ALBERT R. MANN
LIBRARY

AT

CORNELL UNIVERSITY

THE GIFT OF
Hugh Hubbard

eee

wien

Cornell University

The original of this book is in
the Cornell University Library.

There are no known copyright restrictions in
the United States on the use of the text.

http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924000070965

FIFTY COMMON BIRDS OF CHINA.
BY
C. R. KELLOGG, H. W. HUBBARD AND
LEE HSIANG YUAN (2s & 5p),
WITH NOTES AND SUGGESTIONS

BY
G. D. WILDER.
PREFACE.

This little book on birds is the outcome of a demand for a handbook
of common Chinese birds to be used in Boy’s Clubs, Nature Study Groups,
and those interested in birdg study but who are bewildered by the
number of unfamiliar birds they meet in China. Even those who are
familiar with American and European birds find themselves at a loss
when they come to study the birds of this country, and it is hoped that
this booklet will aid in the identification of some Chinese birds and help
to create an interest in their study.

As first prepared brief descriptions were given of thirty common
Fukien birds, with a color key for their identification, but the manuscript
was later sent to Mr.H. W. Hubbard, of Paoting, (4% 42) Hopei Province,
who added the descriptions of twenty common birds of North China and
sent the material to Dr. G. D. Wilder for suggestions. The drawings
and color key prepared by Mr. Hubbard, and the notes and corrections
by both these enthusiastic and qualified bird students will serve to enlarge
and greatly increase the usefulness of the work.

The descriptions of the North China birds are taken from H. E.
Dresser’s Janual of Palaearctic Birds, while those of South China birds
were taken from specimens in the Fukien Christian University, after com-

parison with the descriptions in Moffett and Gee’s Birds of the Lower

(1)

自 然 科 学 #& HI

Yangze Valley. Notes on the nesting habits of Fukien birds are taken
from an unpublished manuscript by H. R. Caldwell, permission for the
use of which was very generously given. Where not otherwise stated the
descriptions are those of adult males in breeding plumage. The classical
Chinese names are taken principally from the Commercial Press Dictionary
of Zoological Terms and also from the ancient Chinese Dictionary called
Erh Ya (fff 雅 ), and afew from Pen Tsao Kang My (4 #£ 4) 8 Materia
Medica Sinensis of 16th Centary) and from Fukien Provincial Record, Great
credit is due to Mr. Chiang Ting I, (70 IF! 伊 ) one of the Seniorgin the
Fukien Christian University for his interest in the work, and Peas the
preparation of the Chinese names. The descriptions are translated into
Chinese by Mr. Lee Hsiang Viian. The nests and eggs of birds not
breeding in China are not described.

The classification is that Wilder and Hubbard’s Lis¢ of the Birds of
Chilli Province, and the nomenclature that of Dr. E. Hartert in Birds of
the Palearctic Region, the most modern system found of the birds of
China,

Books of interest to the bird student in China are:

Allison Color Key to some Central China Birds.

Dresser, H. E. Manual of Palearctic Birds. (H. E. Dresser,
Hanover Sq. London) 1902.

Hartert, E. Birds of the Palearctic Region (R. Fried-
linder, Berlin) 1901-1922.

La Touche Birds of Eastern China (Taylor & Francis,
London) 1926.

Gee, Moffett Birds of Lower Tangtze Valley (Shanghai
Mercury, Ltd.) I9I7,

‘Wilder and Hubbard List of the Birds of Chihli Province. (N. C.

B. 及. A. S.) 1924.
Gee, Moffett & Wilder Tentative List of Chinese Birds (Peking Soc.
Nat. Hist.) 1926.

(2)

Fifty Common Birds of China

WHY STUDY BIRDS?

Every wide-awake boy should be interested in birds. Their interesting
ways, delightful colors, and charming songs make them loved by all.
Besides these inducements for bird study, sufficient as they are, many
other are held out to the enthusiastic bird student.

A very important reward for the bird observer is the training in
observation and keen vision. One who is interested in birds and used to
their ways will often see birds th.t are unnoticed by one who has never
cultivated this ability, recognizing by a flash of color, a peculiarity in
flight, a momentary glimpse of a darting form, a rustle in the grass, or
a note from the hidden depths of a thicket, the presence of a feathered
friend that to others is non-existant.

One who studies birds will also receive splendid training in patience,
for hasty and bungling actions will very effectively prevent successful bird
study. To see birds at their best one must chcose, in the early morning
or the cool of the evening a spot frequented by birds and then quietly
wait for them to show themselves. Birds are full of curiosity, so that
if one flies into a thicket it will be almost sure to reappear if the
observer can restrain its impatience and remain still. We must allow the
birds to present themselves to us rather than try to force ourselves upon
them.

And then, until we have studied the matter we cannot realize the
actual worth of the birds to us in an economic sense. In one of the
states in America, with an area equal to that of Kwangsi Province, the
value of the birds was estimated at $1735.00 (gold) per day during the
growing season of plants, because of the injurious insects that they de-
stroyed. When we realize that the injurious insects take a¢ Zeas¢ ten per-
cent of each agricultural crop, the importance of birds is plain. China
has at present large number of birds to protect her crops against the
swarms of insects that would destroy them, but unless something is done

at once to stop the slaughter of innocent song and insect-eating birds,

(3)

A 然 科 学 季 A

the time will soon come when the insect hosts will swarm over the fields
as'they have done in: other lands. -One bird lover has said that any nation
that permits the killing of the birds should be eaten alive by insects, and
‘China should guard against sucha fate by protecting her -bird allies now,
before it is too late.

Let all who are interested in outdoor life, then, take up the study
of birds. Not only will it add to the economic resources of the country,
but it will bring to the bird lover and student a-joy and happiness obtain-

able in no other way.

(4)

Fifty Common Birds of China

LIST OF FAMILIES.

Family, Corvide. (B; 牙科 ) Crows, Pies, Jays, etc.

Corvus coronoidz hassi -Chinese Jungle Crow.

Corvus torquatus Parson Crow.

Corvus frugilegus pastinator Eastern Rook.

Pica pica sericea Common Magpie.

Cyanopica cyanus - Azure-winged Magpie.

Urocissa erythrorhyncha Chinese Blue Magpie.
Family Sturnide: (%% BF) Starlings, Mynas.

Acridotheres cristatellus Crested Myna.

Spodipsar cineraceus Grey Starling.
Family Dicruride. (32 Bt £L) Drongoes.

Dicrurus ater. Black Drongo.
Family Oriolide. ( 黄 岛 科 ) Orioles.

Oriolus indicus. Black-naped Oriole.
Family Fringillide. (4 #}) Finches, Buntings, Sparrows,

Chloris sinica Chinese Greenfinch.

Fringilla montifringilla Brambling.

Passer montanus Tree Sparrow.

Emberiza spodocephala Grey-headed Bunting.
Family Alaudide. (25 科 ) Larks

Melanocorypha mongolica Mongolian Lark.

Alauda arvensis Skylark.
Family Motacillide. (§% §& Fh) Pipitg, Wagtails.

Anthus trivialis macvylatus Eastern Tree Pipit.

Motacilla alba Streak-eyed Wagteil.
Family Ploceide. (% BF) Weaver-birds.

Munia zcuticauda Sharp-tailed Munia.
Zosteropide. (i AP FE) White-eyes.

Zosterops palpebrosa Silver-eye.

(5)

自 然 科 学 有 地 FH

Family Paride. (\\\ € #) Tits, Wrens, Crow-tits.

Parus major Lesser Titmouse.
Family Laniide. (3B #-) Shrikes.

Lanius cristatus lucionensis Red-tailed Shrike.

Lanius schach Red-backed Shrike.
Family Pycnontide. (4% 科 ) Bulbuls.

Pycononotus sinensis Chinese Bulbul.

Family Sylviide. (& #4) Warblers.
Acrocephalus arundinaceus orientalis Eastern Great Reed Warbler.

Family Muscicapide. (3 科 ) Fly-catchers.

Dryonastes perspicillatus Spectacled Laughing Thrush.
Trocolopterh canofin Huamei.
Turdus naumanni Red-tailed Fieldfare.
Turdus merula mandarinus Chinese Blackbird.
Copsychus saularis Dayal Bird, Magpie Robin.
Phoenicyrus auroreus Daurian Redstart.
Saxicola torquata stejnegeri Eastern Stonechat.
Family Enicuride. (ie F}) Forktails.
Enicurus sinensis. Chinese Forktail
Family Hirundinide. ($% $+) Swallows.
Hirundo rustica gutturalis Eastern House Swallow. .
Hirundo daurica nipalensis Red-rumped Swallow.
Family Cypsellida (雨燕 科 ) Swifts.
Apus pacificus Siberian Swift.
Family Alcedinidae. (f4 Fj J) Kingfishers.
Ceryle lugubris Great Spotted Kingfisher.
Alcedo ipsida bengalensis Little Blue Kiugfisher.
Family Picidae. (GR A BF) Woodpeckers.
Picus canus Green Woodpecker.
Dryobates cabanisi Pied Wcodpecker.

(6)

Fifty Common Birds of China

Family Cuculida. (ft; 92 FA) Cuckoos.

Cuculus canorus telephonus Cuckoo.
Family Strigide. (3 FL) Owls.

Glaucidium whiteleyi Whiteley’s Owlets.
Family Falconide. ( 营 \€ Ft) Falcons.

Falco vespertinus amurensis Eastern Red-legged Falcon.
Family Aquillide. (网 科 ) Eagles, Buzzards, Kites, Hawks.

Milvus lineatus Black-eared Kite.
Family Ibhidide. (5 ®& 科 ) Herons, Efrets, ‘

Ardea cinerea Grey Heron.

Egretta garzetta Little Egret.
Family Anatide. (WB 科 ) Ducks, Geese, Swans.

Anser fabalis Bean Goose.

Anas platyrhyncha Wild Duck. (Mallard)

Family C olumde. (A 4 科 ) Doves.
Streptopelia chinensis chinensis Spoffed-necked Turtle Dove.
Family Phastanide. (i 科 ) Turkeys, Partridges, Pheasants. ，
Phasianus .colchicus Ring-necked Pheasant.

(7)

刊

NAMES IN CHINESE

Name in

No. Scientific Name Classical Chinese Local Name (Peiping) | Local Name(Foochow)
I Corvus coronoidz hassi. | & ¥8,% 雅 . | 老 舌 . #2 B-
2 Corvus torquatus ......... HAE BERS. | AR EE.
3 Corvus f rugilgus Pe nee | ill Es. 老 确 , 老 公 .
4 Pica pica sericea,........... ete ih zc FRR EB.) 喜 ib. Bent, Gas, 2 ie. BCH.
5 Cyanopica cyanus ......... (l) == iB, DR S iib- i ee a. _
6 Urocissa erythrorhyncha | 级 豆 A ill BB- 长 尾巴 BR, ACME ESB. | 长 尾 哥 , ae. we:
el | — nee =
8 ER cineraceus ... het tis, SRG | pe ae (BE ae. HA, EMH.
9 . ns 站 和 0 Re Oe, HB. Be ae bl, &E hg.
1 | Offolas indicus... ssc. KOER RE | em. RE.
11 | Chloris sinica te. Ap Tie 8. Se Hb HR: iB:
12 Fringilla montifringilla... | 46 Se. BE OE He E-
13 | Passer montanus............ 28, #. RER BRM HE| SE REE

(8)

Fifty Common Birds of China

NAMES IN CHINESE. (Continued)
No. Scientific Name Pec ee Local Name (Peiping) | Local Name(Foochow)
14 Emberiza spodocephala 35 +. a GA Fi.
15 Melanocorypha mongolica | 4 K |, A HF B- By 露 .
I6 Alauda arvensis............ | K 2 €. bay BS 儿 , 叶 天 子 匈 .
17 Anthus trivialis ............ A BE. Bs hn ee 儿 .
18 Motacilla alba.............. . | BAS. BBE R. Mee SK
19 Munia acuticauda ......... x B. 看 tir 局 .
20 Zosterops palpebrosa...... 等 腿 . By AB i. A BME. nee es
21 Parus Major wen FE E- ae oe SB OB, eee. | 白面 焦 .
22 _Lanius Cristatus .,.………………: AF 3.
23 Lanius schach.............+. 海南 AB. ae TF 08, 1A 3.
24 Pycnotus sinensis ......... 白头 公 . 白 BA fe. ,
25 Acrocephalus arundinaceus | 章 #E, 3£ #- Be Gd BE BG SE
26 Dryonastes perspicillatus. | #&. AR ¢% 2&8

(9)

Ay

NAMES IN CHINESE (Continued)
No. Scientific Name Gas Local Name (Peiping) Local Name(Foochow)
27 Trocolopteron canorum .. | 2 丑 . = Ja. = A.
28 Turdus naumanni........... Ss FE BE Be Fi Se
29 Turdus merula manderinus | #7 B. 后 We.
30 Copsychus saularis... ..... i B, mi eB.
31 Phoenicurus auroreus...... 茶 第 . 4E #0 ae Ga Ze Be
32 Saxicola torquata ......... vy 6. 72
33 Enjicurus sinensis .......... ae YE 精 .
34 Hirundo rustica Elis 家 We, We. Re HE Ga, He ANG iE FRE pik aaah
35 Hirundo daurica nipalensis | 34 4% 3#é. FE HE 5a. BA HE
36 Apus pacificus... ........, Fg ae. Mp SRE. Be HE FRE, gg SRE
37 Ceryle lugubris vied apne n VaR ‘SF we. Jk 2B FE fa
38 _ | Alecdo ipsida bengalensis | 急 狗 . 2 fa, fa Fy weeds |
39 | Picus Cantus. oo. ccccseas aly Be. EAT AK WK AK 岛 .

(10)

Fifty Common Birds of China

NAMES IN CHINESE (Continued)

No. |* Scientific Name Geet eee Local Name (Peiping) Local Name(Foochow)
40 Dryobates cabanisi......... 46 B: | HUST, FE WSF R.- .
4I Cuculus canorus............ ra ii. We Ih. 布 Be:
42 | Glauciaium whiteleyii...... a. 猜 王 岛 , MI, 夜 洗 .
43 Falco vespertinus.………,， 青 FE. FF we +, GR RE:
AG Milvus lineatus............. pe. i HE, 3 2B PR. EB.
as Ardea cinerea.......... eines EE 5S, FF HE:
46 Baretta garzetta...... Be, Be Be. Be, @ @.
47 Anser fabalis...... .. cesses | JRE. K VE. By HE.
48 | Anas platyrhyncha......... je. pees eg BF HE.
49 Streptopelia chinensis... | 4 iif. FE BE Hs. HE BE, BE AB.
50 | Phasianus colchicus......... Ht By HE, il) Be. HE Se.

(11)

自 然 科

学

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SPP Awe SN

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SBN AARKAESSSSRNYAARES S| GS

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

The Parts of a Bird.

Head of Chinese Jungle Crow.
Head of White-necked Crow.
Head of Eastern Rook.

Common Magpie.

Head of Azure-winged Magpie.

Tail of Azure-winged Magpie.
Chinese Blue Magpie.
Cyested Myna.

Head of Grey Starling.
Black Drongo.
Hairy-crested Drongo.
BlacK-naped Oriole.
Brambling

Feet of Lark and Pipit.
Head of Streak-eyed Wagtail.
Silver Eye.

Lesser Titmouse.
Red-tailed Shrike.

Head of Chinese Bulbul.
Red-tailed Fieldfare.
Chinese Blackbird.
Chinese Forktail.

Eastern House Swallow.
Siberian Swift.

Little Blue Kingfisher.
Green Woodpecker.
Pied Woodpecker.

(12)

Fifty Common Birds of China

29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.

Cuckoo.
Head of Grey Heron.

Wild Geese Flying, from a Chinese painting.

Foot of wild Goose.
Head of Mallard Duck.
South China Turtle-dove.
Ring-necked Pheasant.

(13)

自 Aw OR 学 刊

DESCRIPTION OF A BIRD.

Ditties vite s sind hess 8 FOOLY ss stass nae vps vewnne Pedal” IG cies ys vs vaties nem ae
Sige: Tength. in. Larger, smaller, than sparrow, dove, magpie.
Color: General .9 Forehead .ee ee Ce
Crested seis aka views: Je Back. occcc senses RUMP... ccc cana voles ese
Throat.........-..05 Bréast.c. 5 caste Sides............ 昌国
Bill: Color. Long, medium, short. Slender, thick, hooked. .........
Bristles at base............... Hy C6 seca esee esas se Marks about eye.
Wings: Long, short, narrow, broad. General color. cece eee eeeeee eee
3 0
Tail: Long, short. End, square, cleft, round. Pointed, in shz.pe
6 Bars: OF DO
Legs: Very long, long, medium, short, Color............... 汪汪
Naine of By MI1U2LN ee 2
Chinese Classical VGN 了
Remarks Characteristics, habitat, additional notes etc，

N. B. To use this description, fill in the blanks and check the words
which apply to the specimen under study.

(14)

Fifty Common Birds of China

superell jum crown front

lores

Rape a ips LK upper mandible
oe - 2 — lower mandible
rum trroat
< =" cheek

ni ees eee ae? SS breast
primaries Ct 2 ET NY
ss mn ( lesser
ee BES oy Sie wanes {ite

Tower back
bacle

‘tertials

secondariag

过 一 -一 一

upper tail coverts Ke ye

2 机 ASreater
AAA 地 1 ae 8 side

tibia

ower

tailecoverts tarsus WS Sanne

Fig. 1.—Parts of a Bird.
FAMILY CORVIDAE

Crows, Pies, Jays, ete.

The Crow Family deserves to come first in our list, as it is considered
by most bird students to be the most intelligent group of birds. This
family is represented in almost every parte of the world and is especially
numerous in China. Of some thirty species found in this country, we can

describe but the six most common.

The Corvidae have the nostrils concealed by bristle-like feathers
(Fig 2), except the adult Rook, which latter loses these feathers at
matruity. (zg. 4). The feet are strong and well adapted to a great

amount of walking around on the ground in search of food.

‘ugh
The Crows proper are usually black all over, some have white in
their plumage. They are a familiar sight in almost any part of China,

city, country, mountain, plain or seaside.

(15)

5 然 科 学 fF A

A fie 松 IB 等 .

BEARS BRSARERA PRR SHR HOR
Mis AEH RN E-REEFSES HT BB Dp
坊 多 ,就 中 有 三 十 种 见 於 中 国 ， 我 们 所 述 的 只 是 很 普通 的 六 种 .

岛 雅 科 的 鼻孔 被 刚毛 状 的 羽毛 (第 二 园 ) 记 蔽 着 ,但 成 长 的 山
岛 在 外 , 鼻 在 成 熟 时 失掉 过 些 刚毛 (第 四 图 ) PY a
Cth LRED BWM.

SREY RARER AM AMEN MARES PRs
在 城镇 , 乡村 , NN iL, SUSE Sp oe AE DL APY BB yd BE TB.

(16)

Fifty Conimon Birds of China

(1) CHINESE JUNGLE CROW (Fig. 2).

Corvus coronoides hasst. Length 21 inches.

Bill and feet black, iris dark brown. Bill stout and covered with
stiff feathers at base, pointing toward tip of bill and covering nostrils.

Plumage. (Adult). Entire plumage deep black, glossed with purple
and green; feathers on the sides and back of neck disintegrated so as to
be like hair and nearly glossless; feathers on the throat only lanceolate
(pointed like a lance), for a spaee of an inch across.

Characteristics. This Crow is a scavenger and is the fellow that
is often seen in your back yard, picking at a pile of refuse or thawing
ice. He is generally found singly or in pairs and never in large flocks,
like the Rooks or Jackdaws that go out to the fields every morning and
back to their roosts in the city about sunset. He is sometimes found in
the mountains.

Distribution. North China; similar varieties of the Jungle Crow are
also found in South China.

Nest and Eggs, The nest is built in tall trees, of twigs and sticks
lined with hair, feathers, and such material. Eggs four to six in a clutch.

(Note). Very similar to the Jungle Crow is the Carrion Crow
(Corvus corone), with a more slender bill and more purplish glossy plu-
mage. The Jackdaw (Corvus neglectus), which occurs in si and central
China in great flocks in migration, is much smaller and sie tee have a
white nape and belly,

() BB OS = TAD
BHA SET. OA A I OS, BE A SO,
HEM ERS BLE ML RAAT,

AA Es (Be Bi Ay) APR, WER AO YG AE, A By
MEMELMR WAP RAL MEL ERE EAR
i BA 2 1 He Oe IE A.

(17)

4 # § %& A

PPE 3% A ES $b AL (SEL, i BL AE HE SS ie EB
WE Wy (ER. OR TS He HR YE Oe BEE YE. SE HG ae OES a By eH
ty, We Ae RE WL >. AK HP EL WE SS BL PED Js, Se BS Ws I WE By
WB TE] IR TT BE BE 9 De Dt NGS AE SC CG A FE AD A RAY. AS TE Se
win B, es

Ay AR op BY de Hs SRG EL) By Ak LA BO

GE Al] SM 5 Ses A BR ea HE,
Play He Py Fc EY A. ON Pe BP PS He EN Ke.

Cae) An £5 HS BR FA Wy BE ob OES (Corvus corone), 33 f& BA BE AM
py fy YS Fn Be SRE Hy EB. FEHR (Corvus neglectus) JA Ws A BA At HB AN
He, BRERA KBBKRDEKERERAA EH KB

lid
部 。

Bristle-like feathers

Fig, 2. Head of Chinese Jungle Crow

(Corvus coronoiles hasst).

(18)

Fifty Common Birds of China

(2) WHITE-NECKED OR PARSON CROW. (fig. 3)-

Corvus torqualus. Length ‘19 inches.
Bill, tarsi, black. Iris black.
Plumage. Color solid black all over, with the exception of a white

collar, extending clear around the neck, broadening some what on the
breast.

Characteristics. Wery common in the rice fields and cultivated soil,
feeding upon molluscs and crustacea, often digging out the snails and crabs
from the dykes cf the fields. Also very common along the edges of
rivers and streams, where they feed on the refuse thrown up by the curren.
Seldom seen in large flocks, but go about singly or in pairs.

Distribution. Found all over China, not migraitory.

Nest and Egg. One of the first bird to start nest building, often
starting in Fukien in December, in Hope? in March and April. The nest
is made of sticks, plastered inside with mud, and placed on a forked

branch, often in very tall trees. Eggs 5-7 in number.

(>) GSB OS = wD)

ADS BWR Ee EMME ERM Bead

AG RTS 6 oe SI Bs eS id BK BH
外 ,其 从 至 体 的 羽毛 都 是 滤 密 的 黑色 。

特 性 常 在 吉田 和 耕地 ,以 软体 动物 和 甲 玖 类 ,篇 食 .在 原野
fy EE RK EE. AHEM ARAMARK
J Oe BE Yn. BEG 9 1 > SL SHE — oe

4y Ai Awa BW, RBA.

HFN SREMNMHRAL RL EMEA EM Rt
=H eMILAK LHR ON PRES CRRE ME WB
ee, By SB et OD HB EK,

(19)

Fifty Common Birds of China

(3) EASTERN ROOK (Fig. 4).

Corvus frugilegus pastinator. Length 19 inches,

Bill and legs black. Iris blackish brown.
Plumage, Deep black, head and neck glossed, with purple. Bill of
adult bird is bare from base of bill to eye and a mall patch at the base

of the lower mandible.

The characteristics, which distingush the Rook from the Crow are

nh
(a) More smooth and thine! plumage, (b) Finer bill, (c) Bare bill of adult,
(d) The Rooks and Jackdraws gather in large flocks as the Crows do not.

Characteristics. The Rooks roost in trees in or near a city or large
village and they go out to the fields at sunrise, returning about sunset.
In the fields flocks of Rooks are often seen, seeking worms and insects

and also grain, preferably in freshly 加 人 Soil.
Distribution. All China.

Nest and Eggs, The Rook nests in colonies, often 15 or 20 nests in

a tree sometimes on a busy city street. Nest is made of sticks thrown

togather and lined with straw, etc. Eggs 4-5 in a clutch, greenish blue,

marked with lighter or darker brown.

(3) WW & GA A)
山 岛 体 长 十 九 英寸 .路 和 脚 黑色 . 虹 彩 淡 黑 神色 .
羽毛 漆黑 色 , 头 及 标 有 紫色 反光 . KRRLBRBLEMS
眼 是 裸 的 ,而 且 下 喘 的 基部 有 小 志 .
UBM RAAB BAAS BE eR) 山 饥
BE SG (Z) OF BD, () BR. (CT) BG

KKB, ti B45 A B-
(21)

om)
常 合

自 BS 科 学 季 刊

he PE EME EL, 或 在 城镇 内 或 近 城 镇 , 或 在 大 村 慕
内 , 或 近 大 村 ese mba HA By BEA, He PY
we Wak BF AK. 在 田间 犯 们 的 大 群 ， 党 可 网 到 ， GG ot Fn EL Bt eB
BE HE DO RT EYE Ee

分 布 Pm

RAN WU SHkhARKR-BME-MELEAEE OB
二 十 个 , 有 时 营业 人 於 繁盛 城市 的 街道 . RAKKHAT KR AD
WB 5 es BE EG ye. OD AE REP He eT He AE YR RE YE OS, PER
#8 0% i.

(22)

“Fifty Common Birds China

White bare skin

Bill black

Fig. 4. Head of Eastern Rook (Corvus frugilegus pastinator).

(23)

自 然 科 学 季 A

(4) COMMON NAGPIE (Fig. 5)
Pica pica sericea. Length 19 inches.
Bill and tarsi black.

Plumage. Head, breast, and back a dead black color, but the wings
and tail showing a rich irridescent greenish and purplish black. Abdomen,
shoulders, and rump, white. Also inner edges of primaries white. Female
same color as male but not so glossy.

Charcteristics. Very cOmmon in trees and on the gronnd about
houses and gardens. They feed on offal to some extent, but are not at
all averse to robbing the nests of smaller birds and eating their eggs
and young. Very brave in the defense of their home, and are offten
seen driving off the larger kites, crows, and cats. Although useful as
scavengers, it is doubtlf ul if they do not more harm than good.

Distribution. Found over Burma, China, Southern Japan, Hainan,
Formosa, and N. W. Korea. ‘

Nest and Eggs, Nest a huge dome of sticks, often two or three
feet high inside of which is placed a smaller true nest. Often the nest

has servetal opening near the top. Eggs are six in a clutch.

(44) 2 条 (第 五 图 )

BBS EAI. mee ee.

7A GSH, Wa HY Me 9 2 AO A a
8 WY Be 5. ME 70 SE. 0 eH GY.
峻 的 玖 毛 和 奴 一 样 ,但 不 如 雄 的 那样 光亮 .

等 性 在 桂 训 和 近 屋 含 及 财 闻 的 地 方 , 过 岛 很 普通 的 幅 们
壳 食 腐 网 过 汲 中 过 相当 箔 围 , 但 估 居 其 他 较 小 的 岛 儿 的 革 , ee
APY 5 SB A SIE, A AS 2k Se AR SE SE ES AR Te a
BAM BO, 05H it hE ER, HEM MKB eS Ra,
we PL 9 A WE BYE dW Ee, (dE TY Be HY.

分 布 3 ky Hs Ls TE, Se A a a

(24)

Fifty Common Birds of China

HAN RABKAERAD HARE SHBCMER
REKR, LEREREK)HRR ERABREAMAMA
的 口 . SB — EK

Dead black color

Bill black

iG Vip

Fig. 5. Common Magpie (Prpe pica sericea).
(25) OA

A 然 科 学 季 Fl

(5) AZURE-WINGED MAGPIE (fg. 6 & 7)

Cyanupica cyanus. Length 15 inches.

Bill aud legs black, iris blackish brown.
Plumage, Crown, nape and sides of head velvet black. Upper parts

ashy grey. Wings and tail rich azure blue, latter tipped with white. Tail
about 8 inches long, and much graduated (See /7g. 7).

Characteristics. In habits much like the Magpie. It frequents

gardens and groves, where it is often seen in f fous which are often seen
making short flights from tree to tree. These flocks are often very noisy
and the call rather harsh. They feed on the ground, eating various in-

sects as well as grains and seeds.

Distribution, China, East Siberia, Korea, Spain, and Portugal.

Nest and Eggs, Built in colonies, made of sticks and tw2gs, grass,

moss and mud. Eggs greenish white, spotted with brown, 5-7 in a clutch.

(5) 山 = #8 (SARRSLE)

ae AS EE SE A. OF RH GS, fa.

ACEAERAWARERE LRKRRRKGRRE SH
FES AMARA REARDON EBS Sem.

特 HE Gk pe BRNO KREME
1 ie At FR SE Oe A TR. Eo, ae pe.
nh 5S fe HS tb, We 4 AG oh A A ROR BB.

分 AW ois (1G (8 AE EB, BE, OS, DG TE OF WR aH ag OR.

SE All SM Sk we He — ne, J ee, 3 UE He. OU a, a ag
色 班 点 , EET ID BI Op.

(26)

Fifty Common Birds of China

Bill black

Blacle

Ashy brown

(Cyanopica cyanus).

Fig. 6, Head of Azure-Winged Magpie

.| Feathers azure often
tipped with witite

Tipped with wiiite =

=<.

SY

SG < ~

UT TL
ID

of a Magpie.

Pig Fs

(27)

自 然 科 学 = Al

(6) CHINESE BLUE MAGPIE (Fig. 8)

Urociga erythrorhynca. Length 22 inches.

Bill and tarsi coral red. Upper mandible hooked.

Plumage. Forehead, checks, and throat, intense black. Back of head
and nape of neck bluish grey. Back and wings coverts slaty-blue color.
Primaries and secondaries decid4y blye, tipped with white. Under tail
feathers same color, ending with black hand, followed by white, giving
under side a barred appearance. Under parts and rump a dull bluish-grey.

Characteristics. Sometime found jn foothills, though of it is a
mountain bird, thriving best in mountain fastnesses and among wooded
ravines, Flight is slow and graceful, and as seen in full flight with ef
the crest crect and long tail streaming tremuloysly behind, it is one of
the most beautiful birds.

Distribution. Found throughout China, those in the North being
Urocissa erythrorhyuca brevifixilla and are slight lighter in color.

Nest and Eggs. Nest composed of sticks and weed stems, lined
with rootlets. Eggs clayey brown, sometimes greenish, spotted with dull

reddish brown over underlying reddish grey spots. Five eggs in a sete
(6) Be a BS GB A ID

ei ho eR SEE OG ADP SH BE OT

AA Ei WG FO Oe J os By SRS. TE 灰色 .
fa 0 32 28 7 a RE A FR HE SE HE,
尖端 桨 忌日 色 . BARRE Rigs BA TD. 体
2 RU SZ — i Sh RE RK EB.

性 JER fas 10s J AL Ae yO 也 可 见 到 , 山 吉 的 安稳 地
Hi FO Ht Re BS BU AF A Se EF. FAS BEB TT HE
WwARECUE S. TEEN EE MW BE. Hh 5: — Fh Tk

yas Ap S 站

分 散布 於 至 中 国 ,在 北部 老 篇 Urocissa erythvrohyned breviv-
exilla, 颜色 稍 淡 .

(28)

Fifty Common Birds of China

SN Al 3 RMR. Hw EO MR OB KR
BE ABLRGE MO MRA EMME RET Ra
斑 . -~ HE Hh HD.

Bluish grey

Coral red

Slaty-blue: color

White
IN
NS
NS

SS

Fig. 8. Chinese Blue Magpie (Urossia erythrorhync >.
(29)

A ae 科 -学 = Fi

FAMILY STURNIDAE.
Starling s.:

The starlings are medium sized birds with a short, square tail made
up of 12 tail feathers, and a straight, pointed bill, with a decided angle
downward at the base of the lower mandible. (Fzg. 10) The Wine has 10
primaries, the first very short.

Starlings are usually seen in flocks, feeding under the trees or in the
trees or in the grain fields. They fly swiftly, in a rather compact group.

Mynas (the name in Hindustani signifies Starling) are very abundant
throughout the Indian region, from where they have been introduecd into .3
other parts of the world. One species has been introduced into the
Hawaiian Islands where it has become very common. Two species are
abundant in South China, where they may be seen going about in large —

flocks feeding upon insects.

tf Ey

MARBLED RAW RE A-® WRRABME Rbt
二 枚 尾 列 钥 合 而 成 , Wi, 在 下 嘴 的 基部 , 其 口角 显明 地 向 下
(第 十 团 ) 3 AF 0 Fl $B IN 7 BG 1 SE OB BS —- 2 2 7

eee a a ee ae eRe wa oe
a.

W545 GS 1% ae) Ze ED BE ee SR BREA) 在 印度 地 方 是 很
繁多 的 , 且 由 过 处 传 布 从 世界 各 不. 有 一 种 已 传 至 夏威夷 群岛 , 现
CK BR eM BT. 有 两 种 在 中 国 南 部 ,是 繁多 的 .在 这 处 常
成 大 群 , 先 食 昆虫

(30)

Fifty Common Birds of China

(7) CRESTED MYNAN- (Fig. 9)
Acridotheres cristatellus. Length 9 inches.

Bill and tarsus yellow. Iris red.

Plumage. Entire plumage uniformly black, except for a broad white
bar across the wings, on the under side, and white tips to lower
‘tall coverts and outer tail quills. The white shows only while in
flight, when it is very noticeable. A tuft of feathers arising from the
base of the bill gives the birds its crested appearance.

Characteristics. Very common in South China, where it is often
seen on the backs of the water buffaloes, or close at their heels, picking
up the insects f rightened up by the animals. They are also fond of fol-
lowing a plow for the grubs and insects turned up.

Distribution. Central and Southern China to the Philippine Islands.

Nest and Eggs. Nest is placed in the natural cavity of a tree, a
hole in the wall, or in the abandoned nest of a magpie. It is composed
of grasses, green leaves plucked from trees, feathers, and other soft

materials.

(9) #8 # (8 Jt lal)
a Ae Ge Fe Ay SE Ah. OS An Me He A AL.
WEAMAEE HRM O-ES 60 ET RR 和
gh IB A tty SS SHB Ee Pg eB, GE BS)
fi = EAE WG 9 TE AH, Oe eB AT RY BL
74 性 ge ch Bl EB EE, HS EE eS KE
“ey Be HE SE ake “FY DAD BR RR Eo 7 WL A AAD Be BH
We ok Bee, Sy Sy SB
附 SE ee IB Bt RMD oe
AY AR ge vp Bd By HG an Wa AB BR SE GE DBE
Oe ee ee 202 ee ee 或 在 辟 条
HE) LER LT RMR ROE OH Mth A
柔软 的 东西 构成 .
(33)

自 然 科 学 e Fi

Fig. 9. Crested Mynay (Acridotheres cristatellus).,

(32),

Fifty Common Birds of China

(8) GREY STARLING (Fig. 10)
Spodiopsar cineraceus. Length 84 inehes.

Bill orange at base, Back at tip. Tarsi orange.

Plumage. Crown glossy flack, feathers fine and silky. White streaks
on forehead. Around eyes and auriculars (ear feathers) heavily streaked
with white. Entire upper parts and wing coverts brownishgrey. Wing
primaries and tail quills dark grey to almost black. Rump white. Under

parts dark grey, abdomen and under tail coverts white. Female like male,

but showing less irridescence in the black areas.

Charaferistics. Abund@nt after late fall and during winter on the
plains, feeding on berries of trees and the hard white fruits of the
talllow tree. The birds assemble in large numbers feeding on the trees

or on the ground. Often seen feeding in company with the crested and
black-necked mynas.
4A .
Distrib$tion。 From Mongolia to south Chfina, migrating in the
North.
Nests and Eggs. Nests in holes in trees in Mongolia, rarely in

North and Central China.

(8) WK RB GS + TD

灰 述 筷 体 长 人 又 二 分 之 一 英寸 . 嘴 的 基部 权 色 , 而 尖端 黑色 ,
Bl He.

Wh Es x 2 6, i AS Ts HE A AT JR HE TH
HEME AGH MMS LUBMREDRBKE RR
Wan EE WANG He 6 Jo ER CS, BG. eB, 1B
“FET C4. ie RE A 8 TL, A 9 Od GU SB

Atk 许多 的 灰 述 岛 当晚 秋之 后 和 冬季 , EERE ABA

(33)

| 然 科 @ = 7

AL ANMHAMEREARERERASRLAAM EMER
4k: $k: SU IB BA BS 48 Ao A SA we Oe — FSR aR

分 布 ea Se oe SE oh WA 1 HB, EB BM A HB.

8 All NN MABEL PBA BRS SE

Ear coverts white, streaked with black
有 Forehead brown:

Bill orange

Blackigh ‘
Black at tip

Base of lower
mandible brownish green

Fig. 10, Crey Starling (Spodiopsar cineraccus).

(34)

Fifty Common Birds of China

FAMILY DICRURIDAE

Drongoes.

The Drongoes are medium sized birds, wholly black, or nearly so, in
plumage. Their bills are like a Crow’s, with strong bristles at the base,
but much smaller in size. The tail is rather long and is forked. The
Drongoes are graceful in flight, often seen in the tops of trees and
bushes, darting after passing insects to return, in graceful curv§s, to their
perches. :

There are three kinds of Drongoes found in China, but only one of
these in at all common.

ak Rt
黎 OE
“Ra ID PKB DESBREKER BRE BLED
By HR BE AY BE, SSL AES FA Ly 1 A PD 8 DB
ER EMO. ARMERE BRRBARBKZAL ER
fy SB sn = GE, TG BE STG Td TAL, We SE RE A) Eh BS IE BE AC. Be SEB SE A
=@6 LR pw, ep aA aE

(35)

1 然 # & #& WI

(9) BLACK DRONGO (Fig. I 1)
; AA F
Dicrurks ater. Length 12 inches.
Bill black, at base wide and with stiff bristles. Legs short and black.
Iris red.
Plumage. (Adult). Shiny black all over. Tail well forked. Young
are dull black, with under parts washed with white.

Characteristics. The Drongoes are insect-egting birds and are often
seen taking their food on the wing. Their song is not loud but at times
very sweet. They are’ found in the bird markets, especially in summer.

Distribution. All China, migrating north aud arriving at Peiping
about May 15th, leaving again in September.

(Note). The Hairy-crested Drongo, Chibia hottentotta breviros-

tris (Ftg. 12), is rarer and the distinguishing feature is its larger size,
lanceolate feathers on neck with metallic reflection, horse hair crest, and

more curling outer tail feathers.

Dicrurus leucogenys, The White-cheeked Drongo, is very com
mon in Fukien throughout the summer. With the exception of the cheeks,
which are white, the entire body is a solid ashy-grey. color, making the
bird casy to identify. The tail is long and forked. .

The birds has the typical fly-catcher habit of darting forth from a
limb and catching its prey in mid-air.

The nest is placed astraddle of a pine bow, usually in a fork, high

above the ground.

(0) BBA CA + — |
me Be Ge Hh FS f+ SE op. BE fe Se HS DA a JL Ay BRD ey. I
而 B. 虹 BR.
AG KER) SHRM BOL DKME SINE E, 下
whe HA.
(36)

Fifty Common Birds of China

PE RRR ER Rh BLES ERMA PARADES A.
FLAK HEAR EE, AME BUH. CRB BERET BS.
HAW ABS «

Dy AG sy he HO i EB IG HO A TBE

(FE) ye BB os % BEG (Chiba hottentotta brevirostris 第 十
二 图 ), BBR Re LRA, — SBT HE, 检 锋 形 的
羽毛 在 栋 上 带 有 金属 的 反光 , 冠 羽 马蜂 状 , 外 尾羽 是 较 捧 起 的 .

Ai — FA IR Be ME (Dicrurus leucopenys), 夏 上 时 在 福建 是 很 普通 的 .
除去 白色 的 闫 外 ,人 至 体 呈 钝 的 炭 灰 色 , 故 极 易 认 巷 . 尾 长 而 分 义 .

过 岛 有 和 从 权 枝 疾 飞 而 前 在 守 空 中 摆 其 弱 肉 之 著 明 捕虫 岛 的
习惯 . SL Bs HE AS AT ln HR, EL SLO es ES Tt

(37)

Fig. 11. Black Drongo (Dicrurus ater),

(38)

Fifty Commom Biads of China

Fig. 12. Hairy-crested Drongo (Chihia hotlentotta brevirostris }.

(39)

自 #® FF 学 8 FW

FAMILY ORIODIDAE.

Orioles.

The Oriolidae.is a small family of only three species, of which only
one is found in China. They are a medium-sized bird. Their strong,
straight bills are shaped like a long cone, but the upper mandible is
slightly curved and hooked at the tip. Their legs are strong and not
longer than the middle toe. Tail medium.

These beautifully colored birds have much yellow in their plumage

and are tree dwellers.

黄 Bt
黄 Eh

RS A 2 A = Sy — DR, Sep a — A
Bi. AMPS a Hh JA OR, SE aR Ti TEL AY YY, JE AR A SS Ve SE ATR, (EB
Ae bi A fie i 2H ICR A, AOS RE ES RK. 过
ECR EAR HE. Re Lee x.

(40)

Fifty Common Birds of China

BLAKK-NAPED ORIOLE. (Fig. 13)
Ortiolus indicus. Length 94 in

Bill reddish-yellow. Tarsus lead blue. Iris ‘light ‘brown.

Plumage. Brilliant golden yellow. A black band from base of bill
passes through the eye and around the nape:of 'the-neck; broadening on
the back of the head. Wings black with the ‘greater coverts “yellow.
Primaries edged with yellow. Central tail..feathers black: Female. similar

to-male wirh the exception that much .of :the bright yellow color gives

way to greenish-yellow, and the markings are less distincitive. ..

Characteristics. Although very brilliantly colored they are not so
easily seen as one might imagine. Often in the spring when they come
back from'the south the liquid notes of the male may be heard some
time before the birds can be seen, owing to their hiding in the thick

foliage of the large trees. Very common throughout China in the summer.
Distribution. Spends the summer in Formosa, Japan, and China, as
far north as Siberia. Winters in Burma, Ceylon, and India.
Nest and Eggs. Nest similar to, but coarser than, the nest built,
by the American orioles, The eggs are a rich creamy pinkish white,
marked with a few reddish-brown lines and spots with some paler purplish-

brown spots.

(10) = ee

黄 夫 体 长 九 又 二 分 之 一 英寸 . 嘴 淡 :和 Re WH Ee BR
is 色 .

AG 明亮 的 金黄 色 . 有 一 黑 纹 从 嘴 的 之 基部 猎 过 眼睛 , 围
Ny EM BH RAE RAZAKBM URE. OB
ADH 2 Be PREDRERAUK BIEN RE MES
UE i i ET AB UA Ob, HE HS BE SHE

(41)

自 然 科 学 = Fil

tH Same RRAD AS, Me RE
目 .在 春季 党 拖 们 和 从 南方 回来 的 上 时候, ROBE TOMBE RS
花 旋 水 的 欧 曲 , APE BR, BRR REE RE RS
HARKER WH RK BES BP BR EB.

AR ESRB AK PARRA EBS
7% te $i fy, 98 BA. 和 印度 .

ET] DD ARENAS RK AURA MERA
RRC GRAD REY RM, Bea
色 的 得 点 .

4)

Fifty Common Birds of China

Bill reddish-ycllow

Fig. 13. Black-naped Oriole (Oviolus indicus).

(43)

de

Fi

(44)