in the ice ; but these bays are seldom so completely frozen
as to prevent them from feeding on the bars.

" The flight of the Wild Geese is heavy and laborious, generally
in a straight line, or in two lines, approximating to a point tinis, > ;
in both cases, the van is led by an old gander, who, every now and
then, pipes his well-known honk, as if to ask how they come on ;
and the honk of ' All's well * is generally returned by some of the
party. Their course is in a straight line, with the exception of
the undulations of their flight. When bewildered in foggy weather,
they appear sometimes to be in great distress, flying about in an
irregular manner, and for a considerable time over the same quar-
ter, making a great clamor. On these occasions, should they
approach the earth, and alight, — which^ they sometimes do, to rest
aiid recollect themselves, -^ the only hospitality they meet with is
death and destruction from a whole neighborhood already in arms
for their vuin."

BEBNICLA BSENTA. — Stephens.
The Brant.

Anas bemicln, I.innitus. Syst. Nnt., I. (1760) 198. Wilg. Am. Orn., Vllt.
(1814) 131.

Anser JermWn, N.ittall. Man., II. 359. And. Orn. Biop., V. (1831) 24, Oio.
lb., Uirds Am., VI. (1843) 203.

Bernicla brenta, Stephens. Shaw's Zool, XII. (1824) 46.

Descriptio.n.

Bill and feet, head, neck, ^"A body anterior to the wings, primary quills, and
tail, black ; the secondary quills nearly black ; on each side of the middle of the
neck is a small white crescent, streaked with black; the lower eyelids with a very
faint trace of white feathers; the black of the jugidum is abruptly defined aj^ninst
the bluish silvery-gray of the remaining under parts, the feathers of which have the
b.isal portions bluish-gray: the axillars and insidcs of the wings showing a darker
tint of the same; the gray of the belly passes gradually into white behind, the tail
being encircled all round and concealed by this color; the back and wing coverts
are grayish-blue, with slightly paler edges; the rump is of a similar, but darker and
more uniform blue ; the secondaries have some concealed whitish nn the inner webi
towards the base; iris dark-hazel.

Length, twenty-three and fifty one-hundrcdths inches; wing, twelve and seventy-
five onc-hundredths; tarsus, two and twenty-six one hundredths ; commissure, ooe
tnd forty one-hundredths inches.

486

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOOY.

The Braut is found on our coast pretty abundantly at
the same seasons as the Canada Goose^ which it resem-
bles very much in its general habits.

Having had but few opportunities of observing this
species in its wild state, I give the description, by Wilson, ol"
its general habits : " The Brant is expected at Egg Harbor,
on the coast of New Jersey, about the first of October,
and has been sometimes seen as early as the 20th of Sep-
tember. The first flocks generally remain in the bay a few
days, and then pass on to the South. On recommencing
their journey, they collect in one large body, and, making
an extensive spiral course, some miles in diameter, rise to a
great height in the air, and then steer for the sea, over
which they uniformly travel, often making wide circuits to
avoid passing over a projecting point of land. In those
aerial routes, they have • been met with, many leagues from
shore, travelling the whole night. Their line of march very
mxich resembles that of the Canada Goose, with this excep-
tion, that frequently three or four are crowded together in
the front, as if striving for precedency. Flocks continue to
arrive from the North ; and many remain in the bay till
December, or until the weather becomes very severe, when
these also move off southwardly. During their stay, they
feed on the bars at low water, seldom or never in the
marshes ; their principal food being a remarkably long and
broad-leaved marine plant, of a bright-green color, which
adheres to stones, and is called by the country people, sea-
cabbage: the leaves of this are sometimes eight or ten
inches broad, by two or three feet in length. They also eat
smoil shell-fish. They never dive, but wade about, feeding
at low water. During the time of high water, they float in
the bay in long lines, particularly in calm weather! Their
voice is hoarse and honking, and, when some hundrods are
screaming together, reminds one of a pack of hounds in
full cry. They often quarrel among themselves, and with
the Ducks, driving the latter off" their feeding-ground.

THE MALLARD.

487

Though it never dives in search of food, yet, when wiiij-.
broken, the Brunt will go one Imndred yards at a stretch
under water, and is considered, in sueli circumstances, one
of the most difficult birds to kill. About the loth or 20th
of May, they re-appear on their way north, but seldom stop
long, unless driven in by tempestuous weather."

This bird nests in the most northern poitions of the con-
tinent. The nest is similar to that of the Canada Goose.
The eggs arc from five to eight in number : they are ovate
in form, sometimes nearly oval ; and of a yellowish-whito
color, sometimes darkened into a creaniy-ltulT. Their di-
mensions vary from 2.90 by 1.92 to 2.78 by 1.84 inch.
They are very smooth to the touch, and the shell is thin
and brittle.

Sub-Family Anatin^. — The River Ducks.

The Analince, or River Ducks, are easily known by their having the tarsi trans-
versely scutcliate anteriorly, and the membrane or lobe of tiie 'lind toe narrow and
much restricted. The legs are longej- than in FuliguHna, but sliorter than in tlie
pccsc.

All the North-American River Ducks agKe in having the crissum l)lack. In all,
excepting Querquedula, there is a tendency to waved lines on tlie feathers of th«
flanks, most conspicuous in the Mallard, Gadwall, and Green-winged Teal.

ANAS, LiNNiKus.

Ams, Lixs.EUS, Syst. Nat. (1735). (Type Anas bosclini, L., Gray.)
Bill longer than the head or the foot, broad, depressed; the edges parallel to neai
the end, which is somewhat acute; nail less thun one-third the width of the bill;
nostrils reaching to end of the basal two-fifths of the commissure; feathers of fore-
head, chin, and cheeks, reaching about the same point; upper angle of bill about in
line with the lower; tail pointed, about two-flfths the wing.

ANAS BOSCHAS. — Z.inn(nw.

The Kallard; Green-head.

Anas boschas, Linnceus. Syst. Nat., L (1766^ 205. Wils. Am. Orn., VIII
.1814) 112. Aud. Orn. Biog., IIL (1835) 164. lb., Birds Am., VI. (1843) aSft

488

OP.NITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

■] r

"^ ^

s

r)F.SniIPTIO!«.

AfnIe. — UeaA nnd neck bright j{rii:>R-groon, with violet gloss, the top of the head
duller; a white rin;; rMiinil the middle of the neck, below which and on the
rorepnrt and sides of llio broust the color is dark brownish-chestnut; under parts
and sides, with the scnpiilnrs, pnle-gray, very linely undulntcd with dusky; the
outer scapulars with a brownish ti'ige; forepart of buck roddish-brown; posterior
more olivaceous; crissum nnd upper tiiil coverts black, the latter with a blue ploss:
tail extornully whitj; wing coverts brownish-gray, the greater covcrtn tipped first
with white, and then more narrowly with black ; speculum purplish-violet, ternii-
Dated with black; a recurved tuft of feathers on the rump; iris dark -brown.

Fennle. — With the wing exactly as on the male; the under part* plain whitish-
OcIirt!y, each feather obscurely blotched with dusky; head and neck Birailar, spotted
and streaked with dusky; the chin and throat above unspotted; upper parts dark-
brown, the leathers broadly edged and banded with reddish-brown, parallel with the
circumference.

Length of male, twenty-three inches; wing, eleven ; tarsus, one and seventy one-
hundredths; commissure of bill, two and fifty one-hundredths inches.

The Mallard is found in New England only as a wan-
derer, and then only in the western sections in the spring
and autnmn seasons ; a few are seen in the waters of Lake

Chainplain, and oc-
». ^ J3- ^^ casionally a small

flock is found in the
Connecticut River.
This is the original
of the Common Do-
mestic Mallard ; and
its habits are so well
known that I will
give no description
here.
This bird breeds in all sections of the United States,
more abxindantly, of course, in the northern than in the
southern ; and less often in the eastern than in the inte-
rior and western. In most of the Western States, it is
one of the most abundant of water-fowls ; and it breeds in
,ill the meadows and by the ponds and streams throughout
those sections. The nest is built in a tussock of high grass,
or in a thick clump of weeds. It is composed of pieces of
j?rass and weeds, and is lined to the depth of half an inch

OOT.

iolet gloss, the top of the heail
k, below which and on the
jwnisli-chestnut; under part.^
- iin(liilnte<l with duoky; the
lUck ruddisli-brown; posterior
;, the latter with a blue rIoss:
ho greater covertn tippeil first
cculum purplish-violet, termi-
s rump; iris dark-brown.
1 the under parts plain whitish-
head and ncuk similar, spotted
unspotted; upper parts dnrk-
•eddish-brown, pavullel with the

n ; tarsus, one and seventy one-
indredths inches.

gland only as a wan-
sections in the spring
in tlie waters of Lake
Chain plain, and oc-
casionally a small
flock is found in the
Connecticut River.
This is the original
of the Common Do-
mestic Mallard ; and
its habits are so well
known that I will
give no description
here,
of the United States,
northern than in the
istern than in the inte-
Wcstern States, it is
■fowls ; and it breeds in
..nd streams throughout
a tussock of high grass,
s composed of pieces of
depth of half an inch

THE DUSKY DUCK.

489

with down and other soft material. The ocr^s are from ton
to fourteen in number : tliey arc usually ovoidal in .shape,
and vary in color from dirty yellowish-whito to an ohsciuo
olivaceous-green. Tlieir dimensions vary from 2. 12 l>y l.To
(Albion, Wis.) to 2.26 by 1.68 (Nova Scotia).

ANAS OBSCUSA. - GmeUn.
The Dusky Duck ; Black Duck.

Anal obscfirn, Gmelin. Syst. Nat., I. (1788) 541. Wils. Am. Om., VIII. (1814»
141. Aud. Om. Itiog., IV. (1838) 15. Ik, llirds Am., VI. (KM3) 244.
Anas {boschas) obscura, Nuttall. Man., II. (1834) 302.

DEsciiimos.

Bill greenish; feet red; body generally blackish-brown ; the feathers ot)«un'ly
margined with reddish-brown; those anteriorly with a concealiHl V-slmpcd mark,
more or less visible on the sides of the breast; head and neck browiiisli-yeliow,
spotted with black ; the top of head and nape diirk-brown, with a green gloss on the
sides behind; wings dnll-bluckish, with a dull-greonish glo.sa; speculum violet, ter-
minated with black; inner tcrtials hoarj' gray towards tip; axillars and inside of
wing white; tail of eighteen feathers; iris dark-brown.

Female similar, but rather duller; the light edges to the under feathers more con-
spicuous; the sides of head without the greenish-gloss; the speculum bluish, with
less violet.

Length of male, twenty-two inches; wing nearly twelve; tarsus, one and eighty
nne-hundredths; commissure, two and fifty-six one-hundredths inches.

Hah. — Atlantic region of North America; not yet detected on the Pacific, nor
in Europe.

This is the most plainly marked, as well as perhaps the largest, of our river
ducks, and excelled by none in the excellence of its flesh.

This species, generally but improperly known as the
Black Duck, is the most abundant of all our fresh-water
ducks. It breeds in all the New-England States, but is
found in the greatest abundance in the more northern por-
tions of them. The country around Lake Umbagog, Mo.,
seems to be a favorite breeding-ground with this species;
almost every patch of meadow having one or inore of its
nests.

The nest is built about the last week in April or the first
in May. It is placed in a secluded locality in a tussock of
grass, or beneath a thicket of briers or weeds ; usually in a

490

nilMTIIOLOOY ^ND OOLOGY.

,-1

^^

3

•■If:

5

mcnflow, near a pond or strnain, Imt sometimos in a swamp
in wliicli a Huiall brooit is tlio only water for niilos aronnd,
Tliis Hpccics sometimes follows tlioso small brooks up to
their sources ; and 1 once found one with a nest on a low
stump that overhung a small spring ou the side of a hill, u
mile from any other water. The nest of this species is con-
structed of pieces of grass and weeds, which aro neatly
arranged into a structure eighteen inches in diameter on
the outside, and three or four in depth. This is hollowed
fbr perhaps an inch and a half or two inches, and lined
with the down and feathers from the breast of the parent-
l)ird. Tiie oggs arc from seven to ton in number: their
form is usually ovoidal ; and their color varies from an
olivaceous-yellow to a dirty yellowish-white. If a dozen of
these, and an equal numl)or of the eggs of the Mallard,
are placed side by side, it is almost impossible to identify
them, so closely do they resemble each other. The eggs
of the present species. vary from 2.50 by 1.72 inch (Lake
Umbagog) to 2.26 by 1.65 (Weston, Mass.). They aver-
age about 2.34 by 1.74 (Nova Scotia). Early in Septem-
ber, the Dusky Duck gathers in flocks of fifteen or
twenty. It is now so difficult of approach, that the experi-
enced guiuier seldom attempts to secure it by stalking it.
The method by which the greater number are killed is as
follows : The sportsman, knowing the localities most fre-
quented by these flocks, — generally meadows in which
streams of water or small ponds are abundant, — builds a
bower near the water, about six feet square, and five or six
high, of the limbs of pines and other danse foliaged trees,
in which ho secretes himself at daybreak, armed with one or
two heavy double-barrelled guns, and provided with three
or four tamo ducks. One of these ducks he anchors or
moors out in the water, half a gunshot from the bower.
The duck, soon becoming lonesome, begins to call, when, if
there are any wild ducks in the neighborhood, they answer
the call in an almost exactly similar note, and soon fly to

DAFILA.

491

moot tlio callor. Tli(> sportsinaii, watfliiii^' tlic Il|l|l^<)in•llill^
lluck, holds one of tliu otln-r tamo diu-ks ready (o ilndw;
and, as soon na tlio wilil ones approac-li near (.'nnu;,di to .m-o
I he others, ho throws towards tlio anehored duck tho ono
held in Ins hand, wliieli is secured from liyinir olT, hy »
strong lino fastenel to its legs. The hird moored in tlio
water, seeing her mate Hying towards Irm-, inunt'diatidy
redoubles her cries, when the Dusky Dueks, after Hying l>aek
and forth, alight bcsido her. As soon as they aligiit, they
gather together iu u flock away from the decoy; and it ia
then that tho sportsman jjours iv his lirst shot: he fires
when tho birds aro rising from tlic water, and is often
enabled to got four shots at tho flock before it gets out of
gunshot. Tho excitement attending this shooting is better
appreciated when kuowu. I have passed many days in
bowors of this description, and have liad my share of tho
excitement. It is only early in the morning and late iu
the afternoon that those birds can be shot in this manner;
and, if they aro much hunted, they will hardly approacii ono
of these bowors without great caution. This duck remains
with us through nearly the whole year, and moves south-
ward only in very severe winters. When the fresh ponds
are not frozen, it prefers them to tho salt water ; but iu
winter it is most abundant in our bays and small creeks,
where it feeds on small shell-fish and other marine animals.
In autumn it is one of the best flavored of our water-
fowl, but in winter is not so good, having much of the
fishy taste of tho sea-ducks.

DAFILA, LEAcn.

Dafh, "Lbach," Stephens, Shaw's Gen. Zool., XH. (1824) 226. {Tyj^ Anai
aeutn.)

Bill long, narrow; considerably longer than the foot; nearly linear, but widen-
ing a little to the end, which is truncate, rounded; nnil small; nostrils small, in the
basal third of bill; tail pointed; tbo two middle feathers lengtt cncd, so as nearly tg
equal tbe wings.

49;

OBNITHOLOOT AND OOLUOT.

ui

— . .1

5

DAFILA ACUTA -Jmynt.

Tbe Pintail ; SpriKtatt.

Atuu acvM, I.innirtm. Sy«t. Nat., I. (1766) 202. Wild. Am. Om., V/II. (1814)
And. Om. Ui.«., III. {imr,)2\i\ V. 916. /!>., lliriU Am , VI. (INS) 2<1-J.
Dnjiln ncvl'i, llminpartr. I.ist (XKiH).
Anal {buifli<i$) iK-uta, Nuttnll. Man., IT. ( 1834) n86.

DKRrRIITIlIN,

Tail of nixtcen fi'Othcrs; ))ill hlnilc abovo and laterally nt lli« base; tlio nidpi
and bentndi blue; head and iippir part of neck uniform diirk-brown, ({losjiud with
ffTi'vn ami purple bi'liiiid; iiiliM-ior part of iii'tk, bri'ast, and uiidrr parti while; lli«
white of nock paii-x's up to the nape, gcpiinitini^ the brown, and it.-elf Is diviilcd
d(irr<nlly by lilauk, which, below, pawes into the gray of the baek ; llie back anteriorly
an<l the cidcn are finely liiii'd transversely with black and white; the winps are |)laiii
and bluli«h-j;ray; Ihi; greater coverta with a terminal bar of pur]di»li-hun°, liidow
which is o greeniflh-purplu speculum, mar^nncd beliind by lilnck, and tipped with
white; longest tcrtials striped with silvery and greenish-black; scapiil-irn black,
edged with silvery; crissum and elongated tail feathers black; the former edged
with white.

Female with otdy a trace of the markings of the wing; the grceu of thospecn-
lum brownish, with a few green spots; the feathers of the back are brown, with a
broad U or V-shaped brownish-yellow bar on each feather anteriorly; sometimes
those bars appear in the shape of broad transvei-se line.

Length, thirty inches; wing, eleven; tail, eight and sixty one-hundredths; tarsus,
one and seventy-tive one-hundredtlis; commissure, two and thirty-six one hun-
dredths inclics.

Hub. — Whole of North America, and Europe.

This beautiful bii-d is pretty coramon on our sliorcs ; and
it is mnch pursued, both for the beauty of its plumage
and for the excellence of its flesh. It breeds in the most
northern portions of the continent, where, Nuttall says, " it
lays eight or nine eggs of a greenish-blue color." It is seen
in most abundance in tlie autumn on our coast, where it
appears by the 10th of September, and remains until the
last week in October. Wilson says it is a shy and cau-
tious bird, feeds in the mud flats, and shallow fresh-water
marshes ; but rarely resides on the seacoast. It seldom
dives, is very noisy, and has a kind of chattering note.
When wounded, they will sometimes dive, and, coming up,
conceal themselves under the bow of the boat, moving round
ns it moves ; are vigilant in giving the alarm on the approach

M

*

1

OOT.

THE (illKKN-WlNUEO TICAL.

4:':

WiU. Am.Om,Vm.{m«)
Am , VI. (1843) 2M.

fl.

tcrally nt ihn l)H'«i H'" "''''"•
■orm (liirk-t>r(>Mm, kIiissccI with
St, anil uii'lir iKirt.< whit.^i tlm
ho brown, ami itself in ilivid.d
jf Iho back ! ll'c bnik unlerlorly
nnil white; the wiiiK« nre iilaiii
niil hnr of piinilish-bu(V, hi'h.w
hind by hhtek, and tipiifil willi
•ocnish-blnck ; scnpuWrH bhick.
itliers black-, the tbriniT oiIkhI

wImr; the RTec" of tho>pccn-

of the buck arc brown, with a

li feather anteriorly; sometimes

le linc».

nd sixty one-lnindrcdtha ; tarsus,

B, two and thirty-six one hun-

011 on our shores ; and
beauty of its plumage
It breeds in the most
s-here, Nuttall says, " it
■blue color." It is seen
on our coast, where it
and remains until the
s it is a shy and cau-
ind shallow fresh-water
seacoast. It seldom
nd of chattering note.
3 dive, and, coming up,
the boat, moving roiuid
le alarm on the approach

Df ihn guiiiKT, who often cvirm's thi' watclifiilncss nf the
Sprigtiiil. Some Ducks, whi-ii iiiou.sod, di.speiso in dineruiit
direetioiiM; but the Spri^^tuils, when iilanned, cluster colt-
I'lisedly t<)j:(!th»'r aH they nuiunt, and thereby alVoiti tbt; sportn-
iiian a fair opportunity uf rakin^^ ihtMii with adv!intai::t;. They
^onerally leave tlie Delawan; aliout the miildlt! nl' March, on
llie way to their nutivo regions, the North, whore they uio
most numerous.

NKTTION', Kai p.

A't(/iMi, Kaui-, Kntwick (1820). Gruy. (Type Amu cnecn, I..)

Dill unuhually narrow, lunger tliua tbu foot; the iiiUe.-< parallel; ihu upjier lateral

an^lo nut extending; buck mt I'ar an the luwer eil^'c; nuil very narrow, linear, and

about uue-Ulth as widu aa tlio bill.

NETTION CABOLINENSIS.-/y.iii'ii.
Tbo Oreen-winged Teal.

Anat CaralintniU, Ginelin. Syst. Nut., I. (1788) !jn3. Aud. iiirds Am., VI.
(U43) 281.

Aim crecca, Wilson. Am. Orn., VIII. (1S14) 101. Aud. Orn. Uiog., III. (Ib63)
2iy; V. 610.

.4h(>ji {kischat) atcca, Swainson. F. Bor. Am., II. (11^31) 400. Nutt. Man., 11.
(1834)400.

Dksckutio.v.

Head and neck all round chestnut; chin black; forehead dusky; rcjjioa round
the eye, continued along the side of the head an a bmad stripe, rich-green, pa«sinf;
iuto a bluish-blnek patch acros.s the nape; tinder pnrls white, the feathers nf the
jugtilum with rounded black spot.s; lower portion of neck all round, sides of breast
and body, long feathers of flanks and seapulars, beautifully and finely banded
do.iely with black and grayish-white; outer webs of Miuie scapulars, and of outer
secondaries black, the latter tipped with white; speculum broad and rich-green;
wing coverts plain j;rayish-brown, the greater coverts tipped with bulF; a white
crescent in front of the bend of the wing; crissum black, with a triangular patch
of bulVy-white on each side; lower portion of the green stripe on each side of the
head blacki,«h, with a dull edge of whitish below; iris brown.

Males vary in having the under parts sometimes strongly tinged with ferrugi-
nous-brown.

Female with the wings as in the male; the under parts white, with hidden spot!
on the jugulum and lower neck; above dark-brown, the feathers edged with gray.

Length, fourteen inches; wing, seven and tbrty one-Iumdredtlis; tarsus, one and
fourteen onc-hundredths; commissure, one and sixty-eight one-hundredlhs inches.

Uab. — Whole of North America; accidental in Europe.

This beautiful little fowl is quite abundant in the spring
ai intumn migrations iu New England ; arriving in tho

494

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

former about tlio lOth of May, and in the latter about
the second week in September, and remaining xmtil tlie
middle of October. Jt frequents fresh-water ponds and
streams in small flocks, where it feeds on various water
insects, their larvae, tlie seeds of aquatic plants, and the
tadpoles of the dilTerciit frogs. Its flesh is well flavored,
and, with the next species, is one of the most popular in all
our markets. I have often seen individuals of this species
associate with the ducks in a farmer's yard or duck-pond,
and have known them to come to the barn-yard with the
tamv- fowls, and eat with them the corn thrown out for their
food. Til the water, it is a graceful bird, moving about
with great activity. Its flight is rapid ; and accompanied
with a whistling murmur different from that of most of our
other ducks.

Tills bird probably breeds in the secluded lake districts
of the northern portions of New England, as it is found in
considerable abundance in localities in Nova Scotia and
Canada in the same latitude. It nests early in June, some-
times by the 20tli of May.

The nest is placed on the ground, in a thick patch or
tussock of grass, usually in meadows within a few feet of a
small pond or stream. It is constructed of, first, a thick
layer of soft pieces of grass tnd weeds, on which is placed a
thin covering of the down and feathers ' om the breast of
the bird. The eggs are from five to eight in number: they
are usually ovoidal in form, sometimes nearly oval, and vary
in dimensions from 1.90 by 1.32 inch (Nova Scotia) to 1.73
by 1.22 inch. Their color is a dirty-white, with a slight
greenish tint.

QUERQUEDULA, Stephens.

Qtierrpiedula, Stephens, Slin.v's Gen. Zool., XII. (1824). (Type Anat qutrqiie-
iMi, L.)

Dill narrow, lengthened, a little longer than the foot, widening a little to the
en.i, which is olnusely rounded; the tail occupying about one-third the width,
the l.imclliB visible in the lateral profile; the upper lateral angle at the base of
bill extending rather further I),.ck than the lower edge.

,OGY.

THE BLUE-WINGED TEAL.

49;-)

in the latter about
remaining xmtil the
;sh-\vater ponds and
3ds on various water
latic plants, and the
flesh is well flavored,
he xnost popular in all
iduals of this species
s yard or duck-pond,
he barn-yard with the
■n thrown out for their
il bird, moving about
lid; and accompanied
)m that of most of our

secluded lake districts
;land, as it is found in
3 in Nova Scotia and
ts early in June, some-

d, in a thick patch or
3 within a few feet of a
■ucted of, first, a thick
Is, on which is placed a
crs ' om the breast of
eight in number: thoy
IS nearly oval, and vary
(Nova Scotia) to 1.70
ty-whitc, with a slight

'HENS.

I. (1824). (Type Anas querifte-

le foot, widening a littlo to the
ing about one-third the widtli
)er lateral angle at the base »i
edge.

QDEEQDEDULA DISCOES. — Slephtm.
The Blue-winged Teal.

Anat ducors, Wilson. Am. Oin., VIII. (1814) 74. Aud. Orn. Blog., IV. (183«;
Ml. ;i., Birds ^^m.,VL (1843) 287.

Querqueduld iliscnrs, Stephens. Shaw's Gen. Zool., XIF. (1824) 14!!.

Anas (Buschasj iliscura, Swainson. F. Bor. Am., II. (li^31) 44t. Nutt. Man., 11.
(1834) 397.

DKSCItllTlDN.

Mdle. — Head and neck above plumbeous-gray ; top of head blaek ; u while cres-
cent in front of the eye; under parts fruni middle of the neck purplish-gray,
each feather with spots of black, which become nuire obsolete beliind; forepart of
back with the feathers brown, with two undulating narrow bands of purpli.-h-gray;
leathers on the flanks banded with dark-brown and pur(,lish-gray; back ln.hiii(l and
tail greenish-brown; crissum black; wing coverts and some of the outer webs of
.scapulars blue; other scapulars velvet -black or green, streaked with pale reddish-
hutf; speculum glossy-green; the outer greater wing coverts white, as are the axil-
lars, the middle of under surface of the wing, aud .i patch on each side of the bfi.sc
of the tail; bill black; feet flesh-colored; iris dark-hazel.

Female. — With the top of liead brown, and the wing coverts blue and white, as
in the male; base of bill, except above, chin, and upper part of the liiroat, dirty
ycUowish-whito; back brown, the feathers margined witli paler; under parts whit-
isli, with rounded obscure brown spots; the jugiiluni darker.

Length of male, sixteen inches; wing, .seven and ten onc-lnmdredths; tarsus,
one and twenty one-hundredths; commissure, one and eighty-live one-hundredths
inches.

Hab. — Eastern North America to Rocky Mountains. Xot yet found on the
I'aciflc coast nor in Europe.

This species is more often found in small crocks near the
seashore than the Green-winged Teal ; but it prefers the
small fresh-water ponds and streams to the salt water, and
is most abundant in mill-ponds, where the water varies in
depth in different days ; there it searches in the little nooks
and pools, among the half-submerged rocks aud bushes, for
its favorite food of aquatic insects and the seeds of aquatic
pltints. It arrives from the South in spring, by the latter
part of April, .sometimes earlier, and remains lingering in
its favorite haunts until the first week in May. It proceeds
slowly to the North, where it breeds ; and it then returns
through New England, by the middle of September, to the
Southern States, where it passes the winter. It sometinuis
breeds in New England. George A. Boardman, Esq., has

496

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

^9

s

found it with young at Milltown, Me. ; and Giiaud, in his
"Birds of Long Island," says that it breeds in that locality.
The greater number, however, pass to the more northern
countries, v.iiere they begin to lay early in June. The
nests are similar to those of the Green-winged Teal, and
arc placed in similar localities. The eggs are from six to
ten in number. They vary in form from ovate to ovoidal,
and are sometimes nearly oval in shape: they are of a dirty
yellowish-white color, paler than that of the eggs of the
Green-winged Teal. They vary in dimensions from 1.95
by 1.35 inch (Wisconsin) to 1.74 by 1.30 inch (Labrador).
The surface of both these eggs, and those of the preceding
species, is covered with stains of a darl<jr tint than the
primary color ; probably caused by the feet of the bird, or
by the decaying vegetation which forms the nests of both
species.

SPATULA, BoiE.

Spniula, BoiE, Isis (182"!, 564. (Type Anas dypeata, L.)

Bill much longer than tho head and spatulate, widening to the end, wliere it l.i
twice as broad as at the base; nail long and narrow; lamella: of the upper mandible
verj" close, delicate, and lengthened, projecting far below the lower edge; tail acute,
Ic^s than half tlie wing.

SPATULA CLYPEATA Boie.

The Shoveller; Spoonbill.

Aims clypeuta, Linna;us. Syst. Nat, L (1766) 200. Wils. Am. Orn., VIII. (1814).
Aud. Om. Biog., IV. (1838) 241. lb., Birds Am., VI. (1843) 293.
Spatula dypeata, Boie. Isis (1822), 564.
Anas (Spathulea) dypeata, Nuttall. Man., II. (1834) 375.

Desckiition.

Head and neck green; forepart and sides of the breast, with greater portion of
Bc.ipulars, and the sides of the base of the tail, white; rest of under parts dull pur-
plish-chestnut; crissum, rump, and upper tail coverts black, the latter glos.ied with
green; wing coverts blue, the posterior row brown in the concealed portion, and
tipped with white; longest tcv ils blue, streaked intenially with white; others vel-
vet-green, streaked centrally v .ili white; Kpeculuni grass-green, edged very nar-
rowly behind with black, and then witli white.

Female with the win;; similar, but with the blue of coverts and scapulars less

)GY.

THE GADWALL.

4'.>7

; and Giiaud, iu his
■ecds iu tliat locality.
) the more nortlicra
jarly in June. The
■en-winged Teal, ami

C"-"-s are from six to
rom ovate to ovoidal,
,e : they are of a dirty
,t of the eggs of the
limensions from 1.^*0
1.30 inch (Labrador),
liose of the preceding

darl r tint than the
he feet of the bird, or
rms the nests of both

>eata, L.)

wideninR to the end, where it Is
; lamellaj of the upper mandible
,elow the lower edge; tail acute,

. Bok.

bill.

I Wils. Am. Orn., VIII. (1814)-

ri. (1843) 293.

|834) 375.

ibreast.with greater portion of
|e; rest of under pitrts dull piir-
Its black, the latter glowed witl.
1 in the concealed portion, and
Iteniallv with white; others vel-
[u gras"s-green, edged very nar-

Le of coverts and scapulars less

liatinct; head and nock browniih-yollnw, ppdttod with du.sky; the belly with •
lii'cided chestnut tinge; iris reddish-orange.

Length, twenty inches; wing, nine and fifty onc-hiuulrcdths; tarsus, one anl
thirty-eight onc-hundrcdths ; commissure, throe and two one-hundredths inches.

The Shoveller i.s a rare species on the coast of New Eng-
land; but two or three arc taken in a season, and it is
rarely that one is found here in the mature plumage. It
is as often found in fre.sh-water ponds and streams as in the
creeks and bays near the shore. It breeds in the most
northern portions of the eastern coast ; but, according to
Mr. Audubon, it passes the season of incubation "from
Texas westward to the Columbia River, thence to the fur
countries." Says Nuttall, " Soon after March, according
to Baillou, they disperse through the fens in France to
breed, and select the same places witli tlie Summer Teal ;
choosing with them large tufts of rushes, making a nest of
withered grass in the most boggy and difficult places
of access, near waters. The eggs are twelve to fourteen,
of a very pale greenish-yellow : the female sits twenty-
four or twenty-five days."

The Spoonbill feeds, like the other fresh-water ducks, on
various aquatic insects and tadpoles ; but, luilike the Teals,
eats but few seeds of aquatic plants. A specimen that I
examined, killed iu Plymouth County, Mass., had its stom-
ach filled with small pieces of some aquatic roots, and one
or two tadpoles : there were also fragments of small crusta-
ceans, but so small that it was impossible to identify them.

OHAULELASMUS, Ghav.

Chaulelatmut, (jr. R. Grat (1838). (Type Anns strepera, L.)
Bill as long as the head; the lower edge about as long as the outer toe, and
longer than the tarsus; the lamella: distinctly visible below the edge of the bill.

CHAULELASMUS STOZVEKUS. - Gray.
The Oadwall; Gray Duck.
^110* ttrepera, Linnicns, Wilson, and others.

a2

•"^.^i

498

OIIMTIIOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

.:r2
peg

s

I)r,.s(i!ii'ric)x.

Afdle. — Ilcnd nnd noik brownish-white, ciich feather ppntted with duskj*; th«
top of lieaj tinged with reddish; lower part of neck, with forepart of breact and
hack, blackish, witii concentric narrow bars of white, giving a scaled appearance to
the feathers; interscapular region, outermost scapulars, and sides of the body, finely
waved transversely with black and white; middle wing coverts chestnut, the
greater velvet-black, succeeded by a pure-white spccidum, bordered externally by
h nary gray, succeeded by black; crissuni and upper tail coverts black; longest tcr-
tials hoiiry plumbeous-gray; innermost scapulars with a reddish tinge; inside of
wing and axillars pure-white; bill black; iris hazel.

Fem<i!e. — With the bill dusky, edged with reddish; wing somewhat like that of
the male, but with the chestnut-red more restricted.

Length, twenty-two inches; wing, ton and fifty one-hundredths; tarsus, one and
si.xty-foiii- one-hundredths; commissure, two and four one-hundredths inches.

TIic Gadwall is a rare autumnal visitor in New England,
and is seldom seen in the spring as it is passing to its
northern breeding-places. Audubon, in describing its habits,
says, —

" This species dives well on occasion, especially on beino;
wounded. At the appearance of danger, it rises on wing
— whether from the groxmd or from the water — at a single
spring, in the manner of the Mallard ; and, like it also,
ascends almost perpendicularly for several yards, after
which it moves off in a direct course with great celerity. I
have never seen it dive on the flash of the gun ; but, when
approached, it alwr^'s swims to the opposite part of tlie
pond, and, when the danger increases, flies off. On being
wounded, it sometimes, by diving, makes its escape among
the grass, where it squats, and remains concealed. It walks
with ease, and prettily, often making incursions upon the
land, when the ponds are not surrounded by trees, for
the piirpose of searching for food. It nibbles the tender
shoots and blades of gra.sses with apparent pleasure ; and
will feed on beech-nuts, acorns, and seeds of all kinds of
gramineiB, as well as on tadpoles, small fishes, and leeches.
After rain, it alights in cornfields, like the Mallard, and
picks up the scattered grains of maize."

Tlie eggs of this species are from, eight to twelve in num-
ber. Their color is a pale-drab, with a slight olivaceous t^'nt:

LOGY.

THK AMKRICAN WinOKON.

4;»r,

atlicr Fpnttpil with dusky, the
k, with forepart of brcnrt and
, (iiving a scaled appearance to
rs, and sides of the body, finely
le wins coverts chestnut, the
cculum, bordered externally by
• tail coverts black; longest ter-
vith a reddish tinge; inside of

el.

ish ; wing somewhat like that of

one-hundredths; tarsus, one and
,ur one-hundredths inches.

■isitor in New England,

as it is passing to its

, in describing its habits,

sion, especially on behi'j;
langcr, it rises on wing
ithewater — atasinglo

lard ; and, like it also,
jv several yards, after
le with great celerity. I
of the gim ; but, when
lie opposite part of the
,scs, flies off. On bemg
iakes its escape among
iins concealed. It walks
ng incursions upon the
rrounded by trees, for
It nibbles the tender
apparent pleasure ; and
id seeds of all kinds of
mall fishes, and leeches.
. like the Mallard, and

ize."

. eight to twelve in num-

(h a slight olivaceous t'nt:

their form is a long ovoid; and their dimensions average
about 2.15 inch in length by l.-'iO inch in breadth.

MAKECA, Stephens.

^fnl•ec(t, Stki-hens, Shaw's Gen. Zool., XII. (1S24) 130. (Tvpe Anns Ptnt^
O-pe, L.)

IVll shorter than the head, and equal to the inner toe claw; tlie sides parallel \u
near the end, which is rather obtusely pointed, the nail occupying tlie tip, and about
one-third as broad as the bill; bill rather high; the upper lateral aiijjle at the base
not prominent, nor extending as far buck as the lower edge; tail pointeil. \w\. half
the wings.

The North-American and European species of Marecn have the upper parts
finely waved transversely with black and gray or reddish-brown; the under parts,
with the usual exceptions, snowj'-white. The top of the head is uniform white or
cream-color; the neck more or less spotted; the middle and greater coverts are
white, the latter tipped with black, the speculum is green, encircled by black; the
tertials are black en the outer web, edged with hoarj'-white ; tlie entire outer web of
one of them hoary.

MARECA AMEBICANA. — Sfe/)Aen«.
The American Widgeon; Ualdpate.

Anas Americana, Gmelin. Syst. Nat., I. (1788) 526. Wils. Am. Orn., VIII.
;i8U) 86. Aud. Om. Biog., IV. (1838) 337. lb., Birds Am., VI. (1843) 269.
Mareca Americana, Stephens. Shaw's Gen. Zool., XII. (1824) 135.
Anas(Botchas) Americana, Nuttall. Man., II. (1834) 389.

Description.

Male. — Tail of fourteen feathers; bill blue, the extreme base and tip black,
he.id and neck pale-buflf, or faint reddish-yellow, each leather banded narrowly with
bliickish, so as to give the appearance of spots; the top of the head from the bill is
pale unspotted creamy- white ; the sides of the head from around the eye to the nape,
glossy-green, the feathers, however, with hidde>i spot."!, as described; chin uniform
dusky; forepart of breast and .sides of body light-bro^vnish or chocolate-red, eadi
feather with obsolete grayish edge; rest of under parts pure-white: the cri.ssum
abruptly black ; the back, scapulars, and rump, finely waved transversely anteriorly
witli reddish and gray, posteriorly with purer gray, on a brown ground; a little of
'.he same waving also on the sides; the lesser wing coverts are plain gray: tlie mid-
dle and greater are conspicuously white, the latter terminated by black, succeeded
by a speculum, wbk'li is grass-green at the base, and then velvet-black; the tertials
ire black on the outer web, bordered narrowly by black, the outennost one hoary-
^'ray, externally edged with black; tlie tail is hoarj'-browii ; the upper coverts are
black externally; the axillars are white; iris hazel.

The blackish chin appears to be found only in very highly pluinaged birds. The
top of the head is sometimes pure-white.

The female has the head and r.eck somewhat similar, but spotted to the bill;
wings as in the male; the black of tertials replaced by brown; the gray of the lessor
coverts extending slightly over the middle ones ; back and scapulars with ratnci

500

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGV.

ci;

^ 3

^=1
s

broad and distant trnnsverse bars of rcddish-whitc, oacb feather witb two or fbrcc in-
terrupted nlnn^ the : liafts; these are much wider and tiioie di-taiit tlian in tlio niali'.

Length, twenty-ono and peventy-five one-liundredtlis inches; win}?, eleven; tar-
BUfi, one and forty-two ono-liundreiltlis; comnli^^^llre, one and ei^jhtj* one-liundrcdlli>
inches.

//(lb. — Continent of North America. Accidentol in Kurope.

This beaut i fill l)ird is found in small flocks of four or five
individuals in the spring and fall niigralions, and is morj
often found in the frosh-water ponds and streams in the
interior than in the salt wat(M" on the coast.

It I vccds in the Hu .^on's Bay Country, early in June.
The nest is placed on the ground, as I am informed, in the
marshes and sterile plains of that country, and resembles
very much the nest of the common Black or Dusky Duck.
The eggs are from eight to twelve in number. They
resemble those of the Blue-winged Teal iu form and color,
being a dirty yellowish-white. They average in dimensions
about 2.05 by 1.50 inch.

The food of this bird consists principally of the tender
leaves and roots of aquatic plants, which it obtains, when in
company with the Canvas-back, by stealing from that bird ;
the latter diving, and bringing it up from the bottom of the
water, and the Widgeon seizing it when he appears at
the surface.

AIX, BoiK.

Aix, BoiE, Isia (1828), 329. (Type Anas galerictdata, L.)

Bill very high at the base, where the upper lateral angle runs bnck much behind
the lower edge of the bill ; nostrils very large, and scarcely enveloped by mem-
oranc; the feathers of the forehead reaching to their posterior edge; nail very large,
and much hooked, occupying the entire tip of bill; lamellce depressed, broad, and
distant; bill, from feathers of forehead, shorter than the head, and equal to the tai-
sus; head crested; claws short, much curved, and very sharp; tail, about half the
wings, vaulted, tuneate, but truncate at the tip; the coverts nearly as long aa
the feathers.

AIX SPONSA. — Bote.

The Summer Duck ; Wood Duck.

Anas tponsa, Linnteus. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 207. Wils. Am. Om., VIII. (1?U'
97. Aud. Om. Biog., III. (1835) 52; V. 618. lb., Birds Am., VI. (1843) 271.
Aix sponm^TSoK. Isis (1828), 329.
Ami (Boichas) sponsa, NutUtI Man., II. (1834) 394.

LOOV.

■li fcnthor with two or tlircc in-

more ili-^tnnt thnn in tlic mali'.

lllis iiicln's; wing, eleven; tiir-

one and ciglity one-liunilredtlis

in Kurope.

1 flocks of four or five
^rations, and is morj
s and streams in the
10 coast.

ountry, early in June.
I am informed, in tlie
jountry, and resembles
Black or Dusky Duck,
e in number. They
cal in form and color,
average in dimcnsiou.s

incipally of the tender
Inch it obtains, when in
tealing from that bird ;
from the bottom of the
i when he appears at

evhta, L.)

ral angle runs bnck much behind
ind scarcely enveloped by mem-
ir posterior edge ; nail very large,
1 ; lamellie depressed, broad, and
1 the head, and equal to the tai-
very sharp; tail, about half the
; the coverts nearly as long aa

ne.

d Duck.

7. Wils. Am. Om.,VIir.(18U'
Birds Am., VI. (1S43) 271.

i) 394.

i;ii

*^.

8

THE SUMMER DUCK.

501

Drsciuition.

Head unil crost niotallic-tjrdMi t" luluw tl yci; tin- dinks, nnd i\ stripe fYmu

beliiniTtlie fvu, purplish; u imrmw ^inirt liii<^ imm tliu uppir uii^'li; cpI' iIh' ImH alonj;
the cldi; of till- cTdwii and tliriiiij,'li tlic i icst, aiidtlier on tliu iippiT ovcliil, a .-tripe
startinj; below and lieliind the vyv, and runnin;; into tin- criMt parallu with ilie one
first mentioned, tliu thin and upper part of tlie throat scndinf,' a well-delined branch
up towards till! eye, and aimther towards llie nape, snowy-wliile; lower lutk and
juKUluin, and sides of the base of tail, rieli-purple; the jUKubini willi triauKni.'ir
spots of white and a eliesfiiut shade; reinaiv x under parts while, as is a ere-ei nt
in front of the wing liordered behind by ;,..,ck; »ides yellciu i^h-gray, linely liueil
withblaek; the lon^ feathers of the Hanks broadly black at the end, with a sul>-
terniinal bar, anil sometimes a tip of white; back and neck above nearly uniibrin
bronzed-Ki'een and purple; scapulars anil iimcrinost tertials velvet-black. ^do».-ed on
the inner webs with violet; the latter with a white bar at the end; Ki'ealer eijvirts
violet, succeeded by a greenish speculinn, tipped with while; primaries silvery-while
exterimlly towards the end; the tips internally violet aiid purple; iris briglil-red.

Female with the wings (piite similar; the back more purplish; the sides of th«
head and neck ashy; the regiiui round the base of the bill, a patch through the eyes,
and the ch.'n, white; the purple of the juguluin replaced by brownish; the waved
feathers on the sides wanting.

Length, nineteen inches; wing, nine and tilly one-h;nidivdlhs; tarsus, one and
forty onc-hundi'edths: eonnnissure, one and lifty-lbur one-hundreiiths inches.

llah. — Continent of North America.

The AVood Duck is a sunuuer resident in all the North-
ern States, and there are few country ])eoj)le who aro not
acquainted Avith it either 1)}' the name of Wood Duck or
Summer Duck. It breeds in hollow stubs of trees in tlie
vicinity of streams, ponds, or lake.-<, and the yoiini:; birds are
carried to tlie water in the bill of the parent bird. 1 have
seen this done on several occasions, and guides and hunters
assure me it is a common habit.

As the Duck ilewo\er my head the young bird seemed to
be hanging by the neck from the parent's beak.

I have visited several nests, and tliey were all composed
of down and feathers evidently ])ulled from the breasts of
the birds. One nest was in the top of a stub over sixty
feet high.

The family, old and young, when swinnning among the
green aquatic plants in the water make a charming pic-
ture. The little downy things dart about in pursuit of
water insects and tiies with astonishing quickness, and their

6oa

OHNIllOLOrSY AND OOLOCY

Hi

*-. cat

5

ovory iMovuinout in watched with Holicitudo by the anxiouH
and dovott'fl j>aroiitrt. ^

Nuvur tihall I lorj^ut the; iiicideiitH of oiio of my iii;;;ht ox-
(Mii'sioiis oil Mutalicr I'oiid, a shtiut tjf water a mile; or so in
Iciii^ftli, situatfd ill tliu Maine woods alxdit tlireu miles from
tlu! Itaiij,'(;luy Laivus. On tliis occasion I saw at least a
do/('M families of tlio Summer DncU, toij;t'tlior with the
Uhu'k Duck, and others that hreed in that retired locality.
At ahoiit ten o'clock we lif^hted the ".lack "' lantern, and
fixinj;- it to a staff in the how of the skiff we embarked, I
seated in the bow just behind the lantern and my guide in
the stern.

iS'o toiiji;iie can describe, no pen can i)icture the wildnops,
the weird beauty of the sci'iies that followed. The skii't
moved noiselessly, keepinjj; about three rods from the; shore;
not a sound was made by the paddle, not a ripple announced
our presence ; we floated as silently iind as smoothly as does
the fallin<^ feather drop through the air.

The stroiiLC light of the lantern, aided and increased by
the powerful roHector behind it, was thrown upon the foli-
age of the bushes and trees upon the shore. The ])ath of
light thus thrown was oidy about ten feet in width, and on
either side of it, as well as around and behhid us, all was of
the densest darkness.

The foliage thus illuminated seemed to be of silvery wliite-
ness, and every leaf, every twig, stood out as distinctly and
[)eautifully as if painted in white upon a black background.

The scene was the most weird and fairy-like 1 ever wit-
nessed.

Onward we floated, nothing whatever indicating that we
were in motion save the progress of the belt of light upon
the foliage.

Sometimes an inquisitive nuiskrat would swim alongside
ns, keeping just within the belt of light. Occasionally would
we hear the slap of a beaver's tail upon the water, and often
would we pass among a flock of wild Ducks that were swim-

itudo by the aiixioiw

• „iio «)£ my nij^lit cx-
viitor a mile or **" i"
l)(,ut tlireu milfri from

it.ll I f^ilW lit lt'U8t II

U, togi'ther Willi the
that retu-ed locality.
J ".Jack" hintern, aiwl
! rtkiff we cinl)aiUe(l, 1
iitern uiul my K^'^^*^ '"

n pieture the wildncss.
,t followed. The skilf
eo rods from the shore;
not a ripple announced
ind as smoothly as does

air.

lided and increased by
, thrown upon the foli-
iie shore. The path of
■u feet in width, and on
Ind behind ns, all was of

led to be of silvery whitL-
iod out as distinctly and
,on a black background.
,d fairy-like 1 ever wit-
Lever indicating that we
If the belt of light upon

vt would swim alongside
(ght. Occasionally would
Tpon the water, and often

d Ducks that were swim-

Tin; HKA 1)1 TKS.

.-.il,']

ming about and feeding. S.. close did we p;i-s to .-niur nf
ihehL", that if I Inul (ie>ire(l I i-nnid have aiiiin>t tmirind
them with my niitstrclclied hand. Tiiey were al»<ihii.lv
da/t'd with tiie strong light that was thrown upon them.

Several times we pas.sud thriimjh a I'amilv of yoiing Ducks,
a part of the Hock Ijoiiig on one side of the Imat ami the re-
iiiaiiuler on the ittlicr, yet they did not beroni' alarimd.
and 1 had a good t)pportunity to watcii them in all their
niovcmt'iits.

The eggs of the Smmner Duck are of a dirty \tllo\vish-
white color. Their form varies from ovate to neailv oval;
and tlieir dimensions vary from :i.2<» by 1. .">,') (^Wlseoiisoin
to '2.10 by 1.55 (Maine) and l.Uti by 1.45 ( Massachusetts).

This species is easily domesticated, and >ooii liecomes
very tame. It breeds in continement, and soon ac(|nii'es all
the habits of the domestic ^fallard, but prefers a hollow
tree or stunip for its uesting-pluce.

Sub-Family Fuligulin^. — The Sea Bitch.

The cliief character of tho FuliyuUme, as coiupari'J with lliu Annlime, ci)ii>i.-ls in
the greatly developed lobe or membranous flap attached to or auspiiiiltd iVum tho
inferior Burface of the hind too; the feet are usuully enormously larne, the tarsi
short, the legs set far back, and the whole organization well tittid tor swimming
and diving: many of the species live on or noar the seacoust, although most of
them straggle more or less through the interior of the countries they inhabit.

FULIX, SUNDKVALL.

Fulix, SuNDF.VAU,, Kong. Vet. Ak. Hand. (1835). (As restricted.)
Bill longer than the tarsus, and about equal to tho head, and to the middle too
without the nail; feathers of checks, chin, and forehead advancing but sliglitiy, and
to about the same distance; nostrils open, situated in the anterior portion of the
basal two-fifths of the bill, not reaching the middle; edges of bill about parallel,
or widening to the tip; profde gently concave to the nail, which is decurved; nail
aot one-third the width of tho bill, and forming only the central portion of its tip;
tarsus about half the middle toe and claw; bill as long as the feet; fail short,
rounded, of fourteen feathers; head :ind nuck blaek.

504

OUNITIIOLOOY AND OOLOUT.

■d

1 3

^4 '^n

s

rULIX MARILA.— /i./iV-A

Tba Soaup Duck ; Big Black Head i Blue Bill,

Anas maritd, l.iiiiix'UM. SyM. Nat., I, (170U) I'JO. WiU. Am. Orii., VIII. (18U,
H.

FiiUi/itl'i iiKirild, AiiiIiiIkiii IlinU Am., VII. (IHtS) 3&&. Uir. U'lnU I.. Ulaiid,

Oi.MCiiii'iiii.v.

Head uiid iiv(k all luimil, jii;;iiIiiim iiihI flmuidiTa, lowur part of buck, tail, and
cuvcrtH, black; the bead with a ^Iiiks ot' (bii'k-f{rccii ou tbo nidcH; runt ul'iiinlcr parts
vliilc; Icalbcrn (in tbu biwcr part:* iil' belly and cm tliu sidcH, tliii lun^ fcatbcn of tlie
thuikM, tbu inttiM-apidiini, and the xcapiilar^, white, waved In /.in/.ini Iran.Hvcr.xely
with blai k ; unalcr and nililille win^ eoverln Hiuiilarly marked, but nmre fmely and
(jliscnrely ; j;reater covertH tnwariN Ibi' tip and lb,' leitiaU ^jreenLsli -black ; the
i.peeidnni is while, liiirdired behind by ){reenHh-blaek ; the while extendini; ucruss
till' wind" central puitiun nf tliu Heeondarii'H; imter primaries and tips of all, brown-
ish-black; inner (Jiies palu-^ray; the central line dusky ; axillars and niiddlu of tlie
• nl'eridr KurlUcu of tbu win^f whitu; bill blue; the nail black; le|;H plumbeouH; iria
yellow.

Female with the head brown; the re^'ion idt mmid the base of the bill while; tb '
nndulation.s of black and whitu on tbu featber.s wantiiiK, or but faintly indieateil
aboN'e.

Length, twenty inches; win^?, nine; tarsus, one and liHy-eigbt oiiediiindrcdtbs
inches; commissure, two and sixteen oiie-bnndredths inches.

Jfdb. — Whole of North America and Kiirope.

This .Species is, iiltliougli not alumtliint, goiicrally mot
with on our coast in spring and fall. It sold(nn i)eii(3trat('.s
far inland, but prefers the hays and mouths of creeks on the
shore, where it has all the habits of the .sea Ducks. 1 have
known of its being taken in small iniinbcrs on Punkapoag
Pond, Massachu.setts, where it associated with the connnou
Dusky Duck. Giraud, in his " Birds of Long Lsland,"
speaks of it as being very abuiulant on our coasts ; arriving
from the North from the 10th to the 20th of October in
large flocks. My experience has been, that it is far from
being an abundant species; and that it is more often seen
in flocks of not more than eight or ten birds than in lai'ger
parties. Its habits, however, may vary i\i different localities ;
and it may be abundant, like many other species, in somo
sections, when it is comparatively scarce in others.

It passes to the most northern countries to spend t' '

.OCT.

TIIK LITTLK BLACK IIKAI).

•)U.i

, Blue Bill.
WiU.Am.0rn.,VIII.(l8U,

3)

3&5. Gir. UiriU 1- l"la"J.

H, lower piirt of liiiok, tnil, an.l
iiitli.tciiU'n; r.;»t of umlor imrt!«
B Hidl'H, tli« loiiK f>»tluT» of ll.e
, wiivud ill /.iKZ-ut? traiHver^'ly
ly iimrUi'd. Imt »>""■« ''""■'>■ »'"'
„" Kitials j;rieiiiHli-l>liitk; the
k; tliuwliile «x^.■ullill^' acroM
irim.uic.. luM lip-' of "". >"■"*"■
,kyi iixillur^ ami miilill« of tin'
mil black; leg* plumbeous; iris

1(1 thti base of till- bill wliitts tb'
milling, or but faintly imlicalea

, an.l liUy-c'i«lit ono-lniiulrcdtbs

ll;4 illchuS.

lumliuit, tJoncniUy met

It seldom V^i'^t'"**'*'^
nimiths of creeks on the

the sea Ducks. 1 lm\x«

immbci's ou runkapoiijr

;iated with the commoii

iVuds of Long Island,"

oil our coasts; arriving

Ithc 20th of Octoher in

.ecu, that it is far from

lilt it is more often seen

ten birds than in larger

,i-yi\iditTeront localities:

,y other species, in some

searce in others.

co\intries to spend t' '

souHun of ineulmtion on our coast; hut. in tin- inli-rior. it is
an alMindiint breeder, — in (lie lake country, iu Wisconsin,
and other localities in similar latitudes. It nests on the
ground ; forinin}.', us 1 am told, a nest of jrriissand woods iu
a marshy swamp, very hiinilar to the nest of the Mallard that
breeds in the same localities.

Tbo eggs are from six to ten in number: tliey are of an
ovate form, Hometimes nearly oval ; and are of a ilirty palo-
drab color, with a slight tint of olivaceous.

They vary in dimensions from 2.82 by 1.00 to 2.2tj by
1.:j2 inch (^botli sizes from Wisconsin).

i'DLIX AFFINIS. - /hird.

The LiUle Black-head; Blue Bill.

Fuliijuli mnrilti, Amlubim. Oiii, Uitj;., III. (It-l.) •li^\ \. (\kvj) liU. Ih.,
llirds Am., VI. (18i;i)yiij.

Fuliyutd nuiMi; Uiraud. Uird.t I.. Island (lt)44), ii'i.

UEsciiirrioN.

Dill blue; tliu iiuil blaik; luud, nuik, fuivpart •'( baa^t, and Ijark antiTJor lu
the (ilioulder, lower part of back, tail and itH covltIh, black; tliu bead wiili viobt
purpio ri'Hi'ctions, ibanniii); occasionally to ^Jrccn ; the belly and side, willi axillnis,
and central portion of inner surfaces of winirs pure-wliitc; tlic Iuwit part of the
belly, near the anus, undulated tinely with black spots, liie intersciipular region and
pcapulars white, with transverse zij;/.at; bainis or lines of bluek, thes(! lines much
liirtlier apart in the scapulars, wliicb conseijucnlly are whiter; win^s blackish; the
lesser and middle coverts sprinkled with grayish j the speculum is white, edged
behirul by greenish-black, the color also of the tertiuls; the white of the speculum
goes across the middle of the secondaries; iris yellow.

The female has the wing nearly similar; the bhuk replaced by brownish; the
ngion round the base of the bill whitish; the marbling or mottling almost entirely
wanting.

Length, sixteen and filly onc-hundredths inches; wing, eight; tarsus, one and
tlurly-tour one-hundredths; commissure, one and ninety-lour one-liundredths inch.

This 8j)6cies resembles the former in its general hal)its,
i)Ut is more abundant on our coast, where it is generally
known to our gunners by the name of " lUiie-bill Coot."
It appears in our creeks and bays early in October, and
remains with us xintil late in Novemljcr, and even later, if
the season is mild and open.

506

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

a

J

»:n

1

>

^

s

"The food of the Scaup Duck I have found to consist of
small fry, cray-fishcs, and a mixture of such grasses as hero
and there grow along tiie beds of our rivers." — AuDunox.
It is an expert diver, and can remain a considerable time
under water. When wounded, it often dives, and, clinging
to the weeds or rocks at the bottom of the water, remains
there until dead ; and often die bird does not rise to the
surface iintil the whole warmtli of it has lell its body, when
the muscles, losing their contraction, permit the bird to flout
otF. Very often it does not come to the surface at all, when
thus wounded and dying, but remains like a slone on the
bottom nn.til its parts become separated by the waves, or by
crabs or other crustaceans. Of the breeding habits and
nest of this bird 1 am ignorant. I have but a single egg in
my collection, from Youkon. This is ovoidal in form, ol'
a dirty pale-drab color, and is 2.2o inch in length, and
1.60 at its greatest breadth.

AYTIIYA, UoiK.

Aythya, BoiE, Isis (1822). (Type Anas ferimi, L.)

Very similar to Fuliyula in general characters of sh:ipe ; the bill elongated, longet
than the head, and about eqiiaJ to the middle toe with the claw; the bill more
slender in one species. Ilie nail smaller and less decurved; the bill higher at base,
and the upper outline nearly straight to beyond the end of the nostrils, which do
not quite reach the middle of the bill; colors similar to those of Fuligula; the head
and neck red; tail of Iburteuu leathers.

AYTHYA AMERICANA. — Bimaparte.

The Bed Head.

Ancuferina, WiLson. Am. Orn., VIIL (1814) 84.

Fuligtitaferina, HuUaW. Man., U. (1S34) 434. Aud. Orn. Biog., IV. (183B)
198. Jb., Birds Am., VI. (1S43) 311.

Dksckiption.

Bill as long as the head, broad, blue, the ^nd black; the region anterior to tliu
nostrils dusky; head, and neck for more than half its length, brownish-red, glossed
above and behind with violaceou.s-red ; rest of neck and body anterior to the shoul-
Jerg, lower part of back and tail coverts, black; beneath white, sprinkled with gray
and black anterior to the crissum; the sides, interscapulars, and scapulars finely
lined with undulating black and white in nearly equal proportions, imparting a

THE CANVAS-BACK DUCK.

.-,07

(jeneial gray tint; wing coverts bluish-gray, (inuly s>prinklu(l with whitiali; thu
speculum, consisting of the ends of the suconilarifi", linary graylsh-bhic, li;,'hlrat
externally, and the innermost uarruwly oilgoil oxitiiially with Mack; hasal [Miriii>i'
pf inner primaries somewhat similar to the .-pcculiiiii; tail ot' I'ourteun Icatiiers; irjs
orange-yellow.

This species, with a strong resemblance to the Canvas -back, is readily dis-
tinguished by the shorter, broader bill, absence of brown on the head, and a grtater
predominance of black in the waved lines; this being equal in amount to the white
instead of much less.

Kemale with the head, neck, and forepart of body, brownish; the region rouul
the base of the bill whitish.

Length of male, twenty and tilly one-hundredths inches; wing, nine anl fiily
one-hundredths; tarsus, one and sixty one-hundredths; commissure, two and thirty
one-hundredths inches.

Ilab. — Whole of Xorth America.

This handsome bird is pretty abundant on our shores,
where it ustially prefers the small bays and e.'^ttiarics of
creeks : it is also found in many of our large tracts of fresh
water, where it feeds on the tender leaves and roots of the
various aquatic plants, and small fish, and larvae of aquatic
insects. I found several specimens of botli sexes in tlio Urn-
bagog Lakes in Juno ; and I think it not impossible, that, if
it does not breed there, it will be found to breed in some of
tlie lake regions of northern New England. For it is ob-
served, in various localities, as late as the first week in June ;
and it can be hardly possible that all the birds thus observed
are barren.

The habits of this species so much resemble those of the
succeeding species, that the same remarks will apply to
Ijoth.

I. Aud. Orn. Biog., IV. (183.5)

ck; the region anterior to the
its length, brownish-'-ed, glossed

and body anterior to the shoul-
leath white, sprinkled with gray
rscapulars, and si'apulars finely

(M|ual proportions, imparting a

An'HIA VALLISNEEIA. — BmopaWe.

The Canvas-back Duck.

Anm valUsneria, Wilson. Am. Orn., VIII. (ISli) 103.
Fuliffula vaUisneria, Nuttall. Man., II. 430.
Atjthya willhnerin, Bonaparte. List ( 183S).
FtJiyula vallUierinna, Audubon. Orn. Biog., IV. (1838) 1.
VI. '1843) af?

lb., Birds Ara.,

508

OHNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

vii

S

DKSCItllTlON.

Bill long, slondcr, and taperinf;; head all round and neck chestnut; the top of
the head and region around the base of the bill dusky-brown ; rest of neck, body
anterior to the shoulders, back beliind, rump aiul tail coverts, black; under parts
wliile; the region anterior to tlie anus, the sides, the interscapulars and scapulars,
white, linel}- dotted, in transverse line, with black, the white greatly predoininaling;
fpeculuni bluish-gray, ligli(er externally; the innermost secondaries of the specu-
lum edged externally with biack ; iris carmine.

I'emale with the black and chestnut replaced by brown, the cheeks and ;'liin
lighter, and some tinged with dull-rufous.

Length, twenty and ten one-hundreiltlis; wing, nine and thirty one-hundredtlis,
lursus, one and seventy onc-hundredths; commissure, two and sixty-live inches.

The Cauvas-back is rarely tiikou in New England. I
have seen a (tiw that were killed in Pnnkuijoag Pond, Can-
ton, Mass. J. A. Allen speaks of its being occasionally
fonnd at the western part of the State ; and I once killed
one in Lake Unibagog, Mo. It generally passes to its
nortliern breeding-grounds, and back to its winter home,
through the interior of the country, seldom by the seaboard,
at least north of Pennsylvania ; and, when found in New
England, is only a wanderer from the great flight.

Wilson, in describing its habits, says, —

" The Canvas-back Duck arrives in the United States from tlie
north about the middle of October: a few descend to the Hudson
and Delaware ; but tlie great body of these birds resort to the
numerous rivers belonging to and in the neighborhood of tiie
Chesapeake Bay, particuhirly the Susquehanna, the Patapsco,
Potomac, and James Rivers, which appear to be their general
winter rendezvous. Beyond this, to the south, I can tind no cer-
tain accounts of them. At the Susquehanna, they are called
Canvas-backs ; on the Potomac, White-backs ; and on James
River, Sheldrakes. They are seldom found at a great distance up
any of these rivers, or even in the salt-water bay, but in that par-
ticular part of tide-water where a certain grass-like plant grows, on
the roots of which they feed. This plant, which is said to be a
species of vaUlsneria, grows on fresh-water shoals of from seven
to nine feet (but never where these are occasionally dry), in long,
narrow, grass-like blades, of four or five feet in length : the root is
white, and has some resemblance to small celery. This grass is in

THE CANVAS-nACK DUCK.

oOP

by brown, the cheeks and '.^hiii

many places so thick that a boat can wltli iliirioiilty he rowed
throuirli it. it so impedes tlie oars. The shores arc^ lined witli hir^'e
([iiaiitities of it. torn np l)y tlie Ducks, and drifted np hy the winds,
lying, like hay, iu windrows. Wherever this ])]ant ;,n'(>ws in ;d)iin-
dance, the Canvas-backs may he expected, either to pay oeeasional
visits, or to make it their resjular residence dnrinti the winter. It
occurs in some parts of the Hudson; in the Delaware, near (llou-
cester. a few miles below Philadelphia: and in most of the river.^
that fall into the Chesapeake, — to each of which particnhir ]>laces
these Ducks resort; while, in waters unprovided with this nutri-
tive plant, they are altogether uid<nown.

"On the first arrival of these birds in the Susquehanna, near
Havre-de-Grace, they are generally lean ; but such is the abundance
of their favorite food, that, towards the beginning of Novemlier,
they are iu pretty good order. They are excellent divers, and
swim with great speed and agility. They sometimes assemble in
such multitudes as to cover several acres of ,ie river, and, when
tliey rise suddenly, produce a noise resembling thunder. They
tloat about these shoals, diving, and tearing up the grass by the
roots, which is the only part they eat. They are extremely shy,
and can rarely be approached, unless by stratagem. When wound-
ed in the wing, they dive to such prodigious distances, and with
such rapidity, continuing it so perseveringly, and with such cun-
ning and active vigor, as almost always to render the pursuit hope-
less. From the great demand for these Ducks, and the high price
they uniformlj' bring in market, various modes are practised to get
within gunshot of them. The most successful way is said to he
decoying them to the shore by means of a dog, while the gunner
lies closely concealed in a proper situation. The dog, if properly
trained, plays backwards and forwards along the margin of the
water ; and the Ducks, observing his maniruvres, enticed perhaps
by curiosity, gradually approach the shore, until they are sometimes
within twenty or thirty yards of the spot whore the gunner lies
concealed, and from which he rakes them, first on the water, and
then as they rise. This method is called tolling tlicm in. If the
Ducks seem difficult to decoy, any glaring object, such as a red
handkerchief, is fixed round the dog's middle or to his tail ; and this
rarely fails to attract them. Sometimes, by moonlight, the sports-

510

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

man directs liis skiff towards a flock wliose position lie liad pievi-
ously ascertained, keeping within tli(! prnjcctinjT sliadow of some
wood, bank, or headland, and paddles along so silently and imper-
ceptibly as often to approach witliin fifteen or twenty yards of a
flock of many thousands, among whom he generally makes great
slaughter.

"IVIany other stratagems are practised, and, indeed, every plan
that the ingenuity of the experienced sportsman can suggest, to
approach within gunshot of tiiese birds : but, of all the modes pur-
sued, none intimidate them so much as shooting them by night;
and they soon abandon the place where they have been thus
repeatedly shot at. During the day. they are dispersed about, but,
towards evening, collect in large flocks, and come into the mouths
of creeks, where they often ride as at anchor, witli their head
under the ir wing, asleep ; there being always sentinels awake, ready
to raise an alarm, on the least appearance of danger. Even when
feeding .and diving in small parties, the whole never go down at one
time, but some are still left above on the lookout.

" When the winter sets in severely, and the river is frozen, the
Canvas-backs retreat to its confluence with the bay ; occasionally
frequenting air-holes in the ice, which are sometimes made for the
purpose, immediately above their favorite grass, to entice them
within guns'iot of the hut or bush, which is usually fixed at a
proper distance, and where the gunner lies concealed, ready to take
advantage of their distress. A IMr. Hill, who lives near James
River, at a place called Herring Creek, informs me, that, one
severe winter, he and another person broke a hole in the ice, about
twenty by forty feet, immediately over a shoal of grass, and took
their stand on the shore in a hut of brush, each having three guns
%\'oll loaded with large shot. The Ducks, which were flying up and
down the river, in great extremity, soon crowded to this nlace, so
that the whole open space was not only covered with them, but vast
numbers stood on the ice around it. They had three rounds, firing
both at once, and picked up eighty-eight Canvas-backs, and might
have collected more, had they been able to get to the extremity of
the ice after the wounded ones. In the severe winter of 1779-80,
the grass, on the roots of which these birds feed, was almost wholly
destroyed in James River. In the month of January, the wind

LOGY.

BAUROW S GOLDEN KYK.

•Ml

3 position he hail inevi-
jccting sliadow of some
(T 80 silently ami imper-
en or t,wcnty yards of a
e generally makes great

. and, indeed, every plan
)ortsman can suggest, to
lut, of all the modes pur-
shooting them by night ;
re they have been thus
are dispersed about, but,
id come into the mouths
anchor, with their head
lys sentinels awake, ready
of danger. Even when
lole never go down at one
lookout.

d the river is frozen, the
ith the bay; occasionally
sometimes made for the
te grass, to entice them
ch is usually fixed at a
IS concealed, ready to take
1, who lives near James
c, informs me, that, one
:e a hole in the ice, about
shoal of grass, and took
each having three guns
which were flying up and
crowded to this nlace, so
vered with them, but vast
y had three rounds, firing
Canvas-backs, and might
o get to the extremity of
verc winter of 1779-80,
,s feed, was almost wholly
ith of January, the wind

continued to blow from W.N.W. for twonty-iinc (l:i< -vhirli (Mu-cd
such low tides in the river, that the gra«s fro/c to tin- ice every-
where ; and, a thaw coming on suddenly, th(> wlifil^^ was raised by
the roots, and carried olf by the fresli. TIk; mxt winter, a few of
these Ducks were seen ; but they soon went away again : and, for
many years after, they continued to be scarce ; and, even to the
present day, in the opinion of luy inturmant, have never been so
plenty as before."

Tlio delicacy of tlio flcsli of this bird for food is bo well
known that any remarks hero seem superfluous; l)ut 1 will
nay that it docs not greatly excel that of the Red Head, and
in my own opinion is not at all superior to tliat of the Teals
or Widgeon.

The Canvas-back breeds in the most northern portions of
tlic continent. I am ignorant of its habits in tlio season
of incubation, and have but one egg in my collection to
describe from. This is of an ovate form, nearly oval, of a
palc-blne color with an olivaceous tinge, quite smootli to
the touch, and quite thin and brittle. Its dimensions are
2.54 by 1.78 inch.

nUCKPHAI.A, nAinn.

Clanffuh, Tlemtng, Pliilos. Zool. (1S2S). (Type Anan cln)itjul(i,\..) Not ^f
1S22, whit'li lias Anns (/Idcirilis for type, acciirdiiig to G. 1!. Grny.

liill, from fcalhcra of foreiiead, nbout equal to the tnrsus, and shorter than the
head; high at the base; latcr.il outlines tapcrinp; to the tip, whore the nail tbnns
only the central portion, though rather large; nostrils situated near the midiUe of
thahill; feathers of chin and forehead extending only moderately forward, a littl«
further than those of the cheeks; tarsus rather hku-o than half the foot; tail moder-
ately long, about half the wing, and somewhat pointed -, of sixteen feathers.

BUCEPHALA ISLANDICA. — J5«irrf.
Barrow's Golden Eye.

Futigula ( Clangula) Barromi, Nuttall. Man., II. 444.
FuUgula clangula, Audubon. Orn. liiog., V. (1839) 105.
(1843).

lb., Birds Am., VI

512

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

Df-scription.

Head and neck all round bliiish-vinlct, nccasinnnlly with grocii or purplish ro-
flcction; a hirfje wliilc patch nntorior to fho eye, oociipyiiiff tlie entire side of the liill,
and running up in a point on the Ibrehcad; lower iieciv and under parts Keiurally
white; a narrow white patch on tlie middle wing coverts; the greater coverts hlaik,
tipped witli white, wliieh is continuous with the white secondaries, but separated
iVoni tliat on llie nii(Ulle coverts; anterior scapuhirs white, edged externally with
lilack; the posterior ones black, with white cent'ul streak; rest of upper parts black.
IIS arc the sides behind, and incdnding the tibia; long leathers of the flank white,
tipped and edged above with black.

Length, twenty-two and lifty onc-hundredths inches; wing, nine and fifty one-
hundredths; tarsus, one and fifty-eight one-hundredths inches; commissure, one and
eighty one-himdndllis inches.

//((i. — Iceland, aiul northern parts of America. In winter, not rare on the St.
Lawrence.

ri2

-^■^

nqi

::j

o

f •'

t

'-■)

s

^

*>r.

s

This sjiccies is found in considerable nuni})ers on our
north-eastern coast, in the winter months. It breeds in tlic
arctic portions of the continent, but lias all the other habits
of the succeeding species.

BUCEPHALA AMERICANA. — Bnh-J.
The Golden Eye ; Whistle Wing.

Anrit clnngula, Wilson. Am. Orn , VIII. (1S14) 62.

FuUgula (Clangula) dangula, Bonaparte. Syn., (1S28) 393. Nutt. Man., II.
44L

Fuligula clangula, Audubon. Om. Riog., IV. (1838) 318. /*., Birds Am., VI.
,1843) 362.

Clangula Amencana, Bonaparte. Comp. Li.st (1838). Eyt. Mon. Anat. (1838)
167.

Description.

Bill black; head and upper part of neck glossy-green; the under surfaefi opaque
velvety purplish-black; an elliptical patch along the base of upper mandible ante-
rior to the ej'e, lower part of neck, under parts generally, and sides, middle and
greater wing coverts, the innermost secondaries fand tertials, except the innermost
three or four), white; the white on the wing is in a continuous patch, although there
is u concealed black bar on the bases of the greater coverts ; the inner scapulars are
white, margined externally with black; posteriorly, however, they are black, streaked
centrally with white; the inner scapulars and tertials, and the whole back, nnnp,
and le.sser wing coverts, are black; the primaries and tail black, with a hoary gloss;
the underside of quills and lower greater coverts are plumbeous-gray; the rest of
the under wing and the axillars are soof)'-brown ; the long white feathers of the
flanks are edged superiorly with black ; iris golden j'ellow.

Female with the head and neck above snuft'-brown, without white patch; white
of wing less extended ; the middle coverts only touched with white ; there is a ten-

'II

r.Y.

TIIK (JOLDEN RYR.

r.i:]

■ with f,'''ff^" "■■ pi'T^i^'' •'•'■
iiiK the entire si<lo ol'tlu; liill,

mill miller parts m'luriillv
»; tlie pviittT cnverts lilmk,
0 sccoiiilarios, but pcpnratcil
ivliite, eilKi'd externally witli
lit; rest of upper parts black,

t\;atlu'rs nf tlie flank white,

;s; winj;. nine and fifty one-
iiielies; cmnmissure, one and

n w inter, not rare on the St.

ible nuuil)ors on our
ths. It breeds in the
as all the other habits

- Bnird.

(1828) 393. Niitt. Man., H.
838) 318. lb., Birds Am., VI.
138). Eyt. Mon. Anat. (1838)

•eon; the under surface opaque
base of upper mandible anto-
lerally, and sides, middle and
tcrtials, except the innermost
ntiniioiis patch, although there
overts; the inner scapulars are
jwever, they are black, streaked
s, and the whole back, nimp,
tail black, with a hoary gloss;
; plumbeous-gray; the rest of
he long white feathers of the
lUow.

1, without white patch; white
edwithwliite; there is a ten-

ilincy to a binok bar across the tips nf tlie greater coverts; tlie white of the wiii«
»ninetitnc3 well delined.

Length, eighteen and seventy-live onc-lmndrcdths imlies; wing, eight and lirtv-
one-hundredtlis; tarsus, one and titty one-hundredths; niminissiiri', twu inches.

Hub. — Wliole of North America.

This handsome species is a common spring and antiiiini
fcsident in New England ; and in mild winters is dftoii seen,
lioth ill tlie bays and rivers on the coast, and in tlie hiki^s
and ponds in the interior, when they are optMi. It broods
in the northern portions of New England, partii'iilmly in
iliG lake conntry of Northern Maiite. I have found it, in the
breeding season, in Lake Umbagog, and in the Magtdloway
River; but, although I searched carefully for its nest, I
could not find it. This might have been, and |)robably was,
owing to the nature of the ncstiiig-jilace ; lor I saw several
pairs, and the localities were those which this bird selects
for the purpose of incubation.

The nest of this species is built in a hole, in a tall dead
tree, or in the top of a tall stub, which is hollowed sufTlciently
for its reception. The pines and hemlocks often die ; and,
standing for years, the bark drojjs off, then the limbs, until
the body is at last left, a single straight, smooth, white shaft,
often from forty to fifty feet high, and two or throe feet thick
at its base. At last, in a fierce storm or gale, the shaft eithm-
breaks off close to the ground, or at sometimes the height
of twenty or more feet; leaving, in the top tint I'cmains
standing, a huge rent, sometimes a foot or even more in
depth. In this the Golden Eye nests ; building of grass,
loaves, moss, and down from its own breast, a warm struc-
ture, in which she lays from six to ten eggs. These are
generally very rounded in form, of a grcenish-bluo color,
and average from 2.40 by 1.7o inch to 2.30 by 1.78 inch
in dimensions. The loud whistling of the wings of this
species, as it passes through the air, has given it the name
of the " Whistler." The bird feeds on small fish and
various aquatic plants, and, when living in the interior, is

33

514

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOOY.

a fiiic-flavoi'cd fowl for tho tabic ; but, when killed on the
aoiist, its flesh is fishy and stroiijr. It is a bird of very
rapid flight, and is ratlicr shy and diflicult of approach.

Mi

n

BUCEPHALA ALBEOLA. — ndnl.

The Buffle-head ; Dipper ; Butter-ball.

Anat albeola, Linnaeus. Syst. Nat., L (17C6) 199. Wils. Am. Orn., VIII
(18U) r.i.

I'uUijula [CInngula) albeota, Honaparto. Syn. (1828) 394. Nutt. Man., II. 445.

FuUijnla nlbeola, Audubon. Orn. Biog., IV. (1838) 217. lb., liir.ls Am., VI.

(1S43) licit.

DESciiimoN.

il/((/c. — Hill blue; head and neck anteriorly, dark -colored ; the region in troi.
of the eye and on the sides of tho collar beliii.d, ricli-greeu, tliis color shading into
purplisli on the upper and under surfaces of tho head; a broad patcli on eacli side
of the head Ironi tlie postcrio- border of tlu; eye, and meeting its fellow on tho nape,
the lower neck all round, under parts generally, wing coverts (except tho lessor)
and most of tho .secondaries, and the scapulars, while; the latter narrowly edged
externally with black; rest of upper parts, except as described, black; passing
gradually on the upper tail coverts into piile-gr.ay; axillara and under wing covens
BOoty-brown, more or less tipped with white; iris hazel.

Femiili\ — With tho entire head, neck, and upper parts almost black; an elongated
patch behind and below the eye (not reaching it); the outer webs of some second-
aries, and the under parts, white; the jugulum, sides, and anal region, plumbeous-
gray.

Length, fifteen inches; wing, six and sixty-five one-hundredths; tarsus, one and
twenty-five one-hundredths; commissure, one and forty-four one-hundredths inch.

This very common and well-known bird is abundant on
our coast in tlie spring and autumn. It associates witii
most of tho other Sea Ducks in our bays and creeks, but, in
the interior, is seen only in pairs, or in small flocks of
three or four individuals. It is an expert diver ; and one
finds difficulty in shooting it when there are two or three
individuals together, from its habit of diving at the flash of
the gun. I have seen it at times, particularly after a severe
storm, in small fresh-water ponds, in the interior ; and, at
such times, it is quite tame and unsuspicious, or possilily
fatigued from its efforts in the storm. It feeds on small
fi.sh and crustaceans, which it is very expert at catching.
When soveral birds are together, one always remains on the

*;

I

)LOOY.

TUE IIAULKQUIN DUCK.

t'lo

lit, %vhcu killod on the
It is a bird of very
ilifliciilt ol" approach.

_ liaird.

lutter-ball.

!) 199. Wits. Am. Orn., VIll

1828) 304. Nutt. Mi\ii., H. •»•«•>•
(1838) 217. Jl>; li'"-'l^ Am., VI.

Llark-colorcd; flic region in froi.
•icli-Rreen, this color sluviing into
ead; a broad pat-'li on eaili fide
i,id meotin- its fellow on the nape,
wins coverts (except the lessor)
'white; the latter narrowly edned
ccpt as described, black; pasjii'S
•; axillarsand under wing coverts

ha/.el.

,cr parts almost black; an clonpatcd
). the outer webs of some second-
sides, and nnal region, plumbeous-

,.e one-hundredtbs; tarsus, one and
d forty-four one-hundredths inch.

,wu bird is abundant on
umn. It associates witli
r bays and crocks, bnt, in
•s, or in small flocks of
ai' expert diver ; and one
11 there are two or throe
, of diving at the flash of
particuhirly after a severe
, in the interior ; ami, at
nnsuspicious, or possibly
:orm. It feeds on small
very expert at catching,
me always remains on the

surface while the others arc below in search of food, and, if
alarmed, it utters a short quack, when the others rise to the
surface; and, on ascertaining the cause of the ularin, all
dive and swim ollrapitlly t«» llic distance of several inindii'd
feet. Tiie Buflle-head breeds in the northern portions of
the continent. It nests in the holes of dead trees, likt; tho
preceding. The eggs are from five to eigiit in number.

HISTRIONICUS, Lesson.

HhtrimiiniB, I>K88ojf, Man. d'Oniith., U. (1S2S) 41.'i. (Type Annslii/trHnncn, I )
Hill very small; the culmen shorter than tarsus, laperin;,' rapidly to the rounded
tip, which is entirely occupied by the nail; nostrils small, in tho unterior portion of
posterior half of bill; the centre about opiiosite the niidille of coinniissuri: ; a well-
marked aufjle at the postero-superior corner of the bill; the lateral outline con-
cave behind, the feathers on forehead exte-ulin;,' a little beyond it; tliose of thin not
reaching further than those of the sides, and ninch posterior to the nostrils; lateral
outline of edge of bill nearly straiRht; a membranous lobe at the base of the bill;
tertials bent outward, so as to cross the edge of the wing; tail more than half the
wing, considerably pointed, of fourteen feathers.

HISTRIONICUS TORQDATDS. — Bmnparte.
The Harlequin Duck.

Annt hiBtrionica, Linnscus. Syst. Nat., I. (1758) 127. Wils. Am. Orn., VIIL
(1814) 139.

Fulignla ( Clan<]ula) hislrionica, Bonaparte. Syn. (1828), 304. Nutt. Man., II. 448.

FiiHgiita hisirionica, Audubon. Orn. Biog., III. (1835) 612; V. (1839) 017. lb..
Birds Am., VI. (1843)374.

Descbiption.

Afale. — Head and neck all round dark-blue; jugiilum, sides of breast, and upper
parts, lighter blue, becoming bluish-black again on the tail coverts; tlie blue of
hreast passes insensibly into dark bluish-brown behind; a broad stripe along the
top of head from the bill to the nape, and the tail feathers, black; awhile (latch
along the entire side of the base of bill anterior to the eye, and passing upwards
and backwards so ns to border the black of the crown, but replaced trom above the
eve to the nape by chestnut; a round spot on the side of the occiput; an elongated
one on the side uf tho neck; a collar round the lower part of the neck, interrupted
hcliire and behind, and margined behind, by dark-blue; a transversely elongated
patch on each side the breast, and similarly nuirgined; a round spot on tlie middle
wing coverts, a transverse patch on the end of the greater coverts, the scapulars in
part, a broad streak on the outer web of tertials, and a spot on each side the rest of
the tail, white; sides of body behind chestnut-brown; secondaries with a metallic
speculum of purplish or violet-blue ; inside of wing, and axillars, dark-brown; irif
reddish-brown.

;)10

OIINITHOLOOY AND OOLOCY.

Female. —Willi the hcail and Iiody nbovv, ilnrk-hrowii i the <Iiiii more plurnlicdU;.
Iho lower part of nock, liri'iist, and mulrr parts f,'i'iii'rally, I'xct-pt tlio central rc;;i(iii
(which Ih white), diitlcr and ii^liter hrown; n wiiilixli patcli in tront ot the eyo, and
• rounded »pot Juat beliind tlie ear.

LenKlh, pevontecn and iil\y ime-lmndredths inehcn; wing, seven and ncventy
nnp-hiindredthn; far.;u«, ono and forty-eight ono-hundrcdthn; commisiure, one and
lllly-fmir one-hundrudtliH indies.

//lib. — Nortlurn soiiciia'<t of northern hemisphere.

t'r

S

The irarlcquiii Duck is very raro in Southern Now Kn^,--
land, and is seldom met with hero sonth of the most nortli-
era portions on its coast. There it is pretty ahundantly
seen as a winter visitor. It greatly resembles the following'
in its general characteristics. Its nost and eggs aro tinia
desirihcd :

"Tlie nest is composeil of dry plants of varions kinds, arrnnged
in a circ'.dar manner to the liciglit of tlu'ce or four inches, iind line<l
with finer grasses. The eggs are five or six, rarely more, measure
two inches and one-sixteenth hy one inch and four and a half
eighths, and are of a plain gre'jnish-yellow color. After the eg^s
are laid, the female plucks the down from the lower parts of her
hody, and places it beneath and around them."

HAUKLDA, Leach.

" ITareltln, Leach (ISIO)," Gray. (Tj-po Anns ghdalh, L.)
Bill shorter than the head and tarsus, tapering laterally to the end; the nail
verj' broad, occupying the entire tip; lateral profile of lower edge of upper mandi-
ble straight to near the end, then rising suddenly to the prominent deciirvcd nail;
nostrils large, in the posterior half of the bill, their centre about opposite the middlu
of the commissure; tcrfinl- long, lanceolate, and straight; tail pointed, of fourteen
featliers, the central feathers very long, equal to the wings; bill with almost no pos-
terior lateral upper angle; the feathers of the sides advancing obliquely fonvards;
feathers of chin reaching beyond the middle of the commissure, or almost to tlie
tr.terior extremity of nostrils; tail of fourteen feathers.

HARELDA GL ACIALIS. — Leach.

The South Southerly; Old Wife; Long-taiL

Antu gladaVt, Wilson. Am. Om., VIIL (1814) 93, 96.
Fuligula {ITarelda) glacialis, Nuttall. Man., IL (1834) 453.
FuHguh glacirilu, Audubon. Om. Biog., IV. (1838) 103. lb., Birds An.'., VT
(1*43) 870

,0(iY,

TUE SOUTH huUTllKULY.

■ r

KH ; the thin more plumlmouK

lly, (•xit'pt tlio cciilnil rr^'itiii
jHi'lili ill ircmt of this «ye, Bii.l

ics; wing, seven nml Rcventy
(IrcilthHi commiMnre, one mil

n Sontlioni New Eu'^-
nth of tho most nortli-
t is pretty almiulaiilly
•C9cmble8 tho foUowiii!,'
3at ami ogj^s aro thus

)f various kinds, arrmigcl
e or four inclies, ami liruMl

six, rarely more, measure
inch and four and a half
low color. After the eg;;s

om tho lower parts of her
hem."

glncinlit, L)

„g laterally to the end; the nail
,1c of lower clge of upper mandi-
to the prominent ileeurvcd naili
f centre about opposite the middle
Btraiffht; tail pointed, of fourteen
10 wings; bill with almost no pos-
ies advancing oblifiucly forwards;
the commissure, or almost to the
thers.

, — Leach.

ife; Long-tail.

4) 93, 96.
[I. (1834) 453.
(1838) 103. 76., Birds An;., VI

I)i;m iiiriiii.N.

AfiiU in luMHit;. — Itill l.lii.k, orungi'-yojlow towards tlio tip; head, mik, mkI
liriast, vcrj- dark l)laeki.Hh-l)rciwii; tlie luad uUivc, bark, riiiiip. uiid nii<UIK' i.ni
ti'atlier!<, blat k ; the wliiiiu Mv of tlit.' Iiiuil fnnn tliu hill and td In Ijiml llic ivio .iml
tlif sides of llic bcidy, pall! Iiliii«li-nray ; llir piirtion ii\' tliu iIh vk palili iuiiihiluililv
arMiind and In-hind tlie eyi' wjlli u l<in;!ilii'llii.ii stnak tacli -ilf tlii' oi > ipttt ; llir
untUr pails ^incrally, and lliu nion; . xtmi.il nl Icailicrs, »\ Imc; tratluT!) on llif
fiire part of tint back, willi the capillar", liroaaly rdgi'd with li^-lit riMMi-li-lnowii ;
under wint{ lovirt.s and a.\illars briiwnish-thociilutu; uu wliit.' wli.itivcr I'li tin-
wing.

,U lie in iriiilir. — llilhrs fripui .sninimr dress in having the lu^d and k wlillt-

Id the jugidiim and iiiliTMiiiiular rijiimi; llio j,'ray el llic elieeks persi-li iil, and a
IipikI patch of black on the sides uf the neck behind this; the scapulars are |';de
pearl-gray; iris while.

FciiKite. — Lacks the hiiig points lo the tail and siapiilars; the head and i;eck
dusky, with a whitish ]iatcli around tho eye and on the sides of the nejk behind.

Length, twenty and seventy-live one-liundredths inches; wing, jiuht and ninety
oiie-hundredlhs; tail, oight; tarsus, one and thirly-cight onu-hundredths; ci uunis-
suiv, one and sLxty-two oue-hiindredlhs inches.

Tlio Loug-tailod Duck, so common in Massachusetts Ihiy
in tlie fall and sprin<^ migrations, broods in tlio most imrlii-
eni portions of tho continent.

Audubon, in describing the nest and eggs, says, —

" The ucst was placed under an alder-bush, among nuik wtjeds,
not more than eight or nine feet from the edge of the water, iiiid
was formed of ratlier coarse grass, with an ui)per hiyor of (nicr
weeds, which were neatly arranged, while tlio down liiitd the bot-
tom of tne cavity. [This was on the 28lh of .hily, l.S.'J.'j. 'I'hn
young birds had left tliis nest.] The number of young hioods in
sight induced me to search for more nests; and in ahoiit an hour
I discovered six more, in one of whicii I Wiis delighted to find two
uniiatched eggs. They measured two inches and oiie-eightli long,
by one and four and a half eighths broad ; were of a uniform pale
yellowish-green, and quite smooth."

In the months of September and October, this bird i»
most abundant in Now England. It gathers in immense
flocks, and f.equents the bays and inlets on tho shore,
wliore, keeping up its peculiar cry or chatter, the noise
»f tho flock is sometimes to be hoard at the distance of
a mile. It is in this season, that the gunner, with his

518

OUNITIIOLOOY AND OOLOdV.

8

Hiiil-bofit or (lu;U, piir.iiios tlicso liird.s with grout uc-lhity.
On ii|iiiruui;liiiig oiiu of thoso largo llouks, it is cii.stonmry to
stour tlio bout to tlnj wimlwunl of it ; for tlu'y, liivo luont
oliuif fowls, uhviiyrt I'isL! to tlio windward. Wiicn, tliiMcfortj,
llitj gnnniu' arrives within gunshot, ho firos into tlio llock
wliilo it is in liio water; and when it risos, and llios to tiio
windward, oftoii diroctly ovor his boat, ho pours into it
soniL'tinios (hroo or four other chargijs hoforo it gets out
of siiot. It is a dillicult bird to kill ; and, when wounded, it
always dives and elings to the l)o(toni, wIkm-o it di(;s. 1 oneo
broiigiil down seven birds out of a Uuek at one diseharge,
when tliey dove, and I did not socuro one. Its tlesh ia oily
and strong, and is in no reputo for tho table.

MELANETTA, Ucuic.

Foathcrs cxtciulinjj ncurly us fur forward on the sides of Iho bill as tlio ii-istril,
luuving llie edges only free from the base; bill very broad; nail broad an' Blinnst
U-unciitu.

MELANETTA VELVETINA. — Jiuird.
The Velvet Suck; Vniite-wing;ed Coot.

Ann» fuiia, Wilson. Am. Orn., VIII. (1814) 137.

Fuliyula (Oilemia) futcd, Bonaparte. Syn. (1828), 300. Nutt. Man., II.
(1834) 4ia.

Fulif/iilii fuscn, Audubon. Orn. IJiog , III. (1635)354. 76., Birds Am., VI.
(18415) 332.

Desckiption.

Afate. — Bill very broad, wider towards the tip than at the base ; feathers extend-
mff far alonp the side of the bill, and on the forehead, for nearly half the commissure,
running in an obtuse poini about as far forward as the lower corner of tho outline of
feathers on the side, both reaching nearly to the posterior border of tho large, open,
nearly rounded nostrils; culmen horizontal a little beyond the frontal feathers, then
abruptly bent downwards, nearly perpendicularly, to the nuich-depressed, nearly
horizontal portion; a sharp indented ridge along the base of culmen, encling in t\
trihedral tubercle; color black ; a white elimgated patch around and a little behind
the eye, and c largo white speculum on the wing, conipo.sed of white secondari^^i
and tips of greater coverts; bill black at base and lateral edges; red eleewhcrc; iris
bright-yellow.

Female. — Somewhat similar, bui lighter beneath; a large whitish patc'a on the
side ni' the head behind the eye, but none around it; wings with white speculum,
ioniewhui as iu the male: bill also similar, but less swollen anil elevated it ba.se.

TIIK VKLVKT lin K.

:,]'.)

LciiKtIi. lwriily-<iiii' uiiil llrty ()no-huii>lri'<|ili,> linliiii wiiijj, il.viii mil iljirty
.ili«-liiiii(lriillli» ; larsii", two iiiul fi^lit iiiii'-liiiiiilriillliii ; i,i>miiiisi>iiri' h\.i uiid
;i{;|ity-twi) iini'-liiiii<lri'i|lli» iiii hm,

//lib. — Al<ilii{ butli ciiuit» III' Niirlh Ann rira t>> llir iii>rlli.

(1828), 800. Nutt. Man., II.
; 1835)354. 76., Uirds Am., VI.

than at the base; feathers extend-
,1, for nearly half the commifsuro,
the hiwcr corner of the outline of
..terior border of the larKC open,
l,.-yon(l the frontal feathers, tlien
to tlie nuich-depressed, nearly
tlio base of eulmen, ending in a
patch around and a little behind
ig, composed of white secondaries
lateral edges; rod elsewhere ; iris

•ath; a large whitish patch on the
nd it; whigs with white ppeculuiu,
.s? swollen and elevated it ba.so.

Tho Volvet Puck, or '' \Vliilu-\viii;^v.l Coot," as it i.s .niii-
mull y culKiil oil our coast, is a, very altiiiKliiiit npocii's, in ihc
iiiitiUim ami througii tlu! <:n'iit».'r |i;iit <>[' tin! wiiitor, in
liio l»ays and iiilots aloii;^ our wliult! sliuii.'s. It is oui! of the
.■^L'a Ducks; and, alllioiigli tu'casittnally round in small nuin-
bora in tho lar«^o ljodi(;s ol" watur in tho interior, it is sel-
ilom seen in largo flocks in any otl)er localities tlian the
salt waters of tho seacoast. Tliero it is takt-n in iil)un-
daiico from tho lirst week in Oetolier until tho iniddlo of
Pecembor. Tho sportsuien, with decoys made of wood,
liaintod to resomblo these fowls, anchor their small hoats
ill localities whoro tho Coots aro known to pass; and, from
early dawn until lato in tho forenoon, and from lat(! in tlie
aftornoon until night, keep up a constant fusillade on
the swiftly moving (locks. I have known two gunners to
secure, in one day's shooting, thirty pairs of tiiese birds;
and this largo number is often exceeded.

Tho "Coots" aro hunted more for the excitement of tho
thing than for the sake of their flesh ; for, living as they do,
entirely on lish and a few mollusks. their flesh is strong
and oily, and far iVom pleasant. This species breeds in
Labrador and other northern localities. "The nests aro
plac(;d within a few feet of the borders of small lakes,
a milo or two distant from the sea, under the low boughs
of the bushes of the twigs of which, with mosses and
various plants matted together, they are formed. They
aro large, and almost flat, several inches thick, with some
feathers of the female, but no down, under the eggs,
which aro usually six in number, 2| inches in length by
1| in breadth, and of a uniform pale-cream color tinged
with green."

)20

OUMTUOLUUY AND OOLOUi'.

PELIONETTA, Kaup.

Feathers not cxtuiuling on sides of tlie bill ; nail pointuil anleriurly ; colors 'lack,
witii n IriaiiKiilar white jjateli oil the top of Lead and another on najie; bill red,
with a rounded black lateral spot at base.

5

PELIONETTA PERSPICILLATA. — Kaup.
The Surf Ruck; Sea Coot; Butter-bill Coot.

Aims per sjiici Until, Wilson. Am. Orn., VIII. (1814) 49.

FuUijula {Oidemia) pevsniciUalu, 15oiiaparte. Syn. ilS28), 389. Nutt. Man.,
II. 410.

Ftilif/ula jiersjticitldta, Audubon. Urn. Uio{^., IV'. (1838) 161. /i., Birds Am.,
VI. (1S43) 337.

Descriition.

Male. — Tail of fourteen feathers ; bill but little longer than the head, the feathers
extending forward half-way from the base to the tip, and oppo.-iite the posterior border
of the nostril; the bill abruptly decurved or gibbous anterior to the end of the
feathers; noslrils open, nearly semicircular or stirrup-shajjcd, the straight portion of
the outline antero-inferior; sides of bill swollen at the base so as to be I'urther apart
above than below; color, entirely black throughout, with a greenish lustre above,
duller beneath; a triangular white patch on the top of head, the base extending
between the posterior outline of the eye and reaching forward to a point a little
beyond the posterior line of the bill, the outlines rounded laterally and anteriorly;
the patch is separated ironi the eye by a narrow superciliary black space; there is a
second triangular white patch beginning on the nape as a straight line the width of
the other patch, and running backwards for more than two inches; these triangular
spaces are thus base to base; iris yellowish-white.

Fmuile. — Bill as long as that of the male, but not swollen at the base, where the
sides approach each other above; the feathers of forehead do not extend one-third
the distance from base to tip of bill; the middle of nostril not quite as far as the
middle of the bill; nostrils linear, acutely pointed anteriorly; color brown; lighter
on the neck; sides and beneath the under surface of the body whitish; an obscure
whitish patch at the base of the bill, and another on the side of the head behind
the eyes.

Length of male, nineteen inches; wing, nine and forty one-hundredths; tarsus,
one and sixty-three one-hundredths ; commissure, two and thirty-seven one-hun-
dredths inches.

Hab. — On and near seacoast of North America, quite far south in winter; acci-
dental in Europe.

TliG Surf Duck, or " Butter-bill Coot," as it is usually
called oil the coast, is equally abundant with the preceding.
Like all the Sea Ducks, this bird is an expert diver. I have
t'ollowed a flock of Sea Coots for hours in a small yaclit,
with a good breeze, and have been unable to get within

TlIK SCOTKIi.

f*21

■. (1838) lei. lb., Birds Am.,

gunshot of them, and without thoii- taking wing ovon at that.
As soon as I arrived within two or tlu-oo gunsliots' di.slance,
the whole flock sank hencatli tlic surface like so many
stones ; and, swiuuning under water fur almost a quarter
of a mile, appeared at tlie surface in a locality wliere I least
expected to see them: sometimes immediately astern of my
boat ; at others, in a direction at right angles to tlie course
which I supposed they had taken.

Audubon, in describing a nest that he found in a boggy
marsh near the Gulf of St. Lawrence, says, —

" Tlie uest was snugly placed amid the tall loaves of a huncli
of grass, and raised fully four inches above its roots. It was
entirely composed of withered and rotten weeds, the former being
circularly arranged over the latter ; producing a well-rounded
cavity, the borders of which wei'e lined uilh the down of tlio bird,
in the same manner as the Eider Duck's nest; and in it lay five
eggs, which were two inches and two and a half eighths in length,
by one incii and five-eighths in their greatest breadth. They were
more equally rounded at both ends than usual, the shell perfectly
smooth, and of a uniform pale-yellowish or cream color."

,ot swollen at the base, where the
..thead do not extend one-third
of noslril not quite as far as the
anteriorly; color brown; lighter
of the body whitish; an obscure
•r on the side of the head behind

nd forty one-hundredths; tarsus,
!, two and thirty-seven one-hun-

a, quite far south in winter; acci-

Coot," as it is usually
lant with the preceding,
an expert diver. I have
lOurs ill a snrall yacht,
u unable to get within

OIDEMIA, Flemiko.

O'ukmia, Fleming, " Philos. Zool. (1822)." (Typo Anas nii/ra, L.)
Uill inueh swollen at base, the terminal portion much depressed and very broad;
nail broad, occupying the terminal portion of the bill; nostrils situated anterior to
the middle of the commissure; feathers of the chin running forwards as far as the
nostrils; color black with or without small patches of white.

OIDEMIA AMERICANA. — SMinson.

The Scoter.

Anns nitjra, Wilson. Am. Om., VIII. (1814) 135.

Fuliyula Americana, Audubon. Oin. Uiog., V. (1839) 117. lb., Birds Am., VI.

;i843) 343.

Descrution.

^falc. — Tail of sixteen feathers; bill much swollen on the basal third; the basal
portion of culmen convex, and rajiidly descending; the terminal portion of bill
much depressed; the anterior extremity of nostrils half-way from the lateral or upper
leathers at the base of bill to the tip; the swelling at base of bill divided by a fur-
row along the median line; the frontal feathers extend slightly forward in un obtust!

522

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

point; bill of ffmalo not vorv dissimiliir, lackiiif; the swcllinf; at the base; color
eiitirily black all over, without any white; bill black alon;^ the edges and tip; the
swollen basal portion red to bej'ond the ncjslrils.

Ftmale. — IJrown: lighter on sides of head, throat, and under surface of body,
where the leathers have each an obscure dusky spot.

Length, twenty-three and eighty one-hundredths inches; wing, nine and twenty
one-hundredths; tarsus, one and seventy-eight one-hundredths; commissure, two
and fourteen ouc-hundredths inches.

V-ti

3

»:r;

ai

i

s

This species is also known on the coast by the name of
Coot. It is far less abundant than the other, but has all
tlie habits of that bird. It also associates with it, and is a
very expert diver ; sinking beneath the surface of the water,
at the flash of a gun, before the shot reaches it. I knov;
nothing of its breeding habits, and have no eggs by me foi
description.

SOMATEPJA, Lkacii.

iiumaleria, Leach, in Fleming's Philos. Zool. (1822). (Type Anas nwllissimn, L.)
Bill much conijiressed, tapering to the tip ; tho nail enormously large, and forming
the terminal portion of the bill, and much decurved; the feathers of forehead
advancing forward in an acute long point, separating on each side a frontal exten-
sion or linear process, or the feathers of the cheek may be said to extend a
considerable distance along the commissural edge of tho bill ; nostrils situated
anterior to the middle of the commissure; tail rather pointed, but short, of fourteen
feathers.

SOMATERIA MOLLISSIMA. — /.eaiA.
The Eider Duck.

Anas moUissima, Wilson. Am. Orn., Vllf. (1814) 122.

Fiiliijula {Suinateria) mollisslma, ISonaparte. Syn. (1828), 388. Nutt. Man., II
(1834) 407.

Fuliijula mnllissima, Audubon. Orn. Biog., TIL (1835) 344; V. Cll. Jb., Birdi
Am., VI. (1843) 34'J.

Descrii'tion.

Tail of fourteen feathers; prevailing color white; the under surface and sides of
body, hinder part of biKk, rump, and tail, black; wings v/hite on both surfaces,
except the quills, which are black; narrow margin inferii-ly of the frontal process
of bill and the forehead violet-black, this color bifurcating opposite the middle of the
eye, and continued broadly on each side the head to the nape, the color extend-
ing a little bclcw the eye; the white below and behind the black glossed with trans-
parent emerald-green; the interspace white; iris brown.

Length, twenty-six inches; wing, eleven and twenty-tour one-hundredt'.is; tar-
sus, one and eighty-two one-hundredths; commissure, two and fifty-three one-him-
dredths incheii

,OGY.

Tlir; KING KIDEK.

623

e swiHiri!,' at the biisc; colnt
[ along the edges ami tip; the

,t, and under surface of body,

)t.

nches; whig, nine and twenty

■huudredths; commissure, two

coast by the name of
the other, but has all
;iatc9 with it, and is a
le stirface of the water,
)t reaolies it. I know
ave no eggs by me for

822). (Type Anas nwUissima, I..)
lil enormously lart^e, and forming
irved; the feathers of forehead
ng on each side a frontal extcn-
hoelc may be said to extend a
ro of the bill; nostrils situated
r pointed, but short, of fourteen

\,. — Leach.

14) 122.
•n. (1S28), 38S. Nutt. Man., II

I. (1835)344; V. 611. 76, Uirdi

e; the under surface and sides of
' wings white on both surfaces,

n infer), -ly of the frontal process
-rcating opposite the middle of the

[id to the nape, the color extend-
-hind the black glossed with trans-

irown.

twenty-four one-hwidredt'.is ; tar-
mre, two and lit^y-Uiree one-h\m-

;=s?«iSi:

This is auotlier of our Sea Ducks that is very abundant
in the bays and inlets of our coa.sL during the full and win-
ter months, and until Ajiril in the spring.

The history of its
habits and distri- 0
hution is so well J^>
known, that any ac- ^af
count here is hard- z^^-
ly needed. -; '

It breeds in abun- -;,;
(laiice ill Labrador
uud other northern
portions of tlic con-
tinent, and a few pass the season of incubation on tlie
islands in the Bay of Fuiidy ; this behig tlie nearest ])oint
to our coast that it breeds in at present, although it is said
to have formerly reared its young on the islands off Cape
Ann in Massachusetts, and off the coast of Maine.

The nest is placed on the ground beneath the shelter of
a low bu.sli or thick bunch of weeds or grass. It is con-
structed, first, of a thin layer of grasses and weeds, on
which the female deposits a thick layer of down, which she
pulls from her breast. This is decjjly hollowed ; and in this
warm receptacle, the eggs, from six to eight or ten in num-
ber, are deposited. Tliese are of a dirty pale-green color,
and their form is varied from ovate to a sharply pointed
ovoidal. Their dimensions vary from 3.22 by 2.10 inches
to 2.82 by 1.98 inch.

SOMATEEIA SPECTABILIS.— ieacA.
The King Eider.

Ana* tpectnbilis, I.innaius. Syst. Nat., I. (1760^ 195. Gm., I. 667.

Fvlif/ula {Somnteria) sjiectabilis, lionnparte. Syn. (1828), 389. Nutt. 5Ian., II.
1834) 414.

Fuligula speclabilis, Audubon. Orn. Biog., III. (1835) 523. lb., Birds Am., V I
1843) 347.

rariiif

624

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

UkSCUII'TION.

Body and wngs black; the portion anterior to the shoulder joint, interscnpiilxr
rcf^iou in part, most of neck and throat, white; the jiiguluro with a creamy tiii^i': n
narrow boriler to tlie frontal processes of tlie bill and their interspace; pniall ppace
riiund till' eye and a V-shapid mark on the thin black; top of head and nape
bluish-ash, plij;htly spotted with biack; middle wiiit; coverts, tips of sucondarie.-,
axillars, and most of under surface of wing, with a patch on each side of the rump
white; sides of head glossed with transparent emerald-green; the scapulars Lave
the black tinged with slate.

Length, twenty-one and liftj' oiu-hiindrcdths inches; wing, ten and seventy onc-
hiiiidredths; tarsus, one and eigli(y-!>ix uiie-hundredths: commissure, two and
iiflv-three one-hundredths inches.

n

•J

"^3

The King Eider is a rare species on our coast in the
winter months. It is a more northern species than the pre-
cetling, and seldom reaches as far south as the coast of
Massachusetts. It is of similar hahits with the other Sea
Ducks, and breeds in the most northern sections of the
country. The eggs found by Captain Jaaies Clark Ross^
R.N., measure 2| inches by 1|, have a smooth shell, and are
of a uniform duU-grecnish color.

Sub-Family Euismaturinje.

The most prominent character of the Erismatuvince is found in the very rigid tail
feathers with the much abbreviated coverts, which leave the greater portion of th?
tail exposed. There are peculiarities in the nail at the end of the bill in Erumatuni
not found in the other sub-families.

ERISMATURA, Bonaparte.

Erismatura, Bonapakte, Saggio, etc. (1832).

Bill broad, rather high at the base, much depressed, and bent upwards; upper
lateral angle of bill running back on the forehead some distance, farther than the
lower edge of the bill; nostrils reaching to the middle of the bill, rather small; por-
tion of nail seen from above very narrow and linear; bent abruptly downwards and
backwards at the tip, so as to be invisible from the upper surface; tarsi very short,
scarcely more than one-third the long feet; tail very stiff, of eighteen feathers;
the coverts above and below very much abbreviated, so as to expose the greater
part of the tail; the feathers narrow, linear; the shafts very large, and channelled
on the under surface near the base; wings very short, and incur i'ed at the end.

LOGY.

THE IlUnnY DUCK.

52o

le shoulder joint, interscapular
.giilum with a creamy Uw^i-,: a
Ulieir interspace; Miiall space
bluclc; top of head and nape
ii;^ coverts, tips of secondaries,
)a"tcli (in eacli side of tlie rumi'
lald-green; the scapulars Lave

les; wing, ten and seventy one-
Ircdths: counnissure, two and

3 ou our coast in the
fii species than the pre-
south as the coast of
)its with the other Sea
)rtheru sections of the
am Jaincs Clark Ross,
a smooth shell, and are

rURINiE.

rime is found in the very rigid tail
■h leave the greater portion of th?
the end of the bill in Erismatma

IPAUTE.

EBISMATUEA RUBIDA. — liowiparU.

The Ruddy Duck ; Dipper Duck.

Ana» rublila, Wilson. Am. Orn , A'llf (1814) 128, 130.
Anns {Full(jiila) rul/i<h, ])mMi^:\nc. f)ln. Wils. (l«2.'i), 2*18.
Fulifjuln ((hjmniirn) ruhhli, Xutlall. Man., II. (1^01) 4'Jti.
Fiilif/ula riihiih, Swainsnn. F. Bor. Am., II. (1R:11) L"). And Om. TUdj;., IV
(18.38) 328. lb., Birds Am., VI. (1843) 321.
Eritmatura rubida, Bonaparte. List (1^38).

Dkscrii'tion.

Bill grayish-blue; top oi" head and nape Ijlack; sides of head below the eyes
with the chin, pur^ opaque-white; lower part of neck all round, and the entire upper
part.s, with upper portion of sides, cliestnut-red ; under parts generally lustrous grav-
ish-whito, with an occasional brownish tinge; rissuin pure-white; wings brown,
without speculum, finely and almost •nappnv'ably sprinkled with gray; tail nearly
black ; iris hazel.

Female with the entire upper parts dark -brown ; the back and wing coverts (inoly
sprinkled with grayish ; tlie under parts brownish-wliile, tinged with greenish-brown
across the lower part of neck ; the brown of the head comes down below the level
of the eye, and there is an obscure dusky stripe parMllel with its lower outline, from
the commissure.

The continuity of the white of the under rts is interrupted by the occasional
appearance of the basal brown of the featl. -, owing to the shnrtness of the wliito
tip, which thus gives rise to the appearance of dusky transverse bands.

Length, sixteen inches; wing, five and eighty one-hundredths; tarsus, one and
twenty-six one-hundredths; conimissuie, one and eighty one-hundreilths inches.

Hiib. — Whole of North America; abundant throughout the interior.

This pretty little Sea Duck is not very common on our
coast. It visits us only late in the autumn, and remains
until early spring, frcqiienting the bays and iMU3ts along tho
shore, where it feeds on small fish and moUu.sks, which it
obtains by diving. It is so export a diver that sportsmen
recognize it by the name of " Ruddy Diver " and " Dipper ; "
and all attest to the difficulty with which it is shot.

pressed, and bent upwards; upper
■ad some distance, farther than tlie
(Idle of the bill, rather small; por-
ar; bent abruptly downwards and
.he upper surface; tarsi very short,
il verv stiff, of eighteen feathers;
iated,'so as to expose the greater
c shafts very large, and channelled
hort, and incuri'ed at the end.

Suh-Famihj Merging. — Tlir Slieldrakes.

Bill very slender, narrow, compressed, terminated by a conspicuous nail; edges
much serrated, the serrations projecting; tarsi much compressed; the scales anteri-
orly large and transverse, becoming smaller and smaller on the sides and behind;
tail feathers eighteen in North-.Vinerican species. '*'

520

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOOY.

Tlip ^ferl|in(%, or Fis'iing Ducks, are roprcsentod in the United States by three
well-cstatilishcd Fpeoic?, placed by modern systemntists in as mnny gencrn. Two
of tlicse, lidwevcr, arc so noarly alike that I prefer to consider them as the same : the
third is siilliciently distinct.

MERGUS, LiNN.EUS.

Mergui, Lisn.eus, Syst. Nat. (1735). (T^-pe 3f. castor, h.)

IJill longer than the head, :nostly red; serrations conical, acute, recurved; crest

occipital, pointed, or depressed; tarsus about two-thirds the middle toe; tail about

half the length of wings.

^

•;^

n

a-

c*4

MEEGDS SEERATOR. — Linnceui.

The Red-breasted Merganser.

Merffus scrralor, Linn.Tus. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 208. Wilg. Am. Om., VIII.

(1814)81. Nutt. Man., n. (1834) 463. Aud. Om. Biog., V. (1839) 92. /«., Birds

Am., VI. (1843) 395.

Description.

Feathers of the forehead extending on the bill in a short obtuse angle, and fall-
ing far short of the end of those on the sides ; the outline of the latter sloping rapidly
forwardr., and reacliing half-way from the posterior end of the lower edge of bill to
the nostrils, and far beyond those on the side of lower jaw; nostrils narrow, pos-
terior; their posterior outline opposite the end of basal third of commissure.

AMe. — Head with conspicuous pointed occipital crest ; head and upper part of
neck, all around, dark-green; under parts reddish-white; jugulum reddish-brown,
streaked with black; sides conspicuously barred transversely with tine lines of bliick :
feathers anterior to wing wliite, margined with black; white of wing crossed by two
bars of black ; iris red.

Female. — Head with compressed occipital crest; chestnut-brown; body above
ash ; beneath reddish-white ; the black at base of secondaries exposed ; outer tertials
white, edged with black.

Length, twenty-tliree and twentj'-five one-hundredths inches; wing, eight and
sixty onc-hundrodths; tarsus, one and eighty one-hundredths; commissure, two
and scventj'-six one-hundredths inches.

JTiib. — Whole of North America and Europe.

This species is quite abundant on our coast in the autumn
and winter months. It docs not appear to be gregarious to
a great extent ; for seldom more than three or four individu-
als arc oltsorved together. It is an expert diver, swimming
to a great distance beneath the water at the least alarm,
and, when appearing at the surface, usually only thrusting
its head out to reconnoitre. I have seen it swimming, with
only the bill and upper part of its head above water, in the

LOfiY.

THK GOOSANDEU.

in the United Stales by thref
tista in as ninny Rcncrn. Two
consider them as the same: the

. castor, h. )

IS conical, acute, recurved ; crest

hirds the middle toe; tail about

Linrueus.
anser.

60) 208. Wils. Am. Om., VIII.
Biog., V. (1839) 92. lb.. Birds

n a short obtuse angle, and fall-
lutline of the latter sloping rapidly
)r end of the lower edge of bill to

lower jaw; nostrils narrow, pos-
asal third of commissure,
il crest; head and upper part of

i-white; jugulum reddish-brown,
insversely with fine lines of bliick ;
ck ; white of wing crossed by two

; chestnut-brown; body above
lecondaries exposed ; outer tertiala

Iredths inches; wing, eight and
ne-hundredths; commissure, two

our coast in the aiitumn
(pear to be gregarious to
1 three or four individu-
expcrt diver, swimming
ater at the least alarm,
, usually only thrusting
seen it swimming, with
tcad above water, in the

wake of a boat from which it had licoii wouihIimI : ainl il
iictually followed for a considoraljli di.stiuic(! lu't'oro il w;i.s
discovered. I have noticed, in otli^r Sea Ducks, llii.s Iruit
of following behind a boat, and conclude that it i.s done for
concealment.

I am not aware that this species breeds in New Eiie-
land. It breeds in localities in the same latitude witii
tlie most northern sections of tliose States ; but 1 am
inclined to tliink that it is less of a southern species than
the succeeding.

It is described as selecting for its nesting-place a small
island, usually in the neighborhood of the sea, somotimos
in the interior. " The nest is very large ; at times raisetl
seven or eight inches on the top of a bed of all tlie dead
weeds which tlie bird can gather in the ncighl)orliood.
Properly speaking, the real nest, however, is not larger
than that of the Dusky Duck, and is rather neatly formed
externally of fibrous roots, and lined round the edges with
the down of the bird." Tlicre are usually about eleven
eggs. These are generally nearly oval in shape, sometimes
ovoidal. They are of a pale yellowish-drab color, much
darker than those of the Sheldrake. They vary in dimen-
sions from 2.63 by 1.82 inch to 2.48 by 1.75 inch.

MERGDS AMERICANUS. — Cnssin.

The Goosander; Sheldrake; Fish Duck.

iHergus merganser, Wilson. Am. Om., VIII. (1814) 68. Nutt. Man., II. (1834)
460. And. Om. Biog., IV. (1838) 201. lb.. Birds Am., VI. (1S43) 387.
Mergus Aniericanus, Cassin. Pr. A. N. So. (1853), 187.

Description.

Feathers of the forehead extending on the bill in an acute angle for half the dis-
tance between those on the sides and the nostril ; outline of those on the sides nearly
.-ertical, and reaching only a little beyond the bogiiiiiing of lower edge of hill, but as
fur as tho.se on the side of lower jaw; nostril large, far forward, its middle opposite
the middle of the commissure.

Male. — Head without conspicuous crest; head and neck green : forepart of back
black; beneath salmon-cclor; wings mostly white, cro.sscd by one band of black:
•ides scarcely barred transversely ; iris carmine.

528

ORNITHOLOGY AND 001,00 Y.

Femnh. — Ilrail with n cninpri'-ssi'd nccipitnl crc^t; lipnd niii) ncrk ilicMtnut,
lliovonshy; IkmuiiiIi siilninn-cdidrod; wliitu of greater coverts with a terminal l)ai
of asliy (sometimes wanting); the black of base of secondaries entirely concealed:
outer torlialu ash.

Head witliout conspicuous crest, though one is visible in life. Head and most of
neck all round very dark preen ; rest of neck and the body {generally, except the
upper part, creaniy-whito, deepeniuf; to salmon-red beneath. Lower part of back,
rump, and tail feathers, plumbeous; forepart of back, interscapular region, and iniur
Ncapulars, black.

Lenptb, twenty-six and fift3' one-bundredths inches; wing, eleveti ; tarsus, one
'iMii oii;bty-four one-hundrodths; commissure, two and ninety ono-hundredths inches.

»:.2

>-«

■-^

l»-*J

■ %

n

^4

^

*'

■»

^

11

*ac

AUliough this species i.'^ foiiiifl on our coast through tlie
aiitiiinii and winter niontlis, wlioro it lias all the habits of
the other Sea Ducks, it breeds in the neighborhood of fresh-
water lakes and streams far in the interior. It is one of
the most abundant summer residents in the lake region
of Northern Maine, and about the Umbagog Lakes and Rich
ardson Lakes it is the most conution Duck.

There, in the top of some tall stump, or in a high forked
branch of a dead pine, it builds its nest. In many localities
on the borders of these lakes, the spring inundations or
some other causes have destroyed whole acres of gigantic
hemlocks, which, standing for years, become, in consequence
of the bark falling oiT, perfectly smooth and diffic ilt of
ascent. When such trees are broken at the height of thirty
or forty feet from the groiind, leaving a jagged top, no better
nesting-place can be found ; because it not only seciires the
bird and eggs from the attacks of prcdaccous animals, but
it guarantees to the nest a perfect security from any iniuida-
tions that may arise. This nest is built of leaves, moss, and
pieces of grass, which are arranged in a deep layer, on which
a thin covering of down from the breast of the bird is placed.
This is hollowed to the depth of two or three inches, and it
is ready for the eggs. These are from seven to twelve in
number. Their form is almost always exactly oval. Their
color is a pale creamy-white ; sometimes a little darker,
almost a very pale buff. They vary in dimensions from
2.80 by 1.80 inch (Milltown, Me.) to 2.50 by 1.70 inch.

LOr.Y.

TIIK IIOUUKD MKKGANSEB.

62y

,t; bond nml nerk dioMiiut ,
-r coverts witli a tirmiiml liai
<ec(.niliirie3 entirely toii.cul.Ml ;

iWc in life- "p"'' «"'' "'""" *"'
the b..ilv Keiicrnlly, excoi.t the
l.cneatli! Lower part of l.acl<,
, iiitorscapiilar region, and iiuur

chcs; wing, eleven; toraus, one
,1 ninety onc-hundredths inche«.

, our coast through the
it has all the habits of
I neighborhood of fi'csh-
) interior. It is one of
iits ill the lake region
inbagog Lakes and Rich
Duck. *

imp, or ill a high forked
lost! In many localities
» spring inundations or
whole acres of gigantic
, become, in consequence
Ismooth and difficalt of
sn at the height of thirty
cr a jagged top, no better
. it not only secures the
predaccous animals, but
lecurity from any inunda-
built of leaves, moss, and
in a deep layer, on which
;ast of the bird is placed.
■0 or three inches, and it
from seven to twelve in
rays exactly oval. Their
..ctimes a little darker,
ary in dimensions from
to 2.50 by 1.70 inch.

LOI'IIODYTES, Keriiaht.

Lophwlytet, Keiciiaut, Syst. Av. (1S62).

Bill Bliorter than tho lioud, black; Bcrrations coinprct'sed, low, short, inserted
(jl)li(iuely on the edge of bill; tlir iioiiit truncated, aiul nut recurved nor acute; tail
more than half the wings; tarsi short, half the feet; head with a iiuieh eunipressed
vertical, circular, and erect crest.

Hut a single species of this genus is known tu naturalists.

LOPHODYTES CUCULLATUS. — ifcicAar*.
The Hooded Merganser.

Meri/us cucullatiis, I.innieus. Syst> Nat., 1. ( I'tiO) 207. Wils. Am. Orn, VIII.
lit. Niitt. Man., II. 4ti5. And. Orn. Hiog., III. (1835) 246; V. 019. Jb., Birds
An>., VI. (184.3) 402.

Li'jiliodj/ks cuciilldtus, Heichuil. Syst. Av. (Ib52).

Descuu'tion.

Head with an elongated, compressed, semicircular crest; anterior extremity of
no.stril reaching not quite as far as the middle of cummissurc; frontal feathers ex-
tending nearly as far as half tho distance from lateral feathers to nostril; the latter
much beyond the feathers on side of lower mandible; bill shorter than head.

Afatt. — Bill black; head, neck, and back, black; under parts and centre of
crest white; sides chestnut-brown, barred with black; wliite anterior to the wing,
crossed by two black crescents; lesser coverts gray; white speculum with a basal
and median black bar; black tertials streaked centrally with white; iris yellow.

Female. — AVith a shorter and more pointed crest; the head and neck reddish
brown; the back without pure-black; the sides without transverse bars; the white
of wings less extended.

Length, seventeen and fifty one-hundredths inches; wing, seven and ninety one-
hundredths; tarsus, one and twenty one-hundredths; commissure, ouo and ninety
eight one-hundredths inches.

Ilab. — Whole of North America.

This beautiful bird is less common than either of the
other Mergansers on our coast and in our bays and inlets,
ill autumn, winter, and early spring. In the summer, it
resides in the interior, where it breeds by the lakes ami
other bodies of fresh water ; building its nest in holes in
high dead trees, or on the tops of stubs, thirtv or forty feet
from the ground, exactly like the Sheldrake. The eggs are
.i'om nine to twelve or fourteen in number, usually about
ten. They are of a clear-white color, although their surface
is, in some specimens, stained by the moisture from the

34

530

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOOY.

fi:

"3

i

8

foot of the l»ir(l. Tlioy arc vury tliii-k-sliolli.-il, imd, wlion
struck toj^etlior, .sound almost like balls of ivory. Tlioy aro
more spherical in form than the eggs of any other duck that
I liavc seen, and are l)ut little more jxjintt'd at one end thiin
at the otiier. Their dimensions vary from li.oO hy l.T")
inches (the longest and narrowest specimen in a large num-
Iter in my collection) to 2.10 by 1.80 inches (the shortosr
and broadest specimen in th.e same) : the usual si/o is, on
the overage, about 2.1;) l)y 1.70 inches. I am not aware
that any nest of this l)ird has been found south of Lake
L'mbagog.

When the nest of this species is approached, tiie female
lemains quiet, and Hies oU' only when alarmed by blows on
tiie trunk of the tree on which her nest is built. She then
dies silently, and alights in the lake, near which the nest is
usually built, and watches the intruder from a safe distanO';,
without making any outcries or disturbance. If tho tree is
surrounded by undergrowth so thick that she cannot sec the
intruder from tho water, sho flics silently over and around
him, always at a safe distance. Tho male never shows him-
self oil such occasions; and I think it likely that he separates
from his mate at the commencement of the period of in-
cubation, and remains by himself until the young are able
to provide for themselves.

When living in tho neighborhood of fresh water, this bii''
has many of the habits of the other Mergansers, and then
feeds on aquatic insects and their larva), and is an expert
fisher and diver.

When the female is suddenly surprised, while with her
young ill a stream or pond, she gives a guttural, chattel ing
cry, when the whole brood dives and swims off under water
to the shore, where they conceal themselves in the aquatic
herbage. While they are thus retreating, the mother simu-
lating lameness, almost exactly like some of the shore-birds
on the beach, flutters before the intruder, using every arti-
fice to decoy him from the neighborhood of her young,

LOGY.

Tin: IlMODKI) MKUWANSKR.

531

i,.k-shcll.Ml, iiu<l, when
Us ..!• ivoiy. Tl.cy aro
of any other duck Unit
,ointo(l at Olio 011(1 Uum
xry from '^-oO l>y l." •">
cciuKMi hi a hii'^o uum-
SO iiiclios 0'"' shortest
i) : tho usual si/** i'^i on
dies. 1 am not awaro
,11 found south of Lake

approached, th>! female
on aUirmcd hy bhnva ou
nest is built. Slvo thou
3, near which the nest is
idcr from a safo distant!,
tiu-hance. If tlio ti-ec is
jk that she cannot sec the
Aloutly over and around
10 male never shows him-

.t nicely that he separates
lent of the period of in-
uutil the young are able

d of fresh water, this bir-^.
or Mergansers, and then
larvai, aud is an expert

surprised, while with her
vcs a guttural, chattering
,nd swims off under water
themselves in the aquatic
treating, the mother simii-
CO some of the sliore-birds
intruder, using every arti-
•hborhood of her young,

when she takes wing, ami lli..-s olf. If, liowcvf-r, sho bin.)

sufficient notice of tlif approaeli of a person licfi.iv l;i>

readies gunshot slie swims rapidly nil', uiih Inc uli.i),. I,r,„.,l

puddlingbcliind her,

until sbe turns a

point or neck in

the pond or stream

where she happens

to be, when, silently

creeping into sbore,

siie, with her brood,

iiides herself in the

herbage on the land

until the danger is

past. When about two-thirds grown, lliese young Mtu'-

gansers, like tiie young of most of the other fowls, are

excellent eating. They are called " Flappi'rs," beeausi! of
their habit of lla]»ping their wings on the water to aid their
escape from ])ursuers.

This species, in jiassing with its young from one brtdy of
water to another, often, while flying, carrii^s them singly i/
its mouth ; and I have been told, that even after it has buon
shot and has fallen to the ground, it not unfrequently holds
the chick. Mr. George A. Boardman informs mo that the
I'emale of the Summer Duck often cncroacljes ou the nest
of this Merganser ; and he once witnessed an attem|»t of the
latter to drive the other from her domicile, of which she
had taken possession, and in which she was engaged in tho
duties of incubation. He watched them, and noticed, that,
when the Wood-duck left tho nest, the Merganser took
possession of it; and, when she lei it, the other did tho
same.

582

OBNITHOLOOY AND OOLOOT.

SUJ{-()UI)Kll GAVIiE.

Family SULlD.i:. The Gannkts.

Dill rather Innff, straiKlit, tides coniprDRiieil, very atron)(, tapering to ilio point
whicli in a Utile decurved; noHtrils hari'.ly oljserviildo ; \viii(?s very lont;; tail long
and c'liiieatei lues long, and ull juiiiud by full wulis; giiliir suu iiiudurute.

t.x'!

. ^ (.:

' '<
; I

8

SULA, lliils.soN.

Suh, nmssoN, Oriiith. (17G0). (Typo Pttecunus biiMiiiiiin.)
Hill rntlicr Inn^'cr tliati the head, )<trai(;ht, ntuut at the huso, with llie aides coin-
prcfiHed, ({ri)()ved near the tip, which is a little curved, the cutting cdKi's HerratcMl
irregularly; noHtrils bas.d and scarcely perceptible; wings li'iigthi'Mcd; tail rather
long and inucli grr.duali'd; tarsi short and stout; toes long and joini d IcigitliiT 'ly
ftjll wobs; biws nKidtrate, the middle one serrated; gular sac rallicr niodorali'.

These bircis usually frequent almost inaccessible rocky islands, where they con-
gregote in great numbers during the season of reproduction, at other tinu'a migrat-
ing along the coast. Their flight is rapid, powerful, and lung-ediitinued.

SULA BASSANA. — firhion.

The Common Gannet ; Solan Goose.

Pelecaniis bnHsnnut, Linnmus. Syst. Nat. (1706), 217.

Suln bdMiinn, Nuttall. Slan., II. (1834) 495. Aud. Orn. I5iog., IV. (18.38) 223.
76., Hirds Am., VII. (1844) 44.

Dkschiption.

General color of the . lumage white; bill bluish-gray; bare space around the eye
and on the thmat blackish-blue; primaries brownish-black, first longest.

AJuU. — The color of the plumage generally is white, the head and hind neeh
being of a fine buft-velh)w; alula and primaries bro^vnish-black; shafla white for
about two-thirds their length from the base, thence gradually becoming dark-brown ,
bill pale bluish-gruy, greenish at the base, the lines on the upper mnndiblo blackish-
blue; bare space in the region of the eye, and down the centre of the throat
blackish-blue; iris white; tarsi, toes, and their webs, blackish-brown; the lines of
scutelliu on the tarsi and toes green; claws bluish-white. The fenuile resembles the
mule, but is rather smaller. The young have the head, neck, and upper plumage
dark-brown, each feather terminating with a triangular white spot; under plumage
grayish-white, the feathers broadly margined with grayish-brown.

L<)(JY.

nM.

p; GaNNKTS.

rv Mron,', tnrcri..« to tl.o point
,l.lo; wi'>K« very long; tail lo-R
olis; liulur »uc moderBte.

t at tl,e 1..."". with the Bides corn-
curved, tl.- ciltinn ed«es HermU'd
,,e,v.in,sl....,.t--m.d;t«,l rather

tocB lon^' and join. d tuK.tl.er Uy
atedi Rular sac r«tl,..r .....derate.

ible rocky i.la..«l^^v>>''™'l'^y/'"""
reprod..ctio..,«totl.erti...e«m.grHt.

Ircrful, a..d lo,.--e<...ti..ued.

riv'im>n.
iolan Goose.

AurOn,.BioK.,IV.(1838)m

Tni: rOMMON OANNCT.

ru\:\

I.enRlh, ll.irfy-ticht Inehen; wiiitf, nlnefren tnd flfty nne-hni.'lri'dthit tani, t*ii,
mid twi'i.ly-l1vi< f>ne-l..ii..lri'iltl.*; lull, Ipi. itn liei.

llnli — Atlat.lic iiiii»t, .ill. II I.aiTuilcir (i> ll.c (i.ilf of MpxIpo,

ri.i) (iai.i.et liree.U in iilii.n't iiicri'dililti nii...lior« on «iiii.f> of llto pk ky |i|ai.d«

port, the f'"n'<f of I.nhradnr. Wln^n the hr lin;* »i'a«cn In over, it wiiiidir* ,n t«r

loi.th «« llie (l.ilf of Mexie.i. lu ni.ule of lli;;l.t is powiTl'iil, mid i.t tin.." u'raieitd,
Itn fiMi.l eiii.KMtjt fif llsl., |iri.icl[ially liirriiiKHi lliese are olitaini'il liy plun);!..^ in. in
nn hlKh, often rcii.aiiili.K under wnter for a mlni.tn or ...uro at a time.

ri^IIlS spccioH is (piito common on our i'();ist in tlii> mitiinm
J_ and spring, and tlironjrh tlio groat.M' part of tlio winter.
Audubon, in describing its l)recdinp; habits, says: —

♦• TIte nowly finished neat of titis bird is fully two fcot hijjh, luid
quite ns broud rxtoniidly. It i.s oomposod of seaweeds luid niari-
tiino "rassos, tlio fi)rnior being at times bn)iij,dit from roiisiderable
distances. Thus, the Gaiuiots breeding on the rocks in the (lulf of
St. Lawrence carry weeds from the Mngilaleno Islatids, which aro
about thirty miles distant, '"lie grasses are pidle.l or dw^ up from
the fiurfaco of the breedinu-placo itself, often in gi-eat clods, con-
sisting of roots and earth, and leaving holes not miliko the
entrances to the burrows of the Puffin. The nests, like those of
Cormorants, are enlarged or repaired annually. The single ogg,
of a rather elongated oval form, averages 3.,Jj inches in length,
hy 2 inches in its greatest breadth ; and is covered with an
irregular roughish coating of white calcareous matter, which, on
bein" scraped off, leaves exposed the pale greenish blue tint of the
under surface."

Lh-grnv; bare opaoe around the eye
hush-biack, fin.t lo..sest.
V is white, the head and hind ne k
L bro^vI,ish.black•, shafts wh.te for
„ce gradually becoming dark-brown ,
incsonthot.ppermn..dibleblack.sh-

nd down the centre of the thr.-a
webs, blackish-brown; the l.nes of
,h-white. The fe...ale resembles the
.the head, neck. a..d..ri'erpW«
^iansnlarwhite spot; under plumaga

I with grayish-brown.

534

OBNITHOLOUY AND OOLOGY.

Family GRACULID^.. Tiik CoRMORANrg.

«2

8

IJill ratlicr modoriitc, ciilmen concave, tip mucli hooked and acute; nostril? not
pCKeptiblc; wiiiff" moderate and pointed; tail rather short and rounded; tarsi
Bhort; toes lonf? and all joined by t'ldl webs; gular sat capable of considerable
expansion.

GRACULUS, LiSN.F.us.

Grncvhif, LiNx.r.fs, Syst. Nat. (173.5). (Type Pelecinvs cirrbn, L.)
liill rather slender, of moderate lonffth, with the culnien concave, hooked at the
1 ■)., the sides compressed and grooved ; nostrils not visible in the adult ; wings mod-
erntcly long and pointed, second and third primaries longest; tail moderate and
graduated at the end; tarsi short and much compressed; toes long and full-webbed;
a leathery pouch at the base of the lower mandible, which can be much distended.

These birds exist abundantly in all parts of the globe. They are mostly found
cin the seacoast, breeding on rocky ledges dilTicult of access, and also on trees.
'I'hey are exceedingly expert in catching fish; being very active in the water, and
capable of remaining under its surface for a great length of time.

GEACULUS C&R30.— Gray.

The Common Cormorant.

Phdhcrocnrnx carbo, Nuttall. Man., II. (1?34) 479. Aud. Om. Biog., III.
(18S5) 4.')8. lb, Birds Am., VI. (1843) 412.
Gmcuhis cnrbo, Gray. Gen. of Birds (1845).

Desckiption.

Bl.iish-black; feathers on middle of occiput and hind neck elongated; gular sac
v'.llow, at the base of which is a broad band of white; linear feathers on the head
and neck white; a patch of white on the sides; third priman.' longest; tail of four-
teen fetthers.

Adult. — riumngc in general black, glossed with greenish-blue ; the feathers of the
upper part and sides ofthi ..ck and wing coverts are dark-ash, with bronzed reflec-
tions, and bordered with g.i inish-black; primaries and tail feathers grayish-black,
secondaries grayish-brown; bare space around the eye duU-nlive, under the e3'e red;
the gular sac yellow, encircling the lower part of which is a broad band of white;
numerous linear filamentous white feathers are distributed over the head and neck;
on the side, over the thigli. is u -^atch of elongated linear white feathers; upper man-
dible grayish-black, witli the edges yellowish-white, lower dusky yellowish-white at
the base; iris bluish-green; eyelids with dusky margins; tarsi, feet, and claws
grayish-black.

The bill is strong ar.d powerful, the ridge is smooth, but the sides of both mandi-
bles are rugose.

Length, thirty-seven inches; wing, fourteen ; bill, three and fifly onc-hundreilths;
tail, six a':d fifty one-hundredths inches.

LOGY.

THE DOUBLK-CRKSTKI) COiniOIiANT.

)3h

. CoRMORANrS.

hooked and acutu; nostrils not
thcr short and rounded; tar?i
ir sac capable of considerable

"c/fcrmMS cnrbn, \j.)

ciilmcn concave, hooked at the
visible in the adult ; wings mod-
ries longest; tail moderate and
ssed; toes long and fuU-wehbed;
, which can be much distended.

globe. They are mostly found
It of access, and also on trees.
ig very active in the water, and
ength of time.

Gray.
ant.
14) 479. Aud. Om. Biog., III.

il hind neck elongated; gular sac
rhite; linear feathers on the head
liird priman,- longest; tail of four-

greenish-bhio; the feathers of the
[are dark-ash, with bronzed rcflec-
and tail feathers grayish-black,
I eye dull-"Iive, under the eye red;
If which is a broad band of white;
Iributed over the head and neck ;
[linear white feathers; upper man-
je, lower dusky yellowish-white at
margins; tarsi, feet, and claws

looth, but the sides of both mandi-

L, three and fifty one-hundretlthsi

The foma'e resembles the male, but is smaller.

Ildb. — Labrador, and along the coast as far south as Xcw .lir^ov in winter.

These birds are abundant on the coast of Labraibjr, wIhto large numbers assem-
ble for the purpose (jf repn)duction, foruiijig tlieir nests u\)in\ i\u: inaccessible ledges
(if rocky clilfs.

Their mode of flight is swift anil strong. Their food is .ibtained by diving and
pursuing it beneath the surliice, where tliey make rapid progress l)y tlie aid ol tlwit
wings.

THIS species is pretty common on our coast in the latter
part of autumn aud during the winter. It is not gre-
garious, but is seen singly or, at most, in pairs. It is shy,
and difficult of approach, and seems ever on tlic alert for
danger. The Grand Menau is the most southern breeding-
place of this bird in our neighborhood. There it builds a
large nest of seaweeds on shelves of steep clilfs or in crev
ices of the rocks. The eggs are usually three in number.
They are of a bluish-green color which is covered, over
nearly their whole surface, with a calcareous deposit. Tlicy
arc of an elongated ovate form, and average in dimensions
about 2.90 by 1.75 inch. They are, in their various sizes,
impossible of identification from the succeeding species.

GEACULUS DILOPHUS.— OVn>,.
The Double-crested Cormorant.

Phnlncrocorax diliplins, Nuttall. Man., IL (1834) 4S.'3.
(1835) 420; V. (IS.'iS) G28. lb., IJirds Am., VI. (1843) 423.
Gracidas dihphis, Gray. Gen. of Birds (184.'j).

Aud. Om. liiog., Ill

DESCinPTION.

Greenish-black; behind each eye a recurved crest of loose feathers; gular sac
orange; second quill longest; tail of twelve feathers.

Adult. — The plumage of the head, neck, lower part of the back an<l entire under
eurface ia greenish-black, the feathers of the upper part of the back, the wing-
coverts, the scapularies and tertiaries, grayish-brown or dark-ash, the margins of
which are greenish-black; primaries blackish-brown, lighter on the inner welis; the
secondaries dark grayish-brown; tail black, as are also the shal'ts; running from
the bill over the eye is a line of white filamentous feathers, — there are also u ftw of
the same character spar.'cly distributed over the neck; behind each ej'c is a tuft of
lathei long slender feathers, erect and curving for\vards; bare space in the region
»f the eye, and gula'" sac, orange; upper mandible blackish-bruwii, with the edges
yellowish; lower yellow, marked irr gularly with dusky; iris brighl-greon : legs,
feet, and claws black, claw of the middle toe pectinated.

586

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY,

,xi

"^ f<j

:3

s

Length, thirty-three inches; wing, thirteen; tail, six and seventy-flve oiie-Lun-
drcdths inches.

II(ib. — Atlantic coast from Labrador to Carolina; fur countries; Pacific coast
from Washington Territory to California.

This species resorts in large niinihers to the low isl.inds off the const of Labrador,
which are the r breeding stations: they construct their nesta on tlie surface of the
rock.s, not on the shelves of precipices.

I once witnessed a large migrating flight of these birds to the South, along our
seacoast. They passed in great flocks, which succeeded each other frequ\.nMy during
the entire day: each flnck formed a widely extended front, the individuals being
side by side. Their mode of flight was bj- alternate flapping of the wings, and their
sailing for a short distance, the eflect of which was peculiar and striking. — Georob
W. Lawrence.

I think that this species is more northern in its habits
than the preceding, as it is seldom seen on the coast of New
England except in tlie winter months, and then only in
small numbers. Unlike the preceding, it does not breed
sonth of the coast of Labrador; and, in nesting, does not
frequent high precipices, but prefers low rocky islands. The
nest is similar to that of the other : and the eggs, although
averaging smaller, are hardly recognizable from those of
the Common Cormorant; an ordinary large one of the
present being of similar form and size with the other.

::i

,OGY.

THE SKUA-<iULLS.

Oo(

lix and seventy-flve one-him-
; fur countries; Pacific cons\

lanth off the const of Labrador,
heir ne?ta on the surface of the

birds to the South, along our
ed each other frcqu.iMy during

.(I front, the individuals being
flapping of the wings, and their
eculiarandstrildng.-GEOKOE

northern in its habits
en on the coast of New
tths, and then only in
ling, it does not breed
d, in nesting, does not
low rocky islands. Tl\e
and the eggs, although
guizable from those of
iiary large one of the
ize with the other.

Family LARIDiE. Tuk Glm-s.

Bill generally shorter flian the Iiend, straight at tlie l).\se, ami ni..ri' nr li><s curvfil
at the end; nostrils linear; head ovate; neclt short; Imdy rather lull and innijiact;
wings long and pointed; legs of ninderate length, struuLr, and covir. d antcri'irly
with transverse scales; feet fully webbod, the hiiul foe small and elevated.

Birds of this family frequent the shores of the ocean, but often warnlor to great
distances from land; they are incapable of diving, but swim butiyanliy. Their food
consists principally of fish and Crustacea; but some of the larger siuiies feed occn-
sionally on the flesh of cetaceous animals, and devour the young and eggs of soiuo
species of sea-birds.

The family of Larida is divisible into four sub-families, with the following char-
acters : —

T.KSTniDiN/K. — Basal half of upper jaw with a homy covering, distinct from the
tip, and under which the nostrils open considerably beyond the miildle of the bill;
hill ai)ruptly and much decurved at the tip; tail cuncate: body full, stout.

Laiun.k. — Covering of the bill continuous; anterior extremity of nostrils gen-
erally reaching to the middle of the bill; culmen considerably decurved towards the
tip; body robust; tail gener<illy even.

Stekm.v-T!. — Covering of bill continuous; nostrils opening in the basal third nf
the bill; culmen gently curved to the tip of the lengthened and atteniuited bill;
oody rather slender; wing lengthened; tail usually deeply forked.

HllYNCnoi'lN.,fi. — Bill excessively compressed, like the bludo of a knife; Iowot
iaw much longer than the upper; the point obtuse; body slender; tail forked.

Sub-Family ^•%?:TVLiD\'!XM. — The Skua - Gulls ; the Jccgers.

Bill strong and much curved at the end, the base covered with a membrane iij
cere; wings lengthened; tail cuneate, with the two central feather? projecting.

These hardy birds inhabit the high latitudes of both hemispheres. There are
four Arctic species found both in Kuropc and North America. They are piratical in
their habits, appearing to derive their subsistence mainly from the labors of others.
They chase and harass various species of Gulls, compelling them to disgorge a por-
tion of their food, which they dart after, and seize before it reaches the water.

STERCORARIU.S, Rrisson.

iite.rcoraritis, Brisson. Omithologie (1700).

Bill rather strong; the culmen straight, and covered at the base with a smooth
cere, the end curved; nostrils linear, and more open anteriorly; wings pointed; first
quill longest; tail of moderate length; the two middle feathers elongated; tarsi
strong, and covered with prominent scales; claws sharp and much curved; feet
fiilly webbed; hind toe short, and but little elevated.

!-« I'-'

; 'T ; - ■

>38

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

STBRCORARIDS POMARINUS. — Tcmninck.
The Fomarinn Skua.

Lestrispnmnnmis.'SxiUiin. Man., II. (1834) 315. Aud. Itirds Am., VII (18441

186.

DEscniPTiox.

Adult. — Ironf, crown of the hcnd, back, winps, nnd fnil, Idackisli-brown; sides
mid back part of tlie neck brlfjli'-yi'llow ; throat and entire under plumage white,
with a band of brown .«i>ots extending across the upper part of the breast; sides
and lower tail coverts barred with brown j sliafls of quills and tail feathers white;
bill greenish-olive, black at the tip; legs and feet black; the middle tail leathers
extend beyond the others for about two inches; they are rounded at the end, and of
a unilbrm breadth throughout.

Young birds have the plumage of the upper parts blackish-brown; of the lower,
grayish-brown, with the feathers of the abdomen and lower tail coverts margined
with dull-ferruginous; tarsi and base of the toes and webs yellow.

Length, twenty inches; wing, fourteen; tail, eight to nine; bi'l, one ana three
quarters; tarsus, two inches.

THIS species is not uncommon on our north-east coast ii)
the autumn and winter months. " It subsists on putrid
and other animal substances thrown up by the sea, and
also on fish and other matters which the Gulls disgorge
when pursued by it. It also devours the eggs of sea-birds."
It breeds in the Hudson's Bay country and other northern
localities ; nesting " in elevated spots in the marshes, or
upon rocks ; making a coarsely interlaced nest of the sin--
vounding moss and herbage ; laying two or three very
pointed eggs, of a grnyish-olive, marked with a small num-
ber of blackish spots." — Nuttall.

STERCORARIUS PARASITIC^US. — remmjncifc.

The Arctic Skua.

Lnrus pnrnsiticus, Linnjeus. Syst. Nat., I. (1756) 226.

Stercorariiis pnrnsiticus, Temminck. Man. d'Orn., II. (1820) 796.

Lcstris Rkhardsonii, Nuttall. Man,, II. (1834) 319. Aud. Birds Am., VII.

(1844) 190.

Description.

Adult. — Upper part of the head blackish-brown; nape and sides of the neck
yellowish - white ; remainder of upper plumage blackish -brown; wings and tail
darkt-r; shafts of the primaries white; under plumage white; bill bluish at the base,
black at the point ; tarsi and feet black ; the central tail feathers extend beyond the

iLOOY.

THE GULLS.

539

_ Tcmninck.

■

,. Aua.«ir<lsAm..Vlt (18U^

, nnd tnil, 1)lackisW)rown; sides
iml out ire under plumage white,

upper part of tlie lireast; sides
„f quills and tail leatl.ers white;

black; the miil.Ue tail leathers
ey are rounded at the end, and of

rt.hlackish-l.rnwn; of the lower,
and lower tail coverts margined
md webs vellow.
:i,rht to nine; bill, one ana three

)n our nortli-east coast in
s. " It subsists on putrid
)wu up by the sea, and
rhich the Gulls disgorge
rs the eggs of sea-birds."
ntry and other northern
pots in the marshes, or
terlaced nest of the snr-
ying two or three very
arkcd with a small num-

3US. — Temminck.
ua.

(1756) 226.
•Orn., II. (1820) 796.
1834) 319. Aud. Birds Am., VII.

jrown; nape and sides of the neck
e blackish -brown; wings and tail
umage white; bill bluish at the base,
itral tail feathers extend beyoud the

others about three inches; Ihcy taper slightly, varying but little iii bnadtli until mar
the end, vlicre they are abruptly iicuniinatcd, differing in this particular finni all the
other species.

Length, twenty to twenty-two inelie.s wing, thirteen and a half; tail, eight and
a half; bill, one and four-twelfths; tarsi, one and tliree-qiiarter iuclies.

Hob. — Arctic America; breeds in the barren Grounds; coast of the T'liitid
States from New York northward.

This species is much more common on our coast in
winter than the other. Its habits are the same, and its
breeding-place is also in the far north. Its eggs are three
in numboi. They are broadly ovoidal in form, and much
resemble the eggs of the Laughing Gull. Tlioir primary
color varies from a greenish-drab to the predominating
olivaceous-green. This is marked with spots and blotches
of varioiis shades of brown, thickest at tlio greater end,
And some spots of obscure-purple. The dimensions vary
from 2.25 by 1.60 inch to 2.18 by 1.54.

Suh-FamUy Lautn^.. — The Gulls.

Bill differing considerably in strength nnd form; generally straight, with the
sides compressed; the culmen straight at the base, with the end curved; nostril?
lateral and oblong; wings long and pointed; tail usually even, in two or three cases
pointed or forked; tarsi rather strong; fore-toes united by a web; hind toe short and
elevated.

ThOoO birds vary much in size, some being quite small, while others rank among
the largest of marine birds. They are not peculiar to any region, but are found
abundantly over the world. Thej' congregate in great numbers on the sand-bars at
the entrance of inlets and large bays. In winter they migrate in search of food,
frp,[uenting harbors and ascending rivers.

The above general descriptions of the habits of our Gulls
are so coiuprehensive and terse that I will add nothing at
length to them here. They feed on fi;ih (which they often
seize in their bills in the water), various aquatic animals,
and dead animal matter thrown up on the shores or floating
on the waves. They attack and kill wounded birds, and
eat them, and also drive aquatic birds from their eggs and

540

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

young, wliicli they cat. They are, in the water, almost pre-
cisely what the Crows and Jays are on the land.

LARUS MARIJUVS. — Lintvmu.
The Great Black-backed Gull.

ui

n

Larua marlntu, Litimcus. Syat. Nat., I. (1768) 225. Niitt. Man., 11. (1834) 808.
Aud, Birds Am., VIL (1844) 172.

Descimption.

Adult. — The hcnd, neck, entire under pliunnKe, upper tail coverts, and tail
are pure-white; the back and wings are of a dark-slate color; the primaries are deep
black, largely tipped with white, as are the extremities of most of the quill.s; the
bill is gamboge-yellow, with an orange-red spot near the end of the lower mandible ;
legs and feet pale-yclIow; iris white.

Younff. — Head, nnnp, and under plumage grai'ish-white, with streaks of light-
brown; back and wings mottled with brownish-ash and grayish-white; primaries
blackish-brown, having the tips edged witli white; tail white, spotted with brown,
and having a broad subterminal band of the same color; bill brownish-black, yel-
lowish at the base; legs and feet yellow.

Length, about thirty inches; wing, twenty; tail, nine; bill, two and ten-twelfths ;
tarsus, two-twelfths of an inch.

Ilab. — North Atlantic, Labrador; as far south as Florida in winter.

The Black-backed Gull is of frequent occurrence on our
coast in the autumn and winter months ; and, according to
Mr. George A. Boardman, a few breed as far south as the
islands in the Bay of Fundy. Audubon describes its
breeding habits as follows : —

" The nest of this species is usually placed on the bare rock of
some low island, sometimes beneath a projecting shelf, sometimes
in a wide fissure. In Labrador, it is formed of moss and seaweeds
carefully arranged, and has a diameter of about two feet ; being
raised on the edges to the height of five or six inches, but seldom
more than two inches thick in the centre, where feathers, dry grass,
and other materials, are added. The eggs are three, and in no
instance have I found more. They are two inches and seven-
eighths in length by two inches and one-eighth in breadth ; broadly
ovate ; rough, but not granulated ; of a pale earthy greenish-gray
color, irregularly blotched and spotted with brownish-black, dark-
imber, and duU-purpie."

LOGY.

THE HERRING GULL.

Gil

the water, almost pro
n the land.

iirueui.

Gull,
m. Nutt. Man., IL (1834) 808.

Ke, upper tail corerts, and tail
late color; the primaries are deep
mities of most .>f the quills; the
ir the end of the lower mandible;

yish-white, with streaks of light-
ish and grayish-white; primaries
>• tail white, spotted with brown,
e' color; bill brownish-black, yel-

.11, nine; bill, two and ten-twelfths ;
1 as Florida in winter.

nueut occurrence on our
onths ; and, according to
■ced as far south as the
Audubon describes its

placed on the bare rock of
projecting shelf, sometimes
armed of moss and seaweeds
;r of about two feet; being
re or six inches, but seldom
xe, where feathers, dry grass,
eggs are three, and in no
are two inches and seven-
te-eighth in breadth; broadly
• a pale earthy greenish-gray
d with brownish-black, dark-

LABUS AEOENTATUS. - /Jranmch.

The Herring Gull ; the Silvery Gull.

LPTUt aryentitlus, Briiniiich. Orn. I3or. ;1704), 44. Nult. Man., II. (1834) 804
Aud. Birds Am., VII. (1844) 163.

Descruo'ioh.

Adtttl. — Head, neck, under parts, rump, and tail, pure-wliitc; b:\ik and wiiitjh
light pearl-blue; the tirst six primaries are marked towards their ends willi black,
which begins on the lirst at aouut half its length IVum the end, and is rapidly les-
sened on the others until it becomes only a subterminal bar on the si.xth; the pri-
maries all tipped with white; on the first quill it is aliuut an inch and a half in
extent, crossed near the end with a black bar, on the second quill there is a round
while .<pot on the inner web near the end; secondaries and turtiaries broadly eliding
with white; bill bright-yellow, with an orange-red spot near the end of the lowiir
mandible; legs and feet flesh-colored; iris white.

Young. — Mottled with light grayish-brown and dull-white; primaries blaokisli-
brown ; bill brownish-black, yellowish at the base.

Length of male, twenty-three inches; wing, eighteen; tail, seven and a li:ilt'; bill,
along ridge, two and a half; depth at angle, thirtecn-sixteenths ; tarsus, two and
a half. Female a little smaller than the male, but similar in phimairc.

Nab. — Atlantic coast from Texas to Newfoundland; Western States; Uliio and
Mississippi Rivers.

This species is abundant on our coast in the autiunn,
winter, and until late in spring, and many individuals are
seen througli the whole summer. I fbiiud several appar-
ently breeding about the Umbagog Lakes, in Maine ; and
have no doubt that it incubates in various localities in New
England, both on the coast aud in the interior. It breeds
in the greatest abundance in Labrador and otber northern
countries, where it nests like the preceding, and sometimes
in trees. The birds wluch I saw about Lake Umbagog prob-
ably had nests in trees, as tliey frequented a tract of deati
pines and hemlocks inaccessible to me on account of inun-
dation, and they frequently alighted in their tops. The
eggs of the Herring Gull are so dilferent in form, color, and
markings, that hardly any description can be intelligible.
A great number of specimens in my collection vary in
form from abruptly ovate to a lengthened ovoidal. Tiieir
color varies from a pale-cinereous to an olivaceous-drab ;
and their markings from thickly spattered blotches of

ORNITIIOLOGV AND OOLOCiV.

I)lack to (liiTurcnt browns aud obscure - purples. Tbeir
(liaiensions vary from 2.85 by 2.05 iucli to ^.t!.') by 1.85
inch. Large spcciiuens of this sjiecies canuot bo distiu
guished from small ones of the precodhig.

r.t]

'^B

-irn

-^ 4
•^

8

n

J. I

CHROICOCEI'HALUS, Eyton.

Chrmcocephalus, Eyton, Cat. Brit. Birds (183C).

Bill luuderiite, rutlier slender, much compressed; upper mandible straight at base,
more ur less curved at the end; nostrils lateral and l>in;,'itudin.il; win;;8 lung, nar-
row, and pointed; tail moderate, usually even; tarsi ratlicr slender; t'cet webbed;
hind toe small and elevated.

These Gulls are of medium or small sixe: in their spring attire, the head ij
clothed with a dark-colored hood; but in the winter it becomes while, with u dusky
spot behind the ear. These birds are very handsome, the dark and light colors of
'.heir plumage forming a beautiful contrast.

CHROICOCEPHALUS ATSICILLA. — /.awrence.

The Laughing Gull.

Larus atricilla, Linnscus. Syst. Nat., I. (1760) 225. Bon. Syn. (1828), No. 294.
Nutt. Man., II. (1834) 291. Aud. Birds Am., VII. ( 1844) 13tJ.
Larus ridiliundus. Wils., IX. (1824) 89.

Adull.

Dkscku'tion.
■Head and upper part of neck blackish lead-gray, extending lower in

front; upper and lower eyelids white j^ ostcriorly ; lower part of neck, entire under
plumage, rump, and tail, pure-white; ii' spring, a beautiful roseate tint exists on the
breuKt and abdomen; back and wings {,rayish-!ead color; the first six primaries are
ulat'k, beginning on the first at about two-thirds of its length from the point, and
regularly becoming less on the others, until, on the sixth, it is reduced to two spots
near the end; tips in some specimens white, and in others black to their points; bill
aud in.sido of the mouth dark-canniue ; iris bluish-black; legs and feet deep-red; in
winter the head becomes white, intermixed on the crown and hind neck with brown-
ish-gray.

Length, seventeen inches; wing, thirteen; tail, five; bill, one and three-fourths;
tarsus, two inches.

Ilab. — Texas to Massachusetts.

This handsome bird is a resident on our coasts through
thu summer, but is not at all abundant. It nests in the
marshes, making only a loose structure of a few pieces of
seaweeds or grasses, which it places in a sandy, elevated
spot, whore the tides do not reach. Tlie eggs are three in
number. Their form is usually ovoidal, sometimes ovate.

ri.ATK IV.

euro - purples. Tbeir
ineh to -i.tM by 1.85
•eics eauuot bo distiu
leoding.

upper mandible straight at base,
d longitudinal; wiuKS long, nar-
irsi riithcr slender; Icet webbed;

their spring attire, the head iJ
!r it becomes white, with a dusky
me, the dark and light colors of

,A. — Lamrence.

111.

) 225. Bon. Syn. (1828), No. 294.

ish lead-gray, extending lower in
; lower part of neck, entire under
, beautiful roseate tint exists on the
id color; the (irst six primaries are
I of its length from the point, and
l,e sixth, it is reduced to two spots
in otliers black to their points; bill
h-black; legs and feet deep-red; in
e crown and hind neck with brown-

il, five; bill, one and three-fourths;

Qut on our coasts through
iindaut. It nests in the
cture of a few pieces of
aces in a sandy, elevated
Tbe eggs are three in
ovoidal, sometimes ovate.

Fig. 1
2.

,'■ 3
„ 4-

Herring Oull, Lnnis argenlalii.s. Frunnich.
I,migliiiig (iiill, C/iroicorfphuliis utrinlhi. Limiicns
Kittiwiike (iull, Itissa triiliiclijlii. Iloiiu|iiirt<'
Wilson's Tern, Sleniu Wilsunii. Ilonii|iiirtH.
Least Tern, Uterniifrenala. (iainlirl.

n

9

^r.

8

^ , V'

BONAr.VUTK's (iULI

:>y.\

Their color is iin oliviicoous-dralt, soiuoliiinjs a gruyi.sli-
grccii. This is covoruii, inoro or loss thickly, with hlulchos
and spots of dillbiont shades of l)rowii and purplo, and
obscuro markings of tho sainu.

Their dinionsions vary IVum 2.2.S hy l.tj*) iiii;h t«> '2 l»y l."»i)
inch. Some spocimons have nnnioruus irregnlar stn.-aks
of umbcr-brown over the surface at tho greater end, and
others have large continent blotclies of the same color.

CHROICOCEPHALUS PHILADELPHIA.- /--mcejue.

Laitit Bonapurtei, Nuttall.

Bonaparte's Gull.
Muii., II. (1834)2'J.l.

Ami. liiiiU .Viii., VII. ;iM4)

131.

UKSCItlPTloN.

Adult. — Head and upper part of iieik grayisli-bluck, this (.nlor extcmliiit; ruther
lower on the throat than on tlio iieek brliind; Icwor part of neck, iiiidir pliiinii;^!',
rump, and tail, white; back and wiii^s cleiir hhii-h-fjray ; lirst primary black on the
outer web; inner web of the lir.-tt primary, both webs of the second, and tho outer
web of the third, white; the inner web of the third, and all the other primaries, aro
of the same color as the back; the six outer primaries have their ends blmk for tho
extent of al)out an inch on the central ones, but less on the lirst anil sixth, — they
are all sliyhtly tipped with white ; shoulders, anterior Ijniders of the » iii^'s, and outer
webs of the primary coverts wiiite; bill deep black; inside of mouth caiininej iris
hazel; legs and feet orange, with a reddish tinge.

Tho young have the head white, inteiinixed on the occiput and hiud neck with
dark-giay; u round spot of dark-pluiubcous behind tho eye ; the snniUer wing
coverts brown; the outer webs of sev> ral of the primaries, and a subtcrmiual band
on the tail, black.

Length, fourteen and a half inches; wing, ten and a half; tail, four and a quar-
ter; bill, one and one-eighth; tarsus, one and five-sixtcunths inch.

Ilab. — Texas to Nova Scotia, Slississippi Uiver, fur countries, Pacilic coast of
North America.

This species is pretty common on our coast, and i.s ol'ttni
found iu the neighborhood of largo tracts of water in tho
interior.

RISSA, Lkacii.

Rissa, Lbacii, Steph. Gen. Zool., XIII. (Ih-lo) Iso. (Type Laras tridacUjluf, L.)

Bill rather long, strong, and much compressed; cuhuen straight at base, curved

tiom the nostrils to tho tip ; nostrils lateral and longitudinal ; wings long and

pointed; tail even; tarsi rather short; toes slender and united by a full web; him"

toe rudimentary or very small.

544

UUNlTHOLUUy AND OOLOliV.

n

8

SISSA TRIDACTTLA. — BomiiHirU.

The Kittiwake Gull.

//ina IrUtiitylui, Llnnnua. Syst. Nat., I. (17U0) 224. Nutt. Man , II. (1834)
21*8. Auil. ltir(l« Am., VH. (1«<4) UO.

DhacHiiTioM.

Adult. — Uvn<\, neck, entire uiultr pliiinngc, rump, and tail, wliiiu-, back and
win(,'s li^l't bluislin'i'V ; tlie lMul;^ <il' llio live (inter piiinaricn, and the ontur web of
llie lirnt, black; the limilli and tll'tli have !<niall wliile lijin; bill urecnisli yellow; irin
reddihh-browu; Ic^h and feet bi(iwni.'<li-blttek, with a j{rceM tinge.

Ymiwj. — The bead ia white, marked ou the hind head and lietk with bluixh-
gray; u spot of the came color ' ir the earn; a narrow orescent of black III front of
the eve; winf^s and hlioiilderH i^ .rkcd with black; primaries black; tail white, with
0 Hubterniiiial black band; bill black; rest of the pluniajje name as in the adult.

l.cngtli, about seventeen inches; win^?. twelve ; tail, live and Ihree-ijuartent,
bill, one and a half; tarsus, one and tliree-einhths inches

lliib. — I'lir countries'; Labrador; southern coast in winter.

This Hpccics is not coiiimoii on our cotistH tliroii<j;li tiie
Kununer months. Audubon siiys it broods as far soutii uh
tiio ishind of (irand Monan, off the ontiauco of tho Buy
of Puiidy ; and it probably also incubates on othor i.shuids
off tiic coast of iMaiuo. Tiie nest is composed of sea-
woods, whio'i arc arranged in a hirgo pilo, and phiced on
a lodge of rock in a crevice, or on a jutting shelf. This nest
is occupied for succesfivo years ; and it receives additions in
every season. Tho eggs are three in number. Their form
is usually ovoidal : their color varies from a creamy-drab,
with a very sligiit olivaceous tint, to a delicate gray. On
this are scattered blotches of different shadtis of brown,
and obscure spots and blotches of lilac. Of these eggs —
as of all tho eggs of Gulls and Terns — it is difficult to
give descriptions by which specimens could be identified.
The above description, however, answers for all the eggs
of this species in my collection. The dimensions vary from
2.20 by l.GO inch to 2.04 by 1.65.

lUU V .

THR MAUSII TEIIN.

64<)

, m. Nutt. Man., U- ("84;

in, and tail, wlihc \ back ««■!
rimarK-s, aiul the outer web ot

ii,,v, bill «•■««"'»'> y'^iifw; "■'•

,„l Ucua aiul ucck with Wulsh-
,w cre.wMU of bl.uk ii> front ..f
,,i,„arlo. black; tail white, wuh
uinii«o Hiuue us in the uilult.
; tail, live an>l th..c..i.uirl..>'.

iclif^

I in winter.

)ur coasts thr»)Ufi;U the
breeds as far soutit as
0 culiaiico of llie 13ay
iuhiites on other ishuuls
St is composed of sea-
go pile, aiul plaeod on
titling shelf. This nest
X it receives additions in
ill nmnber. Tlieir form
OS from a creamy-drab,
to a delicate gray. On
u-ent shades of hrown,
lilac. Of these eggs —
'^.i-ns — it is difficult to
JUS could ho identified,
iswers for all the eggs
no dimensions vary from

Suh.h'(vulhf SrKKMN.f.. — Th Tirni.

Bill rather lonjr, iiKiinlly sl.nilcr, strniKlit, PiJinitini.vi with thf lipixr ninmlilil.!
turvcd at thp Up, which i» acntcly poinicil; nnatriU lintnr and pon'ioiisi winK*
I'lnnfjatcd ; priiiiarirs loiij; iinil pniiiti'd, scconilarir« i>( nKHlirjili- liMi,'lli; IjiII rntluT
IniiR and in most ("iiccies forked ; (iir>i dlciidcr; miliTidf liii.>« have their «ili< cniiir-
({inntc, hind tnc ►Miall! rlaw^i nuidi'viilc, curved and acute.

TheJ'e liircU are iniistly found on llic^ neaeoast ami nei;,'lilioriTi;; liav*, ocra-imiallv
on rivers and lakes: they aMsemhle in lar;;e niiniliers on llie -ami bars ami points at
the mouth of inleld, are much on the winj,', and arc reinarkahlu for their bmiyanl
and eai>y HiKht. Their food connintu of mnall tishcn and cru<itnci>a, which they
obtain by hovering over and suddenly darting down upon; alllioii;;li they thus seize
their jirey while in the water, they oidy oecnsionally swim or n st iii'on its Rurface.

STKKNA, I.iNH.nus.

Sleitta, hlVH.Kva, Syst. Nat. (174S).

Bill more or less sfronjf, about the lcn(,'th of the head ; the upper mandible "lightly
curved to the tip, wbieh is narrow and acute, the lower strai>rlit, with the imieliou
of the crura about the middle; the nostrils lateral and lim'.ir, willi the frontal feath-
ers extcndinj; to the opcuitif;; wiiij^s long, primaries narrow and taperinj,', the outei
quill longest; tail rather loiiff and more or loss forked ; tarsi short; tncH !<inall and
slender, with the webs eniarginato; hind toe short; claws sli^jbtly arched ami acute.

STERNA AEANEA. — W'ihon.

The Marsh Tern,

Sterna aranea, Wilson. Am. Orn., VIII, (ISU) 143.

Slenn Anglica, Nutfall, Man., II. (1834) 209. And. Om, Biog., V. (1839) 137.
lb., Birds Am., VII, (1844) 81.

Deschiptios.

Adult. — Upper part of the head, occiput, and sides of the head npnn a line with
the lower eyelid, black; back and wings light bluish-gray; primaries hoary on the
outer wcba and ashy-gray on the inner, becoming lighter towards the base; inn
panie color as the back, but paler, and with the outer feather nearly white; a line at
the base of the upper mandible, neck in front and entire under plinnage. p\ire-whifc;
bill deep-black ; iris brown ; legs and feet black.

Length, thirteen and thrce-quarfers inches; wings in extent thirty-four, from
flexure ten and a half; tail, four; bill, one and three-eighths; tarsus, one inch.

Ifnb. — Coast of the United States as far north as Connecticut.

I include this species in our Now-England Terns on tho
above authority. I have not met with it myself, and know
nothing of its habits. Wilson says, —

546

ORMTHOLOGY AND OOLOGY,

5i

■1 ;:•

s

" 'lliis species I first met on the shores of Cape 3Iay. particuhulv
over tlie suit uiarslies, wliere it was darting duwii iit'tcr a kind of
hirge black spider, i)lcnty in sucli i)laces. This spider can travel
under water, as well as above, and, du:' ig summer at least, seenis
to constitute the principal food of the present Tern. Tn several
which I opened, the stomach was crammed with a mass of these
spiders alone : these they frequently pick up from the pools, as well
as from the grass, dashing down on them in the manner of their
tribe. Their voice is sharper and stronger than that of the Com-
mon Tern ; the bill is differently ibrmed, being shorter, moi'e
rounded above, and thicker ; the tail is also much shorter, and less
forked. They do not associate with others, but keep in small
parties by themselves.

" This species breeds in the salt marshes. The female drops her
eggs, generally three or four in number, on the dry drift grass,
without the slightest appearance of a nest: they are of a greenish-
olive, spotted with brown."

STEENA CASnA. — r,tllas.

The Caspian Tern.

mmn Cdsi'M, Pnllas. Nov. Com. Pctr., XIV. GS2. Lawr. Ann. 1.3-0. N.Y.,
v. (1S51) .37.

DkSCIUI'TIO.N.

Adult. — Forehead, crown, .sides of the head, and occi|Hil, black, jjlosscd with
green; tliis color extends below the eye, under whieli is a narrow white line; I)aik
and wings light bluish-ash; tlie six outer primaries dark slate-gray on their inner
webs; quill shafts stronjr and white; tail and its upper coverts grayish-white; neck
and entire under iilinnage pure white; bill and inside of mouth bright vermilion ;
legs and feet black; bill very stout; tail not deeply forked.

In the young, the back, wing coverts, and tail, are mottled and barred with black-
ish-brown.

Length, twenty-one and a half inches; extent of wings, fifty-one; from flexure,
sixteen and three-quar.ors ; bill, from base, two and seven-eighths; tail, six inches.

lliib. — Coast of New Jersey northward.

I include this species on the above authorit}'. Its habits
arc unknown to me.

STEENA WILSONIL — nnnaparle.

Wilson's Tern,

Sterna hh-undo, Wilson. Am. Orn., VII. (1813) 76. Nutt Man., II. ;1834) 271,
Aud. Orn. Biog., IV. (1S38) 74. Jit., ISirds Am., VII. (1S44; 97.

.OUY.

WILSON S TKUN.

.■)41

f Ci»ih; May. particuliuly
„g duwii i>tUT a kind <*f
This spider can travel
• summer at least, seeni^
'csent Tern, hx several
m\ with a muss of these
up from the pools, as well
,m in the maimer of their
n- than that of the Com-
,icd, being shorter, more
[so mnch shorter, and less
thers, hut keep in small

ics. The female drops her
,er, on the dry drift grass,
St: they are of a greenish-

. Pallas.

In.
V

582

. Lawr. Ann. Lye N.Y.,

and occipul, black, slo^scd ^^■.t .
hichis a narrow wl.ito line; back
,rics dark slate-gray on thoir inner

pnercoverts grayish-white; neck
„s;dc of mouth bright venn.lion;

forked,
are mottled and barred with black-

.tofwings, fifty-one; from flexnro,
,„d seven-eighths; tail, six inches.

ily

)V

c authority. Its l^a^'Hs

- Ennapni'lt.

,"3)70. Nutt Man.,II.;i884|2n.
,VIL(1S44;97.

DKsriiii'TiDX.

y|f/H//. — I'ppor part of the head and hind neck dci-p-liln k. t'li-.d willi lirnvvn
on llic trnnt part of the head; back and win^'^ livilit (,'rayi Oi-liliic; lirsl primary
witli tlic (inter web lilacU. (in llut inm r web f;rayi^li-Maek iiexl llie shaft, tbi> color
increasing in extent towards the end, where it covers ihi' entire web for about one
inch, rest of inner web white; the next live priniariis are hoary on tlicir outer weU*,
und blackish-Kray on the inner next the shal>, occupying' the I'Ulire web at the end;
niiir^;inof tlie inner webs white; central tail feathers very pale bluish-Kray, the olh( rs
while on the inner webs and dusky-gray on the outer weli«, deepeniui,' in color from
the central feathers until it becomes black i>b-;,'ray on the lalrral ones; sides of the
heail, throat, rump, and under tail coverts, white; breast ami abilouien clear jiearl-
gray; bill coral-red, black lu'ar the end with the tip yellow; iris liazel; lij;s and
IVet coral-red. not so dark as the bill; claws brownish-l)lack.

Length, fourteen and thrce-qimrfers inches; wing, tea and three-i|uart(rs; tail,
five and thrcc-ipnirtcrs; bill, one and three-eighths; tarsus, three-((uarters of au
indi.

Ildb. — Texas to Labrador.

This i.s by far the most coininon species we have in New
England. It breeds in groat abundance all along our coast,
both on the beach, on the maiidand, and on tlie rocky and
sandy islands olf our shores. In .sonic localities, it is so
abundant that I have collected in the space of two hours,
in the area of about thirty acres, a half-bushel of eggs. In
most localities, it forms no nest, but drops its eggs on the
sand or on the bare rock. On tiie island of Mnskegeet, I
found that it invariably scooped out a Indlow of two or three
inches in the sand, in which it laid three or four eggs,
arranged them with their small ends together in the middle,
and built around them a loose nest of seaweeds and grass.
These eggs are so varied in color and markings, that no
description of them can be given by which they may be recog-
nized. In a great number in my collection, the predominat-
ing color is a reddish-drab, which is marked with numerous
spots and confluent l)lotches of different shades of brown,
and obscure blotches of cinereous. Many specimens are an
olivaceous-gray, with the same markings ; and others are a
ci'camy-buir. Their form is usually exactly ovoitlal, and
their dimensions average about l.oo by 1.2') inch.

This species is very irregular in its period of depositing
its eggs. I have found them as early as the last week in

.'',48

ORNITHOLOOY AND OOLOGY.

May, ami a.s late as the 12th of July. I have seen, in IIk;
space of a square rod, eggs, in which the chicks were al)out
ready to break the shell, and others that were apparently
but just laid ; and, close beside them both, were squatting
young birds almost fully grown and feathered.

AboTit the 15th of June is the j)eriod when the eggs of
this species are in the l)est condition in New England lor
cabinet preservation ; the young then being, as a general
thing, scarcely formed.

Early in October, these birds begin to be scarce in out
latitude, and they spend the winter on the shores of the
southern gulf.

SIEENA MACEOUEA. — Ar„u,nn„«.

The Arctic Tern.

Sterna macroui (J, t^amniinn. Isis (1819, 1847). i

Sterna Arctica, Temm. M.in. tl'Orn., U. (1820) 742. Bon. Syn. (1828), No.

287. Sw. and Rich. F. H- A., II. (1831) 414. Nutt. Man., 11. (18.34) 275. Aud.

Orn. Biog., III. (1835) 366. Jb, Birds Am., VII. (1844) 107.

Description.

Adult. — Upper part of the head and hind neck black; back and wings light
grayish-blue; first primaiy deep-black on the outer web, dusky-gray on tlie inner
next the shaft, and over the entire web at the end, inner margin of inner web white;
the next five primaries arc bluish-gray on the outer web and on the inner web next
the shaft, this culor extending over the entire web at the end, where it is blackisli-
gray on the inner margin, the remaining part of inner web white; central tail
feathers and inner webs of the others white, the outer web of the outer tail feather
blackish-gray, the outer webs of the two next pale bluish- graj'; rump, sides of the
head, and under tail coverts, white; under plumage bluish-graj', of a lighter shade
than the back; bill deepy-carmine ; iris brown; legs and foot dark-crimson.

Length, fourteen and a half inches; wing, ten and a halt, cil, six and a half
inches.

Hab. — Coast of the New-England States to Arctic seas; fur countries.

This species is almost, if not equally, as abundant on our
shores in summer as the preceding. It breeds, in our lati-
tude, in the same localities and at the same time as Llio
other; aud its eggs are so exactly similar, that any descrip-
tion of either is impossible, by which they can be identified.
The only method that I know of to obtain authentic speci-
mens of each is, either to visit localities in which either

TUE LEAST TERN.

")4!t

species is Ibund by itself, or to wait until late in ilu.' season.
and, after finding a nest, observe carefully the liird that

rcticseas; fur countrios.

ally, as abundant on om-
it breeds, in our lati-
t the same time as ll-.o
imilar, that any descrip-
jh they can bo identified,
obtain aiithentic speci-
jcalities in which either

It is

a wfll-kiiown lii.liil

hovers over it, and slK)ot her.
of these species to hover over
their eggs after being driven
from them : but this is generally
confined to the close of the sea-
son of incubation, or very dark
or wet weather ; and the student,
to avail himself of it, must be
on the spot at the proper time.
The moment a person approach-
es one of their bi-eeding places,
the whole colony leave their eggs
or young, and fly to meet the
intruder. I have been on an
island of not more than thirty
acres area, where thousands of
these birds of both species, and also the following, were
breeding ; and their cries, ^krce ^kree Icree. were so loud that
my companions within twenty feet of me had to shout at
their loudest to make their words intelligible.

The Arctic Tern, like all the others, leaves its eggs in
warm sunny days for several hours, depending on the sun
to assist in incubation. When one bird is shot, the others,
instead of flying off, only redouble their outcries, darting
down at the intruder within a few feet of his head ; and the
noise and confusion are so great, that one is almost bewil-
dered, and can hardly keep his wits about him sufficiently
to secure and properly identify his specimens.

STEBNA FEENATA.— Go«iit(.

The Least Tern.

Sterna vunula, Wilson. Am. Om., VII. (1813) 80. Ami. Orn. Biog., IV. (188S
176. Jb., Birds Am., VII. ( 1844) 119.

Sti-rna aryenhn, Nuttiill Man., II. (1834) 380.

i'yBO

OUNITHOLOCY AND OOLOGY.

< »-l

is

Descbiption.

Adult. — On tlie foruliead iit a tiiuiif;ulur white spot extending; to the eye; crown
occiput, and a line from the eye to the upper niundil)lc, deep-blaelc; entire uppei
plumage and wings clear bluish griiy ; first two primaries with the outer weh and
haM' the inner next the shaft, gniyish-black, ends of the same color, inner margins
white, the shafts of these tw.i quills are black j the other ])rinniries same color as the
back, with the inner niargirs white; tail same color as th.; back, except the outer
margin of the exterior teath r, and the inner webs of the others at the base, where
they are white; entire under plumage silvery-white; bill pale orauge-ycUow; iri?
hazel ; legs and feet light ori.nge-red.

Length, eight and three-quarters inches; wing, six and three-quarters; tail, three
and a half inches.

Ilidi. — Texas to Labrador; v/estern rivers.

This liandsorae little bird is of similar habits, and is
almost as abundant as the preceding. It breeds in the same
localities, and, like the others, nests on the beach or bare
rocks. The eggs are three in nnmber. They are a rounded
ovoidal in form, and a grajish-cream tint in color : they are
marked with spots and confluent blotches of ditTerent shadoi.
of brown and obscure-lilac, and vary in dimensions from
1.25 by .90 inch to 1.15 by ,91 inch. A large numl)er of
specimens from both the Southern and Northern States
exhibit no appreciable diiference either in size or markings.

HYDROCHEMDON, Boik.

Hydrochelidon, BoiE, Isis (1822), 563.

Bill rather short, strong, the upper mandible curving slightly to the tip; nostrils
basal, lateral, and longitudinal, the frontal feathers reaching nearly to the opening;
wings very long and pointed; tail moderate and emarginate; legs short; the ante-
rior toes slender, with the webs deeply indented; hind toe small; claws slender and
acute.

HYDROCHELIDON PLUMBEA. — Wilson.

The Short-tailed Tern.

Sterna plumbea, Wilson. Am. Orn., VIL (1813) 83.

Sterna niora, Nuttall. Man., IL (1834) 282. Aud. Orn. Biog., III. (1S35) 5-35;
V. (1639) 642. Jb., Birds Am., VIL (1844) 116.

Description.
Adult. — Ucad, neck, breast, sides, and abdomen, black; lower tail coverts white;
under covering of wings ashy-gray; back and wings dark plumbeous-grny; the

)GY.

THE SHORT-TAILKD TKIIX.

:.:,l

BXtendiugtothoeye; crown
l,le, deep-black; entire uppei
arics with the outer wel) ami
lie same color, inner margins
ur prinuiries same color as the
as the back, except the outer
■ the others at the ba?e, where
bill pale orauge-yellow; iri?

and three-quarters; tail, three

imilar habits, and is
It breeds in the same

ou the beach or bare
They are a rounded

tint in color : they are

ches of different shades.

•y in dimensions from

>. A large numV)er of
and Northern States

[er in size or markings.

!OIF..

.inR slightly to the tip; nostrils
[reaching nearly to the opening;
marginate; legs short; the ante
lind toe small; claws slender and

. — Wilson.

83.
Lud. Om. Biog., III. (183J) 535;

L, black ; lower tail coverts white;
[ings dark plumbeous-gray; the

llrst four primaries grayish-blaik, with llicir >luirts wliiti ; lieml of the wiiiLC iil^'ed
with white; tail same color as the back ; liill '.Mowni-li-lilmk; irisbnjwn; legs uml
feet reddisli-brown.

}'()««</.— ISaek, wings, 1111(1 tail, linht-].liiiiilH(iiis, wjili tlir I'calliers i,!' the b;ii k
margined with brown; top ai llic licad jind around the eye browni^h-black ; Ir.m'
and tinder plumage white; tail short, and but slightlv forked.

Length, nine and a half ineliea; wing, eight and a lialf; tail, three and a li.ili
inches.

Ilab. — Texas to the Ncw-Kngland States, JIis>i-si|.|pi l;iver, and triliutaries; li.i
couc'iics.

This species is inchided on the aliovc authority. Wilson
describes its hal)its as follows : —

" I examined upwards of thirty iiKlividuiils of this .spucit's liv
dissection, and found both sexes alike in color. Thi'ir .stonmclis
contained grasshoppers, crickets, spiders, &C., lait no fish. TIk!
people on tlie seacoast inform me, thtit this bird comes to them
only in the fall, or towards the end of summer, iuid Is more fre-
quently seen about the mill-ponds and fresh-water uiiirshes thun
in the bays ; and add, that it feeds on grasshoppers and other
insects, which it finds on the metulows and niiir.shes, picking them
from the grass, as well as from the surface of the water. Tluv
have never known it to associate with the Lesser Tern, and
consider it altogether a different bird. This opinion seems con-
firmed by the above circumstances, and by the f;i(;t of its greater
extent of wing, being full three inches widei than the Lesser
Tern, and also making its appearance after the others htive
gone off."

Audubon describes the bird as placing its nest on tlie toj)
of a brolcen tussock of the rankest grasses, of which tlic fal)ric
is itself composed ; it is of a flatfish form, and about two
inches thick. It is enlarged or renewed every year, some
nests being found to be from four to six iiiclies in height.
Tlie eggs, laid early in June, are four in numl)er, 1| by 1
inch iu dimensions, and are of nearly an elliptical form,
being but sliglitly pointed at one end : their ground-color i.-i
trrcenish-buff, si)otted and dashed with reddish-umber and
black, more abundantly towards the middle.

oo2

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOCV.

Family PROCELLARIDiE, The Petrels,

rrJ

"S

8

IJill more or less lengtlicned, compressed, and dec-fly grooved, appearing to be
f.j.nied of several distinct parts; the tip is strong, much hooked, and acute; the nos-
trils open from distinct tubes, either single or double, and are situated at the base of
the upper mandible.

All the birds embraced in this family are strictly oceanic, some of the puialler
species only being observed in bays near the ocean during or after a storm. They
vary greatly in size, .some being quite diminutive, while others are equal in dimen-
sions to the largest known birds of flight.

Two sub-families, namely, Diomedtmie and Proctllannw, constitute this family,
the distinguishing characters of which are as follows : —

DiOMEDKiN.K. — Bill very strong, curved, and acute at the end; nostrils short,
tubular, and situated on the sides of the upper mandible near the base.

I'liociXLAHiN.i;. — Bill more or less strong, curved at the end, and pointed;
nostrils tubular, situated on the culmen, near the base, and opening forwards.

Suh-Family Procellauinje. The True Petrels.

The bill more or less strong, compressed, tip much hooked and pointed ; the nos-
trils tubular, to a greater or less extent, and situated on the basal part of the culmen;
generally of medium or small size, wandering in their habits, and capable of sus-
taining themselves on wing for a great length of time.

THALASSIDROMA, Vigors.

7'<'(f(fa«s/(/roma, Vigors, Zool. Jour. (1825).

Bill shorter than the head, slen<ler and weak, the tip curved and acute, the sides
compressed and moderately grooved; nostrils at the base of the culmen tubular
and prominent; wings long and narrow, the second quill longest; tail forked or
cmarginate; legs slender and very long; tibia bare for a considerable space; ante-
rior toes rather short and slender, united by an indented web; a short spur in place
of the hind toe.

THALASSIDSOMA LEACHII. — .Sonoparfe.

Leach's Petrel.

Procellaria Leachii, Temm. Jlan., II. (1820) 812.
Thnlassidroma Leachii, Niittall. Man., II. (1834) 326.
(IS?R) 434. lb., Birds Am., VII. (1844) 219.

Aud. Om. Biog., IIL

«r '">•

k;y.

WILSON'S STORMY I'KTUEL.

^■-.y

0.)i

fuE Petrels.

ply grooved, appearing to b«
I, hooked, and acute; the no»-
ind arc BiUuited at the base of

, oceanic, some of the Mualler
irini,' or after a storm. 'Ihcy
ile others are equal in dimen-

llanniE, constitute this family,

ute at the end; nostrils short,
hie near the base,
rved at the end, and pointed-,
Mse, and opening' forwards.

rhe True Petrels.

h hooked and pointed; the nos-
onthe basal part of the culmen;
eir habits, and capable of bus-

G0R8.

tip curved and acute, the sides
le base of the culmen tubular
,d quill longest; tail forked ot
for a considerable space; ante-
ntedwebjashortspur in place

_ Bonaparte.

2*

54) 826. Aud. Om. Biog., HL

DE.SCllirT10.N.

The plumage generally is sooty-hrown, darker on the crown; |Timarieg and tail
hrownisli-black; wing coverts and inner secondaries ashy-gray; nnnp, feather.) of
the sides adjoining it, and outer lowjr tail coverts, white; bill black; ir's dark-brown;
tarsi and feet black.

The female differs only in being rather smaller.

This is larger than Wilson's Petrel, and has a much stronger bill; it may be
readily known from it by its forked tail, and the interdigital webs being entirely
black.

Length, eight inches; wing, six and a half; tail, three; bill, two-tliirds of an
inch; tar.-ns, one inch.

THIS species is the most abundant of our Petrels. It is,
in fact, the only one that breeds here ; and all others
may be regarded as wanderers. About the funt week in
June, in the latitude of the islands on the north-eastern coast
of Maine, it pairs. Breeding in communities, it soon beghis
its nest. This is composed of weeds, short grasses, and
small pebbles, which arc arranged in a flat structure, at the
end of a burrow constructed by the birds, or in the fissures
and crevices of rocks on the islands off our northern coast.
In this a single egg is deposited, which is of a pure-white
color, with an obscure lilac ring around one end, consisting
of fine confluent dots. It is nearly oval in form, and
averages in dimensions about 1.30 inch in length and .96
Mich in breadth. A large number of specimens in my col-
lection exhibit a variation of from 1.35 to 1.24 inch in
length, and from 1 inch to .80 inch in breadth. Those eggs
soon become discolored and dirty, from the nature of the
nest and the habits of the bird ; but originally they are pure-
white. Their shell is exceedingly fragile, and a little rough
to the touch, like that of the eggs of all birds of this class.

THALASSIDEOMA VflLSOmi. — fionapa} u.
Wilson's Stormy 'etreL

ProceUanapelaffica, Wilson. Am. Orn., VIL (1808) 90.

Thalasddrona Wilsmiii, Bonaparte. Syn. (1828), No. 308. Nutt. Man , II.
il-!34) S"' - "Tn. Biog., III. (1835) 486; V. (1839) 646. lb., Birds Am., VIL
(1844

0.c...ii-^v iVilaonii, Bonaparte. Cons. Av. II. (1855) 199.

554

OUMTHOLOOY AND OOLOGV.

n
■■«;
•4

<-4

DESrilll'IKlN.

Tli« j;i'iieral color of tl.c [limiiagi: is ;lark s.Hi|y-liri)uii: priiiisvrids niiil mil blnik-
ish-browii, the la'tur wliitf at tliu bust'; soiiiu of llic' outtr neioiulaiiis and the
Mcondary tovurts grayisli-ush, eiidint; witli tjrayisli-wliite; iiuiii), sidc.t of tin- abilo-
men and txliiidr lower tail invfrts, white; bill black; iria dark-brown; tar>i and
feet black, '.villi tlr; webs yellow except ut the niart;in.

Tlii" f\w< '.es is somewhat smaller than T. Liticliii, and more delicate in form; the
I'li'i ■■ )iui.n weaker: it may readily be distin.,;iii<hed by the ^jreater proiiorlion of
nii!- iU ;' .; 'iider lad coverts and on the siile.i at the base of the tail, to^jcaher «ilh
it', rich 1( iij. •■ tarsi and yellow webs; tail neirly even.

i .igth, sex • .'id ono-fbuith inches; wing, six; tail, thrce-fiiiarler.f ; bill, seven-
twelfths incli; lii' .-, one and three-eighths inch.

//aZi. — Oil' the Atlantic eoah.t Irom the Gulf of JFexico to Baffin's Hay.

This species is rare on our coast, aiul, to my knowledge,
does not lirced within the limits of New-England shores.
Aiidubon says, —

" Wilson's Petrel breeds on some small islands sitnated off the
southern extremity of Nova Scotia, called 'Mud Islands,' but which
are formed of sand and light earth, scantily covered with grass.

Thither the birds re-
sort in great numbers
about the begiiming of
June, and form bur-
rows of the depth of
two or two and a half
feet, in the bottom of
which is laid a single
white egg ; a few bits
of dry grass, scarcely
deserving the name of
a nest, having been placed for its reception. The egg measures an
inch and a half in length by seven-eighths of an inch in breadth ;
is almost equally rounded aJ both ends. . . . On wing, this
species is more lively llian the Forked-tailed, but less so than the
common Stormy Petrel. Its notes are different from that of the
Forked-tailed Petrel, and resemble the syllables kee-re-lcee-kec.
They are more frequently emitted at night than by day."

iGV.

THE GREAT NOKTUEIIN DIVER.

/j')'>

■ oiitt-r !tft(iiii\iiiii-« ami tlve

itc; lump. M'li^" "'■""■ "'"'""
:■ irU .luik-biDWii; lar-i »iul

nd int.ro delicatf in form ; lliu

l,y till' K'''"'^'"' proi'or''"" "f
l,;,„'of tlietail,t(.-.:tli.r«itli

n.

Ill, three-quurtcrs; l)iU, scveii-

xici) li> Hrtlliu's Hay.

lul, to my knowledge,
New-England shores.

islands situated off the
' :Mud Islands,' but which
iitily covered with grass.
Thither the birds re-
sort in s,'reat numbers
about the beginning of
June, and form bur-
rows of the depth of
two or two and a half
^ feet, in the bottom of
■which is laid a single
white egg ; a few bits
of dry grass, scarcely
deserving the name of
The egg measures an
L of an inch in breadth ;
Inds. ... On wing, this
.ailed, but less so than the
different from that of the
le syllables hee-re-kee-kec.
isrht than by day."

Family COLYMHIDvE. TnK Divins.

Bill more or less ionj,' and compressed; the iiostriU arc limar nr mmimIi.I, ami
situated in a lateral (groove; tail riulimeiilary or slmit; larM niiuli eiinipic-iil; an-
terior toes Io;i>;, with the interdi^'ital mcml)rane mure or lex rail, the (Uiler hiimr-f
hind toe short, Tree, with a hanj^inf; lulie; claws hruad, depre>>ed, hiiiiiil iji tha
body.

The species are renuukahle lor tlieir powers ol' swlmmiiin and diviiij;; tlieir ea>f!
»Dd f;racel'ulne..is on tlie water is ir strong contrast with their awkwardness on I 'ii|

The following are the characters of the two sub-families, CvlyiubimB and /i-
ci/>intB ; —

CoLYMr.ix.K. — Hill long, rather atronR, much eompres-ed, wiih the point aeute;
nostrils basal, linear; tarsi much compressed; toes long and ueli> liill; taii horl;
lores feathered.

PoDlcifl.N.i;. — Kill gener.dly long and rather slender, eomiiressed and pointed;
nostrils situated in a groove, oblong and narrow; tarsi compressed; toes long nd
broadly lobed; tail wanting, or very rudimentary; lores naked.

Sub-Family Colymiun;i;. — The Loons.

Bill about the length of the head, rather stout, much compressed, and acute;
nostrils basal, linear, and pervious; wings of medium size, narrow and pointed, first
quill the longest, reaeliing far beyond the .scapulars; tail short and rounded; tarsi
very much compressed; entire tarsi and base of toes reticulated; toes long, the
anterior ones united by regular webs, the claw of the middle twice as long us broad ;
hind toe short, edged with a narrow membrane.

These birds excel all others in their rapidity of diving, and the great progress
they are able to make under water. Only one genus in this sub-family is recognized
by authors.

COLYMBUS, Lixx.Kus.

Cobjmhtis. LiNN.KUS, Syst. Nat. (1735). (Type C. articus.)

As the characters of tlie sub-family include those of the single genus Cohjmhus, it
IS not necessary to repeat them.

They are abundant during summer in the high northern latitudes, both on tlie
seacoast and on inland lakes; in winter, they migrate to the South. They are soli-
tary in their habits, keen-sighted, and very difficult of approach: their flight is
strong, rapid, and direct.

COLYMBUS TOHQUATUS. — 5/a««/c/i.

The Great Northern Divar; the Loon.

Colynibus glacialis, Linnaeus. Syst. Nut., \. (1760) 221. Wils. Am. Orn., IX.
(1824) 84. Nutt. Man., II. (1834) 513. Aud. )rn. Biog., IV. (1838) 43. //', Birds
Am., VII. (1844)282.

5r.G

otsrrnoLoGV and oouxiv.

I

r5

pKMCIIirTKlM.

Hill comprusfctl, Mroii){ .«nd ta|)cring, outline of upper mumiible nearly Ktrai^sht,
very hli^'lilly curved; the lower iiiiiiuliliie liun ii ^rduve uiideriiealli, ruiiMitii; frniit
ll.e juiKtioii of the crura towards the point; lliu tail coii»iHt» of twenty feutla-rs.

Adult. — The lii'iul and Neck are dark blui»li-green, tliu upper part iiiiil nidvo of
the head ^'loKsed with purple; there \» ii small tran.svcritu murk un the tliritut, coin-
pdHcd of white feuthern of n (|iiill-liku form, dixtinet I'roiil eueh other, and placed lun-
({iludinully on each side of the iie( k ; lower down are larf;er patches of white, of the
pame peculiar form, and running; in the same direction; these almost meet behind,
•nd in front are about one inch apart; the ellect of these pure- white feathers, re-
lievi'd by the dark color of the neck, is very beautiful; the upper plumage and win;;
coverts are deep glossy-black, beaulil'iilly marked with pure-white spots, jiluecd in
regular transverse rows, slij,'htly curving downwanN; these spots, on the upper part
of the back, are small ond nearly round, but, as they descend lower on the back,
increase in si/.e, and become quadrangidiir iu form, being laigesl on the scapularies;
on the lower part of the buck, upper tail coverts, and sides (which are black), the
tipots are small and round; the siiles of the neck, near the shoulder, are beautifully
lineated with black and white; the |>rimaries, secondaries, and tail, brownish-black;
tlie under surface glossy-white, with a mirrow band of dusky feathers crossing the
lower part of the abdon\en, and marked with small white spots; lower tail coverts
blackish-brown, tipped with white; bill black; iris deep brigbt-rcd; tarsi and feet
gruyish-blue externally, tinged on the inside with pale-yellowish red; webs brownish-
black ; cla»8 black.

YuuHij. — The plumage above is grayish-black, the feathers of the back mar-
gined with grayish-white, the under plumage pure-white; bill yellowish, with the
ridge of the upper mandible dusky.

Length, thirty-one inches; wing, fourteen; tarsus, three and a quarter; bill,
three; height ut base, one inch.

Hub. — Very generally distributed; it is abundant on the Atlantic coast, in the
lakes of the interior, and tlie Air countries.

rilHE Great Loon is a rather cominou species on our coast
JL ia the autumn and winter. It passes the season of re-
production in the neighborhood of large tracts and ponds of
fresh water in the interior, where it nests, about the middle
of June, on some low island, or in meadows, bordering tlie
lakes where it collects a large pile of grasses, sods, and
weeds, in which it forms a hollow of from fourteen to six-
teen inches in diameter, and four or five in depth ; lining it
with a few softer grasses and pieces of moss, if such are
obtainable. The eggs are two or three in number. They
vary in shape from almost exactly oval, usually about ovate
and occasionally very much lengthened, as will be seen by
the following dimensions of four specimens from different

LiY.

THK IlKn-TnniVVTF.D IMVK.n.

r,r)7

■ r mumiilili' "^'urly strai«IH,
, iina.riifalli, ruimiiiK' <>'>"••
isiHts of twenty feulliers.

Uu iippur 1'"" '""' "'''*" '"
c mark on the tliroat, coni-
n ciicli oth.T, unil (iluccil loii-
ir^er iKitcl.LS of white, of ihts
,. thefe ulmtiHincet behiml,
|>o.,o pure- white feathers, re-
the upiier plu.iiagu and wni«
h pure-wbite spots, pluccd m
these Bpots, on the upper part
y (loscend lower on the back,
i.igluiK'-tontl'" scapulariesi
1 gi,les (^yh\c\x are lilack), the
r the KhouUler, are beautifully
irics, and tail, brownish-black;
of dusky feathers crossing the
,vhito spots! lower tail coverts
leep briKbt-rcd; tarsi and feet
..yellowish red; webs brownish-

the feathers of the back mar-
white-, bill yellowish, with the

ius, three and a quarter; bill,

at on the AtlanUc coast, in the

311 species on our coast
)asses the season of re-
ge tracts and ponds of
lests, about the middle
neadovvs, bordering the
of grasses, sods, and
from fourteen to six-
five in depth ; lining it
.s of moss, if such are
iree in number. They
al, usually about ovate
icd. as will be seen by
lecimcns from different

localities in Maine: ri.t',; hy -J.o'i, n.8.' by 2.1.">, :].:,{) by
2.:i"), ;J.")0 l»y 2.25 inciifs. 'riicir culor is an oiivaccitiiH-
brown, soniotimoa an olivacooua-dral) ; and one spiM.'inKMi is
of a rcdtlisli-l»ro\vti, wilii itut a sliirlit nlivatM-oiis tint, 'ritin
priiniii-y color is sparingly inarl<cil witli small spots and a
few lar<icr l)lotfb('s of l)ln(;kish or very durk-biown. Tin;
Uniltagog Lai<es, in Maine, an; a favorite l)ri'i'(lin,u: locality
of this species; and sometimes several pairs may be Ibmid,
witiiin a imndrcd rods of each oilier, engaged in the dnties
of inciil)ation. When the nest is appmacliod, tlio sitting
bird si!(Mitly loaves it; and. gliding tbrongh the gi'ass, drops
into the water; and, diving, swims below the siirlaco to a
considcral)le distance from tiio shore, whore, appearing
above it, she attentively watches the intruder.

The nest is built only a short distance from the water,
and is approached in different directions by patlis tlirougii
the grass, beaten by the birds, or sometimes hy muskrats
in their approaches to their winter homes. I onct; iieard of
one of these Loons forming its nest in the top of an al)an-
doned muskrat's nest, and of another that placed it in tiio
top of a low stump of a pine. Usually, it is laid on the mud
or earth, in thick grass or weeds.

COLTMBUS SEPTENTEiONALIS. - l.liimnis.

The Eed-throated Diver,

Colymbus Seplenfrionalis, Nuttall. Man., II. (18.'34) 519. Ami. Om. Rio?;., HI.
(16.38)20; V. (1S39) 625. /i., Birds Am., Vll (1844)290.

DESCIillTIOX.

Adult. — Front, sides of the head, upper part of the tliroiit, ami sides oftlic ncok,
clear bluish-gray; upper part of the head of the same color, intermixed with l)Iack-
ish spots; the hind neck streaked lonKitudinally with white on a preenisli-blnek
ground, the white feathers being raised al)ove tlie others; on tlie lorepart of tha
neck is a large longitudinal pateli of deep reddish-brown; upper plumsge hrownisli-
black, slightly tinged with green, and on the upper part of the back and lower part
and sides of the neck streaked and mottled with white; wings and tail brownish-
black; under plumage pure-white, with a band across the hind-part of the abdomen,
and the lower tail coverts, brownish-gray; bill bluisli-l)lark; iris briglit-rcd : tarsi
and feet brownish-black externally, on llie inside pale flesh-color; daws yellowish
at the base, dusky at the end.

6.:8

UUMTHOLOGY AND OOI/KJY.

19

In

^^1

8

Younff. — Upper pnrt of Die Ik ml nml liinil-iicck (liill-t'riiy, utrcuki-il with jfrnj Iiih«
white; Imck fliii|«iiiK'< Miiiki«li-);niy, pniCii^rly iimrkid willi ovalsliiipcil \vliit«
K|KitK, tlipru living two on rai li t't'iitlur, '<iiiiill<"^l on tin- upper part of tlm hack hmiI
larh'i"<t oil the tcrtiarii'i; ipiill li'iithen anil tall hlai'ki>li-hrowii, llie liillir imI^'iiI
villi white; Hiilen of tli« nei k white, cpeekleil minutely with urny; iiiuhr pliiiiiajjn
hilUy-wliite, croxied on the lower part of the ahdonien hy n dusky hand; hill hhiiNh-
Urny, ilufiky on the ridKO ami lle<>li-<-olored nt the Imne.

Length, twenty-Hcvon iiielies; wlnt^, eleven nnd a Imlfj tail, two and tt half; lilll,
two ami a ipiarter; larKiiH, two ami ihrec-ipiartorH inchen.

//nil. — DiiriiiK till! winters as far .xoiiih nn Mar}'land; inlinhltn as far north ns tha
•relic span; fuiinil also on the I'arillr coast.

This hinl, altlioiiirli pretty coin:noM nii nur const during
the winter, is nuich mure nortlieni in it.s l>ree(Hn^ habits
than the Loon ; soUloin passing the ticasoii of inculcation
south of Labrador, where it begins to lay early in June.
Tlic nests arc placed on small islands in frosh-watcr ponds,
a short distance from the sea. " These nests consist merely \
of a few blades of rank grasses loosely put together, and
are quite flat, without any down to warm or conceal the
eggs at any period of incubation." They are placed within
a few feet of the water, and are approached by well-beattMi
paths, like those of the preceding. The eggs are usually
three in number. They exactly resemble those of the
Loon in form, color, and markings, but arc much smaller ;
^arying from 3 to 2.65 inches in length, and from 1.90
'■) 1 76 inch in breadth.

Suh-Fannhf PoDiclPiNyK. — The Grebes.

Hill senerally lonp, compressed on the sides, and pointed; lores iisiially naked;
rtoslrils placed in n groove, ohlong nnd narrow. Wind's short, tho second quill
longe.st, shorter than tlie scapulars; the tail is represented hy n tuft of downy feath-
ers; tarsi much compressed nnd rather short; toes Innp, the outer longest, broadly
nnd evenly lobed, most so on the inner side; claws short, broad, and obtuse; tarsi
with plates on tho sides, in front with a, single, behind with a double, longitudinal
jeries of projecting scales; toes and their lobes plated above.

The plr.aaage is very soft, and on the under surface silky: they nre remarkably
ai'ive or. the water, and when alarmed remain below the surface, exposing only
the bill.

;Y.

TUK UKl>-NKCKKl) OliEBK.

559

p-nv.Kmiikml Willi tn^KJ'-h'

,.,l Willi ..viil-'.liii|H(l wliil<«
iil.lHr part nf lli.- I>mk hihI
-|,-l,r..wn, 111" lallir I'llk'-il
Willi nrny\ unil.r iilmimt,"'
irniluKWy Imml; hill l)liii»l>-

If ; tail, two niul n hnlf; bill,

i iiilmbit* fts fov north as tli«

on our const during
1 its l.nHMliujL!; linlnts
icivsoi- of intMibation
c lo.y early iu June.
m frorth-wrttcr ponds,
B uesta consist merely
ely put togetlier, and
warm or conceal the
Micy arc placed within
■oaclicd ity well-beaten
The eggs are usually
jsomble those of tlio
|iut are much smaller ;
sugth, and from 1.90

\The Grebes.

„ pnintoil; lores usually nnki'il;
lwiiit,'s short, the second ciiiill
lentcilhy n tuft of downy feiith-

llonR, the outer longest, broadly
k short, broad, and obtuse; tarsi
|„d with a double, longitudinal
Id above.

Irtce silky: tbey are remarkably
lelow the surface, exposing only

I'ODICKl'S, I.ATIIAM.

/WiV./xi, 1 AiiiAM, IikI. Oriiith. (17!Mi|, T-o. (Type ('■'Ijim.'m riit:,it,i», \..)
Hill l»r,;(, hliMider, taptrinjc, and ixMntid; nirttriU .-llual.'d in u ;,'rnove, unull,
liniar, and p.TviiMK: wings i-liort mid nnrrow, Hicniid primiiry .i litilr tlin lMiig.'«f,
I'liiargliialc near tlio iikN; tail a tntt ot' lnomi Hallicrs; lar>i "hurt, niiirh rnniprcs^cd,
tlio odgos coviTcil with sniiill rxiitillic, anil llic <idi'H with limad Iraiitvi'rHi^ scuUdla';
ti>0» long, llii' outer longest, tlatlened, with llii' sidi i loliid, the ni'i.t nu the inner
Hide, and at the lia-.c imileii liy weli-i; hind loe >hcirt and broadly liibvd, claws small,
depressed, and obtuse.

These birds mostly fre(|ucnt Ihn (Vcsh-water rivers and interior lakes; but they ar«
uNci I'oiiiid near the seaenast. They are very expert swirniiiers, lint make progrDSi
with great ililliinlly on land; their llinht is rapid and direct. In the lireeding seas n,
the head is ornainenteil with nid's and eluiigated tiilU, whieh disappear when they
Msuniu their winter gurb.

PODICEPS OEISEIGENA. - Cray.

The Eed-neokod Grebe.

Pmnrepa ruhricotth, Niiltall. Man., 11. ( is.14) 2.'.1. And. Orn. Biog., lit. ( IS85)
617 i V. (1S3SI) 520. /6., Hirds Am., VH. (1n.|4) .T12.

DESCniI'TKIS.

A'hilt. — Upper plumage blackish-lirown, with the upper part of the head and
hind-neck black; primaries ashy-brown, secmidaries iii(i-.tly white, a lew ol the iiini'r
ones dark-ash; cheeks and throat asli-gray ; awhile line exteiuls from the hiwcr
nmiidililo under and beyond the eye; forepart and sides of the neck rich lirownish-
red; lower parts silvery-white, with the sides dusky; bill black, paler at the end,
niid hright-yeilow at the base; iris carmine; tarsi and feet oxternally greenish-black,
internally yellow.

Yintni/. — The upper plumago is blackish-brown, darker on the head; throat niid
abdomen white; sides of the head and forepart of neck brownish-ash; abdomen
•ilky-white; sides dark brownish-ash; bill bright-yellow.

Length about eighteen inches; wing, seven; bill, one ond three-quarters; tarsi,
two inches.

Ifiib. — Fur countries and in the Atlantic States, as far south as Pennsylvania, in
winter.

The R 'l-ncckcd Grebe is common on our coast in winter,
where it i.s oommoiily called " The Diver," from its liabit of
diving at th'' flash of a gun. It feeds, like all otiior bird.s
of this family, on small fishes and marine animals, which it
obtains by diving; and such is its cxpcrtness and powers
of endurance in this respect, that I have icnowix it to remain
certainly a minute beneath the surface, if not longer. It ia

5m

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOOY.

shy, and difTiciilt of approach ; and, when apprehending
danger, it immerses its body, and swims with nothinti; hnt
its liead al)ove tlie surface. This trick I have noticed in
other allied species; and it is, I think, common in all l)irds
of this class. It breeds in the most northern portions of
the continent, where it forms the same kind of nest " as
that of the Crested Grebe, and lays three or four eggs."
Audubon describes an egg in his possession as being two
inches in length by one and a quarter incli in breadth, and
of a uniform pale greenish-white.

Mi

': 9

^.

f:3

PODICEPS CEISTATOS.— Z,«<Aam.

The Crested Grebe.

Podiceps crislatus, Nuttall. Man., II. (1834) 250. And. Om. I?iog., III. (1835)
695. lb., Hirda Am., VII. (1844) 308.

Dkscription.

Adnlt. — Front, upper part of the head, and long occipital tufts dark umber-
brown, tlie base of the tufts brownisli-red; tlie ruff la bright brownish-rod on the
upper portion iuimciliiiti.'Iy under the tuft.a atid anteriorly, on the hind-part l)rownish-
black; upper plumage dark umber-brown ; humeral feathere white; primaries umber-
brown; secondaries nio.stly white; tliroat .ind sides of the head white; forepart
and sides of the neck adjoining the ruff brownish-red; under plumage silverj'-white;
sides duskj', tinged with reddish-brown; bill blackisli-brown, tinged with carmine;
bare loral space dusky-green; iris brig a-carmine; tarsi and feet greenish-black
externally, grccnisli-yellow internally; webs grayish-blue.

Young. — Upper part of head dark-brown; hind-neck brownish-gray; back and
wings brownish-black; hur.ieral feathers white; primaries dark umber-brown on the
outer webs, p.iler on the inner; lower parts silvery-white, sides brovm; upper man-
dible brownish-bl.ack, pale at the end, and yellow on the sides at the base; lower
mandible yellow, with the sides dusky.

Length, twenty-three and one-half inches; wing, seven and three-quarters; bill,
two and one-sixteenth ; tarsus, two and a half inches.

This is not uncommon as a summer resident in northern
New England; and, according to Mr. George A. Boardman.
it breeds about the lakes in the neighborhood of Calais,
Me. The nest is placed in a retired spot, in a swamp or
marsh, near the water ; and is constructed, according to Dr.
Richardson, of " a large quantity of grass, placed among
the reeds and carices." The eggs are generally four in

:y.

THK IIOUNKI* CUKIiK.

')t!l

yhcii approlicudinp;
as with nothing hut
i I have noticed in
ionimon in all i.ivds
lorthcrn portions ot
le kind of nest " as
,hree or fonr eggs."
session as hoing two
incli in hreadth, and

atham.

A«d.Om.Biog.,in.(1835)

,p occipitaltuftB dark umbcr-

i, bright brownish-rod on the
kvlv, on the hind-part hrowmsh-
eaihe« white ;prin.ariesumbe.-

,s of the head white; lorepnrt

l- under plumage silverj-wh.te;

,Urown, tinged with carmn.e;

tarsi and feet green.sh-blaclc

'^I'cck brownish-gray, back and

,Kuios dark umber-brown on the
,vhito,Mdesbrowniup,)er man-
on the sides at the base; lower

;, seven and three-quarters; bill,

;s.

3r resident in northern
,. George A. Boardman,
Iciglihorhood of Calais,
ted' spot, in a swamp or
lucted, according to Dr.
pf grass, placed among
are generally four ni

mnnher. Tliry are, wlniii first laid, of a white color ; hut
tlic}- quiekly become dirty and stained by (he iialiits of tii.-
bird and tlie nature of tlio nest. They are uf ;m ovuidal
form, and average al)out 2.10 by 1.48 inch in dimensions.

PODICEPS CORNUTUS. - /..ulmm.

Tha Horned Grebe.

PoiViceps cornutat., Niittiill. MiSii., H. (1^<:M) l!54. Ami. Orii. I'.in- , HI. i^:):,^
429; v. (183t)) 023. lb., liirds Am., VII. (1^41) :!!■;.

Dkschiition.

yl(/«/<. — Upper part of the head, checks, thrmit, iunl riilV, j,^! wsy-hl.i.k ; a lir.);iil
hand runniii}; from the hill over tlic eyes, mid llic cldHuMlcil ciccipiliil tuft* lieluiisl
tli4?m, yellowish-red, deepest in eulor ailjoiiiiiii,' the liill ; iip|it>r surface hmwuish-blaek ;
the feathers mari;ined with p-.xy; primaries l)rownisli-:isli; secondaries mostly white,
some of the outer one dark-ash; tlie fore -neck and upper part of the hroast hrif^ht
clicstnut-rod, sides of the same color, intermixed with iluskv; ahdoiiicu silkv-white:
bill bluish-black, yellow at the tip; lural sjiace brii^ht-ciinuinc; iris caruiiiic, wiih an
inner circle of white; tarsi and feet du^Uy-sray cxlcnially, (iull-ycUow iMtirually,
and on both edfies of the tarsus.

Ymnuj. — The v.luile upper plumaije grayish-black, darkest on the head, leathern
of the back with gray margins; throat, sides of the head, a Imiad ■^paei' (ni tlu' ^ide,^
of the neck, nearly meeting behind, breast, and abdumen, silveiv- white; sides and
liiwer part of abdomen dusky.

Leni;;tli, about fnurleeii inches; wine;, five and thicHiiuirlers; bill, one; tarsi.
•me and three-(|uarters inch.

Utd). — (ienerally distributed from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast.

The Horned Grebe is not uncommon in (jiii- lakes and
rivers, and in the waters on our coast, in the spring and
autmnn. it breeds in more northern localitit.-s titan New
England, but is not invariably an arctic Ijrcedor. Audiilton
says, —

" Although the greater number of these birds <i'o far
northward to breed, some remain witliin the limits of the
United States during the wIkjIc year; rearing their young- on
tlie borders of ponds, particularly in tlie nortliern parts uf
the State of Ohio, in the vicinity of Lake Erie. Two nests
whieh I found were placed at a distance of about four yards
from the wafer's edge, on the top of broken-down tussot.:ks

;5G

562

OBNITUOLOCiY AND OOLOGY.

<4
3

s

of rank weeds ; the materials of which they were com-
posed uf the same nature, and rudely iiiterwoveu to a
height of upwards of seven iuelies. Tliey were ratlier
more than a foot in diameter at the base ; the cavity only
four inches across, shallow, but more finislied with finer
plant.-, of wliieh a quantity lay on the borders, and was
probably used by the bird to cover tlie eggs when about to
leave them. There were five eggs hi one nes+^^, seven in
the otner. They measured one inch and three-quarters
in length by one inch and two and a half eighths. Their
shell was smooth, and of a uniform yellowish-cream color,
without spots or marks of any kind."

A single egg i»i my collection, from Wisconsin, is of an
ovoidal form; measures 1.85 by 1.20 hich in dimensions.
It is of a dirty-wliite color, the sliell being covered by a
calcareous deposit. On scraping this, the shell is of a
bluish-white thit.

PODILYMBUS, Lesson.

Pudiltjmbus, Lesson, Traite d'Oniith. (1831), 505. (Type Culymbus poai-
ccps, Ij.)

liill shorter tlian the head, snout much compressed; the ciihnen much curved to
the tip, which is acute; uostrils situated iu the antorior part of a broad groove, oval
and pervious; wings short, second quill longest, the outer quills eniarginate at the
end; tail a tuft of downy feathers; tarsi short, and very mucli compressed; anterior
toes long, flattened, the outer longest, and broadly margined, the inner sides tlie
most, hind too short and moderately lobed; claws small, depressed, obloag, ar.d
obtuse

■1

PODILYMBUS PODICEPS. — iawenee.

The Pied-bill Grebe.

Cvhjmhus pndiceps, Linna'us. S. X. (I'tiO), 223.

.Poiliceps Citniliiieiisi3,'Ku{.ta\l Man., IL (1834) 259. Aud. Om. Biog., IIL (1835)
859; V. (1839) 624. lb., Birds Am., VIL (1844) 324.

DKscHirrioN,
Adult. — Upper plumage very dark brown; primaries dark-ash; secondaries ash
on the outer webs, and Avhitc on the inner; bill pale-blue, dusky on (he ridge of the
upper mandible, both mandibles crossed with a broad black band, including the nos-
trils; chin and throat marked with a conspicuous black patch nearly two inches ii;
extent; cheeks and sides of the neck brownish-gray; lower part of the ucck, upjui

iY.

TllIC PIKU-BILL GUKBK.

■>03

;li they were com-
y inter woven to a

They wei'c rather
ase ; the cavity only

liiiished with finer
ie hordcrs, and was
3 eiigs when about to
a one ncs^ seven in
1 and three-quarters

half eighties. Their
yellowish-cream color,

in Wisconsin, is of an
) inch in dimensions.
U being covered by a
liis, the shell is of a

SON.

, 5'J5. (Type Colymbus poai-

bed; the culmen much curved to
Lr part of a broad groove, oval
'eolterciuUUeu^argmateatthe
very much con>pressed;anter>o
Iv margined, the inner s.des the
su.all, depressed, oblong, ar.d

part of tlie lircnst, and tlic siiU's, (hdl rusty-brown, spoltcd iiiiil ratlior iiidin-
tinctly burred willi browniph-biaik; Iowit part nf lin-a^t and alKlniiicu •,'r;iyi>li-
white, uuittled with dusky spots; iris brown; tai>i and lect ;.'rayish-l)lm k.

Yiiuiir. — The tliroat is white and the bill without the transverse lilaik hand, the
under plumage more silvery-while; in other respects the same as the adult; some
epecimens, probably the birds of the year, have whitish lines on the sides of the
head.

Length, fourteen inches; wing, five and a quaiter; bill, seven-eigliths; tarsus,
one and a half inch.

Hob. — Atlantic States generally; Texas and New Mc.\;co; C'alil'omia and
Oregon.

This is the most common Grebe in New England, wliuro
it is a summer resident. It undoubtedly breeds iu all those
States, as it is frequently taken in the breeding season; but
its nest, owing to the secluded habits of the bird, is very
rarely found. It is described as being similar to that of the
preceding species. Tiie eggs, live in nnmbor, arc covfrod
with a calcareous deposit, which gives them a duty yellow
ish-white color: on scraping this oIT, the shell l-oneath has
a bluish-white tint. The form of the egg is exactly uvoidal.
Specimens iu my collection, from Illinois, measure about

2.17 inches iu length by 1.45 inch in their greatest breadth.
Another, from Wisconsin, is onl)-*1.95 inch in length, and

1.18 inch at its greatest breadth.

. Lawrence.

1259.
324.

And. Orn.Biog, HI- (163^1

1 • a ,l,i,ti-ash; secondaries ash
Imanes daii^-asu, .
l,o-Wue,duskyonthendgeofth

Ld black band, includmg the nos-

fblack patch nearly two mchesn

lay;loierparloftheueck,uppu

564

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

Family ALCID^.

Bill without lamelloe along the edges; usually shorter than the head, compressed,
and pointed; anterior toes connected Cully by a continuous membrane; hind tne
often entirely wanting; the outer as l^irge as the middle; the claws higher than
broad; legs inserted far back; wings short, concave.

The AlcifliE arc readily distini^ulshed from the Cijli/ml>iil<B by i'le abfence of hind
toe, the continuous webbing of the toes, the compressed claws, and other characters.
The species are all exclusively marine, usually arctic, only coming southward in
winter. Owing to their boreal residence, they are little known ; and several species
doubtless yet remain to be discovered.

"1

s

Suh-Family Alcin^. — The Auks.

ALGA, LiNNA.^s. \

Alccu, LiNN.KUS, Syst. Nat. (1758).

General form short, broad, and strong; wings short; tail s^iort; bill about as
long as the head, feathered at base, much flattened laterally, wi(i r. and somewhat
hooked at the end; upper mandible with oblique transverse gn v, .-s; win;.;? short
and feeble; tail short, pointed; legs and feet short and strong; tuc;^ fuily webbed.

, " f! A TOED A. — Linnaim.

'i\t.. Hazor-billed Auk.

Alca torda, Linnaeus. Syst. Nat., L (1758) 130. And. Cm. Biog., III. (i«35)
112; V. 428.

DESCRimON.

Much smaller than the preceding; general form short and heavy; bill rather
long, densely feathered at base, flattened laterally ; upper mandible with three to live
curved transverse grooves , under mandible with three or four transverse grooves;
feathers on side of upper jaw reaching far beyond the middle of the commissure, and
nearly as far as those of the lower jaw; wing moderate, pointed; tail short, gradu-
ated, with the middle feathers longest and pointed; legs short, strong; a narnnv
but very distinct line of white on each side from the base of the upper mandible lu
the eye; head and entire upper parts brownish-black, more clearly brown on the
throat and neck in front, and darker on the back; secondary (juills narrowly tipped
with white; entire under parts white; bill black, with a single transverse band 1 1
white on both mandibles; feet black.

Total length, about seventeen mches; wing, eight to eight and a half; tail, threo
and I. half; bill to gape, two and a half inches.

/, i. — North-eastern coast of America; Newfoundland, Labrador, and south iu
wuxier to New Jersey; also, arctic regions of Old World.

THE RAZOn-niLLED AUK.

r^r^r,

QY.

,r than the head, compressed,

nuous membrane, hh,d toe

iddle; the cU^s h'S^'^' ^'>*°

ielaws and other character,
c onW coming so-thward m

' .n,i Hpveial species

tie known; andsevua i

Hie ^M^S.

, short; tail s4ort; bill about as
'dta;er;ily.wiU^.andsomewl^^^^

transverse Rro'V-os, win,,

, „ fiiHv webbed,
and strong; to' > t""y

IIKEIM.

LUk.

. Aud.Orn.Biog.. in. U835,

l30,

lom short and heavy; bill rather

Kpe mandible with throe to hve

'tree or four transverse grooves

lteniddieoftbccommi.sure,ad

Lht to eight and a half; tail, throo

Loundland, Labrador, and south iu
I Old World.

This well-known spcrips is very abundant on the iiortli-iastcrn coa-ls (if Nc^rili
/Vini'ri<a, and appears to be quite identical with the Mnl ot' tlio nortlieni ref;i(iii»< < I
the Old World. It wanders scutlnvardly in llie winter, and is occasionally noticed
(in the coasts of the Middle States on the Atlantic. This bird may alwiiys bo recdj;-
iiized by the conspicuous whit" line in front of the eye, which is present in nil Sfxes
and stages of plumage.

THIS species visits our coasts, "i small luimbers only, in
the winter mouths. It breeds in the most northern por-
tions of the continent, the nearest hrecdinjr-place to New
England being the islands in the Bay of Fiindy. Andu-
bon, in describing the breeding habits of this bird, says, —

" When th Auks deposit their eggs along with the Guillemots,
which they sometimes do, they drop them in spots from which tlie
water can escape without injuring tliem : hut when tlicy breed in
deep fissures, which is more frequently tlie case, many of tlicm lie
close together ; and the eggs are deposited on small hods of pebbles
or broken stones, raised a couple of inches or more to let the water
pass beneath them. When they lay their eggs in suclt a horizontal
cavern, you find them scattered at the distance of a few inches
from each other : and there, as well as in the fissures, they bit flat
upon them, — like Ducks, for example; whereas, on .in exposed
rock, each bird stands almost upright upon itS egg. Another thing,
quite as curious, which I observed, is tliat, while in exposed situa-
tions, the Auk seldom lays more than one egg ; yet, in places of
greater security, I have, in many instances, found two under a sin
gle bird. The eggs measure at an average S^ by 2J; inches, and
are generally pure-white, greatly blotched with dark-brown or
black ; the spots generally forming a circle towards the larger end.
They differ considerably from those of the Common and Thick-
billed Guillemots, being less blunted at the smaller end."

It is a matter of great diffictilty to distinguish the eggs
of this species from those of the Murre and Foolish Guille-
mot. In a large number of each in my collection, I can
discover no characteristic peculiar to either so persistent
as to distinguish it. The exception noted by Audid)on, of
the small end being less sharpened than the others, is

566

OaiNITHOLOOY AND OOLOGY.

:1

o

the princii)al ; yet this is not invaria1)lc, and it cannot be
depended upon as a sure means of identification.

MORMOX, Illiokr.

.Vormm, Iluoeh, Prod. (1811), 283.

Ocnernl form short and heavy, and adnpfpd to swimminff and diving with great
facility, and to limited power of flight; hill short, entirely horny, much flattened
lateralh', and nearly as high as long; measured on the side ohliquely rugose and
laminated; a portion at the hase punctulated; nostril in the edge of and in th«
second lamina of the upper niandihle; wing moderate or rather weak, first quill
usually longest; tail short; legs short; toes, three only, directed forwards, rather
long, fully webbed; claws large, curved; plumage very compact.

MORMON ABCTICA. - /%er.

The Puffin.

Alcn arctica, Linnoius. Syst. Nat., I. (1706) 211.

Mormon arctica, Illiger. Prod. (1811), Aud. Orn. Biog., III. 105. i

Description.

Smaller than either of the preceding, but much resembling the two last species
in form and color; a short, blunt process over each eye, and a narrow transverse
process under it; bill much flattened laterally, horny; upper mandible composed of
two pirts, that at the base narrow, and covered with minute spots or granulations,
terminal part with about fbur curved ridges at its base, and two or three cur\'ed
descending ^p-ooves near the end; under mandible smooth at base, and with about
three grooves near its end; wing rather short and weak; tail short; legs and feet
trong; throat black, uniting with the p-ame color of the upper parts of the body;
large space on caeh side of the head and entire under parts, from the throat, white,
frequently tingid with ashy about the eyes; entire upper parts (and throat) brown-
ish-black, darker, and frequently clear black on the back ; head above frequently
dark-ashy, separated by a well-defined line from the black of the other iipper parts,
bill and feet orange-yellow; sides, under the wings, ashy-black; iris light-blue.

Total length, about twelve and a half inches; wing, seven and a half; tail, two
and three-quarters inches.

This bird is not uncommon on the coast of northern New
England as a winter visitor, and a few breed on the islands
atrnt Grand Menan. The nest is placed in a burrow in the
earth, dug by the birds. " In all the burrows that commu-
nicate with each other, a round place is scooped out on one
side of the avonue in the form of an oven ; while, in those
which are s'ngle, this ovenlike place is found at the end.
All the passages are flattish above and rounded beneath, aa

.1

THK CCILLKMOT.

r)07

iGY.

d it cannot be

ie, an
Icntification.

mminK and diving w.thRn-a
Uirelv horny, much flattened
he side oiiliqucly rugose nnd
ril in the edge of and in th.
„e or ratlier weak, (irst qu.U
„,y, directed forAVurds, rather
very compact.

liger.

well as on the sides. In luiiiiy instances, two hinla aro
found sittiifg iinch on its nirsr in tlio sanio liolo. Both hinls
work in dig<,Mng the liolo, using their liills and feet: they
also sit alternately on their ogg, although the female engages
more industriously in this occMpa.ion, while th(; male laltors
harder at the burrow. Bui. one egg is laid : this is at first
pure-white ; bvit it soon becomes soiled and stained, and
appears to be a dirty yellowish-white. Its form is a i)uro
ovoidal. A number of specimens in my collection aro from
2.48 to 2.^0 inches in length, and from 1.70 to l.Go inch in
their greatest breadth. Some specimens are marked with
spots and blotches of brownish-red, — the proportion of
marked ones being about two in five.

rn.Biog.,in.l05.

\

1 resembling the two last specie,
.h eye, and a narrow transverse
,v upper mandible composed ot
•ith minute spots or granulations

ts base, and two or three curved
e smooth at base, and with abou
■^^eak; tail short; legs and feet

of the upper parts of the body,
dor parts, from the throat, white,

uppcrpurtsCand throat) brown-

,e back; head above frequently
le black of the other upper parts,

, ashy-black; iris light-blue.
;i„;7sevenandahalf;tail,two

e coast of nortbeni New

few breed on tbc islands
,laccdinabiirrowintbe

le burrows that commu-
ce is scooped ont on one
,„oven; while, in those
fice is fonnd at the end.
and rounded beneath, as

Suh-Famihj TjRiNiE. — The GniUo.mots.
URIA, MoEnuiNQ.

Uria, JIoERTTlSG, Av. Gen. (1752). (Type Colymhim f/riille, L.)
General form sliort and robust; head moderate; bill rather long, stmifjht, some-
what compressed, pointed, angle of the under mandible distinct; nostrils in agroovo
at base of upper mandible, the membrane of wliich is covcmcl with sliort velvet-like
feathers; wings short, pointed ; tail short; legs short and robust; tarsus shorter than
the middle toe, compressed ; toes rather long, fully webbed ; claws rather strong,
curved.

UEIA GRTLLE. — Latham.

Tbo Guillemot.

AIca grytte, Linnteus. Sj'st. Nat., I. (1758) 130.

Uria grylle, Audubon. Orn. Biog., III. (1835) 148; V. 027.

DEscitimojj.

Bill straight, pointed; wing rather sliort, wc.ik ; first quill longest; tail short;
a large oval transverse space on the wing white, which is also the color of the under
wing coverts and axillary feathers, outer edge of the wing and sliouldcr brownish-
black; all other parts of the plumage brownish-blark, with a greenish tinge, and
darker on the back ; bill black ; feet red.

Younger. — Under parts, neck, and rump, wiiite; head above and back dark-
Brown; large space of white on the wing.

Total length, about thirteen inches: wing, six and lialf; tail, two inches.

508

OUMTIIOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

•1 Cq

■■1 3

8

'J'his spccius is pi-ctty iil)iiii(liuit on our coasts; and it is
naid to l)rc(j(l on rocky islands, from Mount Dosort eastward.
It can therefore be considered as a resident of north-eastern
New England throujih the year. It is found all along
our slioros in the winter, hut not in any j^reat abundance;
and it is less common on the shores of ^rassachusotts, than
on tiiosc of Maine. Lil<e tl»e other Auks and Guillemots,
it is an expert diver ; and it obtains its food by diving and
swinnning beneath the surface of the water : this food, as
with the others, consists principally of fish, which it seizes
in its bill, and swallows whole. It also cats various small
marine animals and their eggs ; and, like the others, picks
up such floating garbage as may come in its way.

The eggs, three in number, are placed on the bare rock
or earth, usually in fissiyt'cs of clitTs or almost inaccessible
ledges. These are exactly ovoidal in form, and vary in
color from a pale greenish-white to a [)ure pearl-white.
This is covered irregularly with spots and blotches of dif-
ferent shades of brown and black, thickest at the great end,
where they are usually almost confluent into a ring around
the whole egg. Besides tliese spots, there are others of an
obscure-purple scattered over the egg, that appear as if they
were beneath the outside of the shell. The dimensions of
the eggs of this species vary from 2.40 by 1.60 inch to 2.25
by 1.50 inch.

URIA LOMVIA. — Bninnich.

Ttie Foolish Guillemot; the Murre.

Uria lomvia, Briinnich. Om. Bor. (1764), 27.
Colymbus troile, Linna'us. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 220.

Description.

Bill rather lonfj, poinfed, compressed; from the lateral featliers longer than the
tarsus, or than the inner toe and claw; a narrow line under and beliind the eye
dark-brown; head above, and entire otlier upper parts, brownish black; sides of the
ntad, and entire under parts, white; sides of the body under the wing with trans-
verse stripes of ashy-bmwn; under wing coverts white, secondary quills tipped with
>vhite ; bill blackish-brown, paler at base ; tarsi and feet d.irk greenish-brown ; sum-

TIIK FOOLISH (UIILLKMOT.

.'i69

Lral featliers longer than the
[e under and beliind the eye
, brownish black; sides of the
[y under the wing with trans-
secondary quills tipped with
let dark greenish-brown; sum-

mer pliitna;;!', willi tin' entire liinil and upper parts of Imdy, ilark sooty-brown ;
uiiiirr parts white; lu'ad and orbital region dii<ky, without white stripes.

Total li'iigtli, about filtcen inches; wing, seven and a hull'; tail, two inches.

Ilitb — Norllierii coasts of Ainerieaj Nortlicrn ICuropc and \>m.

This bird is ratlicr common on our coast in tlio winter

•

months, and is said to breed in small iiumbors about tlio
Bay of Fuiuly. As a general thing, however, it passes the
season of incubation in more northern localities, and is verv
abundant on the coast of Labrador, whert;, on the low
islands, it breeds, laying a single egg, like (lie Razor-billed
Auk, on the bare rock or gravel. It is impossible to do-
scribe the egg of this species in a manner tliiit will lead to
its being distinguished from that of the Murre or Razor-
billed Auk.

Audul)on makes the following observations, which arc, of
course, of more value to the collector than to the student,
who has no opportunities of visiting the breeding-grounds
of these birds. He says : —

" The Foolish Guillemot Liys only a single egg, which is the
case with the Thick-billed Guillemot also. The Razor-billed Auk
lays two, and the Black Guillemot usiudly three. This is confirmed
by the fact, that the Foolisli Guillemot, which liiys only one egg,
plucks the feathers from its abdomen, which is thus left bare over
a roundish space, just large enough to cover its single g^^. Tlie
Tliick-billed Guillemot does the same. Tiie Auk, on the contrary,
forms two bare spots, separated by a ridge of feathers. The Black
Guillemot, to cover her three eggs, and to warm them all at once,
plucks a space bare quite across her belly."

One peculiarity which I notice in the eggs of this species
and those of the Murre is, that they are generally some-
what pyriform in shape : but this is not persistent ; and the
same rock may contain a dcop-grcen egg with brown spots
and blotches, a light-blue one with hardly any marks, and
cream-colored ones, drab, reddish-white, and blui.sh-white,
somo with only a few spots and blotches, and others thickly
marked. It may also have pyriform eggs, ovoidal, ovate,

570

OnNITITOLOGY AND OOLOCY.

ri3

:9

and alirjost oval ones. Tho only means of perfect identi-
fication of either of these species is to visit their breediiij^-
places, and sccuro tho parent birds on their nests.

The dimensions vary from :}..50 by 2.1') inches to 2.95 by
by 1.78 inch. •

UBIA EINOVIA. — n,HmM.

The Murre.

rWrt rwimV, nriinnich. Orn. Ilor. (1704) 28.
Una troile, Axxduhon. Om. Bor., III. (1886) 143.

Ddschiption.

About the pize of, or rather liirgor than, Iho preceding; hill rather long, pointed,
compressed ; I'rom tlie lateral feiithers, longer than tho tarsus, or than tho inner toe and
cliiw; wings rather short : fail very short; n narrow line of white enfireling and run-
ning backwards behind the eye and over the car; head and entire upper parts dark-
brown, with a tinge of ashy; under parts white; sides with transverse stripes of
ashy-brown; under wing coverts white; bill black; feet greenish-black; winter
plumage, with tlie tliroat and all other under parts, whit*"; the white line behind the
eye frequently wiinting, and different in length in specimens.

Total length, about seventeen inches; wing, seven and a half to eight inches;
tail, two inches.

Jfith. — Northern America, Northern Europe, and Asia.

Tho same remarks are applicable to this as to the Foolish
Gnillemot. It is northern in its habits, and is more abun-
dant on the coast of Maine than farther south.

MEROULUS, Ray.

Mergtttus, Rat, Syn. Av. (1713), 125.

Small; general form short and heavy; head rather large ; bill short, thick ; upper
mandible curved, slightly lobed on its edge; membrane of the rounded nostril large;
wings moderate or ratlier short, pointed; first quill longest; tail short; feet rathet
ihoit.

MESGDIiUS AhLE. — Linncnis.

The Little Auk ; the Sea Dove ; Sovekie.

Alca alle, Linnaeus. Syst. Nat., I. (1766) 211.
Una alle, Audubon. 6m. Bor., IV. (1838) 304.

Description.

Small ; head, breast, and entira upper parts, brownish-black, inclining to fuligi-
nous on the head and breast; under parts from the breast white; a narrow line of
white over the eye ; secondaries tipped with white ; scapulars edged with wh ie ;

THK LITTLK ADK.

07l

this as to the Foolish

jiiilor wiiip; covorl* (lnrk-n»Iiy; flaiikii with lonjfitiulinnl otripcs of browniili-bUrk;
hill lilai I ; t'cct |).ili -n'dillHJi ; wf"lp'< of tin'» il;irk; wiiidr pliiniiiK'' ""'' y"""ir. with
the thruat niul other umliT part?, white, txti'inlii)({ soinnwliBt on tlic ."iili's (if Iho
neck.

Total length, nhoiit i>cvpn and ft lialf liiiheR; wing, four ami ft half; fail, otio nnd
a rpiarter lin li.

Oiiu of tli« most uhmidaiit of tlie sen-birds of iiorlliiTii America and Kiirope,
utrnyin^ south in the winter ooi'siionally to the conxtA uf the Miildlu States.

This curious litllo bird is not uncommon on our coast in
winter. In severe storms, it is occasionally blown far
inland; audit has been killed in the Unibajjio^; Lakes, iu
the north-western port of ^faino. i know but little of its
haljits. Wilson says : —

" The Little Auk is said to l)e but a rare visitant of the
British Isles. It is met ■with in various parts of the North,
even as far as ^^pitzbcrgen ; is common in Greenland, in
company with the Black-billed Auk, and feeds upon tho
same kind of food. The Greenlanders call it the Ice-bird,
from the circumstance of its being the hiirl)inger of ice. It
lays two bluish-white eggs, larger than those of the Pigeon.
It flics quick, and dives well, and is always dipping its bill
into the water while swimming or at rest on that element ;
walks better on the land than others of the genus. It grows
fat in the stormy season, from the waves bringing plenty of
crabs and small fish within its reach. It is not a vciy crafty
bird, and may be easily taken."

ish-black, inclining to fuligi-

ireast -white ; a narrow line of

scapulars edged with whte;

NOTES.

I conclude herewith Mr. Coupe. '3 notes on tho foregoing
species, made at Quebec, Lower Canada : —

ANSER HTPEBBOEEDS, — Common on the St. Lawrence in the fall.

BEENICLA CANADENSIS. — This is ouv most common species. It goes
north and west to breerl. They breed abundantly in the swamps of Illinois.
A few breed in Anticosti ; and I believe thev are to be found breeding in
Labrador

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23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

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672

ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY.

S3

33

8

ANAS BOSCHAS. — Uncommon.

A. OBSCDBA. — This duck is very common here. It is truly a nDithen
ipccies. It breeds in the swamps ac\jacent to this city.

DAFILA ACUTA. — Common in spring : a few visit us in the fall.

NETTION CABOLINENSIS. — Common. Breeds.

QUERQUEDULA DISCOES. — Uncommon.

SPATULA CLTPEATA. — Uncommon.

MABECA AHEBICANA. — The adult bird is seldom seen in this latitude.

AIX SPONSA. — Sometimes common. Breeds.

FULIZ HABILA. — The young are abundant on the St. Lawrence during
antunm. Tliey breed north-west of Quebec.

F. AFFINIS. — Occasional specimens are shot at Sorel and Three Rivers.
It is more abundant in Western Canada.

F. COLLABIS. — Occasional.

ATTHTA AMEEICAHA. — Occasional.

BUGEPHALA AHEBICANA. — Very common in spring and fall. Breedi
hi Canada.

B. ISLANDICA. — Adult birds are occasionally shot on the lakes. The
young are abundant on the St. Lawrence during the early part of winter. I
have seen the adult on Lac k la Philip in July.

B. ALBEOLA. — Common in spring and fhll.

HISTRIONICUS TORQUATUS. — Common on the north shore of the St
Lawrence. A beautiful adult male was she in the spring, on the Montmo-
renci River, near Quebec.

HARELDA 6LACIALIS. — Occasional near Quebec. Common on the
upper lakes in spring and fall.

PELIONETTA PERSPICILLATA. — Very common in the fall at MilW
Vaclies, lower St. Lawrence.

SOMATESIA MOLLISSIMA. — Common on the north shore of the St.
Lawrence. Breeds on islands in the river below the Saguenay.

MEROUS AMERICANUS, — Common. Breeds. V

If. SERRATOR. — Common in spring and fall. '.

LOPHODYTES CUCULLATUS. — Adult is occasionally seen. Young visit
Uie St. Lawrence in the fall. Breeds on the margins of nortliem lakes.

LARUS AROENTATUS. — Common on the St. Lawrence in spring and
M. Breeds on our mountain lakes.

NOTES.

573

It is truly a nDrthert

t U8 in the foil.

seen in this latitude.

LABDS DELAWABENSIS. — The yo mg are occasionally seen hovering
over tlie river, opposite the city, in aut .mn. Breeds in Labrador.

CHB0IC0CEPHALU3 PHILADELPHIA. — Tlie young of this Gull are com-
mon in the St. Lawrence during autumn. Adult rare. Tliey are supposed
to breed on the islands of the St. Lawrence.

STEENA WILSONII. — The young are common in the autumn. Adult
birds are occasionally seen on their way to the upper lakes.

COLTMBOS TOEQlJATr.S. — Common on all our northern lakes. Breeds.

UBIA LOMVIA. — This species makes an occasional foolish visit to the fresh
waters of tlie St. Lawrence. In the fall of 1866, hundreds were destroyed
by the inhabitants, who sold them to hucksters to exhibit on the market as
VI article of food.

spring and fall. Breeds

ebec. Common on the

an in the fell at MilW

Lawrence in spring and

^

f4

8

APPENDIX.

I nicuE append the following list of additional species, which occur
or have occurred within the limits of New England. As will be
perceived, the greater number can be regarded only as occasional
or accidental visitors ; and, indeed, some of the speaies are deemed
by ornithologists as of doubtful existence, — as, for instance, Small-
headed Flycatcher, Wood Wren, &c.
Reference has been made to the following works : —

Birds of Massachusetts. By W. B. O. Peabody. 1839.

Birds of Long Island. By J. P. Giraud. 1841.

Birds of Vermont. By Zadock Thompson. 1853.

Catalogue of Birds of Essex County, Mass. By F. W. Putnam.
P jblished in Proceedings of Essex Institute. Vol. I. 1856.

Catalogue of Birds found at Norway, Me. By A. E. Verrill.
Published in Proceedings of Essex Institute. Vol. III. 1862.

Cataloou ' OF Birds found at Calais, Me., and about the Islands
in the Ba> of Fundy. By George A. Boardman. Published in Pro-
ceedings of Boston Society of Natural History. Vol. IX. 1862.

Catalogue of Birds found at Springfield, Mass. By J. A. Allen.
Published in Proceedings of Essex Institute. Vol. IV. 1864.

Catalogue of Birds of Massachusetts. By E. A. Samuels. 1864.

Catalogue of the Birds found in the vicinity of Watervillk,
Me. By Professor C. E. Hamlin, in Report of Maine Board of Agri-
culture. 1865

Catalogue of Birds of New England. By Elliott Coues, M.D.
Pubhshed in Proceedings of Essex Institute. Vol. V. 1867.

Notes on some of the Rarer Birds of Massachusetts. By J. A,
Allen. Published in American Naturalist. Vol. III. 1869.

Article by John Burroughs in Atlantic Monthly. June, 1869.

576

APPENDIX.

CATHARTES ADBA. Turkey Buzzard, — Accidental. One taken ai
Calais, Me., — George A. lioaidiuan ; two in Massai liusetts, 1863.

CATHAETES ATEATU3. Black Vulture. — Accideiital. One taken at
Swampsi'ott, Mass., in November, 18A0, by S. .lillson ; one at (lloii-
cester, Mass., on Sei>t. 2H, 1803, by William Iluntslbid; one in Hudson,
Mass. ; others seen, — S. Jillson; one near Calais, Me., — G. A. Board-
man.

FALCO SACEB. Jer Falcon. Iceland Falcon. — Hare winter visitor, al-
most aceidjiital in southern portions. One killed at Seekonk Plain.s,
Mass., about 1810, by Jillson ; one taken in the winter of 18C1-0, near
Providence, H.T., by Mr. Newton Dexter. 'J'he two specii^s heretofore
considered distinct — viz., Falr.o Camiienns and F. lalandicus — are
now considered as belonging to the present species.

ASCHIBUTEO SAMCTIJOHANNIS, Black Hawk; and ABCHIBUTEO LA-
60PUS, Eough-legged Hawk. — J. A. Allen gi\es, in his article on the
"Rarer Birds of Massachusetts," the following extract, from a letter
written by Dr. William Wood, in relation to these species, to prove that
they are identical : —

" I have," he says, "all shades of color, from the light to the black,
and I am unable to find the dividing line ; both have the same measure-
ments, the same claws and bill, the same habits, come and leave at the
same time, and hunt together. I have tlicm almost black, with the faint
markings of the lighter bird, showing, tO' my mind, that the ligliter mark-
ings become extinct as the black increases, or as the bird increases in age.
Those who claim that they are distinct say, that in some localities the
Rough-legs are common, and no Black Hawks are to be seen. This
proves nothing. The young of the Red-throated Diver are very conunon
in Long-Island Sound, yet the adult is never seen there. So it is with
the Crested Grebe: the young are found here in winter, never the
adult."

In another letter. Dr. Wood says: " The Rough-legged Falcon and
Black Hawk are the same, I have taken and examined, I presume, forty
specimens. They are the same bird, but not of the same age. The black
is the adult. So gradually do they become more black till jet-black is
reached, that I will defy any one to draw the separating line."

STEIX PBATIRCOLA. Barn Owl — Given by Thompson, on authority
of Dr. Brewer, as being not only found in Vermont, but also breeding
there. This is, of course, incoi*rect. Accidental visitor from the South.
One taken in Lynn, Mass., about 18C3, by Mr. James Teal ; one taken
at " Sachem's Head," Conn., Oct. 28, 1865, — Dr. William Wood; one
at Springfield, Mass., May, 1868, — J. A. Allen.

.M'PKNUIX.

01 (

It 111. Oi>c taken ai
inhusctts, 1803.

lental. One taken at
.HUson; one- at (Uou-
ilord; one in Hudson,
,Me..-a.A.lioard-

late winter visitor, al-
•d at Seekonk Plains,
winter of 18G1-;-), near
two species hcretolore
d F. Idaudimii — &r'i
es.

and AECHIBOTEO LA-

in his article on the

r extract, from a letter

se species, to prove that

m the light to the black,
I have the same measure-
s, come and leave at the
nost black, with the faint
id, that the lighter mark-
the bird increases in age.
hat in some localities the
:s are to be seen. This
Diver are very common
peen there. So it is witii
[re in winter, never the

Lugh-legged Falcon and
Lmined. I presume, forty
Ithe same age. The black
re black till jet-black is

kparating line."
Thompson, on authority
Irmout, but also breeding
Ll visitor from the South.
|r. James Teal; one taken

Dr. William Wo 3d; one
In.

HYCTALE ACADICA. Saw- Whet Owl. — The fnllowiiip account of the
breeding liahits of this little owl is kindly fin-nislieil me by Riciiard
Christ, of Nazarclli, I'a. : —

" This, the smallest of all our owls, is al>o the most rare, but a single
specimen being seen in a period of several years. It is very tame when
found, permitting one to approach very chise to it hcfDre living away.
I am inclined to think that it sees less in the daytime than any otliei
species of our owls, for one can touch it without being noticed, the bird
taking flight more from alarm to its sense of hearing than any other
cause.

It generally frequents stone quarries or piles of rocks, beneath which
it takes shelter; and it is from this habit that the bird here is known by
the name of " stone owl." On the 25th of April, 1867, 1 was so fortunate
as to find the nest of one of these birds. It was placed or located in the
hollow of a tree, about twenty Teet from the ground ; the entrance to the
hole was very small, scarcely two inches in diameter. On climbing the
tree and looking into the hollow, I discovered sitting on the bottom what
I supposed might be a snail owl. Uncertain as to the truth, I introduced
a small stick into the hole, and turned the bird over upon her side, she
making no struggle whatever, but remaining perfectly still as if dead.
I discovered that she was sitting upon a single egg. Supposing that she
had but just commenced laying. I left her, and did not molest her again
for several days ; on the fiflth day after, J again examined the nest, and
found the bird on her egg, none other having been laid. I enlarged the
hole, and took the egg, leaving the owl quietly sitting on the rotten chips
which formed the bottom of the nest.

The egg was white, with a bluish tint, like many of the other owls'
eggs, nearly globular in form, and considerably smaller than the egg of
the Red or Mottled owl."

CENTOaUS CAHOLINUS. Eed-bellied Woodpecker. — Given in Allen's list
as accidental. He '* saw one. May 13, 1863; and it has been taken sev-
eral times in Connecticut, but occurs in New England only as a straggler."
Accidental summer visitor, and only in more southern portions.

AEGTTBIA MACULATA. — A South American Humming Bird, a single
individual of which was captured in Cambridge, Mass., August, 186."),
by Mr. William Brewster. Entirely accidental.

TTRANNDS DOMIKICEKSIS. Gray King Bird. — Entirely accidental ; from
the South. One shot in Lynn, Mass., October, 1869, by Charles I.
Goodale.

EMPIDONAX FLAVIVENTBI8. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. — A not com-
mor spring and autumn migrant in southern, and summer resident in

678

APPENDIX.

nortliern scctionu. Is generally found in tliick undergrowth in swampy
localities. It is said to have a more musical note than other species of
this geiuis ; and, according to William Brewster, of Cambridge, its song
somewhat resembles that of the Wood Peweo, but it is not so prolonged,
and much more subdued.

TDSDUS NJEVinS. Varied Thrush. — But one instance on record of
its capture in New England ; at Ipswich, Mass., December, 1864. Acci-
dental ; from the West.

SAXICOLA (ENANTBE. Stone Chat. — Not as yet, I believe, actually ob-
tained within the limits of New England ; but as it has, according to
Coucs, been found in Nova Scotia, Labrador, and on Long Island, it
may occur. The species is a straggler from Europe, and entirely acci-
dental.

POLIOPTILA CiEBULEA. Blue-Oray Gnateatcher. — An accidental sum-
mer visitor to soutiiern portions of New England. No recent instance
of its occurrence on record.

LOPHOPHARES BICOLOB. Crested Titmouse. — An accidental species,
same as the preceding.

TBOOLODTTES AMEBICANDS. Wood Wren. — I have never met with this
species ; but was induced to include it in my list of Massachusetts birds,
published in 18G4, because several collectors and others had informed me
that it was occasionally found here. Thompson and others include it in
their catalogues, and its egg is even said to have been found by Dr.
Brewer. I doubt that the species is well established, and have no knowl-
edge of an authentic specimen in any collection.

GEOTHLTPIS PHILADELPHIA. Hourning Warbler. — Chiefly a rare spring
and autumn migrant ; but it breeds in northern and elevated portions of
New England. A nest said to belong to this species, found by Mr. John
Burroughs about the head-waters of Delaware River, in the Catflkill
Mountains, N.Y., is thus described by him in the "Atlantic" for June,
1869 : —

" It was placed in a bunch of ferns, and about six inches from the
ground. It was quite a massive nest, composed entirely of the stalks
and leaves of dried grass, with an inner lining of fine, dark brown roots.
The eggs, three in number, were of light flesh-color, imiformly specked
with fine brown specks. The cavity of the nest was so. deep that the
back of the sitting bird sank below the edge."

According to this writer, the song of tliis bird resembles that of the
Maryland Yellow Throat. Like that species, it gives a preference to
damp places.

APPKNDIX.

579

-An accidental species,

ibout six inches from the
sed entirely of the stalks
of fine, dark brown roots,
i-color, uniformly specked
est was so. deep that the

PROTONOTABIA CITBEA. Prothonotary Warbler. — Hut one occurrcnco
in New Enn;Iand, — male bird, obtained iii Oirtober, at Calais, Me., by
6. A. Boardman. Accidental. A soutliurn species.

HELMIRTHOPHAOA GHBTSOPTEBA. Oolden-winged Warbler. — As !<tated
by Mr. H. A. Turdic, in the "American Naturalist," Vol. III. p. 497,
Massachusetts is probably about the northern limit of this species, and it
is a not uncommon summer visitor in that .State, instead of a spring and
autumn migrant. He also mentions the discovery of the nest in West
Newton, by Mr. C. .T. Maynard, thus confirming his belief that this
warbler nidified with us.

In the same volume of tiie above magazine, pp. 675-6, Mr. J. A. Alleu
thus describes the nest found by Mr. Maynard : —

The nest was placed " on the ground, in a tract of coarse weeds and
ferns, near a swampy thicket, and but a few rods from a public highway.
It was placed entirely above the surface of the ground, and the birds
seem to have made no special effort to conceal it. It was composed ex-
ternally of dried oak-le.ives and the bark of the grape-vine, and rather
roughly lined with fine grass and a few horse-hairs. He says it is large
for the size of the bi;d, and somewhat reminds one of the nest of the
Maryland Yellow Throat. It is a little smaller at the top, where the
internal diameter is less than two inches, while in the middle it is two and
a quarter. The eggs were five in number, including a Cow Hunting's
egg that these watchful parasites had introduced."

These eggs are described as varj'ing from 6G. 100th inch in length by
55.100th inch in breadth to 66.100th inch by .O3.100th inch, and being
more or less spotted and blotched with brown, over a wliite grouml
color.

HELMINTHOPHAOA CELATA. Orange Crowned Warbler. — Accidental.
One obtained at Springfield, Mass. ; others seen. May, 1863, by J. A.
Allen. A western species.

SEIUBUS LUDOTICIANUS. Large-billed Water Thrush. — Very rare, if
not accidental, summer visitor. One taken at Norway, Me., May,
1865, by Irving Frost; one at Waterville, Me. 1865, — Professot
C. E. Hamlin; one on Mount Tom, Mass., April 28, 1869, by J. A.
Allen.

DENDBOICA CARULEA. Blue Warbler. — Perhaps an accidental summer
visitor to extreme southern portions of New England. No recent in-
itances on record of its occurrence.

DENSBOICA MACULOSA. Black and Tellov Warbler. — The following
description of a nest and eggs of this species is kindly furnished me b;

580

APPENDIX.

li

'■/

i]

4

Mr. R. Deaiie, of Cambridge, Mans. Tho tipeciincns were found nl
Upton, Maine, .Juno 10, 1H7I»: —

"The nest was placed in a forked branch of a low spruce about thn-u
feet from the ground, on a rising piece of land leading from a wood path
The nest, which contained four eg<;8, was constructed of dry grass, spruco
twigs, roots, &c., and was lined with fine black roots, the whole l)eing
quite a coarse structure for so dainty a looking Warbler.

"Tho eggs wore more tipiierical than any Warbler's I have seen, tho
ground being a creamy white, and blotched sparsely over with largo
■pots of lilac and umber.

"The dimensions are as follows: .(J2 by ..52 inch; .61 by ..52 inch;
.62 by .60 inch ; .G.} by .62 inch."

MTIODIOCTBS MISniDS. "Small -headed Flycatcher." — Although Dr.
Brewer informed Mr. Peabody that " it has been found in Ipswich, ISTass.,
and that he picked up a specimen, evidently just dead, on the step of his
door in Brooklino, Mass.," I think that its occurrence in New England
must be regarded as very doubtful, even if the species exists, which many
naturalists deny. Some one of the species of Empidona.x, as Dr. Coues
remarks, was probably mistaken for it.

MTIODIOCTZS OANADEHSIS. Canada Flycatcher. — This species probably
more often nests on the ground and in damp situations than elsewhere.
A nest found in Lynn, Mass., some years since, by George Wells, is thus
described, Vol. VI. Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist. : " The nest was
found in low swampy ground, and was built at the foot of a tussock of
thick grass, on the ground. It was constructed almost entirely of leaves
of the white pine, so loosely arranged that it was found necessary to sew
them together, in order to preserve it. The eggs, five in number, in
shape arc an oblong ovoid, 3.4ths of an inch in length by O.ICths in
breadth ; their ground color is a bluish-white, irregularly marked with
dots and small blotches of reddish-brown."

FTBANOA iESTIVA. Summer Bed Bird. — Accidental summer visitor to
Bouthorn portions. Two taken in Lynn, Mass., April 21, 1852, by S.
.lillson; one taken in Framingham, Mass., May; one in Amherst, Mass.,
August, 1867. ,

COLLTBIO EZCnBITOBOIDES. White-ramped Shrike. — Said by Nuttall
to have been seen in Massachusetts in winter. Doubtful

VIBEO FHILADELPHICDS. Philadelphia Vireo. — Very rare summer visi«
tor; only one instance of its occurrence on record. Waterville, Me.,
— Professor C. E. Hamlin.

Al'l'E.NDIX.

681

icni wero found at

nth; .fil by .52 inch;

Shrike. — Said by Nuttall
Doubtful

OROHDESTES ORAMMACA. Lark Fineh. — KiitircU accidiiitiil ; but one
biitani'u of its ocfui'iLMico rt'curdi'd, — S, Jill.iun, (iloucuster, Ma^• ,
1845. A westurn tipucies.

CGNTBONTX BAIBDII. Baird s Sparrow. — Atciilunlul. One iipetiiufu
obtained at l[)s\vii'h, Mass., by C. J. Maynard, Duu. 4, 18C8. A uurtli-
weHtcrn sjk'cIus.

MELOSPIZA LINCOLHII. Lincoln's Sparrow. — Accidental ; but five in<
■tancea of itH capture on record. Three at Spi'in;;ticld, Ma>H,, by Mr,
J. A. Allen, May, 1800, 1UU3, IHOt; twu at lludsun, Maaii., by 8. .lill-
Bon, May, 18(57, 1808.

PASSER DOMESTICA. Europ«an Housd Sparrow. — Introduced fmni
Europe, and will probably become f^encrally distributed, at least in the
more uouthern portions uf New England.

GDIBACA C£SDLGA. Blue Grosbeak. — Accidental visitor from iIh>
South; but one instance oC its occurieneo on record, — George A.
Boardnian, Calais, Me., 1861, when several were seen.

CABDINALIS VIE0INIANU3. Caraiaal Grosbeak. Red Bird. — Accidental
vi.sitor from the South ; but three recent instances of its occurrence.
Four specimens taken near Springfield, Mass., in October, 1800. Seen
by Mr. W. II. Niles, at Belchertown, Mass., October, 1808; and at
Southampton, Mass., May 5, ISG'J.

XANTHOCEPHALUS ICTEROCEFHALDS. Tellow-headed Blackbird. — Acci-
dental visitor from the West. One taken in Watertown, Mass., in
October, 1869.

LAOOPUS ALBnS. White Ptarmigan. — Rare winter visitor in northern
New England.

HERODIAS EQRETTA. Great White Heron — Accidental visitor from the
South. Several instances of its capture in southern portions of New
England.

FLORIDA CiGRULEA. Little Blue Heron. — Of rare occurrence. Specimt n
taken in Barnstable, Mass., in spring of 1861. Accidental; from the
South. .

NYCTHESODIDS VIOLACEDS. Tellow-crowned Night Heron. — Accidental
visitor from the South. One taken in Lynn, Mass., by Mr. N. Vickary,
October, 1862.

IBIS ORDII. Glossy Ibis. — Accidental visitor from the South. Two
recent instances of its occurrence recorded, — Nantucket, September,
1869, one specimen ; New Hampshire, in October, 18o8, by I)r Palmer

AIM'KND'Z

HIMAKTOPUS HIOEIOOLLIS. Black neoked Stilt. — Hut ono or two occiir<
rciiri'ii, ill our liiiiitM, on rut'ord. A iiouthern apucii!*.

PHALABOPDS WILSOHII. Wilion'i Pbalarope— (iivcn in Dr. Coucs* Hat
tut " ViTy ruru, purhapn only aiuidt-ntul, and cbiully durir^ iui inigra*
tions."

rUALAROPtrS FULIGABID8. Red Phalarops — Oucuni raruly, along the
coaot, dining ita inigrutions.

MIOSOPALAUA HIUANTOPUS. Stilt Sandpiper. -> P.xcetuliiigly rar«
■unmier visitor. Two apticiinuns obtained nt Hvu B'jat-b, N.II., by Mr.
William Iiruw8tur, latu in Augusta of 18()8-ti'J.

PHILOUACHUS PUONAZ. Buff. — One or two instances given by Board*
man. Acrcidental visitor from Kurnpu.

OALLINULA OALEATA, Common Oallinult ; and 0. MARTINICA, Purple QaS*
linule. — Aru botli rare vi.sitors I'roiii the South.

ANSES OAMBELLII. American White-flronted Oooia — Given in Dr.
Coups' list 08 " Very rare, and perhaps atcidental, in winter."

BEBNIOLA HUTCHIHSII. Hutehinion'a Ooose. — Given in Dr. Coues' list
as " Cliiefly spring and autumn migrant. Not abundant."

NETTION CBEOCA. English Teal. — A wanderer from Europe. But one
or two instances of its occurrence on record.

FULIX 00LLABI3. Biag-neoked Duck. — Spring and autumn. Not com*
raoD.

CAMPTOLiEHnS LABBADOBIUS. Labrador Duck. — Rare winter visitor.

MEBOELLUS ALBEI LDS. Srnev.^ — Very rare. Have seen a specimen
that was killed in Massachusetts Bay, as I was informed ; ana Mr. Chas.
W. Lovett, Jr., of Boston, assures me that Jie once met with one at
Point Shirloy, Mass. A straggler from the northern parts of the Old
World.

SOLA FIBEB- Booby. — Entirely a(;cidental ; but two instances of its
occurrence, and those not recent. A southern species.

PELECAHUS FUSCUS. Brown Pelican. — Accidental; from the South.
Only one specimen obtained. Brant Point, Nantucket ; others seen, —
.T. A. Allen.

PELECAHUS EBTTHROBTNCHUS. American Pelican. — Has been taken
in New England. " One or two instances." Calais, Me., — G. A.
Boardman. Accidental.

STEBCORABIUS CEPPHUS. Buffon's Skua, Long-tailed Jager. — A not
uncommon fall and winter visitor.

Al'I'KNDIX.

688

ind autumn. Not coin-
Hare winter visitor.

IiiSUS OLATTCDS. Olauooui Oull. Burcomaitor Oull. — A wry rare winter
viiiitor.

L4B0S LEDCOPTEBUS. Whita winced Oull. — \ rare winter viiiitnr.

LABOS DELAWABEHSIS BioK-bllled Oull — Nut unioiumon in winter.
Brueds on tliA coast of Maine rarely,

STEBNA ACUFLAVIDA. Cabot's Tern. — Accidental ; from tlie Soiitli.
One obtained at Chatlmin, Miiks., August, IMG.'i, by Mr. NatlKuiirl
Vif.kary.

STEBNA FULIOIMOSA. Sooty Tern — Hat* liecn met with on MuKkegeel
Island, Mass., in the bree<ling season. A southern species.

STEBNA PABAOISEA. Roseate Tern. — Smniner visitor to southern por^
tions of New Knghmd.

PBOCELLARIUS OLACIALIS. Fulmar Petrel. — Given by Coues as ''A
rare winter visitant along the coast."

THALASIDBOMA PELAOICA. Stormy Petrel. — Rare in winter ofT the
coast.

PDFFINUS MAJOR. Greater Shearwater. — Not unconunon in winter ofT
the coast.

PDFFINUS ANQLORDM, Mank's Shearwater; and P. FnLIOINOSUS, Sooty
Shearwater. — Arc occasionally met with in winter off the coast.

UOEMON CIBBHATA. Tufted Puffin. — Very rare, and probably acci-
dental; in winter, on south-eastern coast of Maine. A north Pacilie
species.

COLTMBDS AECTICU3. Blaok-throated Diver. — Is given in several lists
as occurring in winter. Given in Putnam's list as " common in young
plumage in winter, rare in adult plumage." I have never nut with an
undoubted specimen. Its occurrence in New England nuist bo con-
sidered rare.

USIA ABEA. Thick-billed Quillemot — Not uncommon in winter.

j-tailed Jager. — A not

SUPPLEMENT.

In the following pages we i',\vo all the wood-plates of birds cou-
taincd iu Holder's Amrrkan Fauna, with tlie descriptions of those
represented in the illustrations.

8

MoLiWHKUS PEfOKls. Cow-hird, Coir Blackbird, Cow Hunting. —
As a summer visitor this bird is veiy common in the Northern States.
It derives its trivial name from the fact that it seems fond of the so-
ciety of cattle. They congregate in great numbers in the pastures
where the cattle feed, jirobably for seeds, worms, etc., found in the
excrement. A most unaccountable habit of tliis bird is that of lay-
ing its eggs iu the nests of other and smaller birds. Frequently the
eggs are hatched and the young (lared for by the foster-mother until
they are able to leave the nest. Occasionally a nest is found where
the unwelcome egg of the Cow-bird (which, in some instances, half
fills that of the little warbler) is excluded or covered by the material
of a new nest built over and within the old one. The Yellow-throat
and Red-eyed Fly-catcher are victims of this annoyance from the
Cow-bird. When the egg of the latter is dejiosited before the right-
ful tenant has commenced laying, the nest is generally deserted. It
is believed that this bird does not build ; est, but relies entirely on
tno good ofiSces of other species. The Cow-bird is at all times gre-
garious and polygamous, never making and never exhibiting any
signs of either conjugal or parental affection. It is distributed
l^retty geneially throughout the United States, from the Atlantic
to the Pacific, though not found immediately on the Pacific coast.
In Maine it is considered rare.

" From twelve to fourteen days is the ustial time of incubation of
our small birds ; but, ilthough I cannot exactly fix the precise period
requisite for the egg of the Cow Bunting, I think I can say almost
positi\ely that it is a day or two less than the shortest of the ab'-'ve-
mentioned species. In this singular circumstance we see a striking
provision ; for did this egg require a day or two more, instead of so
much less, than those among which it has dropped, the young it

l-jilates of birds cou-
(lescriptiona of those

bird, Cow Bunting.—
a the Northern States,
sceins fond of the so-
abers in the pastures
Bs, etc., found in the
lis bird is that of lay-
)irds. Frequently the
;ho foster-mother until
a nest is found where

some instances, half
overed by the material
e. The Yellow-throat
t annoyance from the
.sited before the right-
generally deserted. It
:, but relies entirely on

rd is at all times gre-

never exhibiting any

n.

OS

It is distributed
from the Atlantic
on the Pacific coast.

time of incubation of
y fix the precise period
hink I can say almost
shortest of the ab-^ve-
ance we see a striking
TO more, instead of so
Iropped, the yoimg it

]n?cssorPS

r">'nniini.s rr\sta\r]3—fl/iw Jay

^^-:pc- i

(JlUtll

-3

SUPPLEMENT.

080

contained would in every instance most inevitably perish, and thus
in a few y(!ars the whole species must beeonio extinct. On the first
appearance of the young (Jow Bunting, the parent being freiiuently
obliged to leave the nest to provide sustenance for the foundling, the
business of incubation is thus necessarily iuterrapted ; the disposition
to continue it abates. Nature has now given a new direction to the
zeal of the parent, and the remaining eggs, within a week or two at
most, generally disapjiear. In some instances, indeed, they have
been found on the ground near or below the nest, but this is rarely
the case. I have never kno^nl more than cue egg of the Cow Bunt-
ing in the same nest." — Wilson.

Cyakubus CKisTATrs. Blue Jay. — The Blue Jay is found widely
distributed over the North American continent. " The entire family
to which this Jay belongs, and of which it is a very conspicuous
member, is nearly cosmopolitan as to distribution, and is dis-
tinguished by the remarkable intelligence of all its members. Its
habits are striking, jjeculiar, and full of interest, often evincing
sagacity, forethought, and intelligence strongly akin to reason.
These traits are common to the whole family." — North American
Jiirils.

Wary as this bird is in the settled parts of the countiy, in the
western prairies it is, says Mr. Allen, half domestic. In one of the
princiiDal streets of Richmond, Ind., ho found a nest, built in a lilac
bush, under the window of a dwelling. In Kansas the Jay is equally
familiar, and is more highly colored than at the North. The voice
of the Blue Jay is remarkably flexible, being attuned either to soft
and musical notes, to the harshest scroamiugs of the hawk tribe, or
the most ear-rending shrieks, resembling nothing so much as the
piercing creaks of an ungreased wheel. Wilson says of him : " He
appears to be among his fellow-musicians what a trumpeter in in a
band, some of his notes having no distant resemblance to the tones
of that instniment. These he has the faculty of changing through
a great variety of modulations, according to the i)articular hiamor he
happens to be in. "Wh'ni disposed for ridicule, there is scarcely a
bird whose peculiarities of song he cannot tune his notes to. When
engaged in the blandishments of love, they resemble the soft chat-
teriiigs of a Duck ; and, while ho nestles among the thick branches
of the cedar, are scarce heard at a few paces distant. But he no
sooner discovers your approach, than he sets up a sudden and ve-
hement outcry, flying off and screaming with all his might, as if he
would call the whole feathered tribe to witness some outrageous

■•fe«^

686

SUPPLEMENT.

usage ho had received. When he hops among the liigh branches of
the oak and hickory, tlicy become .soft and musical. . . . The
power of mimicry possessed by the .lay, though different from, is
hardly suiimssed by that of the Mocking-bird. It imitates the cry
of the Hawk so closely as to drive the small birds to cover, and
excite immediate consternation in the po".ltry-yard. An experienced
bird-fancier asserts that ho has invariably found them more in-
genious, cunning, and teachable than any other species of bird he
has ever attempted to instnict. The Blue Jay appears to belong ex-
clusively to North America."

LoPHORTYX CALrFORNicrs. Calif (Trnia Quail. — This beautiful spe-
cies inhabits the valley i)ortions and foot-hills of the Pacific States,
reaching southward to Cai)o St. Lucas. It is richly marked in
plumage, an 1 has two pomi)on-like crests, jet black in color, which
stand erect ui)on the occiput. The female is similar, with a shorter
ci'est. It is called the Valley Quail in California, to distinguish
it from the Mountain Quail, its habiis leading it more into the prai-
ries and low grounds n.-ar river banks. Dr. Newberry describes
its note as rather harsh and disagi'eeable, somewhat resembling that
of the Woodijeckers. As a game bird, it is regarded as inferior to
Bob-white. It is easily domesticated.

Ortyx vmoiNiANUS. nob-white, Quail, Partridge. — This most fa-
miliar bird is fotmd in the Eastern United States, and as far west as
the high Central Plains, southward to Texas. In Maine, however,
it is a stranger, if, i„deed, it is ever found there. In New Hamp-
shire and Vermont it is rare. The severity of the winters and much
hunting have very materially lessened its numbers in Massachusetts.
They are not migratory, but remain in the neighborhood whore they
are reared. The severe winters affect them seriously at times, when,
during a fall of snow, they huddle together and allow themselves to
be buried for a while. If the snow is light, they easily manage to
thmst through it, but they are occasionally kept fast by the freezing
of the surface, when they i>eriRh from hunger. They are sometimes
found in this position in large numbers. Bob-white is always found
in open grounds, or nearly so, near the edge of woods. Its food con-
sists largely of the seeds of various plants, benies, etc. Later in
the season it feeds on grasshoppers. In country villages it often be-
comes quite tame, and ventures near the fann-yards to eat with the
poultry. In the Central Park, New York, it is frequently heard
uttering its peculiar note, Bob-white! Bob-white! In the inteiior

SUPPLEMENT.

587

towns of MassaclniRotts this noto is intoipretcd, Mwe-wet! Mnre-
viet ! and the farmer coiisidci's his noto to bo a precursor of rain. It
has two broods in a season, the niido taking charge of tlio first Vmxjd
when they are about half grown. The male is exceedingly devoted
and courageous.

Dr. Brewer relates that ho once came npon a covoy of young Quail
feeding on blue-benies, directly in the path. They did not see him
imtil he was close upon them, when tlio old bird, a fine old male,
flew directly toward him and tumbled at his feet, as if in a dying
condition, giving at the same time a shrill whistle, expressive of in-
tense alarm. At this moment the bird could have been easily caught.
The young birds, at the cry of the parent, flew in all directions, and
the male soon followed them, and began calling in a low cluck, like
the ciy of a Brown Thrasher. These young were hardly a week old,
yet they seemed to fly well for a short distance. Prof(!ssor Baird
proposed the familiar title Bob-white, and it is now generally ac-
cepted by natui'alists and sportsmen as the name of the species.

IcTiNiA MississiprrENSis. Mississippi Kite, Bine Kite. — The hab-
itat of this bird is Central Mexico and Southern United States,
reaching as far north as Wisconsin and Illinois, in the Mississip])i
valley. On the inairies of Southern Illinois it is said to be exceed-
ingly abundant. On the Atlantic border it is not seen above South
Carolina. Thi.'^ species has the habit of capturing and eating insects
while on the wing. Mr. Bidgway describes the bird as exceedingly
graceful in its evolutions, Wilson says of it : "In my perambula-
tions I frequently remarked this Hawk sailing about in easy circles,
and at considerable height in the air, generally in company with the
Tui-key Buzzard, whose manner of flight it so exactly imitates as to
seem of the same species, only in miniature, or seen at a more
immense height." Wilson was at a loss to comijrehend how these
two birds, whose food and manners in other respects are so diff'erent,
should so frequently associate together in the air. This Kite meas-
ures fourteen inches in length, and three feet in extent of wings, an
enonnous spread of wing as compared with the size of the body.

Vi

li

AsTiTB PAiitJMnARius. American Goshawk. — Wilson says of this
bird : " If this be not the celebrated Goshawk formerly so much
esteemed in falconiy, it is very closely allied to it." It is a common
winter visitor in New England. Professor Verrill says that it breeds
in Maine. Audubon says of it : " His flight is extremely rapid and
protracted. He sweeps along the margins of the fields, through tha

nss

SUPPLEMENT.

;•■< r-.

3

woods, aud by tlio o(1(,'oh of i)ond^ and rivors, with such spood as to
«Miiil)le him to sci/.c liis prey by luoroly doviatiiip; a fow yards from
his c'ours(! ; assisting liimself on such oi-nisions by his hing tail,
which, like a ruihler, he throws to the right or tho left, upward or
downward, to check his progress or enable him suddenly to alter his
course. At times he passes like a meteor through the imderwood,
where he secures hares and S(piirrels with ease. Should a flock of
AV'ild Pigeons pass him when on these predatory excursions, he
immediately gives chase, soon overtakes them, aud, forcing his way
into the very centre of the flock, scatters them in confusion, when
you may see him emerge with a bird in his talous, and dive toward
th depth of the foresu to feed upon his victim. When travelling he
flies high, with a constant beat of tho wings, seldom moving in large
circles, like other Hawks."

Tho Goshawk is not adapted for long flights ; its wings arcs so
sliaped that it is more natural for tho bird to make short dashes near
tho (>arth, unlike, in this respect, some other species that cajituro
their prey by the chase in the air. As a trained bird, the European
variety is considered to be one of the most valuable. Its mode of
hunting is said to be singularly like that of the cheetah. Like that
animal, it is not nearly so swift as the prey, and, therefore, is
obliged to steal upon it, and seize his victim by a sudden and
unexiiected jioimce. The female Goshawk is strong enough to bear
cir a hare. This species is the handsomest of all our native Falcons ;
in full i)lumage, its lilac hues and the trim, graceful form of its body
render it suipassingly beautiful. The length of the female is
twenty-two to twenty-four inches ; wing about fourteen. The male
is about twenty inches in length. A characteristic of this bird is
the extremely upright jiosture it assumes when perching.

PsEUDOGRYPHUS CAMFOKNiANUS. California Condor, California Vul-
ture.— This Vulture rivals in size the great Condor of South Amer-
ica. Its habitat is the Pacific coast region, from the mouth of the
Coloi'ado to the Columbia. It is not known in Mexico, but is
confined mostly to the warmer portions of California. Dr. New-
berry says that it was to him a pleasant portion of every day's expe-
rience, in his march through Sacramento Valley, to watch the graceful
evolutions of this Vixlture. In its colors the combination was a pleas-
ing one, while its flight was easy and effortless beyond that of any other
bird. It i^ossesses immense muscular powers. Dr. Heerman states
that four of them dragged tho body of a yoimg giizzly bear, that
weighed over a hundred pounds, the distance of two hundred yards.

Ordtf. iLiplorcs

til such spood as to
^ a f«w yards from
s by his long tail,
,ho loft, ui)ward or
uddt'uly to alter his
ugh the uuderwood,
. Should a flock of
toiy excursions, he
uid, forcing liis way
L in confusion, when
us, and dive toward
When travelling he
ilom moving in large

ts ; its wings are so
iko short dashes near
species that capture
\ bird, the European
Luable. Its mode of
) cheetah. Like that
)y, and, therefore, is
im by a sudden and
L'ong enough to bear
1 our native Falcons ;
3oful form of its body
th of the female is

fourteen. The male
;eristic of this bird is

perching.

'ondor, California Vnl-
)ndor of South Amer-
om the mouth of the
•n in Mexico, but is
!alifornia. Dr. New-
n of every day's expo-
, to watch the graceful
lubination was a pleas-
iyond that of any other
Dr. Heerman states
mg grizzly boar, that
of two hundred yards.

fralronlJiJ-

L* <

A.stui; ntric^.TiulliiM

!' !!':■

Hah.viiis IfiiiocepliJ"

i

w«_,A^>-vjy-*Aj'-./'

:!f

•3

IS

BUPPLEMENT.

080

" Tlioir fioiisos of smoU nm\ nij^lit nro vorv nonto, pspooinlly tho
latter; aiul whon spiiroliiiiK for tlioir prrv tliov sour to n vory f^roiit
lu'ight, ntid, if thoy ciiiiiu-o to sci' ii wounded ftiiiiiml, tlioy iimncdi-
atoly follow and attack it whonovor it sinks down. The tirst-comors
aro Hoon followed l)y others, and it is not long l)efore tiie body in
redueed to a skel(>ton. Tlieir Hif,dit is slow, steady, and f,'racefnl,
and thoy glide along with little or no jiereeptiMe motion of the
■wings, tho tips of wfiieh ar(> curved njiward in Hying, in the manner
of the Turkey Bnzzai They are said to appear most numerous
and to soar tho highest preceding thunder-storms and tempests." —
North Aviericitn Birds.

Tho nest is composed of a few loose sticks, generally situated
in tho crevice of a rock. The total length of tho California Vul-
turo is forty-five to fifty inches ; extent of wings, about nine or
ten feet.

HaliaRtcs tEticocKPHALfH. Bnhl Edfjlfl. — This is tho American
Eagle, so called. Aiidubon says of it : " Tho figure of this uoble bird
is well known throughout tho civilized world, emblazoned as it is on
our national standard, which waves in the breeze of every dime,
bearing to distant lands the remembrance of a great people living in
a state of iieaceful freedom." His great strength, joined to his un-
equalled ijowers of flight, rendei- him highly consi)icuous among his
brethren. Franklin says : " He is a bird of bad moral character ;
lie does not got his living honestly. You may have seen him perched
on some dead tree, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches
the labor of the Fish Hawk ; and when that diligent bird has at
length taken a fish, and is bearing it to liis nest, tho Bald Eagle
pursues and takes it from him. Besides, he is a rank coward. The
little Iving-bird, not bigger than a Sparrow, attacks him boldly, and
drives him out of tho district. Ho is, therefore, by no means a
proper emblem for the brave and honest Cincinnati of America, who
have driven all the King-birds from oiir country." Audubon de-
scribes and figures a bird which he called the Washington Eagle
(//". Wasliingtoni). As no other specimen has been seen, and as the
Bald Eagle is known to have a dark-brown plumage during its first
years, like that which Audubon considered as characteristic of the
Washington bird, it is now thought that his specimen was none other
than a remarkably tine and large female of the present species.
The white head and tail only appear after several years of moult-
ing.

Wilson gives the following aecoTint : ' ' Foi med by nature for

600

SrrPLEMENT.

?9

is

braving thr> sovorosf cold, fending rtmally on (ho pTodnoo of tho
Hoa ttiid of tlio land, pOHsnHsin^^ povvciH of HiKht nij)alilo of ontHtrip-
pinK «wiMi tlio tompoHt, nnuwdd liy iinytliinf,' hut man, and from tlio
ethoroal Ikm^IiIh to wliioli ho moui-h lookiiiK ahroad at ono glancn on
an imnu-aHuralilo oxpanHo of fon^it, flchlH, lakes and t)coan doop bo-
h)W him, li(» appears indiiTcront to tlio littln localitios of (diango of
HcaHons, as in a fow Tninutcs he <'un pass from snninicr to winter,
from tho lowor to th»» higher regions of the atmosphere. He ii
therefore found at all seasons in tho countries whieli he inhabits,
but ])reforH sueh i)laees as have been mentioned above for tho great
partiality ho has for tish. Eh^vated on the high, dead limb of some
gigantic tree that eonnnands a wide view of tho neighboring shore
and ocean, ho seems cahnly to contemplate tho motions of tho variouB
feathered tribes that 2>nrsue their busy avocations below. High over
all these hovers ono whose actinn instantly arrests his whole attention.
By his wide curvatnro of wing and snddon suspension in air, he
knows him to bo tho Fish Hawk settling over sonio devoted victim
of the deep. His eye kindles at tho sight, and, balancing himself with
}ialf-open wings on tho branch, ho watches the rijsiilt. Down, rapid
OS an arrow from heaven, descends tho distant object of his attention,
tlio roar of its wings reaching tho car as it disappears in the deep,
making the surges foam around. At this moment tho eager looks of
tho Eagle are all ardor, and levelling his neclc for the flight, he sees
tho Fish Hawk onco more emerge, struggling with his prey, and
motinting in tho air with scrtmnis of exnUation. These are tho sig-
nals for our hero, who, launching into the air, instantly gives chase,
and soon gains on tho Hawk. Each exerts his utmost to mount
above the other, displaying in their rencontre tho most elegant aerial
evolutions. The unencumbered Eaglo rai)idly advances, and is just
on the point of reaching his opiionent, when, with a sudden scream,
tho latter drojis his fish. Tho Eagle, poising himself for a moment
as if to take a more certain aim, descends like a whirlwind, snatches
it in his grasp ere it reaches the water, and bears his ill-gotten booty
fiilently away to the woods."

The Bald Eagle is very abundant during the summer months at
the mouth of the Kennebec River and among tho islands of Casco
Bay. From the deck of the steamer ono may at any time see sev-
eral of the great birds in view, especially between Sequin Island and
Bath, " The neat of this species," says Wilson, " is generally fixed
on a large and lofty tree — often in a swamp or morass — and difficult
to be ascended. On some noted tree of this description — often a
pine or cypress — the Bald Eagle builds every year for a long series

HUI'PLliMK.NT.

r.oi

10 prodneo of tho

iptiMc of outHtrip-

lum, uiid from tlm

at OHO gliinco on

Jul OCOrtll tUM>p l)C-

itios of (rhiuigii of
lUinmcr to winter,
tmo-iph<'i'o. Ho u
vhioli ho inliftl)itH,
ibovo for tho uroat
tloivil limh of sonio
uoiKhltoring shoro
tions of tho vaviouH
iholow. High over
his wliolo attention.
upenHion in air, ho
>nie (lovotod victim
lancing himself with
t!snlt. Down, rapid
joct of his attention,
[)poars in tho cloep,
it tlio eager looks of
ir the flight, ho sees
witli his prey, and
Those are tho sig-
Lstantly gives chase,
3 utmost to monnt
most elegant aerial
.dvances, and is jiist
th a sudden scream,
msclf for a moment
whirlwind, snatches
his ill-gotten booty

summer months at
Ihe islands of Casco
It any time see sev-
Sequin Island and
" is genemlly fixed
lorass — and difficult
iescription — often a
3ar for a long series

of years. Tho nost is largo, being added to and ropnirod rverv soa-
Hon, until it Ik conies a liluck, prominent mass, olisi'i'viilile iit a eon-
Hidorablo distance. It is formed of lurgt> sticits, sods, earthy nibl)iHh,
hay, niosH, etc. The h-ngtli of this Kagle is three feet, and its tiver-
ago extent of wing seven feet. The male is generally two or tiiret!
inches shorter than tho female, as is tho case, proportionately, witli
most of tlio Fnhimiihv. Tlie pliimaKo of the mule is also ligiiter, and
ho is said to bo less daring than liis mutu. This, too, is suiil to bu
common with other birds of pn^y.

Ahamuh oioanteuh. f'lyhi;/ liinl, Coiirhin. — This is ratlier a pe-
culiar bird, its appearance and habits being somowluit ditlerent
from any other, although closely allied to tho Uuils in the essential
points of its structure. It bears tho name also of Scolopaccons (Jonr-
lan, and is numerons in South America and Cuba. In tho United
States it is fpiite (confined to tho coast of Florida. A few instances
have occurred of its visiting tho Middle States. It leads a solitary
life, only associating in pairs, having a piercing cry of ('unm ! Ca-
rmi ! which is heard both night and day. "NVo hav(! seen this l)ird
killed at Indian Key, Florida Koef, while alighting upon tho cocoa-
nut trees. At this time two women issued forth from tlicir domestic
duties, each with a fowling-piece in hand. One of them brought tho
pair of birds to tho ground, and delil)orately twisted oil' their necks,
and i)roceeded to prepare them for dinner, as they are much es-
teemed as game.

TACirypETES AQiniiA. Fi'ifinte liird, Man-nf-War Bird. — This is
the only species of tho family known on our coast, and is possibly
the same as that in tho southern half of tho continent. It is strictly
a maritime bird, and one that exhibits tho most wonderful powers
of flight. During a long residence on the Florida Hoof, where this
bird is more at home than on any other portion of the North Atlan-
tic shores, wo have observed very carefully its habits. In tho cooler
season, numbers of the Man of- War Bird, as it is called there, were
seen at certain times soaring above the Fortress Jefferson, on the
Tortugas Keys. As these l)irds seemed to present the most remai'k-
nble examjile of the buoyancy or other conditions that sei-vo to sus-
tain them in the air for long periods without seemingly any wing
movements, we improved the opportunity to test, so far as was pos-
sible, the philosophy of the phenomenon. An old-fashioned light-
house tower was yet standing within the fortress, antl this enabled
the observer to be about seventy-five or eighty feet from the ground.

602

«i'1'im<i:mi;nt

8

Witli a f,'oo<l pln«M nnd rnrcfnl (■(iiicnilmcnf in tlio lantom-fop, n vor>'
tii-ur vii'W wiiH ulitiiiiii'il. iliiinlxililt iiml Diirwiii tlii> luttor in 77/»
l'oi/<ii/n itf Ihi Hi'dijli' -liuv«» Kiv»'n hdmio attention to tlui Niiltjcft, l)nt
<>x|)i'i'SN un iiiiiliility to <-i)Mi|)i'i'li(>hil it. 'l'lii> fact tliut tlioHii liirdn
Hour, or n-niiiin apiiurcntly niolionli'ss, r)iily when tlic wind is cim-
Hi('t<nit)l(«, Hconm to luivo ((Hciipfd tlicir notice. I'or tlun-in Hch tlin
M«!crot. Tho Tftoliy|ict('H rciircsentH tin- nioHt npn'ad of win^ and tlm
louHt pvoportionftto body of iiny bird, and in, conHi'qucntly, ono that
lM)HHt'SHcs till! grt'iitost foculty fur nuuntuininjj; tlin curious jioMition
in inid-uir. Anotlior fact in, tho bird always faces tlie wind. Wo
liavo, tlien, tho sanio conditions a« in tho caso of n boy's kite. It
rises precisely as a l;ito doi^s, and it moves only as it do(>s — not by
any movement of feiitherM, but n gentlo Hwayinpf, and a tritlti of tilt-
ing on tho wing, to maintain its halanco. What keeps it from being
blown away- for tho kito has its string ? Tho intelligenco of tho bird
ransoH it to tilt forward just onongli to countoract tho forco of tho
w ind, and thus tho Hmallest spaco is prospnted to the wind ; it is
merely u thin edge. Tipping forward causes {\w body to fall against
tho wind ; tho two foreos — gitivity and tho wind — aro opposed, and
a perfect rest is tho result.

Tho writer received a note from Mr. Darwin, in answer to one sug-
gesting this explanation. In this answer ho says : " I liavo thought
of Homo such ex])lanation, but tho mathematicians say it is not pos-
ble ; that tiio two forces do not operate in a direct lino, opposite to
each other." Now, there is the qualifying power of Imoyancy, whi<h
operates to prevent tho bird from dropping dir(>ctly down like a
dead weight. "Wo must regard the bird as it is — a thin, exceed-
ingly light object, that is kept up by a strong wind, and that, by its
intelligent attention, keeps the outspread wings and body rigid and
always odge-wiso to the wind, with a slight tendency downward.
These conditions obsei-ved, the bird restn upon the wind as the kite
does, the forco of gravity operating as tho string. It is not nnconi-
nion to see a stiff piece of paper balanced in the air by the wind, and
when inclined even directly against tho wind, to shoot foi-ward
until it goes obliijuely to the ground. Now, could this paper, just
at the moment of falling, while inclined against the wind, act to tilt
its face a trifle, the wind would send it backward and upward
again. Thus, if the two forces were opposed by intelligent action,
the result would be as in the bird, a complete balancing on the wind.

AtoA. iMPENNis. Orent AnTc. — Tliis bird is notable in the sense
that it has ceased to exist, so far as its history is cognizant, and is

lantorii-fnp, n rory
lli(> hxiU'Y in 7'//'!
to tin* Hulijfi-t, Imt
t tluit thtmo l»ir(lH
n tin- wiiiil iH f<'i>-
ov tlnTi'in licM tho
ad of wiiiK ivnd tho
4(>qnrutl.v, ono that
lio curidUH jMrnition
con tho wind. Wo
of ft hoy's kitp. It
iiH it dnofl — not hy
and ft tiitlo of tilt-
k<>«>im it from hcinw
'lliKeni'o of the hird
act tho force of the
. to the wind ; it is
hody to fall an.iinHt
il — are oppoHod, and

a answer to one sng-
vh: "I have thonnht
iia say it w not poa-
ect lino, opposite to
• of Imovftncy, which
livoctly down like a

is— ft thin, exceed-
ind, ftud that, by ita
H and hody rigid and
tendency downward.

the wind as the kite
g. It is not nneom-

air by the wind, and
to shoot foi-ward
ould this paper, jxist
t the wind, act to tilt

■kward and upward
ly intelligent action,
lancing on the wind.

lotablo in the sense
is cognizant, and is

Tunmh.lar

Tmhyji"r< ujiulii*
f'ritfiitf* htfJ

AptPnodjics jiafagomra

^.;q^.!. ,

■V/^*; ■, J-i'S^-sSK

8

RL'PrLKMKNT.

593

noteworthy as being tlio expression of tlie lowest of its class known
to the North American continent, as the Pengnin of tlu> antarcti(!
regions represents the lowest of all. The Northern Pengnin, us tlie
Great Auk is sometimes designated, is now so rare in eolle(!tions
that each indiNndnal has its histoiy and price, or, as in some in-
stances, is absolutely priceless. Some time not long since, a list of
the existing specimens ownied by institutions or persons, was [lub-
lished, which exliiV)itod only sixty in number. No living specimen
has been obtained for over forty years. In 186!), the large sura of
!i86'25 was paid, in London, by the American Museum of Natural His-
toiy, New York, for the specimen from which our illustration is
taken. The length of the Great Auk is about three feet ; its wing
is only four inches long. It inhabited the highest latitudes, and
was at one time abundant in the arctic seas. The ancient sh(>ll
heaps that are so numerous along the Atlantic coast show abundant
remains of this bird, even as far south as the New England shores.
Nuttall, in 183i, records this bird as then breeding in great num-
bers. "As a diver he is unrivalled," he says, "having almost the
velocity of birds in the air. They breed in the Faroe Islands and in
Iceland, Greenland, and Newfoundland, nesting among the cliffs, and
laying Init one egg each. They are so unprolific that if this egg be
destroyed, no other is laid ditring that season.'

It is supiiosed that the last of this species seen alive were at the
Funks, a small island off" Newfoundland. In 1844, the last specimen
known to be alive on the Eastei-n Continent was seen in Iceland. In
1870, a specimen was found dead at Labrador. Though in poor con-
dition, it was sold in England for .§200.

Aptenodytbs patagonioa. Pengnin. — This is the lowest of tho
class of birds. Its fish-like " paddles," or ntdimentary wings, clo.so,
scale-like plumage, and extremely tei-minal feet and legs, show how
completely it is formed to be an exclusively aquatic creature — as
much so even as the seal, whose life and habits are cpiite similar.
This bird is an inhabitant of the southern hemisphere, and found in
the extreme antarctic regions, and is therefore not within the group
of birds of North America. Its exceedingly interesting nature and
position in the natural sy.stem, however, render it quite worthy of
attention here. The name of the Penguin is dei'ived from the teiiu
pen- wing or pin-wing.

INDEX OF COMMON NAMES,

^3
8

A.

American Avoset, 426.

Bittern, 403.

Creeper, 190.

Goldlincb, 288.

Osprey, 56.

Raven, 855.

Swan, 480.

Widgeon, 499.

Woodcock, 430.
Auk, Little, 570.

Razor-billed, 564.
Avoset, American, 426.

B.

Hold Eagle, 51.
ijnldpate Duck, 499.
Baltimore Oriole, 348.
Barrow's Golden-eye Duck, 511.
Belted Kingfisher, 125.
Bittern, American, 403.

Least, 401.
Blackbird, Cow, 339.

Crow, 352.

Red-winged, 341.

Rusty, 350.
Bluebird, 175.
Blue Jav, 864.

Snowbird, 314.
Bobolink, 335.
Brant, 485.

Bull -head Plover, 411.
Bunting, Black-throated, 827.
Bunting, Cow, 339.

Henslow's, 806.
Snow, 296.
Butcher-bird, 268.
Buzzard Hawks, 34.

c.

Canada Flycatcher, 247.
Goose, 483.
Grouse, 378.
Jay, 866, 872.

Canvas-back Duck, 507.
Carolina Dove, 375.
Cat-bird, 172.
Cedar-bird, 205.
Chat, Yellow-breasted, 209.
Chatterer, Bohemian, 264.
Chewink, 332.
Chick-a-dee, 182.
Chimney Swallow, 116.
Coot, American, 4T6.
Butter-billed, 520.
White-winged, 518.
Cormorant, Common, 534.

Double-crested, 586.
Cow Blackbird, 339.
Creeper, American, 190.

Black and White, 201.
Crossbill, Red, 291.

White-winged, 293.
Crow Blackbird, 352.
Crow, Common, 357.

Fish, 863.
Cuckoo, Black-billed, 85.

Yellow-billed, 88.
Cuckoos, 82.
Curlew, Esquimaux, 469.

Iludsonian, 467.

Long-billed, 466.

Short-billed, 467.
Curlew Sandpiper, 443.

D.

Dipper, 525.

Diver, Great Northern, 556.

Red-throated, 557.
Dove, Carolina, 875.
Dovekie, 570.
Ducks, River, 487.

Sea, 503.
Duck, Baldpatc, 499.

Barrow's Golden-eye, 511.

Big Black-head, 504.

Black, 28, 469.

Buffle-head, 514.

Butter-ball, 5)4.

Canvaa-back, 507.

INDEX OP COMMON NAMES.

595

Duck, Dipper, 514, S25.
Dusky, 28, 489.
Eider, 622.
Gadwall, 497.
Golden-eye, G12.
Harlequin, 615.
King Eider, 52.3.
Little Black-head, 605.
Long-tailed, 510.
Mallard, 487.
Old Wife, 510.
Pintail, 492.
Red Head, 500.
Kuddy, 525.
Scaup, 504.
Scoter, 521.
South Southerly, 516.
Spoonbill, 490.
Sprigtail, 492.
Summer, 600.
Surf, 520.
Velvet, 518.
Whistle-wing, 512.
Wood, 500.

E.

Engles, 49.
Eagle, Bald, 61.

Golden, 49, 81.

Gray, 51.

White-headed, 51.

Falcons, 7.
Finches, 283.
Finch, Bay-winged, 303.
Grass, 303.
Pine, 290.
Purple, 285.
Sea-side, 308.
Sharp-tailed, 307.
Flicker, 105.

Flycatcher, Acadian, 143.
Canada, 247.
Great-crested, 131.
Green-crested, 143.
Least, 141.
Olive-sided, 135.
Pewee, 133.
Traill's, 140.

Wilson's Black-cap, 246.
Wood Pewee, 137.

G.

Gannet, Common, 532.
Godwit, Hudsonian, 465.

Marbled, 463.
Goldfinch, American, 288.
Goosander, 62".
(ioosu, Canada, 483.

Goose, Snow, 482.

Solan, 6.32.
Goshawk, 2'J.
Grebe, Carolina, 562.

Crested, 500.

Horned, 561.

Pied-billed, 662.

Ked-necked, 569.
Greenlets, 270.
Grosbeak, I'ine, 283.

Kose-breasled, 328.
Ground kobin, 332.
Grouse, Canada, 378.
Pinnated, 380.
Ruffed, .SS4.
Spruce, 378.
tiuillemot. Common. 507.

Foolish, 588.
Ciull, Bonap.'irte's, 543.

Great Black-backed, 640.
Herring, 541.
Kittiw:ikc, 544.
Laughing, 642.

H.

Harrier, 46, 81.
Hawk, Black, 45.

Broad-winged, 40, 81.

Cooper's, 27.

Duck, 7, 16.

Fish, 55, 81.

Gos, 22, 81.

Great-footed, 7, 16.

Marsh, 46, 81.

Night, 122.

Pigeon, 16, 80.

Ked-shouldered, 37.

Red-tailed, 35.

Rough-legged, 43, 81.

Sharp-shinned, 31, 81.

Sparrow, 19, 80.
Heron, Great Blue, 398.

Green, 404.

Night, 407.

Snowy, 396.
Hooded Merganser, 629.
Humming-bird, Ruby-throated, 111

Indigo-bird, 330.

J.

Jay, Blue, 364.
Canada, 366.

King-bird, 128.
Kingfisher, Belted, 125.
Kites, 46.

500

INUKX UF COMMON NAMES.

L.

r.apland Lonffspur, 300.
I.urk, Meadow, 34,3.

Tit, 200.
I.esscr Kcdpoll, 2<J4.
l.uon, Great Northern, 65&.

Ked-tbroated, 567.

M.

Mullurd Duck, 487.
Marsh Hen, 471.
Martin, Purplu, 2G0.
Mnrj-land Yellow-throat, 205.
Mea'dow I.ark, 343.
Mealy Kedpoll, 295.
Merj^anser, Hed-breasted, 526.
Mocking-bird, 187.
Murre, 668, 570.

N.

Night Hawk, 122.

Notes, bv William Couper, 80, 3G8, 394.

477,671.
Nuthatch, Rod-bellied, 188.

White-bellied, 187.

o.

Oriole, Baltimore, 348.

Orchard, 346.
Osprey, 55.
Oven-bird, 218.
Owls, 60.
Owl, Acadian, 75, 81.

Barred, 73, 81.

Great Gray, 72, 81.

Great Homed, 60, 81.

Hawk, 79, 81.

Long-eared, 63, 81.

Mottled, 64.

Red, 64.

Saw-whet, 75, 81.

Screech, 04.

Short-eared, 70, 81.

Snowy, 77, 81.
Oyster-catcher, American, 433.

P.

Partridges, 389.
Passenger Pigeon, 873.
Peep, 447, 460.
Petrel, Leach's, 552.

Wilson's, 558.
Pewee, 133.
Pewee, Wood, 137.
Phalarape. Northern, 438.
Pigeon, Wild, 373.

I'ine Finch, 200.

Grosbeak, 283.
Plover, Burtram's. 460.

Black-bellied, 430.

Pield, 460.

Golden, 411.

Kill-deer, 413.

Piping, 419.

Semipalmated, 417.

Wil.son's, 416.

Upland, 400.
I'uffln, Arctic, 566.
Purple Pinch, 285

Q.

(iua-bird, 407.
Quail, Virginia, 389.

K.

Rail, Carolina, 474.

Clapper, 471.

Marsh, 471.

Virginia, 472.

Yellow, 475.
Haven, American, 356.
lied Start, 249.
liedpoll, Lesser, 294.
Mealy, 296.
Ring-neck, 417.
Robin, 154.

S.

Sandcrling, 449.
Sandpiper, Bartram's, 460.

Bonaparte's, 446.

BuH'-breasted, 463.

Curlew, 443.

Gray bade, 440.

Least, 447, 478.

Pectoral, 445.

Purple, 442.

Ked-backed, 444.

Semipalmated, 460i

Solitary, 457.

Spotted, 458.
Scarlet Tanager, 261.
Sea Dove, 570.
Seed-eaters, 283.
Sheldrake, American 527.
Shore Lark, 280.
Shoveller Duck, 490.
Shrike, Great Northern, 26tt.
Skua-gulls, 537.
Skua, Arctic, 538.

Pomarine, 538.
Skylarks, 280.
Snipe, Knglish, 436.

Ked-breasted, 439.
Robin, 440.
Wilson's, 435.
Snowbird, 314.

INUKX OF COMMON NA.MKS.

5!>7

Snow Iluntin;;, 2no.
Spamnv, ('liipiiiii;;, 320, 372.
l-'iclil, .11!).
l''(i.<c-((il(jri!(l, 326.
htavatinali, 3U1.
SiKiw, 3U.
.Soiit;, 321.
Sv/amp, 323.
Tree, 317.

W'liite-crowiitd, ."UO.
White-throatc) 311.
Yellow-wiugej, 305.
Stake-driver, 403.
Starlings, 335.
Siiiiimer Diiek, 500.
Swallow, Hank, 258.
Barn, 254.
Chimney, 110.
Cliff, 25o:
Kave, 256.
White-bellied, 257.
Swan, American, 480,

Tanager, Scarlet, 251.
Teal, lilue-winged, 495.

Green-winged, 493.
Tell-tale, 454.
Tern, Arctic, 548.
Caspian, u46.
Least, 549.
Marsh, 545.
Shcrt-tailed, 560.
Wilson's, 546.
Thistle-bird. 288.
Thrasher, Brown, 163.
Thrush, Brown, 163.

Golden-crowned, 218.
Hermit, 148.
Olive-backed, 152.
Song, 146.
Swainsoii's, 152.
Tawnj-, 160.
Water, 220.
Wilson's, 150.
Titlark, 200.
Titmice, 182.
Titmouse, Blackcap, 182.

Hudson's Bay, 185.
Towhee Bunting, 332.
Turnstone, 424.
Tyrant P'lycatchers, 128.

^.

Virginian Partridge, 389.
Vireo, Blue-headed, 277.

lied-eved, 270.

Solitary, 277.

Virco, Warbling, 273

NVIiite-eyed, 275.
Yellow-throated, 278.

w.

Warblers, 199.
Warblers, Wood, 201.
Warbler, Bay-brea,"ted, 228.
Blackburuian, 227.
Blackpoll, 233.
Black-throattI Blue, 2il.
Black-throated Green, 222.
Black and Yellow, 238.
Blue Yellow-backed, 203.
Bhie-winged Yellow, 212.
Cape May, 240.
Chestnut-sided, 231.
Connecticut, 208.
Golden-winged, 214.
Hooded, 245.
Magnolia, 238.
Maryland Yellow-throat, 208
Mourning, 207.
Na.shville, 216.
Oven, 218.
Pine-creeping, 229.
Prairie, 241.
Tennessee, 217.
Wnrin-eating, 211.
Yellow, 237.
Yellow liedpoll, 240. ,
Yellow-rumped, 226.
Whippoorwill, 119.
WidgLon, American, 499.
Willet, 452.

Woodcock, American, 430.
Wood Pewee, 137.
Woodpecker, Banded Three-toed, 95.

Black-backed Three-toed

94.
Downy, 89.
Goldeii-winged, 105.
Hairy, 87.
Pileated, 99.
Bed-headed, 102.
■nr ^ , Yellow-bellied, 96.
Wren, Golden-crested, 179.
House, 195.

Long-billed Marsh, 192.
Kuby-crowned, 178.
Short-billed Marsh, 194.
Winter, 177.

lellcw-bird, 288.
Yellow-breasted Chat, 209.
Y'ellow-throat, Maryland, 206.
Yellow-legs, Conmion, 456.
Yellow-legs, Greater, 464.

INDLX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

f^

•'9

y^

')

t'

^JS

J:

^

1

^!3

s

Accipiter Cooperii, 27.

ftiscus, 31, 81.
Actiturus UurtramiuH, 460, 478.
^gialites melodiis, 41U.

seinipaluiatuH, 417, 478.

voi'iterus, 413.

VVilsonius, 41B.
iEgiotlius cancsccns, 295.

linaria, 294, 371.
A^claius FhoBnicet!!), 841, 372.
Aix BDonsa, 500, 672.
Alaudida;, 280.
Alca tcrda, 564.
Ainmodroinus caudacutus, 307.
iiiaritimiis, 308.
Ampelis cedroruin, 266, 371.

garrulus, 204, 370.
Anas boschas, 487, 572.

obacura, 28, 489, 672.
Anseres, 479, 480.
Anser liyperboreus, 482, 571.
Anthiw Ludovicianus, 200, 369.
Antrostomus vocilerus, 119, 368.
Aqiiila Canadensis, 49, 81.
Arehibuteo lagupus, 43, 81.

Sancti Johannis, 45.
Ardoa herodias, 398, 477.
Ardetta exilis, 401 .
Astur atricapillus, 22, 81.
Aytliya Americana, 506, 672.
vallieneria, 507.

B.

Hornicla Canadensis, 488, 571.

brenta, 485.
Honasa umbellus, 384, 394.
Botaurus lentiginosus, 403, 477.
Hrachvotus Cassinii, 70.
Bubo Virginianus, 60, 81.
Bucepbala albeola, 614, 572.

Americana, 612, 572.
islandica, 511, 672.
Biiteo borealis, 36.
llneatus, 37.
I'ennsylviniicus, 40, 81.
Uutorides virescuns, 404.

c.

Calidris f.renaria, 449, 478.
Carpodacus purpureas, 285, 371.
Certhia Americana, 190, 371.
Ccryle aicyon, 125, 369.
Cliietura |)elasgia, 116, 368.
Charudriu.s Virginicus, 411. 478.
Cliiiulelasnius stropcrus, 407.
Chordeiles popctue, 122, 368.
Chroicocuphalus atricilla, 542.

Pliiladelpbia, 543, 578
Chrysomitris pinus, 290, 371.
tristis, 290, 371.
Circus Hudsonius, 40, 81.
Cistothorus palustris, 192.
stcllaris, 194.
Clamatores, 5, 125.
Coccygus Aniericanus, 83.

crythrophthalmug, 85.
Colaptes auratus, 105.
Collyrio borealis, 268, 371.
Colymbus septentrionalis, 557.
torquatus, 555, 673.
Coiitopus borealis, 135.

virens, 137, 369.
Corvus Aniericanus, 357, 372.
carnivorus, 355, 372.
ossitragus, 863.
Coturniculus Heuslowi, 800.
passerinus, 305.
Cotyle riparia, 258, 370.
Cupidonia Cupido, 380.
Curvirostra Americana, 291, 371.
luucoptcra, 293, 371.
Cj'anospiza cyanea, 330, 372.
Cyanurus crLstatus, 364, 372.
Cygnus Americanus, 480.

D.

Dafda acuta, 492, 572.
Dendroica aestiva, 237, 370.

Biacliburnia!, 227, 369.

Canadensis, 224, 360.

castanea, 228, 370.

coronata, 226, 369.

discolor, 241.

maculosa, 238, 370.

[.098]

INDKX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

".!»!»

ncndroica palinnrum, 240.

I'ciinsylvaiiica, 231, 370
pinus, 220, 870.
striata, 2.13, 370.
tigrina, 240.
viiens, 222, 369.

£.

Kctopistes miffratoria, 373, SM.
hinpidonax Acadicus, 143.

minimus, 141.

Traillii, 140.
r.remophila corimfa, 2^0, 371.
Kreunctes petrilicatiis, 450 478.
Krisrnatiira riihida, 525.
Ku.spiza Americana, 327.

Faico anatum, 7.
Fulica Americana, 476, 478.
Fulixafflnis, 605, 572.
marila, 504, 572.

G.

Ualenscoptcs Carolinenais, 172.
Gall'nasro Wilsonii, 435, 478.
Gambttta flavipcs, 455, 478.

melanoleuca, 454, 478.
Oarzetta candidissima, Sltfi.
Geothlypis Pliiladelphia, 207.
trichas, 205, 309.
Grallatores, 5, 395.
Graculus carbo, 534.

_ diiopluis, 535.

Guiraca Ludoviciana, 328, 372.

H.

Haematopus palliatus, 422.
Halirctus lencncephalus, 51.
Harelda glacialis, 516, 572.
Harporhynchiis riifus, 163.
Helminthophaga chrysoptera. 214.
peregrma, 217.
pinu.', 212.
IT , ..,. ruflcapilla, 215.

Helmitherus vermivoriis. 211.
Hinmdo bicolor, 207, 370.

horreonim, 254, 370.
Iuni(rons, 254, 370.
Histrionicus torqiiatus, 515, 572.
Hydrochelidon plumbea, 550.
Hylatomus pileatus, 99.
Hypotriorchis columbarius, 16, 80.

I.

Icteria viridis, 209.
Icterus Baltimore, 848.

Tcterius spiiriiiK, 346.
lM.sca.sort'.s, lOti.

J.

JuDcc 'lyemali.s, 314, 371.

L.

Larus argcntatiis, 541, 672.

mariniis, 540.
Limo?a fedoa, 403.

Hudsonica, 465.
Lophodytcs < iicullatua, 520, 673.

M.

Macrorhanipliiis griscus, 438, 478.
Mareca Anioricana, 409, 572.
Mclancrpcs crytliroceplialus, 101.
Melanetfa vclvctina, 518.
Moldspiza melodia, 321, 372.
paliistri», 323, 372.
Mergus Aniericanus, 527, 672.

Bcrrator, 526, 572.
Mergiilu.s alle, 570.
Mimiis polyglotfus, 167.
Mniotilta varia, 201, 369.
iMolothrus pecoris, 339.
Mormon arctica, 566.
Myiardiu.'; crinitu.s, 131.
Myiodioctcs Canadensis, 247.
mitraliis, 245.
pu,sillus, 246.

N.

Natatores. 5, 479.

Ncttion Carolincnsis, 49.3, 573.

Numeuius borcalis, 469, 478.

Hudsonius, 467, 478.
longirostris, 466.
Nyctale Acadica, 75, 81.

Ricbardsonii, 75, 81.
Nyctta nivea, 77, 81.
Nyctiardea garden!, 407, 477.

0-

Oidcmia .A.mericana, 521.
Oporornis agilig, 208.

Ortyx Virgin ianus, 38a

Oscines, 5, 145.

Otus Wilsonianiis, 68, 61.

Pandion Carolinensis, 55, 81,
Parula Americana, 203.
Paru.s atricapillus, 182, 371.
Ihidsonicus, 185, 371,
Pap.?en.uliis Savanna, 301.
Passerella iliaca, 323, 872.

fU)(»

INDEX OP SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

», Co

Is

8

Pellonctta jn'r-pieillnta, B20, 672.
I'erJKoreim (Jnnadeinis, 368 371.
I'linlnronus hypcrboreus, 42H, 478.
Philohela minor, 430, 478.
I'iioldes arcticiis, 04.
hirautiiii, 96.
I'ictis pubesccns, 89.

villosus, 87.
I'iiiionla Canadensis, 283, 371.
IMpilo erytliroplitliulmus, 332.
lMoitropliane8 lapponicus, 3(io,
nivalis, 290,371.
Podiceps comiitus, 661.

cristatus, 500.

griHcif^ena, 669.
I'odilynibus podiccps, 662.
Poocictcs grumineiiH, 303, 371.
Porzana Carolina, 474, 478.

Novubornoensis, 475, 478.
ProRne purpurea, 260, 370.
Pyranga rubra, 251, 370.

Querquedula discors, 495.
Quiscalus versicolor, 352, 372.

Rallus crepitans, 471.

elegans, 471.

Viryinianu', 472, 473.
Raptores, 4, 6.
Kasores, 5, 378.
Recurvirostra Americana, 426.
Regulus calendula, 178, 369.

satrapa, 179, 309.
Rhyacophilus solitarius, 457, 478.
Rissa tndactyla, 544.

s.

Sayornis fnscus, 183.
Scansores, 4, 82.

Scolccophagus ferrugineus, 350, 372.
Scops asio, 64.

Seiurus aurocapillus, 218, 389.
Noveboracensis, 220.
Setophflga ruticilla, 249, 370.
Sialia sialis. 175, 369.
Sitta Canaaensis, 188, 871.

Carolinensis, 187.
Somateria moUissima, 522, 572.

spectabilis, 623.
Spatula ch-peata, 4»6, 672.
Sphyrapicus varius, 96.
Spizella monticola, 317, 371.

pusilta, 319, 371.

socialis, 320, 371.
Squa».irola Helvetica, 420, 478.

Stercorarius parasiticus, 538.
pomarinus, 53S.
Sterna aranca, 54f>.

Ca.spia, 649.

frenata, 649.

macroura, 548.

Wilsonii, 546, 578.
Strepsihis interprcs, 424, 478.
Strisores, 4, 110.
Sturui'lla magna, 843.
Sula bassmia, 532.
Siirnia ululi', 79, 81.
Syrupbenila scinipnlmata, 4.'i2.
Syrnium liiicrciiiii, 72, 81.
nubulusum, 73, 81.

Tetrao Canadensis, 378, 396.
Thalassidroma I.eachii, 562.

Wilsonii, 563.
Tinnunculus sparverius. 19, 80.
Tringa Alpina, var. Americana 444

Honnpartii, 446.

canutus, 440, 478.

mnculata, 478.

maritiui.n, 442, 478.

subarquata, 443.

Wilsonii, 447, 478.
Tringoides macularius, 4-58, 478.
TrocTiilus colubris, 111,368.
Troglodytes a-don, 196.

hyemalis, 107 871
Tryngites rul'o«cens, 462.
Turdus fuscescens, 150, 889.

niipratorius, 154.

niustelinus, 146.

Pallasii, 148, 369.

Swainsonii, 152.
Tyrannus Carolinensis, 128, 889.

u.

Una grylle, 567.

lomvia, 568, 578.
ringvia, 570.

Vireo flavifrons, 278.
gilvus, 273.
Noveboracensis, 275.
olivaceus, 270, 371.
solitarius, 277.

Zcnaidura Carolinensis, 375, 394.
Zonotrichia albicoUis, 311, 371.
leucophrys, 809, 371.

siticus, 538.
larinus, BHS.
If..
41t.
41).
, B48.
646, B73.
PCS, 4a4, 47K.

,, 843.

2.

, 81.

ipiilmata, 4.')'2.
nil, 72. 81.
!<mn, 73, 81.

T.

9is, 378, 396.

I.cachii, B52.

VVilsonii, 363.

Firverius. 19, 80.

var. Americana 444.

rtii, 446.

, 440, 478.

a, 478.

m, 442, 478.

lat.-i, 443.

i, 447, 478.

lularius, 4-)8, 478.

iris. 111, 368.

Ion, lye.

•emails, 197 371

iccns, 462.

ens, 150, 869.

jrius, 154.

nus, 146.

i, 148, 369.

lonii, 152.

ilinensis, 128, S69.

u.

7.

68, 578.

70.

V.

IS, 278.
273.

racensifl, 276.
IS, 270, 371.
IS, 277.

rollnensia, 375, 394.
bicoUiP, 311, 371.
lucoplirys, 809, 371.