ees ALBERT RK. MANN LIBRARY AT CORNELL UNIVERSITY Cornell University Library 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/cu31924022538015 Cornell University Library QL 675.D25 1898 Nests and il of North American birds / SO 3 1924 022 538 015 om NESTS AND EGGS — OF — NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. AMERICAN ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK (BLACK PHASE. ) ARCHIBUTEO LAGOPUS SANCTI-JOHANNIS. From Fainting by Lowir Agassiz Fuertes. From 7ke Osprey. NESTS AND EGGS —~ OF —— NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS —-BY—— OLIVER DAVIE Author of “METHODS IN THE ART OF TAXIDERMY,” Ete. THE FIFTH EDITION REVISED, AUGMENTED AND ILLUSTRATED PART II. ORNITHOLOGICAL AND OOLOGICAL COLLECTING (The preparation of skins, nests and eggs for the cabinet.) COLUMBUS: THE LANDON PRESS 898. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1898, by : : OLIVER DAVIE, In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. ‘Ob! why has worth so short a date, While villains ripen gray with time.”’ —Burns. DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF LUCIUS S. WILLSON One of nature’s noblemen: My companion in many a woodland stroll, whose keen eye observed and gloried in the charms of varied pastoral scenes, whose listening ear heard and delighted in the caroling of feathered songsters and the cadence of murmuring streams. His ear caught the music of breezes as they wandered through the boughs of forest trees, and, while striking the tenderest chords on their Adolian harps of russet-brown leaves, in the Autumn of 1882, they muttered to him their last farewell, and whispered something like—Eternity. THE AUTHOR. PREFACE TO FIFTH EDITION. The text of the present edition consists of the characteristic habits of North American birds, with particular reference to their nesting habits and eggs. Many of these will be found to be almost complete life histories of the species. The geographical limits of the North American avifauna at the present time includes all the territory north of the Southern United States boundary, including Greenland and the peninsula of Lower California, with the islands naturally be- longing thereto. The second edition of the A. O. U. Check-List, 1895, is the classifi- eation which I have followed, including the new a and subspecies enumerated in the Eighth Supplement. All stragglers or accidental visitors have their respective numbers to the left in brackets. For an explanation of the authority of names, Canon L. (page 56) of the A. 0. U. Code may be quoted: “The authority for a specific or subspecific name is the first describer of the species or subspecies. When the first describer of the species or subspecies is not also the authority, it is to be enclosed in parenthesis; e. g., Turdus migratorius L., or Merula migratoria (L).” The species and subspecies which have been interpolated in this edition are in- dicated by the double asterisk (* *). : No attempt has been made to describe the birds. For an analytical description of these the reader is referred to such works as “Key to North American Birds,’’* by Dr. Elliott Coues, or “Manual of North American Birds,’}+ by Robert Ridgway. / While I am indebted to books and periodical literature for a considerable amount of information gleaned from them, my acknowledgments are especially due a large number of active field ornithologists and oologists who have kindly placed at my disposal their notes containing original observations in the field on the nesting and eggs of various birds, many of these being the latest discoveries. Others have furnished descriptions of nests and eggs from specimens in their private collections which, in many cases, were otherwise scarcely obtainable, thus bringing the work down to date as nearly as possible. _ i The illustrations are introduced simply to give the beginner an idea of the characteristic forms, etc., of the birds, together, often, with their environments. OLIVER DAVIE. Columbus, Ohio, January 4, 1898. * Published by Estes & Lauriat, Boston. + Published by J. B. Lippincott Company, Philadephia. NESTS AND EGGS == oF == a ————— ESS North American Birps. NOTE.—The nomenclature followed in the present edition of this work is that of.the’| American Ornithologists’ Union Check-List.* The measurements ‘of the eggs are given in inches and hundredths, except in cases where’ correspondents have furnished the : measurements in millimeters. These will be found reduced to inches and hundredths in - foot notes, as appears in the text of the Western Grebe. : 1. WESTEBN GREBE. . Aichmophorus occidentalis (Lawr.)- Geographic Dis- tribution.— Western North America, chiefly the interior, from Mexico and Lowe: California to Manitoba. ‘Vais is the largest of the Grebes in North America. Its distribution extends from Mexico and Lower California on the south, to the State of Washington and the Red River Region on the north, breeding nearly throughout this entire range. A common summer resident at Utah Lake and also at Lake Malheur, in Eastern Oregon, thence eastward to the extensive marshes of Shoal Lake,'in Manitoba, where it breeds abundantly. Mr. Edward Stebbins found it breeding in an arm of Devils Lake, North Dakota, in the first part of June, at which time all the eggs were more or less incuvated. He estimates the number of nests observed to be about two hundred in an area of an acre and ahalf. They were built in water three or four feet deep, and were made of reeds and sedges matted together and fastened to the tall, rank grass, so as to float on the surface. It is a remarkable fact that the Grebes cover their nests with weeds and other vegetable matter before leaving them, so that incubation may continue during their absence. The Rev. P. B. Peabody ob- served the Western Grebe nesting among the flags of Heron Lake, Minnesota, on June 2d. Only a few of the nests observed by Mr. Stebbins were covered; the tall grass obstructed the view of the birds, so that when approached they would hurriedly slip off the nests, and leave the eggs exposed. The only birds seen were those in the * Check-list @f I*--th American Birds, prepared by a Committee of the American Ornithologists’ Union; second revised edition, 1895. New York, L. 8. Foster, Publisher, 35 Pine street. 24 2 NESTS AND EGGS OF vicinity of the nests, and they swam away with their heads and necks above water, making a kind of cackling noise. In their habits they resemble the Loon, diving or swimming under water with the greatest ease; and, when on the wing, they fly with won- derful rapidity for birds of their mature. The eggs of this species are from 2 to 5 in number, ellip- tical oval in shape, very pale pluish green in color; and, like all | Grebes’ eggs, the surface is stained a light brown, or very much soiled by contact with the decomposed vegetable matter of the nests. Mr. Walter BE. Bryant, of Oakland, Cala., has a set of 5 eggs in his collection, which were taken at Washoe Lake, Nevada, in the latter part of May. These measure as follows: 59x39, 63x39, 58.5x38, 60x38, 59x39.5 mm.* Three sets in my collection, two of five eggs and one of four, taken py Mr. Stebbins, measure: 2.32x 1, WESTERN GREBE, 1.58, 2.40x1.57, 2.50x1.53, 2.46x1.58, 2.48x1.60; 2.14x1.48, 2.27x1.54, 2.30 ¥1.68, 2.29x1.58, 2.28%1.53; 2.44x1.52, 2.87x1.47, 2.52%1.44, 2.45x1.47. The bird known as Clark’s Grebej is probably the female of Z. occidentalis. Its habitat is given as Western North America, chiefly along the Pacific coast. The bird and its eggs are recorded as averaging smaller than types of occidentalis. 2. HOLBGLL’S GREBE. Colymbus holbcllii (Reinh.) Geog. Dist.—North America at large, including Greenland. Also Eastern Siberia, and southward to Japan. Breeds in high latitudes, migrating south in winter. In the large bodies of water, the little bayous and sloughs, rivers and grassy pools from Northern Maine to Greenland; from the swamps of the Red River Valley of the North, and again, westerly and northward to the margins of the placid lakes that border the great Yukon River in Alaska, and beyond, this Grebe makes its sum- mer home.§ In the Fur Countries it breeds in lonely and retired places, such as in the tussocks of wiry grass that border the Waterhen River and Long Lake in Manitoba, It is said to breed abundantly at these places, and often where it is quite common during the breeding season, its presence may not be detected after many weeks’ stay about its haunts. The nest is built similar to that of the common Dabchick, and like © 2.32x1.54, 2.48x1.50, 2.36x1.50,.2.32x1.56 inches, 7 Placed in the ‘“‘Hypothetical List” of the A, O, U. Check-List.. ¢Cf. Henshaw, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, VI, 1881, pp, 214-218; B. B, and R., Water Birds N. Am., H, p. 423; Bryant, Auk., II, pp. 313-314, § The summer home of a bird is generally understood to be its breeding plare. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 3 other Grebes this: species covers its eggs before leaving them with grass and vege- table matter gathered from around the bottom of the nest. A set of three eggs, col- lected by H. A. Wallace, in the marshes bordering Long Lake, in Manitoba, exhibit the following dimensions: 2.15x1.20, 2.15x1.32, 2.17x1.14. Their color is a dull white, with the usual soiled surface. Eggs in a large series vary from a whitish to a green- ish white, and there is also a great variation in size, as they measure from 2.05 to 2.55 long by 1.20 to 1.50 broad. Mr. Wallace informs me that the number of eggs laid by ' this species ranges from two to five, and sometimes seven. 3. HORNED GREBE. Colymbus «auritus (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Northern ‘Hemisphere. Breeds froni the Northern United States northward. The Horned Grebe is a generally diffused and an abundant species throughout North America. It is not uncommon in all suitable places, during the summer months, along the margins of the crystal lakes and rivers of Michigan, Wiscon- sin and Minnesota, and it is recorded as_ breeding sparingly in Northwestern Illinois. Mr. Frank W. Langdon makes note of its supposed nesting in Otta- wa county, Ohio.* It breeds commonly in the grass- pordered lakes of the Fur Countries. Dr. Coues says: “TI found it breeding at vari- ous points in Northern Da- kota, as along the Red River, in the prairie sloughs, with Coots, Phalaropes, and various Ducks, and in pools about the base of Turtle Mountain in company with P. californicus and the Dabchick.t Mr. Thomas McIlwraith records it breeding in all suitable places throughout Ontario, notably at St. Clair Flats.”£ Mr. Mcllwraith says: “The nest is so completely isolated that the young when hatched may be said to tumble out of the shell into the water.” A curious habit of this and other Grebes is that of quietly sinking beneath the surface of the water, or, as it were, like a snow- flake, melt away with scarcely a ripple. The nest of the Horned Grébe, like all others of the family, is simply a floating mass of decayed vegetation fastened to the rushes and reeds in shallow water. The eggs are from two to seven in number, four being the usual nest complement; their shape is more of an oval form than is gen- erally noticeable in the eggs of the Grebes; they are bluish-white in color, with the usual discolorations on the surface. They vary from 1.60 to 1.85 in length, and from 1.10 to 1.20 in breadth. 4, AMERICAN EARED GREBE. Colymbus nigricollis californicus (Heerm.) Geog. Dist.—Northern and Western North America, from the Mississippi yee westward. 3. Horrep GREBE. *Summer Birds of a Northern Ohio Marsh: Journal of the Cincinnati Society of Natural History, Vol. III, pp. 220-232. + Birds of the Northwest, p. 132. t The Birds of Ontario, being a list of Birds observed in the Province of Ontario, with an Account of their Habits, Distribution, Nests, Eggs, etc. By ‘Thomas MclIlwraith, Super- intendent of the Ontario District for the Migration Committee of the American Orni- thologists’ Union. Published by the Hamilton Assocation. Hamilton: A. Lawson & Co., Printers, 1886. See also new revised edition, 1894. William Briggs, Toronto, publisher. 4 NESTS AND EGGS OF In most of the States and Territories west of the: Mississippi River, this species breeds more or less abundantly in suitable localities, and its breeding range is al- most as extensive as its habitat. It has been found nesting in the grassy. lagoons of Texas, in the fresh water ponds of California, the pools and sloughs of Eastern Oregon, the alkali lakes of Colorado, Kansas, and the Territory of Wyoming, in, the little inlets of the larger bodies of water in the Dakotas and in Minnesota, thence northward to the inland waters of British America. This Grebe, in common with the others, is justly noted for its expertness in diving and swimming, and, like all true divers, is awkward on land. From the posterior position of the legs these birds stand almost upright, so that they have more the air of a small kangaroo than of a bird. Its general breeding habits are like others of the family, nesting, however, in more open situations, in flags and rushes, or upon a floating foundation in shallow water. In the absence of the bird the eggs are covered with debris. The habit of covering the eggs among the Grebes is either for the purpose of concealing them from enemies, such as Hawks and Gulls, or that upon the artificial heat, produced by the decayed vegetation, they are more or. less dependent for the hatching of their eggs. When thus covéred, the birds are known to remain away from their nests during the entire daytime, - The eggs of this ° species are four to eight in number, and in Minnesota, the. Dakotas and Wyoming, they are deposited in the first part of June. They are elongated in shape, bluish white in color, but soon become soiled by the wet material ‘of ‘the nest. The measurement of eight eggs, collected in the marshes of Red Lake, Minnesota, on the 7th of June, are as follows: 1.79x1.21, 1.75x 1.20, 1.73x1.25, 1.70%1,15, 1.80x1.23, 1.79X1.25, 1. 73x1.20, and 1.78x1.18.- A set of four eggs from North Dakota has a decidedly puff ground color instead of the usual bluish white. 5. ST. DOMINGO GREBE. Colymbus dominicus Linn. Geog. Dist.—Texas and Southern California, southward through Tropical America to Paraguay, includ- ing the West Indies. Here is ‘the smallest of our Grebes. It has a breeding range extending from the Valley of the Rio Grande southward into the tropical regions, nesting in the wild herbage of the lakes and ponds of Mexico and Central’ America, in many of the islands of the West Indies, and the sloughs of the immense level, tropical plains and pampas of South America. Its entire life is spent in the water, and it possesses the same aquatic habits peculiar to all the Grebes. Dr. James C. Merrill was the first to establish the claim of this species as belonging to our North American fauna. He found it a rather common resident in Southwestern Texas. On May 16, 1877, he found several nests, undoubtedly, belonging to this species, in a salt marsh a few miles from Fort Brown. “They were made of water plants and pieces of reeds slightly fastened to one or two tule stalks, and forming a wet, floating mass. No eggs were obtained.”* The eggs are described as a “pale, chalky, greenish white,” with the usual discolorations. They vary in size from 1.25 to 1.50 long by .85 to 1.00 broad. 6. PIED-BILLED GREBE. Podilymbus podiceps (Linn) Geog. Dist.— British Provinces southward to Brazil, Buenos Ayres, and Chili, including the West Indies and the Bermudas, breeding nearly throughout its range. * Notes on the Ornithology of Southern Texas, being:a list of Birds observed in the vicinity of Fort Brown, Texas, from February, 1876, to June, 1878 By James C. Merrill, Assistant Surgeon U. 8S. Army. Proceedings of the United States National Museum. Vol. I, pp. 118--173. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. PIE-BILLED GREBES AND NEsT. 6. é NESTS AND. EGGS OF Thick-billed and Carolina Grebe, Pied-bill Dabchick, Dipper, Water-witch, “Devil-diver,” and “Hell-diver” are some of the names applied to this Grebe. Most of these refer to its wonderful powers of disappearance under water, and by one or more of these names it is known to every boy who has wandered with a gun along any of our creeks and rivers, It is a common bird throughout its range. The nest of the Dabchick is a little floating island of decaying rushes, reeds or grass, mixed with mud and debris brought up from the bottom of the slough or reedy pool in which it is built. The structure is fastened to the flags and aquatic plants; these are pulled down and piled upon each other till the nest rises two or three inches above the water. Mr. A. M. Shields informs me that in the neighborhood of Los Angeles, Cala., this species is very abundant—any lake or pond without the presence of two. or three little Grebes seems very barren indeed. It nests about the middle of May. The number of eggs laid by this | species ranges from six to nine; the complement; however, is usually seven, and their average size is 1.72x1.17. Five specimens se- lected from five sets exhibit the following dimensions: 1.68x1.19, 1.70x1.18, 1.78x1.18, 1.74x1.17, 1.70x1.17. In Kansas, in the latter part of May, a number of nests were found containing from five to ten eggs each.* This species, like other Grebes, during the process of incubation, conceals its eggs with a covering of weeds and other vegetable material during the day, “‘and they are uncovered at dusk by the bird, who incubates them until the morning sun relieves her of her task.” 7 LOON. Urinator imber (Gunn.) Geog. Dist.—Northern part of Northern Hemisphere. ‘In North America breeds from the Northern States northward; ranges in winter south to the Gulf of Mexico. : The Loons are large, heavy birds, with fattened bodies and rather long necks; the legs are placed far back in the body, giving them great propelling power in the water. They are the most expert of all divers; disappearing beneath the water at the flash of a gun. The present species is known as-the Great Northern Diver. In North America it'is found from the Atlantic to the Pacific, breeding from about latitude 42° northward to within the Arctic circle. Mr. Nelson states that this Loon is less common on the shores of Bering Sea than either the Red or the Black-throated species, but is far from rare at most places.{ Mr. W. A. Davidson found the Loon . nesting in the marshes of the Detroit River. Mr. Edson A. McMillan informs me that they. are quite common in the lakes of the Adirondack mountain region during the breeding season, which is about the first part of June, Here they breed on the islands occupied as “breeding grounds by, the American Herring Gull, Larus argen- tatus smithsonianus. He says that of nine different Loons’ nests which he examined, none of them contained material of any kind; they were simply hollows in the sand where the eggs were deposited. In Maine, Michigan and Wisconsin and other lo- calities the birds are known to build a roughly-formed hollow of sticks, weeds, sod and water grass. Mr. Andreas T. Hagerup in his “Birds of Greenland,” ” says that he obtained from the Greenlanders eggs of this species in July and August, The Loon’s eggs are very dark-colored, of an olivaceous brown, sometimes olivaceous *“Ornithologist and Oologist,” a monthly magazine devoted to the study of Birds, their Nests and Eggs. Volume X, Pp. 165. Published by Frank B. Webster, Hyde Park, _ Mass. : + Report upon. Natural History Céllections made in. Alaska between the: years 1877 and 1881 by: Edward W. Nelson. Edited by Henry W. Henshaw. Prepared under the di- rection ‘of the chief signal officer. No. III, Arctic Series of Publications issued in con- nection with the Signal Service, U. S. Army, with 21 Plates. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1887. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 4 7. Loon. drab, spotted and blotched with a very dark brown. In shape they are narrowly oval, occasionally very much lengthened. The number laid is two, sametimes three; in Size they vary from 3.40 to 3. 90 long by 2.10 to.2.38 broad. Two eggs in my possession collected by Mr. McMillan measure 3.63x2.26, 3.44x2.25. 8. YELLOW-BILLED LOON. Urinator adamsii (Gray.) Geog. Dist.—West- ern Arctic America and Northeastern Asia. This species is also known as the White-billed Loon. The bill is of a light yel- lowish color, and the general dimensions of the bird are greater than those of the last species. Less is known concerning the life history of this species than any of the Loons, The type specimen was.secured on the Alaskan side of Bering Strait by Dr. Adams, of the British Navy, during the search for Sir John Franklin, and since that time, beyond the fact that the bird ranges over most of the circumpolar main- lands, little has been added to its history. It was first described in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London for 1859. Mr. John Murdoch (1885) records this Loon as a regular summer visitor at Point Barrow, and it probably breeds, though the eges were never found. L. M. Turner (1886) says that it occurs sparingly at Saint Michael’s. Mr. Nelson (1887) states that it is not a rare summer resident in certain localities about the head of Kotzebue Sound. The nesting habits and the eggs of this species are, in all probability, similar to those of the common Loon. 9. BLACK-THROATED LOON, Urinator articus (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—North- ern part of the Northern Hemisphere. In North America migrating south in winter to the Northern States. The Black-throated Diver is a bird which is more or less common in the northern regions of the globe. It breeds commonly throughout the interior of Norway and Sweden, and far up into Lapland. In most parts of the British Islands this Loon is 8 NESTS AND EGGS OF considered of rare occurrence. On the little islands of the fresh water lochs, from the middle portion of Scotland northward to the islands beyond John O’Groat’s. House—the Orkney and Shetland—this species is known to breed as well as on the Hebrides on the west coast.. In North America it, occurs as far south as the United States. On the Pacific coast it is réplaced by the next species, U. pacificus. Accord- ing to Nelson this Loon is very common all along the American shore of the sea about Kotzebue Sound, and they are also humerous on the large streams and marshes of the interior, and the eggs have been taken at Fort Yukon. Like all the Loons, its home is on the water; it is awkward and almost helpless on land. Its progress under water has been estimated to be not less than eight miles an hour. Mr. Nelson says.that the eggs are usually placed on some small islet in a secluded pond. There is no attempt to make a nest, and frequently the eggs lie in a spot washed by water when the wind blows from the right quarter. In spite of this the young are duly hatched. Two eggs are deposited, of a dark olive, blotched with black spots which are generally confluent about the larger end, véry frequently they are crowded into a black patch at the very apex of the larger end, elongated in shape, but occasion- ally somewhat oval. Extremes in size are 3.08x1.95 and 2.75x1.76. Twelve sets, selected from forty- six sets of this species’ eggs are in Mr. Crandall’s collection. They were collected in various parts of. Sweden, Lapland and Finland. These show an average measurement of 3.32x2.06. 10. PACIFIC LOON. Urinator pacificus (Lawr.) Geog. Dist.—Pacific Coast of North America, south in winter to Cape St. Lucas and Guadalupe Island. As its name implies, the Pacific Diver is confined to. the West, and the above habitat clearly indicates its range... Mr. Murdoch mentions it as very common at Point Barrow. It breeds in the Arctic regions—on the islands in the lakes and bays of Alaska—in the marshes of the Yukon River, and it has been found breeding in considerable numbers at Fort Anderson. It breeds commonly in the innumerable lakes and ponds of the Near Islands, Alaska,* accoruing to Turner. The nest of this Loon is made in a decayed mass of vegetation similar to a Grebe’s nest, and often it is a mere hole in the turf in which the eggs are deposited. Sometimes the depression is found to be scantily lined with feathers. One hundred .and five nests observed by Mr. MacFarlane, in the vicinity of Fort Anderson, contained no more than two eggs each.t The eggs are described as having a ground color, varying from a deep amber to a pale greenish-gray and in size measuring from 2.95 to 3.25 long by 1.85 to 2.00 in breadth. X~ 11. RED-THROATED LOON. Urinator lumme (Gunn.) Geogr. Dist.—North- ern part of Northern Hemisphere, migrating southward in winter nearly across the United States. This beautiful little Loon breeds in high latitudes. It is also a bird of the Old World, where its breeding range is about the same as that of the Black-throated Diver. It is not an uncommon summer resident of New Brunswick, and it breeds in company with the common Loon in the Province of Quebec, Canada, on the islands of the St. Lawrence River and Gulf. In the large lakes and ponds of Mani: toba it is a tolerably common summer resident, and particularly in the Red River valley. From these places northward to Alaska, and in the Arctic regions it breeds *This group forms the westernmost portion of the Aleutian chain; they are so designated because they lie nearest the Asiatic Coast. 1 Baird, Brewer and Ridgway’s Water Birds, Vol. II, p. 457. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 9 more ‘or less abundantly in all suitable places. It is common during the summer months in Greenland. . In Labrador it breeds in'the first part .of June; in Hudson Strait,eggs may be collected from the middle of June to the middle of July. Through- out: Alaska, Mr. Nelson says, the present bird is by far the most abundant species of Loon. From the first of June until the first of July fresh eggs may be found. The nesting sites chosen are identical with those of the Black-throated species. Mr. M. Abbott Frazar says that on the islands and along the coast of Labrador this: species nests on the edge of the smaller ponds, these often being mere pools of sur- face water. The birds make no nest, but deposit their eggs in a bare hollow space on the ground, usually not over a foot from the water’s edge.* Two eggs are laid, and the color varies from deep reddish-brown to grayish-green, sparsely spotted with brownish-black. In size they vary from: 2.65 to 3.00 long by 1.70 to 1.85 broad. A set of two eggs collected by J. N. McFadden, on Resolution Island, Hudson Strait, June 18, measure 2.74x1.78, 2.72x1.81. Two sets of eggs collected by-Mr. Pope near Anti- costa Island, at the mouth of the St. Lawrence, measure as follows: 2.90x1.81, 2.88x 1.75; 2,98x1.76, 2.90x1.70, respectively. These are in the writer’s collection. 12. TUFTED PUFFIN. Lunda. ‘cirrhata (Pall) ‘Geog. Dist.—Coasts and islands of the North Pacific, from California to Alaska, _and from Japan 7 Bering Strait. Accidental on the coast of. Maine. is ‘ A curious bird with a parrot-like bill, hence the name of Sea Parrot which is applied to all the Puffin. This species breeds on the islands along the Pacific coast, from the Farallons northward. to the islands of Bering. Sea.. Its general color is black, with a conspicuous white faee mask, long, floating yellow ear-tufts, bent like the horns of a ram; the legs are red, the beak is red and green, ‘making altogether a grotesque looking creature. The. birds deposit their single ege in crevices of rocks; a burrow is often dug in the guano, which has for ages accumulated on these islands; sometimes a few pieces of weeds are found in the bottom of the cavity, but often no material is used as a nest lining. Mr.C. Barlow, who has made a careful study of the birds on the Farallons, says that the nest of this species is usually at the end of natural burrows in the granite cliffs; the cavities vary in length from two fo five’ feet. At one place they are found depositing their eggs in little depressions behind the rocks; the eggs being generally out of sight of the passer by} Mr. W. O. Emer- son, who has collected extensively on the Farallon Islands, says that one of the birds may always be seen at the entrance of their nesting places on guard duty; they are among the most noisy of the sea birds, always screaming while out on the rocks, and constantly “growling” while in their burrows. Fresh eggs may be collected in the middle of June. Mr. Emerson informs me that he has taken fresh eggs and young birds in the latter part.of July. One pair will'rear two or three birds in a season. The eggs lave a ground color varying from a pure white to a yellowish buff. Some have a circle of lilac markings about one or both ends. Eggs will be found in a large series having tan colored spots over the entire surface; others have lines and zigzag markings, while some seem to be immaculate, but upon close examination deep-lying shell markings are noticeable. Four eggs measure 2.87x1.88, 2.83x1.86, 2.84x1.86, 2.82x1.89. In a paper entitled “Birds and Eggs from the Farallon Islands,”} based principally upon Mr. Emerson’s “matchless collection of birds and eggs, and his ‘ * Ornithologist: Per Ooloetst, ‘Vol. XII, p. 2 +A few Notes on the Tufted Puffin in The Oologist, Vol. XI, p. 353, ¢ Read before the California Academy of Sciences, December 19, 1887. ‘ NESTS AND HGGS OF 10 12. TuFTED PUFFINS AND NESTING Burrow. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. n notes regarding them,” the author, Mr. Walter E. Bryant, says: “I have carefully measured fifty Puffin’s eggs, which average 70.2x48.4 mm.* The individual propor- tions of eight eggs, showing. the greatest and smallest extremes of both diameters, are 81x50, 77x48, 74x50, 71.5x51, 71x46, 65.5x45, 64x50, 63.5x50 mm.’’} 13. PUFFIN. Fratercula arctica (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Coasts and islands of the North Atlantic. Breeding on the North American coast from the Bay of Fundy northward, south in winter to Long Island, and casually farther. — The Common Puffin is found exclusively in the waters of the Atlantic, breeding on the eastern coast of North America from Maine to Greenland. In Europe it breeds from Great Britain to the northern coast of Norway. The nest is made in a burrow in the earth, dug by the birds. Far north thousands breed in the fissures of rocky cliffs and in the sides of bluffs; two birds are often found sitting, each on its egg, in the same burrow. The eggs are deposited late in June and in July. Mr. Frazar found these birds abundant on the coast of Labrador. an island of two or three hundred acres in extent was covered with Puffin burrows; about a thousand nests examined contained one egg each, while in a dozen others there were but two eggs to a nest. The greater part of these were plain, dull white; others were more or less thickly spotted with obscure chocolate and reddish brown markings; a num- ber had distinct brown spots, blotches and tracings, such as are seen in the Murre eggs.{ The sizes range ‘from 2.25 to 2.85 in length by 1.45 to 1.85 in breadth. 13a. LARGE-BILLED PUFFIN. Fratercula arctica glacialis (Temm.) Geog. Dist.—Coasts and islands of the Arctic Ocean, from Spitzbergen to Baffin’s Bay. This bird, a subspecies, is like the last, but greater in size, the bill larger and differently shaped. It breeds in the far north, on the islands of Baffin’s Bay and along the coast of Greenland—nesting in the same manner as arctica. The eggs are not distinguishable. According to Mr. Ridgway they average larger than F. arctica.§ i 14. HORNED PUFFIN. Fratercula corniculata (Naum.) Geog. Dist. i sa and islands of the North Pacific, from Kurile Islands to Sitka. The Horned Puffin breeds on the bleak rocky islands of the polar seas. It is found along the coast of Alaska, is common in the Northern Pacific Ocean and on nearly ali the islands of Bering Sea. Mr. Nelson states that this bird breeds abundantly on the Near Islands, but is not resident there. They are resident from the Aleutian chain south, but are summer residents thence north. They are equally abundant along both shores of Bering Sea, and south they are found on the coast of California and that of Japan. They also occur on the Commander Islands. Thousands of them breed on every rocky island, and whenever a vessel nears land in that region the clumsy form of the Puffin soon becomes a familiar sight. It takes its name from the slender, upright horns on the upper eye-lids. The term “horns,” however, is regarded by some as misleading. In the. living bird the horns are said to be only soft, flexible. caruncles or wattles. - The nest-holes of this species are in the deep, narrow interstices of rocks, seldom within the reach of a man’s arm, and, except in the absence of the bird, it is hazardous to attempt to rob the nest. Like the Tufted Puffin, Lunda cirrhata, it often inflicts a severe wound with its powerful bill. The * 2,76x1.90 inches. | -$3.19%1.97, 3.03x1.89, 2.91x1:97, 2, $1x2,01, 2.79x1.81, 2.58KL.77, 2.56x1,92, 200x197 inches $¢Ornithologist and Oologist. Vol. XII, pp. 2-3. ' § Manual North American Birds, p, 11. NESTS AND EGGS OF 12 HORNED PUFFIN, MALE, SUMMER. 14, HorNED PUFFIN, ADULT, WINTER PLUMAGE. 4. 14 HorNED Purrin, YouNG Mace, WINTER. ’ BL oe NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 13 nest cavities are linea with grass, moss, ete A single egg is laid, which 1s oblong- oval in shape, pure white in color andnpe shell ls as measuring 2.74x1.84. 15. RHINOCEROS AUKLET. ‘Gorroinga “Snonocerate (Pall.) Geog. Dist.— Coasts and islands of the North Pacific, froin Lower California (resident) to Japan. On the islands of the Pacific coast, from | Washington northward, the Horned- billed Auk is said to breed, and was thought “to breed on islands farther south. It is nocturnal in its habits, remaining throughout the daytime in crevices among the rocks and burrows in the ground, where it deposits its single egg. This is similar to the egg of the Horned Puffin—dull, chalky white, with discolorations and faint shell markings of obscure purplish-gray. Sizes range from 2.65 to 2.90 long and ted 1.80 to 1.90 broad. Mr. Ridgway gives the size as 2.70x1.82. 16. CASSIN’S AUKLET. Ptychoramphus aleuticus (Pall.) Geog. Dist.—Pa- cific coast of North America, from the Aleutian Islands to San Diego, breeding south- .ward to the Farallons. Mr. Emerson found this species wipieiant on the Farallons. It is nocturnal in its habits, flying and roving about during foggy, stormy or moonlight nights, but never at dusk. After dusk, howevet, they come out of their holes in the rocks all over the island, and can be heard calling to one another their peculiar notes, chec- rie-kee, chee-ric-kee. Mr. Taylor says: “Some observer has stated that Cassin’s Auklet on the islands does not burrow. This is a mistake. Many of-the Auklets lay their eggs in holes in soft earth in places where it can be found.”* Mr. C: Barlow remarks that the Tufted Puffin and Cassin’s Auklet are somewhat similar in their ‘manner of nesting, and both species are usually found in the same locality, although the Auklet nests in all situations about the island} Any convenient crevice or hole in a pile of rocks which affords a hiding place suits this species for the purpose of depositing its single egg. Mr. Bryant, in his paper, “Birds and Eggs from the Farallon Islands,” says that this Auk arrives early in the year, coming in great numbers in the night of January 14, 1887. Two and three young are supposed to be reared in a season. Young birds in the down have been taken in September. Con- sidering the size of this species, it lays a very large egg. The bird measures eight ,to nine and a half inches in length, or about the size of a full-grown Woodcock, while its egg averages 2.25X1.47. At first appearance the egg seems to be white, but upon holding it to the light it is a delicate shade of emerald green. The shell is finely granulated, and the general shape of the egg is ovate, some ‘more. pointed, than others. Two extreme examples measure as follows:, 1.97x1.42, 1.65x1.22.: ‘There is a series of ninety-four eggs in the odlogical collection. ot Mr. C..W. Crandall, all taken on South Farallon Island. The smallest of these saad hs 1.681. 27, the largest 1.98x1.32, average size 1.81x1.33. . 17. PAROQUET AUKLET.. ee een ee (Pall.). ae Dist.— Coasts and islands of the North Pacific, from the Aleutian and Kurile Islands north- ward. *“A Trip to the Farallons,” by H. R. Taylor, Vol. I, pp. 17-19, of The Nidologist, an Illustrated Monthly Magazine devoted to the study of Ornithology with special reference to the Nidification of North American Birds. H. R. Taylor editor and publisher. As- sociated with Dr. R. W. Shufeldt. Office: Alameda, Cal. , tAn Ornithological Paradise. Some observations gleaned from a sojourn in the famous Farallon Islands. By'C. Barlow, Santa Clara, Cal, In The Museum, a journal de- ‘voted exclusively to research in Natural Science. Published by Walter F. Webb, Albicn, N. Y., Vol. I, pp. 38-44, 14 NESTS AND EGGS OF 17, Paroguet AUXLET, FEMALE ADULT, SUMMER. Like a number of other species, the Paroquet Auklet has a strong preference for deep water and the islands situated in it. “It feeds at sea, flying out every morning, returning in the afternoon to its nest and mate.” The bird is known also by the name of Pug-nosed Auk. It is distributed irregularly throughout the Northern Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea, being quite common on the Prybilof and Aleutian Islands in the breeding season, which begins about the middle of May. During the cruise of the Corwin in 1881 Mr. Nelson found the Paroquet Auklet breeding in ex- treme abundance on the islands in Bering Strait, and great bunches of them were brought on board by the Eskimo. Large numbers of eggs were easily secured, For its nesting place this Auk selects a deep crevice in the face of some cliff; the cavity is often winding, and it is sometimes exceedingly difficult to obtain the eggs. Even on islands where hundreds of these birds are found breeding some of the cavities cannot be opened, except by the means of dynamite or blasting powder, which, if used, would destroy the eggs. A single egg is deposited on the bare surface of the - cavities; it is generally an oblong-oval shape with rounded ends, chalk-white or: bluish in color, and the shell rough. The average size is 2.12x1.46. Eggs taken on the Seal Islands by Elliott measured from 2.25x1.50 to 2.35x1.45. 18. CRESTED AUKLET. Symorhynchus cristatellus (Pall.) Geog. Dist.— Coasts and islands of the North Pacific, from Kadiak and Japan northward. The crested or Snub-nosed Auk, like the last, inhabits the coasts and islands of the north Pacific. On the islands of Bering Sea its breeding season-extends from May to August. This little bird has - a beautiful crest on the forehead of twelve to twenty feathers; it is about two inches long, and curls gracefully forward upon the bill. Its nesting habits are like those of the C. psittaculus. Mr. Nelson says: “This strangely ornamented bird has a range almost identical with that of the preceding species, and I do not recall a single instance in which the Paroquet Auklet was seen in any numbers where the present species was not found. A few were observed in the passes near Unaiaska in May, and the 18th of June a single pair were seen off the Seal Islands. This bird breeds plentifully on the Near Islands, but does not winter there, They also breed on the Commander Islands.” He further records that in Bering Strait and about Saint Lawrence and Saint Matthew’s Islands this species and C. psitiaculus are found in equal abundance. They choose the same 18. Orestep AUKLET, SUMMER. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 18 nesting sites, and each lays a single white egg upon the bare rock or ground in crevices. On the Fur Seal Islands they also breed in‘great numbers, occupying the cliffs with the other auks. They arrive in May and deposit their eggs deep down in the crevices. The eggs taken on these islands are chalky white, and measure 2.31x1. 61 largest, and 2.06x1.50 smallest. 19. WHISKERED AUKLET, Symorhynchus Pygneus (Gmel.) Geog. Dist.— Coasts and islands of the North Pacific, from Unalaska through the Aleutian chain to Kamtschatka. - From what is known of this species it appears that its general habits are simi- lar to those of the Least Auklet, but it is far from being as common. Another name by which it is known is Red-nosed Auk, the bill in adult birds being of a deep ver- milion, tipped with bluish. A tuft of filamentous feathers on the head curves for- ward so that it hangs directly over the bill. According to Nelson the species is un- known.from the Fur Seal Islands and we have no knowledge of its numbers and dis- tribution in the Aleutian chain. It breeds abundantly on Near Islands, but it does not winter there. It also breeds on the Commander Islands. 19, WHISKERED AUELET. 19, WHISKERED AUKLET, ADULT, 19, WHISKERED AUKLET, MALE, WINTER. ADULT, FEMALE, SUMMER, 16 NESTS.AND EGGS OF «.. 20. LEAST AUKLET. Symorhynchus pusillus (Pall.) Geog. Dist.—Coasts and’ ° islands of the North Pacific, from Sitka and Japan northward to Bering Strait. Nelson says: “Of all the water fowl of Bering Sea this trim little bird is the. - most abundant.” Like the Paroquet and Crested Auklets, this; species has: a great - preference for the deep western half of Bering Sea, ex- cept along the Aleutian chain. Mr. Nelson does not think they breed north of the strait, ‘except on some of ‘the cliffs on the Siberian shore. By the 1st to the 6th of June they arrive in great numbers on these islands, © and begin ‘to lay. It is said to be comically’ in- So Deter Aver An different to the proximity of man, and can be ap- ULT, Mate, SUMMER, ’ proached almost within an arm’s length before . taking flight, sitting upright and eyeing one with great wisdom and profound as- tonishment. Dr. Coues says: ‘This curious little bird, the smallest of ‘all the Auks, and one of the least of all water birds, inhabits the coasts and islands of the North Pacific; resorting to favorite breeding places by millions, with S. psittaculus and 8. cristatellus. The nesting is similar, the single egg being laid in the recesses of rocky shingle over the water; size 1.55x1.12.”* The bird is not known to come south so far as the United States, 21. ANCIENT MURRELET. Synthliboramphus antiquus (Gmel.) Geog. Dist.—Coasts and islands of the North Pacific, from Sitka and Japan northward. Accidentai in Wisconsin. . The Black-throated Guillemot, or Murrelet, is found in the North Pacific Ocean, breeding on the islands and along the coasts from Sitka northward. It breeds in abundance on Near Islands, where a few are resident. On the Commander Islands they also breed. Nests that have been found of this species were in holes in banks, or in, burrows in the ground, similar to those used by the Fork-tailed Petrel. On some of the islands of Bering Sea, however, the birds are known to deposit their eggs in the crevices of cliffs. A single egg is laid, pale buff in color, with small longitudinal markings, somewhat subdued, of lavender- gray and light brown. Sizes range from 2.15 to 2.50 long by 1.40 to 1.55 broad. 22, TEMMICK’S co wRnT. Synthliboramphus wumizusume (Temm.) Geog. Dist.—Coasts and islands of the North Pacific, from Japan and (Washington 2) northward. The Japanese Murrelet, according to.the best evidence at hand, is not entitled to a place in the avifauna of North America, Mr. Ridgway remarks that it is “very doubtfully American.” Mr. Nelson in his “Birds of Alaska” says: “The present species has been credited to the northwestern coast of America, and.I mention it here merely to call attention to the fact that no explorer has found it. in the region covered by this paper. ”” It has since been eliminated from the ae 0.. u. Check List, t 23. MARBLED MURRBELET. Brachyramphus aGonnsin: (Gmel,) - Geog. Dist.—Coast and islands of the North Pacific; on the American coast: from San Diego northward, and breeding as far south as Vancouver Island. This is another of the diminutive Murres confined to.the Pacific Ocean. There seems to be little known concerning its nidification, but its nesting habits and eggs * Key to North American Birds, p. 809. 4 Cf. Stejneger, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus. IX, 1886, p. 524, ’ NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 17 are said to resemble those of the Ancient Murrelet, 8: dntiquus. 'They are ovate in shape, ground color buffy, marked with various shades of brown. Size, 2.14 x 1.42. 24, KITTLITZ’S MURRELET. Brachyramphus hittliteti (Brandt.) Geog. Dist.—Kamtschatka and Aleutian Islands, east to Unalaska. Mr. Nelson took the first specimen of this bird in Unalaska Harbor the last of May, 1877. The birds were in company with S, antiquus and B. marmoratus. Their habits appeared to be the same. In “Contributions to the Natural History of Alas- ka” page 121, Turner says: “A single specimen of Kittlitz’s Guillemot was obtained April 24, 1879, at Iliuliuk village on Unalaska Island. It was the only one seen in that locality. The native who brought it to me asserted that this species is abund- ant:throughout the year at Sannakh Island. They breed there, laying a single, pure white egg. The nest is placed among the roots of the large tussocks of grass on the edges of bluffs and cliff ledges. I observed several of these birds to the westward of Unalaska Island. They are not rare on Amchitka Island and in the neighber- hood of the Old Harbor, on Atkha Tsland.” _ 25. KANTUS’S MURRELET. Brachyramphus Pte oe antue, . Geog. Dist.—Coasts of Southern California to Cape Saint Lucas. There appears to be no literature describing the nesting habits and eges of this Murrelet. The bird is stated to breed on the coast of Southern California, from San Diego southward. 26. CRAVERI’S MURRELET. Braclyramphue cr averi (Salvad.) Geog. Dist— Island of Natividad, Gulf of California. Craveri’s Murrelet, of plain dark, slaty plumage'above, and entirely pure white beneath, breeds on the islands at the southern portion of Lower California, in the vicinity of Cape St. Lucas. It nests in burrows in the ground, and its general hab- its in all respects are said to be the same as those of S. antiquus. It deposits a single egg, which is ovate in shape, of a yellowish or buff ground color, thickly dotted, sprinkled and marked with blackish-brown. Average size 2.03 x 1.40. - 27. BLACK GUILLEMOT. Cepphus grylie (Linn.) Geog. -Dist.—Coasts of Northern Europe, south to Denmark and British Islands; coast of Maine, south in: winter to Philadelphia; Newfoundland. (2) In Europe this species breeds from the northern coasts of the British Islands to the Arctic Ocean. In Greenland, according to Hagerup, it breeds incolonies of from two to thirty pairs, among the precipitous cliffs along the sea shore.* It is resident on the north coast of Ireland: Breeds commonly on the Hebrides, Orkneys and other islands on the coast of Scotland. A very common species along‘ the entire coast of Norway. In North America it breeds on the islands off the coast of Maine; on Grand Manan and other smaller islands it is found in countless numbers about the middle of June, depositing its eggs in the nooks and crevices of rocks, and in all sorts of places which offer shelter above high water mark. The eggs are laid on the _bare surface of the rock, with no attempt at nest building. So’ skillful is the bird in hiding away its eggs that they are sometimes found hidden away in subter- ranean caves.} Two, and rarely three eggs are laid, and they are indistinguishable from those of the following species, but average larger. * The Birds of Greenland. By Andreas T. Hagerup. Translated from the Dantsh by Frimann B. Arngrimson. Edited by Montague Chamberlain. Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1891, , +See “Notes on Some of the Birds of Grand Manan, "by C. H. Andros, Ornithologist and Oologist, Vol. XII, pp. 179-180. 3 18 NESTS AND EGGS OF 28. MANDT’S GUILLEMOT. Cepphus mandtii (Licht.) Geog. Dist.—Arctic regions of both continents; south on the Atlantic coast of North America in winter to New Jersey, breeding to Hudson’s Bay and Labrador; Alaskan coast, south in win- ter to Norton Sound, The Sea Pigeon, as it is called, breeds abundantly on the coast and islands of the North Atlantic. It is very abundant from Labrador and Hudson’s Bay north- ward, nesting in the holes and crevices of rocks, often in the most inaccessible places. The eggs are laid in June and July. The usual complement is two, often three. These vary from white to a pale greenish-white, light drab, yellow or buff, marked irregularly with spots and blotches of different shades of brown and black, thickest at the great end, where they are usually almost a confluent ring; they are oval or elliptical in form; size about 2.30x1.55, but, like nearly all eggs in a large series, there is a great variation in the size, shape, and also in the style of mark- ings, etc. 29. PIGEON GUILLEMOT. Cepphus columba (Pall.) Geog. Dist.—Coasts. sand islands of the North Pacific, southward from Bering Strait to Northern Japan and Southern California. “ ’ On the Pacific coast of North America this species is.found breeding from San Nicholas Island northward to the islands of Bering Sea. Dr. Leonhard Stejneger™ says that it is a very common bird on Bering and Copper Islands; its eggs were col- lected at the latter place June 16th.* Mr. Taylor says: “The Pigeon Guillemot (so, like a Guillemot and so like a Pigeon) is found in rather limited numbers [on the Farallons.] Most interesting are these pretty, graceful birds looking so petite and modest among an army of clamoring Gulls. I believe the questioned statement that they gather small stones for a nest is true, in most instances. I noted the flat stones and pebbles about their eggs often and they did not appear to be accidental.”} Mr.. Emerson says egg-laying on the Farallons begins about the first of May, or shortly after, and continues into July. Two eggs is the number laid, and they are deposited in the crevices of rocks or in dark nooks under boulders, often near the water’s edge. If the eggs are taken the foolish bird will lay again in the same place. The favorite resting place of these birds is on the rock just above the foaming surf, where: they sit in pairs and “converse”. with one another in low whistling notes. In a large series of eggs the ground color varies from light pearl gray to greenish-blue; their general shape is like that of the Gulls’ eggs, rounded oval at the large end and point- ed at the smaller. The markings are of two shades of lilac; in some they are thickly spread over the entire surface; in others they form a circle about the larger end. Mr. Bryant gives the average measurment of twenty-five sets of two eggs each in Mr. Emerson’s collection as, 61.6 by 41.4 mm.{ Extremes in size, 66.5 by 41.5, 58.5 by 41 millimeters. § , 30. MURRE. Uria troile (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Coast and islands of the North Atlantic, southward on the coast of North America in winter to Southern New Eng- land; breeding from Nova Scotia northward. * Bulletin of the United States National Museum. No. 29. Results of Ornithological. Explorations in the Commander Islands and Kamtschatka. By Leonhard Stejneger, +In Nidologist, Vol. I, p. 19. $ 2.48x1.62. § 2.62x1.63, 2.30x1.61. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 19 Like all of the Auks, Murres and Puffins, this species is eminently gregarious, particularly in the breeding season. It is found in great numbers throughout the Arctic Ocean and on nearly all the islands north of Asia, Europe and America. On this side of the Atlantic it breeds from Nova Scotia northward. Tens of thousands of these birds congregate to breed on the rocky islands, depositing and incubating their single egg close to one another on the shelves of the cliffs. The birds sit side by side, and although crowded together, never make the least attempt to quarrel. Clouds of birds may be seen circling in the air over some huge, rugged bastion, form- ing a picture which would seem to belong to the imagination rather than the realis- tic. They utter a syllable which sounds exactly like murre. The eges are so numer- ous as to have commercial value, and they are noted for their variation in ground color and markings. They vary from white to bluish or dark emerald-green in ‘ground color; occasionally unmarked specimens are found, but they are usually ‘handsomely spotted, blotched, lined in various patterns of lilae, brown and black over the surface. In some the markings are confused zigzag lines that look like hieroglyphics. The eggs are large for the size of the bird, measuring from 3. to 2.50 long by 1.95 to 2.10, broad; pyri-form in shape. 30a. CALIFORNIA MURRE. Uric troile californica (Bryant.) Geog. Dist.— Coasts and islands of the North Pacific, breeding from California north to the Pry- bilof Islands. 2 : ‘ Mr. Emerson says that the California Murre is the most common sea fowl on the Farallon Islands, and they do not seem to diminish in number, notwithstanding 30a, CALIFORNIA MURRES ON THE FaraLions, (From The Nidologist.) the wholesale destruction of their eggs for commercial purposes. The birds begin to lay by the middle or latter part of May. Fresh eggs can be found as late as Au- gust. This is due, more or less to the many robberies to which the birds are sub- jected, and they are compelled to lay several times before they are left undisturbed by the eggers. So telling is the effect due to constant laying that the eggs deposited 20 NESTS AND EGGS OP in the latter part'of the season are perceptibly smaller. Mr. C. Barlow also states that this species greatly exceeds in numbers any of the birds inhabiting the Faral- lon; they nest on the cliffs in rookeries, usually near the summits of the peaks, For years their éggs have been collected for the San Francisco markets where they are used by bakeries in the manufacture of all kinds of pastry.* According to Mr. Bryant the number of eggs marketed for the last few years has averaged from one hundred and eighty thousand to two hundred and twenty-eight thousand. In 1886 two men who were left on Sugar Loaf, collected one hundred and eight thousand eggs. The Western Gull, Larus occidentalis, is another enemy of this Murre; it aarries off and devours both eggs and young. So it would seem that the chances for the Murre to rear its young and launch them into the deep, blue sea, where they can take care of themselves, are not very favorable, yet these birds are found in countless numbers on the islands of the Pacific coast. Mr. Bryant, in his excellent paper,j says: “The gulls pick a Murre’s egg up bodily and carry it away in their ca- pacious mouth, but do not stick their bill into it to get hold, as is stated by some writers, whose observations must have referred to the eggs already broken by the gulls or eggers.” This species lays a single pear-shaped egg on the bare rock, often on the narrow shelves of cliffs, where the bird has just room enough to sit, and if un- molested will rear two or three young in a season. Like the eggs of the last species, they show a wonderful diversity of color-and markings; the ground color is’ . white, buff, greenish of several shades, yellowish, and cinnamon. They are either unspotted or blotched or streaked with zigzag markings of brown and black. They measure from 3.50 to 354 long by 1.90 to 2.05 broad; occasionally as small as 2.05 in length by 1.45 in breadth. Mr. H. A. Taylor says: “The California Murre, the repre- sentative birds of the islands, lay their colored,._pear-shaped eggs on bare rock on the steepest crags, in caves and almost everywhere, save on the few. low flats near the shore, where many Western Gulls choose to build their nests. of coarse Farallon weeds, and in the hollow spaces under certain ‘boulders the Pigeon Guillemot lays her two eggs.” 31. BRUNNICH’S MURRE. Uria lomvia (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Coasts and islands of the North Atlantic and Eastern Arctic Ocean, south on.the Atlantic coast of North America to New Jersey. Breeding from the Gulf of St. Lawrence north- ward. ‘ ; F This species has the same general habits and characteristics as the common Murre, Uria troile. Its distribution in the breeding season is about the same, and the eggs are indistinguishable. It is an abundant bird on the islands of the North Atlantic. We can now, for the first time, add this bird to the avifauna of Ohio. A mounted specimen before me, was captured alive by Mr. R. T. Stewart in a field near Fair Haven, Preble county, Ohio, December 19th, :1896. The bird was kindly identi- tified for me by Mr. Charles W. Richmond, Assistant Curator of Birds in the National Museum. He states that a wave of.these birds was scattered, by a storm which oc- curred about the above date and Prof. EB. L. Moseley reports two specimens being shot at Put-in-Bay and two at Sandusky on December 19th. 31a. PALLAS’S MURRE. Uria lomvia arra (Pall,) Geog. Dist.—Coast and islands of the North Pacific and Western Arctic Ocean. The great “egg bird” of the North Pacific, swarming at its breeding places on the rocky islands and shores in myriads. Its habits and nesting are the same as those of the foregoing, the eggs averaging larger, 3.21x2.01. *The Museum, I, p. 38. + Birds and Eggs from the Farallon Islaids. ¢“‘A Trip to. the Farallons” in The Nidologist, Vol.-I, pp. 17-19. | i " NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 21 832. RAZOR-BILLED AUK. Alea torda Linn. Geog. Dist.—Coasts. and islands of the North Atlantic, south in. winter on the North American coast to Southern New England. The Razor-billed Auk is abundant on the coasts and islands of the North At- lantic and some‘parts of the Polar seas; The Razor-billed Auk is about. eighteen inches long, with a pointed tail and flatly compressed bill; the plumage is brownish- black aboveand white beneath, the black bill having a white curved lineand the back part of the wing is edged with white. It breeds from the northeastern coast of Maine northward. Mr. Frazar found it common everywhere in Labrador, more so even than the Murre, Uria troile, owing to its habit of breeding in less frequented places—concealing its eggs in the cracks and crevices among the rocks, where it was not apt to be disturbed. It frequents the rock shores, and deposits its eggs in June and July, often in deep fissures of the rocks and in caverns. It very frequently lays its eggs at the entrance of inhabited puffin’s burrows. Generally one egg is laid, _ but in about twenty instances Mr. Frazar found two. These are white with a creamy or bluish tint, spotted and blotched with dark brown or black, the spots often be- coming confluent and generally forming a circle toward the large end; pyriform to oval in shape; size about 3.00x2.00. The eggs exhibit a great variety in the distribu- tion and style of markings. In shape they are not distinguishable from some types of the common Guillemot, but are generally more or less ovate or elongated pear- shape. The Razor-billed Auk breeds sparingly on the outlying rocky islands of Nova Scotia, as on Devil’s Limb:and Gannet rock. The bird is about eighteen inches long. In life it is said to have a particularly trim and elegant form, and its feathers are always kept perfectly clean, smooth and glossy. This Auk is said to be of quarrelsome disposition, seldom allowing a puffin or murre to alight near it with- out opening its bill at the intruder and disclosing a bright orange mouth. The Razor-bill rides lightly on the water and dives well. 88. GREAT AUK. Plautus impennis (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Formerly the coasts and islands of the North Atlantic, from Massachusetts and Ireland northward neal to the Arctic Circle. Now extinct. Ornithologists generally agree that the Great Auk has disappeared from the ‘face of the earth. Within the present generation it is one of the birds that has be- come extinct, doubtless through the agency of man. Like the penguin, which it much - resembles in general form, .it did not possess wings suitable for flight, those mem- bers being of very small size and only useful as fins in the water. The specific name, impennis, or wingless, is not really a correct term. An excellent and thorough paper* on this bird has been written by Frederick A. Lucas, of the United States National Museum. I quote the article entire: “The Great Auk, or Garefowl (Alca impennis), was the largest member of the Auk family, distinguished not only by its size, but by its flightlessness, enjoying the proud distinction of being the sole bird in the northern hemisphere incapable of flight. The name by which the Great Auk was originally and commonly known in America was Penguin, and like southern birds, now known by that title, did not receive this appellation until many years after. Garefowl is of Scandinavian. origin, and comes to.us by way of western Scotland. In color .wne Great Auk: much resembled its lesser relative, the Razorbill, the head, ‘neck, and bac« being black,and the under parts white.. A peculiar mark of the bird was a large white spot in front of the eye, one old writer with a greater love of the * Animals recently extinct or threatened with extermination, as represented in the collections of the U. S. National Museum. Smithsonian Report, 1889, pp. 638-641. 22 NESTS AND EGGS OF marvelous than of truthfulness stating that this spot was found on the right side only. The wings, although far too small to sustain the bird in the air, formed an admirable pair of oars, the Great Auk being a most expert swimmer and diver, and performing even longer migrations than many of its relatives that were endowed with the power of flight. (Plate CIII.) Many, possibly all, of the Auk family use their wings quite as much as their feet for propulsion under water, and they may licerally be said to ty beneath the sea as well as over it. It has been noted that the inability of the Great Auk to fly was due to lack of development of the bones of the foream and hand, the humerus being proportionately as long as in other Auks. This modification of structure was directly correlated with the aquatic habits of the Garefowl, for the resistance of water being vastly greater than that of air, a wing especially adapted for subaquatic flight would demand less surface and more power than a wing formed for aerial locomotion. In the case of the Great Auk this demand was met ‘by shortening the outer portion of the wing, while other birds that use their Wings in diving obtain as far as possible the same result by only partially opening their wings. The Great Auk was confined to the North Atlantic, ranging on the European side from Iceland to the Bay of Biscay, and on the American from Greenland to Virginia, these localities marking the extreme limits of the bird’s migrations. Greenland was the habitat of the Garefowl to a very limited extent, and the same may be said of the coast of Norway, while the southern limits given above were reached only during the winter migrations of the bird. The positively known breeding-places were few in number, those where the bird bred abundantly, being the Garefowl Series off the coast of Iceland and Funk Island on the New- foundland coast. These islands, or more properly islets, were very similar in their general character, being isolated rocks, lying at some distance from shore and diffi- cult of access. Of course the reason for this similarity, is apparent. The Great Auk and its ergs formed desirable articles of food, and since the bird was helpless on land, it was easily captured, whence it came to pass at an early date that the bird was exterminated at all localities easy of access. Another and more important’ factor in the extermination of the Auk, especially in America, is to be found in the gregarious habits of the bird and its predilection for certain breeding-places. This habit of the Garefow! is shown by other birds which are restricted in their breeding habitat without any apparent reason, although there may be some unknown cause in the nature of food supply that might account for it. A good example of this is found in the Gannet, which, although a bird of powerful flight, breeds at only three localities on the eastern coast of America, and in Europe crosses the North Sea to nest in Scotland, when localities seemingly quite as favorable exist along the shores of Norway. There were apparently plenty of suitable breeding-grounds for the Great Auk in Maine and Labrador, but had the bird bred in small colonies at lo- calities scattered along this wide expanse of territory, it would have been in ex- istence to-day. The most important European breeding place of the Garefowl was an islet 25 miles off Reykjanes, Iceland, where, for many years, it led a somewhat precarious existence, several times seeming to have been so reduced in numbers that expeditions in search of birds and eggs were not worth the risk. Still the bird would have existed in this locality many years longer than it did, but for volcanic disturbances in March, 1830, during which the Geirfuglasker sank beneath the sea compelling the existing Garefowl to seek new breeding places. Most of them appear to have moved to an islet by the name of Eldey, and this being near the coast and moro accessible, the few remaining Great Auks were in the course of fourteen years NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 23 all killed, the last pair being taken about the 3d of June, 1844, this being the last authentic record of the Great Auk in Europe. It was from this locality that most of the skins now extant were obtained, only one mounted specimen being recorded from American localities, although nearly all ckeletons have come from Newfound- land. The history of the Great Aul: in America may bé said to date from 1534, when, ‘ on May 21, two boat’s crews from Cartier’s vessels landed on Funk Island, ard, as we are told, “In lesse than halfe an hour we filled two boats full of them, as if they had bene stones. So that besides them which we did eat fresh, every ship did powder and salt five or sixe barrels of them.’”’ The Great Auk having thus been apprised of the advent of civilization in the regular manner. continne4 to be utilized by all subsequent visitors. The French fishermen depended very largely on the Great Auks to supply them with provisions; passing ships touched at Funk Island for supplies; the early colonists barreled them up for winter use, and the great abundance of the birds was set forth among the other inducements to encourage emiyration to Newfoundland. Theimmensenumbers of the Auks may be inferred from the fact that they withstood these drains for more than two centuries, although laying but a single egg, and consequently increasing but slowly under the most favorable circumstances. Finally some one conceived the idea of killing the Garefowl for its feathers, and this sealed its fate. When and where the scheme originated, and how long the slaughter lasted, we know not, for the matter is rather one of general report than of recorded fact, although in this instance circumstantial evidence bears witness to the truth of Cartwright’s statement that it was customary for several crews of men to pass the summer on Funk Island solely to slay the Great Auks for their feathers. ~ That the birds were slain by millions; that their bodies were left to molder where they were killed; that stone pens were erected; and that for some purpose frequent and long continued fires were built on Funk Island, is indisputable. This locality has been but thrice visited by naturalists, the last time in the summer of 1887, by a party from the U. S. National Museum, who, by the aid of the U. S. Fish Com- mission, were enabled to obtain much information in regard to this interesting spot, and to make very extensive collections of remains of the Great Auk. Just when the Great Auk ceased to exist in America is unknown, for there were few naturalists on this side of the water wher the Garefowl was being done to the death; but the extinction took place not far from 1840, almost coincidently with the extermination of the bird in Europe. Few birds have received more attention than has the Great Auk since it became extinct, and it has been the subject of numerous papers, both popular and scientific, while its remains bring extravagant prices whenever chance brings them into the market. The last skeleton sold brought $600, the last skin $650, while an egg brought $1,250, and then was resold for the round sum of $1,500.” The following is from the Naturalists’ Journal, of London, for June, 1895, p. 129: ‘A specimen of this extinct bird was recently offered for sale at Steven’s Great Sale Rooms, Convent Garden. The specimen belonged to Sir F. Milner, M. P., to whose father—Sir W. Milner—it was sold by Graham, of York, who stated it had been ob- tained in the Orkneys. For some years it has been in the Leeds Museum, but since its removal has been re-stuffed. The bidding went up to 350 guineas, and the bird was then bought in, but has since been sold to the Edinburgh Museum for £350. Of the 24 skins of the Great Auk now in Britain, 11 are safely lodged in public museums. An egg of this bird was offered for sale at the same time, and knocked down for 180 guineas to an hotel keeper.” The egg is like that of the Razor-billed Auk, but of course much larger, measuring 4.69x2.92 inches, 24 . NESTS AND, EGGS OF 33. Great Auk (From Brehm . 84. DOVEKIE. Alle alle (Linn.) Geog. Dist——Coasts and islands of the North Atlantic and Eastern Arctic Occan; in North America, south in winter to New Jersey; breeds in high northern latitudes. The little Ice-bird of the fishermen and the Sea Dove of ornithologists. Its entire life is spent cn the open sea, rarely visiting land except during the breeding season oz when driven thence by severe storms. It breeds in the Arctic regions of America onc Hurope, the islands of the Arctic Ocean, and in the northwestern portion of Asia. "_> head and bill of this bird are formed almost exactly like that of a quail. It is very abundant at its breeding grounds in the far north, and is one of the most boreal o: birds; nesting chiefly on islands, or always in places near the sea, depositing its single pale, greenish-blue egg in the crevices of rocky cliffs. The eggs measure from 1.80 to 1.90 in length by 1.25 to 1.30 in breadth. 35. SKUA. Megalestris skua (Brunn.) Geog. Dist.—Coasts and islands of the North Atlantic. South to Spain and Massachusetts. Rare on the coast of North America. NORTH AMERICAN, SIRDS. 25 The Skua Gull may well be called the feathered pirate of the seas. It does not - congregate in flocks; two or more pairs are seldom seen together. It is noted for its .. courage and daring, attacking and harassing gulls, forcing them to disgorge the fish which they have swallowed. In the Island of Unst, and also Foula, the most north- ern ones of the Shetland group, it is found breeding. The bird was given a place in the fauna of North America on the ground of its occasional occurrence along the southern coast of Greenland, where its eggs are said to have been taken. In Iceland this species builds its nest on the hillsides in the latter part of June. The nest is simply a shallow cavity in the long grass, lined with grass stems and moss, The eggs are ‘two in number, with an olive-green or drab ground-color, marked by irregu- ‘lar dark olive-brown and chocolate-colored blotches; they measure from 2.75 to 3.00 in length, by 1.50 to 2.00 in breadth. 386. POMARINE JAEGER. Stercorarius pomarinus (Temm.) Geog. Dist.— Seas and inland waters of northern portions of Northern Hemisphere, south to Africa and Australia, and probably South America. Not known to occur in winter on the Atlantic coast of North America north of Long Island. Another of the falcon-like sea fowls, commonly called Gull Hunter by the fisher- men. Resident throughout the summer in high northern regions, chiefly within the Arctic Circle. Mr. Nelson states that they are abundant off the Yukon mouth in spring, but at all seasons they are rare near Saint Michael’s. During the cruise of the Cor- win he found them abundant about Saint Lawrence Island and everywhere in Bering Strait. In winter it,is a great wanderer, and is known to oc- cur on the Great Lakes, and as ‘far as the above habitat indi- cates. The bird is said tod live chiefly by plundering the Kit- tiwake Gull; but will attack 9 other species, even the largest. Nelson says the birds are clumsy and cowardly as compared. with their smaller rela- tives. When one of this species chances to cross the path of the smaller species, the latter almost invariably gives chase and beats its.clumsy antagonist off the field by repeatedly darting down from above. Comparatively little is known of its nesting habits. It breeds in remote places, and is said to form a rude nest of grass and moss, situated on dry elevated spots in marshes. The eggs of all the Skuas are very ‘similar in appearance—pale olive-green or yellowish- -gray in ground color—irregu- larly blotched and spotted with two shades of brown; those of the present species are said to be thinner in form and more pointed than those of the others. Dr. Brewer describes an egg ‘procured in Greeniand as rounded-ovoid; its ground-color, deep olive-drab, sparingly spotted with slate-color and two shades of umber, chiefly at the larger ‘end, where they become confluent. There are also a very few scattered dots of black. Size, 2.25 by 1.70. . PoMakinE JAEGER 37. PARASITIC JAEGER. Stercorarius parasiticus (Linn.) Geog. Dist.— Nortuern part of Northern Hemisphere, ‘southward in winter to South Africa and 26 NESTS AND EGGS OF South America. Breeds in high northern districts, and winters from the Middle States and California southward to Brazil and Chili. The Parasitic Jaeger, like the others of this family, is eminently rapacious, and it is known as the “Man-of-War,” from its habits of pursuing and robbing the terns and smaller gulls. It breeds in the interior of Arctic America, and is espe- cially abundant in the Anderson River region. Mr. Nelson records the following: “This tyrannical bird occurs about the entire coast line of Bering Sea, but is most numerous along the low, marshy coast of Norton Sound, and thence south to the Kuskoquin River. Its breeding range covers the entire region from the Aleutian Islands north to the extreme northern part of the mainland. Upon the Aleutian Islands Dall found them in summer and winter. They were taken during the breed- ing season on Kyska and Amchitka, near the western end of the chain. They have been taken at Kadiak and are plentiful from the Yukon mouth up to Nulato and probably above. Elliott found them occurring as stray visitors on the Fur Seal group, and the writer noted them in Bering Strait vicinity during the summer of 1881.” A common bird in the more northern portion of Asia and Europe. So far as known, its general habits do not differ from those of the Pomarine. It is given as the most common of the Skuas off the coast of Norway, but does not go far inland to breed. The nest of this species is made on islands or on the margins of lakes; it is a mere depression in the ground, lined with a few grasses and withered leaves. In Greenland it is said to be a resident species, and it breeds in Iceland on the moors far inland. In the Shetland Islands this bird breeds in communities, fifty or more pairs congregating at the same place. The eggs are usually two in number, some- times three, and are as variable in ground color and markings as those of the’ Eskimo Curlew. They vary from olive drab to green, gray and brown, marked with several shades of chocolate, brown and an obscure stone gray, distributed over the entire egg. Size from 2.00 to 2.40 long, and from 1.50 to 1.70 broad. Nelson says that the eggs are laid upon the mossy knolls or uplands in their haunts about the 5th of June. The nest is merely a depression in the moss containing two eggs, in- distinguishable from those of the next species, and measuring from 2.40x1.70 to 2.00x1.50. 38. LONG-TAILED JAEGER. Stercorarius longicaudus Vieill. Geog. Dist.—Northern part of Northern Hemisphere, south in winter to the Gulf of Mexico. The same plundering habits mark the character of this bird as are peculiar to any of the Jaegers or Skuas. It is distributed in the breeding season throughout all parts of the region near the Arctic Circle, in Siberia, Northern Asia, Europe and America, and on the islands of the Arctic Ocean. It breeds in Greenland and Ice- land, is abundant throughout the barren grounds of the Arctic coast, and is said to be very numerous in the vicinity of Fort Anderson, also on the shores of Frank- lin Bay. It is also found breeding on several of the Orkney and Shetland Islands. According to Nelson this graceful and handsome bird is the most common of the Jaegers on the Alaskan coast and vicinity, and especially about Saint Michael’s. They arrive there about May 12 or 15, but are not numerous until ten days or more later. He states that all the Jaegers are very destructive to the eggs of other birds, and in spring nests of various water fowl are often destroyed by them. Nests found in the Arctic regions are mere depressions in the soil, scantily lined with dry grass and leaves. Some are placed far inland near small lakes, and often there is really no nest, the eggs being laid on the bare ground. The eggs are said to be not always distinguishable from those of the Parasitic Jaeger, but average smaller; exception- ally large specimens of S. longicaudus are sometimes as large as exceptionally small NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 27 WO 2290D—. said | aatOT, BbdT 2.8 2s ouds et ment Ci Stid ofT angslai edi I's Id woatsd 38, LonG-TaiLep JAEGER. bas abuastai Jol ets yors ones of S. parasiticus. They range from 1.95 to 2.18 long, and from 1.45 tofina5ebrdada Mr. Nelson describes a nest of this species which was in a cup-shaped depressionoih . a mossy knoll where lay two dark greenish eggs with an abundance of spotsz192[s91d edt viiooup 89. IVORY GULL. Gavia alba (Gunn.) Geog. Dist.—Arctic Seas} ybanihoin winter on the Atlantic coast of North America to Labrador and New Fomntitland casually to New Brunswick, and on the Pacific side to Bering Sea. A bird that is resident in the Arctic regions of both hemispheres, onlyloccbBion- ally visiting the more temperate zones. It is said to breed the farthest nomthatésald the gulls. Specimens of this species were seen on several occasions by thel waliiral- ist of the Jeannette, Mr. R. L. Newcomb, during his long imprisonment im:dhaliby sea to the west of our northern coast. It was noted as a rare visitor at Point Barreqe by Murdoch, and also by various expeditions among. the network of channélssnorth of Dritish America. Noted for its ravenous appetite, gorging itself with theefbesinad the seal and the blubber of the whale. They have the habit of watching aboubsealq holes in the ice, waiting for the seal, whose excrement the gull devours. [Qnlotiva islands and along the coasts of Spitzbergen it breeds sparingly; in like placesconethe coast of Northern Siberia it is abundant. The bird is a resident of Greenlamy aid the breeding season there begins about the middle of June. The nest is bulltjiom some inaccessible rock or cliff; it is made of dry grass and lined with moss andsal few feathers, forming qnite a hollow. An egg is described as oblong-oval in ship&y with a ground color-of light yellowish-olive with small blotches of dark trewni scattered over the surface. These are intermingled *with more obscure brown and cloudings of lilac. Size 2.45 long by 1.70 broad. iB i divoa 40. KITTIWAKE. Rissa tridactyla (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Arctic region, South in Eastern North America in winter to the Great Lakes and Middle States. mit ad The Kittiwake Gull is a northern species, found in the Atlantic waterdd6d Europe and America. On the Pacific coast it is represented by the next rdzat pollicaris. It is one of the commonest resident species of Greenland, and accorda?# to observers it inhabits nearly all parts of the Arctic regidns. Breeds on the islatit#? of the Atlantic coast of North America, from New England northward; an abundaize species, nesting not always on the ground like most gulls, but on rocky cliffs ov@rll hanging water. On Gannet Rocks of the St. Lawrence this noisy Gull is especial#? numerous, where its nests are found on narrow ledges; they are composed of gras¥ 28 NESTS AND EGGS OF and seaweed. Some of the nests are quite flat, while others are several inches in thicl:necs and deeply*hollowed, new material being added each year, and they are sor:etimes so numcrous that the breeding rlaces become very filthy and emit an in- tolerable cdor. The. cer S.are two and sometimes three in’ number, and have a . grcound-color of yellowish buff, ‘prowhish- -gray cr pale greenish-gray, marked with irregular spots of varying shades cf brown and lilac. The average size is 2.26x1.61. 40a. PACIFIC. KITTIWAKE, Rissa tridactyla polliraris Ridgw. Geog. Dist.—Coasts cf North Pacific and Bering Sea. This form cf the Kittiwake is abundant on the islands of the North Pacific. It is abundant along the entire coast line cf Alaska and on all the numerous islands. The bird is resident upon the Aleutian Islands and breeds in great abundance upon all the islands cf Bering Sea, the Straits, and along the Arctic coast to Cape Lis- burne. Dr. Leonhard Stejneger records it as a common breeding bird, both on the islands and along the Kamtschatkan coast, and in-all places suitable for rookeries they are found in astonishing numbers. For the purpose of nesting they select the shelves and projections of cliffs, the tops of walls that rise perpendicularly out of the deep sea, and especially on the high pinnacles standing lonely amidst the foaming breakers. The nest is composed of matted fragments of moss and grass, and fre- quently the eggs are deposited in mere hollows in the loose dirt. The nesting is precisely the same as that of R. tridactyla, and the eggs are indistinguishable, ex- cept that in a large series they are said to be more uniform in their markings. 41. RED- LEGGED KITTIWAKE. Rissa brevirosiris (Bruch.) Geog. Dis ratte Coasts and islands of Bering Sea. The living bird of this species has coral-red. legs and feet, which contrast richly with the snowy white plumage of the head, neck and under parts. An abundant species on the islands of Bering Sea. On the Prybilof group it swarms by tens of thousands to breed in the first part of May. It is especially abundant on St. George’s and St..Paul’s Islands. The nests, like those of the Pacific Kittiwake, are placed on almost inaccessible shelves and projections, so that seldom is a nest reached unless a person is lowered down to it on a rope passed over the cliff. Dry grass and moss cemented with mud are the materials which constitute the nests. The Red-legged Kittiwake is common on the islands along the Kamtschatkan coast, notably on Copper Island, where it breeds in company with pollicaris. The eggs have a ground-color of brownish white, varying to light drab and buff, marked with blotches, sepia-brown and umber; these are underlain by subdued shades and cloud- ings of lilac-gray. The average size of the egg is 2.28x1.66. 42. GLAUCUS GULL. Larus glaucus Brunn. Geog. Dist.—Arctic regions, south in North America to the Great Lakes and Long Island. North Pacific. One of the largest of the Gulls, equal, in fact, to the Creat Black-backed Gull, L. marinus, It is a bird of high northern range during the breeding. season—in- habiting the Arctic regions of Europe and Asia and the more northern portions of North America. In Spitzbergen it is said to breed in immense numbers, placing the nests on the shores or low rocks and even on masses of ice. They are large struc- tures, made of sea weed and moss. The Burgomaster Gull, as it is called, feeds on crabs and fishes; it attacks smaller birds and also robs them of their eggs and young. It attends fishing boats for the purpose of devouring the offal which’ may be thrown overboard. Tho bird is recorded.as a constant resident of Greenland. In Hudson Bay region it builds its nests on the islands in lakes and rivers, and the young are hatched 4 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 2 in June. The nests are built of sea ferns and dry grass, placed among the grassy tussccks in the center of the island. The eggs are two, sometimes three in number; their general shape is spherically oval, and the ground color dark grayish-brown, pale ash, pale clay or a pearly white. The markings are small patches of light brown and brownish black. The sizes range from 2.95 to 3,15 long by 2.18 to 2,25 broad. , 42. 1. POINT BARROW GULL. Larus barrovianus Ridgw. Geog. Dist.— Bering Sea and adjacent waters, northeastward to Point Barrow, southwest in winter to Japan. , This new species of Gull, whose plumage is described as resembling that of the Glaucous and Iceland Gulls, and whose size is intermediate between these two species, is found on the islands of Bering Sea, and its range extends as indicated in the geographical distribution. It has proved to be distinct from the Atlantic coast species. Specimens that served for description were from the Island of St. Michaels and Point Barrow.* Nelson says: “The solitary islands of Bering Sea and all its dreary ‘coast line are familiar to this great gull.” On June 4 their first nest was found. It was placed on a small islet, a fevy feet across, in the center of a broad, shallow pond. The structure was formed of a mass of moss and grass piled up a foot or more high, with a base three feet across, and with a deep central depression lined with dry grass. There was a single egg. The female as she sat on the nest was visible a mile away and not the slightest opportunity was afforded for concealment on the broad surrounding flat. An equally ‘conspicuous structure was found near St. Michaels on June 15. The majority of the nests found were situated on a small islet in a pond. The nest found on June 15 was a bulky structure made up of tufts of moss and grass rooted up by the birds’ beaks. The ground near the nest looked as though it had been rooted up by pigs. Mr. Ridgway gives the measurement of the eggs as 3.05x2.03. One of the eggs taken by Mr. Nelson was white, without a trace of the usual color marks. . 43. ICELAND GULL. Larus leucopterus (Faber.) Geog. Dist.—Arctic Regions, south in winter in North America to Massachusetts, and farther. — This Gull is precisély like the last, but smaller, and it is difficult to distinguish the two at a distance. Another common name for it is White-winged Gull. It is an Arctic species, and its distribution during the breeding season is nearly identical with that of the Burgomaster, being found in the northern parts of Europe, Asia and North America. Mr. Hagerup states that on Arsuk fjord in South Greenland about a thousand pairs nest on what is known as “bird cliff,” above the Kittiwake Gulls. The lowest nests are built at a height of about two hundred feet; the highest about five hundred feet above the sea level. The two species are often found nesting in the same places, and the nests are of the same construction. The eggs, however, are smaller, measuring 2.79x1.85. The Iceland Gull is, according to Mr. Nelson, the most abundant species along the coasts and about the islands of Bering Sea, thence along the adjoining Arctic coasts. It was found abundant on the Yukon, from Anvik to the sea by Mr. Dall, who secured its eggs there from the 5th to 10th of June. The eggs were laid in small depressions in the sandy beaches of the islands in the river, 44. GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL. Larus glaucescens Naum. Geog. Dist.— Pacific coast of North America, from Alaska south to California on the Asiatic side south to Japan. + For details see Auk, III, p. 330, or Ridgway’s Manual N. Arm. Birds, p. 26. 30 NESTS AND BGGS OF Almost as large a species as the Glaucous Gull or Burgomaster. It breeds on the islands of the Pacific coast from Washington Territory northward. The nests are not always built on the shelving rocks of high cliffs. On the Aleutian Islands they -are found among the tall grass on the highest parts of the islands, while others are built on projections of rocks. Sometimes there is little or no attempt at nest- making, the eggs being laid in a slight depression of the ground. On Bering Sea and Copper Islands, on the Kamtschatkan coast, this species breeds all around the shores. Eggs have been found as early as the middle of May. These are said to be of a more greenish tinge and the spots more numerous and better defined than in those of glaucus. Size 2.88x2.08. According to Mr. Dall this is a very abundant species throughout the Aleutian chain, but more numerous in the eastern half of the group. Young birds nearly fledged were secured at Kyska in July. He states that the habit of this and other species breeding on isolated rocks and small islands, is accounted for, by the immunity thus gained from the ravages of foxes on the eggs and young. Rarely more than three eggs were found together, and were laia on al- mest any little depression of the ground, with little or no attempt at a lining; 45 KUMLIEN’S GULL. Larus kumlieni Brewst. Geog. Dist.——North At- lantic coast of North America; south in winter to the coast of the Middle States. This new species of Gull, first described by Mr. William Brewster,* is like glaucescens, but somewhat smaller. It is recorded as being quite common in the upper Cumberland water, where it breeds, placing the nests on shelving rocks of high cliffs. The eggs are said to be the same as those of glaucescens. : 46. NELSON’S GULL. Larus nelsoni Hensh. Geog. Dist.—Coast of Norton Sound, Alaska. In a series of gulls collected by Mr. E. W. Nelson in Alaska Mr. H. W. Hen- shaw found a specimen which differed decidedly, not only from any other taken by Mr. Nelson, but from any in the National Museum. In recognition of Nelson’s valu- able services to Alaskan ornithology the bird has been dedicated to his honor by the authority above stated. .4r. Henshaw states that its resemblance to several of the larger gulls is likely to keep us in ignorance until it is made an object of special attention by naturalists visiting Alaska. There is no reason to believe that its gen- eral habits and eggs differ from those of the Glaucous-winged Gull. : 47. GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. Larus marinus (Linn.) Geog. Dist.— Coasts of the North Atlantic; south in winter to Long Island and Italy. The large and powerful Black-backed Gull, or Saddle-back, inhabits the Atlantic waters of Europe and North America. Breeds in great numbers on the coast of Norway as far as North Cape. In various parts of the British Islands it is found throughout the year, especially on the islands around the coasts of Scotland, where it breeds in abundance. On the American coast it breeds from the Bay of Fundy northward to Greenland. Years ago it was known to breed quite commonly on the islands off the coast of Nova Scotia. In Labrador it is common everywhere. Mr. M. Abbott Frazar found it breeding on the small islands, placing its nests generally on some elevated spot. He seldom found more than a half dozen pairs breeding on a single island. The nests were built of dry grasses, were very bulky and deeply hollowed. He found no nest containing more than three eggs. During the breeding season the birds feed largely upon the eggs of other birds, especially upon those of * Bull. Nutt. Club, Vol. VIII, p. 216, NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 31 the Murre and upon young Hider ducks.* 'The eggs of this Gull vary from a bluish- white or olive-gray to a deep yellowish brown, ‘and are irregularly spotted and blotched with reddish-brown and {ilac of different shades. The sizes vary from 2.70 +9 3.02 long by 2.05 to 2.25 broad. 48. SLATY-BACKED GULL. Larus schistisagus (Stejn.) Geog. Dist.—North Pacific, chiefly on the Asiatic side; Herald Island, Arctic Ocean, and Alaskan coast of Bering Sea. . Dr. Stejneger says: “Among the specimens of gull. collected by me on the Sommander Islands is a very dark-mantled large species, somewhat intermediate between L. marinus and L. cachinnans, although in general aspect much nearer to the former, and when on the wing indistinguishable from it. The occurence of this new species in the Kamtschatkan waters easily explains the abnormality in the alleged distribution of Larus marinus, as it is almost certain that all North Pacific references to the latter species really belong to the present form,’} 49. WESTERN GULL. Larus occidentalis Aud. Geog. Dist.—Pacific coast of North America, breeds from Southern California northward. The most abundant species of gull on the California coast, breeding on all suit- able islands. It is the only guli which breeds on the Farallons. Mr. Emerson states that on these islands the nest is built either on high ridges or low places near the shore. The material used is a dry, rank weed; with this they construct their rather bulky nest and repair or rebuild it each year. Mr. Barlow remarks that this gull nests chiefly in colonies on the Farallons, on level portions, although a few pairs may be found almost anywhere. The nests are loose affairs of Farallon weed and measure a foot across. Usually they are very shallow and are given shape by the hollows in which they are constructed.t- Of their general habits Mr. Bryant says: “The gulls are indiscriminate feeders; in addition to their usual articles of diet, they subsist largely upon eggs during the ummer. They do not eat the eggs of their own species, nor do they trouble the cormorants after the murres have com- menced laying. Sea urchins, crabs, young murres and rabbits, and fish stolen from the cormorants’ nests are eaten. Not being quick enough to swoop upon the rabbits, they catch them by patient watching at their burrows, and will persevere for fifteen minutes to swallow a squealing young rabbit, and finally fly away with the hind feet protruding. The dead bodies of murres are also eaten; they detach pieces of flesh by backing away and dragging the body, meanwhile shaking their head, till a piece breaks off.” The eggs are deposited as early as the first part of May on the Faral- lons, and laying is sometimes continued into July. The usual complement is three; but from constant robberies by the eggers, who collect eggs for the San Francisco market, often only two are laid. The same variation of ground-color and markings are to be found in these eggs as is common to all those of the gulls; light grayish olive, clay color, bluish-white and deep yellowish-brown, spotted and blotched with umber-brown, blackish and lilac of varying shades. The average size of fifty speci- mens is, 2.76x1.94; the largest 2.99x2.01; the smallest 2.56x1.89. 50. SIBERIAN GULL. Larus affinis Reinh. Geog. Dist.—Greenland; Asia: Europe, southward in winter to North Africa. * Ornithologist and Oologist, Vol. XTI., p. 17. +The Auk., I., 281. t The Museum, T., p. 39. 32 NESTS AND EGGS OF The Siberian Gull is a rare or occasional visitor in Greenland, whereupon it claims a place in the fauna of Nortn ‘America.’ It breeds in the extreme north of Europe, notably on the shores and in the lagoons of the Petchora River in the north-’: ern part of European Russia. The eggs are said not to differ from those of the Herring Gull. 51. HERRING GULL. Larus argentatus (Brunn.) Geog. Dist.—Old World, south to the Azores; Cumberland Sound; occasional on the eastern coast of the United States. , The European Herring Gull is known as an occasional visitor to the coast of Eastern North America. On the Azores, a cluster of nine islands in the Atlantic, eight hundred miles due west of Portugal, this Gull is very common, breeding on 51. HERRING Guts (From Brehm). some of the islands in immense numbers. In Great Britain it is a familiar bira everywhere. Mr. H. K. Swann, in The Birds of London,* states that it is of not un- common occurrence in winter on the eastern side, and frequently straying up the Thames, It breeds in the islands on the coast of Scotland, especially the Hebrides, Shetland, Orkney and the Faroe Islands; thence northward to Iceland. One of the most common gulls along the coast of Norway, as far as North Cape, where they breed by thousands. Its nesting habits and its eggs are the sume as those of the American bird, smithsonianus. Eggs 2.91x1.98. 5la. AMERICAN HERRING GULL. Larus argentatus smithsonianus Cowes, Geog. Dist.—North America generally. Breeds on the Atlantic coast from Maine northward. * The Birds of London, by H. K. Swann. London: Swan, Sonnenschein & Co., Pater- noster Square, 1893, pp. 118-119, - ily NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 33 In North America this gull is a common bird throughout its range, particularly coast-wise. It is also more or less abundant on the inland lakes and rivers during its periods of migration, and in many of these places it-is found breeding. At Moosehead Lake, Me., where a few pairs breed, the eggs are laid in the latter part of May, or in the first week of June. In the interior it is found breeding on the lakes and larger bodies. of water, as far north as the Mackenzié and Anderson River regions. On many of the large prairie lakes of Manitoba it breeds in great numbers. Mr. Frazar mentions this species as the most common of all the gulls inhabiting. Labrador, breeding in colonies and placing their nests on the ground.* Mr Walter Raine found this gull breeding abundantly at Shoal Lake, Manitoba, June 18, 1895. In many places where the Herring Gull has suffered persecution, it has been known to depart from its usual habit of nesting on the open seashore, and place its nest on trees sixty and seventy-five feet from the ground. At Grand Manan and in Labrador, in some of the old breeding grounds, its human foes have brought about this change in its habits. Some of the nests built on the ground are merely a shallow depres- sion with a slight lining. Others are large and elaborately made of grass and moss. Those built in trees are said to be strongly interwoven and very compact. Mr. Dall records this gull as abundant on the Upper Yukon, Alaska. It was found breeding on the islands in the river, laying its eggs in small depressions on the bare ground. The complement of eggs is normally three; they vary from bluish-white to deep yellowish-brown, irregularly spotted and blotched with brown of different shades; in a large series a great diversity of ground-color and markings exists. Mr. Elwin A. Capen in his superb workf figures three prevailing types of coloration. The sizes range from 2.73 to 2.91 long by 1.64 to 1.94 broad. ‘ 52. VEGA GULL. Larus vegae (Palmen.). Geog. Dist.—Bering Sea and ad- jacent waters, south in winter to California and Japan. This form of the Herring Gull is “characterized by a particularly dark gull-gray mantle and flesh-colored legs” and is found in the countries bordering Bering Sea and adjacent waters. It is said to breed on the islands of the Upper Yukon River, in the first part of May, depositing its eggs in slight depressions of the bare ground. The eggs are not likely to be distinguishable from those of the Herring Gull, L. argentatus. 58. CALIFORNIA GULL. Larus californicus Lawr. Geog. Dist.—Western North America. The California Gull is found along the Pacific coast in winter, but retires to its breeding places in the summer months. Its breeding grounds seem to be inland, on the lakes and large bodies of water. It breeds abundantly on. Great: Salt Lake and Pyramid Lake, Utah, and on Lake Malheur, in Eastern Oregon. It has been found nesting as far north as Great Slave Lake, Fort Resolution, Fort Simpson and the Lower Anderson River. The nests of this species are made on‘the ground, or built on rocks and, sometimes where the birds are breeding in vast colonies, the nests are’ placed on stunted sage or greasewood bushes. They are built of sticks, grass and a few feathers. The eggs are usually three or four in number, occasionally five. Prof. Marcus E. Jones informs me that at Great Salt Lake this gull generally lays five eggs. These are deposited in a little bare spot surrounded by a few twigs, the hollow * Ornithologist and Oologist, Vol. XII, p. 18, + Oology of New England: a description of the eggs, nests and breeding habits of the birds known to breed in New England, with colored illustrations of their eggs. By Elwin A. Capen. Boston, 1886. 4 34 NESTS AND EGGS OF Just deep enough to keep the eggs from rolling’ out. ‘The nests aré made on the sand or any other bare spot on islands far out in the lake. The eggs are laid about the middle of May. They vary from a bluish-white to a deep brownish- clay color, spotted and blotched with dark brown, slate and blackish zigzag ‘markings. Sizes range from 2.50 to 2.70 long by 1.65 to 1.95 broad. 54. RING-BILLED GULL. Larus delawarensis ‘Ord. Geog. Dist.—North America at large; south in winter to Cuba and Mexico. - ‘ " This Gull inhabits the entire Continent of North America, and is on the whole, the commonest species poth coastwise and in the interior. It breeds in the United States and far north, placing its nests on the ground or on cliffs. Mr. Walter Raine: found this gull breeding abundantly on the islands of Shoal Lake, Manitoba, .in the latter part of June. Mr. Stebbins found this species and the Common Tern occupying an island of about an acre in extent in Devil’s Lake, North Dakota, in the first week of June. The entire island was covered with eggs of the gulls and terns. Mr. Stebbins says: “I don’t suppose you could lay down a two-foot rule anywhere with- out each end of it striking a nest. It was common to find the terns and gulls breed- ing side by side. Most of the gulls’ nests were in the grass, while those of the terns were in the sand. I did not find a gull’s nest with more than three eggs, anda very few with two; whereas, several hollows were found with as many as eighteen terns’ eggs in them, which had rolled together. Mr. Frazar observed a few colonies of this species breeding in Labrador, nesting like other gulls, and the nests never con- tained more than three eggs. These have the usual variations in color to be found in eggs of the terns—bluish-white to dark brown, ‘spotted and blotched with brown’ and lilac of various shades. ‘Sizes from 2.75 to 2.80 long by 1.60 to 1.75 broad. 55. SHORT-BILLED GULL. Larus brachyrhynchus Rich. : Geog. Dist.— Arctic America and Pacific coast to Southern California, In the breeding season the Short-billed Gull occurs ‘in the northern regions of North America. It has been found nesting on the ground in the small lakes in the vicinity of Fort Anderson, and in the Mackenzie River Valley. Breeds in great abundance at the mouth of the Yukon, where Mr. Dall obtained large numbers of its eggs. It has also been observed nesting along the streams in the Barren Grounds of the Arctic regions. Its nest is made of hay or wiry grass, and is sometimes placed on stumps and in trees. The eggs are usually three in number; greenish or olive brown, with various markings, but chiefly small spots of reddish-umber, Sizes vary from 2.00 to 2.85 long by 1.45 to 1.70 broad. 56. MEW GULL. Larus canus Linn. Geog. Dist—Europe and Asia; acci- dental in Labrador. This is the Sea-mew or Sea-mall of Europe. In Great Britain it breeds more or less abundantly along the entire coast, and is especially common on some of the smaller islands in the Hebrides; on the north coast of Scotland it is found on the Orkney and Shetland Islands. It breeds on inland lakes as well as on the sea-coast, building its nest on the grassy summits of precipitous rocks near the sea or on moorland locks far inland, and even on high mountain ranges. : It is abundant on the coast and on the fresh-water lakes of Norway. A common species and breeds in nearly all parts of Central and Northern Russia. Abundant on the Prussian coast and on the northern coast of France. The nests are made of grass and vegetable substances. The usual number of eggs is three; yellowish-brown, olive-brown, and whitish to greenish-gray, irregularly marked with dark brown and purplish gray. The size varies from 2.08 to 2.25 long by 1.40 to 1.58 broad. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. ‘ 35 57. HEERMAN’S GULL. Larus heermanni Cass. Geog. Dist.—Pacific coast of North America, from British Columbia to Panama. This is said to be one of the handsomest birds of the family to which it belongs, and is commonly called the White-headed Gull. It is a common species along the California coast and is most abundant in winter. At the Farallon Islands it is oc- casionally seen, but does not breed there. It probably breeds on the Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands, as it does on others farther south. The general habits of this . species are the same as those of other gulls. One particular trait, however, marks this species—that of following flocks of pelicans and robbing them of a portion of the fish which these birds carry in their pouches, seizing upon the fishes which fall out or hang outside. The food of this gull is almost exclusively fish, which it also procures by diving. It also feeds on small crustacea and mollusca. The eggs of this species are described as having a yellowish-drab ground-color, over which is scattered spots and markings of lilac and different shades of brown. The average size is 2.45 by 1.50, 58. LAUGHING GULL. Larus airicalla Linn. Geog. Dist—Eastern trop- ical and warm temperate America, chiefly along the sea coast, from Maine i Brazil; Pacific coast and Middle America. The Laughing or Black-headed Gull is more of a southern species, ‘aantiedianly one of the Gulf and South Atlantic States, but is found breeding as far north as the coasts of New England. It is an abundant and a resident species on the coast of Florida, along the whole extent of the Gulf of Mexico; and also on the Pacific an“ Atlantic coasts of Central America. Mr. Maynard says: “The notes of gulls a- loud and startling, but those of the Laughing are the most singular of them all, for their cries, especially when the bird is excited, sound like loud peals of prolonged and derisive laughter.’”’* Mr. Theodore W. Richards states that this gull is abundant on all the marshes along the Virginia coast. For a nest they collect an immense amount of rubbish and build in the wettest portion of a marsh; many nests were found actually afioat.; Mr. R. C. Stuart, of Tampa, Fla., writes me that this species. nests in large communities, on grassy islands along the Gulf coast in May and June, placing the nests in tussocks of grass; the cavity is nicely lined with fine, dry grasses. The eggs are from three to five in number. In color they vary from bluish-white to greenish-ash, spotted and blotched with brown, umber and lilac of varying shades; the usual variations in size, ground color and markings are to be found in a large series of these eggs; sizes from 2.00 to 2.28 long by 1.50 to 1.65 broad. 59. FRANKLIN’S GULL. Larus frankliniti Sw. & Rich. Geog. Dist.—In- terior of North America, breeding from the northern border of the United States northward; south in wintet to Central and South America. In North America this gull is confined to the interior, chiefly west of the Missis- sippi, breeding from the northern border of the United States northward. Mr. J. W. Preston found it nesting in the marshes of western Minnesota, about the middle of. May Iam informed by Mr. H. J. Wallace that it breeds abundantly in the marshes of the Red River Valley of Western Manitoba. He found this beautiful ‘gull breeding in large communities, in marshes and wooded swamps, making its nest of wet grasses and sedges on the tops of broken down stalks. The eggs are described as closely resembling those of the Eskimo Curlew in size, shape and color, though the dark * Birds of Eastern North America. + The Oologist, IX, 79. ‘Ornithologist and Oologist, Vol. XI, pp. 54-65. 36 ; NESTS AND EGGS OF splashes are more evenly distributed over the surface. The ground-color varies _from dirty white to olive-drab and light brown, with all the shades of the lighter tints of green and'ashy. They are usually marked with numerous and bold splashes and zigzag lines of umber-brown and different depths of chocolate, particularly at the larger end. - The eggs average about 2.12x1.40; they are three in number. Three eggs in my possession, collected at Heron Lake, Minnesota, on the 9th of May, measure as follows: 2.06x1.41, 1.98x1.45, 2.03x1.47. These are olive-drab with bold spots and blotches of light and dark brown; there are no zigzag lines. 60. BONAPARTE’S GULL. Larus philadelphia (Ord.) Geog. Dist.—Entire North America, breeding chiefly north of the United States; south in winter to ‘Mexico and Central America. 7 This handsome little gull is a common species throughout North America, from the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts. It is especially abundant along the Atlantic coast during its period of migration. .Breeds northward nearly to the Arctic-Ocean. Its flight is deseribed as being light, airy and very graceful, resembling that of the Terns. Its principal food is small fish. On many of the large lakes and marshes in the prairie regions of Manitoba it breeds in great numbers, from thence northward and throughout all parts of the Fur Countries it is found breeding in suitable places. In the marshes of the wooded regions bordering the Mackenzie River it breeds in the latter part of June. The usual number of eggs laid is three, rarely four. The nests are always placed in elevated situations, in bushes,.trees, or on high stumps; the materials used are sticks and grasses, with a lining of vegetable substances. Ther eggs vary from greenish to brown, spotted and blotched with brown, umber and lilac of. various shades; these markings are chiefiy clustered around the larger end. Size. 1.95x1.34. 60.1. LITTLE GULL. Lerus minutus Pall. Geog. Dist.—Europe and parts of Asia and Africa: accidental in the Bermudas and on Long Island. We can now positively include this bird in the North American avifauna. It has long been more or less doubtfully recognized by ornithologists as accidently American upon the strength of a specimen said to have been taken on the first Frarklin expedition. Its place in our fauna has aiways been questionable. Mr. William Dutcher records the capture of an immature specimen of this gull which was shot at Fire Island, Suffolk county, New York (Long Island), about September 15, 1887. It was mounted by the late John Wallace, taxidermist, New York City, who presented it to the American Museum of Natural History, Central Park. Mr. H. K. Swann in his “Birds of London” mentions this gull as of rare occurrence in the vi- cinity of London, although it occurs from time to time, during the winter, on the east coast of England. It is stated by Prof. Nillson that this gull is known to breed in the marshes in the vicinity of the Baltic, placing the nests on the grassy knolls near the sea. | Three eggs constitute the complement, and their color varies from yellowish-brown, olive-brown to greenish-gray marked with spots of dark brown and purplish-gray. Size 1.80x1.32. 61. ROSS’S GULL. Rhodostethia rosea Maggil. Geog. Dist.—Arctic regions; Point Barrow, Alaska; Melville’ Peninsula; England, Faroes, Heligoland, etc. This species was first discovered north of British America. A specimen was taken by Mr. Nelson near St. Michaels, Norton Sound, on October 10, 1879. Three specimens were brought home by the naturalist of the ill-fated Jeannette. During Perry’s adventurous journey over the ice north of Spitzbergen, it was seen several NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 37 61. Ross’s Gui (From Brehm). times. A large series of this rare and beautiful gull was obtained by Mr. John Mur- doch at Point Barrow in the latter part of September and in October, 1881, and a larger series might have been secured had the weather ani other conditions been favorable. In a letter published in the London Daily Chronicle last November, Dr. Nansen, the most recent Arctic explorer, states that he found flocks of the Rosy or Ross’s Wedged-tailed Gull on August 6th in lattitude 81° 38’ and longitude 63° east. The birds were seen near four small islands called ‘“‘Hirtenland” by Nansen, a little northeast of Franz Josef Land. He did not actually find the nests, but the birds were so abundant that he concluded that. their nests were near by. There seems to be no reason to question the correctness of Nansen’s determination or his surmise that the birds were breeding not far away, as the presence of the gulls in such numbers in that high latitude renders it, very probable that they were breeding.* 62. SABINE’S GULL. YXema sabinii Sab. Geog. Dist.—Arctic regions; in North America south to New York, the Great Lakes and Great Salt Lake. The Forked-tailed Gull breeds in the extreme northern portion of North America and Asia, especially on the islands of the Arctic Ocean, depositing its eggs in a de- pression of the sand, which is generally lined with bits of fine, dry grass; the nest is also often made in beds of moss, with similar lining. This gull is recorded as abundant in the marshes in the neighborhood of St. Michael’s, Alaska, where it breeds. Its food consists of worms and insects, which it obtains in mud lakes. On the northwestern coast of Greenland, above Alison Bay, this species has been found *From T. S. Palmer’s article: ‘‘Nansen’s Discovery of the Breeding Grounds of the Rosy: Gull,’’ Science, January 29, 1897. 38 NESTS AND EGGS OF . breeding, but not in large colonies. The eggs are two to three in number. They are of a deep greenish-brown, obscurely spotted and blotched with darker shades of the same; they very closely resemble those of the Willet or Curlew. The Byentes size is 1.75x1.25. -— 638. GULL-BILLED TERN. Gelochelidon | nilotica Hasselq. Geog. Dist.— Nearly cosmopolitan. In North America chiefly along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the Unitcd States. — In North America the Marsh Tern, as, ‘it is commonly, called, breeds from New Jersey southward. On Cobb’s. Island, Va., it nests sparingly ‘in the latter part of June. Dr. James C. Merrill and Georgé B. Sennett found a colony of this species in company with Sterna forsteri, breeding ' on a grassy island, among lagoons and marshes, near Fort Brown, Texas, May 16, 1877. The nests were slight depressions among the short grass, and the eggs were frequently wet.* This Tern breeds abun- dantly on Pelican Island,-in the Gulf of Mexico, in the latter part of May, laying its eggs on the bare sand. Farther south, on the. islands along .the coast of Mexico and in the Bahamas, it is known to nest in great numbers. The eggs are usually three in number, sometimes four. They vary from yellowish-buff to greenish, spotted and blotched with yellowish-brown and lilac, especially about the larger end, but, like the eggs of all terns, are extremely variable. The average size is 1.75x1.30. This is the only species of tern having the bill shaped in noticeable degree like that of a gull—hence its common name. Marsh Tern is another name by which it is known, but this is not regarded as exactly correct. According to the best authorities the. Gull-billed Tern is a species. of wide distribution and is characteristic of no par- ticular region, breeding alike in ‘the ‘slands of the Indian Ocean and in those of the Gulf of Mexico, the islands and the coasts of Jutland in Denmark and along the coast and the interior in the marshes and lagoons of southern South America. A few specimens have been taken on the coasts of France and Germany, and it is recorded as being common in Hungary, Greece and Asia Minor, where it breeds. It is known to breed in various other portions of Southern Europe, and also in the northern parts of Africa. Its flight is spoken of as easy and graceful, partaking of the ele- gance which is characteristic of these birds when on the wing. 64. CASPIAN TERN. Sterna tschegrava Lepech. Geog. Dist—Nearly cos- mopolitan; in North America breeding southward to Virginia, Lake Michigan, Texas, Nevada and California. This is the largest of these elegant and graceful birds, the Terns; it measures from twenty to twenty-three inches in length. The bill of this bird in life is of dark vermilion-red, growing lighter towards the tip; the pileum and occipital crest is glossy, greenish-black, extending to the lower line of the eyes. The back and upper parts of wings are pearl-blue, the whole underparts are white. The legs and feet are black. The extent of wings in the adult bird is from fifty to fifty-five inches. It is nearly cosmopolitan in its distribution, being found in greater or less abundance in various portions of the globe. Ata distance it is often mistaken for the Royal Tern, but may be distinguished from the latter by its more robust form and less deeply forked tail. The bird is also known as the Imperial Tern; irregularly distributed throughout North America, but chiefly in the Arctic regions, where it breeds, and along the entire Atlantic coast. .Eggs and young have been taken on Cobb's Island, Va., in July. Dr. Merrill observed it breeding on Padre Island, near Fort Brown, * Notes on the Ornithology of Southern Texas. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 39 64. Caspian Tern (From Brehm). Texas, in May. The late Mr. B. F. Goss found it nesting on the islands of Lake Michigan. Large numbers of this species are said to breed on Pelican Island in the Gulf of Mexico. The nests are mere hollows scooped in the dry sand, in which the birds deposit two or three eggs. These vary from white to greenish-buff, spotted and blotched with brown and lilac of different shades; broader and more elliptical than those of the next species; size 2.66x1.77. ’ st 65. ROYAL TERN. Sterna maxima Bodd. Geog. Dist.—Tropical America and warmer parts of North America, northward to Massachusetts, the Great Lakes and ‘California. West coast of Africa north to Tangiers. -This handsome tern, next in size to the Caspian, breeds in large colonies along the Atlantic coast, from New Jersey southward, depositing from one to three or four eggs on the bare sand. It breeds abundantly along the coasts and on the marshes of Florida. On some of the islands in the Gulf of Mexico it nests in immense numbers. Very abundant on many of the lagoons and marshes of Southern Texas. Prof. Robert Ridgway records the Royal Tern breeding on Cobb’s Island, Va., in the first part of July, In an area of about an eighth of an acre the eggs were so numerous that it ‘was almost impossible to walk through the nesting site without crushing a greater F 40 NESTS AND EGGS OF or less number; many of thie eggs were covered by the drifting sand.* The eggs are described as being narrower, and especially more pointed and rougher. than those of the Caspian Tern. They are yellowish-drab, irregularly blotched with dark umber and lilac of various shades; sizes range from 2.67 to 2.75 long by 1.70 to 1.75 broad. \ 66. ELEGANT TERN. Sterna elegans Gamb. Geog. Dist.—Pacific coast of America from California to Chili. Dr. Coues describes this tern as a “truly elegant species, resembling the Royal Tern, but easily distinguished.” It is a Mexican and Central American species, rarely occurring on the California coast. An egg is described as having a ground- color of pinkish-white, with bold and distinct markings of deep black and burnt sienna and subdued shell-markings of lavender-gray; size 2.20 by 1.45. 67. CABOT’S TERN. Sterna sandvicensis ucuflavida (Cabot.) Geog. Dist.— Tropical America northward along the Atlantic coast, irregularly, to Southern New England. o The beautiful Sandwich Tern has an extensive distribution. In North America it has been observed as far north as Southern New England, and is known by the name of Ducal Tern. Breeds in large colonies, like most of the terns, depositing the eggs in the dry sand. It nests on the small sandy islands off the coast of Cape Sable in the latter part of June. Breeds commonly on the coasts of Central America, and on some of the larger West India islands. The eggs vary from white to buff, ir- regularly spotted and blotched with brown, umber, bluish and reddish; rather pointed ; two or three in ee size about 2.10 by 1.40. 68. TRUDEAU’S TERN. a trudeaue Aud. Geog. Dist.—Southern South America; casual or accidental on the Atlantic coast of the United States (New Jersey, Long Island). This bird has been accidentally found in New Jersey and Long Island. It breeds in southern South America, but I believe its eggs have not yet been described. 69. FORSTER’S TERN. Sterna forsteri Nutt. Geog. Dist.—North America generally, breeding from Manitoba southward to Virginia, Illinois, Texas and Cali- fornia; in winter southward to Brazil. Like all the terns, this one is noted for its graceful flight and, with them, it shares the name of Sea Swallow—a name which velongs more particularly to the next species. Forster’s Tern was once thought to breed only in the interior of North America. The above habitat, however, indicates clearly the range throughout which this species is found breeding in all suitable places. It nests on the grassy islands among the lagoons and marshes of Southern Texas, thence northward irregularly ‘to British America. In Manitoba, on the islands and marshes of the lakes and rivers, it nests abundantly. Here on the islands of Shoal ake Mr. Arnold and Mr. Raine found them breeding by thousands. Breeds in colonies, often in company with the Common and Gull-billed Terns, the Laughing and Bonaparte’s Gulls. When its nesting places are disturbed it is said to be very noisy, uttering a grating, monot- onous note, and at the same time attacking the intruder on al! sides, often darting close to his head. In some localities this species constructs its nest in a turf of dry grass, upon the sand, or among stones. It breeds chiefly in grassy marshes, building its nest of flags, water-plants, lining them with finer reeds. The eggs are two or three in number, with an average size of 1.85x1.35. In color they vary from nearly * Bull. Nutt. Club, Vol. V, pp. 221-223. In article on the eggs of “Sterna caspia.” NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 41 pure white and pale green to warm brownish-drab, irregularly spotted and blotched with brown, umber and lilac, 70. COMMON TERN. Sterna hirundo Linn. Geog. Dist.—Greater part of the Northern Hemisphere and Africa. In North America chiefly confined to the Eastern Province, breeding variously throughout its range. Sea Swallow, Wilson’s Tern, Red-shank. “Mackerel Gull” and “Summer Gull” are the names by which this beautiful species is known in various localities. It is an abundant bird throughout its North American range, preeding on many of the inland lakes and marshes as well as along the coasts. In various. places on the Atlantic coast it breeds in company with other species, such as Forster’s, Arctic, and Roseate Terns, the Laughing Gull and others. Mr. W. W. Worthington, of Shelter Island, New York, writes me the following: “Although a few Wilson’s Terns breed on nearly every sandy point near here, Gull Island, situated a mile or. so east of Plum Island, is their chief breeding ground in this section. Here they breed by thousands, fairly filling the air when you land and disturb them. Their nests are always placed on the ground or rocks, and are usually composed of a few Pieces of grass and seaweed. They place their nests all over the island above high water line, on the beach, on the sides of the bluffs, all around, ard in the garden cultivated by the light-nouse keeper. Fresh eggs can be obtained there from the 10th of June to the middle of July, as egging parties keep them cleaned off about as fast as they are laid. I collected a set of four eggs of this species on Gull Island last spring (1881), which is the only set I ever saw containing more than three eggs, which is the usual number laid.” Mr. Worthington and Mr. M. C. Howe found two sets each containing five eggs on Gull Island in the season of 1894. This is an unusual number to a set. The eggs vary from greenish to deep brown, spotted and blotched with brown, blackish and lilac; they vary in length from 1.49 to 1.75 by 1.18 to 1.30 broad. 71. ARCTIC TERN. Sterna paradisaea Brunn. Geog. Dist.—Northern Hem- isphere; in North America breeding from Massachusetts to the Arctic regions and wintering southward to Virginia and California. ‘ Throughout all Northern Alaska, both on the coast and in the interior, the Arctic Tern is an abundant summer resident, breeding wherever found. In its general appearance and habits, its mode of nesting, flight, and other characteristics, this species closely resembles the Common Tern. Its distribution is, however, more northern, breediag in the most northern latitude, where S. hirundo is found only in limited numbers. The eggs of both are indistinguishable. 72, ROSEATE TERN. Sterna dougalli Montag. Geog. Dist.—Temperate and tropical regions; north on the Atlantic coast of North America to Massachusetts, and casually to Maine. On the Atlantic coast of North America this beautiful species is found breeding from Maine southward to Florida. It is known also by the name of Paradise Tern. On some of the islands of the New England coast this species breeds in abundance, notably on Muskegat, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and Elizabeth Islands. In many places it breeds in colonies with the Common and Arctic Terns and the Laughing Gull. On a small island, called Goose Island, about three-quarters of an acre in extent, situated in Long Island Sound, and a short distance from Faulkner’s Island, Mr. M. B. Griffing found this species nesting in abundance. The high land is from two to six feet above the beach, and is covered with a thick growth of weeds «. 42 NESTS AND EGGS OF and grass; in this some of the nests were concealed; others were in plain sight; they were so numerous as to fairly cover the ground. They were nothing more than slight hollows lined with dry grass, and contained usually two eggs. Mr. Griffing says he is satisfied that this is the usual number laid by this species, as there were but two sets containing three eggs in the hundreds of nests observed; incubation had begun in nearly every set, and many were almost hatched. Some of the eggs were laid on the shore just above high water mark. Mr. Griffing says that the eggs differ from those of the Common Tern, being less pointed at the small end; the markings are usually much finer and more numerous. By placing a tray of the eggs of each species side by side the difference is very marked. They vary in size from 1.55 to 1.75 in length by 1.10 to 1.25 in breadth. Mr. Griffing states the birds are very noisy when their nests are being disturbed; hovering overhead they utter a harsh gutteral cry, peculiar to the species. They also have a note which sounds like the syllable tip, tip, tip. 73. ALEUTIAN TERN. Sterna aleutica Baird. Geog. Dist.—Coast of Africa, from the Island of Kadiak to Norton Sound. ; This tern has been found nesting in various parts of Alaska; on the Island. of Kadiak, and on some of the Eastern Aleutian Islands. On several islands in the vicinity of St. Michael’s, Alaska, this tern, according to Nelson, breeds, laying its eggs directly upon the moss, with no attempt at nest lining, which would be entirely unnecessary there. Its habits do not differ essentially from those of other terns. The eggs measure from 1.65 to 1.85 long by 1.10 to 1.15 broad. They have a ground» color, varying from brownish-white to greenish-olive, with bold markings of light reddish and chestnut brown. 74, LEAST TERN. Sterna antillarum (Less.) Geog. Dist.—NortLern South America, north to California and New England, and casually to Labrador, breeding nearly throughout its range. This pretty little Sea Swallow breeds on the Island of Cuba, and other islands vf the West Indies, along the coasts of Central America and Mexico. Mr. Stuart says it breeds abundantly on the white sand beaches of the Gulf coast, and on the >—3 128. Man-o’-War Birp, in downward flight known by its immense wings and deeply forked tail, and colors of brownish-black, glossed with green. It is a constant resident of the Bahamas, breeding on some of the Keys in March. One of the best descriptions ever written concerning the nesting and general habits of this species is that by Walter E. Bryant, entitled: “Rookery of Man-o’-War Biras,” in The Nidologist, September, 1898. From this article I take the following interesting facts: Upon the mangroves bordering a small lagoon on the eastern side of Santa Margarita Island, one of the islands forming the spacious harbor of Magdalena Bay, Baja, California, he found an extensive nes.ing colony of this species in 1888-9. If the imagination can picture twice and three times the number of birds which appear in the illustration it will form but a partial conception of the number of individuals congregated about the lagoon—a tidal body of water a few hundred yards in length and not more than eighty wide. The iliustration was taken from the most populous portion of the rookery. The eggs are laid in January, only a single one to each nest. Both parents take part in the incubation. The eggs are dull immaculate white, shaped somewhat like a Gull’s egg and averaging 68.7x 46.9 millimetres. Upon the slight platform of dry twigs composing the nest and not larger in size than a dinner plate, it is surprising that the egg will remain, but most of the nests have more or less projecting bits of twigs which keep the egg in place. The nest shown in the illustration had probably been used once or twice, as ic is heavily incrusted with guano of young birds and is of more than average thick-. 76 WESTS AND EGGS OF 128. Nest AND Ecc oF Man-o’-War Burp (From The Nidologist). ness, from nesting material added each time it was used. Smooth as it appears Mr. Bryant obtained an egg from it on February 13, 1888. The principal feeding ground was out at sea, but an opportunity was never lost to rob the Cormorants, both of fish and materials brought for their nests. The Cormorants’ rookery was in the same locality. An unmistakable odor of guano pervaded the rookeries and was noticeable a hundred yards away to leeward. 229. AMERICAN MERGANSER. Merganser americanus (Cass.) Geog. Dist.—North America generally. The Sheldrake, Goosander or Merganser, as it is variously called, is a common bird throughout North America, breeding from the Northern States northward. It has lately been found breeding in New Mexico; Mr. N. S. Goss having seen a female with four little ones July 2, on the Pecos River.* Is very abundant on fresh as well as salt waters in spring and fall. The three species of Mergansers or Sheldrakes with the “saw-bill” are commonly called “Fish Ducks.” Their flesh is rank and unpalatable. The male may be recognized by his large size, white breast and green gloss on the head and neck, the latter scarcely crested; the female, which is much smaller than the male, has a deep red head and neck, with the crest better de- veloped; under parts salmon-tinted. The nest is made in hollow trees, after the manner of the Wood Duck, and is composed of moss, leaves and grasses, warmly lined with down from the bird. In Northern Maine eggs are deposited in the latter part of May or the first of June. The eggs are 6 or 8 and sometimes 10 in number; of yellowish or buff color, and measure from 2.50 to 2.80 by 1.70 to 1.80. Mr. A. B. Call found a nest of this species on West River, a few miles below Newfane, Vt. It was in a hollow tree about 35 feet above the river and 6 or 8 feet below the top of the en- trance. This was on May 14, and the nest contained sixteen well incubated eggs.f * Auk, Vol. IV, p. 344. + The Nidologist, March, 1894. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 7 129. MerGanser (From Brehm). 180. RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. Merganser serrator (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Northern portion of Northern Hemisphere; south, in winter, throughout the United States. An inhabitant of the more northern portions of the Northern Hemisphere, being common to Europe, Asia and North America. In the latter continent it is more abundant than the M. americanus. Very common in the United States in winter, where it is found breeding in suitable localities in the months of May and June. The Red-breasted Merganser breeds abundantly in Newfoundland, Labrador, the fur countries of British America and Alaska. It is a resident of Greenland and Iceland. {t nests usually on the ground among brushwood, surrounded with tall grasses and at a short distance from water; most generally it is concealed by a projecting rock or other object. The nest is made of leaves and mosses, lined with feathers and down, which are plucked from the breast of the bird. The number of eggs in a set varies from six to twelve, usually about nine or ten; oval or elliptical in shape, and vary in size from 2.48 to 2.65 long by 1.65 to 1.82 broad. The color is a yellowish or reddish-drab, sometimes a dull buffy-green. 131. HOODED MERGANSER. Lophodytes cucullatus (Linn.) Geog. Dist.— North America generally, south to Mexico and Cuba. This handsome Merganser is an exclusively North American species. In suitable places throughout its range, in wooded districts near water almost wherever it oc- curs, it may be found breeding. It nests in hollows of trees or stumps, lining the 78 NESTS AND HGGS OF cavities with fine grasses, leaves, feathers and down. In some locali- ties the bird is called “Water Pheas- ant” and “Hairy-head.” Anyone can recognize the male of this spe- cies by its striking black and white tolors and its magnificent, erect, compressed, semi-circular black and white crest. The general color of the head, neck, sides and upper por- tions of the female are grayish- brown: white beneath, and the crest is not so prominent. As many as 18 eggs have been found in a single nest; ten or twelve, however, appear to be the most common numbers, and often as few as six are laid. They are of a delicate pearly-white, rounded oval and measure from 2.05 to 2.25 long by 1.70 to 1.75 broad. 131. Hoopep MERGANSER, MALE. [131.1.] SMEW. WMergus albellus Linn. Geog. Dist.—In summer, Northern Europe and Asia; in winter, south to the Mediteranian, Northern India, China and Japan. Accidental in Northern North America. This is the Nun or the White-headed Merganser of British authors. It is found during the summer months in Northern Europe and Northeastern Asia. In Great. Britain it is occasionally met with during the winter. It is admitted to our American fauna upon its accidental occurrence in Greenland.* 1382. MALLARD. Anas boschas Linn. Geog. Dist——Northern parts of North- ern Hemisphere; in America south to Panama and Cuba, breeding southward to the Northern United States. The Green-head, or Mallard, is one of the most highly esteemed ducks, its habitat being nearly cosmopolitan, and almost everywhere domesticated. It is the eriginal of our barn-yard duck. A common bird in North America at large, breed- ing sparingly throughout the United States. In the sloughs and meadow marshes of the northern tier of the states this duck breeds more or less abundantly in the month of June. Rare in New England, scarcely found beyond Massachusetts, and is replaced farther northeast by the Black Mallard, or Dusky Duck. Mr. C. Barlow states that it is one of the most abundant species in California. He found it very numerous about the marshes in the neighborhood of San Jose, eggs being taken May 1. In Greenland, Mr. Hagerup states that the Mallard is common the whole year round. Nests with eggs were found in May and June. The eggs of the Greenland Mallard, he adds, are considerably larger than those of the Danish bird; the former measure 2.36x1.73, the latter 2.20x1.61 inches. Mr. A. M. Shields writes me that this is, perhaps, the most common of the ducks in the vicinity of Los Angeles, Cala., breeding from the first of April to the last of June, selecting for its nesting place the tall grass in fields not far from a lake or river. The eggs are six to ten in number, pale, yellowish drab, or olivaceous-green, but most generally the latter color when fresh; elliptical; average size, 2.25x1.25, sCf. Allen, Auk XIII, 1896, 164, 243. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 79 138. BLACK DUCK. Anas obscura Gmel. Geog. Dist.—Eastern North Ameri- ca, west to Utah, Texas, north to Labrador, breeding from the Northern United States northward. The Dusky Duck, or Black Mallard, is much less common in the interior than along the Atlantic coast. The characteristic and one of the commonest ducks of New England, where it breeds at large, and from thence northeastward, but is most numerous during the migrations. The eggs are from six to twelve in number, usu- ally seven or eight; are elliptical, or nearly so in shape; measure about 2.30x1.70, and vary from pale buff to pale greenish-buff. Incubation period is from the last of April to the early part of June. The nest is placed on the ground, in grass or rushes in the neighborhood of ponds, pools, and streams, in meadows and sometimes in swamps. It is a large and neatly arranged structure of weeds and grass, nicely hollowed and lined with down and feathers from the breast of the bird.* In rare instances it has been known to nest in the hollow of a tree, or a “stub” projecting from the water of a swamp. Mr. Frazar found the nest of this Duck in Labrador usually placed upon the “outreaching branches of stunted spruces,’’ which are seldom higher than four feet. The bird may be known by its resembling the female of the Mallard, A. boschas, but darker in color. ‘ 1384, FLORIDA DUCK. Anas fulvigula Ridgw. Geog. Dist.—Florida, Kansas. This is a local, lighter colored species, which is resident in Florida. They are smaller than the northern birds. The eggs are deposited during the first and second weeks in April. They are similar to those of the Black Mallard, but smaller, averaging 2.15x1.61. 134a. MOTTLED DUCK. Anas fulvigula maculosa (Senn.) Geog. Dist.—Hast- ern Texas and north to Kansas. The types of this subspecies were taken by Mr. J. A. Singley in the latter part of March and the first part of April, 1889, in the marshes between the Nueces river and Nueces bay. A male and female were shot and in the oviduct of the female a fully developed egg was found. Mr. Singley informs me that the egg could not be differentiated from those in a set of Florida Duck’s eggs, A. fulviguia. Mr. C. W. Crandall has a set of ‘seven eggs of the Mottled duck, taken in a large marsh near Iberia, La. The nest consisted of a foundation of rushes lined with down, and was placed on top of an old muskrat nest. The eggs are nearly elliptical in shape, of a pale greenish buff color and measure as follows: 2.14x1.57, 2.15x1.58, 2.23x1.53, 2.18x1.55, 2.25x1.60, 2.17x1.60, 2.19x1.58 inches. 135. GADWALL. Anas strepera Linn, Geog. Dist.—Nearly cosmopolitan. In North America breeding chiefly within the United States. The Gadwall, or Gray Duck, is a widely diffused species in most parts of the world. In North America, during the breeding season, it may be found nesting anywhere, especially south of the British Provinces. Common in meadows, and in grain fields near marshes and lakes in Minnesota, nesting in the middle of June and depositing from eight to twelve eggs in a cavity of the ground. Mr. A. M. Shields states that this Duck is a resident in the vicinity of Los Angeles, Cal., but is not met with in great numbers. He found a nest containing eleven eggs on April 16, these were apparently about two weeks incubated. The nest was a slight hollow, amongst a thick bunch of weeds, six feet from tae water’s edge; it was com- * Oology of New England, p. 96. 80 NESTS AND EGGS OF posed of fine grass, and feathers from the breast of the bird. The eggs are ‘aed color or creamy buff, elliptical in shape, and measure 2.09 by 1.57. 136. WIDGEON. Anas penelope Linn. Geog. Dist.—Northern part of the Old World. In North America breeds in the Aleutian Islands. Occurs occasionally in the Eastern United States. The European Widgeon, in ia size and general character, resembles the Ameri- can Widgeon or Baldpate. In the south of Scotland and throughout England it is an abundant winter visitant; a few remain to breed on the islands of the lochs in the northern portions of Scotland. It breeds in Norway and Sweden, and is the most abundant of the ducks that breed in Lapland, nesting in the grassy swamps and iakes midst tall rushes, the material for the nest being reeds and grasses, witha warm lining of down and feathers from the bird’s body. The eggs are five to eight in number, and their color is pale buff; their average size is 2.23x1.53. 137. BALDPATE. Anas americana Gmel. Geog. Dist—North America, from the Arctic Ocean south to Guatemala and Cuba. The American Widgeon or Baldpate inhabits North America at large, breeding anywhere in suitable localities. This is one of the neatest of our ducks, and may be known by the spotted neck and head. The latter is white on top; the speculum green and black; the lower neck, scapulars, sides and upper breast chestnut-red, tinged with ashy, finely banded, all but the breast, with dark brown. The greater upper wing coverts are white, tipped with black, and the under parts are pure white; the bill and feet are grayish-blue. The female is similar, but lacks the white crown ana iridescence on the head. There is a great variation in the normal coloration of the plumage, aside from age or sex, but as Dr. Coues says: “The bird cannot be mistaken under any condition; the extensive white of the under parts and wings is recognizable at gun-range.” The nest of this species is made on the ground and in marshes, composed of grass and weeds, neatly arranged and nicely hollowed; it is usually lined with the down and feathers from the breast of the bird. The eggs are pale buff, eight to twelve in number, measuring 2.00 by 1.50, with slight varia- tions. 138. EUROPEAN TEAL. Anas crecca Linn. Geog. Dist.—Northern part of the Old World. Casual in Eastern North America and the Aleutian Islands. This duck, which resembles very closely our American Green-winged Teal, is of {rregular occurrence in Eastern North America. In the northern portions of Europe 4t is very common, especially throughout Norway and Sweden. Breeds in abundance all over Lapland and in Northern Russia. Mr. Mathew Clugston informs me that this duck is quite common in Scotland, where it nests in the grassy herbage about the edges of lochs. A few breed in various places in Great Britain—as far south as Suffolk, England, and also in Wales. .It is known to breed on some of the islands on the west coast of Spain and those on the northwestern coast of Africa. The nest is formed of grasses and reeds, warmly lined with feathers. In scme places this duck’s favorite breeding resorts are the bogs and marshes in grassy fields. The eggs are commonly eight to ten in number; and sometimes as many as fifteen are laid. They are yellowish-white, oval in shape, and measure 1.75 in length by 1.30 in breadth. on NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. . 81 189. GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Anas carolinensis Gmel. Geog. Dist.—North America, migrating south to Honduras and Cuba. This handsome little Duck is exceedingly abundant throughout North America. It breeds from the northern borders of the United States northward to Greenland and Alaska. During the spring and fall migrations it is one of the most abundant of water fowl, frequenting the small brooks and ponds as well as the larger waters. It may be recognized by its small size; the primaries of the wing-covets are of leaden-gray; speculum velvety purplish-black on the outer half, the inner half rich green; bordered in front with chestnut, fawn or whitish tips of the greater coverts, behind by white tips of the secondaries, interiorly with purplish-black stripes on the outer webs of the lengthened secondaries. The head and upper neck of the male are rich chestnut, blackening on the chin, with a glossy green patch behind each eye. There is a white crescent in front of the wing. The female differs in the head markings, but those of the wing are the same. It is'a well-known and highly es- teemed game bird. The nest is placed on the ground, in a thick growth of grass, and is essentially the same as that of the Blue-winged Teal. The eggs are from five to eight in number, greenish-buff in color, usually ovoidal in shape, sometimes nearly oval, and vary in size from 1.73 to 1.90 long by 1.22 to 1.32 broad. 140. BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Anas discors Linn. Geog. Dist.—North Ameri- ea, but chiefly the Eastern Province; north to Alaska and south to the West Indies and Northern South America. A beautiful little duck, inhabiting North America in general, but chiefly the eastern portions. During the breeding seasons it is found in the same localities as the Green-wing, but is more abundant in the northern tier of States at that season than the latter. This duck feeds chiefly upon vegetable matter, and its flesh is tender and luscious. It may be known by its small size, blue wings and narrow bill. The feet are yellowish. The male has a white, crescent-shaped spot in front of the eye. The female is brown throughout, with the feathers edged with whitish which be- comes prominent below. The nest is made on the ground, in a thick patch or tus- sock of grass, usually in meadows, the border of ponds or streams and swampy places. It is composed of soft pieces of grass and weeds, lined with down and feath- ers from the breast of the bird. The eggs are greenish or buff, lighter in color than those of the Green-winged Teal; they vary from ovate to ovoidal, and are sometimes nearly oval in shape; six to ten and twelve in number, and vary in size from 1.30 to 1.35 broad by 1.90 to 1.95 long. 141. CINNAMON TEAL. Anas cyanoptera Vieill. Geog. Dist.—Wastern America, from the Columbia River south to Chili, Patagonia and Falkland Islands; east in North America to the Rocky Mountains; casual in the Mississippi Valley; accidental in Ohio—Davie. This pretty South American Teal is abundant in the United States west of the Rocky Mountains, and breeds anywhere in this range; Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Cali- fornia, Idaho, Oregon, etc. In the adult male the head, neck and under parts are rich chestnut, the wing coverts are sky-blue, as in the Blue-winged Teal. The speculum is green and is set between the white tips of the greater coverts and the secondaries. Its habits on the whole do not differ from those of its well-known ally, the Blue-wing. Mr. A. M. Shields regards it as common in the vicinity of Los An- geles, where it breeds in great numbers; nesting in the first week of May. Its favorite breeding places are in fields of tall grass or clover, in close proximity to 82 j NESTS AND EGGS OF water. He says the complement of eggs ranges from nine to thirteen, and that the nest is so compactly woven of grass, feathers and down that the entire structure may be picked up without its coming apart. It gives me pleasure to be able to add this beautiful duck to the avifauna of Ohio as an accidental visitor. On the 4th of April, 1895, a fine male of this species was killed, together with a number of ducks, at the Licking County Reservoir, by William Harlow. On the 6th I skinned and mounted this specimen and it is now one of the rare Ohio birds in my collection. It proved to be good eating. This, I believe, is the first record of the Cinnamon Teal ever having been taken in the state. The eggs of this species are creamy-white or pale buff; six to twelve; one end smaller than the other. In my cabinet there is a set of ten eggs collected by Dr. James C. Merrill, near Fort Klamath, Oregon, June 14, 1887; they exhibit the following dimensions: 1.90x1.38, 1.82x1.37, 1.88x1.39, 1.90x1.38, 1.92x 1.39, 1.88x1.38, 1.85x1.40, 1.94x1.38, 1.89x1.36, 1.83x1.34; the average size is 1.88x1.38. The nest was built at the edge of a marsh; it was made of grass blades and stems, warmly lined with down. 141.1. RUDDY SHELDRAKE. Casarca casarca Linn. Geog. Dist.—South- ern Europe and Southern Asia, south to northern Africa. Accidental in Greenland, Iceland and the Scandinavian Penisula. ‘Called also Casarka Sheldrake. It is found in Southern Europe, Asia and Russia; accidental in Greenland. Mr. C. W. Crandall has a set of eight eggs of this species in his odlogical collection which was taken June 2, 1893, in Southern Russia. Their measurements are 2.60x1.89, 2.55x1.90, 2.48x1.87, 2.42x1.82, 2.48x1.88, 2.55x1.87, 2.51x 1.86, 2.58x1.86, respectively They are of an exact ovate in shape of a pale cream shade, almost of the same tint as that found in the Wood Duck’s eggs 142. SHOVELLER. Spatula clypeata (Linn.) Geog. Dist—— Northern Hemis- phere. In North America. Breeding from Alaska to Texas. Not abundant on the Atlantic coast. ‘| “a oes — ut 3 | AN 1 mt “I \ f et wii | 142, SHOVELLER (From Brehm), NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 83 The Shoveller, or Spoonbill Duck, is common in the norwern portions of the globe. Said to have the most extended distribution of any species of the duck tribe, being more or less common in every portion of Europe and Asia, except in the extreme north; is found in Northern and Central Africa, and other portions of the tropical world. It is not common in England, where it breeds sparingly, but is more abundant in Scotland. In North America this peculiar-looking duck breeds tnrough- out its range in all suitable places; it winters chiefly in the south. It may easily be recognized by its broad bill, blue wing coverts and green speculum, The iris is yellow and the feet bright orange. The Spoonbill makes his nest on the ground in boggy places which are difficult of access. It is composed of grass and weeds. The eggs are greenish-gray, or faintly bluish; elliptical; six to ten in number; averaging in size about 2.10 by 1.50. , 143. PINTAIL. Dajila acuta (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Northern Hemisphere. In America migrates south to Panama and Cuba. In North America the Pintail, or Sprig-tail, is a common ‘species everywhere, being found as far north as Greenland and the Arctic coast, and south to the Isthmus of Panam& and to Cuba, breeding from the Northern States northward toroughout Nesr anp Ecos of THE PrnTAIL Duck. (Photo. by W. Raine.) the Fur Countries to Alaska, and in Greenland. It is abundant in the United States during the spring and fall migrations. In the vicinity of Los Angeles, California, Mr. Shields says it is very abundant during the entire winter, and a few remain to breed. The place usually selected for the nest is in tall buncues of prairie grass, seldom far from water. The number of eggs laid is commonly eight or nine; these are deposited about the middle of May. If the'eggs are taken the bird will im- mediately deposit a second set, which is seldom more than five or six in number. 84 : NESTS AND EGGS OF The male bird, inclusive of the long central tail-feathers, is about twenty-nine inches long; the general color of the upper parts is grayish, delicately penciled with white; either sex may be known by the very long and slender neck, but the female is shorter, being about twenty-two inches long, the central tail feathers making a difference of seven inches. In the far north this species deposits as many as twelve eggs in a single nest. These are of a dull grayish olive; elongate ellipsoidal in shape and measure from 2.10 to 2.30 long by about 1.52 broad. 144. WOOD DUCK. Aiz sponsa (Linn.) Geog. Dist—Temperate North America, breeding throughout its range. An exquisite bird, the most beautiful of all our ducks; in fact, no description ean give a sufficient conception of the variety and lustre of its plumage. It is crested, the head iridescent green and purple, with parallel curved white superciliary and post-ocular stripes and a broad white throat patch. The iris and edges of eyelids are red. In the female the head is mostly gray. A freshly-killed specimen has all the variegated tints to be seen in the rainbow. It is well-named Bridal Duck. It inhabits North America at large and is especially abundant in the United States, breeding almost wherever found. Frequents the wooded portions of. the country i) ne N a) LN Wa iN > i 144, Woop Duck (From Brehm). NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 85 144. Woop Ducks AND NESTING PLACE. 86 NESTS AND EGGS OF near water. The nest is made in the hollow of decayed trees, often at the depth of four to six feet. It is composed of twigs, weeds or grass, warmly lined with the down from breast of the bird. ‘What is remarkable about the entrance to the. nest is, that it is often so small that it would seem almost impossible for the bird to pass in and out. The tree in which the nest is made is frequently situated a considerable distance from water in some retired place. The young are carried to water in the bill of the parent bird. The eggs number from eight to twelve, and I have seen several sets of fourteen; they are of a pale buff color, averaging in size about 2.00 by 1.50, but there is a great variation in this respect when a large series of specimens from different parts of the country are examined. When robbed of its eggs the bird will often lay a second set. 145. RUFOUS-CRESTED DUCK. Netia Rufina (Pall.) Geog. Dist.—Eastern Hemisphere; accidental in the United States. The claim of this species to a place in the North American fauna rests on a single specimen obtained in Fulton Market, New York City, February 2d, 1872. It is supposed to have been shot on Long Island Sound. The bird is found in South- ern and Eastern Europe, and in portions of Africa and Asia. The eggs are described as being of a pale olive-buff and measure 2.32x1.68; not distinguishable from those of the next species. 146. REDHEAD. Aythya americana (Eyt.) Geog. Dist.—North America, breeding from California and Maine northward. The Redhead or Poachard, so frequently confounded with the Canvas-back, is a common duck throughout North America. It breeds in all parts of the Fur Countries and is very abundant in the marshes of Manitoba throughout the summer months. It nests in suitable localities of various northern states, Maine, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Dakota. The Redhead also breeds in the marshes of California. Mr. Shields mentions it nesting in a swamp near Los Angeles about the middle of June.* The nest is built on the ground in thick grass or weeds and is composed of aquatic plant stems and grasses, lined with the down and feathers from the breast of the bird. The nest is often constructed in a mass of reeds over water after the manner of a Coot’s. Mr. Shields found the nests to contain from seven to fourteen eggs. Hight or ten are more commonly laid further north. They are creamy-white, elliptical, and average 2. 40 by 1.70, with slight variation. ‘ 146. REDHEAD. 147. CANVAS-BACK. Aythya vallisneria (Wils.) Geog. Dist.—Nearly all of North America. The celebrated Canvas-back Duck is an exclusively North American species, found in the interior and on both coasts as far north as the Arctic Ocean and south- ward to Central America. Breeds on the interior marshes, rivers and lakes from * Young Oologist, a magazine devoted to the study of birds, their nests znd eggs, pub- Nehed by Frank H. Lattin, Albion, N. Y., Vol. I, p. 90. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 37 the Northwestern States to Alaska. Nests commonly in many of the lakes and ponds of Manitoba. On the marshes and lakes in the mountain valleys of Oregon the Canvas-back constructs its nest at the edge of the water or near it in tall rushes or grass. The Canvas-back is the highly esteemed table duck. When feeding on wild celery the flesh is said to acquire a peculiarly fine flavor, but under other circumstances not one person in ten thousand can tell it from any other duck, on the table. It is often confounded with the Redhead, but there is no occasion for this, even when the different sexes come to hand in any state of plumage. Although both species are similar in plumage, their heads alone will differentiate them. The Red- head has a high forehead, while the Canvas-back’s head slopes gradually down to the bill and the bill rises high on the fore- 147. CaNnvAS-BACK. head. In the male Redhead the entire head is clear chestnut red, with a coppery tint, and the bill pale grayish-blue, with a dark tip. In the Canvas-back nearly the whole head is blackish-brown, and the bill blackish. The general color of the females of both is brownish throughout. The nest of the Canvas-back is generally made on the ground in marshy places; tall, rank grass is usually selected. It is composed of grass and weeds, less thickly lined with feathers than the nests of other ducks are. The eggs are from six to ten in number, pale grayish-drab or greenish-buff, elliptical, and measure from 2.25 to 2.50 long by 1.70 to 1.75 broad. 148. AMERICAN SCAUP DUCK. Aythya marila nearctica Stejn. Geog. Dist.—North America, breeding far north. . This and the next species are closely allied, and are variously known as Blue- pills, Raft Duck, Floating Fowl and Shufflers. This one is called Big Blackhead or Greater Scaup Duck, on account of its size. It inhabits the whole of North America, and breeds far north. It is not so abundant in the United States as the next species. In many of the river valleys and in the lakes of Manitoba it is a common summer resident, where it nests on the ground in swampy places. The nest material is grass and weeds, and the lining is down from the breast of the bird. In the male the head, neck and the front part of the body are black, the former with a green gloss; the back and sides whitish, finely waved in zig-zag with black; underneath and ‘' speculum of wing is white. The bill is blue, with black nail; iris yellow. In the female the head and anterior parts brown; face pure white. The eggs of the American Scaup Duck are of a pale, buffy olive-gray, or ashy-green, elliptical, six to ten in number, size 2.54x1.71. 149. LESSER SCAUP DUCK. Aythya ajfinis (Eyt.) Geog. Dist.—North America in general, migrating south to Guatemala and the West Indies. As its name indicates, this species is smaller than the last, to which it is very similar. Breeds chiefly north of the United States. It is a common summer resident in. the lakes, marshes, ponds, and rivers of Western Manitoba and throughout other portions of the fur countries northward. Its nesting habits and its eggs are the same as A. marila nearctica. The average size of the eggs is about 2.25x1.58. 150. RING-NECKED DUCK. Aythya collaris (Donov.) Geog. Dist.—North America, migrates south to Guatemala and the West Indies, 88 NESTS AND HGGS OF Ring-billed Blackhead, Marsh. Blue-bill and Ring-necked Scaup Duck are names by which this species is commonly known. In the United States it is a common spring and fall migrant, and breeds from Maine, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and other northern States northward. In some parts of Manitoba it is very abundant, espe- cially in the Red River Valley, where it breeds in the marshes of the lakes and ponds, among the reeds and thick grasses. The nest is made of fine grasses, and slightly lined with feathers. In its general appearance, the bird is similar to the foregoing, but the adult male has an orange-brown ring around the neck; the female has no collar, and the head and neck are brown. This bird may be known in all stages of plumage by the broad bill and gray speculum. The Ring-neck lays from six to twelve eggs, varying from grayish to buff color; they are elliptical in shape, and measure from 2.25 to 2.30 by 1.60 to 1.65. 151. AMERICAN GOLDEN-EYE. Glaucionetta clangula americana (Bonap.) Geog. Dist.—North America, breeding from Maine and the British Provinccs north- ward; migrates south to Cuba. The American Golden-eye, Whistler, Garrot, or “Great-Head,” is very similar to the next species. It has a large round white spot before the eye, not touching the base of the bill throughout. It is given the name of Whistler from the peculiar noise of the wings while flying, and Great Head from its large and beautifully created head. It is an abundant species throughout the fur countries, where it frequents the rivers and fresh-water lakes in great numbers. Breeds as far north as Alaska, where, on the Yukon, it nests about the middle of June. Like the Wood Duck, it constructs its nests in hollow trees and decayed trunks. It is made of grass, leaves, and moss, lined with down from the bird’s breast. The eggs are from six to ten in number, ashy green in color, rounded-oval in shape, and measure from 2.30 to 2.55 long by 1.70 to 1.78 broad. 152. BARROW’S GOLDEN-EYE. Glaucionettu islandica (Gmel.) Geog. Dist.—Northern North America, south in winter to New York, Illinois and Utah. Greenland; Iceland. The Rocky Mountain Garrot, or Golden-eye, is almost exclusively a North American species, breeding from the Gulf of St. Lawrence in the east and the mountains of Colorado in the west to high northern regions. It is a resident of Greenland and Iceland. It may be known by the large triangular white spot before the eye running up to a point, applied against the entire base of the bill and the division of the white area on the wing. The head is moderately puffy, with an occipital crest, and the color of the gloss is chiefly purple and violet. The bill is black or greenish-dusky and the iris golden-yellow. In the female the head is snuff-brown and no white patch in front of the eye. This bird, like the last, makes its nest in hollow trees, of grass, sticks and weeds, lined with feathers. Mr. Edwin Carter was the first to find the nest and eggs of this species in the moun- tains of Colorado in 1876. From six to ten eggs are laid, these are usually elliptical in shape, and measure from 2.25 to 2.380 long by 1.60 to 1.65 broad. 152. Barrow’s GOLDEN-EYE. 1538. BUFFLE-HEAD. Charitonetta albeola (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—North America; south to Cuba and Mexico. Breeds from Maine northward, through the Fur Countries and Alaska. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 89 This duck is variously named, as Butter-ball, “Dipper,” ‘“Butter-box,” “Spirit Duck” and “Hell-diver.”” It dives with the greatest of ease, slipping under the water almost as quickly as a grebe. Its expertness in diving enables it to obtain food in very deep water. The Buffle-head is peculiarly an American species, but of accidental occurrence in Europe. In Manitoba and throughout all the fur countries it is a common summer resident, breeding as far north as Alaska. The nests are concealed in hollows of trees or stumps, near the banks of streams. They are lined with down and feathers. The Butter-ball breeds occasionally in Northern Maine. In the United States it is an abundant spring and fall migrant, and in many places al winter resident. The male is one of the handsomest of our small ducks. The head is particularly puffy, of varied rich iridescence, with a large showy white patch on each side beliind the eye. The broad black and white pattern of his upper coat stands out in strong contrast against a glossy white breast. The female is smaller and a very insignificant looking duck; the head is scarcely puffy, dark gray, with traces of the white auricular patch. The eggs of this duck vary from buff to a creamy-white or grayish-olive; ellipsoidal in form and range from six to fourteen in number; sizes from 1.95 to 2.05 long by 1.35 to 1.50 broad. 154. OLD-SQUAW. Clangula hyemalis (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Northern hemis- phere; in North America south to the Potomac and the Ohio. Breeds far northward. The Long-tailed Duck, Old Wife or South-southerly, as it is variously called, is distributed throughout the northern portions of the globe, making its summer home in Arctic regions. A resident in Greenland and breeds in various places. in 154. Oxtp Squaw or LonG-TAILED Duck, MALE, lJeeiand, The nests are made on the margins of lakes or ponds, among low bushes or tall grass; they are constructed of grasses and generally, but not always, warmly lined with down and feathers. The eggs are from six to twelve in number, The Long-tailed Duck inhabits the more northern countries of Europe—a winter visitant to Great Britain, and it is found occasionally in Germany and France. Abundant on the sea coast of Alaska, is resident on the Prybilof and Aleutian Islands. In the United States it is found only in winter. The male of the Old-squaw is a handsome duck, and may be recognized by its long tail and peculiar reddish-brown and brownish-black and white markings. The female lacks the lengthened tail-feathers. 90 : NESTS AND EGGS OF and is, on the whole, a very inferior looking bird. The eggs of this species average 2.05 by 1.49; they are pale, dull grayish pea-green, varying to dull light olive-buff. 155. HARLEQUIN DUCK. 4Histrionicus histrionicus (Linn.) Geog. Dist.— Northern North America. The beautiful and singularly marked Harlequin ‘is an inhabitant of the south- ern part of the circumpolar zone.” It is not common wherever found. In many parts of the Old World it is only a rare or an occasional Visitor; this is the case in Great Britain, France and Germany. It breeds in several places in Southern Greenland, according to Mr. Hagerup. At the commencement of the breeding season it leaves the sea coast and retires to the lakes and rivers of the interior regions. A summary of this bird’s breeding range is given by C. Hart Merriam, as follows: “In Siberia it is known to breed about Lake Baikal and in the Bureja Mountains 156. Lasprapor Duck. (Radde); in Mantchuria and at various points in the great Stanowi Range (Von Middendorff); about the Upper Amoor (Von Schrenck), and in Kamtschatka. On the American continent it has been found breeding along the tributaries of the Yukon in Alaska (Dall); in the interior of the fur countries and about Hudson Bay (Richardson); on the fresh water ponds of Labrador (Audubon), and in the Rocky Mountains within the limits of the United States (in Montana, Coues). It also nests in Newfoundland, Greenland, and Iceland (Kruper).”* Dr. Merriam says that all accounts agree that this duck nests on the ground in close proximity to swiftly running water, and states that he is also informed that in Newfoundland the nests are built in hollow trees. In some of its breeding grounds it is said to lead a solitary life, being found alone or in pairs in the most retired places on small streams. The nest is composed of weeds, grass, etc., warmly lined with down and feathers from the breast of the bird. When the female leaves the eggs she carefully covers them up * Bull. Nutt. Club, VII, 220, _ NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 91 with down. In some places the Harlequins are called “Lord and Lady Ducks.’ The male is second only to the Wood Duck in beauty, and the female will bear no com- parison to the same sex of that species. The eggs are six to eight in number, rounded oval, yellowish-buff or greenish-yellow, and measure 2.30x1.62. 156. LABRADOR DUCK. Camptolaimus labradorius Gmel. Geog. Dist.— Formerly Northern Atlantic coast, from New Jersey (in winter) northward, breeding from Labrador northward. Now extinct. The nest and eggs of this bird are unknown and the bird is extinct. The last example taken was shot near Elmira, New York, in 1878. There are only thirty-six specimens known to be preserved in the museums of the world. The specimen rep- resented in our illustration is one which was collected by no less a person than Daniel Webster, and is figured by Audubon.* This duck was shy and difficult of approach, a strong swimmer and of rapid flight. Its extinction seems strange and unac- countable. 157. STELLER’S DUCK. Fniconetta Stelleri (Pall.) Geog. Dist.—Arctic and sub-Arctic coasts of Northern Hemisphere. The summer home of Steller’s Duck is in very high Arctic latitudes. It breeds in Northern Russia, in Europe and in Siberia, nesting in the latter part of June, de- positing from seven to nine eggs. It is said to breed on the inaccessible rocks of Kamtschatka, on the islands of Bering Sea, and sparingly on some of the Aleutian Islands. In its habits it resembles the Common Eider. The nest is placed on the ground and is made of grass, thickly lined with down and feathers from the breast of the bird. Dr. Coues says the bird is not yet common in collections, though abound- ing and sometimes gathering in enormous flocks on the islands and both shores of Bering Sea and the Arctic coast of Northeastern Siberia. It winters mainly on the Aleutian Islands, and is usually found in company with the Pacific, Spectacled and King Eiders. The eggs vary from pale olive-buff to pale olive or pale green and measure 2.30 by 1.62. 158. SPECTACLED EIDER. Arctonetta fischeri (Brandt.) Geog. Dist.— Coast of Alaska, north to Point Barrow. This Hider with a peculiarly dense and puffy patch of velvet feathers about the eye, suggesting spectacles, has nesting habits similar to the Ameri- ean Eider, §. dresseri. The eggs are also similar. It inhabits the islands and coasts from Norton Sound northward to Point Barrow. On St. Michael’s Island, Alaska, it breeds in company with the Pa- cific Eider S. v-nigra. The eggs measure from 2.35 to 2.57 long by 1.55 to 1.85 broad. 158. SPECTACLED EIDER. 159. NORTHERN EIDER. Somateria mollissima borealis (A. E. Brehm.) Geog. Dist.—Northern Europe and Northeastern North America, including Green- land and Northern Labrador, south in winter on the Atlantic Coast to Maine. The Hider, so famous for its down, which has become an article of commerce and luxury, is common along the Northern Atlantic coasts of Europe and America. The great demand for its down has caused the inhabitants of Iceland, Norway and *From U. S. National Museum Report, 1889. 92 NESTS AND HGGS OF other parts of Europe to protect it during the breeding season. In these places the Eider becomes very tame. It isa resident of Greenland, where it nests in the lafter part of June or the first week of July. On some of the small islands on the coast of Iceland it has become almost domesticated, breeding in vast numbers, nesting on the grassy banks, between large stones, on rocks, and in every available hollow which will hold the nest. The nest is made of sea weed, lined with the down plucked from the breast of the bird. This is augmented as incubation proceeds and the quantity of down often becomes so great that the eggs are concealed from view. The eggs range from six to ten in number, greenish drab, and measure 2.97 by 2.01. pw 26 , ee 0 a = = por ihe 160. Erper Ducxs (From Brehm), 160. AMERICAN EIDER. Somateria dressert Sharpe. Geog. Dist.—Atlantie coast of North America, from Maine to Labrador; south in winter to the Delaware and west to the Great Lakes. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 93 The American Hider breeds along the Atlantic coast of North America from Maine to Northern Labrador. On Grand Manan and some of the smaller islands in that vicinity this duck formerly nested in great numbers, but from constant perse- cutionitsnumbers have been greatlydiminished. A female specimenof thisspeciesin my collection was taken November 11, 1895, at the Licking County Reservoir (Ohio) by William Harlow. It is one of the most characteristic summer ducks of Labrador and Newfoundland. Mr. Frazar found this Eider breeding commonly on small tslands on the coast of Labrador, making the nest in the short, soft grass. The favorite nesting place was at the foot of some large rock, or in the nooks between rocks, where the birds found shelter from the wind. They were always made of the slate-colored down from the breasts of the birds. Most of the nests contained four or five eggs; a large number of six, two seven and one eight.* The eggs are from | four to ten in number, but often fewer; they are plain dull-greenish-dral?; measur- ing about 3x2. 161. PACIFIC EIDER. Somateria v-nigra Gray. Geog. Dist.—Coasts of the North Pacific; in the interior to the Great Slave Lake, and Eastern Siberia. The Pacific Eider is common in suitable places on both coasts and islands of Bering Sea and the polar coasts of Siberia; replacing the Common Hider, ‘8. molissima, Spectacled and Steller’s Hiders. Dr. Stejneger gays it is now rather scarce on the Com- mander Island. On Copper Island it breeds only in a few places, and in limited numbers.' It breeds on the Aleutian Islands, the Island of St. Michael’s, and in great numbers on the Arctic coast, near the mouth of the Anderson River. Its nesting habits are the same as those of S. dresseri, and the eggs measure from 2.95 to 3.20 long by 1.95 to 2.10 broad. 161. Paciric Erper. 162. KING EIDER. Somateria spectabilis (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Northern part of Northern Hemisphere, breeding in the Arctic regions; in North America south easually in winter to New Jersey and the Great Lakes. A beautiful Arctic species, very closely resembling the three last. It is a resident of Greenland, and is found on the Atlantic coasts of Europe and America, and ori the Pacific coasts of America and Asia. Abundant in various places along the shores ef the Arctic Ocean, thence southward in winter on the Pacific side in great numbers to the Aleutian Islands and beyond. Rare on the Alaskan coast of Bering Sea. The nests of this Hider, found in the islands of the Arctic seas, are placed in depressions of the ground, and composed wholly of down. In Greenland the King Hider breeds in the latter part of June or in the first part of July, nesting in the vicinity of ponds and marshes. Six eggs are the usual number laid, but as many as ten are said to be deposited. They vary from light-olive gray to grayish-green, and measure from 3.10 to 3.15 long by 1.75 to 2.10 broad. 163. AMERICAN SCOTER. Oidemia americana Sw. & Rich. Geog. Dist.— Coasts and larger lakes of Northern North America; breeds in Labrador and the northern interior; south in winter to New Jersey, the Great Lakes and California. ——__ *See Mr. Frazar’s article: Ornithologist and Oologist, Vol. XII, pp. 19-20, 94 NESTS AND EGGS OF A few of this species are said to breed in Labrador as they do in the neighbor- hood of marshes and ponds in the interior, northward. In the Hudson Bay region the American Scoter nests in June and July. It has been found on islands along the coast of Alaska and at the mouth of the Yukon in June. The Scoter nests similar to the Hider, on the ground, near water; the material used being coarse grass, feathers and down. The nests are often well secreted in the cliffs and hollows about steep banks, This duck is called Sea Coot, Butter-billed and Hol- low-billed Coot. The plumage of the adult male is entirely black, and the top of the bill orange; the color of the female is sooty-brown, becoming paler below. It is much smaller than the male. This duck, like many others in winter, is sometimes found in great numbers along the entire Atlantic coast. Its food is principally small bivalves, which it secures by diving. A female of this duck was killed December 3, 1895, on Alum Creek, a small stream, which is at present the eastern boundary line of Columbus, Ohio. The specimen is now in my collection. The eggs are said to range from six to ten in number, They are of a pale dull buff, or pale brownish-buff, and measure 2.55x1.80. 163, AMERICAN SCOTER. [164.] VELVET SCOTER. Oidemia fusca (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Northern Old World; accidental in Alaska and Greenland. : This fine sea duck belongs to the Old World. It is a winter visitant on the coasts of England; a few specimens have been obtained at different times in the London markets. It is recorded as having been taken as far south as Italy. On the Orkney and Shetlafid Islands it is said to be common. Found in Norway, Sweden and Scandinavia. Said to be abundant everywhere in Lapland, where it nests on hum- mocks, among the willow swamps, in long grass near water, or by the edges of large lakes in mountain districts. The eggs are of a pale cream color, and measure 2.87x 1.92. 165. WHITE-WINGED SCOTER. Oidemia deglandi Bonap. Geog. Dist.— Northern America, breeding in Labrador and the Fur Countries; south to the Middle States, Southern Illinois and Southern California. Like the Velvet Scoter, 0. fusca of the Old World, the American bird is eminently a sea duck, resorting, however, mainly to inland waters during the breeding season. Its summer home is in the Arctic regions. Found along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and as far south as the Middle States in the spring, fall and winter. It breeds on many of the lakes, rivers and larger bodies of water in Manitoba. The “White-winged Coot,” “Sea Coot,” “Black Surf Duck,’ or Velvet Duck, as it is variously called, has been found breeding quite abundantly on the Lower Anderson river, constructing the nest on the ground near fresh water. The nests contain a fining of down and feathers. Audubon found it breeding in Labrador from the 1st to the 10th of June. The nests were built by the side of small lakes, two or three mniles distant from the sea, and usually placed under low bushes; they were formed of twigs, mosses and various plants matted together. The nests were large and almost flat, several inches thick, lined with some feathers of the female, but without down. The eggs are usually six in number, measuring 2.68x1.83. They are of a pale buff, varying to green. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 95 166. SURF SCOTER. Oidemia perspicillata (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Coasts and larger inland waters of Northern North America; south to the Carolinas, the Ohio river and Lower California. The Surf Duck and the three preceding species are called Coots by the gunners; their habits, appearance and general characteristics being similar. It is peculiarly an American species, and is only an occasional or accidental visitor in Europe. The. plumage of the male of this species is glossy black, no white on the wings, but a triangular white patch’ on the forehead pointing forward. The female is a sooty-brown, below silvery-gray; side of the head much whitish. It breeds in the far north along the coast and in the interior of the fur countries. Audubon found this species to be the least numerous of the ducks inhabiting Labra- dor. He discovered a nest in a fresh-water marsh placed among the tall grass and weeds. It was entirely made of withered, rotten weeds, lined with the down of the bird. The nest contained five eggs; they were pale yellowish or cream color, and measured 2.31 by 1.63. The general average is 2.47x1.70; pale buff to creamy-buff. 166. SurF Scorer. 167. RUDDY DUCK. E£rismatura rubida (Wils.) Geog. Dist.—North America tin general, south to Cuba, Guatemala, and Northern South America. The Ruddy Duck is an American species, and is found breeding throughout most of its range, but more especially from the northern borders of the United States northward. In spring and fall it is an abundant duck on the large bodies of water, as well as rivers, small streams and ponds. It is exceedingly difficult to kill, being very tenacious of life, and, when wounded, dives with the greatest of ease, remaining under the water for a long time—in fact, no duck excels this one in diving. Mr. Shields writes that the Ruddy Duck breeds quite commonly in the vicinity of Los Angeles, Cala., depositing from five to eleven eggs about the last of May, and fresh eggs may be taken as late as June 25. He says there is positive proof that this duck prefers the abandoned nests of Coots for nesting purposes to those constructed by itself, and cites several instances in which he took eggs of this species from what appeared to be Coots’ nests reconstructed: Seven Ruddy Ducks’ eges were found in a Coot’s nest, from which, a few weeks previous, a set of the Coot’s eggs were obtained. The locality usually selected for a breeding place is some deep, sluggish stream, lake or pond, and the nests are always built close to the water’s edge; they are composed of reeds, dry rushes and grass. The structure is often made so that it wi'l float, similar toa grebe’s nest. The male is a hand- some bird; its general color is glossy chestnut, and the lower parts silvery white; the chin and sides of the head are white, the crown and nape glossy black. The female is brown above, finely dotted, and waved with dusky; below paler and duller. From its peculiar stiff tail feathers, I have often heard hunters call it the “Sprig- tail,” a name, however, applied to the Pin-tail Duck. It is also called Dipper Duck. The eggs are grayish-white, ovoid or oval in shape, with a finely granulated surface; sizes range from 2.85 to 2.50 long by 1.70 to 1.80 broad. They appear large for the size of the bird. (168.] MASKED DUCK. WNomonywx donvinicus (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Tropical America in general, including West Indies, north on the Gulf coast to the Lower 96 NESTS AND EGGS OF Rio Granae; accidental in Hastern North America (Wisconsin; Lake Champlain; Massachusetts). This tropical American species is purely accidental in Eastern North America /as above stated in its geographical range. Nothing is known regarding its nesting or eggs. 169. LESSER SNOW GOOSE. Chen hyperborea (Pall.) Geog. Dist.—Pacific coast to the Mississippi Valley, breeding in Alaska; south in winter to Southern Illinois and Southern California. There are several forms of the Snow Goose which exist in North America; two are designated by their respective sizes, namely, Lesser and Greater. The Lesser species breeds in Alaska, and occurs throughout the northwestern portions of the continent, and in winter migrates over the whole of the country, from the Pacific coast to the Mississippi Valley. The Greater Snow Goose, Chen hyperborea nivalis (Forst.), according to Prof. Ridgway, occurs in Hastern North America; its breeding grounds are unknown, but they are probably in the Arctic regions east of the Mackenzie river. In winter it is found in the United States from the Mississippi Valley to the Atlantic coast.* These birds seek a nesting ground along the course of the Lower Anderson river, and the neighboring region along the Arctic coast- Nelson). 1690. GREATER SNOW GOOSE. Chen hyperborea nivalis (Forst.) Geog. Dist.—North America, breeding far north (east of the Mackenzie basin) and mi- grating south in winter, chiefly along the Atlantic coast, reaching Cuba. Mr. Frank M. Chapman in his “Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America’”* says: “The Snow Goose does not appear to be a common bird on any part of the Atlantic coast. It migrates both by night and day, and when on the wing its white plumage and black-tipped primaries render it identifiable. It is a noisier bird than the Canada Goose, and its voice is higher and more cackling. + Mr, Chapman states that its nest and eggs are unknown. 169.1. BLUE GOOSE. Chen c@rulescens (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Interior of North America, breeding on eastern shores of Hudson Bay and migrating south, in winter, through the Mississippi valley to Gulf coast; occasional on the Atlantic coast. Apparently it is nowhere common in North America, and it is even less common on the Atlantic coast than in the interior. At one time it was supposed by many ornithologists to be the young of the Snow Goose. The Blue Goose was first recorded as an Ohio bird by the late Dr. J. M. Wheaton in 1875. Two specimens were identified; one of these, which was captured alive four miles south of Columbus, was kept in the City Park for a year, where it associated with the swans. Another was wounded and captured on the Scioto river; it was placed in the park with the other specimen, but died in a few days. I believe there is nothing authentic known con- cerning its nest and eggs. *Manual of N. A. Birds, p.-115. + Handbook of Birds of Eastern N, America, with keys to the species and descriptions of their plumages, nests and eggs, their distribution and migration and a brief account of their haunts and habits, with introductory chapter on the study of ornithology, how to identify birds and how to collect and preserve birds, their nests and eggs. By Frank M. Chapman, Assistant Curator of the Department of Mammalogy and Ornithology in the American Museum of Natural History, New York City; member of the American Ornithol- ogists’ Union, etc. Second edition. New York: D, Appleton & Co., 1896, NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 97 170. ROSS’S SNOW GOOSE. Chen rossii (Cassin.) Geog. Dist—In summer Arctic America, migrating south in winter to southern California and eastward to Montana. There is nothing known of the habits, nests and eggs of this boreal species. [171.] WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. Anser albifrons (Gm.) Geog. Dist.— Northern parts of Eastern Hemisphere and Greenland. The White-fronted Goose of the Old World, which very closely resembles the American species, is distributed in its migrations throughout various sections of Europe, but is more abundant in the eastern than in the western portions. Said to extend its migrations into Central Africa, almost to the equator. It breeds near the coast line of the Arctic Ocean in Europe and Asia, and also on the lakes, larger rivers, bays and inlets. There is no difference between the general habits of this species and those of the American bird. It nests on the ground, in the immediate vicinity of water, making a large structure of sticks and hay which is lined with down. The eggs are from four to six in number, yellowish-white in color, and measure about 3.10x2.05. : (171.1.] BEAN GOOSE. Anser fabalis (Lath.) Geog. Dist—Northern Asia, eastward into Northern Europe and Northern Africa. Accidental in Greenland. The Bean Goose is an inhabitant of Northern Asia and Northern Europe. It is. the Anser seyetum of Pennant. A winter visitant to Great Britain, and is said to breed on some of the Hebrides. It breeds in Northern Europe, and was found nesting by Hewitson on islands of the Norwegian sea, near the Arctic circle. The nests were simply hollows in the ground, usually in elevated portions of the islands; they were lined with rank grasses and sedges. The eggs are from five to eight in number, of a dull greenish color and their average size is 3.27x2.27 inches. This Goose is suc- cessfully bred in confinement and the description and size of the eggs here given are from specimens from that source. 171a. AMERICAN WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. Anser albifrons gambeli (Hartl.) Geog. Dist—North America, breeding far northward; in winter, south to Mexico and Cuba. ; Often called “Laughing Goose.” It is of large size and robust form, may be known by its ~hite forehead and spotted breast. A very handsome bird and a favorite with sportsmen. Large numbers are often killed on the lakes and reservoirs. in spring and fall. The White- fronted Goose is common throughout the whole of North America, but is more abundant on the Pacific coast than in the interior or along the At- lantic. It flies in V-shaped flocks, frequently uttering a loud, harsh ery, which may be heard at a con- siderable distance. This species breeds in high latitudes and is par- ticularly abundant in Alaska, nest- ing in large numbers along the Yukon river, laying its eggs in de- pressions in the sand. Said to breed also on Stuart’s Island and other islands along the coast. Its favorite resorts are in the vicinity of fresh- water lakes. Along the Lower An- derson river, on the Arctic coast and on the islands of the Arctic Sea this species breeds in abundance in June and July. The nests are made in a depression of the ground, and made of hay, feathers and down. Dr. 8 T7la. American WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. 98 NESTS AND EGGS OF Brewer states that nests found by Mr. MaciVarlane were generally tound ia wuoded districts. Murdoch says that the eggs are always laid in the black, muddy tundra, often on top of a slight knoll. The nest is lined with tundra moss and down. The number of eggs in a clutch appears subject to considerable variation, as sets of four, six and seven were well advanced in incubation. The last laid egg is generally in the middle of the nest, and may be recognized by its white shell, unless incubation is far advanced, the other eggs being stained and soiled by the birds coming on and off the nest, The eggs are six or seven in number, and ‘measure from 2.90 to 3.30 long by 2.05 to 2.10 broad. They are elliptical in shape, dull greenish-yellow with obscure darker tints. Nelson records the measurements of a very large series of. eggs taken at St. Michael’s, Alaska. They are as follows: Maximum 38.45x2.28; Minimum, 2.98x2.10. Within these limits he says there are innumerable gradations. 172, CANADA GOOSE. Branta canidensis (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Temperate North America, breeding in the Northern United States and British Provinces; south in winter to Mexico. The Common Wild Goose of North America, in its various forms and great ex- tremes of size, is generally distributed throughout the continent at large, B. canidensis proper, breeding, as indicated in the above habitat. It is the most abundant of our geese. Large numbers may be seen during the spring and fall migrations flying overhead in wedge-shaped flocks, with an old gander always in the lead at the apex of the triangle, frequently uttering the sonorous honk, honk, which is often heard at a great height. In many places they breed in captivity with the common domestic goose, producing a hybrid bird much esteemed for the table. It has been learned from birds in confinement that none of them lay until three years old; the first season four eggs are laid, five the second season, and when older six and seven.* Dr. Coues alludes to the breeding of the Canada Goose in trees in various parts of the Upper Missouri and Yellowstone regicns.j Breeding grounds, inundated along the banks of streams, have at times caused the birds to resort to trees for the purpose of nesting, some making use of Herons’ and Ravens’ nests.t Nests of the Canada Goose in Dakota are usually situated far away from water on the prairies. The most interesting information I can offer on the breeding habits, migration, etc., of this goose in a semi-domestic state, is as follows: In March, 1886, Mr. George Sackett, of Delaware, Ohio, shot three specimens while they were passing over his farm. Upon examination they were found to have only been “winged.” The wounds were dressed and the birds allowed their freedom on the farm for two successive sum- mers, but from the lack of sufficient water and the annoyance of cattle they did not prosper in their domestic affairs. On two occasions the cattle destroyed their nests and young. The wild, timid creatures were finally transferred to Mr. F. P. Vergon, proprietor of an artificial lake which has a surface of about thirty acres. It is used as a pleasure resort and is interspersed with many little islands. Here the two that were mated made their nest in the rank grass and rubbish at the most secluded end of the lake; the young were hatched and from some unknown cause were again destroyed. The next season they took up their quarters on one of the islands, made a nest of sticks and straw, and commenced laying in the latter part of March, incu- bating until May, bringing forth eight young. During the ten years on the lake only two eggs failed to hatch. The young were not taken into the water until *Wm. Dutcher, in The Auk. Vol. II, p. 111. + Birds of the Northwest, pp. 554-555. t Maj. Chas. E. Bendire: Bull. Nutt. Club. Vol. I, p. 50. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 99 ’ 172. Nest anp Eccs or tHE Canapa Goose. (Photo. by W. Raine.) they were six days old, and this was in early morning and evening, at which times the old birds would float off from their island with their well-known honk, the young following single file behind them, feeding at the extreme end of the lake. This was kept up until August, when the young could fly and take care of themselves. The eggs were always seven and never more than eight in number. What is most _remarkable about these birds is that they would go south every fall and return every spring; their number always being diminished by the time they returned; some probably being killed by sportsmen. Mr. Vergon says the geese often strayed away from “home” as far as ten and fifteen miles on the Olentangy River and other waters in the neighborhood. He fed them on a high ridge near the lake and on this ridge they were always first seen in spring when they returned. Mr. Vernon says he thinks they always came at night and is very sure they always departed in autumn at night. While the flocks that departed in the fall and returned in the spring had -often been diminished in numbers, yet as many as twenty-two new ones came with them and stayed at the lake. Out of thirty that departed the fall of 1886 only three returned in the spring. The birds were very much afraid of strangers, but with Mr. Vergon they were very familiar, allowing him to handle and caress them at pleasure. Dr. Merrill found this species breeding on the Upper Missouri, Yellow- stone, and Big Horn Rivers, where their favorite nesting sites were on the numerous low sandy islands in these rivers, covered in the higher parts with a growth of young willows. Their nests were simply a hollow in the sand, around which was placed a few sticks and twigs, and the eggs lay on a layer of gray down. Nests were found on the tops of broken trunks of trees; one on a rocky ledge three hundred yards from the river; another was made on a pile of brush that had collected in the top of a fallen tree that had floated down and lodged near the middle of the river; some nests 100 NESTS AND EGGS OF were placed on the high banks among high grass, or on piles of drift wood. By the first of May the nests contained the full complement of eggs, generally five in number. Dr. Merrill says: ‘When these geese nest among the branches of a tree I do not think they ever. construct the nest entirely themselves, but take possession of a deserted nest of the Fish Hawk, and repa‘r it witu twigs and a lining of down. They have been seen to carry small sticks to the nest for this purpose.” The color of the eggs is a pale dull greenish, and their size is about 3.50x2.50. 172a. HUTCHINS’S GOOSE. Branta canadensis hutchinsii (Sw. & Rich.) Geog. Dist.—North America, breeding in the Arctic regions, migrating south in winter, chiefly through the.Western United States and. Mississippi Malley ;-Bastern Asia. _.. 2 SBbis bind->which isdike conadensis in-colommsut chavsmatler size, breeds in boreal regions. Its length is about 24 to 34 inches. Its general habits are the same as those of the common Canada Goose. Breeds abundantly along the Yukon River and on the islands on the coast of Alaska. Nests have been found on the Islands of the - Anderson River and on the Arctic coast. In these regions eggs of this species have been taken from Hawks’ and Crows’ nests built in trees. It nests usually on sand- beaches, depositing from four to six eggs in hollows in which there are more or less leaves, grasses, feathers and down. In his paper on “The Birds of the Western Aleutian Islands,” Mr: Dall states that it does not breed east of Amchita Island, but some nest on Amchitka, Kyska and other islands there. Its nesting habits, notes, and general mode of life are identical with those of the Cackling Goose. . The eggs are white, and measure 3.18x2.10. In the Arctic regions the eggs are laid in June and July. Eggs of this vird taken at the mouth of the Yukon in June measure 3.02x2.10, 3.08x2.11, 3.04x2.00, 3.00x2.11, 2.90x2.07. There is a great variation in the size of the eggs of this bird and those of minima. 1720. WHITE-CHEEKED GOOSE. Branta canadensis occidentalis (Baird.) Geog. Dist.—Pacific coast region, from Sitka south, in winter to California. A larger sub-species than Hutchins’s Goose, length about 35 inches. Mr. Nelson “ states that during his residence on the coast of Bering Sea this bird was not seen, as hundreds of the two other related forms were examined both at St. Michael’s and at the Yukon mouth it appeared evident that either the White-cheeked Goose proper never reached those localities; if at all, merely as a straggler. Mr. Dall recorus specimens having been taken at Sitka during the Western Union Telegraph expedi- tion. The nesting habits and the eggs are more than likely like those of the Canada Goose. 172c. CACKLING GOOSE. Branta canadensis minima Ridgw. Geog. Dist.— Coast of Alaska, migrating southward into Western United States east to Wisconsin. The length of the Cackling Goose is about 24 inches. Nelson states that this is the most common and generally distributed goose found breeding along the Alaskan coast of Bering Sea. From the sea shore its breeding ground extends along the courses of the great rivers far into the interior. While descending the Yukon, Dall found their eggs laid upon the bare sand banks, as were those of the White-fronted species. The last week of May finds many of these birds already depositing their eggs. Upon the grassy borders of ponds, in the midst of a bunch of grass, or on a small knoll these birds find a spot where they make a slight depression and line it! with a scanty layer of grasses, after which the eggs are laid, numbering from five to eight. These eggs, like the birds, average smaller than those of the other geese. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 101 The following measurements, taken from a large series of eggs, show about the average sizes: 3.00x1.90, 2.90x1,90, 2.80x2.00, 2.75x2.00, 2.70x1.92. As the eggs are deposited the female gradually lines the nest with feathers plucked from her breast until they rest in a bed of down. When first laid the eggs are white, but by the time incubation begins all are soiled and dingy. 173. BRANT. Branta bernicla (Linn.) Geog. Dist—Northern portions of the Northern Hemisphere; in North America chiefly on the Atlantic ccast, rare in the interior or away from salt water. The Brant Goose is almost cosmopolitan in its distribution. It is found on the sea coasts of Europe and eastern North America, breeding only within the Arctic circle. Hagerup reeords this bird to be common as a migratory species along the southern shores of Greenland, and says it breeds possibly in the northern part of Danish Greenland. While being more maritime than United States geese generally are, it is also found inland occasionally on lakes and rivers. During the migrations it is abundant, and seems to prefer the coast to the interior, seldom -passing over large tracts of land, following the windings of the shore, and nearly always keeping over water. The Brant is a particular favorite with sportsmen, and many are shot from points of land which project out into the sea. The common Brant Goose is said to breed in immense numbers in Spitzbergen and on the islands about the coast. The nest is constructed on the sandy beaches, of grasses, moss, feathers and down, the birds depositing from four to six eggs. In some parts of Greenland where this species is known to breed, some of the birds make their nests on cliffs. ' The eggs are grayish or dirty-white, and: average in size 2.70 by 1.80, according to Saunders. 174. BLACK BRANT. Branta nigricans (Lawr.) Geog. Dist.—Arctic and Western North America: rare in the Atlantic States. The Black Brant is very closely allied to the common Brant Goose; it is found on the Pacific coast, where the latter does not occur. Its summer home is in high latitudes, and in Alaska, the mouth of the Yukon, is said probably to form the ex- treme southern limit of this bird’s occurrence in the breeding season. At Point Barrow, according to Murdoch, a few remain to breed in June. The nest is placed in rather marshy ground and is a simple depression lined with down, with which the eggs are completely covered when the birds leave the nest. Breeds in abundanée on islands northeast of the mouth of Anderson River, in Liverpool Bay on the Arctic coast, on the shores of Franklin Bay, and on various other parts of the coast, especially in regions west of Anderson River. In these regions, according to Dr. Brewer, nests were founda by Mr. MacFarlane on small islets in fresh water ponds; others on islands in the Anderson near its mouth; many were made on the shore or on islands in Franklin Bay, and in various parts of the Arctic Sea. Some of the nests were nothing but mere depressions lined with down, while in others the quantity of down was quite large. The number of eggs in a nest was generally five; but in one case as many as seven were seen, and, in six or seven instances six. The eggs are grayish-white, and range from 2.75 to 2.90 long by 1.80 to 1.85 broad. ([175.] BARNACLE GOOSE. Branta leucopsis (Bechst.) Geog. Dist.—North- ern parts of the Old World; casual in Eastern North America. ‘yeas, The Barnacle Goose inhabits the northern portions of Europe and is occasion- ally found on the Atlantic coast of North America. But many of the specimens taken on this side of the Atlantic are birds that are supposed to have escaped from con- t 102 NESTS AND HGGS OF ' finement. In Great Britain it is a winter visitant. During the migrations it is said to be found in great numbers along the coast of Norway, and at these seasons it is stated to be abundant in Holland, France and Germany. It is said to occur during the breeding season in Northern Siberia. The shores of the White Sea to the eastward are supposed to be the great breeding places of this bird.* The eggs are grayish-white and measure 3.71x2.38. 176. EMPEROR GOOSE. Philacte canggica (Sevast.) Geog. Dist.—Coast and islands of Alaska north of the Peninsula; chiefly about Norton Sound:and Valley of the Lower Yukon; Commander Islands, Kamtchatka; casually southward to Hum bolt Bay, California. ‘ Among the various species of birds more or less peculiar to Alaska, says Mr. Nelson, this goose is perhaps the most noteworthy. This author and naturalist lay camped on a lonely islet in the-middle of the Yukon delta for the purpose of gaining some knowledge of the habits of these geese and other water fowl during the last of May and first of June. The birds arrive about those periods. Early in June the 176, Emperor Goose. Emperor Goose begins to deposit eggs on the flat, marshy islands bordering the sea. On June5a female was found setting upon her eggs on a little knoll, near by a small fragment of bleached driftwood. The nest contained three eggs. They rested in a depression with no sign of a lining. Other nests were found and the birds each time betrayed them by flying off with a startled cry. The majority of the nests con- tained from three to five eggs, the full complement usually ranging from five to eight. The eggs are absolutely indistinguishable from those of the White-fronted Goose, and in form and measurements present a wide range of variation; some are much elongated, while others are slightly pyriform. As usually taken from the nests they are of a dirty brownish-white, but when fresh are nearly pure white. As the com- plement of eggs approaches completion the parent makes a bed of leaves, fine grass and feathers plucked from her own breast... The eggs vary in size from 3.28x2.22 to 3.03x2.00. *Yarrell, III, p. 74. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 103 177. BLACK-BELLIED TREE-DUCK. Dendrocygna autumnalis (Linn.) ea Dist.—Southwestern border of the United States and southward (Mexico, West ndies, etc.) The Autumnal Tree-duck is a species of variegated plumage and long legs. It inhabits the southwestern border of the United States and southward to Mexico, West Indies, Central and South America. It is commonly called ‘Long-legged Tree- duek.” Along the Rio Grande in Mexico and Texas it is abundant from April to October and later. Dr. Merrill found it common in Southern Texas. He says: “This large and handsome bird arrives from the South in April, and is soon found in abundance on the river banks and lagoons. Migrating at night it continually utters a peculiar chattering whistle, which at once indicates its presence. Called by the Mexicans patos maizal, or Corn-field Duck, from its habit of frequenting those lo- calities. It is by no means shy, and large numbers are offered for sale in the Brownsville market. Easily domesticated, it becomes very tame, roosting at night in trees with chickens and turkeys. When the females begin to lay, the males leave them and gather in large flocks on sand-bars in the river. My knowledge of the breeding habits is derived from Dr. §. M. Finley, U. 8. A., who had ample oppor- tunity of observing these birds at Hidalgo. The eggs are deposited in hollow trees and branches, often at a considerable distance. from water (two miles), and from eight to thirty feet or more from the ground. The eggs are placed on ‘the bare wood, and are from twelve to sixteen in number. Two broods are raised, and the parent carries the young to the water in her bill. Twelve eggs received from Dr. Finley average 2.11x1.58, with but little variation in size; they are of the usual duck shape, and in color‘are a rather clear yellowish-white. The birds leave in September, but a few late broods are seen as late as November. The soft parts in a full plumaged liv- ing male were as follows: iris, brown; bill, coral-red, orange above; nail of bill, bluish; legs and feet, pinkish white.”* : 178. FULVOUS TREE-DUCK. Dendrocygna fulva (Gmel.) ° Geog. Dist.— Gouthern border’ of the United rae States; Louisiana, Texas, Nevada, California, southward. Resembles the last in its gen- eral appearance, habits, etc. Its geographical range is chiefly within the tropics, extending as far South as the Argentine Re- public. Dr. Merrell states that this species is about as common as the Corn-field Duck in South- ern Texas, both species frequent- ing the same. places. He learned nothing definite in regard to its breeding habits, but they prob- ably do not differ much from those of the other bird. The Ful- vous Tree-duck is said to lay from ten to fifteen pure white F eges. Of A SS 178, Futvous Trex-puck. (Jasper.) * Notes on the Ornithology of Southern Texas: Proceedings U. S. National Museum, Vol. I., page 169. 104 NESTS AND EGGS OF {179.]. WHOOPING SWAN. Olor cygnus (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—HEurope an Asia; Greenland, : In Europe this bird is called “Hopper,” “Elk,” and “Whistling Swan.” It is a winter visitant to the more southern portions of Great Britain, and is found through- out the year in the Orkneys and other islands north of Scotland. Known to visit Holland, France, Spain and Italy, and a few are said to penetrate as far south as Barbary and even Egypt. Hagerup says that it formerly nested in South Green- et tithes CELE “ 4 4% 179. Wuoopine Swan (From Brehm), land, but it is now only a rare visitor. Breeds in the secluded swamps and lakes up in Lapland, nesting on the ground in marshy places. It also breeds in Iceland. The nest is large and composed of rushes, coarse grass, and almost any material near at hand. As many as seven eggs are laid by this species; they are of a dull brownish white, or dark ivory color, and measure 4.28x2.88. " 180. WHISTLING SWAN. Olor columbianus (Ord.) Geog. Dist.—Entire of North America, breeding far north. The common American Whistling Swan is the smaller of the North American : species, measuring under five feet in length. There is a small yellow spot on the bill in front of the eyes, and it is sometimes wanting. The tail feathers are norm- * s ally twenty. This bird is found in the United States in winter, and during the migrations. It is not a common spring and fall migrant in Ohio. The Whistling Swan breeds in the Arctic regions on the small lakes of the coast and islands of the Arctic Sea, nesting in June and July. A few are said to breed in the interior of the *ur countries. All along the Yukon River, and especially near its mouth this species NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 105. is said to breed in the large marshes. Here the eggs are usually laid on a tussock entirely surrounded by water, and so near it that the female sometimes sits with her feet in the water. On the islands of Franklin Bay and on those of the Arctic Ocean, the Whistling Swan constructs a large nest of moss, grass and herbage of various kinds. According to Nelson this fine bird arrives on the shore of Bering Sea in the vicinity of St. Michael’s early in May, and in some seasons by the 27th of April. At Nulato, Dall found them laying eggs by May 21, but on the sea coast the earliest date Nelson records is May 30. The ordinary number to a nest is three to six. The nest is usually upon a small island in some secluded lakelet, or on a rounded bank close to the border of a pond. The eggs are deposited in a depression made in a heap of rubbish gathered by the birds from the immediate vicinity of the nest, grass, leaves and moss, forming a bulky affair in many cases. There is some variation in the eggs of this swan; the following measurements show the average, the specimens being taken near St. Michael’s in June: 4.15x2.85, 4.05x2.74, 3.96x2.66. They are of a dull white with more or less of a brownish or reddish discoloration. The surface of the shell is usually rough. 181. TRUMPETER SWAN. Olor buccinator (Rich.) Geog. Dist.—Chiefly the interior of North America, from the Gulf Coast to the Fur Countries, breeding from Iowa and Dakota nortliward; west to the Pacific coast, but rare or casual on the Atlantic. During the breeding season the Trumpeter Swan is found almost exclusively in the interior of the northern regions. A few breed in Central and Northern Iowa and in Dakota; from thence northward. Dr. Brewer states that the nests found by Mr. MacFarlane on the barrens of the Arctic coast were usually placed on elevated ground, and they were composed of hay, down and feathers intermingled. One nest containing six eggs was found near the beach on rising ground; others were observed near the banks of the Lower Anderson River. On the islands in the fresh-water lakes and ponds bordering the north branch of the Saskatchewan River, in British America, a few pairs of the Trumpeter Swan are to be seen throughout the summer. This species is also known to breed in Alaska, as a specimen is noted by Mr. Dall as having been secured, with its eggs, at Fort Yukon by Mr. Lockhart. In Ohio it isa rare migrant and winter visitor. The full grown bird is five feet or more in length, and may be distinguished from the Whistling Swan by its entirely black bill and hav- ing normally twenty-four tail-feathers. The eggs range from two to six in number; chalky-white with a rough surface; sizes from 4.03 to 4.50 long by 2.50 to 2.76 broad. 182. AMERICAN FLAMINGO. Phenicopterus ruber Linn. Geog. Dist.—At- lantic coasts of sub-tropical and tropical America; Florida Keys. This magnificent bird of scarlet plumage is a constant resident of Cuba, the Bahamas and southward; rare at Cape Sable and on the Florida Keys. It isa remark- able bird and of striking appearance, having long legs and neck, the former of a lake-red color. The bill is unique in shape, being abruptly bent in the middle, so that when feeding the upper surface faces the ground. The plumage is scarlet through- out, except the primaries and secondaries, which are black. The stature of the bird is nearly five feet, and it weighs in flesh six or eight pounds. The nest of the Flamingo is described as a mass of earth, sticks and other material scooped up from the immediate vicinity to the height of several feet and hollow at the top. On this the birds sit with their legs doubled under them. Mr. D. P. Ingraham, who has collected a large number of these handsome birds in the West Indies and spent more or less of his time for four seasons among them, has given me the following NESTS AND EGGS OF FLAMINGOS AND NESTS, 182, NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 107 interesting notes concerning their nesting: He states that the birds inhabit the shallow lagoons and bays having soft clayey bottoms. On the border of these the nest is made by working the clay up into a mound which, in the first season ig per- haps not more than a foot high and about eight inches in diameter at the-top and fifteen inches at the base. If the birds are unmolested they. will return to the same nesting place from year to year, each season augmenting the’nest by the addition of mud on the top, leaving a slight depression for the eggs. Mr. Ingraham speaks of visiting the breeding grounds where the birds had nested the previous year and their mound-like nests were still standing. The birds nest in June, The number of eggs to a clutch is usually two, sometimes only one and very rarely three. When three are found in a nest it is generally believed that the third has been laid by another female. According to Mr. Ingraham’s observations the nests in our illustration must be considered correct except in height. They are simply small mounds. The old story of the Flamingo bestriding its nest in an ungainly attitude while incubating is absurd fiction. The eggs are one or two in number, elongate-ovate in shape, with a thick shell, roughened, with a white flakey substance, but bluish when this is scraped off. It requires thirty-two days for the eggs to hatch. Size 3.57x2.20, with considerable variation. 1838. ROSEATE SPOONBILL. Ajaja ajaja (Linn,) Geog. Dist.—Southern Unfted States and southward into Southern America. Formerly north to Southern Illinois. The Rosy Spoonbill, of so handsome plumage and singular form, is distributed throughout South and Central America, Mexico, and in all favorable localities of the Gulf region of the United States. In Florida it was formerly abundant, but its num- bers have greatly diminished by the constant persecution of the “plume hunters.” Rare as far north as the Carolinas. marshy or muddy borders of estuaries, the mouths of rivers, shrubby islands of tropical seas, or some dense marsh, are the favorite breeding resorts. Mr. R. E. Rachford visited a smal: colony of these birds in Southwestern Louisiana, June 2, 1886. The birds were found nesting in a clump of cypress trees in a low marshy place fully twenty miles from habitation. Here also nested the Snow, Louisiana and Little Blue Herons, and the Snaxe Bird. The nests of the Spoonbills were placed from eight to eighteen feet from the ground, and the usual number of eggs found in the nests was three or four; although from one nest seven eggs were taken, and five or six from several others. The nests were platforms of sticks, and for the most part were built close to the trunxs of the trees; they were usually more massive than the Herons’ nests. The general shape of the eggs is ovate: and their color is white, or buffy-white, blotched, spotted and stained with various shades of brown; sometimes a pure white egg is found in a nest with spotted or marked examples. They measure from 2.50x1.70 to 2.60x1.77. 184. WHITE IBIS. Guara alva (Linn.) Geog. Dist—South Atlantic and Gulf States southward to the West Indies and Northern South America; casually on the Atlantic coast to Long Island; in the interior to the Lower Ohio Valley and Great Salt Lake. The White Ibis or Spanish Curlew is distributed in summer throughout the South Atlantic and Gulf States from the Carolinas southward, throughout Mexico, Central America, and portions of Northern South America. It breeds in communi- ties by thousands in the tangled marshes of the southern coast; fastening the nest to broken down or upright living reeds; it is composed of reeds, compactly woven 108 NESTS AND EGGS OF (GER GRE European SPoonsiILL (From Brehm), together, is deep and much hollowed, which is unlike the frail platform nests of the herons. Mr. Stuart says the White Ibis breeds abundantly on the low mangrove bushes on the islands of the Gulf coast. There is a large rookery in Charlotte Har- bor. The nests are usually made of the green twigs of the mangrove. The eggs are laid in June. At Cape Sable eggs are deposited after the 10th of April; these are from three to five in number, ashy-blue, spotted and blotched irregularly with yel- lowish, reddish and umber-brown of varying shades; two or three in number, and measure about 2.25 by 1.50. [185.] SCARLET IBIS. Guara rubra (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—EHastern coasts of tropical America, north casually to Florida, Louisiana and Texas; southward to the West Indies. ; : An exquisite bird of the richest scarlet plumage. There is probably no well authenticated instance of its having been taken within the United States. Wilson was not correctly informed concerning its abundance in the Southern Scates, and Au- NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 109 dubon only saw a flock of three in Louisiana. The bird is said not to be an uncom- mon visitant to Jamaica and Cuba, and very common on the Island of Trinidad, where it formerly nested. Mr. Warren observed the Scarlet Ibis breeding in im- mense colonies on the banks of the Amazon, in dense, impenetrable thickets of bamboo canes, several kinds of thorny cactus and Spanish bayonets, besides numbers of small mangroves and palmettos, all interlaced and tangled with huge vines. In one place every bush and tree had on it from five to twenty nests; they were about a foot and a half in diameter and perfectly flat; the materials used in their con- struction were twigs, fibrous roots and leaves. Mr. Warren states that the Ibises, being disturbed, rose in immense numbers, and a more striking spectacle than a 185. Scare Isis. large flock of these splendid birds floating through the air, like a crimson cloud, cannot possibly be conceived. The rookeries are only tenanted during the dry season. The eggs are two or three in number, grayish-white in color, marked with spots and blotches of brown of varying shades, and distributed variously over the surface, but generally more profusely at the larger end. The average size is 2.15x1.46. 186. GLOSSY IBIS. Plegadis autum- nalis (Hasselq.) Geog. Dist.—Old World, West Indies, and Eastern United States. This species occurs irregularly in the eastern portions of the United States, and has been known to breed in Florida. It has also been found breeding in Nevada. In Europe the course of its migrations for the summer is said to be chiefly in a line from Lgypt, to Turkey, Hungary and Po- land, and to the southern parts of Russia. In its passage from Africa it is occasion- ally seen in the Grecian Archipelago, in Sicily, Sardinia, Genoa, Switzerland, France, Holland and Great Britain. The nesting of the Glossy Ibis is like that of the next species. The eggs are of a deep greenish-blue and average 2.01x1.47, 186. Gtossy IBIs. ‘110 NESTS AND HGGS OF 187. WHITE-FACED GLOSSY IBIS. Pleyadis guarauna (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Western United States (Texas, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, California, etc.), south- ward to Mexico, West Indies, Central and South America. This beautiful, lustrous Ibis inhabits southwestern United States and south into tropical America. It is found as-far north as Kansas, west through New Mexico and Arizona to California. It is especially abundant in southern Texas, and in some localities along the banks of the Rio Grande swarms by thousands. At this place Dr. James C. Merrill, in company with Mr. G. B. Sennett, on the 16th of May, 1877, visited a large patch of tule reeds, growing in a shallow lagoon about ten miles from Fort Brown, in which large numbers of this Ibis and several kinds of Herons were breeding. The reeds covered an area of perhaps seventy-five acres or less. Be- sides the Ibises, the Great and Little White Egrets, Louisiana and Night Herons, and several other birds were breeding here. The reeds grew about six feet above the surface of the water, and were either beaten down to form a support for the nests, or dead and partly floating stalks of the previous year were used for that pur- pose. Dr. Merrill states that it was impossible to estimate the number of the Ibises and different Herons nesting here. ‘“‘Both nests and eggs of the Ibises were quite un- like those of any of the Herons, and could be distinguished at a glance. The nests were made of broken bits of dead tules, supported by and attached to broken and up- right stalks of living ones. They were rather well and compactly built, and’ were usually well cupped, quite unlike the clumsy platforms of the Herons. The eggs were nearly always three in number, and at this date were far advanced in incuba- tion; ‘many of the nests contained young of all sizes. Fifty eggs now before me average 1.95x1.35, the extremes being 2.20x1.49 and 1.73x1.29; they are decidedly pointed at ‘the smaller end, and are of a deep bluish-green color.” 188. WOOD IBIS. Tantalus loculator Linn. Geog. Dist——Southern United States from Ohio Valley, Colorado, Utah, California, etc., soutn to Buenos Ayres; casually northward to Pennsylvania and New York. The American Wood Stork, as it is called, is distributed over a neces portion of South and Central America, Mexico and Southern North America. It is found in all the Gulf States, and is most abundant in Florida, where, Mr. Stuart informs me, it nests. in the interics in dense cypress swamps, on the tallest trees, which are often more than one hundred feet in height. In these rookeries are also found nesting the American Egret, Ardea egretta; Great Blue Heron, A. herodias; the Anhinga and others. The nests, like those of the Herons, are platforms of sticks loosely arranged, with a lining of long moss. The same rookery is occupied each year, and the nests are repaired and augmented until they often become of immense size. The eggs are chalky-white, sometimes spotted with pale reddish-brown; somewhat elliptical. The shell is rough, with a flaky substance. Two or three is the number laid, but almost invariably three. Size from 2.70 to 2.75 long by 1.70 to 1.75 broad. [189.] JABIRU. Mycteria americana Linn. Geog. Dist.—Tropical America, north casually to Southern Texas. This singular bird is known as the American Stork. It is found in portions of Central America and throughout most of South america, but occurs rarely farther north. One specimen is said to have been taken within the limits of the United States, and that near Galveston, Texas. The bird is said to have the same genéral habits peculiar to the White Stork of Europe. The nest is a large platform of sticks built in the highest trees. An egg is described by Dr. Brewer as rounded-oval in shape, and of an olive-green color; size 3.33x2.20. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. . 111 *+0 189 JaBrRru. \ 190. AMERICAN BITTERN. Botaurus lentiginosus (Montag.) Geog. Dist.— Temperate North America, south to Guatemala and the West Indies. This noted bird is known by various names, such as Indian Hen, Stake Driver, Bog-bull, and Thunder Pump. It inhabits the entire temperate North America, north 190. AMERICAN BiITTERN. (From a mountéd specimen.) 112 NESTS AND EGGS OF to 58° or 60°, and breeds chiefly from the middle districts northward, wintering thence southward. The name last, mentioned is occasioned by its hoarse, gurgling ery of alarm. The bird is often spoken of by the poets as the “booming bittern.” In the breeding season it has a “love note” that resembles the stroke of a mallet on a stake, chunk-a-bunk-chunk, quank-chunk-a-lunk-chunk. Few ornithologists have actu- ally seen a Bittern “pump.” One of the best accounts ever written of the Bittern’s “pumping” is that by Frank H. Nutter, a civil engineer who observea the performance in a marsh in Minnesota. It appears in the “‘Odlogist’s Exchange” for April, 1888 (Vol. I, No. 4), which was among the prize essays on bird life, and the writer was ap- pointed judge’ SIt has been quoted frequently since its first appearance. So many new and original observations were advanced by Mr, Nutter that I was compelled to award him the prize without previously knowing from whom the MS. came. This is one of the observations: “By the way, did you ever see.a Bittern while engaged in its serenade?: It is a ludicrous performance. One favored me with it within easy range of my telescope. After standing in a meditative position for some time it ‘would slowly raise its head and stretch up its neck till its bill pointed nearly straight upwards, when it commenced by several times opening and shutting its big beak with a snap that was plainly heard, though five or six hundred feet distant; it then uttered the characteristic notes from which it takes its common name of ‘Stake Driver’ or ‘Thunder Pumper’; and truly it seems much like pumping, for each syl- lable seems to originate deep in the interior of the bird and to be ejected only with the greatest muscular exertion, puffing out its feathers and working its long neck up and down, as if choking to death. After a short season of meditation to recuperate its strength, the performance is again repeated, and doubtless to its mate, engaged in her maternal duties, is the sweetest of music.” The American Bittern never as- sociates with other species of Heron and is not even fond of the society of its own kind. It does not breed in colonies and the nest is difficult to discover. It inhabits almost imipenetrable swampy places: the bog, the reedy marsh, and the tangled brake, where its nest is placed on the ground. The eggs are brownish-drab or isabella color, unspotted, elliptical in shape, three to five in number, but generally only three; size from 1.90 to 2.00 long by about 1.50 broad. 191. LEAST BITTERN. Ardetia exilis (Gmel.) “ Geog. Dist.—Temperate North America, from the British Provinces to the West Indies and South America. An extremely interesting little bird, of quiet, retiring habits. Breeds through- out its range. In some places as many as a dozen or twenty pairs breed along the grassy shores of a small lake or pond. Like the last it inhabits reedy swamps and marshes where the quagmire, abounds with a lux- uriant growth of rushes, which is also the home of the Rails. The nest is placed on the ground or in the midst of the rankest grass, or in a bush. It is often placed on floating og, and is simply a platform of dead rushes. The bird has many odd habits. When standing on the MAY edge of a stream, with its neck sity fe ni AY drawn in, it is often taken for a a ip } Aly) woodcock, the long bill giving it this appearance. It appears so stupid at times that it may be caught with the hand. The bird is mostly seen just before or after sunset. In many of the Southern States this ‘species rears two broods in a season, fresh eggs having been obtained in May and in August. In Texas, Mn Rachford says, it nests along the 191, Least pia NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 113 edges of the water counses in May bending down the tops of the water grass and platting it into a snug little nest, about two or three feet above the water. Mr. Perry informs me that the Least Bittern in Beaufort county, South Carolina, makes its home in the fresh water ponds and commences to build about the 10th of May, fixing the nest in the thick rushes. The eggs of the Least Bittern are from three to five, usually four, in number, pale bluish or greenish-white, elliptical in shape. Six eggs measure as follows: 1.15x90, 1.16x938, 1.22x.95, 1.28x.92, 1.24x.938, 1.23x.93. Che average size is 1.20x.93. 191.1. COREY’S LEAST BITTERN. Ardetta neoxena (Ccry.) Geog. Dist.— Southern Florida (Caloosauatchie river, near Lake Okeechobee); Ontario; Michigan. This is recorded as being without doubt perfectly distinct from any known species. It was described from a specimen taken in the Everglades of Florida. In the same region to which the species was supposed to be confined a half dozen other specimens have been taken. Examples have been shot in the marshes near Toronto, Canada, where A. exilis is common. One is recorded from Michigan. It is more than likely, according to authorities who have examined specimens, that it will prove a color phase of A. ewilis. 192. GREAT WHITE HERON. Ardea occidentalis Aud. Geog. Dist.—Flori- da, Cuba, Jamaica; accidental in Mississippi Valley. This beautiful, majestic bird, known as the Florida Heron, is an abundant resi- dent of Florida, the Keys and southward to Cuba and Jamaica. In Florida, however, it is said not to be so abundant as in former years. Whole rookeries have been de- stroyed by the ‘‘plume hunters,” who collect feathers for hats and other decorative purposes. The birds are killed and the-plumes are taken from their back, head and breast, and the carcasses thrown to the buzzards.* This Heron nests usually in large colonies, and in company with the Great Blue Heron. Most of the nests are built low down, not more than five or ten feet from the ground, but where tae birds are disturbed the nests are placed in the highest mangroves. They are simply platforms of sticks. The eggs are plain bluish-green, of varying shades; sizes from 2.00 to 2.45 long by 1.80 to 1.85 broad. The bird known as A. wuerdemanni (Baird)t is believed to be either a colored phase of A. occidentalis, or an abnormal specimen of A. wardi Ridgw. 198. WARD’S HERON. Ardea wardi Ridgw. Geog. Dist.—Florida. This large Heron in its white phase is described as indistinguishable from the Great White Heron; in the colored phase like occidentalis, but with the head colored as in the Great Blue Heron. It is restricted to Florida; common in the southwestern portion, and may frequently be found nesting along the coast. It breeds in com- munities with other herons, egrets and snake birds, constructing the same kind of nest as does the Great Blue Heron. The eggs are four, often only three, in number. Prof. Ridgway gives the average measurement as about 2.65x1.85. Their color is bluish-green. +See W. E. D. Scott’s article on the Present Condition of the Bird Rookeries of the Gulf Soast of Florida in The Auk, Vol. IV, pp. 185-144, 213-222, 273-284. + Placed in the Hypothetical List of the A, O. U. Check List. 9 114 NESTS AND BGGS OF X 194. GREAT BLUE HERON. Ardea herodias Linn, Geog. Dist.—North America, from the Arctic regions southward to the West Indies and South America. lg4. Great BLUE HERRON. The Great Blue Heron is often erroneously called “Sand-hill Crane” or “Blue Crane’’—in fact it is better known by either of these names than it is by its proper vernacular name. One of the most characteristic birds of North America, breeding singly and in colonies in suitable places throughout its range. In the warmer parts of the country it breeds in vast heronies in company with other species of herons, to which places they resort year after year. In Florida it is very abundant, but its numbers are rapidly decreasing by the constant persecution of the “plume hunters.” . Its rookeries are so frequently broken up, and the remaining birds compelled to re- tire to other resorts, that the breeding season may be said to extend over a period of five or six months, and no doubt two broods are reared in a season. The nest is placed in high trees along rivers, or in the depths of retired swamps; in localities destitute of trees it is built on rocks. Sycamore trees seem to be favorite resorts of these birds, the light color of the limbs and the peculiar tint of the foliage harmon- izing so well with their plumage as to render their presence difficult of detection. The eggs are plain greenish-blue; varying from elliptical to oval in shape; three to six in number, commonly three or four; average size 2.50x1.50. [195.] EUROPEAN BLUE HERON. Ardea cinerea Linn. Geog. Dist— Burope; accidental in Southern Greenland. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 115 This is a familiar Heron in Europe, and is very abundant in places where it is protected by law. In England most of its breeding places are guarded by land owners. In the middle ages when fal- conry was a favorite sport the bird was held as royal game, and penal enact- ments preserved it for the pleasure of royalty. Hagerup mentions this Heron as an occasional visitor in South Green- land. A skin which was from Gadthaab is in Benson’s collection. It was taken in 1877. This Heron builds its nest ac- cording to circumstances, either on the ground, in trees, or on high rocks. It breeds in colonies, and its favorite nest- ing places are on the tops of trees, on the outer branches. The nest is large and flat, composed of sticks and lined with grass. Hach year the nests are repaired and augmented until they be- come very massive. The eggs are four / or five in number, of a pale green color, 195. European BLug Heron. and measure 2.42x1.72. Four eggs from England in my collection measure 2.48x1.67, 2.49x1.61, 2.52x1.64, 2.40x1.65, , 196. AMERICAN EGRET. Ardea egretta Gmel. Geog. Dist.—Temperate and tropical America, from New Jersey, Minnesota and Oregon, south to Patagonia; easually on the Atlantic coast to Nova Scotia. This beautiful species, the Great White Egret of America, has an extended dis- tribution, breeding as far north on the Atlantic coast as New Jersey, on the Pacific coast to Oregon, and in the interior as far north as Southern Illinois. It breeds throughout South America to Patagonia, and is a resident on the Island of Trinidad. In the enormous rookeries of Florida this bird was formerly abundant, but of late years the “plume hunters” have wrought great destruction in their numbers. It is a bird of purest white, and during the breeding season has-a magnificent train of silky plumes flowing from the back over the wings and drooping far beyond the tail. Our illustration of the European Great White Egret, H. alba, will give a fair idea of the appearance of the American Egret. Our bird measures from 36 to 42 inches in length, not including the dorsal train, which is sometimes more than 12 inches longer. The nests of the Great White Egret are built in deep cypress swamps, often on the tops of the tallest trees; others are found on low bushes or on mangroves, a short distance above water. The eggs are plain bluish-green, varying from elliptical to oval, two to four in number and measure from 2.20 to 2.35 long by 1.40 to 1.65 broad. 197. SNOWY HERON. Ardea candidissima Gmel. Temperate and tropical America, from Long Island and Oregon, south to Buenos Ayres; casual on the At- lantic coast of Nova Scotia. The breeding range of this species is almost the same as that of the last. A few are supposed to be summer residents as far north as Long Island, from thence south- ward it is found along the entire Gulf coast and the shores of both oceans. It occurs in the interior as far north as Oregon. Very abundant throughout a large portion 116 NESTS AND BGGS OF —— Se = ee Baa STNG @ » EUROPEAN GREAT WHITE EoreEt, Herodias alba, (From Brehm.) of South America, the West Indies, Mexico and Central America. It is called Little White Egret, and is doubtless the handsomest bird of this tribe. Pure white, with crest composed of numerous elongated, hair-like fcathers; similar plume on the lower neck; the same on the back which extends beyond the tail and are recurved when perfect. See fig. of the European Little White Egret, G. nivea. In Texas, Mr. Rachford says, this species nests in colonies, usually prefering willow bushes in the marshes for this purpose. The breeding season is from the latter part of April to the middle of June. Mr. Stuart mentions it as abundant along the Gulf coast of Florida, where it breeds on the mangrove islands, and in the interior in the willow ponds and swamps generally in company with the Louisiana and Little Blue Herons. The nest is simply a platform of sticks. The eggs NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 117 are from two to five in number, usually four, varying from eliptecetl to oval in form; sizes from 1.80 to 1.85 long by 1.20 to 1.25 broad. + ¢ European LittLte WHITE EGRET, Garzetta nivea. (From Brehm.) € 198. REDDISH EGRET. Ardea rufescens Gmel. Geog. Dist.—Gulf States and Mexico, south to Guatemala, Jamaica and Cuba. The Reddish Egret is an abundant resident of the Gulf States. It is common in Florida and in Mexico, southward to the West Indies and Central America. The bird called Peale’s Egret* is supposed to be the white phase of A. rufa. The nesting habits of the Reddish Egret are essentially the same as those of the Louisiana and Snowy Herons. Mr. Stuart informs me that he has never found them very plentiful along the Gulf coast of Florida, where they breed on the islands, placing the nest on the mangrove bushes. The eggs are light bluish-green, elliptical in form; two to four in number, and measure from 1.85 to 2.00 long by 1.40 to 1.50 broad. * Hypothetical List of the A. .O, U.-Check List. 118 ; NHSTS AND BEGGS OF 199. LOUISIANA HERON. (Ardea tricolor ruficollis (Gosse.) Geog. Dist.— Gulf States, Mexico, Central America and West Indies; casually northward to New Jersey. In summer the Louisiana Heron is distributed from the Carolinas southward. It is very abundant all along the Gulf States, into Mexico and Central America, and is found in the West Indies. Known as ‘Lady of the Waters.” It has an occipital crest of several long feathers and a splendid train of decomposed, fringe-like feathers extending beyond the tail. Mr. Stuart states that it is very abundant on the man- grove islands along the gulf coast of Florida, where it breeds in communities, plac- ing the nests on the mangrove bushes; in the interior it is found nesting in the wil- low swamps, and usually in company with the Little Blue and Snowy Herons. Four or five eggs are deposited. Fresh eggs may be found in May and June. In Texas, Mr. Rachford says, this species nests similarly to the Snowy Heron, but its breeding ceason commences a little earlier than that of the latter—about the first of April. The eggs are from two to four, sometimes five, in number, bluish-green, and measure from 1.75 to 1.80 long by 1.30 to 1.40 broad. 200. LITTLE BLUE HERON. Ardea cerulea Linn. Geog. Dist.—New Jersey, Illinois and Kansas, southward through Central America, West Indies, Guiana and New Grenada; casually north on the Atlantic coast to Massachusetts and Maine. This beautiful little Heron is abundant in the South Atlantic and Gulf States. It has been found breeding in all favorable localities intermediate between Florida and New Jersey, on the coast, and specimens have wandered into the interior. It is found throughout Mexico, Central America and the northern portion of Souto America. The breeding habits are like those of the Snowy and Louisiana Herons, nesting with them in trees and bushes, often in large communities in deep swamps. The eggs are bluish-green, two to four in number, generally more oval than other Herons’ eggs are. The sizes vary from 1.60 to 1.82 in length by 1.25 to 1.35 in breadth. The young of this Heron are pure white, and should not be confounded with immature specimens of A, candidissima, Snowy Heron, which is of the same size and similar form. *+0 201. GREEN HERON. Ardea virescens Linn. Geog. Dist—Canada and Oregon, southward to northern South America and the West Indies. Throughout the United States in all favorable localities this is a well-known and an abundant bird, breeding in suitable places anywhere in its range. It has a number of common names, among which “Fly-up-the- Creek”’ is probably the most refined. It is resi- dent in the West Indies and in Central America, and is found in the northern regions of South America. The bird frequents the borders of ponds and swamps, or it may be found along running streams whose banks are fringed with trees or thick shrubbery. While on the wing it frequently utters its familiar guttural cry or squawk. Its food consists of insects and aquatic larvee, crustacea and small fishes, for which it usually searches in the twilight. During the day it is sluggish, and may be found quietly rest- ing. The nest of this Heron is made of twigs, very loosely put together; it is placed in the branches of trees or bushes on the border of a stream or swamp; sometimes in an orchard tree at considerable distance from water. The eggs are light greenish-blue, elliptical in shape and are from three to six in number, four being the usual nest complement. Average measure- 201. Green Heron. ment is 1.60x1.14. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 119 ; 20la. FRAZAR’S GREEN HERON. Ardea virescens frazari Brewst. Geog. Dist.—Lower California (vicinity of La Paz). This subspecies is dedicated to M. Abbott Frazar, the naturalist and taxidermist who took the first specimens near La Paz, Lower California, in 1887. Mr. Brewster says: “Although the points of difference between this bird and true A. virescens are not easily expressed, they are, nevertheless, apparent on the most casual com- parisons, or, indeed without any comparison whatever. The deeper, more purplish maroon of the neck, with its decided glaucous tinge, is perhaps the best character of the new form. None of the specimens in the National Museum from the west coast of Mexico show any approach to frazari, all being apparently true virescens.”* Its nesting habits and eggs are unkuown, but more than likely are identical with A. virescens. 201lc. ANTHONY’S GREEN HERON. Ardea virescens anthonyi Mearns. Geog. Dist.—Arid region of Southwestern United States, and southward into Mexico. This subspecies, named in honor of A. W. Anthony, belongs to the arid portions of Southwestern United States and southward. I have nothing positive regarding its nesting and eggs, but they will probably not differ from those of A. virescens. 202. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON. WNycticoraxr nycticoray nevius (Bodd.) Geog. Dist.—America, from the British Possessions southward to the Falk- Jand Islands. A handsome bird, whose neck and legs are not so long as those of other Herons. It has a stout body, and its total length is about two feet. It has two or three very long white, filamentous plumes springing from the occiput. The Black-crowned Night Heron, Qua-bird or Squawk, as it is variously called, is found throughout the entire continent of America, except the Arctic regions. It breeds in several of the West Indies, and is resident through- out Central America, breeding in all suit- able localities. It is found through- out the greater portion of South America, and has been observed breeding on the Falkland Islands. Throughout the United States, in various sections, large colonies may be found during the breeding season, Hundreds, and even thousands, colonize and form extensive heronies. Mr. M. B. Griffing, of Shelter Island, N. Y., says that in the herony on Gardiner’s ‘Island as many as four nests were found in a single tree, all containing eggs. Tall trees are usually selected for the nesting sites, and they are not always easy of access. The nests are bulky platforms of sticks, con- siderably hollowed. Mr. Rachford says that in the vicinity of Beaumont, Texas, this Heron nests in cypress trees along the banks of streams, and that the breeding season begins about the first of April. The greatest number of eggs found in any nest is four, which is the usual number. In all the sets that Mr. Griffing and Mr. Worth- ington had collected for three years there were but four sets containing more than 202, BLAcK-cRowNED Nicut HERON. * Auk, V, Jan., 1888, 83. 120 NESTS AND EGGS OF four eggs; these were three of five and one of six. The eggs are pale, bluish-green, varying from elliptical to oval; size from 1.90 to 2.15 lang, by 1.35 to 1.55 broad. In some localities the nest of this Heron is built on the ground in marshes. 203. YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON. Nycticorar violaceus (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Warm-temperate Eastern North America, from the Carolinas and the Lower Ohio Valley south to Brazil; casually north to Massachusetts and west to Colorado. ; The Yellow-crowned Night Heron is a southern species, known to breed on the Atlantic coast as far north as the Carolinas, and in the interior as far north as Southern Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. It is found along the entire Gulf coast of Mexico, throughout the West Indies, Central America and in Northern South Ameri- ca. The bird is very similar to the Black-crowned Night Heron, but is a little smaller. The back and head are furnished with long, elegant, lanceolate plumes. The general color is pale, ashy-blue. Its nest is a slight platform of sticks. In some parts of the Southern States this Heron is said to be quite abundant, while in others it is rarely met with. In portions of Florida it breeds in great numbers, gen- erally in company with other species, forming large heronies, especially in the interior in large cypress swamps. In the southern portion of South Carolina it nests in swamps or in tall trees which are surrounded by water. In various regions of Texas the nest of this Heron is built on the lower branches of a cypress tree, near some stream. Mr. Rachford says he never found more than two or three nests in close proximity to one another, but frequently found the birds breeding in company with the Snowy and Louisiana Herons. The nesting season is during April and May. He has taken as many as six eggs from a nest; the usual number, however, is four. They vary in shape from elliptical to oval; sizes 1.90 to 2.00 long by 1.40 to 1.50 broad. 204. WHOOPING CRANE. Grus americana (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Interior of North America, from the Fur Countries to Florida, Texas and Mexico, and from Ohio to Colorado. The Great White or Whooping Crane is confined to the interior of North America, and breeds from Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and the Dakotas northward, passing the winter in the swamps of Florida and Texas. Its chief line of migration seems to be the Mississippi Valley at large. It is said to be common in the fur countries. In Ohio it is considered a rare spring and fall migrant. Breeds in various places throughout Manitoba, building its nest on the ground in the midst of rank grass near marshes, or in wet meadows. Mr. J. W. Preston mentions the finding of a number of nests in Northern Iowa. One found in the marshes near Eagle Lake, was about eighteen inches in height, well built of tough, fine marsh grass and placed on firm sod; it was neatly cupped and contained two heavily marked, drab-colored eggs.* Mr. R. M. Anderson found a nest containing two eggs in a marsh of Hancock county, Iowa, May 26. The nest was composed of a mass of grass and reeds and was about twenty-four inches in diameter and was placed eight or ten inches above the water. The two eggs measured 4.06x2.38, 4.03x2.50, respectively. The eggs of the Whooping Crane are large and coarse looking; in color, light brownish-drab, sparsely marked, with large irregular spots of a pale dull chocolate-brown and ob- scure shell-markings; elliptical; the shell is very rough, covered with numerous elevations like little warts; Dr. Coues says two (or three?) in number; size about *The Oologist, Vol. IV, p. 43. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 121 3.75 by 2.65. Some eggs are blotched irregularly over the surface, while others are marked at the smaller or greater end. Two eggs in my collection from Northern Iowa measure 3.89x2.52, 4.08x2.55, respectively. 204. WHoorinc CRANE. 205. LITTLE BROWN CRANE. Grus canadensis (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Arctic and subarctic America, breeding from the Fur Countries and Alaska to the Arctic coast, migrating south in winter into the Western United States. The Little Brown Crane, which is almost exactly like the next species, but smaller, is abundant in Arctic America. I mounted a specimen of this bird which was taken in the spring of 1884 from a flock of seven birds near Springfield, Ohio. It is a rare migrant in the state. Specimens of the bird and its eggs have been taken in various parts of Alaska. Common on the Island of St. Michael’s and at the mouth of the Yukon. Eggs were obtained by Mr. Dall, on the Yukon river, June 17th. They were laid in a depression of the sandy beach. This species is cymmon in the marshes of Norton Sound, where their nests are built on the dry knolls, and the eggs are laid before the end of May. Throughout most parts of Manitoba, the Little Brown Crane is a common summer resident. Eggs have been obtained on the Lower Anderson river, in Franklin Bay, and in Liverpool Bay on the Arctic coast. Nelson states that the Little Brown Crane is a summer resident upon St. Mathew’s and St. Lawrence Islands, and were found nesting by Nordenskjold in considerable numbers at Seniavine Strait, south of Bering Strait on the Siberian coast, July 28. Eggs containing small embryos were secured May 27, but they are generally deposited 122 NESTS AND EGGS OF the last few days of May or first of June. The site for the nest which is to contain the two eggs which this bird always lays is usually on the grassy flats, where the dryer portions or the slight knolls afford them suitable places. The nest is fre- quently a mere hollow in the ground, and is commonly lined with more or less coarse grass stems and straws. In one instance a nest was found on a bare flat, and was lined with a layer of straws an inch deep, all of which must have been brought for some yards; this is unusual, however. The eggs vary in ground color from pale greenish clay to buffy brown or warm brownish, and the entire surface is irregularly marked with spots and blotches of chocolate-brown, rather sparsely distributed chiefly at the apex. The size varies from 3.70x2.40, 3.72x2.40, 3.71x2.41, representing the maximum; 3.26x2.28, 3.40x2.35, 3.383x2.21 representing the minimum jn a series of twenty-five specimens. 206. SANDHILL CRANE. Grus mexicana (Mull.) Geog. Dist.—Southern half of North America; now rare near the Atlantic coast, except in Georgia and Florida. The Southern Sandhill Urane, Common Brown or Sandhill Crane, as it is var-- iously called, is found in the United States chiefly in the Mississippi Valley west to the Pacific coast and south into Mexico and eastward along the Gulf coast to Florida and Georgia. It is irregularly distributed and apparently breeds in sufficiently mild regions throughout its range. It has been found nesting in Michigan, is reported breeding in Northern Ohio, and is known to breed on the table-lands of Colorado. Mr. Stuart says that in various regions of Florida, this species nests during the months of February, March and April. The nests are usually built in shallow, grassy ponds, which are common in the pine woods and prairies of that State. They are flat and composed of a mass of grass, weeds, roots, etc., slightly elevated above the water, oftentimes not more than two or three inches. On this structure two eggs are deposited. Mr. Stuart remarks that the young birds are able to follow the parents soon after being hatched. The eggs are ashy-yellow, with a buffy tinge, spotted and blotched with brown, reddish-brown and various shades of gray. The average size is 3.98x2.44. Two eggs in my cabinet from Florida measure 3.85x2.35, 3.82x2.36. 207. LIMPKIN. Aramus giyanteus (Bonap.) Geog. Dist.—Florida; coast of Gulf of Mexico; Greater Antilles, south to Costa Rica, The Courlans are large, Rail-like birds and are in fact very closely allied to the true Rails, with but a slight difference in their external structure. There is one genus with two species, inhabiting the warmer parts of America. The Brazilian Courlan, A. scolopaceus (Gmel.), occurs in Eastern South America, while the Limp- kin, which holds a place in the North American fauna, is found in the Greater Antilles, portions of Central America, with only a restricted distribution in Florida, It is called Crying Bird from its loud and startling note which is said to be not unlike the cry of a child in distress. Mr. Thomas H. Jackson met with this species breeding in the subtropical wilds of the Ocklawaha river in Florida. He states that this bird chooses for a nesting place a secluded spot on the banks of a river or slough. Sev- eral pairs often nest close together in the manner of Herons, though isolated nests are frequently observed. The nest is made of pieces of dead vines, dry leaves and old vegetation of various kinds loosely constructed and generally bedded on a mass of vines, from five to eight feet from the ground. The usual complement of eggs laid is five or six; four and seven are not uncommon numbers. Fourteen sets in Mr. Jackson’s cabinet consist of eight sets of six, one of five, two of seven, two of four and one of three eggs. In size, shape and texture of shell they resemble those of the NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 123 domestic fowl, while in color and markings they are similar to those of the Sandhill Crane—varying from almost pure white to creamy, buff, and grayish-white. The eggs are variously spotted, daubed and stained with brown and gray. A set of six eggs containing the largest specimens in the series, exhibit the following dimensions: 2.57x1.80, 2.44x1.75, 2.40X1.77, 2.28x1.75, 2.39x1.80, 2.41x1.83; the set showing the small- est sizes are given as follows: 2.21x1.72, 2.21x1.70, 2.22x1.62 2.23x1.63, 2.45x1.63, 2,23x1.65,.* : 208. KING RAIL. Lallus elegans Aud. Geog. Dist.—Fresh-water marshes of Eastern United States from the Middle States, Northern Illinois, Wisconsin and Kansas southward. Casually north to Massachusetts and Maine, and Ontario. The King Rail, Fresh-water Marsh Hen, or Red-breasted Rail, is distributed in summer from New York southward, breeding throughout the inland marshes. It is a summer resident in Ohio. I collected eggs of this species in a marsh a few miles from Columbus in May, 1887. It is frequently confounded with the Clapper Rail; the latter, however, is confined to the vicinity of salt water, and isa bird of duller 208. Kine Rav. (After Audubon.) plumage. The nest of this Rail is placed on the ground in a marsh, often fastened in a tussock of grass. It is composed of grass and weeds. The eggs vary from a dull white tocream or pale buff,sparsely dotted and spotted with reddish-brownand lilac; six to twelve in number; size from 1.55 to 1.72 long by 1.15 to 1.25 broad, averaging 1.67 by 1.12. 209. BELDING’S RAIL. Rallus beldinyi Ridgw. Geog. Dist—Lower Cali- fornia (Espiritus Santo Island and vicinity of La Paz). Under the ruling of the A. O. U. Code to admit the islands pertaining to Lower California, this species comes within the North American avifauna. It is very much like R. elegans, but is darker and richer colored throughout, the white bars of the * Ornithologist and Oologist, XII, pp. 159-160. 124 NESTS AND EGGS OF flanks much narrower and the blackish bars very distinct. Length, according to Mr. Ridgway, about 15.00-16.00; wing 5.70-6.40; depth of bill .29-.85 (.31); tarsus 1.88-2.10 (1.93). I can find no information regarding this bird’s nidification, but in all probability it is similar to that of 2. elegans. 210. CALIFORNIA CLAPPER RAIL. Rallus obsoletus Ridgw. Geog. Dist.— Salt marshes of the Pacific coast from Lower California to Oregon. Mr. Bryant regards this Rail as abundant, at all seasons of the year, on the salt marshes of Oakland, San Mateo, and other marshes that are partially covered by the high tides, at which times the birds are remarkably tame. They swim well, and when wounded and closely pursued they dive and hold on to the marsh grass be- neath the water to keep from rising. They commence breeding in April, selecting a high piece of marsh ground, usually on the bank of a slough. The nest is composed wholly of dry marsh grass, loosely laid together. The bird deposits eight or nine eggs, of a light, creamy buff, spotted, often blotched, with reddish-brown and lavender markings, the latter color appearing as if beneath the shell. Of some thirty- six specimens examined, all have markings more numerous at the larger ends; on some the lavender predominates. A set of eight, taken at San Mateo, April 24th, vontained small embryos. They measure respectively 1.70x1.25, 1.73x1.23, 1.75x1.23, 1.77x1.23, 1.68x1.23, 1.70x1.22, 1.63x1.26, 1.69x1.24. The average size of thirteen eggs is 1.71x1.24.* In the marshes of San Francisco Bay Mr. Emerson took eggs of this Rail in April, May and June, one set containing seven eggs. 211. CLAPPER RAIL. fallus crepitans (Gmel.) Geog. Dist.—Salt marshes of the Atlantic coast of the United States, from New Jersey southward; resident from the Potomac southward. Coast of Louisiana. The Clapper Rail, or Salt-water Marsh Hen, is an abundant bird in the salt marshes of the Atlantic coast from New Jersey southward. Breeds in profusion and is the most abundant aquatic bird in the marshes from the Carolinas to Florida. It has lately been found breeding on the coast of Louisiana, in the Gulf of Mexico, Dr. A. K. Fisher having taken an old bird and two young at Grand Isle, in 1886. Mr. 8. C. Shick, of Sea Isle City, states that the Clapper Rail arrives on the southeastern coast of New Jersey about the last of April; their presence is made known by harsh cries at early dawn and at sunset. Nest building is commenced in the latter part of May, and by the first of June the full complement of eggs is laid, ranging from six to nine.or ten in number, thirteen being the largest set he ever obtained from any nest. Farther south this bird is known to lay as many as fifteen, this number, however, being uncommon. On Cobb’s Island, Va., the Clapper Rail breeds in great numbers, carefully concealing the nest in high grass; the full complement of eggs is laid by the first of May. Their color is pale buffy-yellow, dotted and spotted with reddish-brown and pale lilac, with an average size of 1.72x1.20, but there is a great variation in this respect in a large series. 21la. LOUISIANA CLAPPER RAIL. Rallus crepitans saturatus Ridgw. Geog. Dist.—Coast of Louisiana. This subspecies was discovered by Henshaw, who described it in 1880. It is smaller than the type—length about thirteen inches—is of brighter-colored plumage, the brown of the upper parts is of a richer tint and more deeply tinged with olive, while the breast is of a richer shade of brown. It has been found only on the coasts * Bull. Nutt. Club, V, p. 124. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 125 of Louisiana. I know nothing reliable concerning its nesting or eggs, but they are said to be similar to R. erepitans, which in all probability are identical. 211.1. FLORIDA CLAPPER RAIL. Rallus scottii (Senn.) Geog. Dist.— Salt marshes of Western Florida. The Florida Clapper Rail differs from crepitans proper in being black, fucous, or olive-brown above, with olive-gray margins to the feathers; in having toe neck and breast cinnamon-rufus washed with brownish, and in having the belly and flanks black instead of gray. In fact, the general color of scottit suggests a King Rail, but the latter may always be known by its rufous wing—coverets and clear cinnamon—rufus neck and breast.—Chapman. 211.2. CARIBEAN CLAPPER RAIL. fRallus longirostris caribens Ridgw. Geog: Dist.—West Indies and Gulf of Mexico; north to Texas (Corpus Christi and Galveston). A subspecies inhabiting the West Indies, its colors being similar to R. crepitans. Its nidification is more than likely similar or identical to that species. 212. VIRGINIA RAIL. Rallus virginianus Linn. Geog. Dist—North Ameri- ca, from the British Provinces south to Guatemala and Cuba. The Virginia Rail is an exact miniature of R. clegans, the coloration being ex- actly the same; the legs, iris and bill brown—the latter reddish—orange at the base of the lower mandible. In summer it is distributed from Canada to Florida; fre- quenting marshes and boggy swamps. The nest is built in a tuft of reeds or grasses close to the water; it is compact and slightly hollowed. The eggs are cream or buff, sparsely spotted with reddish-brown and obscure lilac; they are like those of the King or Clapper Rail, but of course, like the bird, much smaller; sizes range from 1.20 to 1.28 long by .90 to .93 broad. The number in a set varies from six to twelve.’ The Virginia Rail and the Sora have habits that are very similar; when on the wing they will fly in a straight line for a short distance with dangling legs, and suddenly drop into the grass. The Virginia Rail is almost exclusively a fresh water bird. [218.] SPOTTED CRAKE. Porzana porzana (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Europe; oc- casional occurrence in Greenland. The European Spotted Crake is found in most parts of Europe, Asia and Africa. Common in Italy, Sicily and in the Southern portions of Russia. Hagerup mentions this species as a “rare visitor in South Greenland.” Breeds abundantly in Southern France and in various parts of England. It frequents the banks of streams, ponds and lakes, and the thick grasses and vegetation of marshy grounds. The nest is usually built in these places, being loosely woven of aquatic plants, and lined with finer material of the same; it is often placed near the water’s edge, and so arranged as to be capable of floating on the water. Spotted Rail, Spotted Water-hen, Spotted Gallinule, Water-crake, and Water Rail are names common to it in England. The eggs of this bird are from seven to twelve in number; pale buff or cream color, or of a yellowish-gray, spotted and speckled with a dark reddish-brown and tints of lavender. Six eggs, collected in Southern France, in my cabinet measure 1.34x.96, 1.36x.94, 1.32x.98, 1.34x.94, 1.33x.96 and 1.32x.95. 214. SORA. Porzana carolina (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Temperate North America. South to the West Indies and Northern South America. 126 NESTS AND EGGS OF 214. Sora Raits. (From Bailey.) The little slate-colored Carolina Rail breeds from the Middle States northward. In the reedy swamps of the Atlantic States great numbers of this Rail are killed every year. It is a highly esteemed game bird, and is usually abundant during the migrations. More common in the Eastern Province of the United States, breeding chiefly northward. Mr. Shields states that the Sora Rail is quite common in the swamps about Los Angeles, Cala., where he obtained six sets of its eggs in the season of 1886; the largest set contained fourteen and smallest seven eggs. In Ohio the Carolina Crake, Common Rail, Sora or Ortolan, as it is variously called, is a com- mon summer resident, breeding in the extensive swamps and wet meadows through- out the State. The Carolina Rails are equally abundant on both salt and fresh water marshes, but the latter places are preferable to them as breeding grounds. The nest is a rude affair made of grass and weeds, placed on the ground in a tussock of grass in a boggy tract of land, where there is a growth of briers, etc. The eggs of Sora are ovoidal in shape, tapering gradually to the smaller end but not sharply pointed. They have a ground color of dark cream or drab, darker than those of the Virginia Rail; the spots are reddish-brown with purple shell spots scattered over the surface, but more numerous at the large end. Twenty eggs in my collection have an average size of 1.26x.90. 215. YELLOW RAIL. Porzana noveboracensis (Gmel.) Geog. Dist.—Eastern North:- America from Nova Scotia and Hudson Bay west to Utah and Nevada. The small Yellow Crake appears to be quite rare everywhere in Hastern North America or wherever found. It is known to breed in Northern Illinois, where its eggs have been taken. Dr. Howard Jones has frequently taken it in the vicinity of Circle- ville, Ohio, and considers it nearly as common as other species, and believes it breeds there, which is probably the case throughout the State. The Little Yellow Rail has the same general traits common to others of this family, frequenting marshy places, skulking and hiding in the wet grass to elude observation. The eggs are said to be about six in number, rich buffy-brown, marked at the larger end with a cluster of reddish-brown dots; sizes range from 1.05 to 1.12 long by .80 to .85 broad. NORTH AMERIVAN BIRDS. 127 216. BLACK RAIL. Porzana jamaicensis (Gmel.) Geog. Dist.—Temperate North America, north to Massachusetts, Northern Illinois and Oregon; south to West Indies Gnd South America. Smallest of our North American Rails; not often found in the United States and one of the rarest of our birds. Its small size and secretive habits are doubtless one of the causes of its apparent scarcity. A nest containing ten eggs was found near Saybrook, Conn. Ten fresh eggs were taken from a nest in Illinois, June 19, 1875, near Calumet River. The nest was placed in a deep, cup-shaped depression; in shape and situation resembled that of the Meadow Lark, but the Rail’s nest was much deeper in proportion to the diameter. It was elaborately made of grass-stems and blades. The eggs were clear white, thinly sprinkled with reddish-brown dots, more numerous about the large end.* Mr. Harry Menke found a nest containing nine eggs in a marsh near Garden City, Kan., June 6, 1889. The nest was placed on a low ridge near the center of a pond, a neat, compact structure, composed entirely of blades of a kind of water grass. Dr. Coues says: “Eggs from New Jersey are alto- gether different from those of the Sora, or Yellow Crake, being creamy-white, sprinkled all over with fine dots of rich, bright reddish-brown, and with a few spots of some little size at the great end; most like the more finely speckled examples of the egg of the large Ralli; dimensions, 1.05x .80.” , 216.1. FARALLONE RAIL. Porzana coturniculus (Ridgw.) Geog. Dist.— Farallone Islands. This species is like the last, but rather smaller, more uniform in color, without the white specks on the back. It is known only from the type specimen taken on the Farallones. [217.] CORN CRAKE. Crez crex (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Europe and Northern Asia; casual visitor in Greenland, Bermuda and Eastern North America. us Tey = TSS AK (in ee 217. Corn Crake. The Land Rail, Corn Crake, or Corn Creak, is an abundant species over the entire eontinent of Europe. In England and Scotland it is a familiar bird, where it breeds in abundance. Very common in the Orkney and Shetland Islands. It frequents the * iE. W. Nelson: Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club. Vol, I, p. 43. 128 NESTS AND EGGS OF long grass of wet meadows, near rivers and marshes, and in fields of grain. Its presence is indicated by the creaking note from which it takes its name. The nest is placed on the ground, generally in a field of grain, grass or clover; it is made of dry plants and grasses. In England this bird nests about the first or middle part of June. The eggs are from seven to ten in number; these, when fresh, are of a pale reddish-white; when blown, the ground color is light buff, with a reddish cast; they are spotted and sprinkled with pale reddish-brown, chiefly at the larger end. The measurements of a set of five eggs in Mr. Crandall’s collection taken near Mers- burg, Germany, July 7, are as follows: 1.40x1.02, 1.43x1.05, 1.40x1.00, 1.42x1.03, 1.45x 1.05, respectively. 218. PURPLE GALLINULE. J[onornis martinica (Linn.) Geog. Dist.-—South Atlantic and Gulf States; casually northward to Maine, New York, Wisconsin, Ohio, etc.; south through the West Indies, Mexico, Central America and Northern South America to Brazil. : This beautiful Gallinule inhabits the South Atlantic and Gulf States and strays occasionally northward as far as Maine, New York, Ohio, Wisconsin and other Northern States. It has been taken several times in Central Uusio in June and July. The bird is resident in the South. From its bright purplish-blue colors it may quite readily be distinguished from the Florida Gallinule, even at a long distance. In Florida it breeds in the latter part of May. Mr. Rachford writes me that in Texas the Purple Gallinule nests in the tall grass along the edges of water courses, bending the grass down and weaving it together. Besides its true nest, the bird makes several ‘shams,’ often as many as five or six. The nesting season is in May or June. Mr. Arthur T. Wayne informs me that in South Carolina the nest is invariably built in rushes over water. The usual number of eggs laid is eight or nine, but fre- quently more are deposited. The eggs are cream color, firely and rather sparsely dotted with chestnut-brown and umber; rather ellipticcl, and measure from 1.70 to 1.75 long by 1.15 to 1.20 broad. 219. FLORIDA GALLINULE. Gallinula galeata (Licht.) Geog. Dist.—Tem- perate and tropical America; north to British Provirces. Known as the Common Gallinule and Red-billed Mud Hen. Its center of abundance is in the South Atlantic and Gulf States, and it breccs as far north as Massachusetts. Not an uncommon summer resident in Ohio, brecdirg in the ex- tensive swamps and marshes throughout the State. The nest is usually fastened ~ in the sedges and marsh grass above shallow water, or among the flags. The foun- dation is often made by breaking down the flags, so as to form a little platform, which will, to a certain degree, rise and fall with the water. On this the nest proper is built of the last year’s flags. In Florida, wherc the bird is remarkably abundant, the nest is placed.in the dyer portions of the marshes, among thick reeds and rushes. A set of eight eggs, collected by Dr. Jones near Circleville, Ohio, measure 1.70x1.20, 1.81x1.18, 1.81x1.17, 1.78x1.23, 1.84x1.25, 1.84x1.22, 1.77x1.24, and 1.88x1.16. The number of eggs laid ranges from seven to thirtcen. They are creamy or brown- ish-buff rather thickly spotted and blotched with brown and umber; some of the spots are as small as pin heads; sizes vary frem 1.75 to 2.°0 long by 1.20 to 1.30 broad; shaped like an average hen’s egg. [220.] EUROPEAN COOT. Fulica atra Linn. Geog. Dist.—Northern parts of the Eastern Hemisphere in general; accidental in Greenland. &t i ' WORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 129 This bird closely resembles our American Coot, but its average size is slightly larger. It is a common resident south of middle England, and in the summer is found breeding in the numerous lochs throughout Scotland. Its habits in all re- spects are like those of the American bird. The nest is built in close proximity to water, on islands, borders of lakes, ponds and rivers. It is generally placed among and attached to flags, reeds or rushes. It is large and roughly made of plants and vegetable matter. The eggs are from six or seven to ten or even fourteen in number, pale, dull buff, or stone-color, spotted with rust-colored brownish-black and purp- lish-gray. The average size of a large series is 2.15x1.50. 220. EuROoPEAN Coot. 221. AMERICAN COOT. fulica americana Gmel. Geog. Dist.—Whole of North America; south to Mexico, Central and South America and West Indies; north to Alaska, occasionally to Greenland. Well known as the Mud Hen, and in some sections the Crow Duck. This is the water fowl] that young sportsmen persist in shooting as a game bird, but at a riper age he does not “hanker’’ after its flesh. It is easily known by its slate-colored plumage, white or flesh-colored bill, marked with reddish-black near the end and at the base of frontal plate, greenish legs and carmine iris. The Coot is a good swim- mer and diver, having lobate feet like the phalaropes and grebes. It can also move swiftly through tangled grass and aquatic plants. On almost any large or small body of water sufficiently secluded and whose margins are overgrown with reeds and rushes, or on sluggish streams, swamps, pools or reedy sloughs, there you will find the Coot during the breeding season. The nest is made of dead reeds and grasses, placed on the ground, just out of the water or on floating vegetation; the flags on which it rests being broken down, rises and falls with the water. Some times im- mense numbers of these birds breed together. Mr. Shields records taking five hun- dred Coot eggs, together with large numbers of those of ducks and grebes in South- ern California.t The eggs are clay or creamy-white, uniformly and finely dotted all over with specks of dark brown and blackish:;. six ‘to twelve and fifteen eggs are often found in a single nest; in shape and general style of color and markings re- semble those of the Florida Gallinule; sizes range from 1.77 to 2.00 long by 1.40 to 1.45 broad. i ~_— * Egging in a California Swamp. Young Oologtst, Vol. I, p. 90. 10 ‘ 130 NESTS AND BGGS OF . Hq S r 221, AMERICAN CooT AND Nest. (Cheney, del.) 222. RED PHALAROPE. . Crymophilus fulicarius (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—North- ern portion Hemisphere, breeding in Arctic regions, migrating south in winter; in North America south to Middle United States, Ohio Valley and Lower California. The Coot-footed Tringa, Red or Gray Phalarope, as it is differently called, is distributed in summer throughout the Arctic regions, wandering far south in winter. Breeds in various portions of Norway, Sweden, Finland and up into Lapland; in Siberia, Spitzbergen, Iceland, Greenland and the Arctic coast of North America. Hagerup, in his “Birds of Greenland,” states that it is common, but not often seen in the breeding season south of the 68th parallel. Eggs were found from June 8 to June 28. The Phalaropes are curious birds, partaking of the nature of a wader and a swimmer. The three species of this family resemble Sandpipers, but are at once dis- tinguished by the lctate feet like those of the Coot and Grebes. The body is de- pressed and the under-plumage thick like that of a duck. They ride the waves lightly along the coast, and when on the margin of a stream or pool oftén surprise their associates, the Sandpipers, by swimming out into deep water. The Red Phala- rope appears to be more exclusive maritime than other species of the family. The nest is a slight hollow in the ground, sparsely lined with moss and dry grass. Mr. Capen quotes a letter from Mr. Boardman in which he says: “Twice I have found the Red Phalarope breeding in Maine.” The eggs, Mr. Capen says, are laid the first part of June.* They are greenish or yellowish-ash, blotched and spotted with brown of various shades. The eggs of this species cannot, with certainty, be distinguished from those of the following species; in fact, the range of coloration is so varied that they are difficult to describe satisfactorily in a brief manner. They are three or *Oology of New England. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 131 four in number. Five sets of four eggs each of this species are in Mr. Crandall’s collection. They were taken in Iceland and each set gives the following average measurement: First, 1.12x.81; second, 1.17x.81; third, 1.18x.84; fourth, 1.20x.82; fifth, 1.21x.83. 223. NORTHERN PHALAROPE. Phalaropus lobatus (Linn.) Geog. Dist.— North parts of North Hemisphere, breeding in Arctic regions; ‘south in winter to tropical regious. The general habits, movements and distribution of the Northern Phalarope are nearly identical with those of the Red Phalarope; common to both continents, and breeding in the Arctic regions of Asia, Europe and America. The nesting habits are substantially the same and the eggs are laid in June. Hagerup records it as breeding quite generally along the coast of South Greenland. The bird is also known as the Red-necked Phalarope. The eggs are greenish or yellowish-ash, thickly blotched with varying shades of brown; three or four; sizes range from 1.10 to 1.30 long by .75 to .82 broad, averaging 1.20 by .80; like the last, there is a great variation in size, shape and color. A set of four eggs from Greenland exhibit the following average measurements: 1.19x.88; another set of four from the same region shows an average size of 1.19x.82. These are in Mr. Crandall’s collection. 224. WILSON’S PHALAROPE. Phalaropus tricolor (Vieill.) Geog. Dist.— Chiefly interior of temperate North America; south in winter to Brazil and Pata- gonia. Exclusively an American bird, more common in the interior than along the sea coast. Little information regarding its habits was obtained by the older ornitholo- gists. Known now to breed in Northern Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Da- kota, Utah and Oregon. May be found nesting in suitable places from these regions northward to the Red River of the North and the Saskatchewan country. It is re- corded as a summer resident in Northern Indiana and very likely breeds in North- western Ohio. Mr. N.S. Goss states that he is quite confident the biru occasionally breeds in Western Kansas.* The nesting habits of Wilson’s Phalarope have been earefully observed by Mr. E. W. Nelson in Northern Illinois, and his observations form a veryc omplete and interesting biography of the species.+ Mr. Nelson states. that it is the most common species in Northern Illinois, frequenting grassy marshes and low prairies, and is not exceeded in numbers even by the ever-present Spotted Sandpiper. “The nesting site is usually in some thin tuft of grass on a level spot, but often in an open place concealed by only a few straggling blades of small carices. The male scratches a shallow depression in the soft earth, which is usually lined with a thin layer of fragments of old grass blades, upon which the eggs, numbering from three to four, are deposited about the last of May or first of June. Owing to. the low situations in which the nests are placed, the first set of eggs is often de- stroyed by a heavy fall of rain, causing the water to rise so as to submerge the nest. In this case, the second set, numbering two or three, is often deposited in a de- pression scratched in the ground, as at first, but with no sign of any lining. Acci- dents of this kind cause the second set of eggs to be sometimes deposited as late as the last of June.” The male alone undertakes the duties of incubation. The eggs are ashy-yellow, usually coarsely spotted and blotched with brown of varying shades, with numerous specks and scratches; three or four in number; sizes vary from 1.20: to 1.35 in length by 1.60 in breadth, making them elongate pyriform in shape. -* A Revised Catalogue of the Birds of Kansas, with descriptive notes of the nests and eggs of the birds known to breed in the State. By N.S. Goss. Published under the direc-. tion of the Executive Council, May, 1886. Topeka: T. D. Thacher, State Printer. P. 14. 7Bull. Nutt. Club. Vol. IT, pp. 38-43. 132 NESTS AND EGGS OF 225 AMERICAN AVOCET. Recurvirostra americana Gm. Geog. Dist.—Tem- perate portions of North America, from the Saskatchewan country and Great Slave ‘Lake southward: in winter to Guatemala and the West Indies. A bird of Striking appearance, of edd coloration, having extraordinarily long legs; feet webbed like those of a swimiming bird; body flattened underneath, and duck-like plumage to resist the water. ‘The most striking characteristic of the bird, however, is its long, decidedly. up-urned bill, anu from its blue legs it receives the. i : =i / 225. EUROPEAN Avocet. Not distinguishable in cut from our American species (From Brehm). name of Blue-stocking. It is very abundant in the West, on the plains of the Da- kotas, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah. In these regions it breeds in June, nesting in the tall grass in marshy or wet places. The eggs vary from a dark olive to buff, pretty uniformly and profusely spotted with chocolate-brown of various shades; they vary in size, shape and markings like the birds themselves; three or four in number; sizes from 1.80 to 2.10 in length by 1.25 to 1.45 in breadth. 226. BLACK-NECKED STILT. Aimantopus mexicanus (Mull.) Geog. Dist.— Temperate North America from Northern United States southward to West Indies, Brazil, and Peru. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 133 This exceedingly long-legged bird is distributed throughout the United States, and like the Avocet, is rare in the eastern portions. It is abundant in the West, but its range is rather more southerly than that of the Avocet. In Ohio it is a rare summer visitor. Perhaps breeds. The nest of the Stilt is often only a slight de- pression in the ground, lined with dry grasses, situated along some stream or ditch, or near water; some collectors have found the nest at the water’s edge, or on a heaped mass of vegetation just above the surface of shallow water. says that the Stilt arrives in the vicinity of Los Angeles, Cala., about May Ist, and the eggs may be found fresh until the middle of June. He states that the birds usually congregate in large flocks in some suitable locality, and build their nests close together, a score or more are often found within a few yards of each other; the nests being composed of smail sticks and roots, closely laid together and placed among the grass on the margin of a lake or river.* This record refers to the abundance of the Stilt in the season of A. M. Shields ™ 226. BLAck-N ECKED STILT. 1888, and those previous; but I am informed by Mr. Shields that the bird is not so abundant as formerly, only a few pair breeding in the neighborhood of Los Angeles. each year. The eggs are of a greenish-yellow, thickly spotted, blotched and lined irregularly with brownish-black of varying shades; pyriform in ld three or four in number; sizes from 1.60 to 1.85 long by 1.15 to 1. 25 broad. [227.] EUROPEAN WOODCOCK. Scolopar rusticola Linn, ‘Geos. Dist.—Old World; occasional in Eastern North America, ~ The European Woodcock is widely distributed over the air ben parts of the 227. EUROPEAN WOODCOCK. #Young Oologist, Vol. I, p. 41. Old World. It is-of larger size than the ~ American*bird. Many instances are on record of its breeding in various parts. of Great Britain, but the greater por- tion of. the birds are considered mi-. gratory. Breeds abundantly in Nor- way, Sweden, Lapland and in Northern Russia. Noctur nal in its habits, repos- ing in the daytime in grassy bottoms in. woods, and at twilight it regains. activity, resorting to open glades and marshy bottoms, where it feeds. These tracts are known as “cock-shoots,” or “eock-roads.” The food of the birds is. the common earth-worm, which they procure by boring, or thrusting their bills into the soft. mud. The nest con- sists of a few leaves loosely laid to- gether, and without lining. The eggs are usually four in number; of a pale . yellowish-white, blotched and spotted with various shades, ashy-gray and reddish or yellowish-brown; most nu- merous about the larger end. Four eggs. measure 1.75x1.27, 1.74x1.27, 1.73x1.28, 1.77x1.28. 134 NESTS AND HGGS OF +O 228. AMERICAN WOODCOCK. Philohela minor (Gmel.) Geog. Dist.—East- ern Province of North America, north to British Province, west to Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, etc. Breeds throughout its range. This noted game bird frequents the bogs, swampy fields and wet woodlands of Eastern United States and Canada, and breeds throughout its range. The nests are mere depressions in some dry spot in swampy land, generally under the cover of a clump of briers or other wild shrubbery, often in more open places. The eggs of the Woodcock.are laid early in April, and in some localities not until some time in May. In Ohio, I have found eggs as early as April 3, and young have been seen as early as April 9, near Cleveland, Ohio. There are records of eggs of this species averaging in size 1.80x1.25, but I have never seen any so large, although they exhibit consider- able variations. These sizes doubtless refer to the eggs of the European species. Although known to the majority of people by its name of Woodcock, it nevertheless has many aliases in different parts of the country which it visits, and is called Big 228. AMERICAN Woopcock Mud, Big-headed, Blind and Wood and Whistling Snipe; * * * Timber Doodle, Bog Bird, Night Partridge, Night Peck, Hookum Pake, Pewee, Labrador Twister, Whistler, and probably many others. Being a migrating species, the length of its stay in any particular locality depends greatly ‘upon the weather, for though per- haps very abundant on one day, yet if during the night from sudden cold their feed- ing ground becomes frozen, by the next morning not a bird would be found, all having departed to a milder clime. It migrates always at night, when indeed, it is most active, for it is a nocturnal bird, its sight being much better after the sun has departed than when the eye is exposed to the full light of day.* As a taxidermist I have prepared more specimens of this species killed within the last twenty years by telegraph wires, moving railroad trains, etc., than I have those brought in by * North American Shore Birds; a history of the Snipes, Sandpipers, Plovers and their allies inhabiting the beaches and marshes of the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the North American continent; their popular and scientific names, together with a full description of their mode of life, nesting, migration and descriptions of the summer and winte~ plumages of adult and young, so that each species may be readily identified. A reference book for the naturalist, sportsman and lover of birds. By Daniel Giraud Elliot, F. R. 8. E., etc.; ex-President American Ornithologists’ Union, Curator of Zoology in the Field Co- lumbian Museum, Chicago; author of “Birds of North America”; illustrated monographs of Auk, Thrushes, Grouse, Pheasants, Birds of Paradise, Hornbills, Cats, etc., with seventy. four p:ates; New York: Francis P. Harper, Publisher, 1895. pp. 39-40. , NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 135 sportsmen who depend upon the gun. This is, I believe, principally from the fact that the bird is of nocturnal habits, but is often forced to fly from the ground in daytime. The Woodcock is often called Bog-sucker, from its habits of boring in the mud for worms and animalcule, of which its food consists. The eggs are creamy or buff, irregularly and thickly spotted with pale, reddish-brown of varying shades; pyriform, but more rotund than those of most of the small waders, and some are quite broad, varying from 1.40 to 1.55 long by 1.15 to 1.20 broad. The usual number of eggs is four. Four selected specimens measure 1.58x1.21, 1.53x1.14, 1.57x1.17, and 1.53x1.20. : [229.] EUROPEAN SNIPE. Gallinago ‘yallinago (Lian.) Geog. Dist.—North- ern portions of the Old World; frequent occurrence in Greenland. Accidental in the Bermudas. A species of general distribution over Europe. In the breeding season it is found in the more northern portions and in the winter months it inhabits the southern regions. A common game bird on the British Islands, breeding in greater or less abundance in all parts of England and Scotland, especially to the north on the Orkney and Shetland Islanus. In summer it is found on the Faroes, Iceland and in Greenland. Breeds in the northern portions of Russia and Siberia and as far south as France, Germany, Holland and Hungary. The nests of this Snipe are placed on the ground in tall grass by the side of some pond or shallow water, or amids. the long heather which grows upon the hill side. Nests have been found at an eleva- tion of a thousand feet above the plain. The full complement of eggs is four; they have a ground-color varying from yellowish-white to greenish-yellow. The mark- ings are of several shades of reddish or chestnut-brown, scattered chiefly about the larger end. The eggs are pyriform in shape and quite pointed at the smaller end. Four eggs collected near Lancaster, Lngland, measure 1.54x1.14, 1.53x1.08, 1.59x1.15, 1.51x1.10, X 230. WILSON’S SNIPE. Gallinago delicata (Ord.) Geog. Dist.—Whole of North and Middle America, breeding from Northern United States northward; south in winter to West Indies and Northern South America. The American Snipe is a favorite game bird, well known by the name of Jack Snipe. It is also known as the English Snipe. Throughout the greater part of the United States it occurs only during the migrations. Breeds from about latitude 45° northward to Hudson Bay region on the east and as far west and north as Sitka, Alaska, and Fort Anderson. The birds frequent low open places, such as wet meadows and marshes, and muddy banks of streams. They are found in small com- panies of from three to twelve, technivaily called “wisps.”’ Solitary birds are not unfrequently met with. No other game birds are more erratic and eccentric than these. They are extremely fickle in the choice of their feeding ground; one day they may swarm in a certain locality, and the next none are to be discovered. Their flight is strong, but, especially at the beginning, erratic. They almost invariably fly against the wind, and lie closest on still, clear days. Occasionally they alight on trees or fences. Their note, uttered as they rise, resembles the word “escape.” The nest is only a slight depression in the grass or moss of a bog. The eggs vary from a grayish-olive to greenish-brown and yellowish-ash, spotted and blotched with reddish-brown, umber, and sometimes with lines of black: the markings are bold and numerous, particularly on the larger end, usually also sharp scratchy lines of blackish and shell-spots, hardly noticeable. The shape of the eggs is pyriform; three or four in number; sizes range from 1.50 to 1.60 long by 1.05 to 1.10 broad. 136 NESTS AND EGGS OF 231. DOWITCHER. Macrorhamphus griseus (Gmel.) Geog. Dist.—Eastern North America. Breeding far northward. Known by several names, such as Red-breasted-Snipe, Gray Snipe, Brown-back, and Gray-back; these are also applied to the Long-billed Dowitcher. This bird, which greatly resembles the Common Snipe in structure and general appearance, differs from it in habits. It is described as migrating in flocks, often of large size, and as being so unsuspicious as to allow a near approach. Breeds in high Arctic regions, in various places in Alaska, and is spoken of by Dr. Richardson as having an extensive breeding range throughout the fur country, from the borders of Lake Superior to the Arctic Ocean. In the Arctic Regions nests have been taken between the middle of June and the first part of July. They were placed on the marshy borders of small lakes and ponds, and were made of a few dry leaves and grasses. The eggs were usually four in number. These cannot, wita certainty, be distin- guished from those of Wilson’s Snipe. They are generally iong, narrow, and pointed in shape; sizes from 1.62 to 1.75 long by 1.10 to 1.15 broad. 232. LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER. Macrorhamphus scolopaceus (Say.) Geog. Dist.—Mississippi Valley and Western North America from Mexico to Alaska. This bird, whose size is larger and bill longer than that of the last, inhabits North America at large, but is supposed to be rare on the Atlantic coast. It is called Greater Long-beak, Greater Gray-beak and Re.-bellied Snipe. Breeds in the far north; is said to be common about the mouth of the Yukon and islands along the coast of Alaska. In the West the birds gather in dense flocks, and they being of a gentle and confiding disposition, and so closely huddled together, that great Slaughter may be effected by the gunner if so aisposed. Eggs larger and nesting same as the last. 233. STILT SANDPIPER. Micropalama himantopus (Bonap.) Geog. Dist. Eastern Province of North America, breeding north of the United States; migrating south in winter to tropical regions. The Long-legged Sandpiper, of slender form and very long legs, breeds north of the United States, and visits Southern localities in winter; Bermudas, West Indies, Central and South America. MacFarlane found this species breeding at Rendezvous. Lake, in the Arctic regions, June 27. The nests were similar to all others of this family, a mere depression in the ground, with a lining of a few leaves and grasses, The eggs are three or four in number, pyriform in shape, with a ground color of light drab or grayish-white, with bold spots and markings of cbestnut-brown and purplish-gray, more numerous about the larger end; in some quite confluent. Sizes vary from 1.43 to 1.46 long by 1.40 to 1.1.0 broad. 234, KNOT. Tringa canutus Linn. Geog. Dist.—Nearly cosmopolitan; breed- ing in high northern latitudes. Migrates far southward. This handsome species, so remarkable for its seasonable differences of plumage, is the largest of the North American Sandpipers. It inhabits most parts of the globe; in America chiefly coastwise, and breeds in high latitudes. It is migratory, and is. also found in the interior about large bodies of water and rivers. Red-breasted and Ash-colored Sandpiper and Gray-back are other names for it. Elliot in his “North American Shore Birds” gives other names by which this bird is known: Red Sand- piper, Gray Back, May Bird, Robin Snipe, White Robin Snipe, White-bellied Snipe; Silver Back, Red-breast Flover, Buff-breast Plover, Buff-breast, Blue Plover, Beach Robin, Robin-breast and Horse-foot Snipe. At Point Barrow, Alaska, it was rather NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 137 rare, but Murdoch was of the opinion that 1t bred there, for a female was killed with full-sized eggs in her ovaries; but he never iound the nest. At the Yukon mouth Dall found the Knot rare and obtained a young bird at St. Michael’s. This species seems to be more numerous about Hudson Bay and on Melville Peninsula. Hagerup states that the Knot is a common summer resident of Greenland, in the northern portion of which it breeds. An authentic egg of the Knot has for many years been the object of special and diligent search by eminent naturalists and explorers traveling in Arctic regions where this bird is known to live during the season of production. Lieut. A. W. Greely, U. S. A., commander of the late expedition to Lady Franklin Sound, succeeded in obtaining the long-sought-for egg of the Knot. C. H. Merriam publishes the first account of it, written by Lieut. Greely, as follows: “The specimen of bird and egg were obtained in the vicinity of Fort Conger, latitude of 81° 44’ N. The egg was 1.10 inch [28 mm.] in the longer axis, and 1 inch [25.40 mm.] in the shorter. Color, light pea green, closely spotted with brown in small specks about the size of a pin-head.’’* 235. PURPLE SANDPIPER. Tringa maritima Brunn. Geog. Dist.— North- ern portions of Northern Hemisphere; in North America, chiefly the northeastern portions, migrating south in winter to Eastern and Middle States. Mississippi Valley. The Purple Sandpiper is found in the high Arctic regions of America and Europe. Said to be a resident of the Aleutian Islands. Breeds in the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and in Greenland, where some remain in the fiords of the southern portion all winter. Dr. Richardson states that it breeds abundantly on Melville Peninsula and on the shores of Hudson Bay. The nest is a mere depression in the soil with a scant lining of dry grass. The eggs are ‘clay color, shaded with olivaceous, with large and distinct markings of rich umber-brown of different depths of intensity all over the shell, but most numerous as well as largest on the greater half; pyriform; the eggs are usually four in number, and measure about 1.40 by 1.00. 236. ALEUTIAN SANDPIPER. Tring couesi (Ridgw.) Geog. Dist.—Coasts. and islands of Bering Sea, north to St. Michael’s. =~ Closely allied to the last species, and the birds are hardly distinguishable in their respective winter plumages. It is common in the Aleutian and other islands, and also along the coast of Bering Sea as far west as the Commander Islands... Dr. Stejneger records it as a resident of the latter group, found there during both sum- mer and winter. The first eggs are laid about the middle of May. These are de- scribed a pale olive-buff, varying to light brownish-buff, spotted and blotched with vandyke-brown or deep umber;. size 1.46x1.00. 237. PRYBILOF SANDPIPER. Trinya ptilocnemis Coues. Geog. Dist.— Prybilof Islands, Bering Sea. The Black-breasted Sandpiper, as it is called, is confined to the Prybilof group and several other islands of Bering Sea; but does not visit the Commander Islands. It is said to be the only wader that breeds on the Prybilof Islands. In May it nests on the dry uplands and mossy hummocks, placing its nest in bunches of moss, in which four pyriform eggs are laid. The eggs are described as light brownish-buff, heavily spotted with rich chestnut-brown, clouded with purplish-gray. Average size 1.50x1.07. * Auk, Vol. II, p. 313. 138 NESTS AND EGGS OF 238. SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPER. Tringa acuminata (Horsf.) Geog. Dist.—Eastern Asia and coast of Alaska, migrating south to Java and Australia. The Sharp-tailed Sandpiper was first introduced to the North American ava- fauna by E. W. Nelson, who secured a female at St. Michael’s in September, 1877. Later in the season others were sean and during each of the succeeding autumns they were found to be one of tie most common species of snipe in that region, fre- quenting the brackish pools and tide-creeks in company with the Pectorial Sand- piper, Red-breasted Snipe and several other species.. The Sharp-tailed Sandpiper resembles the Pectorial Sandpiper in appearance. 239. PECTORAL SANDPIPER. Tringa maculata Viei:l. Geog. Dist.—North, Central and South America; breeding in the Arctic regions. Of frequent occurrence in Hurope. : During the migrations the Pectoral Sandpiper is very abundant, both on the sea coast and in the interior. It frequents the borders of ponds, the shores of lakes and rivers, and is found commonly in the vicinity of wet cornfields and meadows. It is only of recent date that we have obtained any positive information regarding this bird’s breeding places. Hagerup states that it is a rare guest in South Greenland. Nelson found it to be extremely common at the mouth of the Yukon River, where the low grassy flats afford it a much frequented breeding ground. Arriving on the 239, PecTorau SANDPIPER, Adult male, in summer, with crop inflated. (From Nelson.) shores of Bering Sea, near St. Michael’s, from the 15th to the 25th of May, the birds linger about a short time; they then pair and seek nesting places, which are usually in tufts of grass. Murdoch records that the Pectorial Sandpiper breeds abundantly at Point Barrow, Alaska, in June and July, moving south in September. Nelson states that during the breeding season they have an unique habit, not to be found among waders, but is common among members of the Grouse family; this is of in- flating the throat until it becomes as large as the body before the bird utters the deep, hollow, resonant sounds which may be represented by the syllables, too-u, too-u, too-u, too-u, it fills its esophagus with air as above described. The skin of the throat becomes very flabby and loose at this season, and by dissection it was found that the inner surface of the sack is covered with small globular masses of fat. The accompanying engraving, taken from Nelson’s Report, will give an idea of the character and extent of this inflation. Nelson says that the male at times rises 20 or 30 yards in the air and inflating its throat glides down to the ground with its sac hanging below. Nests found by Mr. Murdoch contained four eggs each, of the , NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 139 usual pyriform shape. They vary in size as follows: 1.58x1.06, 1.44x1.11, 1.42x1.08, 1.54x1.02 inches. They have a drab ground color, with a greenish shade in some cases, and are spotted and blotched with umber-brown, varying in distribution on different specimens, as is usual among waders’ eggs. The average is 1.45x1.04. 240. WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER. Tringa fuscicollis Vieill. Geog. Dist.—Eastern North America; breeds far north. In winter migrating through the ‘United States, the West Indies, Central and South America and Falkland Islands. Occasional in Europe. Bonaparte’s Sandpiper during the breeding season is found in the Arctic regions. It is a species of wide distribution in the migrations, wandering into tropical regions. The bird is said to breed in suitable places on the shores of Cumberland Sound. MacFarlane met with its nests and eggs on or near the Arctic coast; one taken July 3 contained four eggs with large embryos; another found the day following con- tained three eggs. A third, obtained June 29 on the Barren Lands, was a mere de- pression in the ground, lined with a few decayed leaves and contained four eggs with very large embryos. A fourth found on the banks of a small river, of similar construction, held 4eggs. Theggsare pyriformin shape,of lightolive or olive-brown, spotted with bold and sometimes rather fine markings of deep chestnut-brown, almost into blackness, chiefly about the larger end in confluent groups. Average size, 1.37x.94. 241. BAIRD’S SANDPIPER. Tringa bairdii (Coues.) Geog. Dist.—North America, chiefly the interior. Rare on the Atlantic coast; wintering in Mexico, Cen- tral and South America. Baird’s Sandpiper is distributed throughout North America generally, but is said not yet to have been observed west of the Rocky Mountains. It is found chiefly in the interior. Known to breed in the Arctic regions; winters south of United States. This bird was entirely unknown to ornithologists until within the last thirty-five years; when discovered and for sometime after was confounded with other species. Dr.- Coues first gave it rank and name in 1861. It breeds in the Arctic regions—on the Barren Lands; nests in the latter part of June, usually within the vicinity of lakes and small ponds. The nest is made of a few dry leaves and grasses in a small depression, shaded by a tuft of grass. The eggs are usually four in number; buff or clay colored, spotted and blotched with varying shades of chestnut-brown; in most instances the markings are fine and innumerable, of definite size, irregular in shape and thickness at the greater end, where they are occasionally massed in blotches; size about 1.30x.90. 242, LEAST SANDPIPER. Tringa minutilla Vieill. Geog. Dist.—Whule of North America; breeding north of the United States. The smallest of the Sandpipers, measuring five and a half or six inches in length. It has the same habits as characterize its Semipalmated cousins, frequenting the same localities, and flocks of birds are often composed of both species. When this is the case the Semipalmated Sandpipers even if largely in the minority, take the lead, as they are of somewhat larger size, stronger in flight and they have a louder note. When not in company with other species none of our shore birds are more confiding and unsuspecting than these, large flocks continuing their search for food almost under the feet of the observer. The Least Sandpiper breeds from Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador northward into Arctic regions, and in Alaska. June 5, 1875, one was found building its nest in the vicinity of Chicago, Ill. Nests in 140 NESTS AND EGGS OF the Arctic regions are usually mere depressions, lined with leaves and grasses, on the ground, in the vicinity of lakes or ponds. The eggs are usually four in number, and may be found between the latter part of May and June. The eggs are pyriform in shape, the ground color is light drab, thickly spi:.xled with reddish-brown spots and purplish-gray. The average size is 1.15x.85. (242. 1.] LONG-TOED STINT. Tringa damacensis (Horsf.) Geog. Dist.— Asia, breeding toward the Arctic coast; accidental in Alaska (Otter Island, Bering Sea). From Daniel Giraud Elliot’s “North American Shore Birds” I take the follow- ing: “This species is a miniature Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, without the lengthened tail and proportionately much longer toes. It also resembles the Least Sandpiper on the back, but exhibits very much more chestnut on the margin of the feathers of the back and head. The breast band is differently colored also. It is taken into the North American fauna from the fact that a specimen was procured on Otter Island, Alaska, June 8, 1885, as stated by Mr. Ridgway in The Auk for 1886. It is an Asiatic species going as far east as Japan, and also found in the Indian Archipelago. It can only be regarded as an accidental straggler to our shores. On Bering Island, Stejneger observed it in large flocks in May, when it frequented the peach, and was very active engaged in picking up small crustaceous from the floating weeds which the surf had cast ashore. A few remained to breed, but the majority passed farther north. He was unable to find the nest.” > [243.] DUNLIN. Tringa alpina Linn. Geog. Dist.——Europe; accidental in -North America. The Purre or Dunlin has a wide distribution in the northern parts of the Old World. By far the. most abundant of the British Sandpipers, being equally dis- tributed in the marshes, on the borders of inland lakes, and along all the seashores from the most northern island to the southern coast of England. The birds usually feed in great numbers after the retiring tide, or on the oozy flats of soft sand or mud, which cover the low-lying shores of the islands. In the spring they separate into pairs, retiring to the marshes and shores of inland lakes and muirs to breed. Their nests are made at the foot of a small bush or tuft of grass, often so concealed as to be very difficult to find. A few bits of grass or moss form the lining of the slight cavity, in which usually four eggs are deposited. They vary in ground color from greenish-white, yellow, gray and often inclining to light blue; they are spotted and blotched irregularly with reddish-brown; the spots becoming more numerous toward the larger end. Four specimens measure 1.54x1.14, 1.53x1.08, 1.59x1.15, 1.51 x1.10. 243a. RED-BACKED SANDPIPER. Tringa alpina pacifica (Coues.) Geog. Dist.—North America in general, breeding in high latitudes. Eastern Asia. This is the American Dunlin, Black-bellied Sandpiper, or Ox bird; it is larger and brighter colored than 7. alpina. Distributed throughout the whole of North America, and breeds in the Arctic regions, migrating in winter in the United States, especially coastwise. Breeds in various places on the Alaskan coast—at the mouth of the Yukon and in the salt marshes of Norton Sound. It has also been found breed- ing on the Arctic coast of North America, on Melville Peninsula, the shores of Davis Strait and in Southern Greenland. The nest is built in the vicinity 9f lakes and ponds or in marshes; it is a slight hollow with merely a few dry grasses and leaves NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 141 scraped into it. The eggs, four in number, of a dull brownish-buff or clay color, spotted, blotched and stained with chestnut, principally about the larger end; their average size is 1.43x1.01. 244, CURLEW SANDPIPER. Tringa ferruginea Brunn. Geog. Dist.—Old World in general, occasional in Eastern North America and in Alaska. A bird with a bill resembling that of the Curlews—long, slender, compressed and considerably decurved. The length of the bird is about eight and a half inches. It is said to be one of the rarest of the Sandpipers which visit North America. A common species in Siberia, where it breeds. Said to breed in Holland, Denmark and northward into Norway, Sweden, and in Finland. In England it is nowhere abundant and does not assemble in large flocks like the Dunlin or Purre. A few pairs are believed to breed in Great Britain. Known to breed in various portions of Greenland—nesting near the margins of lakes and rivers where the eggs are de- posited in a slight hollow of the ground, lined with bits of grass. The eggs are four in number, pyriform in shape, pale grayish or greenish-buff, spotted and blotched with chestnut-brown. They are hardly distinguishable from those of the Pectoral or Red-backed Sandpiper’s eggs, the average size being 1.50x1.04. [245.] SPOON-BILL SANDPIPER. Lurynorhynchus pyymeus (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Asia; in summer along the Arctic coast, in winter Southern and Southeastern Asia; accidental on the coast of Alaska (Choris Peninsula). This is a curiously unique representative of the Sandpipers. Its bill is about as long as its head, straight, spatulate long. Nelson secured a spectmen in summer plumage in 1881 at Plover Bay on Choris Peninsula, and Dr. Bean obtained one in 1880: In summer it is found from Plover Bay to Cape Waukarum, and in this part of the Siberian coast, according to Elliot, its breeding grounds are situated. Dr. Coues states that it is one of the rarest birds in collections, only some 25 or 30 specimens being known, mostly from India. It breeds north of Bering Strait, but the locality is unknown. : 246. SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. Ereunetes pusillus (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Northern and Eastern North America; west during the migrations to Rocky Mountains. This little “Peep” is found everywhere in North America. In the summer it is distributed from Labrador and western shores of Hudson Bay northward, this being its breeding grounds. In spring and fall it is an abundant migrant in United States, thronging the beaches, the gravelly and sandy shores of streams and muddy banks of ponds, in company with the Spotted Sandpiper and others, with which it is usually confounded. It winters from the Carolinas southward. It has the same ’tweet, ’tweet as the Spotted Sandpiper, and utters it frequently, both on the shore and when flying. The Semipalmated Sandpiper arrives in the Saskatchewan River country about the middle of May, where it deposits its eggs early in June on a few pieces of withered grass in a slight hollow in the ground. These are three or four in number, and measure from 1.20 to 1.25 long by .82 to .85 broad. In a large series the usual variations in color are noticeable; the ground color varying from clay to grayish or greenish-drab or positive olive tint; usually boldly spotted and splashed with umber or chestnut-brown; thickest about the largest end; and again, in some, very fine dots are distributed over the entire surface. 142 NESTS AND EGGS OF 247. WESTERN SANDPIPER. Freunetes occidentalis Lawr. Geog. Dist.— Western North America; occasionally eastward to the Atlantic coast; breeding far north. Migrating in winter to Central and South America. Very much like the last species and there is essentially no difference in its gen- eral habits, nesting, eggs and.other peculiarities. Abundant in Alaska, breeding along the Yukon and the shores and islands of Norton Sound. Nests commonly on the Island of St. Michael’s, depositing four eggs in nests, which are mere hollows in the ground with a few blades of grass for lining. In June and July it breeds abundantly on the islands in the bays along the Arctic coast and also in the Barren Lands. The eggs exhibit as great variation as those of Z. pusillus. Nelson describes their ground color as pale clay, shading toward pale brownish-clay. In many in- stances, usually among the larger eggs, the ground color is nearly or quite con- cealed by fine, light reddish-brown spots or specks. The other extreme has the spots gathered mainly about the large end in irregular spots of rich chocolate and umber- brown in small spots, a little more dense at the larger end. Sizes vary from 1.30x.92 to 1.11x.82. 248. SANDERLING. Culidris arenaria (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Nearly cosmo- politan, breeding in high Arctic regions. ig 248. SANDERLING (From Brel). The Sanderling, Ruddy “Plover” or “Beach Bird,” is a species of wide distribu- tion. During the breeding season it is distributed through the northern regions of Europe, Asia and North America. It inhabits, hovvever, the entire continent of North America, wandering in its migrations through the United States, and in winter to the West Indies, Mexico, Central and South America. Its nests and eggs NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 143 have been taken in Grinnell Land, and it is said to breed on islands about the coast of Greenland and on the shores and islands of Hudson Bay. Dr. Brewer states that Mr. MacFarlane, on June 29, discovered a nest with four eggs on the Barren Lands, near the Arctic coast. The eggs at this date were quite fresh. The nest is said to have been made of hay and decayed leaves. The eggs are ashy or greenish-brown, spotted and blotched with brown of different shades, pyriform in shape; two to four in number, and measure 1.41 by .91. 249. MARBLED GODWLT. Limosa fedoa (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—North Ameri- ca in general. Breeds in the Missouri and Upper Mississippi regions, thence to the Saskatchewan. Winters in the Southern States and southward. The Great Marbled Godwit, or Marlin, inhabits the entire temperate North America, and it is a common bird during the migrations and in winter. It breeds chiefly in the Mississippi and Eastern Missouri regions, in Iowa, Minnesota and the Dakotas, thence to theSaskatchewan; known to breed in Northern Ohio, in Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas and Nebraska. This.is the largest of the “Bay birds,” except the Long-billed Curlew, and can readily be distinguished, its bill being either straight or bent a little upward, and not decurved, like the Curlew’s. It frequents muddy pools, sandy shores and marshes, usually in flocks of greater or less extent. The bird is held in high esteem for the table, and they are eagerly hunted by the gunners when flocks of ten or a dozen birds appear on the marshes. The sportsmen call them ‘‘Dough” or “Doe” birds. The eggs are creamy-buff or light oliveaceous- drab spotted and blotched, rather sparsely, with yellowish and umber-brown of varying shades, long oval; size about 2.27 by 1.60; three or four in number, and they aré deposited in a slight depression of the ground, lined with a few bits of grasses. The nests are placed in the vicinity of a pool or river, but not always near the water’s edge. ; 250. PACIFIC GODWIT. Limosa lapponica baueri (Naum.) Geog. Dist.— Coasts of Eastern Asia and across to Alaska, south in winter to New Zealand and Australia; casual to Lower California. In the winter months the Pacific Godwit is found in many of the islands of the Pacific Ocean—the Polynesian Islands and Australia. At this season it is also found on the Eastern and Southern coasts of Asia and Japan. On the American coast it is a summer resident in Alaska, and south-of this point it is recorded only from Lower California. An abundant species at the mouth of the Yukon and on the marshes of Pastolik, which are farther north. The nests are built in tussocks of grass, lined with the same material. The eggs are said to be only two in number, of light olive drab, spotted with irregularly formed spots of umber of varying shades, similar to those of the Godwit; size, 2.25x1.45. 251. HUDSONIAN GODWIT. Limosa hemastica (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—North- ern North America. Not recorded west of Rocky Mountains, only in Alaska. The Hudsonian Godwit, though not common anywhere in the United States, is distributed throughout North America generally, but has not been observed west of the Rocky Mountains. It passes the winter south of the United States, and breeds in the most northern sections of the country. Breeds abundantly on the Barren Lands of the Arctic Ocean. In the Lower Anderson river region it nests in the first part of June, depositing its eggs in a slight depression of the ground lined with a few leaves and grasses. It associates with L. fada, and has the same habits and characteristics. Called by the gunners the “Smaller Doe-bird.”” American Black- 144 NESTS AND EGGS OF tailed Godwit and Ring-tailed Marlin are its other names. The eggs of this species are heavily shaded olive-drab or “hair brown” almost as dark as a Loon’s egg, some- times lighter; obscurely spotted and blotched with dark brown; usually four in number; size 2.20x1.42. [252.] BLAC.s.-TAILED GODWIT. Limosa limosa (Linn.) Geog. Dist.— Northern portion of the Old World; accidental in Greenland. At different seasons of the year the Black-tailed Godwit has been observed in nearly every portion of Europe, Asia and Africa. It is only an occasional visitant of Greenland which gives it a place in the fauna of North America. Corsidered mi- gratory in Great Britain, and a few are known to breed there in the various marshes. In the summer months, however, this Godwit is found in various parts of Denmark and throughout Scandinavia, especially in Finland and up into Lapland. Known to nest in France, and is supposed to breed sparingly in Switzerland. In Scotland and other portions of the British Islands this species deposits its eggs yearly in May. This bird is known as Common Gowit, Godwyn, Yarwhelp, or Yarwhit, Jadreka Snipe, and Shrieker. The nesting is like that of all the Waders so far as known— simply a hollow in wet meadows or in dry parts of swamps, midst grass or weeds. The eggs are usually four in number; they are of a deep grayish-olive or even a deep green, faintly spotted with olive-brown of different shades. Size 2.17x1.50. [253.] GREEN-SHANK. Totanus nebularius (Gunn). Geog. Dist.—Old World; accidental in Florida. Audubon took three specimens of the Green-shank on Sand Key, Florida, near Cape Sable, May 28, 1832. This is the only record of its appearance in North America. An abundant bird in the British Islands, many remain to breed, especially In Scotland, and on the islands about the coast. Breeds in Norway and Sweden, in Finland and in Lapland as far north as the Arctic Circle. The nest is often placed some distance from water, usually in a tuft of grass with a slight lining. The eggs are four in number and vary from yellowish to brownish-buff, sprinkled and spotted all over, with irregular spots of dark brown, varying in intensity of shade. The eggs are generally pear-shaped. The average size of ten specimens is 1.98x1.40. 254. GREATER YELLOW-LEGS. Totanus melanoleucus (Gmel.) Geog. Dist.—Nearly all of North America; breeding in the more northern portions. The Greater Yellow-legs, or Tell-tale, is found in North America at large. It is said to breed in the large marshes of Wisconsin, in Iowa, and in Northern Illinois; doubtless a few breed in suitable places in California. The Greater Tell-tale winters from the Carolinas southward; is abundant during the migrations, and is well known to the gunners. In the Eastern States it appears to be much more wary than in Ohio, and is said to give warning to ducks and other game birds on the ap- proach of the gunner. About four rapidly repeated, loud and shrill whistling notes are uttered, which is a signal to the rest of his feathered neighbors, when the whole take wing, often to the disappointment of the fowler. From this habit it-de- rives the name of Tell-tale, and it is also known as Stone “Snipe,” Greater Yellow- shanks, and Long-legged Tattler. The stately form of this bird may be seen moving along the gravelly banks of streams, wading in pools or the shallow margins of rivers and lagoons, feeding upon small fishes, crustaceans, etc. It is generally found in pairs, less often in small flocks, and its association with other Sandpipers is merely accidental. The eggs are grayish-white, marked with spots of dark brown, varying NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 145 4 in intensity of shade, together with obscure shell-markings of lilac. The markings are over the entire surface, but more numerous at the larger end; three or four in number; size 1.43x1.20. 255. YELLOW-LEGS. Totanus flavipes (Gmel.) Geog. Dist.—North America. The Common Yellow-legs,or Lesser Tell-tale, is found throughout North Ameri- ca, It breeds from Northern United States northward, extending its migrations to the Artic regions. It winters in the Southern States and southward. In some locali- ties during the migrations it is more abundant than the Greater Tattler, and its general habits and characteristics are the same; its cries are clearer and not so loud. {t is fond of wading about in pools of water seeking food, which consists of larvse of insects and small crustaceans. The Lesser Yellow-shanks is known to breed in Alaska, at the mouth of the Porcupine River, which empties into the Yukon. It doubtless breeds in all the region between Fort Selkirk and Fort Lake, and abund- antly in the MacFarlane and Anderson River regions. The nests were mere de- pressions in the ground, without any lining; sometimes they were placed at the foot of a bush, with a scanty lining of withered leaves. The eggs were usually four. The bird is reported as doubtless breeding in Illinois and other regions farther south than those just mentioned. There is no doubt that a few of the Lesser Yellow- legs breed in Central Ohio. In referring to my notes I find that a sportsman brought me a male bird on the 28th of June, 1886. This season (June 14, 1888) Mr. Robert Hedden shot a specimen, which proved to be a female, the skin of which is now in my cabinet. From this bird I took a well-formed egg, and the ovaries contained several others in different stages of development. The breast of this specimen was quite bare of feathers, indicating that it was engaged in the duties of incubation. The bird was sitting on the top rail of a fence when killed, and no others were noticed in the vicinity. The eggs of the Yellow-legs are of a light drab, or even vary to clay, buffy or cream color, sometimes light brown; the markings are bold and heavy, with great diversity of heavily splashed blotches of chocolate, umber-brown and blackish, these being chiefly at the larger end, and sometimes confluent. Paler shell-markings are also numerous and noticeable; pointedly pyriform in shape; three or four in number; sizes range from 1.58 to 1.78 long by about 1.16 broad. 256. SOLITARY SANDPIPER. Totanus solitarius (Wils.) Geog. Dist.—North America, breeding in Northern United States, northward; migrating southward to Northern South America. ‘ The Solitary Tattler, or the American Green Sandpiper, is found throughout the entire North America; breeds in Northern United States and northward, and prob- ably throughout most of its United States range. Winters chiefly in Mexico, Central and South America and in the West Indies. It has the same characteristic habits of the Green Sandpirer of Europe—always seen near water, during the migrations, on the borders of lakes, ponds and rivers, or seeking its food, which con- sists chiefly of worms in the soft loamy soil of marshes. The Solitary Sandpiper is well named, when its personal habits or the localities which it frequents are considered. It is found; except during and shortly after the breeding season. about small ponds in woods, remote shaded ditches or small brooks, just such localities as are frequented by the Water Thrush, and its alarm note is very similar to that species, but is 3hriller and louder and is sounded while on the wing in its rapid flight. Although common, the 11 256. SOLITARY SANDPIPER. 146 NESTS AND EGGS OF eggs of this species have been until a comparatively recent date of special desiderat- um, and only a few specimens are as yet to be found in the numerous collections. In the last edition of this work I mentioned an egg supposed to belong to this species, which I took in an open field bordering the Scioto River, near Columbus, Ohio, in the latter part of May, 1877. This specimen was first described by the late Dr. J. M. Wheaton.* The egg was of a pointed oval shape, and not nearly so pyriform as are the eggs of most of this family, size 1.25 by .88, smaller than the eggs of the Spotted Sandpiper. The ground was clay-color with a reddish tinge, thickly marked with reddish and blackish-brown. The nest was on the ground in as exposed a locality as is ever frequented by this bird. It contained two eggs, both far advanced in incuba- tion, only one of which was preserved. In Jones’s magnificent work{ this egg is ac- curately figured. From comparisons made at the time this specimen could not be referred to any other species than that of the Solitary Sandpiper. Dr. Brewer de- scribes an egg, taken May 28, 1878, by Mr. Jenness Richardson, near Lake Bombazine, Vermont. It measures 1.32x.90. The ground color is of a light drab, similar to that of Zyialitis meloda; over the surface are scattered small rounded markings of brown, some of these are quite dark, nowhere confluent, and not large enough to be called blotches. Its shape was elongated pyriform. Mr. Capen, in his finely illustrated work,{ gives a faithful colored illustration of this specimen. The female parent of this erg was shot as she left the nest. 256a. WESTERN SOLITARY SANDPIPER. Totanus solitarius cinnamoneus Brewst. Geog. Dist.—Pacific coast region, eastward to the Plains. The Cinnamon Solitary Sandpiper of the Pacific coast region and the plains is a race not always distinguishable from the eastern species, 7. solitarius. According to descriptions given by Mr. Brewster (Auk, VIII, p. 377), from specimens collected by Mr. Frazar in Lower California, the bird is larger, wing grayer, the light spots on the back, scapulars, and wing-coverets brownish-cinnamon, instead of white or buffy whitish; the sides of the head more whitish, especially on the lores; no well- defined loral stripes. [257.] GREEN SANDPIPER. Totanus ochropus (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—North- ern Portions of the Old World. Accidental in Nova Scotia. If we may regard the authority of the older ornithologists, Richardson and Nuttall, this bird obtained from them recognition as a straggler to North America. Its claim to our fauna, however, has been restored by the capture of a single speci- men, said to have been taken in Nova Scotia, which was in the possession of J. Edmund Harting, Esq. The bird is very similar to our Solitary Tattler and aver- ages slightly larger. It is very generally distributed through Europe and in some places esteemed a great delicacy for the table. Said to breed in all the northern portions of Asia. In England it is considered an abundant bird in spring and fall and a number of pairs remain to breed. Known also as the Whistling Sandpiper. It frequents the shores of the sea and inland lakes, the banks of shallow streams and the borders of ponds and marshes. Breeds in various parts of Northwestern Germany and is known to nest in Southeastern France. The Green Sandpiper is said to be very peculiar in its mode of nesting—depositing its eggs in old nests *In his Report on the Birds of Ohio. Vol IV, Ohio Geological Survey, entitled Zoology and Botany, p. 486. , ¢ Illustrations of the Nests and Eggs of Birds of Ohio. Illustrations by Mrs. N. E. Jones: Text by Howard Jones, A. M., M. D., Circleville, Ohio, 1886. t Oology of New Engiand: Plate XIX. Fig. 6. NORTH AMHRICAN BIRDS. 147 situated in trees and is not known ever to-nest on the ground. The nests usually oc- cupied are those of pigeons, jays, shrikes and other birds, but most commonly those of the Thrushes. These are said to be situated from three to six feet and as high as thirty-five feet from the ground. The eggs are four in number; greenish-white or delicate grayish sea-green, sparsely marked with spots, blotches, and markings of dark-brown, chiefly at the larger end; average size 1.52x1.12. 258. WILLET. Symphemia semipalmata (Gmel.) Geog. Dist.—Eastern tem- perate North America, south to the West Indies and Brazil. Breeds from Florida to New Jersey and locally, and rarely to Maine. Accidental in Bermuda and Europe. The Willet is the largest of the American family Scolopacidz, except the genera Limosa and Numenius. One of the most extensively distributed of all of our North American birds, being found in the marshy regions of the interior; along the Atlantic coast from Nova Scotia to Florida; throughout Central America and into a large portion of South America. It is also abundant along the Pacific coast. . Breeds throughout its United States range and wherever found in Southern districts. Nests commonly on Cobb’s Island, Va., effectually concealing the eggs in the tall grass on the higher parts of the Island. The marshes at this place are also favorite breeding localities, where the nests are built up from the ground, which is wet at high tide. At Long Beach, N. J., it breeds rarely and is said to have been formerly one of the most abundant breeding species. Mr. Perry writes that the Willet finds favorite breeding grounds in the salt marshes of Georgia and South Carolina. He mentions a large tract of “salt grass’ in Beaufort Co., S. C., where it breeds in great numbers. A hundred pairs or more are commonly observed breeding in this locality and at the same time, the eggs are very difficult to discover. Crows feed on them and the empty shells are strewn plentifully over the field. The nest is a mere depression of the ground, lined with a few pieces of dry grass. Sometimes, it is placed in a tussock of grass. Mr. Perry states that the eggs are deposited early in May. Mr. Stuart reports the Willet as breeding abundantly along the Gulf coast or Florida in May and June. The eggs are four in number, and there seems to be two distinct types of coloration in the ground color—either a greenish-white or a dark brownish-olive, marked with bold spots of various shades of umber-brown and markings of subdued purple. The eggs are very large for the size of the bird, rang- ing from 1.98 to 2.12 in length by 1.46 to 1.58 broad. Four eggs measure 1.95x1.50, 1,98x1.49, 2.05x1.53, 2.04%1.53. ; 258a. WESTERN WILLET. Symphemia semipalmata inornata Brewst. Geog. Dist.—Western North America, east to Mississippi Valley and Gulf States; in winter, south to Mexico, and, during migrations, sparingly along coast of southern Atlantic States. Breeds from coast of Texas to Manitoba. Mr. Brewster first described this race in The Auk, Vol. IV, April, 1887, pp. 145- 146. It is somewhat larger and grayer than the eastern species, and according to Elliot the two forms in winter cannot be distinguished from each other, save pos- sibly by the longer bill of the present species, though this is not always reliable. The present variety is very common in the western part of the United States and in Texas. The nesting habits and eggs are identical with those of S. semipalmata; the eggs, however, averaging a trifle larger. 259. WANDERING TATTLER. Heteractititis incanus (Gmel.) Geog. Dist.— Pacific coast of America, from Norton Sound, Alaska, to Galapagos, and west to Kamtchatka and the Hawaiian Islands; also more eastern groups of Polynesia. 148 NESTS AND EGGS OF This plainly colored bird is well termed “wandering.” No species of this family traverse so much sea and coast during the changing seasons as this one. Elliot ‘gays: Along the vast extent of the Pacific coast it goes from the Equator onward to the Aleutian Islands in the far north, and to the interior of Alaska, where it prob- ably breeds along the banks of the mighty Yukon. He states that the places where this bird breeds may be well within the Arctic circle. [260.] RUFF. Pavoncella pugnax (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Northern portions of the Old World; occasionally straying to Eastern North America, The male of this species is known as the Ruff and the female as Reeve. It.is a bird of wide distribution; found at various seasons of the year throughout Europe, the northern parts of Africa, and in western Asia. Examples of this bird have been taken in Eastern United States, as well as on Long Island and in various places in New England. Dr. Jasper took a specimen November 10, 1872, at the Licking \\\ aS ah i 260. Rurr (From Brehm.) County Reservoir, Ohio. It breeds more or less commonly in England and Scotland, where the eggs are deposited during the first or second week in May. The Ruff is about the size of the Bartramian Sandpiper, and it also resembles this bird in color. But the most marked peculiarity of the species is the ruff-like growth of feathers about the neck, from which it takes its name. There is an endless variety of plumage in the birds, the males and females differing widely in this respect. As its specific name, pugnaz, implies the bird is of a pugnacious disposition, the males en- gaging in aggressive combats during the breeding season. Their movements in NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 149 fighting are said to be something like a game cock. Breeds throughout the greater portion of Scandinavia and in Denmark. In Lapland it arrives in the last week of May where it is found along the margin of lakes and rivers; later in the season it may be found hiding in the tall grass of the marshes. The nest is usually placed on a slight elevation in swampy places surrounded by coarse grass of which material it is composed. The eggs are four in number and average 1.60x1.09. Four eggs in my cabinet from England measure 1.64x1.17, 1.79x1.20, 1.64x1.18, 1.75x1.12. They are of an oblong pyriform shape; the ground color is of an olive or grayish-green; the markings are the same as those of the American Jack Snipe eggs but are heavier and more profuse—with spots and blotches of umber and blackish-brown. 261. BARTRAMIAN SANDPIPER. Bartramia lonyicauda (Bechst.) Geog. Dist.—Eastern North America, north to Nova Scotia and Alaska. Breeds through- cut its range. South in winter as far as Southern South America. Bartram’s Tattler is distributed more or less abundantly throughout the United States, but is rare west of the Rocky Mountains. Breeds commonly from the middle districts—Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and the Dakotas northward, into the Fur Country, and in Alaska. It is very numerous on the prairies of the interior and is also common eastward. It is known as Field “Plover,” Upland “Plover,” Grass “Plover,” Prairie “Pigeon,” and Prairie “Snipe.” In Ohio and Pennsylvania the eggs are hatched by the first or second week in June. One of the most familiar birds on the dry, opén prairies of Manitoba, where it breeds, and is known as the “Quaily,” from its soft, mellow note. Mr. L. Jones, of Grinnell, Iowa, informs me that it nests in that region about the 20th of May. Known to breed in various por- tions of Michigan, but its eggs are not often taken. The bird is less aquatic than most of the other Sandpipers, and is seldom seen along the banks of streams. Its favorite resorts are old pastures, upland, stubble fields and meadows, where its nests may be found in a slight depression of the ground, and they are not always well concealed. It frequently alights on trees or on fences, like a Meadow Lark. The eggs of Bartram’s Sandpiper are of a pale clay or buff, thickly spotted with umber and yellowish-brown, especially about the larger end; commonly four in number; sizes range from 1.70 to 1.90 long by about 1.28 broad. 262. BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER. [ryngites subruficollis (Vieill.) Geog. Dist.—North America, especially the interior. Breeds in the interior of British America and in Alaska. Occasional occurrence in Europe. This interesting little Sandpiper is of general distribution in North America, but apparently nowhere very common. It is migratory in the United States, and breeds in the Arctic regions. Winters south of United States. It is often found in company with the Semipalmated Plovers and Semipalmated Sandpipers on the gravelly banks of rivers. This bird is said to resemble Bartram’s Sandpiper in fre- quenting upland fields and meadows. Breeds in the MacFarlane and Anderson River regions and in the Barren Lands of the Arctic coast. The nesting season in these regions is the latter part of June, extending to the middle of July. The bird also breeds in the Yukon River district. The nests are slight depressions in the soil, scantily lined with a few grasses or withered leaves. The eggs are clay color of various shades, sharply spotted and blotched with rich umber-brown; there is a great diversity in the shades of the ground color in a large series of specimens, and there is also the same variations in the markings; the eggs are pointedly pyriform in shape; commonly four in number, and measure from 1.40 to 1.50 long by 1.02 to 1.10 broad. 150 NHSTS AND EGGS OF *+O 263. SPOTTED SANDPIPER. Actitis macularia (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—North and South America and West Indies. Winters chiefly south of the United States. The familiar little Spotted Sandpiper is an extremely abundant bird throughout North America, breeding everywhere. It winters in the Southern States and be- yond. Every lazy fisherman and idle school boy, who has whiled away many a balmy and hot summer day along the banks of streams, knows this bird well by the bobbing and tilting movements of its body and tail, and its peculiar note, peet-weet, peet-wect, as it flies up and down and acrcss the streams. It is known by many a curious nickname: ‘“Teeter-tail,” “Tip-up,’” “Sandlark,” ‘“Peet-weet” and others which generally refer to some eccentricity of the bird. The eggs are creamy, buff or clay color, blotched, spotted and dotted with blackish-brown; usually four in number, and measure about 1.34 by .92. The nest of this Sandpiper is made on the ground, generally in the shelter of high weeds or grass on a sandy island or border of a cultivated meadow, near water and often at a considerable uistance from any water. It is simply a depression in the soil, sometimes constructed with hay and moss. The eggs like all those of the waders lay in the nests with the small ends together. 264. LONG-BILLED CURLEW. WNumenius longirostris Wils. Geog. Dist.— Temperate North America, migrates south to Guatemala and the West Indies. The large Sickle-bill is of irregular distribution in temperate North America, conti ahs a 2 aD a X., Ss + EUROPEAN ConLaw, Numentus arquatus, Similar in cut to the Long-billed Curlew. (From Brehm). { 5 1 | 4 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 151 breeding nearly throughout its range. It is migratory northward and is resident from the Carolinas south to Mexico. It nests very abundantly on the South Atlantic coast, and on the prairies of the interior and the Northwest. Unlike others of its genus it is not a bird of high latitude. The eggs of the.Long-billed Curlew are three or four in number; and almost exactly resemble those of the Willet, but are larger, measuring from 2.45 to 2.80 in length by 1.80 to 1.90 in breadth; they are, however, more of a pyriform shape than the eggs of the Willet. In common with other waders the eggs are deposited on the ground in a slight hollow lined with a few grasses. This Curlew may be known from all others by its large size and very long, curved bill, measuring from four to six or eight inches. It may sometimes breed at St. Mary’s Reservoir, in Mercer county, and other localities of Northwestern Ohio, as it is known to breed in Northern Illinois. 265. HUDSONIAN CURLEW. Numenius hudsonicus Lath. Geog. Dist.— North and South America and West Indies. Breeds in the far north; winters chiefly south of the United States. The American Whimbrel, Short-billed, or Jack Curlew, as this bird is variously called, is not so abundant as the Long-billed or Eskimo Curlews. It is generally dis- tributed throughout North America, breeding in the far north—in vicinity of ponds and lakes on the Barren Lands of the Arctic regions, the regions of the Anderson River and in various parts of Alaska. Nests like those of the last species. In the United States it is a spring and fall migrant and is often found in company with Godwits, Snipe and others of its tribe. The eggs are ashy-yellow, the markings are large and bold, of different shades of chocolate and umber-brown. The eggs of this species can only be distinguished from those of the following species by their larger size; from 2.12 to 2.30 in length by about 1.60 broad; generally four in number; of the nsual pear-shape. 266. ESKIMO CURLEW. Numenius borealis (Forst). Geog. Dist——Eastern Province of North America, breeding in the Arctic regions; south in winter to Southern South America. The Dougn-bird, or Eskimo Curlew, is found in North America at large and breeds within the Arctic circle. It migrates through the United States, where it is rarely known to winter, and never to summer; wintering in Central and South America. Abundant in certain places during the migrations. In Labrador it is said to fairly swarm in August. Of this bird’s nest and eggs Dr. Coues says: “This species breeds in great numbers in the Anderson River region, usually making up its nest complement of four eggs by the third week in June. The nest is generally in an open plain, and is a mere depression of the ground, lined with a few dried leaves or grasses. The eggs vary to the great extent usually witnessed among waders. The ground is olive-drab, tending either to green, gray or brown in dif- ferent instances. The markings, always large, numerous and bold, are of different depths of dark chocolate, bistre and sepia-brown, with ordinary stone-gray shell spots. They always tend to aggregate at the large end, or at least, are more numerous on the major half of the eggs; though in a few instances the distribution is nearly uniform. Occasionally the butt end of the egg is almost completely occu- | pied by confluence of very dark markings. Eggs vary from 1.90x1.40 to 2.12x1.33, averaging about 2.00x1.45.’* * Birds of the Northwest, pn. 512. 152 NESTS AND EGGS OF [267.] WHIMBREL. Numenius pheopus (Linn.) Geog. Dist—Old World; occasional in Greenland. In England and Scotland this bird is known as Whimbrel Curlew, ‘Half-Cur- lew,” or Jack Curlew. It breeds throughout Northern Europe and Asia. Though pretty generally diffused in Great Britain, it is only found breeding in the extreme north of Scotland, on the Orkney and Shetland Islands, where the eggs are hatched by the first part of June. In these places the nests are made on elevated portions of the heath. During the breeding season the Whimbrel is found on the Faroe Islands and in Iceland. It is distributed throughout Denmark, Scandinavia and Russia; a few are known to breed in Lapland, as far north as latitude 65°. It is said by the best authorities that this bird is the most widely diffused of all the waders. Its extra-limital range includes Siberia, India, China, Australia and Africa. On the Faroe Islands it is recorded as breeding from the 25th of May to the 17th of June. The nest being simply a depression in the soil on some slight elevation in dry spots in marshes. The eggs are four in number, pear-shaped, and vary in color from light olive-brown to dark greenish-brown, clouded with spots and blotches of dark umber; average size 2.34x1.67. [268.] BRISTLE-THIGHED CURLEW. WNumenius tahitiensis (Gmel.) Geog. Dist.—Islands of the Pacific Ocean; occasional on the coast of Alaska and Lower California. 28. BRISTLE-THIGHED CURLEW. (From Nelson.) This Curlew, which is a native of various islands in the Pacific Ocean is given @ place in our avifauna on the ground that two examples were taken on our western coast, one at St. Michael’s Island and the other on Kadiak Island, Alaska. [269.] LAPWING. Vanellus vanellus (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Northern portion of Eastern Hemisphere; occasional in Arctic America, Greenland and the Islands of Norton Sound, Alaska. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 153 The Lapwing or Peewit is one of the most familiar birds of Europe. A rare visitant in Greenland and other parts of North America. Abundant in all suitable localities in Great Britain and in all the adjacent smaller islands. Found as far north as the Faroes, and in Iceland. Common in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and throughout Russia. It is not so abundant in various portions of Continental Burope, as in France, Spain and Italy. The Lapwing is a handsome plover; in the 269. Lapwine (From Brehm). adult in summer dress the fore part and top of the head, chin, throat and breast is uniform blue-black; side of head and neck white, grayish behind the neck; upper parts chiefly metallic bottle green, changing to a coppery purple. From the occiput springs a long crest of narrow bluish-black feathers which curve upwards, It is commonly called Te-wit, Crested Lapwing, Green Lapwing and Green Plover. The nests of this bird are like those of all the Plovers—slight depressions in the soil with afew grasses for a lining. The eggs are four in number; they vary from a dull, light, grayish-buff to deep olive buff, more or less heavily marked with spots and blotches of brownish-black; they are pyriform in shape. Four eggs in my cabinet, collected in Staffordshire, England, April 18, measure 1.88x1.30, 1.89x1.32, 1.84x1.36, 1.82x1.32. The average size is 1.85x1.33. The eggs are regarded as a delicacy and are much sought after in all districts where the bird is common. 154 NESTS AND EGGS OF 270. BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. Charadrius squatarola (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Northern portions of Northern Hemisphere, breeding far north; migrating south in winter; in America to Brazil, New Grenada and the West Indies. This handsome bird is known by several different names: Beetle-head, Ox-eye, Whistling Field Plcver, Bull-head Plover and Swiss Plover. It is a species of wide distribution, being nearly cosmopolitan during its migrations, wandering through Southern Asia, Northern and Southern Africa, Australia, the West Indies, Central and South America to Brazil. The eggs have only been taken in the extreme Arctic regions—on both sides of the Ural Mountains in Northern Russia—the banks of the Taimyr in the East and the tundras of the Petchora River in the West. In North America it has been found breeding in various places in the Arctic regions, as on the islands of Franklin Bay on the Arctic coast, in the first part of July and on the Barren Lands. It is also known to breed in Greenland. All the nests found are mere depressions in the ground with a slight lining of grasses and leaves. The eggs are described as being very similar to those of the Golden Plover, C. apricarius, or those of the Lapwing; pyriform in shape, varying from light buffy-olive to deep olive-buff, thickly and heavily marked with brownish-black or deep black; average size, 2.04x1.43. [271.] GOLDEN PLOVER. Charadrius apricarius Linn. Geog. Dist.—Europe; in winter south into Africa. Greenland. The European, Golden Plover is like the American bird, but the linings of the wings are white. In Great Britain during the winter months it is one of the most abundant species; in summer returning to the moorlands of Scotland and Ireland, and northward to the Orkney and Shetland Islands, where it breeds, It is found in Norway, Sweden and in Lapland. Breeds also in the Faroes, in‘ Iceland and in Eastern Greenland. The nest is simply a hollow in the ground, lined with a few grasses. The full complement of eggs is four and seem exceeding large for the size of the bird. The ground color in a large series of these eggs varies considerably— creamy-white, others with a much darker shade of the same, and again of a dark chocolate-brown. On these different ground colors the large, bold spots and con- fluent blotches of brownish-black present quite a varied appearance. Eight eggs in my cabinet from Renfrew, Scotland, measure, 2.02x1.42, 2.08x1.87, 2.10x1.38; 2.11x1.45, 1.96x1.40, 2.01x1.37, 2.08x1.40, 2.12x1.43. Average, 2.08x1.42. 272. AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER. Charadrius dominicus Mull. Geog. Dist.—North America at large, breeding in the Arctic regions. The Golden or Green Plover breeds in Arctic America east of the coast of Bering Sea and Strait, migrating south in winter nearly throughout the entire America as far south as Patagonia. MacFarlane found it breeding at Franklin’s Bay. In spring and fall it is an abundant bird in the United States, and is generally esteemed for the table on account of its large size and the flavor of its flesh. Breeds abundantly on the coasts and islands of the Arctic Sea, and on the Barren Lands, depositing four eggs in a depression of the soil, which is usually slightly lined with bits of dry grass. Out of one hundred and fourteen nests recorded by Mr. MacFarlane in the Arctic regions, ninety-two contained four eggs each. They vary from pale buffy-brown to dark grayish-buff, spotted and blotched with brownish-black, chiefly at the larger end. The spots are often confluent. The average size is 1.98x1.387. In the collection of the late Capt. B. F. Goss there is a set of four eggs collected by Mr. MacFarlane on the Barren Grounds near the Anderson River. These are buffy-drab, spotted and NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 155 splashed with dark brown, almost black; they are pyriform in shape, quite pointed at the small end, and blunt at the larger portion of the egg. 272a. PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER. Churadrius dominicus fulvus (Gmel.) Geog. Dist.—Asia, and islands of the Pacific. In North America, the islands and coasts of Alaska. In winter, south through India, China, etc., to Australia and Polynesia. The Asiatic Golden Plover is similar to C. dominicus, but is slightly smaller and of a more golden color. It breeds in Northern Asia, the Alaskan coasts of Bering Sea and Strait. Nesting and eggs similar to those of the last. Average size of the eggs, 2.02x1.30. *¥+O 273. KILLDEER. ZA pgialitis vocifera (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Temperate North America, south in winter to the West Indies, Central and Northern South America. This familiar bird whose notes, kil-deer, kil-decr, are heard in the daytime, and often in moonlight nights, more frequently during.the breeding season than at any other time, is very abundant in North America at large, breeding nearly anywhere in its range. The nest is placed on the ground, usually in the vicinity of a stream, or pond, and often on an elevated spot in the grass or in a furrowed field. It is merely a slight depression of the ground. The bird frequents both high and low grounds, pastures and fallow fields, as well as borders of streams. The eggs are drab or clay- color, thickly spotted and blotched with blackish-brown and umber; small end quite pointed, as is usually the case with all eggs of birds of this order; the eggs are generally four in number, measuring from 1.50 to 1.60 long by about 1,10 broad. 274. SEMIPALMATED PLOVER. Agialitis semipalmata Bonap. Geog. Dist.—North America in general; breeding in Arctic and sub-Arctic districts; south in winter throughout tropical America as far as Brazil and Peru. The Semipalmated Ring Plover is abundant and generally diffused throughout the whole of North America. In the United States it occurs only in the migrations, but it probably,breeds occasionally in some of the Northern States. Both eggs and young have been taken near Chicago, Ill., in July. It has been found in the summer months in the Saskatchewan and Mackenzie River regions, and in those of Hudson Bay, in Greenland and throughout various portions of Arctic America. It has been found breeding in the latter part of June on the Arctic coast, and in the Anderson River regions. Breeds on the islands of the Alaskan coast, and at the mouth of the Yukon. Audubon found it nesting in Labrador. The nest is a mere depression in the ground, with a lining of dry grasses or leaves. The bird’s general habits are like those of the Killdeer. The eggs vary from greenish to yellowish-ash, spotted, blotched and dotted with varying shades of brown; pyriform; scarcely distinguish- able from those of the Killdeer, excepting in size; length 1.20 to 1.40 by .90 to .95 in breadth; two to four in number. 275. RING PLOVER. AZ opialitis hiaticula (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Northern por- tion of Eastern Hemisphere, and eastern portion of Arctic America. The well known Ringed Dotterel, or Ringed Plover of Europe, holds its place as a North American species on the grounds of its breeding abundantly throughout Greenland and on the shores of Cumberland Gulf. It is particularly common in Great Britain, where it frequents the banks of rivers, inlets and bays, and the shores 156 NESTS AND EGGS OF of the sea. Common in Norway, and it has been met with in Lapland. The eggs of this species are deposited in a slight depression in the sand, broken shells or shingles above high-water mark. Four eggs are laid and their ground color is of a pale buff or cream color; they are beautifully spotted with dark reddish-brown, approaching plack, here and there are obscure shell markings. Average size 1.41x1.00. Four eggs from England, collected May 6, are in’ my cabinet and measure 1.36x1.00, 1.40x1.02, 1.438x.99, 1.42x1.00. [276.] LITTLE RING PLOVER. Agialitis dubia (Scop.) Geog. Dist.—North- ern portion of Eastern Hemisphere. Accidental on the coast of California and in Alaska. The Little Ringed Dotterel or Little Ringed Plover breeds in the northern por- tions of the Old World. This European species has less grounds for being included in the North American fauna than the previous.ones. Its general habits, nesting and eggs resemble those of the Semipalmated Plover, but the eggs, like the bird, are much smaller. The average size of ten eggs in my collection is 1.19x.85. They are short ovate in form, of a pinkish-buff ground oolor, finely speckled all over with brown. 276. LitTLe RING Prover. 277. PIPING PLOVER. Ayialitis meloda (Ord.) Geog. Dist.—Chiefly the Atlantic coast of the United States, north to southern Labrador. In winter, West Indies. The Piping Plover is an abundant species in the summer months along the eastern coast of the United States, breeding from the Carolinas northward as far as the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It is a graceful and attractive little species, possessing a remarkably musical voice which can be heard as the bird moves gracefully over the sandy beaches. Its food is small marine worms, crustacea, etc. During incuba- tion it is said that the parents rarely sit upon their eggs, except at night and in damp weather, but always remain in the vicinity and watch over their treasures with solicitude. The eggs are four in number, pale buff, speckled with black and purplish gray. In some the markings are very much more profuse than in others. The average size of a large series (fifty in number) is 1.29x.95. Four specimens measure 1.28x1.01, 1.81x1.01, 1.25x1.08, 1.28x1.00. NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 157 277a. BELTED PIPING PLOVER. Aialitis meloda circumcincta Ridgw. Geog. Dist.—Missouri River region; occasionally eastward to the Atlantic coast. This variety of the Piping Plover is found between the Missouri River and the Rocky Mountains and as far eastward as Lake Koskonong, in southern Wisconsir. and occasionally along the Atlantic coast. Its habits afe the same as those of meloda. The eggs measure 1.27x.93. 278. SNOWY PLOVER. Zoialitis nivosa Cass. Geog. Dist.—Western North America, south to Mexico in winter, both coasts of Central America and in Western South America to Chili. The Snowy Ring Plover inhabits the United States chiefly west of the Rocky Mountains. It is a constant resident along the California coast, and a specimen has been taken on the coast of Texas in the latter part of June. Mr. Emerson, of Hay- wards, California, informs me that it nests along the sandy beaches of the ocean coast, and says he has no doubt that it breeds along the bay beach, as he shot the young there in June. Mr. Shields states that it is abundant along the sandy beaches in the vicinity of Los Angeles, nesting in the first week of April; fresh eggs often being found as late as May 15. Mr. N.S. Goss found the Snowy Plover breeding on the salt plains along the Cimarrion River, in the Indian Territory, the northern limits of which extend into southwestern Comanche County, Kansas; he also took two specimens within the State limits. The birds are described as being very much lighter in color than the California specimens.* The eggs are three in number, in ground color, pale buff or clay color, and the marl:ings very much resemble Wilson’s Plover, but are more numerous and scratchy; about the size of the eggs of the Piping Plover, meloda, 1.20x.90. [279.] MONGOLIAN PLOVER. AZ gialitis mongola (Pall.) Geog. Dist.— Northern Asia, south in winter to Malay _Archipeliago and Australia, Choris Penin- sula, Alaska, accidental. A bird of wide distribution. Found throughout Northern Asia in general, west to St. Petersburg, Palestine and Northeastern Africa. In winter it is found through- out Southern Asia and as far south as the Philippines, Malay Archipeliago, etc., to Australia. Breeds commonly in Northern portions of Asia, nesting on the ground like others of its tribe. The eggs are four in number; pale dull olive or buff sparsely marked with brownish-black; size, 1.43x1.05. 280. WILSON’S PLOVER. Zyialitis wilsonia (Ord.) Geog. Dist.—Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America, north to Long Island. Casually to Nova Scotia. South in winter to Brazil and Peru and West Indies. Wilson’s Plover, named in honor of the immortal Wilson, is common along the sea coast of the South Atlantic and Gulf States. It is found along the Eastern coast, but rarely north beyond New Jersey. One of the “beach birds,” and may be found in company with others of the genus Ayialitis. On some of the islands on the coast of Georgia Mr. Perry found them breeuing in great numbers in company with the Least Tern, nesting very much in the same manner. The eggs are deposited in a cavity of the loose pebbles or shells of the beach; they are usually three in number. The ground color is a pale olive-drab or clay-colored, some having a greenish tint, marked all over with blackish-brown, well defined spots, small splashes and fine * Auk. III, p. 409. 158 NESTS AND HGGS OF dots. Sizes from 1.30 to 1.45 long by 1.00 to 1.05 broad. A set in Mr. Perry’s cabinet measures as follows: 1.37x.99, 1.82x.98, 1.40x1.00. 281. MOUNTAIN PLOVER. -Zgialitis montana (Towns.) Geog. Dist.—West- ern North America, east to the Great Plains; accidental in Florida. More properly called Prairie Plover, but it seems to have been badly named, for it certainly is a prairie bird, inhabiting the most barren prairies, as well as the watered regions of the United States, from the plains to the Pacific. It can readily be recognized by its large size, the lack of rings on the breast, with the uniform pale, yellowish-brown above. It is quite independent of water, and is said to be not the least aquatic, even on the Pacific coast; it frequents the plain, never the marsh or beach. Nests anywhere on the open prairie in June and July. The eggs are usually three im number, olive-drab, with a brown shade, finely and thickly dotted with very dark brown and black, the markings not larger than a pin’s head; sizes from 1.40 to 1.50 long by 1.10 to 1.12 broad. 282. SURF BIRD. Aphriza virgata (Gmel.) Geog. Dist.—Pacific coast of America, from Alaska to Chili. ; Known as the Plover-billed Turnstone. It is rare on our shores, although it is found almost along the entire western coast of the two Americas. Little is known concerning its breeding place and the eggs have not been discovered. Nelson se- cured specimens of the bird in the vicinity of St. Michael’s, Alaska, and the natives claimed that it bred on the bare mountains of the interior, some 20 or 30 miles from. the coast. At the present time, however, its breeding place is unknown. 283. TURNSTONE. Arenaria interpres (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Entirely cosmo- politan, chiefly along the sea coasts. Breeds in high northern latitudes. 2838. Turnstong (From Brehm) NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 159 The common Turnstone is widely distributed in the breeding season through- out the northern portions of both continents, and wanders southward along the sea coasts of all countries. In America it breeds commonly in the Barren Lands of the Arctic coasts and the Anderson River districts, on the islands of Franklin and Liver- pool Bays, nesting in July. In the Hudson Bay country the eggs are laid in June; the nest is nothing but a hollow scratched in the earth, lined with bits of grass. It is known by various names, “Brant Bird,” “Bead Bird,” ‘“‘Horse-foot Snipe,” and from its varigated colors, ‘‘Calico-back.’”’ The eggs are greenish-ash, spotted, blotched and dotted irregularly and thickly with yellowish and umber brown; two to four; abruptly pyriform in shape, and average 1.58x1.15. A set of four eggs of this species is in the cabinet of Captain B. F. Goss. These were taken on the Yukon River, in Alaska. The nest was a slight depression on the ground. The eggs are greenish drab, spotted all over with brown; sizes, 1.68x1.13, 1.60x1.17, 1.60x1.17, 1.68x1.13. 284. BLACK TURNSTONE. Arenaria melanocephala (Vig.) Geog. Dist.—Pa- cific coast of North America, from Alaska to Santa Cruz and San Minguel Island. The Black-headed Turnstone is common along the Pacific coast of North Ameri- ca. It has been found nesting in Alaska at the mouth of the Yukon. In all respects its habits, nesting, eggs, etc., are said to be similar to those of A. interpres. The eggs average 1.62x1.12. 284, BLack TURNSTONE, (285.] OYSTER-CATCHER. Hematopus ostralegus Linn. Geog Dist.—Sea coasts of Europe, portions of Asia and Africa; occasional in Greenland. The Oyster-catcher of Europe claims a place in the North American fauna from its occasional occurrence in Greenland. It appears to be common in all suitable places on the coasts and islands of Europe, extending northward to the northern shores of Russia and Siberia, where it breeds on the great Arctic flats. Common throughout the summer months in Denmark, Sweden and on the west shores of Norway. In Great Britain the Oyster-catcher is a well known species, nesting on the shores and islands as far north as Orkney and Shetland. The bird breeds gen- 160 NESTS AND EGGS OF erally in pairs, bit in some instances a large number are found nesting in-one™ place. Four eggs are usually laid in some cavity in the sand or shingle. Nests have’ been found on the top of rocks, ten to fifteen feet above the ground. The eggs are ef a dull creamy buff, spotted and blotched with brownish-black, generally over the entire egg. Six eggs in my cabinei from England measure 2.15x1.57, 2.35x1.53, 2.16x 1.56, 2.17x1.54, 2.32x1.50, 2.19x1.56, es. vy : = Sag. > we Pa +f Wie SVE @ ® European OYSTER-CATCHER, Similar to the American Oyster-catcher, (From Brehm.) 286. AMERICAN OYSTER-CATCHER. Heamatopus palliatus Temm. Geog. Dist.—Sea coasts America from Nova Scotia and Southern California, south to Patagonia. The brownish-backed Oyster-catcher breeds along the Atlantic coast from New Jersey southward, where it becomes more common. It breeds abundantly, but ir- regularly, in different localities. There are extensive breeding resorts along the coast of Virginia. On Cobb’s Island it was formerly quite common during the breeding season, where now only a few pairs are said to be found nesting. It is common along the coast of Florida, nesting on the beaches and depositing three, sometimes only two, eggs. The American Oyster-catcher is an abundant resident throughout the Bahamas, nesting wherever there are sandy beaches. It has been found breeding in Galveston Bay, Texas, in June, and on islands at the mouth of the Rio Grande. The eggs are creamy or white, spotted and blotched irregularly with varying shades of brown; rather oval in shape; sizes range from 2.12 to 2.30 in length by 1.50 to 1.62 in breadth. Six eggs from the coast of Virginia measure 2,.22x 1.57, 2.23x1.58, 2.19x1.52, 2.15x1.52, 2.25x1.60, 2.21x1.57. Mr. Walter Hoxie, in the NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 161 “Ornithologist and Odlogist” for August, 1887, gives us an interesting account of a pair of these birds moving their eggs when their nest was discovered. While Mr. Hoxie was watching the parents they carried the eggs about one hundred yards from the old nest, and deposited them safely in a new nest which he saw the birds pre- pare. The female lifted the eggs between her legs and successfully carried them away. 286.1. FRAZAR’S OYSTER-CATCHER. Hematopus frazari Brewst. Geog. Dist.—Lower California (both coasts), north to Los Coronados Islands. Mr. William Brewster has dedicated this new species to M. Abbott Frazar, who secured three specimens north of La Paz, on the Gulf of California. It was said to be common in the locality and evidently preparing to breed on the sandy islands and shores of the gulf. It has been seen on Los Corronados Islands, San Quentin Bay, Cerros Island; also at Magdalena Bay, where it was common, and on Santa Margarita Island. Here they mated in January. They feed upon small bivalves. Mr. Brewster describes this species as differing from H. palliatus in having a stouter, more de- pressed bill, little or no white on the eyelids, the back, scapulars and wing-coverets richer and deeper brown.* I have no description concerning the nesting and eggs of this new species. 287. BLACK OYSTER-CATCHER. Hematopus bachmani Aud. Geog. Dist.— Pacific coast of North America from Lower California north to the Aleutian Islands and across to the Kurilas. Bachman’s Oyster-catcher, as it is called, is a characteristic bird of the Pacific «coast, being more common to the north than to the south. It is said to be par- tial to rocky coasts and islands and not: always met with on sand beaches. It is common in Alaska, where it is one of the characteristic birds of the sea- shore, and it is also a summer resident of the entire Aleutian chain of islands. Dali found it breeding the latter part of June on Range Island, one of the Shumagin group. Here he found two nests. In both cases the eggs were placed directly upon the gravel on the beach; one contained two eggs, the other one. They were all partly incu- bated. The eggs of this species are two 287. -BLack OYSTER-CATCHER: or three in number, light olive-buff, ° speckled or spotted with brownish-black and purplish-gray. Their average size is 2.20x1.52 inches. i [288.] MEXICAN JACANA. Jacana spinosa (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Valley of the Lower Rio Grande, Texas, south into Central America, Panama, Cuba, Hayti. A bird which combines the characters of the Plover and the Rail, but out- wardly distinguished from either by the excessive development of the toes and par- ticularly the claws. These are slender, compressed, nearly or quite straight, that of * Fora complete description see The Auk, V, pp. 84-85. 12 162 NESTS AND EGGS OF the hallux much longer than its digit. The spread of feet thus acquired enables the bird to run quite easily over floating vegetation in the marshes. Dr. James C. Mer- rill met with the present species near Fort Brown, in Southwestern Texas, in the early part of August, 1876. The bird is common throughout the whole of Middle America, Mexico and Central America to Panama, inhabiting the dense marshes of these regions, nesting like the Rails. The eggs are of a rounded-oval shape, ground color, bright drab or tawny olive, marked over the surface with a confused net- ¢ ¢ Parra jacana, illustrating the American genus of the family Parride (From Brehm). work of black, or dark brown wavy stripes, blotches and lines, Average size, 1.22 x.94. Mr. Crandall has two sets of the eggs of this bird collected by Frank B. Arm- strong in Tamaulipas county, Mexico, respectively on May 13 and July 18, 1895. The nests in both cases were composed of water weeds and trash of any kind. They were grebe’s nest. One set contains five eggs, and they measure as follows: 1.19x.89, 1.16x.90, 1.18x.89, 1.21x.90, 1.28x.91. The second set of four eggs, taken in July, ex- NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 163 hibit the folowing dimensions: 1.20x.91, 1.22x.90, 1.19x.93, 1.18x.92. The average size of the nine eggs is 1.19x.90 inches. In a-larger series the average size is larger, as above cited. ** KUROPEAN QUAIL. Coturnix coturniz (Linn.) Geog. Dist.—Northern portions of Northern Hemisphere; introduced into the United States. ¥ The Common Quail of Europe has been imported by the hundreds in various parts of this country during the last eighteen years. This has especially been the case in the Eastern States, north to New Prunswick. Either the climate or the food was unsuited to them and their naturalization is considered a failure. =