LIBRARY

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
BAVIS

JJNIFORM "WITH THIS VOLUME.

NEW ENGLAND BIRD LIFE:

A MANUAL OP NEW ENGLAND
ORNITHOLOGY.

Revised and edited from the manuscript of Winfrid A. Stearns,

Member of the Nuttall Ornithological Club, etc.

By Dr. ELLIOTT COUES, U.S.A.,

Member of the Academy, etc.

Part I. Oscines (Singing Birds}. Illustrated, $2.50.

See Recommendations at end of this volume.
LEE AND SHEPARD, PUBLISHERS, BOSTON.

NEW ENGLAND BIRD LIFE

BEING A

MANUAL

OF

NEW ENGLAND ORNITHOLOGY

REVISED AND EDITED FROM THE MANUSCRIPT OF

WINFRID A. STEARNS

MEMBER OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB ETC*

BY

ELLIOTT COUES

MEMBER OF THE ACADEMY ETC.

PART II.

NON-OSCINE PASSERES, BIRDS OF PREY,
GAME AND WATER BIRDS.

BOSTON
LEE AND SHEPARD PUBLISHERS

NEW YORK CHARLES T. DILLINGHAM
1883

LIBRA**

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
DAVIS

PUBLISHERS' NOTE.

As circumstances within the control of the editor have enabled
him to complete the revision of the work, that portion embracing
the Non-oscine Passeres and other remaining Land Birds, together
with all the Water Birds, is now issued as Part II., concluding the
treatise.

COPYRIGHT, 1883.
BY LEE AND SHEPARD.

All Rights Reserved.

BOSTON STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY,
No. 4 PEARL STREET.

Presswork by John Wilson & Son, Cambridge.

CONTENTS.

EDITOR'S PREFACE

BIRDS OF NEW ENGLAND
Family Tyrannidcz :

Caprimulgidce .»
Cypselida :
TrochiHda :
AlcedinidcE :
Cuculida :
Picidce :
Strigida :
Falconida :
Cathartidce :
Columbidcz :
Meleagrididtz :
Tetraonida :
Charadriidce :
Hczmatopodidce :
Recurvirostrida :
Phalaropodidcs :
Scolopacida :

PACK

5

ii

Flycatchers . . . .11
Whippoorwills and Night-hawks, 50
Swifts ..... 56
Humming-birds 59

Kingfishers .... 62

Cuckoos 65

Woodpeckers .... 69

Owls 86

Hawks 101

American Vultures . . -135

Pigeons 139

Turkeys . . . . . 145
Grouse, Partridge . . .145

Plovers 163

Oyster-catchers . . . .177
Avocets, Stilts . . . .180
Phalaropes .... 184

Snipe, &c 191

3

CONTENTS.

PAGE

Family IbididcE : Ibises 254

Ardeida: Herons 259

Gruida: Cranes 276

Rallida : Rails and their Allies . . 279

Anatida : Swans, Geese, and Ducks . 296

Sulida: Gannets 334

Pelecanidce: Pelicans 337

Phalacrocoracida : Cormorants . . . -339

Tacky petidce : Frigates 341

Laridce : Jaegers, Gulls, Terns, Skimmers, 343

Procellariida> : Petrels 33o

ColymbidcE : Loons 388

Podicipedidcz : Grebes 391

Alcidce: Auks 394

EDITOR'S PREFACE.

APOLOGY is due that portion of the public which may
be interested in "New England Bird Life" for the de-
lay which has occurred in the preparation and publica-
tion of the concluding volume of this treatise.

In November, 1880, when, the revision of Mr. Steams'
manuscript having been made through O seines, the first
volume had gone to press, the editor was directed by
the War Department to repair to Arizona and take up
the routine duties of a medical officer of the army ; and
it was several months before he could free himself from
this annoyance by resigning his commission. It being
clearly impracticable to do any literary or scientific work
under such circumstances, preparation of the manuscript
for the press was necessarily suspended at the point it
had then reached. Proofs of the portion already in the
printer's hands having been read by the editor in Ari-
zona, Part L, embracing 0 } seines > was published upon his
return to Washington in September, 1881.

5

EDITOR'S PREFACE.

To the same outrage is mainly to be ascribed that im-
perfection of the present volume, of which no one can
be more fully aware than the editor. Resuming his avo-
cations with nearly a year's arrested work of various
kinds upon his hands, it was found impossible to give
the present treatise all the attention he would other-
wise have been able to bestow upon it. He was also
cramped for room to adequately treat the many remain-
ing Birds of New England in one volume which should
approximately equal the first in enforced number of
pages. He may therefore with propriety deprecate criti-
cism of Part II., in so far as his responsibility for it is
concerned ; and refer, in evidence of the embarrassment
to which he alludes, to some of the matters which divided
his attention during the period of which he speaks.

The "Coues Check List," etc., which was sent to
press in September, 1880, revision for its second edi-
tion having been completed in July of the same year,
was practically suspended until his return, and further
delayed in publication until June, 1882. The second
edition of the " Key," etc., long contemplated both by
publisher and author, could not be put to press until
some months after his return, entire rewriting of the
work, with addition of much new matter, being required
to bring it up to date. Each of these works being in
press while the present treatise was in the same state,
all of them far behindhand, the three together made
unusually urgent demands upon time and patience ; and

EDITOR'S PREFACE. 7

in the case of the "Key" the unavoidable delay has not
yet been overcome. The " Bibliography of Ornithology,"
the third instalment of which protracted labor hap-
pily appeared in November, 1880, and the "Birds of the
Colorado Valley," Part II., having both been suspended
during publication by the same ill-timed interruption,
need not be considered in the present connection. But
a more serious difficulty, because one involving an offi-
cial obligation, occurred in the case of the "History of
North American Quadrupeds," ordered by Congress in
1880 to be prepared and published as Vol. XIV. of the
Reports of the U. S. Geological and Geographical Sur-
vey of the Territories, the elaboration of the text and
the superintendence of the drawing and engraving of
the necessary illustrations having continuously required
his attention, before, during and after the long indignity
to which he was subjected.

The editor takes great pleasure in recognizing the
timely and valued assistance rendered in the preparation
of this work by his friend, Mr. H. A. Purdie, of Boston.
As in the case of Part L, Mr. Purdie has very kindly
gone over the scattered published records of the species
to be treated, furnishing extended memoranda, which
have proved an invaluable saving of time and labor ;
for which, as well as for important suggestions and
criticisms made by the same well-known ornithologist
in reading the proof-sheets, both author and editor are
greatly indebted.

8 EDITOR'S PREFACE.

In no other part of the United States have the Birds
of our country been so closely and successfully studied as
in New England, where a host of zealous and watchful
field-naturalists, stimulated and to a great extent led
by the Nuttall Ornithological Club, have brought our
knowledge of bird-life in all its details near that degree
of perfection which is witnessed in the writings of
British authors upon the Birds of their own islands.
The material for an exhaustive treatise upon New
England Ornithology — if it be desired to have a com-
plete special History of New England Birds apart from
those of North America at large — is ample and invit-
ing. Much of it, hitherto widely scattered and in the
raw, has been brought together and to a degree system-
atized in the^present treatise, numberless sources of
information having been utilized as well as the untoward
circumstances permitted ; but, so far from having ex-
hausted the readily accessible data upon the subject is
the editor, that he can only look upon the result of his
labors as a convenient means to an end not yet accom-
plished. Such remains the case, more particularly, with
the Water Birds ; in respect of which the very richness
of the material of which he has been unable to fully
avail himself has been rather an embarrassment than
otherwise. While inaccuracies of statement may pos-
sibly prove to be few and not serious, very much has
been left unsaid through sheer stress of time and space.
A volume larger than either part of this treatise might

EDITOR S PREFACE. 9

easily and most acceptably be devoted to the Water
Birds alone of New England. Much is to be expected
from the concluding volumes of Baird, Brewer, and
Ridgway's " History of North American Birds ; " but
these are still unpublished ; and meanwhile, with the
exception of what may be found upon the Waders
and Swimmers in the "Birds of the Northwest," now
already nine years old, no systematic work upon that
extensive and attractive series of Birds has appeared
since the Audubonian period. The growing suspicion
of fatality, so to speak, which attaches to this matter,
might lead an author contemplating the next systematic
treatise upon Birds to consider the expediency of be-
ginning at the other end of the current list, and working
up from Alcidce towards the Turdidce.

In the present volume some of the Water-Bird biog-
raphies have been pretty fairly elaborated, and special
pains have been taken to collate and sift the New Eng-
land records of the rarer species, whether of the land or
of the water, — those casual visitors which, while leaving
no decided impress upon our Avifauna, are nevertheless
a kind of beings which the ardent collector least delights
to entertain unawares. In the cases of these visits, few
and far between, the editor regrets still to find himself
so frequently at variance with statements of fact and
expressions of opinion of late authority upon the sub-
ject. Yet, in the end, the fairest reciprocity of author-
ship — whether regarding one whose hand has left the

10

pen, or one whose hand still knows the weapon mightier
than the sword — proves to be that sense of justice
which tries the amenities of the golden rule by the best
touchstone — nil nisi verum.

It is scarcely necessary to say, that, as in the case
of the former volume, the author of " New England
Bird Life" has in the present instance had full per-
mission to make such use as he might see fit of any of
the editor's previous publications ; and it has not been
necessary, under the circumstances, to always preserve
the appearance of quotation. With some exceptions,
the illustrations are derived from the same sources.
The classification and nomenclature are of course those
of the second edition of the editor's " Check List of
North American Birds " — that published the past year
in Boston by Estes and Lauriat ; this selection being
made in the interest of a standard and uniform system
of nomenclature, conformity with which seems to be
the best means of avoiding that incessant " shuffling of
names " which serves chiefly to confuse the student,
and by so much to interfere with his progress in the
delightful study of ornithology.

E. C.

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION,
WASHINGTON, D. C., Jan. i, 1883.

BIRDS OF NEW ENGLAND.

FAMILY TYRANNID^E: FLYCATCHERS.

THE First Part of our work has been devoted to the
Singing Birds, technically known as Oscine (or melodious)
Passeres, which are so numerously and variously repre-
sented in New England that a volume has scarcely
sufficed to exhibit their habits and characteristics. But
having finished our pen-portraiture of that great group,
including nearly one-half of the birds of New England,
we turn our attention to other aspects of bird-life, which
offer us much greater variety and certainly not less
interest. Part Second continues directly with the Cla-
material (or non-melodious) Passeres, represented in New
England, as they are elsewhere in North America, by the
single family Tyrannidce.

Flycatchers abound in the warmer parts of America,
where the genera and species, no less than individuals,
are most numerous. Only twelve kinds, however, are
found in New England ; three of which are merely strag-
glers from the West and South, having each been observed
but once over our border, while a fourth has only recently
been ascertained to occur at all. But the remaining
eight species are more or less familiar and abundant
birds of our country during the migrations and in the
breeding season.

12

TYRANNID^E : FLYCATCHERS.

SWALLOW-TAILED FLYCATCHER.
MILVULUS FORFICATUS (Gm.) Sw.

Chars. Tail much longer than the body, deeply forficate. First
primary emarginate. Crown with a flame-colored patch. Gen-
eral color hoary-ash, paler or white below, with patches of
scarlet or bloody-red on the sides, and other parts of the body
tinged with the same or a paler shade of red. Tail black, several
of the feathers extensively white or rosy. Wing about 4.50 ; tail
nearly a foot long when fully developed.

This very elegant and grace-
ful bird of the southwestern
United States, abundant and
conspicuous in Texas, is one of
the three Flycatchers which
have accidentally occurred in
New England, each in a single
instance. A specimen was
taken by Mr. Carpenter, at
Wauregan, Conn., about April
27, 1876 (Purdie, Bull. Nutt.
Club, ii, 1877, p. 21 ; Merriam,
B. Conn., 1877, p. 50). An-
other equally exceptional case
is that recorded by Dr. C. C.
Abbott (Am. Nat., vi, 1872, p.
367), a specimen having been
secured at Trenton, N. J.,
April 15, 1872. Drs. Coues
and Prentiss include the spe-
cies in their list of the birds

FIG. T.-Emargination of primaries in °f the District of Columbia J
Tyrannida. *, Milvulus forficatus ; but that TCCOrd being
b, Tyrannus carolinensis ; c, T. ,
verticalis ; d. T. -vociferous. City Open tO doubt, the

TYRANNUS VERTICALIS ! ARKANSAS FLYCATCHER. 13

remain the only authentic instances of the occurrence
of the species so far beyond its usual range.

ARKANSAS FLYCATCHER.

TYRANNUS VERTICALIS Say.

Chars. Several outer primaries gradually attenuate for a long dis-
tance. Coloration olivaceous and yellow. Belly and under tail-
coverts clear yellow, the back ashy-olive, changing to clear ash
on the head, throat, and breast, the chin whitening ; lores and
auriculars dusky ; wings dark brown with whitish edging ; tail
blackish, the outer web of the outer feather white. Bill and feet
black. Length, 8.00-9.00 ; extent, 16.50; wing, nearly 5.00 ; tail,
about 4.00 ; bill, 0.65-0.75.

Another straggler to New England, this time from
the West instead of the South, the Arkansas Flycatcher
being chiefly a trans-Mississippian bird, extremely abun-
dant in its proper habitat. It has occurred in New Eng-
land in only one known instance. The late Dr. Henry
Bryant recorded a specimen said to have been taken at
Plympton, Maine (Pr. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., x, 1865, p.
96). There being no such place, Dr. Brewer presumed
Pembroke, Maine, was meant, and so amended the
record (Pr. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., xvii, 1875, p. 443). Mr.
Purdie later gave the correct reference, the specimen
having been taken at Elliot, Maine, by Mr. George E.
Brown (Bull. Nutt. Club, i, 1876, p. 73).

Dr. W. P. Turnbull has instanced the occurrence of
the Arkansas Flycatcher at Moorestown, New Jersey
(B. E. Pa., 1869, p. 41). Mr. E. P. Bicknell notes the
capture of a specimen in Riverdale, N. Y., Oct. 9, 1875
(Bull. Nutt. Club, iv, 1879, P- 60). A fourth instance

14 TYRANNIM:: FLYCATCHERS.

of the appearance of this western bird beyond its usual
range is cited by Prof. Baird in the Smithsonian Report
for 1874, p. 32, where notice is given of a specimen taken
in Maryland, near Washington, D. C, and found in
market in that city, Sept. 30, 1874, by Mr. P. L. Jouy.
These are all the cases of the kind which have come to
our notice.

GRAY KING-BIRD.

TYRANNUS DOMINICENSIS (Gm.) Rick.

Chars. Similar to T. carolinensis. Larger ; length about 9.00 ;
extent, 16.00 ; wing, 5.50 ; tail, nearly 5.00, emarginate ; bill an
inch long, very stout and turgid. Five or six primaries usually
emarginate. Upper parts grayish-plumbeous, rather darker on
the head, the auriculars dusky. Under parts white, shaded with
ashy on the breast and sides, the under wing-coverts faintly yel-
lowish. Wings and tail dusky, edged with whitish or yellowish,
the tail-feathers merely indistinctly lighter at their tips, not
broadly tipped with white.

The proper habitat of the Gray King-bird is the West
Indies and Florida, whence it occasionally strays north-
ward. It has once occurred in New England, having
been taken at Lynn, Mass., Oct. 23, 1869, by Mr. Charles
Goodale, as recorded by Allen, Am. Nat., iii, 1870, p. 645 ;
Maynard, Nat. Guide, 1870, p. 124; Brewer, Pr. Bost.
Soc. Nat. Hist., xvii, 1875, P- 144; Allen, Bull. Essex
Inst, x, 1878, p. 19; Minot, B. N. E., 1877, p. 273, — all
these records referring to the same instance. The bird
is said to have also occurred on Long Island (Forest and
Stream, July 23, 1874, p. 373).

TYRANNUS CAROLINENSIS : KING-BIRD. 1 5

KING-BIRD; BEE-MARTIN.
TYRANNUS CAROLINENSIS (L.) Bd.

Chars. Subcrested ; crown with a flame-colored patch ; two outer
primaries emarginate. Above blackish-ash, blackening on the
head ; below pure white ; breast shaded with ashy ; tail broadly
tipped with white ; bill and feet black. Length, about 8.00 ; ex-
tent, 14.50 ; wing, 4.25-4.50; tail, 3.50 ; bill, less than l.oo.

No one of the Flycatch-
ers is more abundant in
New England than this
tyrant, nor is any one of
them so conspicuous a
figure on the highways
and in the by-ways alike.
The spirited creature is dis-
persed over all our country,
and therefore characteristic
of no faunal area; but, in

itS local distribution, it is FIG. 2. — KING-BIRD.

most numerous in cultivated and populous regions, so
that the greater number of individuals in New England
is constantly under the eye of man, whose regard is re-
turned with cool audacity and entire self-reliance. The
vehement twittering, with which the King-bird expresses
the turbulent passions it feels, is one of the common
sounds of the orchard, old field, and road-side, wherever
the bold bird perches with martial bearing in wait for its
prey, or nervously dashes in the air on quivering pinion to
capture the passing insect, or put an enemy to rout. The
notes have been likened to those of Swallows, but they
are harsher, and pitched in a higher key. During the

l6 TYRANNIES I FLYCATCHERS.

mating season few birds, if any, make more noise than
the King-bird, and none are more restless, — some un-
easy spirit seeming to urge this valiant knight to inces-
sant deeds of daring, till one might fancy it ready to tilt
against a windmill if nothing else offered. After the
animated contests of the pairing season, when several
ambitious males, with questionable judgment, quarrel for
the privilege of securing a vixenish partner, — after
these tournaments are over, one would think that peace
might reign ; but the King-bird's life is mostly passed in
guerilla warfare with every bird that ventures too near,
even if it be a Crow, Hawk or Owl, many times its
superior in all things excepting audacity. Brooking no
intrusion or division of kingdom, the courageous bird
deserves its title, and by right of conquest wears the
insignia of royalty, — tyrant by name and nature, and
literally crowned with fire, kindled in the alembic of an
ardent heart.

Being exclusively insectivorous, like all of its tribe, the
King-bird must enter and leave New England with the
appearance and disappearance of the winged hosts upon
which it preys. Occasionally, an avant-courier is seen
in April, and even by the middle of that month ; but it is
usually the first or second week in May when the dashing
bird begins to sound shrill challenge and display its
flaming crest, with defiant shaking of its feathery lance.
Great numbers press after ; the quota is soon filled ; and
no sooner is the migration finished than pairing and nest-
ing commence with all the pomp and circumstance I
have described. The fabric is generally completed by
the first of June ; and the situations chosen for the nest
are such that few specimens of bird-architecture are
more exposed to public view. It is usually placed in an

TYRANNUS CAROLINENSIS : KING-BIRD. I/

orchard or garden, or by the wayside, on a horizontal
bough or fork at a moderate distance from the ground, and
being bulky as well as openly situated, is as easily found
as that of a Robin. It is ragged and loose exteriorly, but
well cupped and brimmed, and may consist of twigs,
weedstalks, grasses, rootlets, leaves, moss and plant down,
with or without hair-lining, — the soft, fluffy substance
being matted or felted together in an ingenious manner.
The eggs are usually four or five in number, and very
handsomely colored, being rich creamy-white, artistically
spotted and blotched with dark brown, light reddish-
brown, and lilac, chiefly in large bold pattern, the mark-
ings themselves sharp-edged and distinct, as well as
so heavy in color. The eggs are consequently not
likely to be mistaken for those of any other bird.
They measure about 1.00x0.75, being thus quite
rotund: but there is the usual variation in size and
shape. If one would realize the courage and pug-
nacity of this redoubtable bird, he has only to offer
to molest the freighted nest, and see with what vigor
and persistence — with what outcry and at what risk of
danger the threatened invasion will be resisted, even
if ineffectually, by the devoted and determined parents.
But if no such misfortune happens, the brood is safely
hatched and reared ; and then one of the most pleasing
aspects of the King-bird's life is witnessed in the zealous
assiduity with which the young are encouraged to leave
the nest and taught to use their tremulous wings. These
duties and pleasures continue through the greater part
of the summer, and then there is a little period of com-
parative quiet in the camp before young and old alike,
with the failure of their supply of insect food, make off
for the South during the latter part of September.

i8

TYRANNIM: : FLYCATCHERS.

GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER.

MYIARCHUS CRINITUS (L.) Cab.

Chars. Head crested, but no colored crown-patch ; no primaries
emarginate. Upper parts olivaceous ; throat and fore-breast pure
ash ; other under parts bright yellow ; primaries conspicuously
edged with chestnut ; tail feathers dusky, with nearly the whole
inner webs chestnut ; bill blackish ; feet black. Length 8.50-
9.00; extent, 13.00-13.50; wing and tail, each, about 4.00; bill
and tarsus, each, about 0.75.

It is not easy
to outline the dis-
tribution of this
bird in New Eng-
land with a firm
hand, or in few
words to indicate
clearly the man-
ner of its occur-
rence. Though
the records are
numerous, they
are far from coin-
cident, and often
conflicting. The
species belongs to
a thoroughly
tropical genus,

FIG. 3. — Generic details of smaller Flycatchers: a, naving numerOUS
Afyiarchus; b, Sayiomis ; c, Contopus ; d, Empido- species in Central

and South Amer-
ica, but only one which occurs in the United States
at large. If, therefore, it were a bird of migration

MYIARCHUS CRINITUS I CRESTED FLYCATCHER. IQ

and distribution so regular as to characterize certain
faunal areas, we should expect it to be represented
equally and numerously in southern New England, and
sparingly or irregularly further north. As a fact, how-
ever, it appears to be nowhere very abundant, and yet
to be dispersed with what may be called " regular irreg-
ularity" in all the six New England States — its dis-
tribution being according to locality without special
reference to latitude. Again, there is something capri-
cious as well as fortuitous in its movements — for its
numbers seem to increase or diminish in particular
localities in different years, and it may even disappear
entirely from places where it had formerly been observed,
or be seen some years in other regions where there had
been no previous records of its appearance. To sum the
case in few words, we may say that this Flycatcher is
locally distributed in nearly all New England, but by no
means throughout that country ; and that in most places
where found at all it is rather a rare bird. It is of course
only a summer visitor ; it arrives early in May, and de-
parts usually before the end of September.

Though Nuttall spoke of the Crested Flycatcher as
nearly unknown in New England, and Linsley men-
tioned the only individual he ever saw in Connecticut,
• Mr. Merriam says that now it is certainly a really com-
mon bird in the southern part of that State at least;
adding that we must remember that Nuttall and Linsley
were probably not familiar with its characteristic — almost
diagnostic — note. "My experience with the bird," he
states, " has been, that it is rarely seen, unless, guided
by its note, it is persistently followed up ; and even then,
one is almost at his wit's end to get a shot, so well does
the bird keep concealed amongst the foliage." In fur-

I

2O TYRANNIES I FLYCATCHERS.

ther evidence of the manner of the bird's presence in
Connecticut, I will quote again from Mr. Merriam : " Mr.
W. W. Goe, who early became familiar with the note of
this species, tells me it has been a common bird in the
vicinity of Portland, Conn., for at least fifteen years —
ever since he commenced collecting birds. Prof. William
D. Whitney, of New Haven, informs me that he has
known the bird for at least thirty years, and that he has
always regarded it as common. His observations extend
over portions of Massachusetts (about Northampton), as
well as Connecticut. Mr. J. N. Clark, of Saybrook,
Conn., says that it was not rare, about the mouth of the
Connecticut, twenty-five years ago ; and Dr. Wm. Wood,
of East Windsor Hill, Conn., tells me that it has bred
regularly, and has not been uncommon in that vicinity
for the last twenty-five or thirty years." (B. Conn.,
1877, p. 52.)

In Dr. Coues' List of the Birds of New England, the
species is noted as a " summer visitant; rather rare"
(Pr. Essex Inst, v, 1868, p. 264). Dr. Brewer's Cata-
logue says, "rare summer resident" (Pr. Bost. Soc., xvii,
1875, p. 443). Mr. Allen's Massachusetts list mentions
the bird in identical terms (Bull. Essex Inst., x, 1878, p.
19). "The birds reach Massachusetts," says Mr. Minot,
"about the middle of May, and ordinarily remain there
four months" (B. N. E., 1877, p. 275)., In Maine, both
Mr. Verrill and Mr. Boardman give the species as rare,
the one at Norway, the other at Calais. Mr. Brewster
has latterly found it a regular summer visitor to the Um-
bagog Lake region, where it was not ascertained to
occur in 1871. In Vermont, Mr. C. S. Paine has found
it about Randolph. In the region about Hamilton,
Canada West, it is noted by Mr. T. Mcllwraith to be a

MYIARCHUS CRINITUS ! CRESTED FLYCATCHER. 21

common summer resident. An extension of the bird's
range of late years has been observed by Mr. Merriam,
who, referring to some remarks by Mr. T. M. Trippe on
the irregular migrations of birds (Am. Nat., vii, 1873,
p. 390), records a parallel case, in the instance of this
very species occurring in Lewis County, northern New
York. "There, prior to the year 1870, they were un-
known, at least so far as I can ascertain, and it is safe
to say that they were extremely rare. In 1870, my
cousin, Mr. C. L. Bagg, shot one specimen, the first we
had ever seen. During the next season I shot a pair.
I was away from home in 1872, but Mr. Bagg informs
me that he took several Great Crested Flycatchers that
year, and that they were quite common. In August,
1873, I sn°t eight in about an hour's time, and since
then they have been one of our commonest species,
breeding abundantly in the tall maple and birch forests,
where their characteristic, but rather harsh cry, may be
heard at any hour of the day throughout the entire
season." (B. Conn., 1877, p. 51.)

While it is scarcely needful to multiply citations in the
case of so generally if irregularly distributed a species,
the reader may be referred to the results of Mr. H. A.
Purdie's observations, in Am. Nat., vii, 1873, p. 692 ; and
Bull. Nutt. Club, i, 1876, p. 73; ii, 1877, p. 16; as well
as to those of Mr. R. T. Morris, in Forest and Stream
of May 14, 1874, p. 213 ; of Mr. F. W. Hall, in the same
paper, of Dec. 3, 1874, p. 261 ; and of "G. G. H. Jr.,"
also in the same paper, Aug. 23, 1877, p. 44.

Comparatively few persons are familiar with the habits
of this bird, as it is not one which courts the society of
man, but prefers to keep aloof in the depths of the forest,
where it leads a wild, shy, and solitary life. It may be

22 TYRANN1D.E : FLYCATCHERS.

recognized by its singular notes — one a harsh, explosive
outcry of one syllable, pitched in a high key, and others
sounded in guttural tone two or three times — all sug-
gestive of the bird's irritable and impulsive nature.
It keeps for the most part high up among the trees,
where it may be observed perched on the end of a dead
branch in the attitude so characteristic of its tribe —
with drooping or swaying tail and listless air — to be ex-
changed in an instant, however, for quick and spirited
action, should anything excite its attention, or provoke
its anger. It is an extremely pugnacious bird, and the
combats of the males in the breeding season are almost
incessant. Its forays for passing insects are executed
with great verve and adroitness, and at other times the
bird may be seen dashing at a high rate of speed through
the tree-tops. Under any excitement the crest is erected,
and the wings are held quivering in readiness for instant
action.

Our Flycatchers are without exception distinguished
by some peculiarity of nidification, and the nesting of the
present species is in a manner quite its own. It builds
in the hollows of trees, and the cast skins of snakes are
almost invariably found among the materials which com-
pose the nest. Post-holes, and even artificial retreats,
such as Blue-bird or Martin boxes, are sometimes occu-
pied. The eggs, four or five in number, measuring about
0.85 by 0.62, are unique in pattern of coloration, of which
it is difficult to give an adequate description. Upon a
buff or rich clay-colored ground are drawn lengthwise
numberless markings of dark purplish-chestnut, or pur-
plish-chocolate, mixed with others of a paler and more
lilaceous tint — these markings being mostly of a peculiar
sharp, scratchy character, as if done with a fine pen. At

SAYIORNIS FUSCA I PEWEE ; PHCEBE-BIRD. 23

the greater end of the egg the tracery becomes more
expansive and somewhat confluent, but the scratches,
which cover the whole surface, are for the most part
distinct ; they mostly preserve their longitudinal char-
acter, but in some specimens they run in every direction.
This remarkable style of egg obtains in all the North
American species of the genus, and may be as truly a
generic character as is any one of those derived from the
birds themselves. It would not be surprising to learn
that it is related to some peculiarity of the minute
anatomy of the oviduct.

PEWEE; PEWIT; PHCEBE-BIRD.
SAYIORNIS FUSCA (Gm.) Bd.

Chars. Head sub-crested, without colored crown-patch, and no
primaries emarginate. Above, dull olive-brown, becoming quite
blackish on the head ; below, soiled whitish or very pale yellow,
brightest on the belly and under tail coverts, shaded on the
breast and sides with grayish-brown. Wings and tail dusky ;
the outer tail feathers and inner secondaries edged with whitish ;
a whitish eye-ring ; bill, eyes and feet, black. Late summer
specimens, in worn plumage, are quite dull and dingy. Autumnal
birds are brighter-colored than in spring. Very young birds
have rusty edgings of the feathers, especially those of the wings
and tail. Length, 6.75-7.25; extent, 11.00-11.75; wing, 3.25-
3.50; tail, about the same, emarginate ; bill, 0.50-0.55, little
depressed, not so broad for its length, or so much flattened, as
in Contopus and Empidonax, its lateral outlines straight ; tarsus
equalling or exceeding the middle toe and claw, these together,
about 1.33 ; point of wing formed by the second-fifth quill, third
and fourth usually a little the longest ; first shorter than sixth.

Having left the larger Flycatchers, we enter with this
species upon the "little tyrants" — Tyrannulas, as they

24 TYRANNID.E : FLYCATCHERS.

used to be called : small olivaceous Flycatchers, without
very strong distinctive coloration, or any bright tints
whatever. The present, though the only one of its
genus in New England, and well marked in the char-
acters above given, requires careful discrimination, in the
hands of the novice, from any of the species of Contopus
or Empidonax. Closely related, however, as it is to
these in physical characters, it differs so much in habits,
in notes, in nesting, and almost every particular of its
life-history, as to make in our bird-life quite a figure
of its own.

It is a summer visitor to New England, like all the
family ; but it comes earlier and lingers later than any
other, being found in seasons so unpropitious that one
wonders where it finds the necessary supply of insect
food ; and in fact at some seasons berries form a part of
its food. It is one of the very first birds to presage the
opening year, — the very harbinger of spring. Before
that season is crowned, the bird is on the alert, and
its sharp, querulous "pewit — pewit" seems to complain
impatiently of the tardy march of nature forth from
bondage into freedom. An occasional Phoebe-bird may
appear even in February ; some come by the middle of
March ; by the end of that month there are plenty, and
it is well through October before the loitering hosts have
disappeared. For the greater part of the year, therefore,
Pewits make their homes in New England; they are
common, in most places abundant, and not restricted by
latitude in their distribution ; and being also very famil-
iar birds, are among those best known to all classes.

Civilization has effected in this case the same change
in the nest-building of a bird that has resulted in the
more conspicuous instance of the Swallows, by affording

SAYIORNIS FUSCA: PEWEE ; PHCEBE-BIRD. 25

artificial nesting sites so convenient that the bird habitu-
ally avails itself of these facilities. The original " typical "
situation is the side of an upright rock, usually over water,
and often itself dripping; the nest being affixed either
to the open face of the stone, or beneath a projecting
shelf, or in a cranny or retiring angle. Other sites
frequently selected are the sides of earthen embank-
ments or cuts, such as a Bank Swallow or Kingfisher
might burrow in ; or the roots of upturned trees, with
plenty of earth clinging to them. The eaves and
rafters of buildings now furnish the usual substitutes.
The nest resembles a fourth of a sphere, applied by a
vertical flat surface to the support, with another surface
horizontal and hollowed out — the curved contour being
somewhat elongated downward. The nest is built, like
that of the Barn Swallow, of mixed mud and vegetable
substances, but is much neater and more compact ; moss
usually enters largely into its composition, and those
nests which are placed on wet rocks near the water, in
the cool, moist, shady nooks the bird loves so well, are
often composed chiefly of moss and mud, which may be
artistically stuccoed with lichens. Two and even three
broods may be reared under favorable conditions in one
season. The first set of eggs is usually completed early
in May, and another some time in June. The eggs are
ordinarily four or five in number, measuring about o./oX
0.52; they are normally pure white and unmarked,
though in some cases sprinkled with a few dots. The
attachment of the Pewit to particular places is a marked
trait. A pair will return year after year to re-occupy the
same home in preference to any other equally eligible
nesting site ; and their perseverance in building under the
most discouraging circumstances is no less remarkable.

26 TYRANNID.E I FLYCATCHERS.

OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER.

CONTOPUS BOREALIS (StV.) Bd.

Chars. Head sub-crested ; feet extremely small ; tarsus shorter
than middle toe and claw ; pointed wings much longer than the
emarginate tail. Length, 7.00-8.00 ; wing, 3.90-4.30 ; tail about
3.00; tarsus, middle toe and claw, together, only about 1.25;
bill, 0.66-0.75. Dark olive-brown, usually darkest on the crown,
and palest on the sides ; chin, throat, belly, under tail-coverts,
and middle line of breast, white, or whitish ; wings and tail black-
ish, with whitish edging of the inner quills ; upper mandible and
feet black. The olive-brown of the under parts has a peculiar
streaky appearance; there is a tuft of fluffy white feathers on the
flank.

This is much the largest of the olivaceous Flycatchers,
nearly equalling a Myiarchus in dimensions; but its form
is strictly that of the Wood Pewee. Though not charac-
teristic of any faunal area, it is more abundant in the
Canadian than in the Alleghanian, and in the breeding
season quite rare in the Carolinian; that is to say, it
grows more and more numerous in summer as we pro-
ceed northward in New England. Thus, for Connecticut,
Mr. Merriam furnished in 1877 the first record subsequent
to the doubtful one made in 1843 by Linsley : "Rare;
probably a few breed in the more northern and hilly
parts of the state, as they are known to do in Massa-
chusetts. On the 1 8th of October, 1875, attracted by
its characteristic note, which is a short whistle, resem-
bling the syllables o-wheo, o-wheo, o-wheo, uttered several
times in succession, with the voice falling on the last o,
I caught a momentary glimpse of one, perched on the
top of a tall tree ; but the bird was very shy, and I did
not succeed in getting a shot. Mr. Erwin I. Shores

CONTOPUS BOREALIS I OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. 2/

writes me that he took a male at Suffield, Conn.,
Aug. 8, 1874. This is strong evidence of their breed-
ing in the hills about that portion of the state, for mi-
grants would hardly appear in Connecticut during the
first of August." (B. Conn., 1877, p. 53. See also his
notes in Am. Nat., vii, 1873, p. 750, and viii, 1874, p. 309 ;
also R. Deane's, ibid, p. 308.) The Connecticut record
being thus so meagre, the time of the entry of this
migratory bird into New England cannot be given with
precision. It is one of the later arrivals, however, ap-
parently not reaching Massachusetts before the second
week in May, and leaving its summer resorts rather early
in September. In that state, different observers have
called it a " rare summer resident," a " rather uncommon
summer resident," "neither rare nor common," and
"quite common," according to different localities and
circumstances of observation. It is marked as "quite
common and breeding" at Umbagog Lake, in Maine, by
Messrs. Maynard and Brewster, and Mr. G. A. Boardman
speaks of its "abundance " some seasons in the vicinity of
Calais, in the latter state. We also have records to cor-
responding effect from Vermont and New Hampshire.

The Olive-sided Flycatcher is confined to no particu-
lar kind of ground, but may be observed in orchards and
gardens, or groves of evergreen trees, as well as in the
depths of pine forests. In Massachusetts, it is partial
to pitch pine groves, especially during the breeding
season. Wherever found it is likely to become a con-
spicuous object from its habit of perching in exposed
situations upon the ends of dead limbs, or blasted tree-
tops, whence it utters its loud characteristic notes and
makes its spirited sallies after passing insects, return-
ing to the same post of observation. Nesting is essen-

28 TYRANNID^E : FLYCATCHERS.

tially similar to that of the Wood Pewee, the structure
being saddled on a horizontal limb, or fixed in a fork,
often at a great height from the ground. The nest is a
shallow, saucer-like fabric of twigs, rootlets, weed-stalks,
bark-strips and other similar material, rather loosely put
together. The very handsome eggs are of a pure creamy
white, speckled with brown or reddish and lilaceous
shades ; they are four or three in number, measuring
about 0.85x0.65, and are laid from the last week in
May, as in Massachusetts, to middle of June in Maine.

WOOD PEWEE.
CONTOPUS VIRENS (L.) Cab.

Chars. With the form and proportions of the last species, but
much smaller. Length, 6.00-6.50 ; wing, 3.25-3.50 ; tail, 2.75-
3.00 ; tarsus, middle toe and claw, together, scarcely or not
i.oo; tarsus alone, about 0.50, thus no longer than the bill; no
evident white tuft on the flank; head sub-crested, with erectile
feathers. Olive-brown, rather darker on the head ; sides with a
paler shade of the same, reaching nearly or quite across the
breast ; the throat and belly whitish, more or less tinged with
yellowish ; under tail-coverts the same, usually streaked with
dusky ; tail and wings blackish, the secondaries and coverts
edged and tipped with whitish ; feet and upper mandible black ;
under mandible usually yellow, sometimes dusky.

In numbers according to latitudinal distribution the
well-known Wood Pewee presents the reverse state of the
case just outlined for the Olive-sided Flycatcher, being
most abundant in southern New England, and gradually
becoming less numerous as we proceed northward.
Nevertheless, it is one of New England's very com-

CONTOPUS VIRENS : WOOD PEWEE. 2Q

mon birds, and inhabits all of the country. As its name
indicates, ft is partial to forests, and on the whole is of a
retiring and unfamiliar disposition, though far from shy,
and often surrendering the pleasures of solitude for those
of society in the orchard or garden. Wherever it may
fix its home, whether in the seclusion of sylvan retreats
or in the vicinity of man's abode, its presence is soon
made known by its oft-repeated melancholy notes, seem-
ing to speak some settled sorrow that time can never
heal. The sighing of the pines is not more express-
ive of mournful fancies than the sobbing of the little
sombre-colored bird, flitting apparently inconsolable
through their shades. But we need not be moved to
pity by the anatomical configuration of a bird's wind-
pipe. Let us stick to science, and leave the sham of
things to poets. The Pewee is a very practical and
doubtless happy bird, brimful of active energy, con-
stantly exhibited in the forays it makes after winged in-
sects that venture too near its perch, and in the nervous
way the wings flutter before and after these spirited ex-
cursions, while the lengthened feathers of the crown are
alternately erected and depressed with the changing
mood of the irritable creature.

Quite the opposite of its relative the Phoebe-bird, the
Wood Pewee is a loiterer by the way in spring ; though
it seems in no particular haste to depart with the waning
season. It is in fact one of the latest arrivals among our
summer guests — very fashionable in this respect. It
scarcely enters Connecticut before the middle of May,
and is not generally dispersed over the country before
June. The return movement may begin early in Sep-
tember, in more northerly sections, but is not completed
till the end of that month. Nesting is correspondingly

3O TYRANNIM: : FLYCATCHERS.

delayed, the average time being not before the middle of
June. The nest is very pretty — a flat, compact, circular
structure, with thick walls and well-turned brim, but very
thin flooring, closely saddled on a horizontal bough, or
set in a forked twig. It is neatly finished on the outside
with lichens, like that of the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher or
Humming-bird, so as to be effectually concealed from
casual search by its resemblance to a natural excrescence
of the limb. The principal materials are fine grasses,
slender bark-strips and rootlets, circularly disposed, and
often fastened with silky or cottony threads. The pre-
cise structure of its nest will vary, of course, according
to the site selected : the saddled nests being scarcely
more than walls of which the bough itself furnishes the
basement ; while nests in forks are furnished with more
substantial flooring. The elevation above the ground is
another variable element, being sometimes only ten or
twelve feet, while in other (and more usual) cases the
birds build high up in tall trees. Under any circum-
stances, however, the nest may be recognized by its
shallowness, with its thick, compact, lichen-stuccoed
walls, and its spotted, creamy eggs. The eggs, to the
usual number of four or three, measuring about o./ox
0.55, are creamy white, blotched with the usual shades
of reddish and darker and more lilaceous brown, the
markings^ being often wreathed about the larger end.
Notwithstanding the procrastination of the bird in build-
ing, more than one brood may be reared under favorable
circumstances.

EMPIDONAX ACADICUS : ACADIAN FLYCATCHER. 31

ACADIAN FLYCATCHER.
EMPIDONAX ACADICUS (Gm.) Bd.

Chars. Above, clear continuous olive-green, rather darker on the
crown, where the feathers have dusky centres ; below, whitish,
shaded with olive on sides and nearly across breast, washed
with yellowish on belly, flanks, and under wing- and tail-coverts;
wings dusky, the coverts tipped, and the secondaries edged
with tawny yellow; tail dusky, glossed with olive; a yellowish
eye-ring; feet and upper 'mandible brown; under mandible pale.
The largest of this genus. Length, 5.75-6.25; extent about 9.50;
wing, 2.75-3.00; tail, 2.50-2.75; bill, nearly or quite 0.50; tarsus,
0.66; middle toe and claw, 0.50; point of wing reaching nearly
i.oo beyond the secondaries ; ist quill much longer than 6th.

Notwithstanding the suggestive name, the "Acadian"
Flycatcher is scarcely a bird of New England, and much
misunderstanding has resulted from reliance upon erro-
neous records of its supposed occurrence in New Eng-
land. It should be remembered that it is now scarcely
more than twenty years since Prof. Baird first accurately
distinguished the four eastern species of Empidonax,
concerning which the greatest confusion and uncertainty
had before obtained. Passing over all the earlier records
which, whether having any basis of fact or not, are too
indeterminate for use, we may note the steps by which
we have reached the true state of the case. In the first
general list of New England birds, Dr. Coues speaks of
the Acadian Flycatcher in the following terms : —

" Summer resident. Not abundant. This species
seems to be more restricted in its' northern range than
the others of the genus, apparently not proceeding much
farther than Massachusetts. It is not, I believe, recorded

32 TYRANNID^: : FLYCATCHERS.

from Maine. But Mr. Samuels erroneously omits it from
his Massachusetts list. Earlier authors speak of it as
being very common, but so far as I can learn it is quite
rare. At Washington, D. C, it is by far the most abun-
dant species of the genus." (Pr. Essex Inst., v, 1868, p.

264).

This is an inkling of the truth, in recognizing the re-
stricted southerly habitat of the bird in comparison with
its congeners, and would appear to be well-founded, view-
ing the many New England records upon which it was
based ; among them that of so careful and reliable an
observer as Mr. Allen, who had confidently attributed
the species to Massachusetts (Pr. Essex Inst., iv, 1864,
p. 54). The uncertainty of the case was soon after
remarked by Dr. Brewer (Am. Nat., i, 1867, p. 119),
who later communicated to Dr. Coues a note on the
subject, which was published in the Birds of the North-
west. " I do not think the bird occurs in New England,
even in the Connecticut Valley, and believe that Mr.
Allen has mixed it up with traillii. I have myself no
evidence of its breeding northeast of Philadelphia ; but
it is shy and retiring in its habits, and would readily
escape notice, so that its presence in New Jersey, New
York, and New England may not be uncommon, and yet
we not know it." (B. N. W., 1874, p. 251.) In the
same work (p. 250) it is stated that the bird "remains to
be detected in New England." Dr. Brewer, therefore,
very properly expunged the species from his catalogue
of 1875, with the following statement : "Mr. Allen in-
forms me that the species found in western Massachu-
setts, and included by him in the list as the Acadian
Flycatcher, is really Emp. Traillii. This leaves us
without any evidence of the occurrence of the species,

EMPIDONAX ACADICUS I ACADIAN FLYCATCHER. 33

and I have therefore taken it from the list " (Pr. Bost.
Soc., xvii, 1875, p. 452).

In 1876, in a paper " on two Empidonaces, traillii and
acadicus" (Bull. Nutt. Club, 1/1876, pp. 14-17), the sub-
ject was well handled by Mr. Henshaw, with special
reference to the diffe'rences between the species named
in geographical distribution, nesting, and eggs. Then,
after it had been made out to every one's satisfaction
that the bird had never been known to occur in
New England, the claim of this characteristic com-
ponent of the Carolinian fauna to a place among
the birds of New England was immediately proven by
Mr. C. H. Merriam, who marked it in his list as
"a rare summer visitant from the middle states," add-
ing that " it may breed in the Connecticut Valley "
as is doubtless the case. "It affords me great pleas-
ure," he continues, "to be able, through the kind-
ness of Mr. Erwin I. Shores, to replace this species
among the birds of New England. As is well known,
it was formerly included in [nearly] all New England
lists, but, as shown by Dr. Coues, Mr. H. W. Henshaw,
and others, the records were founded on erroneous iden-
tifications— the bird having been mistaken for E. mini-
mus or Traillii, generally the former. . . . Hence it
was with a peculiar sense of gratification that I received,
a few days since, an unmistakable example of the species,
from Mr. Shores, who relates that he shot it in ' Suffield,
Conn., June 24th, 1874, in a piece of woods known as
Beech Swamp.' For the benefit of those who may not
be disposed to accept my identification in so important a
matter, and to avoid all possibility of mistake, I at once
sent the bird to my friend, Mr. Robert Ridgway, of the
Smithsonian Institute, and he pronounces it to be a

34 TYRANNIC: : FLYCATCHERS.

typical E. acadicus" (B. Conn., 1877, p. 58.) This
species was soon after restored to its rightful place by
Dr. Brewer (Pr. Bost. Soc., xix, 1878, p. 306).

Dr. Brewer states that the nest of the Acadian Fly-
catcher "is generally placed on a drooping limb of a
beech or dogwood tree, at a height of from six to ten
feet from the ground. It is never saddled on a limb like
that of a Wood Pewee, neither is it pensile like that of
the Vireos, but is built in the fork of a small limb, and
securely fastened thereto by a strip of bark. The nest
itself is mostly made of fine strips of bark or weed stalks,
woven together without much care as to neatness or
strength, and so slight is the structure that you may
often count the eggs in the nest from below. Occasion-
ally the bird constructs its nest of the blossoms of the
hickory-tree, and when thus made, it is very neat and
pretty." (Hist. N. A. Birds, ii, 1874, p. 376.)

Mr. Henshaw's article compares the nest with that of
E. traillii to find a very striking difference. " It is a slight
structure made of fine grasses, interspersed more or less
with the blossoms of trees, the whole disposed in a cir-
cular form and fitted between two twigs ; a firm support
is derived from a binding of spiders' webs, which are
interwoven with the sides of the nest, and then carried
over the twigs on either side, encircling them with strong
bands. The entire base of the nest is without support,
and so thin is the slight structure that the eggs might
almost be seen from below. It was built in a small
tree, perhaps twenty feet from the ground. In this
respect the two species vary but little, both preferring
to select the lower branches of tree or shrub for their
domicile, and only rarely departing from the rule."
(Bull. Nutt. Club, i, 1876, p. 1 6.)

EMPIDONAX ACADICUS : ACADIAN FLYCAtCHER. 35

This account of the decided peculiarity of the nest is
endorsed by Dr. Coues, upon examination of specimens
sent to him from Missouri. " Two nests of this species
are strikingly different from those of trailli in structure,
in materials, and in position. They appear to have been
taken from long, slender horizontal branchlets, in the
horizontal forks of which they rest. They are shallow
nests, — in fact, rather saucer-like than cupped-shape,
some three and a half inches across outside by less than
two inches in depth, the cavity over two inches across
the brim, by scarcely one inch in depth. They are very
light, ' open-work ' structures, so thinly floored that the
eggs may have been visible to one looking up from
below; and the walls, though more compact, still 'let
daylight through on all sides. These nests, in short,
may be compared to light hammocks swung between
forks. Each is composed almost entirely of long walnut
aments, which, drooping in slender sprays from all sides,
give a tasteful, airy effect to these pretty structures.
There is a slight lining in each case of slender grass-
stems and still finer rootlets, loosely interlaid in every
direction on the bottom, rather circularly disposed around
the brim. These specimens were taken June 13 and 18,
1879, in hickory woods, at altitudes of ten and fifteen
feet." (Bull. Nutt. Club, v, 1880, p. 23.)

According to the same authority the eggs of acadicus
are so similar to those of trailli that no one should pre-
sume to tell them apart with any show of confidence.
They are said to be only three in number. Dr. Coues
also gives the following rules for distinguishing the four
eastern species of the genus, when site and structure of
nests and character of eggs are together taken into con-
sideration : —

36 TYRANNID.E I FLYCATCHERS.

E. acadicus. Nest in trees, in horizontal forks, thin,
saucer-shaped, open-worked ; eggs creamy white, boldly
spotted.

E. trailli. Nest in trees, in upright crotch, thick,
deeply cupped, more or less compact walled ; eggs
creamy white, boldly spotted.

E. minimus. Nest in trees, in upright crotch, deeply
cupped, compact walled ; eggs immaculate white.

E.flaviventris. Nest on ground or near it, deeply
cupped, thick and bulky ; eggs white, spotted.

TRAILL'S FLYCATCHER.

EMPIDONAX TRAILLI (Aiid.) Bd.

Chars. Above, olive-brown, lighter and duller brownish posteriorly,
darker on the head; below,' nearly as in acadicus, but darker, the
olive-gray shading quite across the breast; wing-markings gray-
ish-white, with slightly yellowish or tawny shade; under mandible
pale; upper mandible and feet black. Rather smaller than aca-
dicus. Length, 5.50-6.00 ; extent, 8.50-9.50 ; wing, 2.65-2.80 ;
its tip only reaching abont 0.66 beyond the secondaries ; tail,
2.50; tarsus, 0.66; middle toe and claw, 0.60.

Traill's Flycatcher is a common bird of Southern New
England, in suitable localities, during the migrations,
which take place in May and September. It is found
chiefly in thickets, copses, and low wet woodland,
where it may be recognized by one having a good ear for
such things by its peculiar note, likened by Mr. May-
nard to the syllables kewink', not so quickly uttered,
and therefore quite different from the abrupt chebec ,
or sewic'j of the more abundant and more generally
diffused Least Flycatcher. Others syllabify the note by

EMPIDONAX TRAILLI : TRA1LL S FLYCATCHER. 37

pretty-dear, with accent on the de. The bird appears to
be quite rare in some sections, particularly Eastern Mas-
sachusetts, where E. minimus is the chief representative
of the genus. According to Mr. Merriam, it is in Con-
necticut a common summer resident, arriving early in
May and frequenting swampy localities, where it breeds
(B. Conn., 1877, p. 58). This may be so; but the diffi-
culty of distinguishing the little Flycatchers is well-
known, and Mr. Purdie writes me that he thinks there
must be some mistake about the bird's breeding in
Connecticut. For even though Flycatcher nests " like
those of the Indigo-bird " have been found in north-
western Massachusetts, the distribution of Traill's Fly-
catcher in the breeding season is no less characteristic
of the Canadian Fauna than is that of several species
which have been used to indicate the difference between
that Fauna and the Alleghanian.

According to Mr. Henshaw (Bull. Nutt. Club, i, 1874,
p. 15), the nest of Traill's Flycatcher may be compared
fairly with the usual style of the Summer Warbler, so
well known to every one, " but lacks something of the
compactness and neatness shown by this species in
weaving together the materials that make up its home.
Hempen fibres compose the exterior, or the bulk of the
nest, while internally it is lined in true Flycatcher style
with fine grasses, and a slight admixture of down from
thistles ; the main point of all, however, is its position with
regard to the branches. It is built into an upright fork,
the small twigs that surround it being made available to
secure it more firmly in its place by being encircled with
the stringy fibres. In this particular of position correspond
all the nests of this bird I have seen, as well as those of
pusillus in the West." As Mr. Widmann has observed,

38 TYRANNIM: : FLYCATCHERS.

" upright fork " in this case does not necessarily mean
an upright branch, for the limb itself may be horizontal,
or even drooping ; when the nest will be found fastened
to twigs which spring up and form a perfect crotch.
Several nests, sent from Missouri by Mr. Widmann to
Dr. Coues, are thus described by the latter: "The
situation, materials, and whole style of architecture
of these three nests are different from those of acadicus,
and are identical with those of E. minimus (eggs of
which latter are pure white, unmarked). They are
built in each case on a stouter bough, in the upright
crotch formed by two or several twigs springing up from
the main stem ; very compact, thick-walled and deeply-
cupped structures, let firmly down into the crotch, — the
twigs either grooving the walls, as in one instance, or
embedded into the substance of the nest, as in the other
two cases. The outside diameter is nearly or about
three inches, while the depth in one case is quite as
much, but in the other two about half an inch less.
The cavity is scarcely or about two inches, with a depth
of fully one and a half inches, so deeply cupped are these
structures. These nests are stoutly built of slender
grasses, rootlets, and a variety of bleached vegetable
substances disintegrated beyond recognition. Two are
lined with very fine grass-stems or rootlets ; a third,
with these and horse-hairs ; one has some bits of twine
worked into the walls, and in another some large feathers,
apparently from the poultry-yard, have been similarly
used." These nests were taken from an oak, an elm,
and an ailanthus, at heights from six to eight feet, on
June 14, 17 and 21 ; one contained three, another four
eggs (Bull. Nutt. Club, v, 1880, p. 24). On the subject of
these trailli nests from Missouri, Mr. Allen writes to Dr.

EMPIDONAX TRAILLI : TRAILL S FLYCATCHER. 39

Coues as follows : " I could not understand your com-
parative diagnoses of nests of E. trailli and acadicus
until Mr. Brewster showed me a series of nests of E.
trailli from Ohio ; for in New England E. trailli builds
an entirely different aest from what it does in Ohio and
Missouri. The New England nests (Maine, New Hamp-
shire and Vermont specimens) are scarcely distinguish-
able from the ordinary nest of Cyanospiza cyanea, and
consequently suggest no comparison with the nest of
E. minimus, being bulky structures of coarse materials,
which no one would think could belong to the species
building the small, compact nests of soft materials that
come to us from Ohio through Dr. J. M. Wheaton, or
from Missouri through Mr. Widmann, such as you de-
scribe. It seems to me also noteworthy that E. trailli
breeds in the interior so much further south than it does
in the Atlantic States ; though noted as breeding spar-
ingly as far south as Long Island, it rarely nests
in New England south of the Canadian Fauna, or
south of central or northern Maine, and corresponding
points in Vermont and New Hampshire " (loc. cit.,
p. 25).*

A similar account of the nesting of trailli in Maine is
given by Mr. Purdie, who remarks upon the differences
observed in the structure of the nest and its situation
from such as Mr. Henshaw's 'description indicates.
"The nest," he says, "is built between the upright
shoots of low bushes, from one to five feet from the
ground, and is loosely constructed of grasses throughout,
including the lining. It is a much less compact nest

* Consult also Pearsall and Bailey, " The Country," i, Apr. 20,
1878, p. 371 ; Purdie, ibid., ii, Apr. 27, 1878, p. 9, and May 4, p. 25;
Forest and Stream, x, Apr. 25, 1878, p. 216 ; May 9, 1878, p. 255.

4O TYRANN1D.E : FLYCATCHERS.

even than that of the Indigo Bird, though perhaps
smaller in the average " (Bull. Nutt. Club, i, 1876, p. 75).
But with whatever variation in degree of compactness
and in materials, the structure is still always a deep cup
placed in an upright fork, thus essentially like that of
minimus, and quite different from that either of aca-
dicus or of a Wood Pewee. The eggs, however, resem-
ble those of the Pewee, and especially of the Acadian
Flycatcher, in being creamy white and in being boldly
spotted. The markings are of different shades of brown,
chiefly at or about the larger end of the eggs. The eggs
are three or four in number, measuring about 0.64X0.55.
The tendency in New England seems to be for the bird
to build quite low down in bushes, rather than in
trees, and in watery situations, such as alder thick-
ets or their vicinity. Mr. C. S. Paine, who seems
to have found many nests in Vermont, speaks of
them as placed in low alder bushes, three- or four feet
from the ground, near running streams. According to
Mr. Brewster's observations in New Hampshire and
Maine, the bird's "favorite haunts were the dense alder
thickets along the rivers and small streams, over those
dark retreats, perched on some tall dead branch, full in
the rays of the noonday sun. The male sang vigorously,
occasionally darting out after some insect, and returning
to the same perch. His song consisted of a single dis-
syllabic refrain, ke'-iving, uttered jn a harsh, peevish tone,
at an interval of about thirty seconds, varied occasionally
to ke'-wink or ke' -winch. At each utterance his head is
thrown upwards with a sudden jerk. They were retiring,
but not shy ; were easily approached, and were apparently
not so restless as most Flycatchers " (Hist. N. A. Birds,
ii, 1874, p. 371).

EMPIDONAX MINIMUS : LEAST FLYCATCHER. 4!

LEAST FLYCATCHER.
EMPIDONAX MINIMUS Bd.

Chars. Colors almost exactly as in traillij usually olive-gray
rather than olive-brown ; whole anterior parts often slightly
ashy ; wing-markings, eye-ring, and loral feathers plain grayish-
white ; feet black ; under mandible usually dusky. Smaller than
trailli, and not so stoutly built. Length, 4.80-5.50; extent,
7.40-8.30 ; wing, 2.60 or less ; tail about 2.25 ; bill less than
0.50 ; point of wing reaching only about 0.50 beyond the sec-
ondaries.

In New England at large this little Flycatcher is the
most abundant of all the species, characteristic of no
special faunal area, but commonly and almost universally
distributed. On the whole, however, it is more numer-
ous in southern than in northern New England, and
may be entirely wanting in some sections of the latter,
where Traill's and the Yellow-bellied are the princi-
pal representatives. Compared with the other three,
it is next to the most southerly — the Acadian
scarcely reaching our boundaries, then the Least,
so plentiful to Massachusetts and decreasing in num-
bers northward — then Traill's, reversing the regions
of relative abundance — then the Yellow-bellied, not yet
found breeding except in Maine. The Least Flycatcher
enters Connecticut about the first of May, and soon be-
comes abundant and generally dispersed in orchards,
gardens, parks, and even in the heart of large cities, as
well as in woodland anywhere else, thus not particularly
affecting the swampy bushy places to which Traill's
habitually resorts. It may be known by circumstances
of its local distribution, and by its readily recognized

42 TYRANNIC) : FLYCATCHERS.

note, the peculiar chebec', cadet', or sewicfr ', of which the
various New England writers speak. Remaining through
the summer to breed, the little bird migrates southward
in September, not entirely withdrawing until about the
end of that month.

The nests and eggs of the Least Flycatcher have
been described with particularity by Dr. Coues, whose
account (Birds Northwest, p. 255) is transcribed in sub-
stance. The bird generally nests in a sapling or shrub,
ten or twelve feet from the ground, — but sometimes
scarcely more than a man's height, and in other in-
stances up to forty feet. The nest is placed in an up-
right crotch formed by two or several twigs generally
no thicker than one's finger. In one case it was on the
bending trunk of an elm, but rested, as usual, among a
set of upright twigs. It is* very deeply let down into
the crotch, and usually bears their deep impressions.
The female is so close a sitter, that sometimes she may
almost be taken in hand before she deserts her charge ;
and then she only flutters to a little distance and moves
uneasily about, uttering a low mournful note. The nest
is a neat little structure, with a basis of fine fibrous
inner bark and decomposed substance of various weeds,
matted with plant-down into a soft, warm, yet firm struct-
ure, finished internally with a special lining of plant
down, confined with a slight layer of horse-hair or the
finest possible grass-tops. The frame of the nest is
well finished and even, with circular disposition of the
fibres composing it, while the lining material is inter-
laced in all directions. These elegant structures vary
in size from two and a half inches across outside and
less than two in depth, to nearly three inches in both
these dimensions. The cavity is large for the bulk of

EMPIDONAX MINIMUS I LEAST FLYCATCHER. 43

the nest. The eggs are generally four in number, some-
times only three ; five were not found in any one of six
nests examined. The average size of twenty specimens
was 0.65x0.50, with 0.68x0.52 and 0.59X0.50 as the
extremes of size and shape. They are pure white, and
normally without any markings whatever ; but, as in the
similar case of the Pewit Flycatcher, occasional eggs are
found to be dotted. A case of this kind has been in-
stanced by Mr. R. Hayward, who found a nest in an
apple tree at Milton, Mass., containing three normal
eggs, and one minutely dotted with reddish-brown, meas-
uring 0.63X0.50. The identity of this nest is vouched
for by Mr. Brewster : it was " like others of this species,
and the bird had the well-known note of chebec" (Bull.
Nutt. Club, iv, 1879, p. 124.)

The gradual influence of civilization, which may in
time become as marked in the case of this species as it has
in that of the Pewit, has been noted by Dr. Brewer with
reference to the materials composing the nests. " Those
made on the edge of woodlands or in remote orchards
are wrought almost entirely of fine deciduous bark,
hempen fibres of vegetables, feathers, dried fragments
of insect cocoons, and other miscellaneous materials
felted or impacted together ; within this is a lining of
fine strips of vegetable bark, woody fibres, fine lichens
and soft downy feathers. In some the lining is ex-
clusively of fine pine leaves, in others with the seeds or
pappus of compositaceous plants. Those made in the
vicinity of dwellings indicate their neighborhood by the
variety of miscellaneous and convenient materials, such
as bits of paper, rags, cotton, wool, and the larger and
more conspicuous feathers of the poultry-yard. Where
raw cotton was abundantly provided, I have known this

44 TYRANNISE I FLYCATCHERS.

material, strengthened with a few straws and woody
fibres, with a lining of feathers, constitute the whole
substance of the nest." And again, as to the increasing
sociability of the birds themselves : " They are much
addicted to particular localities, and return to the same
spot year after year, if undisturbed. A pair that had
established their hunting-grounds in an open area north
of a dwelling in Roxbury returned to the same spot for
several successive years, and would come regularly to
the piazza of the house, where bits of cotton were ex-
posed for the benefit of such of the whole feathered tribe
as chose to avail themselves of it. Each year they drew
nearer and nearer to the house, until at last the nest
was made in a clump of honeysuckles on a corner of the
piazza, whence they would sally forth in quest of insects,
entirely unmindful of the presence of the family." (Hist.
N. A. Birds., ii, 1874, p. 373.)

YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER.

EMPIDONAX FLAVIVENTRIS Bd.

Chars. Above olive-green, clear, continuous and uniform, as in
acadictis ; below decidedly yellow, bright and pure on the
belly, shaded with olive on the breast and sides. Eye-ring,
wing-markings, and under mandible yellow ; feet black. Size
of trailli or rather less ; feet proportioned as in acadicus ; bill
shaped nearly as in minimus, but rather larger ; first quill usually
equal to sixth.

The Yellow-bellied is not so well-known in New Eng-
land as either of the two foregoing, though the character
implied in the name is very distinctive on comparison of

E. FLAVIVENTRIS I YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER. 45

specimens. It appears to be rather uncommon, is chiefly
seen during the migrations, and thus far is only known
to breed in Maine. Reaching Connecticut about the
middle of May, and to be found there till June, it passes
on to its breeding grounds and returns in September.
It doubtless withdraws entirely,* as a rule, during that
month, notwithstanding that specimens have been taken
at dates so irregular as November 29 and December I
(Bull. Nutt. Club, iii, 1878, p. 101). Mr. C. J. Maynard
has apparently had more experience with the species
than most observers have enjoyed. In his catalogue of
Massachusetts birds he speaks of taking a dozen from
May 31 to June 10, 1869, eight of them in a few hours
on June i. "I do not doubt," he says, "that it has oc-
curred in previous seasons, but, being unaccustomed to
its low note, — which is like the syllable pea, very plain-
tively and prolongedly given, — and its retiring habits,
I had not detected it before. The specimens captured
were all, — with the exception of the first, which was shot
in a tall oak, — taken in low swampy thickets." In
another place he adds that he found the bird in dark
swamps at Upton, in Maine, where for the first time he
heard any other note than the low pea ; it was like the
syllables Jeillic, very gravely given, with a long interval
between each utterance, and much less energetic than
the corresponding note of E. trailli. Mr. Purdie endorses
the fact that this kil-lic note is not at all like the sound
of Traill's voice, but nearer that of the Least Flycatcher.
"The pea" he continues, in a letter to the editor,
"which I consider to be the song of the species, is
given in the style of the Wood Pewee, but is much
fainter, and in one syllable instead of two or three,
and repeated several times." Although during the

46 TYRANNID^ : FLYCATCHERS.

migration the birds may be dispersed in high or mixed
woods, their preference for swamps becomes evident
when we know their breeding habits, which may now
engage our particular attention.

It has proved no easy task to disentangle the history
of this species from that of its two nearest relatives, con-
sidering the conflicting or erroneous accounts which have
crept into the books, resulting from wrong identification
of nests or other mistakes. Thanks to several active
and successful New England observers, the doubt has
been dispelled, and the nest and eggs of flaviventris
should be as recognizable as those of any other species.
One of the most satisfactory accounts, which may be
transcribed in part, is that given by Mr. Purdie in the
Nuttall Bulletin for October, 1878, p. 166. Remarking that
Dr. Brewer, and, following him, Dr. Coues, had described
the eggs as white, unmarked, he notes his experiences
with the bird at Houlton, Me. " Mr. Bradbury informed
us that he had found, on June 15, a nest unknown to
him, with one egg. On the i8th he conducted us to the
edge of a wooded swamp, and pointing to the roots of
an upturned tree, said the nest was there. We ap-
proached cautiously and soon saw the structure, and
then the sitting bird, which appeared to be sunken in a
ball of green moss. Our eager eyes were within two
feet of her, thus easily identifying the species, when she
darted off ; but, to make doubly sure, Mr. Deane shot
her. There was no mistake ; we at last had a genuine
nest and eggs of the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. A large
dwelling it was for so small and trim a bird. Built in
and on to the black mud clinging to the roots, but two
feet from the ground, the bulk of the nest was composed
of dry moss, while the outside was faced with beautiful

E. FLAVIVENTRIS I YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER. 47

fresh green mosses, thickest around the rim or parapet.
The home of the Bridge Pewee (Sayornis fusciis] was at
once suggested. But no mud entered into the actual
composition of the nest, though at first we thought so,
so much was clinging to it when removed. The lining
was mainly of fine black rootlets, with a few pine-needles
and grass-stems. The nest gives the following measure-
ments : depth inside one and a half inches ; depth outside
four and a quarter inches ; circumference, inside, seven and
a quarter inches. The eggs, four in number, were per-
fectly fresh, rounded oval in shape, and of a beautiful
rosy-white tint, well spotted with a light reddish shade
of brown."

Mr. S. D. Osborne soon supplemented this excellent
account (ibid., p. 187): "On Monday, June 10, 1878,
while collecting in company with Mr. R. F. Pearsall, on
the island of Grand Menan, I flushed a Yellow-bellied
Flycatcher, which seemed to come from directly under
my feet. The locality was a good-sized hummock of
moss, in swampy ground at the edge of some low woods.
For some time I was unable to find any signs of a nest,
but finally I discovered a small hole one and a half inches
in diameter in the side of the hummock, and on enlarg-
ing this opening the nest, with four eggs, lay before me.
The bird, which had all the time been hopping around
within a few feet of our heads, was at once shot. The
cavity extended in about two inches, was about four
inches in depth, and was lined with a very few grasses,
black hair-like roots, and skins of berries. The eggs,
four in number, are white, with a very delicate creamy
tint, which differed in its intensity in different specimens,
and are spotted, mostly at the larger end, with a few
dots and blotches of a light reddish shade." About a year

48 TYRANNID^E : FLYCATCHERS.

later Mr. Osborne discovered another nest in Oxford
County, Me., in a similar situation, with four eggs well
advanced in incubation on the i8th of June. "The nest
was built in the side of a hummock of moss, under the
roots of a small tree, and was only about half covered
over, the eggs being clearly visible from the outside."
The eggs were also spotted. (Bull. Nutt. Club, iv., Oct.
1879, p. 240.)

To place this matter of the lowly nesting and spotted
eggs of the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, by which it differs
somewhat from all its eastern congeners, beyond all
doubt for the future, I will sum the observations of a
third independent observer who himself took two nests,
making five in all here described. Mr. C. F. Batchelder's
first nest was taken June I4th, 1879, at Fort Fairfield,
Me., in wet mixed woods. It was placed on the edge
of a bank formed by a decayed tree trunk, over a pool,
protected from view by some green moss growing upon
a projecting root, and partly sunken in the surrounding
moss. The materials were fine brown roots, bits of
rotten wood, the scaly coverings of buds, apparently of
the arbor vitae, together with a few sticks and withered
leaves, and one or two bits of arbor vitae and green
moss ; with fine black rootlets and withered grasses for
lining. The outer diameter was four inches, the inner
two and three eighths, with an outer depth of two and a
quarter, and cavity one and a quarter deep. The four
eggs were white, with a slight creamy tinge, spotted and
blotched with two shades of light reddish-brown, mostly
about the larger end ; two of the eggs also having a few
fine dashes and specks of black over the other markings.
These four measured 0.68x0.52; 0.68x0.52; o.66x
0.51; 0.66x0.51. The other nest, found June 27,

E. FLAVIVENTRIS : YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER. 49

among a tangle of fallen trees, was situated about two
feet from the ground on the side of a moss-covered
stump, deeply sunken in the soft green moss, which
covered it above, though the eggs were visible from the
outside. It was a bulky, compact mass of the same moss,
with a few bits of arbor vitae and one <3r two sticks, thinly
lined with grass-stems and rootlets ; its outer diameter
four and a quarter, depth four; inner diameter two,
depth one and a half. The four nearly fresh eggs were
precisely like those just described in ground-color and
markings, but ran a trifle larger, the extremes being
0.67X0.51 to 0.70X0.54. (Bull. Nutt. Club, iv, 1879,
p. 241.)

It may be added that a sixth nest, taken by Mr. N. A.
Eddy on an island in Penobscot Bay, June 13, 1880
was similarly circumstanced, and the eggs were not dif-
ferent from those described above, though ranging a little
less in size — not over 0.65X0.51. (Bull. Nutt. Club,
v, 1880, p. 241.)

5<D CAPRIMULGID^E : WH1PPOORWILLS ; NIGHT-HAWKS.

FAMILY CAPRIMULGIDyE. WHIPPOOR-
WILLS AND NIGHT-HAWKS.

WHIPPOORWILL.
ANTROSTOMUS VOCIFERUS (Wils.) Bp.

Chars. Mouth cleft to below the eyes, with minute horny part of
the bill, and long bristles on each side. Feet very short and
weak, unfitted for perching in the usual way. Inner edge of the
middle claw dilated and comb-like. Wings little longer than the
broad rounded tail ; plumage very soft and lax, like an owl's,
with blended and varied coloration : prevailing tone gray, varie-
gated with black, white and tawny, in small streaky pattern or
delicate marbling ; lateral tail feathers tipped with white or
tawny ; a white or tawny collar on the throat. Length about
9.50; extent, 18.50; wing, 5.50; tail, 4.50; hind toe short, in-
serted above the level of the rest, not directly posterior ; front
toes with movable webbing at base ; outer toe with only four
joints, instead of five, as usual in birds.

The Whippoorwill, belonging to a family peculiar in
many important respects, and of such singular habits and
general appearance that superstitions no less dismal
than ridiculous have attached to its mysterious manners,
is a common summer resident throughout New England,
arriving early in May, and becoming dispersed in suitable
situations in the course of that month. The bird is noc-
turnal in habits, and keeps so closely concealed in the
day time that it is much oftener heard than seen, as par-
ticularly when, the twilight deepening and lengthening
shadows merging in the growing gloom, its strange cry
rings out with startling effect from no one knows where.

ANTROSTOMUS VOCIFERUS : WHIPPOORWILL. 51

The bird may be in the brush where it has hidden during
the hours of light, or, on pinion as noiseless as that
of an owl, it may have stolen close to the house — so
close that the queer clicking sound which precedes its
lugubrious salute may be distinctly heard. It may even
drop unperceived upon the house-top, and cry out with
sudden vehemence in the middle of the night, perhaps
sending a shiver through those persons whose nervous
organization is susceptible of impressions ominous or
superstitious. Though wrong conclusions may be cor-
rected by observation and experience — those unanswer-
able pleaders in
the court of na-
ture to which all
cases of the kind
must be finally
referred without
possible appeal

it Should not ' FIG. 4. — WHIPPOORWILL.

lessen our interest in the birds capable of such weird
effects; but rather awaken new and more intelligent
cognitions of the beauty and harmony which nature's
every handiwork displays. No bird is more perfectly
adapted to the part sustained in animated nature
than the Whippoorwill, and not one can be presumed
to more thoroughly enjoy life. It has a number of
amiable and admirable traits, among which are its
parental affection and devotion, and its conjugal fidelity.
Though the young birds hatch covered with down, and
thus like chickens or sandpipers, which are able to run
about and feed themselves at birth, they are nevertheless
as weak and helpless as the naked occupants of a spar-
row's nest, requiring assiduous attention on the part of

52 CAPRIMULGIM: : WHIPPOORWILLS ; NIGHT-HAWKS.

the parents. We cannot endorse Mr. Minot's statement
that they " run about much like young partridges."
Only an apology for a nest is constructed — a slight
hollow in the mould of a fallen log or stump, or on the
ground among fallen leaves. The eggs are only
two, this being the usual number laid by birds of
this family. They are elliptical, and of delicately
marbled and clouded coloration, like the plumage of
the birds themselves. They measure about I.25X
0.85 of an inch, and are usually laid early in June,
when the birds are in full cry. The clamor continues
during the breeding season proper, after which the cry
is seldom if ever heard; and this being the princi-
pal indication of the birds' presence, it is difficult to say
at what precise time they depart, so silently and furtively
do they slip away from our midst. The migration, how-
ever, is probably accomplished in September. Like the
rest of this family, the . Whippoorwill is insectivorous ;
and numberless are the crepuscular and nocturnal insects
which fall into its capacious mouth, as into the wide open
jaws of a trap beset with stiff bristles to control the
struggles of the bird's unhappy victims.

NIGHT-HAWK OR BULL-BAT.

CHORDEDILES POPETUE (V.) Bd.

Chars. Similar in general to a Whippoorwill ; no long bristles
about mouth. Wings long and pointed, much exceeding the
forked tail ; plumage more smooth and compact. Upper parts
blackish, mottled with brown, gray and tawny ; under parts from
the breast white, barred crosswise with blackish and tawny.
Throat with a crescentic bar, white in the male, tawny in the

CHORDEDILES POPETUE I NIGHT-HAWK OR BULL-BAT. 53

female. Tail blackish, marbled with several pale cross-bars, and
in the male with large white spaces near the ends of the feathers.
Long quills of the wing blackish, with a great white spot on five
outer primaries midway between their bases and tips ; in the
female this mark smaller or not pure white. Length about 9.00 ;
extent, 22.00 ; wing, 8.00 ; tail, 5.00 ; bill about 0.25 in its hard
part, but with immense gape reaching below the eyes.

This remarkable bird is a common summer resident
in New England, arriving early in May, and departing
in September. It is confined to
no section, but may be observed
anywhere in the twilight and
also at any time during the day,
especially in cloudy weather,
coursing with splendid powers
of flight overhead like a winged
greyhound in endless evolu-
tions. Sometimes it soars till
it becomes but a speck to the
view, and again skims swiftly
low over the ground — now
dashing impetuously forward,
now sailing with easy bold
sweeps of the pointed pinions, FIG. 5.- NIGHT-HAWK.
arresting its course for a moment and then twist-
ing and glancing with almost inconceivable velocity in
its seemingly random race. But all this while the way-
ward bird is providently gleaning its food from the air ;
these forays are made with an eye strictly to business,
for the purpose of capturing the tiny gauzy creatures
which swim in the rays of the departing sun ; and in
contemplating such adaptation of perfect grace to utili-
tarian purposes, we are taught the lesson that nature

54 CAPRIMULGIM: : WHIPPOORWILLS ; NIGHT-HAWKS.

bends the most diverse means to her useful ends. In
the spring-time, during the period de noces, the Night-
hawk repeatedly plunges head foremost downward with
fearful velocity, accompanying this startling tour deforce
with a strange booming sound, likened by some to the
distant bellowing of a bull, by others to the noise made
by blowing in the bung-hole of an empty barrel.

About the first of June, the singular incidents of the
courtship over, the Night-hawk deposits her two eggs
upon the cold bare ground, scarcely a trace of a nest
being formed to receive her treasured charge. The eggs
are also frequently laid on bare rocks, and even the flat
concreted roofs of houses in large cities, where the heat
of the sun helps to incubate them, as it does those of
terns and sandpipers, while the birds are flying about
in broad daylight. The eggs are elliptical in contour,
averaging in size 1.25x0.85, and are curiously fretted,
veined and marbled with lavender, stone-gray and neu-
tral tints. She is a faithful and courageous mother,
who, when danger threatens, will at risk of life feign
to be crippled, and endeavor to divert attention
from her eggs to herself by fluttering and tumbling
about as long as such pious fraud seems likely to suc-
ceed — then quartering anxiously back and forth
within a few feet of one who may be bending over the
frail orbic bodies that encase her hopes. " The nest-
lings are hatched downy. This is a singular circum-
stance, in which the Caprimulgida resemble the lower
orders of birds, and not the higher groups with which
they are associated. The chicks are not, however,
hatched entirely clothed ; for the first two or three days
they are only densely flocculent on the under parts, the
upper being but sparsely downy ; soon, however, they

CHORDEDILES POPETUE : NIGHT-HAWK OR BULL-BAT. 55

are uniformly covered with down, variegated above, plain
below. The design of this provision is evidently pro-
tection from the damp ground on which the young rest.
In the several instances of nesting I have found, there
was nothing whatever between the birds and the earth ;
but occasionally, it is said, a few leaves or straws lie
underneath them. A favorite nesting-place, in the West,
is the little mounds of loose soil thrown up by the
gophers, either in open fields, or by the edge of woods.
The birds are also said to lay on the mould of stumps
and logs, but I have never found eggs in such situations.
One of the two eggs may be hatched sooner than the
other ; in one instance I found an interval of three days
to, elapse, during which I frequently visited a nesting
place. The female, on each occasion, remained near
her charge until nearly trodden upon, and then fluttered
off, making believe she was crippled, as perfectly as I
ever saw the pious fraud performed in my life. Not
having much, if any, legs to be lame in, she simulated a
broken wing, fluttering and pitching about in the grass,
at no time more than a few feet off. The statement
that the bird will remove her young, if disturbed, is true.
The bird I am alluding to carried them to another hillock,
after my second visit, but only a couple of yards away."
Late in the summer, when all the birds are on wing,
great troops of Night-hawks collect together, and may be
seen coursing in the manner above described, crossing
and recrossing each other's path in the air, until it be-
comes too dark to trace their flight any longer. As soon
as the gnats and midgets disappear with the cool weather
of September, their insatiable pursuers bend strong wings
to the southward journey.

56 CYPSELID.E I SWIFTS.

FAMILY CYPSELID^: SWIFTS.

CHIMNEY SWIFT.

CHJETURA PELASGICA (L.) Steph.

Chars. General color sooty-brown, with a faint greenish gloss
above; grayish-brown below, becoming paler on the throat;
wings black. Length, 5.00-5.25 ; extent, 12.50 ; wing, 4.75-5.00 ;
tail, 2.00 or less, with spine-like tips of the feathers.

One of the most interesting modifications of bird-
structure is that by which the Swifts, belonging to .an
order of birds entirely different from Swallows in es-
sential points of structure, are moulded to an exterior
shape so closely simulating the form of a Swallow, that
most persons believe them to be of that kind of bird :
and " swallows" they are almost universally called. The
resemblance is indeed striking; but it only illustrates
how cunningly nature, in some sportive mood, furnishes
similitudes in her endless diversity — no less easily than
she fashions a wealth of diversity from essential unity.
Humor has been defined as a perception of grotesque
resemblance between incongruous things, and Swifts are
amongst numberless conundrums which nature pro-
pounds through her feathered creations. "Why is a
Swift like a Swallow ?" I give it up — and I doubt that
any one can answer the question.

The most remarkable thing about the exterior con-
formation of the Swift is the spines which project from
the ends of the tail-feathers, and serve as props to stay
the bird while clinging with its sharp claws to the verti-

CH;ETURA PELASGICA : CHIMNEY SWIFT.

57

cal walls of a chimney or hollow tree. In former times,
before the country was settled, the birds roosted and
builded in hollows of trees, to which they resorted in
thousands sometimes — a steady stream of the creatures
pouring in at dusk to pass the night. Some such trees
have become historic as " swallow-trees," frequented year
after year by countless numbers, till the bottom became
filled with a mass of debris. Now, like Swallows, they
have modified their primitive way, and almost always
choose to make their nests in chimneys, — whence their
name, — though too often exposed in such situations to
disaster by fire and flood ;
as when a soaking rain
loosens the mucilaginous
fastening of the nest, and
the whole comes tumbling
down. The " frying-pan "
out of which the little
birds sometimes fall " into
the fire," is one of the
most curious of all speci-
mens of bird architecture. It consists of a basket-work
of bits of twigs, glued together and to the side of the
chimney with the sticky saliva of the birds — the same
substance that in other cases, as those of the species of
the East Indian genus Collocalia, forms the famous
"edible bird's-nests" used for making soup by the celes-
tial heathens. The twigs are gathered in the most .skil-
ful manner by the birds, who dash past the ends of
branches and snap off bits with the beak as quick as
thought J The completed basket has a semicircular brim,
and shallow cavity, in which are laid four or five pure
white, narrowly elMptical eggs, about 0.70 in length by

FIG. 6. — CHIMNEY SWIFT, with
mucronate rectrix.

58 CYPSELIDjE : SWIFTS.

0.50 in breadth. In the North woods the nests are still
often constructed in hollow trees, as well as in barns and
sheds in the sparsely settled districts.

The Swifts reach New England betimes in spring,
some seasons by the middle of April, and again not till
May, remaining through the greater part of September.
Were it not that, being so abundant and so universally
distributed, they lack the charm of novelty, they could
not but excite wonder and admiration, so splendid are
the powers of wing of these sombre-hued little creatures,
so graceful and varied are their aerial excursions, so joy-
ous and spontaneous their ceaseless twittering. They
have a rare genius for flying, and do well to trust them-
selves utterly to its promptings — the keen-bladed, sharp-
pointed wing never fails of its stroke, though cutting a
substance far more tenuous than the silken fabric which
tested the temper of Damascus' steel — not even when
a pair, sailing for many rods in close convoy, suddenly
meet with "the touch of the body electric," as Whitman
says in one of his realistic poems, and as speedily part
again, recovering their way with marvellous dexterity.
It is a pretty sight, again, to see the Swift hover for a
moment over the chimney, then set the wings at an up-
ward angle and drop lightly as a parachute down upon
the nest within the smoky orifice. So the summer passes
with these most airy of birds, in never ending cycles
and epicycles, spirals, scrolls and nameless gyrations
round the chosen nesting-place, till the coils are loosened,
the circles widen like the waves of a pool disturbed by
the falling stone, and the last curve straightens into
southward line.

T. COLUBRIS : RUBY-THROATED HUMMING-BIRD. 59

FAMILY TROCHILID^E; HUMMING-BIRDS.

RUBY-THROATED HUMMING-BIRD.
TROCHILUS COLUBRIS L.

Chars. Upper parts golden-green ; below white, with green sides ;
a metallic gorget on the throat, reflecting rich ruby-red ; wings
and tail dusky-purplish, the latter forked, with narrow, pointed
feathers. Female similar, lacking the gorget ; tail black-barred,
with some feathers white-tipped. Length of male, 3.25 ; wing,
1.66 ; tail, 1.25 ; bill 0.66. Female smaller.

These jewelled feathers are so precious that with all
the boundless wealth of nature economy must be prac-
tised in the use of such materials ; which is one reason
why the Humming-bird is so diminutive a creature. It
is found throughout New England in summer ; for, al-
though so delicate in physique that a cobweb may en-
snare the tiny creature and even cause its death, the
Hummer is full of spirit and fire, and goes well, like a
lady's watch, unless some touch too rude should interfere
with the movements of so exquisite a mechanism. The
adjustment of its vital forces is delicate in the extreme,
and so subtile is the play of parts, that even emotion,
such as terror, or dismay, or anger, may destroy life ;
yet, so long as the creature has its freedom to act, and
its right to happiness, no braver bird flies. Fancy a
Humming-bird attacking a man in defence of its nest !
Yet it never hesitates to engage the giant like a very
king of Lilliput, buzzing about as mad as a hornet, and
making furious if futile thrusts with its rapier-like bill.

6O TROCHILIDjE : HUMMING-BIRDS.

Then again, many and long are the tournaments between
rival males inflamed with jealousy and passion, while the
little bodies for whom the war is waged amuse them-
selves demurely with sunbeams and flowers.

Though New England is far from the lands where
Trochilidce are assembled in endless variety and beauty,
the single species which visits us is so common, that it
is no remarkable thing to see a perfect galaxy " starring"
on some flowery stage, attracted by the sweets which
the nectaries of the blossoms distil, the same that make
myriads of minute insects flock to a dainty feast. Poised
on wings so rapidly whirred that they leave to the eye
but a filmy outline, and make the bird seem suspended
in the air by invisible spirit-power, the Hummer explores
the heart of the flower ; now spearing his insect prey
with his sharp slender beak ; now sucking the sweets
through his tubular tongue, curiously fashioned into a
sort of syphon. Darting from one flower to another too
rapidly for the eye to follow the movements, — and with
the humming sound which has given the whole tribe a
name, — Colubris repeats the probing process till his
hunger is satisfied, and then repairs to some favorite
perch, near which probably the nest is placed. This, as
many writers have remarked of late with less originality
than appreciation, is one of the most beautiful objects
in nature. "What enlightened person," indeed, "can
gaze upon this nest without regretting that man should
in the progress of civilization so often forget Nature,
fail to appreciate her, or even wrong her?" The fabric
is placed upon a bough large enough for it to rest
securely, or in the forking of a twig — oftenest upon
some such horizontal support, but sometimes fastened to
the side of more upright growths. The cavity only about

T. COLUBRIS ! RUBY-THROATED HUMMING-BIRD. 6l

admits the end of one's thumb, but the walls are thick,
so that the entire structure is about as large as one of
the cups of a child's play "tea-set." The fabric is felted
with a mass of exquisitely soft cottony, silky, or woolly
substances, such as plant-down and the like, but with
very little coarser fibrous material, if any. Outside the
finish is simply perfect, being a fresco of lichens. The
eggs are never more than two in number ; they are pure
white in color, with a pink blush when fresh. The shape
is rather elliptical than oval, and the size scarcely half
an inch in the long axis by about one-third in the conju-
gate diameter.

Some may have thoughtlessly believed the charac-
teristic sound emitted by the Humming-bird, from
which the name is derived, to be the voice of the bird.
But it is never heard when the creature is at rest, and
is not vocal, but mechanical, resulting from the rapid
vibrations of the wings, like the buzzing of bees and
many other insects. The sharp squeaky voice is very
different, and not ordinarily emitted; but is uttered
with great vehemence and volubility in moments of ex-
citement, as when the nest is threatened, when the
courtship grows animated, or when the battle-cry is
sounded to a hated rival.

62 ALCEDINID^: I KINGFISHERS.

FAMILY ALCEDINID^: KINGFISHERS.

BELTED KINGFISHER
CERYLE ALCYON (L.) Boie.

Chars. Head with a long, thin, pointed crest ; plumage compact and
oily ; feet extremely small, with syndactyle toes ; tibiae naked
below. Male : upper parts, a broad bar across the breast, and
sides under the wings, dull blue with black shaft lines ; two spots
around eye, and under parts, except breast and sides, white.
Female : with a band of chestnut across the lower breast, ex-
tending along the sides. In both sexes the quills and tail-feath-
ers black, marked with white on the inner webs ; outer webs of
secondaries and tail-feathers like the back ; wing-coverts usually
spotted with white ; bill black, pale at base below. Length,
12.00-13.00; extent, 22.00; wing, about 6.00; tail, 3.50; bill,
about 2.00.

The "King's fisher," who takes his tribute from the
streams, be they never so well guarded from ordinary
poachers, is a common bird of New England, and resi-
dent, or only forced southward by the freezing of the
waters upon which his resources depend. But the bird
partakes the character of a migrant and summer visitor,
as many pairs enter the country in March from the south,
and remain until the following November. Being strong
of wing, it may be observed at times flying high over
terra firma and far away from the liquid element ; but
its permanent abode is seldom at any distance from its
feeding grounds. The mill-pond where the running
stream has been dammed to stillness — the running
stream that cuts its way through gravelly banks, are

CERYLE ALCYON : BELTED KINGFISHER. 63

favorite resorts, almost sure to be tenanted by a pair of
these industrious birds, whose vehement cries are not
less familar to the miller than the noise of his own ma-
chinery. The birds are really far less numerous than
many others less conspicuous and familiar, and usually
a sheet or stretch of water is fished by only a single
pair ; but they are large, noisy, assertive creatures, im-
possible to overlook, and therefore giving an impression
of being more abundant
than they really are in
comparison with less
notorious examples of
bird-life. They may
be seen either swiftly
winging along the
water-course, or hover-
ing and plunging into
the stream to rise suc-
cessful with a fish in the
beak, or perched upon
some isolated outpost
like aquatic Shrikes.
The harsh cry has been

aptly likened tO the FIG. 7.- KINGFISHER.

sound made by springing a watchman's rattle, and it is
no less startling in effect when breaking suddenly upon
an unexpecting ear.

The Kingfisher is a hole-breeder, like all of its tribe.
Some of the many exotic species, which are less aquatic
and feed rather upon insects and reptiles than upon fish,
nest in hollows of trees; but all the true piscivorous
Alcedinidoe burrow in the ground. A tunnel several —
four, six or eight — feet in length, either straight or

64 ALCEDINID.E : KINGFISHERS.

elbowed, is dug by the bird with its spear-like beak;
and in the chambered extremity of this excavation the
nest is made, — if a few fish-bones can be called a nest.
The sites selected are such as the Bank Swallow chooses ;
and not seldom a gravel-pit, pepper-boxed with Swallow's
holes, shows one larger orifice than the rest, out of which,
if one watch long enough, a Kingfisher will be seen to
dart with amazing celerity and exultant cry. The eggs
are laid late in May and in June. They average seven
in number, are pure white (like those of most hole-breed-
ers), and measure about 1.35 X i.oo. The Kingfisher nests
are usually " handy" to the water, but not necessarily so ;
for when no eligible site offers by the margin of the
stream or pond, it is a matter of a few moments for the
sturdy, sinewy bird to go a mile or more from his fishing-
waters and find himself suited. As regards his relations
with man, the bird has none that it cares to cultivate ;
is a thoroughly solitary, self-possessing creature, neither
courting nor shunning observation, but simply indiffer-
ent ; and one who minds his own business so well as to
be a perpetual rebuke to the busy-bodies who make
so much mischief in the society of featherless "forked
radishes."

C. ERYTHROPHTHALMUS : BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO. 65

FAMILY CUCULID^E: CUCKOOS.
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO.

COCCYGUS ERYTHROPHTHALMUS (Wils.) Bd.

Chars. Upper parts uniform satiny olive-green, or " Quaker-color,"
with bronzy reflections. Below pure white, or with a slight
rusty tinge ; little if any rufous on wings ; lateral tail-feathers not
contrasted in color with the middle pair, blackish for a little dis-
tance toward the end, then obscurely tipped with whitish ; such
coloration of the tail-feathers always sufficing to distinguish
the species from C. Americanus, without reference to other char-
acters. A bare livid skin around eye ; edges of eyelids red ;
bill blackish with little if any trace of yellow. Length, about
11.50; extent, 15.50; wing, 5.00-5.50; tail, 6.00-6.50; bill,
under i.oo.

Of the two Cuckoos which inhabit New England, the
Black-billed is a much more numerous and characteristic
bird than its rather southerly cousin of the yellow beak.
It is an abundant summer resident in the woodland of
all sections, arriving* about the middle of May, and re-
maining through September. But somewhat like C.
americanus, it is toward the end of its migratory tether
in New England, and therefore less common in the
Canadian than in the other two Faunae represented in
New England. Excepting for its hard dry voice, sound-
ing so strangely that, however often heard, one scarcely
becomes accustomed to the wild outcry, it would not be
very frequently noticed, with so sly and furtive a man-
ner does it wing its swift arrowy course through the
foliage, or study concealment in the umbrage. Its habits

66 CUCULID,E : CUCKOOS.

are specially secretive during the nesting season, when
it has much of the sneaking, skulking ways of the para-
sitic Cuckoos of the old world, which have set a stigma
upon the family name. At other seasons it is more
likely to come under observation, when its lithe form
enlarges by the spreading of wings and tail as the agile
creature turns and twists in active pursuit of its prey.
Nor is there any reason why the Cuckoo should hide its
head ; it is an orderly member of a disreputable family,
rarely practising the vice which disgraces so many of its
relatives, only lapsing occasionally into what the Evolu-
tionists call " atavism," when it drops an egg in some
other bird's nest by sheer force of hereditary habit. The
Cuckoo might reasonably apologize for such misdemeanor
by urging a weight of family cares which few birds have
to bear ; being unable, through some defect of its egging-
apparatus, to lay in rapid succession, and so incubate and
raise a brood at one effort. The eggs follow at such long
intervals, that some hatch before the rest are dropped ;
and what with gaping throats to be satisfied, eggs to be
covered and more to come, the birds have a hard time
of it. The wonder is not that they are sometimes remiss
or amiss in their duties, but that they do not seek a watery
grave in the nearest Kingfisher's premises.

The nest will usually be found in a low tree or bush,
sometimes even on a briar patch close to the ground.
It is a slight loose structure of twigs, often a mere plat-
form, but sometimes better finished with leaves, catkins
and bark-strips. The eggs are numerous, as already
hinted, but it is not easy to say exactly how many ; prob-
ably seldom over five. They are elliptical in shape,
greenish in color, of the tint prevailing in the eggs of
our herons, and measure about 1.15X0.90.

COCCYGUS AMERICANUS : YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO.

YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO.
COCCYGUS AMERICANUS (L.) Bd.

Chars. Upper parts as in foregoing species ; under parts milk-
white ; middle tail-feathers like the back in color, the rest black,
with large white tips ; wings extensively rufous ; under mandible
and edge of upper mandible yellow. Size of the last, or slightly
larger.

The traits and habits of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo are
those of the species just described, but the bird is much
less numerous
in New Eng-
land, and decid-
edly more south-
ern. It really
belongs to the
Carolinian Fau-
na, though over-
lapping the next
one, and even
appearing at

times in the FIG. S. — YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO.

Canadian. It is rather more of a woodland bird, keep-
ing more in higher forests, and usually nesting at a
greater altitude. Out of the immediate valley of the
Connecticut it is somewhat irregular in its appear-
ance, quite common some years in particular localities,
and again hardly to be found. Mr. Merriam calls it a
common summer resident in Connecticut. Mr. Minot
says that it has evidently become less numerous near
Boston than it once was, and is now considered rare in
many if not all parts of New England. Mr. Allen speaks

68 CUCULID^E: CUCKOOS.

of it as a rather frequent summer resident of Massachu-
setts, somewhat irregularly dispersed, and very variable
in respect to numbers in different years. At Amherst,
where I have found it breeding, it is more or less numer-
ous every year. According to Mr. Brewster it was not
seen by him at Upton, Franconia or Gorham, and was
rare at Norway, in Maine.

The nests and eggs cannot always be distinguished
from those of the Black-billed Cuckoo, with that cer-
tainty requisite for the value of oological material ; the
eggs are, however, on an average more oval, larger and
paler greenish. The same irregularity and delay in ovi-
position that we have noted in the case of the Black-
billed is witnessed in the present instance, it being the
rule to find in the nest eggs in various stages of incuba-
tion, with or without young birds also ; and this species
shows the same lingering tendency to drop eggs in alien
nests. It has recently been established that the Ground
Cuckoo of the Southwest, Geococcyx calif oniiamts, has
the same habit ; and various irregularities of the kind
are probably more prevalent among American Cuckoos
than many are aware. The species of Crotophaga, for
example, offer the curious case, that a flock clubs to-
gether to build an enormous nest, in which several indi-
viduals lay their eggs and hatch their young in a singular
sort of communism. Thus it appears that our Cowbirds
(Molothrus] are far from being alone among American
birds in undesirable domestic traits.

HYLOTOMUS PILEATUS : PILEATED WOODPECKER. 69

FAMILY PICID^: WOODPECKERS.

PILEATED WOODPECKER.

HYLOTOMUS PILEATUS (L.) Bd.

Chars. General color black ; head, neck and wings variegated with
white or pale yellowish ; bill dark horn color. Male, with a
scarlet crest, and scarlet cheek-patches. Female, with crest only
half scarlet, and no cheek-patches. Length, from 15.00 to
19.00 ; extent, about 28.00 ; wing, 8.50-9.50 ; tail, 6.00-7.00.

Another of the many chapters for which the non-
oscine and non-passerine land birds of New England fur-
nish us occasion opens with the largest and finest rep-
resentative of the Woodpecker family, many members of
which will be seen to enter into the composition of our
feathered fauna. The «Pileated Woodpecker, or Logcock,
or Black Woodcock, as the bird is called sometimes, is a
species of wide and general distribution in North America;
but a wild and solitary bird, delighting in the recesses of
forests deepest and hoarest with age. It is one which
retreats instinctively at the crack of the axe and the
shriek of steam, and is therefore almost exterminated in
the cleared and settled portions of New England. Some
years hereafter, the faithful compiler of the records will
present interesting items of the occurrence of this " rare
species " here and there ; but for the present it may be
spoken of in more general terms, as all of the "forest
primeval" still harbors the great, black, scarlet-crested
woodman, chips of whose powerful chiselling are still
scattered at the feet of many a decrepit monarch. In

7O PICID^E : WOODPECKERS.

the nature of the case as stated, the Pileated Woodpecker
is more numerous in northern than in southern New
England, not in the least as a matter of geographical
distribution, but simply because the heavy-timbered,
swampy backwoods are best suited to its .nature. Wher-
ever the bird makes its abode, its presence is likely to
be indicated by the noise of its hammering, audible at
much greater distances than the tapping of the weaker
Woodpeckers can be heard. It is also capable of much

more extensive
operations in
-denuding trees
of their bark,
often laying
them bare in
great areas. In

FIG. 9. — FOOT OF PILEATED WOODPECKER. thickly WOOded

swamp land, it may sometimes be seen working upon
fallen logs ; but it generally keeps high up among
the tree-tops, especially such as are blasted by lightning
or began their natural decay by " dying at the head."
From such elevated posts of observation it surveys a
wide ground ; watchful of every suspicious movement,
and wary to the last degree, it makes off at the first
alarm, and easily escapes pursuit.

The eggs of all the Woodpeckers are of a crystalline
texture, rounded form, and pure white color. They can-
not be distinguished from each other, not even by size.
For instance, the egg of the Pileated is remarkably small
in comparison with the linear dimensions of the bird ;
showing that the result depends largely upon the con-
figuration of the parent. The eggs average about 1.25 X
1,00, being thus not greatly larger than Flicker eggs.

PICUS VILLOSUS : HAIRY WOODPECKER. Jl

HAIRY WOODPECKER.

PlCUS VILLOSUS L.

Chars. Back black, with a long white stripe ; quills and wing-
coverts black, profusely spotted with white ; four middle tail-
feathers black ; next pair black and white ; next two pairs white ;
Under parts white ; crown and side of head black, with a white
stripe above and below the eye. Male with a scarlet band on
nape, which is wanting in the female ; in young birds the crown
is mostly red or bronzy. Varies greatly in size. Length, usually
9.00-9.50; extent, 16.00-17.00; wing, about 5.00; tail, 3.00; bill,
i.oo; tarsus, middle toe and claw, 1.66.

A resident bird throughout New England in wooded
regions, but not so abundant as its " little brother," the

FIG. 10. — HAIRY WOODPECKER.

Downy Woodpecker. There may be some shifting of
locality with season, though hardly a migration in the
strict sense of the term : for most observers agree that
the Hairy is more numerous in the winter than in sum-

72 PIC1DJE I WOODPECKERS.

mer, at any rate in southern New England. Such relative
numbers may perhaps be accounted for by the fact that
it is a rather shy and solitary bird, especially during the
breeding season, — one which resorts to secluded places
to nest, and is therefore less likely to come under obser-
vation. The clearing away of the forests affects this bird
as it does the Pileated, though to less extent, as the
Hairy will often visit orchards, gardens and parks, to
which the greater bird is a total stranger. The nesting
is in no wise peculiar ; the eggs are four to six in num-
ber, measuring about 0.85x0.65, laid in May and some-
times early in June. The young birds differ from the
adults in having the top of the head bronzy red or
even yellow, but may always be recognized by the
characters given above, being much larger than the
Downy Woodpecker, which they so much resemble in
coloration.

DOWNY WOODPECKER.

PlCUS PUBESCENS L.

Chars. Coloration exactly as in P. mllosus, excepting that all the
lateral tail-feathers are barred with black and white. Size much
less. Length, 6.00-7.00; extent, 11.00-12.00; wing, 3.50 ; tail,
less than 3.00 ; bill, about 0.66 ; whole foot, 1.25.

The numberless holes you have so often seen drilled
with regularity in rows around the trunk and large
branches of the apple-tree are the work of this indus-
trious and indefatigable little bird, whose tappings you
may often have heard, or whose speckled body has so
often put the tree-trunk in your line of vision when you
sought to watch the hammering and chiselling process.

PICUS PUBESCENS I DOWNY WOODPECKER. 73

The holes do not injure the tree, and the active carpin-
tcro is one of the best friends of the fruit-grower, by de-
stroying the insidious creatures which lurk beneath the
bark and work destruction of his hopes in the end, unless
their mischief is stayed by the friendly bird. Few of
our feathered friends, indeed, are more directly bene-
ficial to the husbandman than Woodpeckers, whose nat-
ural food is the eggs and larvae of insects that prey upon
the living objects of his concern ; and among them all
the Downy holds a leading place, through its great
abundance, its familiarity and its industry. Its work of
boring into the bark, par-
ticularly of the dryer,
older and more grub-in-
fested trees must not be
mistaken for the bark-
stripping operations of
the Sphyropicus, of which
more anon, though both
are too often confounded FlG- "--DowNY WOODPECKER.
by the careless observer under whose ban they come to-
gether with the name of " sapsuckers." Open the mouth
of one of these borers whose work is beneficial, seize the
tongue, and you may draw that curious organ far out
beyond the end of the beak : it is a slender, cylindrical,
sinewy spear, of a delicate flesh-color, arrow-headed and
barbed. By a wonderful muscular mechanism the bird
poises the quivering weapon and launches it forth with
unerring aim to secure the hapless grub, which is then
as adroitly withdrawn all writhing into the captor's horny
beak. The tongue of a Yellow-bellied Woodpecker is
so constructed as to be scarcely extensible, and there-
fore fails of any such office as I have described.

74 PICIDJE : WOODPECKERS.

Like the Hairy Woodpecker, the Downy is rather
more frequently observed in fall and winter than in the
breeding season ; it is often prompted to seek safety in
seclusion, but with the fearlessness of innocence, and
that confidence in humanity which one's own clear con-
science so often establishes, to be so often abused, it
not seldom nests in the orchard and garden. With
almost incredible labor do the hopeful and expectant
pair chisel a hole for the nest, relieving and cheering
each other until the excavation, to them more important
than the exhumation of a buried Ilium, is completed to
their satisfaction ; when, about the middle of May, upon
the bare chips and mould at the bottom of the cavity,
the mother bird finds her crystal spheres, to the number
of five or six, in size about three-fourths by three-fifths
of an inch.

BLACK-BACKED THREE-TOED WOOD-
PECKER.

PICOIDES ARCTICUS (Sw.) Gr.

Chars. Only three toes ; back uniform black ; under parts white,
barred on sides with black ; sides of head striped with black and
white ; quills spotted with white ; middle tail-feathers black,
lateral white, none barred. Crown of male with a square yellow
patch. Length, 8.00-9.00 ; wing, 4.50-5.00 ; tail, 3.50-4.00.

The whole range of ornithological science furnishes
scarcely another instance than the genus Picoides of the
reduction of the digits of a bird to three, of which only
two point forward, and of which the hind one is really
the outer toe reversed to take the place of a missing hal-
lux ; for in the three-toed genera of Alcedinidce (Alcyone

PICOIDES ARCTICUS I BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER. 75

and Ceyx), for example, one of the anterior toes is
aborted, and the proper hind toe remains in place. In
one of the genera of Pictimnidce, however, there are like-
wise only three toes. How the peculiarity originated, or
what useful purpose in the bird's economy is subserved
by this unique anomaly, we are ignorant. It may be
gravely doubted that a special creative fiat was required
to remove the inner hind toe of a Woodpecker ; and
more reasonably presumed that supreme intelligence
was equal to the establishment of laws by the orderly
operation of which the modification in question was
from the beginning a foregone necessity. However this
may be, the loss of a digit does not appreciably interfere
with the bird's pursuit of happiness, nor affect in any
marked degree its methods of attaining that end, which
are the same as those employed by all its four-toed
relations.

As implied in the name, the Black-backed Wood-
pecker is a boreal bird, finding the limit of its breeding
range, as well as of its permanent abode, in the forests
of northern New England, in the Canadian Fauna, and
being for the rest only a winter visitor, of more or less
rarity according to the weather or other extrinsic condi-
tions of its movements. In Connecticut, according to
Mr. Merriam, it is a rare winter visitor (B. Conn., 1877,
p. 64). The Massachusetts records are more numerous :
for instance, see Allen, Pr. Essex Inst, iv, 1864, p. 52;
Coues, ibid., v, 1868, p. 262 ; Allen, Am. Nat., iii, 1870,
p. 572 ; Purdie, ibid., vii, 1873, p. 693 ; Allen, Bull. Essex
Inst., x, 1878, p. 20; Deane, Bull. Nutt. Club, v, 1880,
p. 56; Brewster, ibid., vi, 1881, p. 182.

The general habits and mode of nesting are in no wise
peculiar. The eggs measure about 1.00X0.80.

76 PICID,E : WOODPECKERS.

WHITE-BACKED THREE-TOED WOOD-
PECKER.

PICOIDES AMERICANUS Brehm.

Chars. With only three toes like the last, and quite the same
coloration, excepting a white lengthwise stripe down the back,
which is interrupted by black bars. Size of the last.

This is a second species of the mutilate Woodpeckers
— one whose range is intrinsically the same as that of
its amputated congener, but whose winter wandering, as
far as known, is not as extensive as the Black-back's.
There is no record for the Carolinian Fauna that I am
aware of, and there are very few for the Alleghanian,
though the bird is now and then seen in Massachusetts
as a winter visitor from the north. Even in the forests
where it resides it is a rarer bird than P. arcticus. The
principal authority for its occurrence in Massachusetts
is Mr. Allen, who mentions a pair taken near Lynn by
Mr. George O. Welch (Am. Nat, iii, 1870, p. 572).

YELLOW-BELLIED WOODPECKER.
SPHYROPICUS VARIUS (L.) Bd.

Chars. Male: crown crimson enclosed in black; chin, throat and
breast black, enclosing a crimson patch on the former (which is
white in the female) ; sides of head with two white stripes, one
curving from the eye around the nape, the other running from
the bill down the side of the neck, these stripes separated by
black, and sometimes decidedly yellowish, instead of white ; belly
yellowish ; sides with dusky arrow-heads ; back variegated with
black and yellowish ; wings black, the quills profusely spotted

SPHYROPICUS VARIUS I YELLOW-BELLIED WOODPECKER. //

with white, the coverts with a large oblique white bar; tail
black, most of the feathers edged with white, and the upper
coverts mostly white. " Young birds lack the black areas of the
i head and breast, and the crimson throat patch, these parts being
mottled gray. But in any plumage the bird is recognized by its
yellowness, different from what is seen in any other eastern
species, and a broad white wing-bar." The tongue is scarcely
extensible. Length, about 8.50 ; extent, 15.00-15.50 ; wing, 4.50-
5.00 ; tail, 3.50. A slight variety (nuchalis\ with a band of red
on the nape in addition to that above described, is sometimes
seen in New England.

This is a very different kind of Woodpecker from any
of the foregoing — one remarkable not only for the
varied beauty of its coloration, but also for certain ana-
tomical peculiarities in which it stands alone among all
the New England species, and as the cause or result of
which, it is unlike the rest in its vital economy. The
tongue cannot be thrust far out of the mouth, nor is it
fashioned like a spear, being brushy at the end with little
of the acuteness and hardness seen in the same organ of
other Woodpeckers. It feeds upon insects, but only
derives a portion of its sustenance from such sources,
and takes the winged imagos readily by pursuing them
in the air and returning after such exploits to its perch,
almost in the manner of a Kingbird or Pewee. Nuts,
berries and other fruits vary its fare; and to procure
these it may often be seen creeping and hanging in the
strangest attitudes among the terminal twigs of trees,
so slender that they bend with the weight of the bird.
The traces of its carpenter work on trees are quite pe-
culiar ; for it has a way of operating on sound healthy
wood when the sap is flowing, by which patches of bark
some inches in diameter are removed. The object of
the bird is apparently to get at the soft succulent inner

78 PICIDjE : WOODPECKERS.

bark in which the circulation of the wood is most active,
and we cannot suppose that trees girdled and bled in
such fashion are not injured by the operation. To some
extent therefore the bird merits the name of "Sap-
sucker," and deserves the disfavor with which its ap-
pearance in the orchard is usually regarded.

Woodpeckers as a rule are stationary or nearly so,

FIG. 12. — YELLOW-BELLIED WOODPECKER.

shifting their quarters rather according to fortuitous cir-
cumstances than in obedience to the strict law of north-
south migratory impulse. If any one of our species
comes fully within the letter of the law, it is the Yellow-
bellied, as indeed might be inferred from what has been
said of the nature of its food. In southern New Eng-
land, the bird is chiefly observed in spring and fall ;
in other sections it is a common summer resident,
breeding in large numbers. No one should be sur-
prised to hear of the bird in mid-winter, though I
have overlooked the records to this effect, if any, in-
deed, exist. The mode of nesting is in no wise pecul-

CENTURUS CAROLINUS : RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER. 79

iar, nor are the eggs to be recognized by any infallible
characters. They are four to six in number, and meas-
ure about 0.90X0.75, but vary much in size as well as in
degree of sphericity.

RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER.
CENTURUS CAROLINUS (L.) Bp.

Chars. Upper parts closely banded crosswise with black and white ;
under parts whitish, reddening on the belly, with black arrow-
heads on flanks; tail black, tha outer feathers barred with white,
the central feathers with black and white spaces ; rump mostly
white ; primaries with large white blotches near the base, and
other smaller spots. Male with the whole crown and nape
scarlet. Female with less of this color. Length, 9.50-10.00 ;
extent, 16.50-17.50 ; wing, about 5.00 ; tail, about 3.50.

The Red-bellied is the rarest of all the New England
Woodpeckers, being in fact only a casual summer visitor
to the limit of the Carolinian Fauna, or slightly beyond.
There is at least one early record of its occurrence in
Connecticut, being that given by Linsley in 1843 (Am.
Journ. Sci., xliv, p. 263) ; and other instances of like
nature have latterly been added by Mr. Merriam (Hart-
ford and Suffield ; B. Conn., 1877, p. 65). Prof. Emmons
gave it as breeding in western Massachusetts many years
ago, and Mr. Allen has recently witnessed its occurrence
in May at Springfield (Pr. Essex Inst., iv, 1864, p. 53 ;
Bull. Essex Inst., x, 1878, p. 20. See also Plummer,
Bull. Nutt. Club, vi, 1881, p. 120; Brewster and Allen,
ibid., p. 183). It has been said to breed regularly
though rarely in Long Island, and has often been seen
in New York and Canada West.

8O PICID.E I WOODPECKERS.

RED-HEADED WOODPECKER.
MELANERPES ERYTHROCEPHALUS (L.) Sw.

Chars. Glossy blue-black ; whole head, neck, and forebreast crim-
son ; under parts from the breast, rump, and secondaries pure
white ; primaries and tail feathers black. Sexes alike : Young,
with the head plain gray, and the white secondaries barred with
black. Length, 9.00-9.50; extent, 16.50-17.50; wing, 5.25-
5.50 ; tail, 3-50-

The "red, white and blue" of this brilliant bird
makes by far the most artistic display of color-contrast
to be seen in the green woods of our country — not
even the Scarlet Tanager or the Rose-breasted Gros-
beak can compare with such flashing hues. Besides
being arrayed in the handsomest of attire, this Wood-
pecker is inexhaustible in fertility of inventions for
pleasure or profit, and so versatile in the exhibition of
resources for those ends as to partake of the character
of genius. Its habits are therefore not easy to describe
in a few words — its traits cannot be labelled in con-
ventional phrase, and filed away with those of other
woodpeckers — they require a pigeon-hole of their own,
which might be filled with anecdotes illustrating what
has been said, did not the limits of our work forbid us
that indulgence.

The appearance of the bird in New England is irreg-
ular, like most of its habits. Comparisons of the older
with most recent authorities on the subject indicate
that the species is now much less numerous than for-
merly. This can hardly be owing to the progress of
civilization, for the bird is as much at home in the
garden and park as in the depths of the woods. The

M. ERYTHROCEPHALUS I RED-HEADED WOODPECKER. 8 1

persecution which so conspicuous an apparition invites
may have something to do with decreasing the numbers
of the species ; for certainly all persons with gun in
hand, on their collecting tours, cannot resist the temp-
tation of a shot at the beautiful creature, and the bird
itself is one which never seems to profit by the lesson
of danger notoriety teaches. It really belongs to more
southern and western regions, its numbers in summer
being greater in the Middle and even the Southern States
than they are in New England ; and though it has been
seen in each of our six States, it does not ordinarily
proceed beyond Massachusetts. It was formerly not
uncommon around Amherst, where I found several
pairs nesting, and heard of others, and Mr. Purdie
narrates that of late years numbers have occurred in
Eastern Massachusetts (Bull. Nutt. Club, vii, 1882,
p. 57). Even in Connecticut it is not so numerous
that Mr. Merriam did not consider it worth while to
specify various instances of its observation or capture
in that State, where there appear to have happened
various irruptions of the bird in considerable numbers,
but at irregular intervals. Notwithstanding such scar-
city on the confines of its distribution, and in spite of
the fact that this species is one of the most decidedly
migratory members of its tribe, it has been found
within our limits in winter, on more than one occasion
— as, for instance, about Boston during December, Jan-
uary and February. It cannot be considered exclusively
a visitor from the South, knowing, as we now do, its
range in New York State, as recently indicated by Dr.
Merriam (Bull. Nutt. Club, vii, 1882, pp. 57, 63).

Wherever occurring at all in summer, it is not likely
to be found alone, but in pairs, and often in companies ;

82 PICimE I WOODPECKERS.

and its breeding in New England is one of the most
orderly events of its desultory existence. The mode of
nesting is not peculiar, a hole being excavated by the
joint labor of the pair, generally in decayed wood so soft
as to be readily chiselled out. A favorite situation is
the blasted top of a tree, at a considerable elevation ;
but its choice wavers with its whim, like all the rest of
its actions, and it will often nest in a stub or even a
fence-post. The eggs are usually four, five, or six in
number, of characteristic whiteness and smoothness,
measuring about i.oo by 0.80, but too variable in this
respect to be identified either by size or shape. The
diet of the bird is by no means confined to grubs dug
out of the bark ; it catches insects on the wing with
some address ; and is fond of acorns, beech-nuts, and
other small fruits, hard or soft, often laying the pro-
ducts of the orchard and garden under contribution by
way of variety.

GOLDEN-WINGED WOODPECKER ; FLICKER.

COLAPTES AURATUS (L.) SlV.

Chars. Back, wing-coverts and inner quills olive-brown, closely
barred with black : quills and tail-feathers black, with golden-
yellow shafts and under surfaces. Rump, snowy white ;
crown and nape, ash, with a scarlet band ; chin and throat, lilac-
brown ; a large black shield on the breast ; under parts with
numberless circular black spots ; tinged on the belly with yel-
low, on the sides with creamy-brown. Male, with black max-
illary patches, wanting in the female. Length, 12.00-13.00 ;
extent, 18.00-20.00 ; wing, 5.75-6.25 ; tail, 4.50.

Last but not least of its interesting tribe comes this
beautiful Woodpecker, so well known in New England

C. AURATUS : GOLDEN-WINGED WOODPECKER.

as to have received half a dozen popular names besides
those by which it is usually designated, as above. It is a
resident, but less common in winter than at other times,
as scarcity of food or other causes sends most individuals
southward during the most inclement part of the year.
It is a bird of wood-land, and nests after the manner of
others of its family by excavating a hole in trees : but
it is far from being con-
fined to the depths of
the forests, displaying.its
gilded plumes and emi-
nent musical inability in
parks, orchards, and even
in fields, and by the way-
side remote from forests.
Its slightly curved bill is
less sharp and chisel-like
than most woodpeckers',
and its boring for insects
in wood is less habitual.
Much of its food consists
of fruits, and it is partic-
ularly fond of ants. To
procure these insects it FIG. J3.- FLICKER.

visits their hills, and finds no difficulty in capturing them
by means of its very extensible, lumbriciform tongue, cov-
ered with tenacious saliva, and capable of being thrust
out several inches beyond the point of the beak. Its body
sometimes acquires a smell of formic acid from such diet.
This is one reason why the Flicker is so often seen
away from trees, and foraging on the ground. Even
when in the woods, it is often observed perched upon a
bough in the fashion of ordinary birds, rather than

84 FICID^E : WOODPECKERS.

clinging to the upright trunks. Although so numerous
and ubiquitous, the Flicker is a shy and watchful bird,
easily alarmed by any unwonted approach, and quick to
change its base of operations when disturbed, unless it
has already made its nest.

In this labor, shared by the two sexes with equal
assiduity, the birds are untiring until the hole is exca-

FIG. 14. — HEAD OF COLAFTES AURATUS. Natural size.

vated to the proper depth, and repeated annoyances
seldom suffice to drive the devoted pair from their
chosen abode. If the nest is robbed, the female will
bravely go on laying eggs — in some instances to the
number of nearly two dozen before her resources are
exhausted. If undisturbed, the usual number of eggs
is six or seven, in shape not so nearly spheroidal as
those of more typical Woodpeckers. They measure on
an average about 1.15 in length by 0.90 in breadth, but
are very variable in size and shape. As soon as the

C. AURATUS : GOLDEN-WINGED WOODPECKER. 85

young are strong enough to use their feet, they
scramble to the entrance of the burrow, and may soon
after be seen clinging to the bark near the nest, while
the anxious, but delighted parents, proud of their prom-
ising beauties, encourage them to take short flights, till
by degrees they become confident on the wing, and able
to take care of themselves. Such duties and pleasures
over, the birds display more strongly than in spring their
sociable and almost gregarious nature, being generally
seen trooping in considerable numbers until late in the
fall, when all but the most hardy individuals make their
way southward.

86 STRIGID.E : OWLS.

FAMILY STRIGID^E: OWLS.
BARN OWL.

FLAMMEUS PRATINCOLA (Bp.) CoueS.

Chars. Facial disc highly developed. No tufts on head. Ex-
ternal ear very large, operculate. Plumage very downy. Colors
above, tawny, clouded with ashy and whitish, speckled with black-
ish. Below, varying from whitish to fulvous, with sparse, sharp
blackish spots ; face white or fulvous, dark about the eyes, and
bordered with dark brown. Wings and tail barred with brown,
and mottled like the back. Feet bristly, but not densely feathered.
Length, 16.00-17.00; wing, 12.00-13.00; tail, 5.50; bill whitish;
toes yellowish.

Of the thirteen species of Owls found in New Eng-

FIG. 15. — FOOT OF BARN OWL. Natural size.

land, the present is the rarest, excepting the Burrowing
Owl, which only occurs accidentally. The Barn Owl is
little more than a straggler to southern New England ;
and the recorded instances of its occurrence are very
few. Many years ago, a specimen was taken by the

BUBO VIRGINIANUS : GREAT HORNED OWL. 8/

Rev. J. H. Linsley at Stratford, Conn. (Am. Jour. Sci.,
xliv, 1843, p. 253). According to Mr. Merriam, one was
found by Dr. Wm. O. Ayres at Hartford, Conn., about the
year 1841; and another was killed at Madison, Conn.,
some years ago (B. Conn., 1877, P- 67). The fourth
record for the State is given by Mr. J. A. Allen, who
states that Dr. William Wood has a specimen in his
cabinet shot at Sachem's Head, Conn., Oct. 28, 1865
(Am. Nat., iii, 1870, p. 570). There are two Massa-
chusetts records : the first, given by Dr. Coues on Mr.
Allen's authority, of a specimen killed near Springfield,
in May, 1868 (Pr. Essex Inst., v, 1868, p. 312) ; the other
of one shot in Lynn, about 1864, as given by Mr. Allen
(Am. Nat., iii, 1870, p. 646). The alleged Maine in-
stance (Brown, Bull, Nutt. Club), ii, 1877, P- 28) nas
proven erroneous. See Brown, Bull. Nutt. Club, vii,
1882, p. 58.

GREAT HORNED OWL.
BUBO VIRGINIANUS (Gm.) Bp.

Chars. Of great size, with conspicuous ear-tufts, and facial disc
complete ; feet entirely feathered. Length about 2 feet ; extent,
4 feet ; wing, 16.00 inches ; tail, 10.00. Plumage intimately
varied with blackish, whitish, light and dark brown, and tawny :
a white collar on the throat. The sexes are alike, but the female
is larger than the male.

This large and powerful Owl, yielding only to the
Great Gray Owl in size, and to none of its tribe in spirit
and vigor, is a resident bird throughout New England,
and one of the commonest of the nocturnal birds of
prey. It chiefly inhabits the forests, but not seldom is

88

STRIGID.E : OWLS.

its dismal hooting heard from some tree about the
farm-house in places where the woods have been cleared
away ; while its occasional raids upon the poultry yard
are only too well known. No nest is usually con-
structed : the eggs are laid in the hollow of a tree, or in
the cleft of rocks, often in the deserted nest of a hawk,

which is patched up
to suit, and very early
in the season — in
February or March,
seldom if ever later
than April. State-
ments of authors are
greatly at variance re-
specting the nidifica-
tion, as well as the
number of eggs. So
widely distributed a
bird doubtless changes
its habits to some ex-
tent according to cir-
cumstances ; but in
New England, at any
rate, the rule is that
no nest is built, and
only two eggs are laid.
The probability is, also, that the eggs produce a male
and female, as usual among pigeons. They are white
in color, and measure about 2.25 by 1.90. These fine
large Owls are sometimes taken alive in traps, and may
easily be reared from the nest ; they stand confinement
well, and make interesting pets for those who are fond
of studying the traits of rapacious birds in captivity.

FIG. 16. — GREAT HORNED OWL.

SCOPS ASIO : SCREECH OWL J RED OR MOTTLED OWL. 89

SCREECH OWL: RED OR MOTTLED OWL.

SCOPS ASIO (L.) Bp.

Chars. A miniature Bubo in form, with equally conspicuous ear-
tufts, feathered legs and bristly toes. The plumage differs so
remarkably (and not according to age, sex, or season), that the
" red," and "gray " or "mottled " Owl were long supposed to be
two distinct species. In the gray plumage, the bird is gray,
paler or whitish below, speckled with blackish above, and below
blotched with the same. In the other condition, the general tone
is bright brownish-red above, with sharp black streaks ; below,
whitish or fulvous, much variegated. In either state, the wings
and tail are barred with light and dark colors. Length, 8.00-
10.00 inches ; extent, about 20.00 ; wing, 6.50-7.00 ; tail,
3.00-3.50.

FIG. 17. — SCREECH OWL.

9O STRIGID^E I OWLS.

A very common New England species, like the last,
but strictly nocturnal, seeming dazed by the light when-
ever it is forced to fly from the dark nooks where it
loves to pass the day. The Great Horned Owl, on the
other hand, flies well by day, seeming little incommoded
in the sunshine. The nest of this little species is in a
hollow tree, with sticks, leaves or feathers to receive
the eggs : these are four to six in number, measuring
about 1.40 by 1.25, and are laid usually in April. The
bird is one of those that comes the most familiarly about
houses, sometimes even taking up its residence in an out-
building. Its tremulous, screeching notes, very different
from the deep-mouthed hooting of the larger Owls, are
familiar to all who have any experience with rural
sounds. Like other Owls, the whole tribe of which are
more notable in such respect than the diurnal birds of
prey, the present species is very beneficial to the farmer
by destroying field-mice. It is indeed to be regretted
that the good offices of Owls are not more fully recog-
nized. Though " the mousing Owl " is proverbial, few
appear to have learned the full truth of the expression.

LONG-EARED OWL.
Asio WILSONIANUS (Less.) Coues.

Chars. A medium-sized species, with conspicuous ear-tufts, facial
disc complete, immense external ears, and feathered feet. Plu-
mage above intimately variegated with dark brown, fulvous, and
whitish ; breast more fulvous, sharply striped ; belly whiter,
striped and barred with blackish ; wings and tail mottled, and
closely barred with fulvous and dark brown. Face pale tawny,
with black spots and eye-patches ; bill and claws blackish.
Length, 14.00-15.00; extent, 36.00; wing, 11.00-12.00; tail,
5.00-6.00 ; ear-tufts about 2 inches long, of 8 to 12 feathers.

ASIO ACCIPITRINUS I SHORT-EARED OWL. . QI

Resident, and not uncommon throughout New Eng-
land. It inhabits woods and thickets, and is seldom
seen abroad in daylight, unless startled accidentally
from its retreat. Though so similar in form to the
Short-eared Owl, and often found in marshy and bushy
places with the latter, it has ways of its own, and neither
nests on the ground nor is partial to swampy localities.
The nest is usually in some thick evergreen tree, and
built by the bird itself, though a deserted crow's or
hawk's nest is sometimes utilized for the purpose. The
eggs are laid in April, numbering from four to six ; they
are of the usual shape and color, but quite variable
in size, varying from 1.41 to 1.65 in length, by about
1.25 in diameter.

SHORT-EARED OWL.
Asio ACCIPITRINUS (Pall.) Newt.

Chars. Above, completely variegated, chiefly in streaks, with fulvous
or tawny and dark brown ; breast much the same ; other under
parts paler, usually bleaching on the belly, which is sparsely and
sharply streaked (never barred) with dark brown ; feet and crissum
usually immaculate whitish or pale tawny ; under surface of wings
uninterruptedly white. Quills of the wings varied, mostly in large
pattern, and tail pretty regularly barred, with the two colors of
the upper parts. Facial area white or nearly so, but with large
black eye-patch ; ruff minutely speckled with fulvous and blackish,
white-bordered internally, and usually with a blackish patch be-
hind the ear ; radiating feathers of the ear-flap streaked with
blackish and fulvous. Iris bright yellow ; bill and claws dusky-
bluish. Feet feathered to the claws ; soles perfectly naked,
granular, yellowish. External ear-parts extremely large, 2 inches
or more across the longest way ; ear-tufts small, inconspicuous,
few-feathered. Length of male, 14.50; extent, 41.00; wing,
11.75; tai'l> 6-°°; f°ot> to end °f Diddle claw, 3.50; chord of
oilmen, i.io. Female somewhat larger.

92 STRIGIM: : OWLS.

The Short-eared Owl is one of the commonest species,
rather more so than the last, and seems to be especially
numerous in marshy places along the coast. It is some-
thing of a ground Owl, oftener seen in low thickets and
brakes than in high woods, and is frequently abroad in
the daytime. It sometimes gathers in considerable
companies, being one of the few species ever observed
" in flocks." This is one of the most patient and persistent
hunters of the shrews and field-mice, which, when nu-
merous, are a serious annoyance to the farmer ; and on
this account deserves to be protected and encouraged,
though it is also destructive to various small birds. It
may sometimes be observed during the day quartering
low over marshy ground, on the lookout for its game ;
but is oftener startled from its retreat in some thick
bush, when it rises as if confused, and hurries off for a
few yards to pitch down again out of sight. The nest
is usually built on the ground, in a loose, slovenly man-
ner, consisting of a few twigs, grasses, and feathers.
The eggs are commonly four to six in number, laid in
April ; they are chalky white, subspherical, and measure
about 1.55 by 1.25.

GREAT GRAY OWL.

STRIX CINEREA Gm.

Chars. Of largest size ; length about 2^ feet ; extent, 4$ ; wing, i£ ;
tail, I or more. Head smooth, without ear-tufts ; facial discs
complete, and of great extent ; ear-parts moderate, operculate ;
eyes rather small. Tarsi and toes fully feathered. Above, ashy-
brown, mottled in waves with ashy-white ; below, similar but
paler, the markings disposed in streaks on the breast, elsewhere
in bars ; the great face discs marked in concentric rings of
lighter and darker colors ; wings and tail with five or six bars.

STRIX CINEREA : GREAT GRAY OWL. 93

This is an Arctic species, -decidedly more so than the
Snowy Owl even, of infrequent occurrence in northern
New England, and rarely straggling as far as Connecticut
in winter only. The great size of the bird renders it
conspicuous on the rare occasions when it favors us
with a flying visit, and perhaps most of its occurrences
become known. There is but one Connecticut record,
that given by Linsley, of a capture at Stratford,
Jan. 6, 1843 (Am. Journ. Sci., xliv, 1843, P- 253)- Mr.
Merriam (Rev. B. Conn., 1877, p. 70) adduces a Massa-
chusetts record from the History of Lynn, 1865, in
which is narrated the capture of a specimen near Bos-
ton in the winter of 1852. Dr. Coues catalogues two
Massachusetts specimens in the Museum of the Essex
Institute, both taken in Essex County, one in the win-
ter of 1866-67, tne other in February, 1859 (Pr- Essex
Inst, v, 1868, p. 260). Mr. Allen adduces several
Massachusetts instances (Pr. Essex Inst., iv., 1864, p.
8 1 ; and Am. Nat., iii, 1870, p. 570). Mr. N. C. Brown
speaks of a specimen in the collection of the Portland
Society of Natural History, found dead some years
before on one of the islands in Casco Bay ; adding
that the specimen remained unique for that locality,
though he had also examined one taken at Brunswick (Pr.
Portl. Society, Apr. 1882). Mr. Babcock of Sherborne
informs me that an individual was shot many years
ago in a large pine swamp near his residence. Mr.
Minot speaks of one which he observed in some
pine woods near Milton, Mass., early in 1875, toward
the end of an exceptionally severe winter (B. N. E.,
l877> P- 331)- The great bird may be resident in
Northern New England, but we have no advices of its
presence there in summer.

94 STRIGIDyE : OWLS.

BARRED OWL.

STRIX NEBULOSA Forst.

Chars. Resembling the last in form, but much smaller, and other-
wise easily distinguished. Length, about 18.00 ; extent, 40.00 ;
wing, 14.00 ; tail, 9.00. Upper parts ashy-brown, barred with
white and tinged with fulvous ; under parts similar, but lighter,
the markings in cross-bars on the breast, elsewhere in streaks ;
the wings and tail barred with brown and white, ashy, or tawny.

A rather common resident species in New England,
generally inhabiting thick woods, and not so frequently
coming under observation as some of the others. It
may easily be recognized by its similarity in form to the
Gray Owl, having the same large smooth head and im-
mense facial discs ringed with light and dark colors, in
connection with its much smaller size and barred breast.
The hooting outcry is also characteristic. The numbers
of the birds appear to decrease with the clearing off of
the forests to which they are so much attached, but
these Owls are still numerous. The nest will be found
in the hollow of a tree, or high up in a crotch ; the eggs,
to the number of three or four, are white and spheroidal,
measuring about two inches in length by one and two-
thirds in breadth ; they are usually laid in April. The
food of the species, as of others of the family, consists
of small quadrupeds, birds, and insects.

SNOWY OWL.
NYCTEA SCANDIACA (L.) Newt.

Chars. Of large size ; nearly 2 feet long ; wing, 17 inches ; tail, 9
or 10. The head is apparently smooth, but there are really small

NYCTEA SCANDIACA : SNOWY OWL.

95

ear-tufts, generally overlooked. Facial discs large and complete.
Feet densely clothed with feathers. Color white, with more or
fewer dark markings, according to age, sex, or other circum-
stances ; some individuals are nearly white, but the majority are
fully spotted with dusky, especially on the upper parts. The
general appearance, however, is unm'stakable.

Though an Arctic species, this is a very frequent
winter visitor in New
England, whose ap-
pearance is too com-
mon and too nearly
regular to require
any citation of spe-
cial instances. In
some seasons there
is a sort of irruption
of these birds from
the north, and we
hear of their capture
in all quarters, they!
being too conspicu-
ous both in size and
color to escape atten-
tion. Such a case
occurred in the win-
ter of 1877, as re-
corded by Mr. Ruthven Deane (Bull. Nutt. Club, ii, Jan.,
1877, p. 9), and many other observers. The great white
bird not seldom extends its winter wanderings to the
Middle States. The summer home is beyond our limits,
and extends to very high latitudes ; but, as suggested
by Mr. Boardman, the Snowy Owl may yet be found
breeding in the woods of Maine.

FIG. 18. — SNOWY OWL.

96 STRIGID^E : OWLS.

HAWK OWL; DAY OWL.
SURNIA FUNEREA (L.) Rich, and Sw.

Chars. Dark brown above, more or less thickly speckled with
white ; below, closely barred with brown and whitish, the throat
alone streaked ; quills and tail with numerous white bars ; face
ashy, margined with black. Length about 16.00 ; extent, 32.00 ;
wing, 9.00 ; tail, 7.00, graduated, the lateral feathers 2 inches
shorter than the central. Except in the length of its tail, which
produces linear measurements unusual for a bird of its bulk in
this family, its general form is that of the Snowy Owl. Like that
species, it is a bird of Arctic regions, coming southward in winter,
but its range is more restricted, rarely extending to the Middle
States. It is the most diurnal bird of the family, ranging abroad
at all times, and approaches a hawk more nearly than any other.

The Hawk Owl doubtless inhabits the woods of
Northern New England as a permanent resident, and
has actually been observed in Maine during the breed-
ing season ; but I am not aware of authentic advices, as
yet, of its nesting within our limits. It is recorded from
each of the other States, excepting Rhode Island. In
Connecticut, it was unknown until 1869, when Dr. F. W.
Hall procured a specimen in November (Merriam, B.
Conn., 1877, p. 73). In Massachusetts it is a rare and
irregular winter visitor, but has been on the books since
1833 at least; Mr. Allen gives several instances (Am.
Nat., iii, 1869, p. 569) ; I have a specimen taken near
Amherst, and Mr. Maynard mentions two examples
(Birds E. N. A., 1881, p. 278). Further north, the bird
becomes one of regular occurrence in winter. The nest
is usually placed in trees ; it is composed of sticks, lined
with hay, grass and feathers ; the eggs are four to six
in number, 1.50 to 1.62 long X 1.20 to 1.30 in breadth.

N. TENGMALMI RICHARDSONI I RICHARDSON'S OWL.

RICHARDSON'S OWL.
NYCTALA TENGMALMI RICHARDSONI (Bp.) Ridg.

Chars. Above, olivaceous chocolate brown, spotted with white ;
beneath white, spotted and streaked with a brown similar to the
back, but a little darker ; disc, white ; a white spot between bill
and eye ; wings and tail with white spots on both webs, the latter
with from 8 to 10 pairs. Bill, light yellow ; iris, yellow ; tarsus
feathered ; disc complete. Cere not tumid, the nostrils pre-
senting laterally and obliquely oval. Length, 10.00 ; extent,
21.00 to 23.00 ; wing, 7.25 ; tail, 4.50.

Still another of these rare and shadowy night-callers
from hyperborean regions — this time a little fellow, much
smaller than any of the foregoing excepting Scops, though
exceeding the common " Saw-whet " considerably. It is
more common in Northern New England, where it is prob-
ably resident, like the Snowy and Hawk Owls, and whence
it makes its silent and irregular way southward in winter.
The Connecticut record is single to date : that of a speci-
men captured many years ago in midwinter at East Wind-
sor Hill, as recorded by Dr. William Wood in the Hart-
ford Times of Aug. 24, 1861 (Allen, Pr. Essex Inst, iv,
1864, p. 52; Merriam, B. Conn., 1877, p. 73). The
Massachusetts instances are several : see, for instance,
Allen, as just quoted, and in Am. Nat., iii, 1870, p. 646;
Maynard, Nat. Guide, 1870, p. 133 ; and Brewer, Pr.
Bost. Soc., xx, 1879, P- 27I- The last named author
says: ''Mr. Harry Merrill, writing Feb. 14, 1879, in-
formed me that he had recently procured an example
of this species in the neighborhood of Bangor. It was
kept alive for some time, and Mr. Merrill was interested
to learn that Mr. Audubon procured the only living

98 STRIGID.E I OWLS.

specimen he had ever seen of this species, in Bangor, in
1832. And Feb. 26, 1879, Mr. Outram Bangs procured
a female example near Newton, Mass." In Rhode
Island, the bird appeared near Providence in the winter
of 1 88 1, as stated by F. T. Jencks (Bull. Nutt. Club, vi,
1 88 1, p. 123). The eggs are described as measuring
1.28 x 1.06.

SAW-WHET OR ACADIAN OWL.
NYCTALA ACADICA (Gm.) Bp.

Chars. A small Owl, with the head untufted, the facial discs com-
plete, the ears operculate, the tarsus longer than the middle toe,
the tail nearly even, the third quill longest, the first five emargin-
ate. Less than the last: length, under 8.00; extent, 17.00;
wing, 5.50 ; tail, 2.67, thus not more than half as long as the
wing. Color above chocolate-brown, spotted with white, the
tail with transverse white bars ; the adult with the facial area
and forehead variegated with white, the face and superciliary line
grayish-white, the lower parts white, with spots or streaks of the
color of the back ; the young with the facial area and forehead
dark brown, the face dusky, the eyebrows pure white, the lower
parts brown, paler on the belly, unmarked. Thus similar to N.
richardsoni in color, but the bill is black, with tumid cere, and
the nostrils open interiorly.

Unlike the three last, this diminutive Owl, the smallest
of any to be found in the Eastern States, is a resident
inhabitant of our country, and not so uncommon as its
infrequent capture or observation might lead one to
suppose. Being completely nocturnal, and of such
slight personal presence, it is less likely to be seen than
are its queer scraping notes, which have been likened
to the sharpening of saw teeth with a file, to be heard

S. CUNICULARIA HYPOG^A : BURROWING OWL. 99

in the depths of the woods the curious little creature
inhabits. The nest is usually in the hollow of a tree,
where are laid, in April, eggs to the number of four,
five, or six, white in color, and of the usual shape for
this family, measuring only one inch in length by seven-
eighths in diameter.

While it is scarcely necessary to enlarge upon the
numerous cases of the occurrence of so common a bird,
the reader in search of particular instances may be
referred to the following late records, attesting its con-
stant presence and breeding in various parts of New
England: Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst.,v, 1868, p. 260; Brewer,
Pr. Bost Soc., xvii, 1875, p. 444; Purdie, Bull. Nutt.
Club, i, 1876, p. 72; ii, 1877, p. 14; Deane, ibid., ii,
1877, p. 84; Allen, Bull. Essex Inst, x, 1878, p. 21 ;
Merriam, B. Conn., 1877, P- 745 Minot, B. N. E., 1877,
p. 334; Brewster, Bull. Nutt. Club, vi, 1881, p. 143;
vii, 1882, p. 23.

BURROWING OWL.
SPEOTYTO CUNICULARIA HYPOG^EA (Bp.) Coues.

Chars. Above, grayish-brown, with white, black-edged spots; below,
tawny white, variegated with reddish-brown, chiefly disposed in
bars ; face and throat whitish ; crissum and legs mostly un-
marked ; quills with numerous paired tawny white spots, and
tail-feathers barred with the same ; bill, grayish-yellow ; claws,
black. Length, 9.10 long ; wings, 6.50-7.50 ; tail, 3.50-4.00. No
tufts ; facial disc imperfect; tarsi very long, extensively denuded,
bristly like the toes. Prairies and open portions of the United
States west of the Mississippi; Florida.

Though we trust our outline of the New England
Owls is not a "chapter of accidents," the occurrence of

IOO STRIGID.E : OWLS.

the Burrowing Owl in our midst, with note of which we
finish consideration of the night-birds of prey, certainly
belongs to such a category. One individual of this
singular species made its appearance at Newburyport,
in Massachusetts, May 4, 1875, at which time and place
it was done to death by Messrs. H. Joyce and J. K.

FIG. 19. — BILLS AND FEET OF BURROWING OWLS.

Clifford, as originally stated by Mr. Ruthven Deane in
the "Rod and Gun" newspaper, vol. vi, May 15, 1875
— as duly repeated by Dr. T. M. Brewer, Pr. Bost. Soc.,
xvii, 1875, p. 444; by Mr. H. D. Minot, B. N. E., 1877,
p. 343; by Mr. J. A. Allen, Bull. Essex Inst., 1878, p.
21 — and as here again said. Burrowing Owls occur in
Florida, and are very common on the Western plains
where they live in prairie-dog towns as well as in com-
munities by themselves. Varieties of the same species
inhabit portions of the West Indies and South America.

C. CYANEUS HUDSONIUS : MARSH HAWK, OR HARRIER. IOI

FAMILY FALCONID^E: HAWKS.

MARSH HAWK, OR HARRIER.

CIRCUS CYANEUS HUDSONIUS (L.) Schl.

Chars. Face with an imperfect disc, somewhat as in the Owls, to
which this genus is related. Bill weak, with a lobe on the cut-
ting edge of the upper mandible, but no tooth. Wings, tail, and
feet long for the bulk of the bird ; the tarsi are scutellate before
and behind, and twice as long as the middle toe ; nostrils oval.
Plumage of the old male remarkably different from that of the
female and young. Above, pale ashy blue, nearly unvaried ;
below nearly white ; the quills blackish toward the end. Upper
tail coverts conspicuously white on both sexes, at all ages,
female and young, above, dark brown streaked with reddish-
brown, below, the reverse of this ; tail banded with these colors.
Length of male, 1 6.00-1 8.00 ; extent, 40.00; wing, 14.00-15.00;
tail, 8.00-9.00 ; female about 2 inches longer, and other dimen-
sions correspondingly greater.

The Diurnal Birds of Prey, including all kinds of
Hawks, Harriers, Kites, Falcons, Eagles, and Buzzards
(not the Turkey Buzzard), are well represented in New
England, where no fewer than seventeen species or
varieties are found — three of them of rare or excep-
tional occurrence, the remaining fourteen more or less
abundant and generally distributed. The first species
we present is one of the "ignoble" hawks, of com-
paratively little spirit and ambition, and altogether
little above the level of a "mousing owl." The Harrier
flies at the most humble game, feeding chiefly upon field-
mice, shrews, frogs, toads, and insects, and may usually

102

FALCONID.E : HAWKS.

be seen quartering low over the ground in search of
such quarry. Though it has great sweep of wing, in
proportion to its bulk of body, it seems to lack the
address, if not also the courage, to cope with creatures
possessing good resources for self-preservation or self-
defence. It is particularly attached to low, watery
places, where mice and reptiles most abound; and in
further evidence of humility, the nest is placed on
the ground, — an exceptional manner of nidification

FIG. 20. — MARSH HAWK.

among Hawks. The nest is about a foot in diameter,
and three inches in depth, consisting of twigs and
grasses, usually without special lining. The eggs, which
are laid in May, are four or five in number, measuring
(on an average, for they vary much) about 1.85 X 1.45.
They are pale greenish-white, without bold marking,
usually almost uniform, but sometimes with dull obscure
spots and blotches of very pale brown, with still paler
neutral tint or lavender shell-spots.

The Harrier is one of the common New England
Hawks, present during the greater part of the year if

ELANOIDES FORFICATUS I SWALLOW-TAILED KITE. IO3

not the whole, but oftenest seen in spring, summer, and
fall, as it moves off when the waters close, and the frogs
and mice are in their winter quarters. The opposite
sexes are often mistaken for different species, but even
our brief description should suffice to correct such error.

SWALLOW-TAILED KITE.
ELANOIDES FORFICATUS (L.) Coues.

Chars. Head, neck, and underparts, white ; back, wings, and tail,
lustrous black. Tail a foot or more long, deeply forficate ; wing,
15-18, pointed; feet small, greenish- blue ; claws pale; tarsi
reticulate and feathered half-way down in front; toes hardly
webbed ; nostrils broadly oval. A beautiful bird, common in
the South Atlantic and Gulf States, where it is a marked feature
of the scenery in regions where the sunbeams are redolent of the
orange and magnolia, and where the air reeks with the pestilent
miasm of the moss-shrouded swamps that sleep in perpetual
gloom. But, imbued with a spirit of adventure, and possessing
unequalled powers of flight, it often wanders far from its southern
home — to the bleak and windy fields of Dakota, the tamarack
fastnesses of Minnesota, the green slopes and gray crags of our
own beloved New England.

Its occurrence in this portion of the United States is,
however, rare and casual. It was ascribed to Vermont,
no doubt correctly, by a writer of the last century, and
has been shot on Long Island. Coming to later dates
we find Mr. Allen speaking of its appearance at Whately,
Mass., about 1868 (Am. Nat, iii, 1870, p. 645) ; and Mr.
Merriam cites two Connecticut instances (B. Conn.,
J877, p. 76). One of these occurrences was at Lyme,
New London Co., July 2, 1877 ; the other in the vicinity
of Portland, in the summer of 1861. Although the bird

IO4 FALCONID^E I HAWKS.

was shot in neither of these cases, we presume there
could be no mistake in identifying an individual of so
remarkable a species.

SHARP-SHINNED HAWK.
ACCIPITER FUSCUS (Gm.) Bp.

Chars. Bill short, stout, very high at base for its length, without
tooth. Legs extremely slender. Tarsus feathered but a little
way down in front, the bare portion longer than the middle toe ;
tarsal scutella frequently fused. Toe, long, slender, much webbed
at base, and padded underneath. Fourth quill longest, second
shorter than sixth, first very short. The ordinary plumage is
dark brown above (deepest on the head, the occipital feathers
showing white when disturbed) with an ashy or plumbeous shade
which increases with age, till the general cast is quite bluish-ash ;
below, white or whitish, variously streaked with dark brown and
rusty, finally changing to brownish-red (palest behind and slightly
ashy across the breast) with the white then only showing in nar-
row cross-bars ; chin, throat, and crissum mostly white with
blackish pencilling ; wings and tail barred with ashy and brown
or blackish, the quills white-barred basally, the tail whitish-
tipped. Bill dark ; claws black ; cere and feet yellow. Length
of male, 10.00-12.00; extent, 22.00; wing, 6.00-7.00; tail, 5.00-
6.00 square ; female an inch or two longer, and correspond-
ingly larger in other dimensions.

This spirited and dashing little Hawk is one of New
England's common species, especially in the breeding
season ; for it chiefly withdraws from our limits during
the colder months, probably not passing the winter
except in our southern districts. It is commonly known
as the " Pigeon Hawk ; " but that name belongs prop-
erly to the small species of Falco (not Accipiter) de-

ACCIPITER COOPERI : COOPER S HAWK. 1 05

scribed beyond as F. columbarius, and local naturalists
should be careful to make the proper discrimination,
especially when they speak of the nest and eggs. The
present is much more abundant than the true Pigeon
Hawk, and in most sections one of our best known
birds of prey. It preys chiefly upon small birds and
quadrupeds, captured in the dashing manner of all the
species of this group, and, like its small allies, feeds to
some extent upon insects ; the size of its quarry is some-
times not inferior to that of the bold hunter itself, and
nothing can surpass the impetuosity with which this
Hawk makes its attacks. It nests in trees, or on rocks,
preferably the former, laying four or five eggs. They
are difficult of concise description, because so variable.
The white ground-color has often a livid or even purplish
tint, and is marked, often so thickly as to be obscured,
with large, irregular splashes of various shades of brown,
interminably changeable in number, size, and pattern,
sometimes inclining to form masses or a wreath, some-
times more evenly distributed. The egg is of nearly
equal size at both ends, and measures about 1.45 by
1.15. The bird is a late breeder, laying commonly the
latter part of May, and early in June. The nest is
usually placed high in a tree, preferably an evergreen,
and built of sticks or twigs, in the crotch of a limb, but
sometimes the deserted nest of a squirrel is selected
and repaired to suit.

COOPER'S HAWK; CHICKEN HAWK.
ACCIPITER COOPERI Bp.

Chars. Coloration and changes of plumage the same as those of
A. fuscus. Form stouter, and size much greater. Feet moder-

io6

FALCONID^E : HAWKS.

ately stout ; bare portion of tarsus shorter than middle toe ; the
tarsal scutella always distinct. Tail a little rounded. Length
of male, 16.00-1800 ; extent, about 30; wing, 9.00-10.00; tail,
7.00-8.00 ; female averaging about 2 inches longer than the male,
the wing and tail an inch longer. In this species the whole foot,
though relatively shorter than that of A.fuscus, is four inches or
more in length ; infuscus the same part is only 3.50, or less.

Cooper's Hawk is one of our most abundant species,
particularly in the lower tier of States; it is chiefly a

FIG. 2i. — BILL AND FOOT OF COOPER'S HAWK, nat. size.

summer resident, but many individuals remain through
the winter. For audacity and address in capturing birds
and quadrupeds of considerable size, it is surpassed by
few of its tribe, while its physique is sufficiently power-
ful to enable it to play havoc with domestic poultry. Its
common name of Chicken Hawk is earned by its exploits
in the barn-yard, where its raids are no less frequent
than successful. It not seldom strikes down birds
bulkier than itself, and in fact too heavy for it to fly
away with.

Numbers additional to those that winter with us make
their appearance in March, and it is not till the following

ACCIPITER COOPERI : COOPER S HAWK. TO/

November that the visitants move southward. The
birds pair in April, and lay the latter part of this month
or early in May. The nest is usually high in a tree,
preferably an evergreen, resembling that of a Crow ; the
birds usually build for themselves, but sometimes fit up
a Crow's nest, or the nest of some other Hawk, to suit
their purposes. They appear to be devoted and assidu-
ous progenitors, if the way they persist in their efforts,
under discouraging circumstances, be taken as any
criterion. More than one instance has been recorded
of their laying at least thrice, when their nest has been
repeatedly robbed. Three, four or five eggs may be
found in the nest. They measure from 1.80 by 1.55 to
2. 10 by i. 60 — figures showing the variation both in size
and shape — they average about 1.90 by 1.50. They
resemble those of the Marsh Hawk so closely as to be
not certainly distinguishable, but they are usually more
globular, and with a more granulated shell. The great-
est diameter is at or very near the middle ; difference in
shape of the two ends is rarely appreciable. They are
usually more uniform in color than those of most hawks,
normally resembling the pale, scarcely-marked examples
occasionally laid by most species. The ground-color is
a white, faintly tinted with pale bluish or greenish-
gray ; if marked, it is with faint, sometimes almost
obsolete, blotches of drab, liable to be overlooked with-
out close inspection ; only an occasional specimen is
found with decided, though still dull and sparse, mark-
ings of pale brown.

IO8 FALCONID.E : HAWKS.

AMERICAN GOSHAWK.

ASTUR ATRICAPILLUS (WHs.) Bp.

Chars. Adult, dark bluish-slate blackening on the head, with a
white superciliary stripe ; tail with four broad dark bars ; below,
closely barred with white and pale slate, and sharply streaked
with blackish. Young, dark brown above, the feathers with pale
edges, streaked with tawny-brown on the head and cervix ;
below fulvous-white with oblong brown markings. Female 2 feet
long ; wing, 14 inches ; tail, 1 1 ; male smaller. A large, power-
ful, and, in perfect plumage, a very handsome hawk, inhabiting
northern North America ; the northern half of the United States
chiefly in winter.

1 i. s noble hawk, one of the handsomest birds of the
family when in perfect plumage, is a decidedly boreal
species, entirely wanting in the southern portions of the
United States, appearing only in winter, and in small
numbers, in the middle districts, but common along our
northern frontier. According to the records examined,
it is, as a rule, rare in Southern New England, where,
however, it appears some winters in considerable num-
bers. Mr. Allen remarks that it was common in
Massachusetts in the winter of 1859-' 60; and Mr.
Samuels states that the same season he received a dozen
or fifteen specimens from the vicinity of Boston. The
only region in the United States where it is reported as
regularly resident is Northern New England, where,
both Mr. Boardman and Prof. Verrill state, it is of
common occurrence, and breeds. But it has been seen
in summer in Massachusetts, and doubtless breeds in
that State. Mr. Maynard describes the eggs as three
or four in number, rather spherical in shape, of a

FALCO GYRFALCO I GYRFALCONS OR JERFALCONS. IOQ

bluish-white color, either immaculate or finely mottled
with pale reddish-brown ; the size, 2.30 by 1.82 to 2.32
by 1.92. According to Dr. Brewer, the egg of the
Goshawk is 2^6 long by ijf broad, nearly spherical,
roughly granulated, soiled white, with a faint bluish
shade, "marked irregularly with large but quite faint
blotches of drab and yellowish-brown." It thus closely
resembles that of Cooper's Hawk, differing chiefly in its
larger size ; and the nidification is represented as being
the same in essential particulars. In the nature of its
prey, its mode of securing it, its general habits and
nature, we find it also much the same, the only differ-
ence resulting from its superior prowess, if not more
ferocious nature.

GYRFALCONS OR JERFALCONS.
FALCO GYRFALCO L.

Chars. Tarsus feathered fully half-way down in front, with only a
narrow bare strip behind, irregularly reticulate on the bare parts ;
longer than the middle toe. First quill shorter than the third ;
second quill longest ; first alone decidedly emarginate on the
inner web. Upward of 24.00 long ; wing, about 16.00 ; tail, 10.00.
Bill with a sharp tooth on cutting edge of upper mandible ; the
end of the under mandible notched or truncate. Nostrils with
a centric tubercle. Color white, with dark markings, much as in
the Snowy Owl ; or, ash-colored with numerous lighter bars ; or,
quite blackish. Young, longitudinally striped on under parts.
An arctic Falcon of circumpolar distribution, in this country
reaching the Northern States. It is split into several varieties,
which, however, do not seem to be strictly geographical, and
concerning which ornithologists are singularly agreed to dis-
agree — inter negotia talia, cuique suum. In var. candicans,
which is the best marked form, inhabiting North Greenland and

I IO FALCONID^: : HAWKS.

other high latitudes, the white predominates over the dark mark-
ings; the bill and feet are whitish. This form is probably never
seen in the United States. In var. islandicus, dark markings
predominate ; the bill and claws are dark ; the crown is lighter
than the back, and the dark moustaches are slight. This form
occurs in New England, as a rare winter apparition. The var.
sacer, the North American representative of F. gyrfalco of
Northern Europe, is like the last, but with the crown darker than
the back, and the moustaches heavy ; it is believed to have been
seen in New England. Var. obsoletus is still darker, quite
blackish ; this form even breeds in New England.

Dark-colored Gyrfalcons are of occasional occurrence
in New England, notes to which effect run many years
back in the history of the subject. Of late, one form,
the darkest of all, has been ascertained to reside in
Northern New England. Specimens supposed to repre-
sent two other varieties have also been taken at various
times. The form candicans has apparently never oc-
curred, though the name has been repeatedly attached
to New England examples of Gyrfalcon.

Mr. Purdie has obligingly looked up the later records
with the following result :

F. gyrfalco obsoletus. Massachusetts, two instances :
Breed's Island, Boston Harbor, Oct., 1876, Cory, Nuttall
Bull., ii, 1877, p. 27; Essex County, Purdie, ibid., iv,
1879, P- I^9- Dumerston, Vermont, a rare resident,
Brewer, Pr. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist, xvii, 1875, P- 444-
Calais, Me., Brewer, ibid., xix, 1878, p. 306; Boardman,
Pr. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., ix, 1862, p. 122, under name
of " F. candicans."

F. gyrfalco sacer (Forst.) Maine, Piscataquis Co., one
instance, believed to be its first recognized occurrence
in Eastern U. S., certainly the first in New England :
Purdie, Nutt. Bull., iv, 1879, P- 188. (Does the " F.

FALCO PEREGRINUS : DUCK HAWK. Ill

gyrfalco" of Allen, Bull. Essex Inst. x, 1878, p. 21, No.
164, belong here or to the next form ?)

F. gyrfalco islandicus. Rhode Island, one specimen,
near Providence, winter of 1864-' 5 : Allen, Am. Nat.,
iii, 1869, p. 513 ; this specimen, given by Allen as F.
sacer, has since been identified with islandicus ; see
Hist. N. A. Birds, iii, 1874, pp. 114, 115.

Here may belong also the following records : F.
islandicus, Putnam, Pr. Essex Inst., i, 1856, p. 226,
Seekonk Plains, Mass, (same record as quoted by Allen,
Pr. Essex Inst. iv, 1864, p. 81, under name of F. candicans,
and in part the same as quoted by Coues, Pr. Essex
Inst., v, 1868, p. 254, under name of F. sacer). F. candi-
cans, Verrill, Pr. Essex Inst, iii, 1862, p. 139; "not un-
common " at Norway, Me. F. sacer, Maynard, Nat.
Guide, 1870, p. 134, and Pr. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist.,
xiv, 1872, p. 382. Hierofalco gyrfalco islandicus, Brown,
Pr. Portland Soc. Nat. Hist., Apr. 1882; Portland, Me.

DUCK HAWK: PEREGRINE FALCON.
FALCO PEREGRINUS Tunstall.

Chars. Tarsus feathered but a little way above in front, not longer
than middle toe. First quill not shorter than third; second
longest ; first alone decidedly emarginate on inner web.
Nostril with a central tubercle; bill toothed as in all the true
Falcons. Length about 18 inches; wing, 13.00-14.00; tail, 7.00-
8.00. Above, blackish-ash, with more or less evident pale edg-
ing of the feathers. Forehead and under parts white with more
or less fulvous tinge, and blackish transverse bars ; conspicuous
black cheek patches. Young with the upper parts browner, the
tawny shade below stronger, the under parts striped lengthwise.

H2 FALCONIM: : HAWKS.

The Peregrine occurs at intervals in all suitable places
in North America, and it is not a little remarkable that
its extensive breeding range should have only lately been
ascertained. Mr. Allen, with the assistance of Mr. C.
W. Bennett and Dr. W. Wood, of East Windsor Hill,
Connecticut, have been conspicuous in elaborating the
history of the species, and especially in establishing the
fact that it regularly breeds on several of the mountains
in and near the Connecticut River Valley. Mr. Board-
man reports the same item from Grand Menan, where,
he says, the bird is resident, and regularly breeds on the

FIG. 22. — DUCK HAWK.

cliffs. Dr. Wood, in the Hartford Times of June 29,
1 86 1, states that four nearly fledged young were taken
from a nest on Talcott Mountain, near Hartford, June i,
1 86 1, the female parent being shot. Writing in 1864
(Pr. Essex Inst, iv, 1864, p. 50), Mr, Allen states that
Mr. Bennett took young birds, " a few years since," on
Mount Tom, near Springfield, Massachusetts. Shortly
afterward, Mr. Allen announced the discovery of the eggs
by Mr. Bennett, on Mount Tom, April 19, 1864; these
were the first known to have been procured in New
England, or, indeed, in the United States. The unusual
interest attaching to his article induces us to quote at
some length :

FALCO PEREGRINUS : DUCK HAWK. 113

" Although the Duck Hawk has been long known to
breed at the localities in Massachusetts mentioned above
[Mounts Tom and Holyoke], those conversant with the
fact were not aware that any special interest was attached
to it, or that its eggs and breeding-habits were very little
known to ornithologists ; and so, until very recently, no
particular efforts have been made to procure the eggs.
Mr. Bennett, becoming aware of this, resolved to pro-
cure the eggs. He accordingly visited Mount Tom
for this purpose, April 6th of the present year [1864],
when he searched the whole ridge of the mountain, dis-
.covered the old birds and the particular part they most
frequented, and also the site of a nest, where the young
had been raised. The old birds were continually near
this spot, and manifested much solicitude when it was ap-
proached, often flying within six or eight rods, and once
the female came within three, screaming and thrusting
out her talons, with an expression of great rage and
fierceness. The birds did not appear at all shy, being
easily approached quite nearly, though, in walking, the
cracking of sticks and the clinking of splinters of trap-
rock made no little noise. One of the birds appeared to
keep close to the eyrie, and both would approach when-
ever it was visited, screaming at and menacing the in-
truder, notwithstanding that at that time there were no
eggs. Mr. Bennett, suspecting that incubation had com-
menced, visited the locality again on the Qth, but only
saw the old nest, the birds behaving as before. Ten days
later he made another visit, and, creeping carefully to the
summit of the cliff, at a point near the eyrie already
spoken of, he saw the female, on looking over the cliff,
sitting on the nest, and but five or six yards distant.
She eyed him fiercely for an instant, and then, scrambling

ii4 FALCONIM: : HAWKS.

from the nest to the edge of the narrow shelf supporting
it, launched into the air. In a twinkling Mr. Bennett's
unerring aim sent her tumbling dead at the foot of the
precipice, several hundred feet below. The nest con-
tained four eggs, which were soon safely secured, and
the body of the female was obtained from the foot of the
cliff. The male soon coming about was shot at, but he
was too shy to come within range, excepting once, when
the gun was being reloaded. The eggs were all laid
after April 9, and their contents showed, April 19, that
they had been incubated but a day or two. Incubation
seems, in this case, to have commenced several weeks
later than usual, which may have been owing to the late
snows and unusual coldness of the weather this year dur-
ing the first half of April.

" The situation of the eyrie was near the highest part
of the mountain, about one-third of the length of the
mountain from its south end, on a narrow shelf in the
rock, eight or ten feet from the top of a nearly perpen-
dicular cliff, 150 or 200 feet in height, and was inacces-
ible except to a bold climber, and at one particular point.
The nest was merely a slight excavation, sufficient to
contain the eggs ; no accessory material had been added.
The site had been previously occupied, and probably for
several years ; and for weeks before the eggs were laid
was carefully guarded by the bold and watchful birds."

These four eggs averaged 2.22 long by 1.68 broad, with
2.22 by 1.71, and 2.16 by 1.65 as maxima and minima, re-
spectively. The smallest was larger than the one meas-
ured by Dr. Brewer (2.00 by 1.56), which he obtained in
Labrador. They also varied considerably in contour, and
in heaviness and extent of coloration they showed a series
from the darkest and most nearly uniform to the lightest

FALCO PEREGRINUSI DUCK HAWK. 11$

and most sparsely marked, in which latter the contrast
between the white ground and the blotches was strik-
ing. Of the darkest egg the writer says : " The gen-
eral color is chocolate-brown, darker and more dense and
uniform about the ends, the part about the middle being
lighter, varied with small irregular blotches and specks of
a darker tint than the ground color. The color of the
smaller end is a nearly uniform dull red ochre. There is
also an irregular belt of scattered and apparently very
superficial blotches of very dark brown or nearly black."
Two other eggs, as already mentioned, graded toward
the lightest, which is thus described : " The greater end
of the egg, which in the egg of most birds is the end most
subject to markings and to the greatest depth of color,
is white, sprinkled sparingly with reddish specks ; while the
smaller end is deep bright brick-red, here and there re-
lieved by small specks and patches of white ground color.
About the middle of the egg the colors are in more equal
proportions, the white patches becoming larger on the
smaller end toward the middle, and the red patches on
the larger end increase toward the same point, where the
colors meet and become mixed in irregular patches of
various sizes, from mere dots to blotches."

Mr. Allen continues the subject in his latter communi-
cation to the American Naturalist (iii, 1869, p. 514).
" One or more pairs of these birds have been seen about
Mounts Tom and Holyoke every season since the first
discovery of their eggs at the former locality, in 1864.
Mr. Bennett has since carefully watched them, and his
frequent laborious searches for their nests have been
well rewarded. In 1866 he took a second set of eggs,
three in number, from the eyrie previously occupied.
In 1867 the male bird was killed late in April, and this

Il6 FALCONID.E I HAWKS.

apparently prevented their breeding there that year, as
they probably otherwise would have done ; at least no
nest was that year discovered. In 1868 Hawks of this
species were seen about the mountains, and, although
they reared their young there, all effort to discover their
nest was ineffectual. The present year (1869) they
commenced to lay in the old nesting-place, but as they
were robbed when but one egg had been deposited, they
deserted it, and chose a site still more inaccessible.
Here they were equally unfortunate ; for, during a visit
to the mountain in company with Mr. Bennett, April 28,
we had the pleasure of discovering their second eyrie,
and from which, with considerable difficulty, three freshly-
laid eggs were obtained. Not discouraged by this
second misfortune, they nested again, this time de-
positing their eggs in the old eyrie, from which all,
excepting the last set of eggs, have been obtained.
Again they were unfortunate, Mr. Bennett remov-
ing their second set of eggs, three in number, May 23,
at which time incubation had just commenced. The
birds remained about the mountain all the summer,
and, from the anxiety they manifested in August, it
appears not improbable that they laid a third time, and
at this late period had unfledged young.

See also the interesting article by Dr. Wood in the
American Naturalist, v, 1871, p. 82. Our latest accounts
of the nidification are given by Mr. F. H. Knowlton in
the Nuttall Bulletin, v, 1880, p. 57, from observations
made at Brandon, Vermont, where a pair of Duck Hawks
are known to have bred for more than twenty years.

As to the distribution of the Duck Hawk in New
England there is little to note, the bird being of general
though infrequent or irregular occurrence, excepting in

FALCO COLUMBARIUS : PIGEON HAWK. 1 1/

the particular localities to which it happens to resort
to breed. Mr. Allen cites it for Massachusetts as a
" rare resident ; more common in winter than in sum-
mer, and along the coast than in the interior." Its
breeding in Connecticut, where, however, it is not a
common bird, has already been noted. Mr. N. C.
Brown has lately instanced the only case of its occur-
rence near Portland, which has come to his knowledge.

PIGEON FALCON : PIGEON HAWK.
FALCO COLUMBARIUS L.

Chars. Tarsus scarcely feathered above, with the plates in front
enlarged, appearing like a double row of alternating scutella (and
often with a few true scutella at base) ; i stand 2d quills emargi-
nate on inner web. Adult male above ashy-blue, sometimes al-
most blackish, sometimes much paler ; below pale fulvous, or
ochraceous, whitish on the throat, the breast and sides with large
oblong dark brown spots with black shaft lines ; the tibiae reddish,
streaked with brown ; inner webs of primaries with about eight
transverse white or whitish spots ; tail tipped with white, and
with the outer feather whitening ; with a broad subterminal
black zone and 3-4 black bands alternating with whitish ; cere
greenish-yellow, feet yellow. Female with the upper parts ashy-
brown ; the tail with 4-5 indistinct whitish bands. Length, about
13.00; wing, 8.00; tail, 5.00; male smaller. Observe that Acci-
piterfuscus is also called " pigeon hawk."

According to Dr. Brewer, this spirited little falcon is
a migratory visitant in Southern, and a summer resident
in Northern New England. Dr. Coues says : " Gener-
ally distributed, not abundant ; resident ; breeds at least
as far south as Massachusetts. Individuals are of general
occurrence throughout New England." Mr. J. N. Clark

Il8 FALCONID.E : HAWKS.

records it from Saybrook, Ct, "as very common in
the migrations." Mr. Allen says for Massachusetts :
" rather rare, chiefly occurring in spring, fall, and win-
ter ; " and Mr. Merriam says : " that in Connecticut, it
is not uncommon in spring and fall, and has been ob-
served in May, June, and July, with the inference of its
breeding in that state."

There has been so much doubt and uncertainty regard-
ing the eggs of this Falcon, that we are the more pleased
to offer an unquestionable description, derived from ex-
amination of specimens in the Smithsonian. The size
varies from 1.50 by 1.30 to i.Soby 1.30 — figures also
indicating the range of variation in shape, some being
subspherical, others elongate-oval. Coloration ranges
from a nearly uniform deep rich brown (chestnut or
burnt sienna), to whitish or white only, marked with a
few indistinct dots of dull grayish or drab. Such ex-
tremes are connected by every degree ; a yellowish-brown
ground-color, irregularly splashed with rich ruddy brown,
is the usual style. The markings may be very evenly
distributed, or mostly gathered in a wreath around one
or the other end, or even both ends.

RUSTY-CROWNED FALCON: SPARROW
HAWK.

FALCO SPARVERIUS L.

Chars. Crown ashy-blue, with a chestnut patch, sometimes small
or altogether wanting, sometimes occupying nearly all the crown ;
conspicuous black maxillary and auricular patches, which with
three others around the nape make seven black places in all,
but a part of them often obscure or wanting ; back cinnamon
brown, in the male with a few black spots or none, in the female

FALCO SPARVERIUS : SPARROW HAWK. IIQ

with numerous black bars ; wing coverts in the male ashy-blue,
with or without black spots, in the female like the back ; quills in
both sexes blackish with numerous pale or white bars on the
inner webs ; tail chestnut, in the male with one broad black
subterminal bar, white tip, and outer feather mostly white with
several black bars ; in the male the whole tail with numerous im-
perfect black bars ; below white, variously tinged with buff, or
tawny, in the male with a few black spots or none, in the fe-
male with many brown streaks ; throat and vent nearly white
and immaculate in both sexes ; bill dark horn, cere and feet
yellow to bright orange. Length, 10.00-11.00 ; wing, 7.00 ; tail.
5.00, more or less.

This elegant little Hawk will be immediately recog-
nized by its small size, and
entirely peculiar coloration,
although the plumage varies
almost interminably. It is a
common New England bird,
and resident, though less
numerous in winter than at
other seasons. It is also
somewhat locally distributed. FlG- ^--SPARROW HAWK.
Thus, I have found it to be quite abundant in the
vicinity of Amherst, where nests are found nearly
every year, and specimens are frequently procured.
As far as I can ascertain, it builds no nest, but lays
its eggs in the hollow of a tree, usually twenty or
thirty feet from the ground, or even more. Dr. Wood
has described a novel site chosen by a pair at Granby,
Connecticut, who attacked and killed a pair of doves,
took possession of the dove-house, which was inside a
barn with holes leading outward, and made themselves
quite at home ; they laid four eggs, and began to incu-
bate, with the evident intention of feeding on the farmer's

I2O FALCONID.E : HAWKS.

chickens : so they died the death. Five or six eggs ap-
pear to be the usual nest-full ; seven are stated to have
been found in one clutch. They are nearly spheroidal,
measuring about 1.33 in length by 1.12 in breadth. The
ground-color is usually buffy, or pale yellowish-brown ;
this is blotched all over with dark brown, the splashes of
.which are usually largest and most numerous toward the
greater end, at or around which they may run into a
crown or wreath. Some eggs are pale brown, minutely
dotted all over with dark brown ; some are white, with
pale brown spots ; and a few are whitish, without
any markings. It is a known fact that this Hawk will
lay again in the same nest if robbed of its eggs. An
instance is recorded of two sets of five eggs being
taken in succession from one nest.

I have successfully reared the young, which exhibited
affectionate docility, refusing to leave when set at liberty
and returning at intervals to be replaced in its cage. Dr.
Coues narrates that while he was at Columbia, in South
Carolina, a neighbor had three Sparrow Hawks for some
time. As they had been taken from the nest when quite
young, they became in a measure reconciled to captivity.
They ate any kind of meat freely, and as they grew up,
began to display much of their natural spirit. When
tormented in the various ingenious ways people have of
"stirring up" caged birds, they would resent the indig-
nity by snapping the bill, beating with the wings, and
clutching with their talons at the offending cane or um-
brella tip. One of them was a cripple, having a broken
leg very badly set, and the other two used to bully him
dreadfully. One night, whether from not having been
fed sufficiently, or being in unusual bad humor, they set
upon him, killed him outright, and almost devoured him.

BUTEO BOREALIS : RED-TAILED BUZZARD. 121'

RED-TAILED BUZZARD : HEN HAWK.
BUTEO BOREALIS Gm.

Chars. Adult dark brown above, many feathers with pale or tawny
margins, and upper tail-coverts showing much whitish ; below
white or reddish-white, with various spots and streaks of different
shades of brown, generally forming an irregular zone on the abdo-
men ; tail above bright chestnut red, with subterminal black zone
and narrow whitish tip, below pearly gray ; wing-coverts dark.
Young with the tail grayish-brown closely barred with darker, the
upper parts with tawny streaking, the under parts white with dark
markings, usually wanting on the breast. The young are a long
time in acquiring the full plumage. They are long full grown before
the red of the tail appears, and this is usually in advance of the
fulvous of the under parts that the old birds display. I have seen
specimens with nearly perfect red tail, yet showing pure white
on the breast and the same elsewhere underneath, though marked
with the usual dark-brown spots and streaks. A large stoutly-
built hawk ; female 23.00 ; wing, 15.50 ; extent, 50.00 or more ;
tail 8.50 ; male 20.00 ; wing, 14.00 ; tail 7.00. Four outer primaries
emarginate on inner webs ; tarsus short, stout, extensively
feathered above.

This is the largest and most powerful of the Buzzard
Hawks, and only exceeded in these respects by the
Gyrfalcons. It is a permanent resident, and one gener-
ally distributed. You may see the great bird perched
erect and watchful, on some lone tree that gives command
of a wide horizon, no less mistrustful of the approach of
man than confident of its own ability to capture the
quarry its keen eye is so eager to descry ; or you may
notice it again, single or two together, circling high
over head in graceful gyration with motionless wings,
ever and again sending forth its shrill note of defiance.
Still it is on the whole of sluggish and heavy disposition,

122

FALCONID^E: HAWKS.

and is unfitted as well by physical organization for the
deeds of daring address, for which the Falcones and
Astures are so famous. It is not quick enough to strike

birds on the wing, and perforce contents itself with
humbler, less active and more defenceless game.

These Buzzards mate early, constructing a large and
bulky, though shallow, nest in a high tree, of sticks and

BUTEO LINEATUS I RED-SHOULDERED BUZZARD. 123

smaller twigs, mixed toward the centre with grass, moss,
or other soft material, and often a few feathers. The
same nest is often used during successive years. The
eggs are generally three in number, sometimes two or
four, about 2.40 long by rather less than 2.00 broad.
They are dull whitish in color, sometimes with only a few
markings of dull brownish-gray, but oftener extensively
blotched with several shades of rich brown. They may
be looked for in April, the young usually being out by
the end of that month.

RED-SHOULDERED BUZZARD ; WINTER
HAWK.

BUTEO LINEATUS (Gm.)Jard.

Chars. General plumage of the adult of a rich fulvous cast; above,
reddish-brown, the feathers with dark brown centres ; below a
lighter shade of the same, with narrow dark streaks and white
bars ; quills and tail blackish, conspicuously banded with pure
white, the bend of the wing orange-brown. Young plain dark
brown above, below white with dark streaks ; quills and tail
barred with whitish. Nearly as long as B. borealis, but not
nearly so heavy ; tarsi more naked ; female 22.00 ; extent,
48.00 ; wing, 14.00; tail, 9.00; male 19.00; wing, 13.00; tail, 8.00.

This is the most abundant of all our large hawks,
resident throughout the year, and in fact the usual
representative of its tribe in winter. Its habits are in
all respects similar to those of the Red-tail, though it is
inferior in size and strength. The nest is much the
same in character, but smaller, more likely to be farther
from the main stem of a tree ; it is said to be not so long
reoccupied. The eggs, as usual, have a wide range of

124 FALCONIM: : HAWKS.

variability in size and color, but they are usually more
highly-colored than those of the Red-tail, just as the
general plumage of the bird is, the pale or nearly white
varieties being rare. In size they range from 2.00 to
2.25 in length by about 1.75 in breadth; the usual
number is three or four, sometimes five, and even six
have been found in the nest in one instance.

SWAINSON'S BUZZARD.

BUTEO SWAINSONI Bp.

Chars. Three outer quills emarginate on outer web. Extremely
variable in color, but usually showing a broad dark pectoral band
contrasted with light surroundings and numerous (8-12) narrow
dark tail bars. A smaller bird than the foregoing; female about
20.00; wing, 16.00; tail, 8.50; male less; not so stoutly built; wings
and tail relatively longer ; chiefly Western North America, also
Canada and Massachusetts. A western species, of casual occur-
rence in our country, thus far in two known instances.

Mr. Wm. Brewster sums up the evidence of this rare
visitor as follows : " The claim of the above-named
species to be regarded as a bird of New England has
hitherto rested solely upon a specimen in melanistic
plumage (formerly specifically separated as/?, insignatus}
shot a few years since at Salem, Mass., and now in the
Museum of the Peabody Academy (as recorded by Allen,
Bull. Essex Inst, x, 1878, p. 22). It is with pleasure
that I can now announce the capture of a second indi-
vidual at Wayland, Mass., on or about September 12,
1876. Through the kindness of Mr. Arthur Smith, of
Brookline, to whom it was originally sent in the flesh,
this bird has recently come into my possession. It is a

BUTEO PENNSYLVANICUS : BROAD-WINGED BUZZARD. 12$

young male in nearly perfect autumnal dress, and though
not typically melanistic, it still inclines strongly towards
that condition." (Bull. Nutt. Club, iii, 1878, p. 39.)

BROAD-WINGED BUZZARD.

BUTEO PENNSYLVANICUS (Wils.) Bp.

Chars. Above, umber-brown, the feathers with paler, or even with
fulvous or ashy-white, edging, those of the hind head and nape
cottony-white at base ; quills blackish, most of the inner webs
white, barred with dusky; tail with about three broad dark zones
alternating with narrow white ones, and white-tipped; conspicu-
ous dusky maxillary patches j under parts white, or tawny,
variously streaked, spotted or barred with rusty or rufous, this
color usually predominating in adult birds, when the white chiefly
appears as oval or circular spots on each feather ; throat gener-
ally whiter than elsewhere, narrowly dark-lined. In the young,
the upper parts are duller brown, varied with white, the under
parts tawny-whitish with linear and oblong dark spots, the tail
grayish-brown with numerous dark bars. Female 18.00; extent,
40.00; wing, 11.00; tail, 7.00 ; male less. A rather small but
stout species, with short broad wings, very different from any of
the foregoing ; the maxillary patches are a strong feature.

A resident species in New England, but less common
than the Red-tail or Red-shoulder, and seldom to be seen
in winter, when probably only in southern portions. The
general habits are not peculiar in comparison with those
of its allies, and the nidification is similar.

Mr. Samuels states that a nest he visited the 2Oth of
May, 1864, in West Roxbury, Massachusetts, was built
in the fork of a tall pine-tree, near the top, and composed
of coarse sticks and twigs, lined with red cedar bark,
leaves, and feathers. It contained four eggs, measuring

126 FALCONID^: : HAWKS.

from 2.00 to 2.15 long, by 1.70 to 1.72 broad; dirty
yellowish-white, covered more or less thickly in the
different specimens with spots and blotches of reddish-
brown. Other specimens had fainter markings, while
in others, again, the spots were finer and darker. The
nest, of which little was learned until of late years, has
been found frequently in Massachusetts, near Boston,
Springfield, Williamstown, Newton, West Roxbury, and
Leverett ; in the latter place, on Mount Toby, the bird
is apparently a regular breeder, both on the Leverett
and on the Sunderland side. In Connecticut, Mr.
Merriam says : It breeds sparingly about New Haven,
and Mr. W. W. Coe has taken quite a number of their
nests, together with several of the finest birds 'that I
have ever seen in the vicinity of Portland, Conn. (B.
Conn. 1877, p. 87.)

ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD.
ARCHIBUTEO LAGOPUS SANCT-JOHANNIS (Gm.) Ridg.

Chars. Large hawks with the tarsi feathered in front to the toes ;
about 2 feet long ; wing 16.00-18.00 ; tail 8.00-10.00. Four outer
primaries emarginate on inner web. Below, white, variously
dark-marked, and often with a broad black abdominal zone ; but
generally no ferruginous. North America;, abundant. The
so-called " black hawk " is a melanotic state, in which the whole
plumage is nearly uniform blackish.

This large Hawk, in black or the other plumage
easily recognized by the feathered shank, is a north-
erner ; seldom, if ever, found in summer in our country ;
though the black variety is given by Dr. Brewer as
resident in Maine. It is a bird of very irregular distri-
bution ; being particularly attached to low wet meadows,

PANDION HALIAETUS : OSPREY J FISH HAWK. I2/

such as are affected by the Harriers and Short-eared
Owls, it is almost necessarily local and scattering.
Though of great size, its prey is very humble, consisting
chiefly of mice, reptiles, and insects. The nest is placed
indifferently on trees or cliffs. The eggs, three or four
in number, and measuring about 2^- by i| inches, run
through the usual variations, from dull whitish, scarcely
or not at all marked, to drab or creamy, largely blotched
with different shades of brown, sometimes mixed with
purplish slate markings.

Although belonging to a group technically said to be
"ruling" Buzzards (" Archibuteo"), it is difficult to see
where the claim to royal purple lies in this species and
others of the same genus, for they certainly lack the
qualities that go to make hawks famous. Viewing their
splendid presence, we wonder, as a late writer says,
"that the object of such an admirable organization is
nothing more important than the destruction of the
smallest and most defenceless of quadrupeds or of
reptiles. Yet such is apparently the case. Many of the
birds of this group, though powerful in structure, and
furnished with the usual apparatus of strong and sharp
bill and claws, and other accompaniments of predatory
habits, rarely attack any animal more formidable than a
mouse or ground squirrel, or in some cases a frog or
other of the weaker species of reptiles."

OSPREY; FISH HAWK.
PANDION HALIAETUS (L.) Sav.

Chars. Plumage lacking aftershafts, compact, imbricated, oily, to
resist water j that of the legs short and close, not forming the

128 FALCONID.E : HAWKS.

flowing tufts seen in most other genera, that of the head length-
ened, acuminate ; primary coverts stiff and acuminate. Feet
immensely large and strong, the tarsus entirely naked, granular-
reticulate, the toes all of the same length, unwebbed at base,
very scabrous underneath, the outer versatile ; claws very large,
rounded underneath. Hook of the bill long ; nostrils touching
edge of the cere. Above, dark brown ; most of the head and
neck, and the under parts white, latter sometimes with a tawny
shade, and streaked with brown. 2 feet long ; wing, 18.00-20.00
inches ; tail, 8.00-10.00.

A summer resident along the coast, common in South-
ern and less so in Northern New England. This large
hawk, so peculiar in form and aspect, differing so widely
from others in technical characters, and so remarkable
in the nature of its food and manner of procuring it, is
one of the most regularly migratory of its tribe, coming
over our limits late in March and remaining until
November. Its movements, in spring at least, are
related to some extent to the migrations of the fish
which form its exclusive diet. The manner of procuring
these animals is the same as the Kingfisher's, by plung-
ing down from on high, but the quarry is seized with
the talons, of course, not with the beak. The piscatorial
habits of this bird restrict its residence to the coast and
the larger inland waters. Its numbers are uncertain in
different localities to all appearance equally eligible, and
in some places appear to have diminished of late years
from some unassignable cause. Speaking of Massachu-
setts, Mr. Allen has lately said that the Fish Hawk
formerly bred in the State, but now probably nests
there very rarely if at all ; and Mr. Minot's remarks on
the subject are to like effect. Our advices from Con-
necticut are the most explicit and interesting of any we
possess. "Mr. W. W. Coe informs me," writes Mr.

PANDION HALIAETUS : OSPREY J FISH HAWK. 1 2Q

Merriam, " that Fish Hawks do not breed so far up the
Connecticut River as Middletown and Portland, but are
common at its mouth (about Saybrook), and that he
has taken their nests, along the Sound, all the way from

FIG. 25.— FISH HAWK.

Saybrook to New London. Immense numbers of them
breed regularly at Plumb Island, Conn., where I saw,
last Spring, at least five hundred nests, and over a
thousand birds. There is only one small piece of timber
on the island, and every tree contains a Fish-Hawk's
nest, or from eight to ten Night Herons' nests. There

I3O FALCONID^: : HAWKS.

is quite a colony of Night Herons there. There being
not trees enough for the Hawks to nest in, many of them
build on the ground, and some lay their eggs in the
sand. They occupy the same nest for years, adding a
little to it each season, till some of them, that were
originally placed flat on the ground, had become so large
that I could not look into them ; they were seven feet
high and measured six or eight feet across the top ! On
the 4th of June I found both young birds and fresh eggs
in some of the nests. The Crow Blackbirds had built
their nests in among the large sticks of the Fish Hawk's
nests, there being often four or five of the former placed
about the sides of one of the latter." (B. Conn., 1877,
p. 89.)

The eggs of the Fish Hawk run through all the
varieties of coloration usual in this family, from white to
creamy, tawny, and reddish ground color, with a few pale
brown markings or very boldly blotched with the richest
shades of sienna, burnt umber, bistre and sepia. There
is usually a great deal of reddish in the spotting as well
as the ground color, and the "mahogany" samples
make very handsome objects. The size is very variable :
a specimen before us measures an inch and a half in the
conjugate by two and three-quarters through the major
axis.

GOLDEN EAGLE.
AQUILA CHRYSAETUS (L.) Cuv.

Chars. Tarsus completely feathered. Dark brown with a purplish
gloss ; lanceolate feathers of head and neck, golden-brown ;
quills blackish ; in the young, tail white, with a broad terminal
black zone. About 3 feet long ; wing upwards of 2 feet ; tail a

AQUILA CHRYSAETUS I GOLDEN EA/3LE. I 3 I

foot or more. North America, rather northerly, in winter south
ordinarily to about 35°.

This great bird is celebrated on a principle well eluci-
dated by Mr. Minot, who says: "Size has always a
fascination for the world. The young collector prizes a
hawk's egg more than that of the rarest warbler. The
egg is big, the bird that lays it is big, the nest in which
it was laid is big, the tree in which the nest was built is
big, and the wood in which the tree grows is big." And
so were the exploits of Jack with the bean-stalk. But
the Golden Eagle is simply a hawk of unusual dimen-
sions, little distinguished from the Rough-legged Buzzard
except in size. It is of infrequent and irregular occur-
rence throughout New England, nesting anywhere that
offers suitable crags for the location of its eyrie, and for the
rest roaming about for food like any other bird of prey.

In Mr. Allen's report of 1878, the cases recorded
from Massachusetts are Monson, November, 1864;
Deerfield, December 14, 1865 ; Westfield, three speci-
mens, 1866; and Fairhaven, November 21, 1873. "Dr.
Wm. Wood has seen them near Hartford, Connecticut ;
while in that same State specimens have been taken by
Mr. J. N. Clark, Saybrook; and by Mr. Henry Flint, at
Deep River. Mr. Hiram Cutting informs us that it is
not a scarce bird in Vermont, where he has found its
nest, and several times secured the young. Dr. Coues
has given the following description of the eggs : — " Dr.
Brewer gives it as breeding in the mountainous portions
of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York,
particularly instancing a nest at Franconia, New Hamp-
shire, which was resorted to for several successive years.
But its nidification is usually in such inaccessible
situations, even when not in the most remote and unin-

132 FALCONID.E : HAWKS.

habitable regions, that its eggs were for a long time
special desiderata. Even in 1857, Dr. Brewer had no
American specimens for description. I have, therefore,
more pleasure in describing them, from no less than a
dozen examples now in the Smithsonian, where, through
the liberality marking the attitude of that institution
toward students of science, I have been able to examine
them. The eggs are almost spherical, the degree of
prolation being slight, and there being usually no
appreciable difference in the shape of the opposite ends.
Four selected specimens measure, respectively, 2.65 by
2.15 ; 2.90 by 2.40; 3.00 by 2.35 ; 3.10 by 2.25 — figures
illustrating both the difference in absolute size and the
variation in shape. None are so large as the one said
by Audubon to have been 3.50 by 2.50; but I can
readily believe that such dimensions are sometimes
reached. Among the twelve, only one is white and
unmarked ; this closely resembles a Bald Eagle's. The
rest are whitish (white, shaded just perceptibly with
neutral tint), variously spotted and splashed, without
the slightest approach to uniformity in the size, number,
or pattern of the markings. The color ranges from
"bloody-brown " or rich sienna, to bistre and umber.
There are many other spots, more or less obscure, and
all apparently below the surface, showing grayish, drab,
purplish, and neutral tint, by overlaying of the whitish
calcareous matter in different thicknesses. Most of the
markings are sharp-edged and distinct, but others shade
off gradually, while many are confluent, making irregular
patches. As a rule they are pretty evenly distributed,
but in some specimens are chiefly gathered about one
or the other end, where the coloration consequently
becomes confluent."

HALIAETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS I BALD EAGLE. 133

BALD EAGLE.
HALIAETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS (L.) Sav.

Chars. Tarsus naked. Dark brown ; head and tail white after the
third year ; before this, these parts like the rest of the plumage.
About the size of the last species. Immature birds average
larger than the adults ; the famous " Bird of Washington " is a

134 FALCONIM: : HAWKS.

case in point. North America, common ; piscivorous ; a pirati-
cal parasite oftheosprey ; otherwise notorious as the emblem of
the Republic. From the circumstance that several years (at
least three) are required for the gaining of the perfect plumage,
when the head and tail are entirely white, it follows that "Gray
Eagles " and " Birds of Washington " are the more frequently
met with. Those who, unpractised in ornithology, may be
puzzled by accounts of numerous different kinds of Eagles, may
be relieved to know that only two species have ever been found in
the United States. In any plumage they may instantly be
recognized by the legs — feathered to the toes in Aquila chry-
saetus, naked on the whole shank in Haliaetus leucocephahis.

The Bald Eagle appears to have decreased in numbers
of late years, to judge by comparison of earlier with
more recent notices of its occurrence. Still it is to be
called no uncommon bird, of general dispersion along
the coast and the larger water courses, nesting wherever
a convenient site for its eyrie can be found in places
sufficiently secluded to give the bird a sense of security.
The nest is commonly built in a tree — a huge affair,
doubtless the largest structure of the kind to be found
high in trees in our country, unless some of the
augmented fabrics of the Fish Hawk should exceed it in
bulk. The eggs are easily recognized by their size, and
lack of the spotting usually observed on those of diurnal
Rap tores. They are commonly two in number, about
three inches in length, by a scant two-and-a-half inches
in breadth, and of a dull soiled white color.

CATHARTES AURA: TURKEY BUZZARD. 135

FAMILY CATHARTID^E*: AMERICAN
VULTURES.

TURKEY BUZZARD.
CATHARTES AURA (L.) III.

Chars. Blackish brown ; quills ashy gray on their under surface ;
head red ; feet flesh-colored ; bill white. Skin of head corru-
gated, sparsely beset with bristle-like feathers ; plumage com-
mencing in a circle on the neck ; nostrils very large and open ;
tail rounded. Length, about 2 feet ; extent, 6.00 ; wing, 2.00 ;
tail, i.oo.

This well-known bird is entered on Dr. Coues' list of
1868 as a rare or occasional visitor, chiefly in more
southern portions of New England, with note of one
Maine occurrence, and of its regular presence in summer
near Chatham, and along the shores of Lake Sinclair, in
Canada West. Mr. Merriam has later given an excel-
lent resume of occurrences, which we transcribe :

" A rare visitor from the south, at present, although
once ' not uncommon/ according to Linsley, who further
states : * I have known it in Connecticut from a child,
having at that period counted twenty in a flock in

* The American genera Sarcorhamphus, Pseitdogryphus, Ca-
thartes, and Catharista form a group of superfamily value, which
may be termed CATHARTIDES, constituting one of the primary
divisions of the Raptores or Birds of Prey, the others being Gypo-
gerani, Accipitres proper (incl. Vulturidce) and Striges, though
more different from the others collectively than these are from
one another. — C.

136

CATHARTIM: : AMERICAN VULTURES.

Northford in the month of August.' Mr. Grinnell tells
me that one was shot at the mouth of the Housatonic
River, Conn., in June, 1875, by C. Merwin, of Milford

FIG. 27. — CALIFOKNIAN VULTURE, to illustrate Cathartidae.

Point. Turkey Buzzards have been observed at Say-
brook, Conn., by Mr. J. N. Clark, as recorded by Purdie
(Am. Nat., vii, 1873, p. 693) ; two were taken in Massa-
chusetts (Samuels, Cat. B. Mass., 1864, p. 3); and one

CATH ARISTA ATRATA : CARRION CROW. 137

even strayed as far to the north as Calais, Maine, where
it was captured by Mr. G. A. Boardman (recorded by
Prof. A. E. Verrill, Pr. Bost. Soc., ix, 1862, p. 122) : Dr.
Wood tells me one was seen, feeding on carrion, near
East Windsor, Conn., only three years ago (1874). The
Rev. J. Howard Hand writes me as follows, concerning
the occurrence of Turkey Buzzards in Connecticut : ' I
took one specimen at Cromwell, Conn., Sept. 23d, 1874;
also one at Westbrook, Conn., Oct. i6th, 1875, an^
again, eight specimens on Oct. i8th (two days after-
wards). They are not common.' Dr. Wm. O. Ayres
writes me that he took one at New Haven in 1853."
(B. Conn. 1877, p. 91.)

The columns of Forest and Stream contain several
notices of New England occurrences. Mr. Everett
Smith notes the capture of a specimen in a steel trap
at Cumberland, Maine (iii, No. 21, p. 324). One was
shot where Eutaw, Greene County, Vt., now stands
(iv, No. i, p. 5). Three were seen on the island of
Grand Menan, in April, 1875, and one of them was
shot (J. T. C. Moses, v, No. 3, p. 36).

Mr. Maynard speaks of one seen at Waltham, Mass.,
in August, 1867 (Nat. Guide, 1870, p. 137) ; and Mr.
Purdie's manuscript makes us aware of two later Massa-
chusetts instances.

CARRION CROW.
CATH ARISTA ATRATA (Bartr.) Less.

Chars. Blackish ; quills very pale, almost whitish, on the under
surface ; head dusky ; bill and feet grayish-yellow. Skin of head
as in the last species, but plumage running up the back of neck

138 CATHARTIDvE : AMERICAN VULTURES.

to a point on the hind head ; nostrils as before ; tail square.
Smaller than aura in linear dimensions, but a heavier bird ;
length about 2 feet ; wing, 1.33 ; tail, 0.66.

This species is of still less frequent occurrence than
the last, its normal range in the United States not
extending beyond the Carolinas. One was taken in
Swampscott, Mass., November, 1850, by Mr. S. Jillson,
as given by Mr. F. W. Putnam (Pr. Essex Inst., i, 1856,
p. 223). Another at Gloucester, Mass., Sept. 28, 1863,
which Mr. J. A. Allen cites (ibid, iv, 1864, p. 81), as he
does the capture of one and the observation of several
others at Hudson (Am. Nat., iii, 1870, p. 646). Mr. G.
A. Boardman speaks of one killed at Calais, Maine (Am.
Nat., iii, 1869, p. 498); and Mr. Ruthven Deane gives
another Maine record (Campobello, about August, 1879,
Bull. Nutt. Club, v, 1880, p. 63). These are the authen-
tic cases which have come to our knowledge : for a du-
bious Connecticut record, see Merriam, B. Conn., 1877,
P- 93-

ECTOPISTUS MIGRATORIUS : PASSENGER PIGEON. 139

FAMILY COLUMBID^: PIGEONS.
PASSENGER PIGEON: WILD PIGEON.

ECTOPISTES MIGRATORIUS (L.) Sw.

Chars. Tail, 12-feathered, long and wedge-shaped; outer tail-
feathers black, white and chestnut. Neck with metallic irides-
cence. Wing-coverts spotted with black. Male with the under
parts pale purplish-red, fading behind, the sides grayish-blue like
the upper parts. Female and young lacking the rich color of the
breast, which is grayish, more like the upper parts. Bill, black.
Eyes and feet, red. Length, about 16.00 ; wing, 8.00-9.00 ; tail
little less.

Comparatively few of the descendants of myriads
which in former generations of passenger pigeons dark-
ened the air in New England are left to us now,
though thousands still appear among us during the
migrations, and some of them still construct the open-
work platforms of twigs, through the interstices of which
you may from below observe the snowy white egg or
pair of eggs entrusted to these frail receptacles. Civili-
zation has pushed the Pigeons before it, by depriving
them to a great extent of the formerly inexhaustible
store of mast they enjoyed, for which the fields of buck-
wheat or other cultivated grains are no adequate substi-
tute. The greatest flights and roosts of Pigeons we
now hear of are in the Northwestern States, — say the
upper Mississippi Valley at large — where the numbers
of the birds are still prodigious, furnishing no incon-
siderable commercial item, as well as the usual substi-

I4O COLUMBID.E ! PIGEONS.

tutes for domestic pigeons in those contests of skill
between sportsmen which our most prominently mis-
guided misanthrope, Mr. Henry Bergh, has so long
vainly essayed to suppress. The works of sundry
authors who treat of Pigeons contain a large store of
eligible reading matter on the subject of this Pigeon,
which the limitations of our own treatise forbid us to
transcribe, or even reproduce in substance ; and we have
no new information to offer in its stead.

FIG. 28. — WILD PIGEON.

The eggs are one or two in number, pure white in
color, of elliptical shape, measuring about 1.50 by i.io,
and are laid from April to June.

WILD DOVE: MOURNING DOVE.

ZENAIDURA CAROLINENSIS (L.) Bp.

Chars. Tail, 14-feathered, long and wedge-shaped, colored much
like that of the Wild Pigeon, but lacking chestnut on the outer

ZENAIDURA CAROLINENSIS : WILD DOVE. 141

quills. General coloration and sexual differences much the
same as in the Wild Pigeon. A velvety-black spot on the side
of the head, and others on the wings, the former wanting in the
Pigeon. Much smaller. Length, about 12.00 ; extent, 17.00 ;
wing, 5.50-6.00 ; tail about the same.

This is a common summer resident with us, occasion-
ally remaining through the winter, as the Wild Pigeon
also sometimes does. Though often seen in companies
of some extent, it is not particularly gregarious, and is
generally dispersed in pairs or singly through the woods

FIG. 29. — HEAD AND FOOT OF MOURNING DOVE. Natural size.

and fields. In the autumn, however, similarity of tastes
and needs generally brings many individuals together at
eligible feeding grounds. It is naturally a gentle and
confiding bird, but is subject to such persecution from
the gunners that it is usually considered wild and shy.
In portions of the country where it is seldom molested,
few birds are less timid in the presence of man. Dur-
ing the breeding season, generally May in New Eng-
land, the woods resound with the cooing of the ardent
and affectionate creatures ; but at other seasons the
Dove is a remarkably silent bird. The eggs are usually
two in number, pure white, elliptical, measuring i.ioby
0.85. The nest is placed indifferently upon a tree or bush,

142 COLUMBIDyE : PIGEONS.

stump or log, or even on the ground — oftenest in the
fork of some branch at no great elevation ; it is always
slight and frail, open-worked of twigs, with little or no
softer material. The arrivals are mostly during the
latter part of April, and the pairing and cooing begin
as soon as a residence is selected. The greater number
depart in October, only hardy loiterers remaining during
the inclement season. The migrations are thus more
orderly and regular than the movements of the Wild
Pigeon, which wanders with such wayward and irresist-
ible impulse in search of food. At the same time, it
cannot be denied that in New England the distribution
of the species is quite local, the birds being not uncom-
mon in places where the food they prefer is most plen-
tiful and accessible, yet scarcely known in neighboring
localities. They are extremely fond of buckwheat ; and
regions where the grain is cultivated always furnish
Doves in season. The same restriction and partial dis-
tribution occurs in the arid regions of the southwestern
territories, but for a different reason — the scarcity of
water. In Arizona, for example, there is no water-hole
in all that parched land without its Doves, though the
birds will scarcely be seen in the intervening desert
reaches. Most of the Arizona " rivers " have no water
in them ; and in that extraordinary country, where
everything goes by contraries, the sight of a Dove is a
surer sign of water than the site of a stream. The
Dove there shows the opposite character it acquired in
the days of Noah, as a herald of dry land.

NOTE ON THE WILD TURKEY. 143

FAMILY MELEAGRIDID^: TURKEYS.

NOTE ON THE WILD TURKEY.

There is no longer a doubt of the extirpation of this
noble bird in New England. I have been at some pains
to examine the records, and am satisfied of its entire
extinction. A few words will, however, be pertinent
to the history of the case.

The bird was formerly abundant in southern New
England, as attested by all the earlier writings which
touch upon the case. Their number must have been
so much thinned out during the last century that the
period of their plenty ceased about the beginning of the
present, if not somewhat earlier.

The Rev. Mr. Linsley's record is especially notewor-
thy. Writing in 1843, ne savs : "The last Wild Turkey
that I have known in New England was taken by a re-
lative of mine, about thirty years since, on Totoket
Mountain, in Northford. It was overtaken in a deep
snow, and thereby outrun." (Am. Jour. Sci., xliv, 1843,
p. 264.)

About the same time Zadock Thompson represented
that Turkeys continued to visit and breed upon the
mountains in southern parts of Vermont. (Hist. Ver-
mont, 1842, p. 101.)

The Turkey appears to have lingered longest in the
mountainous parts of Massachusetts. Though Prof.
Emmons considered it nearly extinct in that State in
1833, it was said by Prof. Hitchcock to be at that time
" frequently " found on Mt. Holyoke (Rep. Geol. etc.,
Mass., 1833, p. 549).

144 MELEAGRIDID^E : TURKEYS.

Mr. Merriam's model paper gives us in this, as in so
many other cases, very valuable information. " Profes-
sor W. D. Whitney once mounted a fine specimen of
the Wild Turkey, killed on Mt. Tom, Mass., Nov. ist,
1847. It may now be seen in the beautiful case of birds
given by Prof. Whitney to the Peabody Museum of Yale
College, and is of particular value as being, in all pro-
bability, the last of its race seen in that State."
(Rev. B. Conn., 1877, p. 99.)

Dr. Brewer retains it in his list of 1875, with the re-
marl : " resident, probably extinct." (Pr. Bost. Soc.
Nat. Hist, xvii, 1875, p. 445.)

The highest authority now writing upon the Birds of
New England — I mean Mr. Allen, of course — agrees
to the substance of the statements here given, in the
latest note he has left upon the subject. " Well known,"
he says, " to have been a common species in southern
New England for a long time subsequent to the first
settlement of this part of the country (see Bull. Nutt.
Orn. Club, i, Sept., 1876, p. 55), but long since ceased to
exist here in a wild state." (Bull. Essex Inst, x, 1878,
P- 3L)

LAGOPUS ALDUS : WILLOW PTARMIGAN. 145

FAMILY TETRAONID^E: GROUSE.

WILLOW PTARMIGAN.

LAGOPUS ALDUS (Gm.) And.

Chars. Legs feathered to the claws. In winter, pure white, tail
black, two middle feathers excepted ; bill black. Summer, the
foreparts rich chestnut or orange-brown, variegated with black-
ish, the upper parts and sides barred with blackish, tawny and
white; most other parts white. Length, 15.00; extent, 24.00;
wing, 775 ; tail, 5.10.

The New England record of the Ptarmigan is not free
from suspicion, and we allow the species a place with
some misgiving. It doubtless occurs, however, in
Northern Maine, as it certainly does in Lewis County,
N. Y. Prof. Verrill says : " Northern Maine, in winter,
rare" (Pr. Essex Inst., iii, 1862, p. 157). The Massa-
chusetts (Manchester, Essex Co., May, 1859) specimen,
recorded by Dr. Cones (ibid., v, 1868, p. 289) as extant
in the Museum of the Essex Institute, was supposed to
have been brought alive from Labrador and escaped,
as stated in that connection. Mr. G. A. Boardman, of
Calais, Me., to whom we wrote for information, assures
us that he has been unable to satisfy himself that the
Ptarmigan has ever been known to occur in New Eng-
land. With this explanation, which we trust will not
leave us liable to the charge of improperly augmenting
our list of New England birds, and calling special atten-
tion to the insufficiency of the accredited records, we
introduce the species hypothetically.

146 TETRAONID^E : GROUSE,

PRAIRIE HEN.
CUPIDONIA CUPIDO (L.) Bd.

Char. Larger than the Ruffed Grouse. Tail very short. Legs
feathered to the toes. A tuft of long pointed feathers on each
side of the neck, beneath which is a naked space capable of great
inflation. Plumage of the under parts barred transversely.

Writing in 1868, Dr. Coues speaks of the Prairie
Fowl in the following terms : " This species is still
known to reside in certain localities in New England,
though much less numerous than formerly, and doubtless
destined shortly to become extinct." He cites Martha's
Vineyard and Naushon, as well as Long Island, upon
the testimony of previous writers (Pr. Essex Inst., v,
1868, p. 287). Mr. Allen had before stated it to be
" nearly extinct in Massachusetts." A few, he said,
still occasionally visit the southeastern part of the State
from Long Island, where the bird still lived at that
date (Pr. Essex Inst., iv, 1864, p. 85). In 1839, ac-
cording to the Rev. W. B. O. Peabody, the only place
where it was still found was Martha's Vineyard and one
small island near it, though once very common in Massa-
chusetts (Rep. B. Mass., 1839, P- 355)- Mr. Merriam's
advices are as follows : —

" The Prairie Chicken, or Pinnated Grouse, Cupidonia
cupido (Linnd) B., was formerly a resident of New Eng-
land, but, like the Wild Turkey, was exterminated many
years ago — at least so far as the mainland is concerned,
for it is said that a few still exist on some of the islands
south of Cape Cod (Naushon, for example, and perhaps
Martha's Vineyard). However, it is pretty certain that
many years have elapsed since the last ' wild chicken '

CUPIDONIA CUPIDO I PRAIRIE HEN. 147

was seen in Connecticut, for even Linsley, in 1842, gave
it as a bird of the past. Nuttall, ten years earlier (in
1832), said that they were still met with 'on the brushy

FIGS. 30, 31. — HEAD AND FOOT OF PRAIRIE HEN. Natural size.

plains of Long Island, and in similar shrubby barrens in
Westford, Connecticut' " (Rev. B. Conn, 1877, p. 101).

In Mr. Allen's List of 1878 (Bull. Essex Inst, x, p. 22)
the statement is made of the former commonness of the

148 TETRAONID^E I GROUSE.

bird in Massachusetts, and of its extirpation long since
from all portions except Martha's Vineyard, where a few
" are said " still to exist. At p. 37 of the same admirable
catalogue, under head of " Introduced undomesticated
species," the writer speaks of their introduction at dif-
ferent times in Barnstable County, adding that " none of
them or their descendants are certainly known to still
exist there."

Viewing the " perhaps " and " it is said " of the later
records, it is gratifying to be able to pronounce without
reserve of the preservation of this fine game bird in our
country up to the present time. According to Mr.
Purdie, quite a little colony still lives on Martha's Vine-
yard, Mass., the last New England stronghold of the
species. (See Maynard's Birds of Eastern North Amer-
ica, part xiv, July, 1880, p. 351.)

It would seem perfectly feasible to stock suitable
localities with Prairie Hens, which, if protected by
stringent law for a period of years, might then resume
the role of the fine game bird which the species formerly
took in New England.

CANADA GROUSE, OR SPRUCE PARTRIDGE.
CANACE CANADENSIS (L.) Reich.

Chars. Male : Tail of sixteen feathers, rounded, black, with a
broad orange-brown terminal bar. No obviously peculiar feath-
ers on the side of the neck. Legs feathered lo between the
toes. The usual naked, colored strip of skin over the eye.
Prevailing color black, with numerous sharp white bars and
spots on the under parts, and on the upper parts finely waved
with gray or tawny. Length, about 16.00; wing, 7.00; tail,

CANACE CANADENSIS I CANADA GROUSE.

149

5.50. Female : nowhere continuously black, but much varie-
gated with brown, tawny and white ; the same orange colored
tail-bar, not so well denned. In size, rather less than the male.

The normal limit of dispersion of the Canada Grouse
southward divides the Canadian from the Alleghanian
Fauna, enabling us to draw the line between the two
with greater exactitude, perhaps, than that afforded by the
distribution of any other of our birds. The fine creature
resides in all the
evergreen wood-
ed, and especially
in the swampy,
parts of North-
ern New England,
and is not a migra-
tory species. It is
said to be common
at Umbagog, in
Maine, and to be
ordinarily limited

southward by the White Mountain range. The few in-
stances in which this Grouse has been shown to occur
beyond the region indicated must be regarded as irregu-
lar, if not wholly accidental. Mr. Allen, very properly,
it seems to us, considers the two reported Massachusetts
captures as accidental. One of these was in the hem-
lock woods of Gloucester, in September, 1 85 1 ; the other
in Roxbury, about 1865 (Am. Nat., iii, 1870, p. 636;
and Bull. Essex Inst, x, 1878, p. 22). Farther south,
the Spruce Grouse is unknown, even as a straggler.

Like others of its family, this Grouse nests on the
ground, usually in swampy, secluded localities. The
eggs are laid in the latter part of May, and young may

FIG. 32. — HEAD OF CANADA GROUSE.
Natural size.

150 TETRAONIM: : GROUSE.

be found by the middle of June. When surprised with
her brood, the parent bird is very courageous in their
defence, even attacking the intruder who threatens the
peace. The nest is made of twigs, leaves, grasses, and
moss, and much art is often displayed to conceal it.
The eggs, to the number of a dozen or more, are less
elongate than those of some Grouse, broader at the butt,
and more pointed at the other end ; thus approaching
the shape characteristic of Partridge eggs, and being
like those of Ptarmigan in size and form. The follow-,
ing measurements of selected examples from a large
series show the size, shape and range of variation : 1.70
by 1.25; 1.70 by 1.20; 1.65 by 1.25; 1.65 by 1.15.
High in the oviduct the egg is creamy-white. This
color is washed over to a varying degree of intensity
with rich chestnut-brown — generally a pale "creamy"
brown — and is further dotted, spotted, sometimes even
splashed and blotched, with a very dark, heavy shade of
the same color, the markings being numerous, strong and
bold, of no determinate shape, and very irregularly dis-
tributed. These markings are only an intensification,
in spots, of the ground color, but are very heavy, and
show a decided approach to the peculiarly dark and
heavy pattern of Ptarmigan eggs.

RUFFED GROUSE, OR PARTRIDGE.

BON AS A UMBELLA (L.) Steph.

Chars. Tarsi incompletely feathered. Head crested. Tail large
and fan-shaped, usually of 18 broad obtuse feathers. A con-
spicuous ruffle of lengthened feathers on each side of the neck.
Tail gray or brown, with broad subterminal black zone, and

BONASA UMBELLA : RUFFED GROUSE. 151

finely barred or vermiculated with black. Feathers of the ruff
glossy dark brown or black. Primaries fuscous, marked with
whitish on the outer webs. Under parts whitish or pale tawny,
variously marked with brown, chiefly in bars, the throat chiefly
immaculate ; upper parts intimately blended olive, brown, gray
black and white, the general effect being black and white or tawny
spots on a reddish-brown ground. Varies interminably in the
precise tone and pattern of the markings. Female resembling the
male : the ruff less developed and not so intensely colored.
Length, 16.00-18.00; extent, about 22.00; wing and tail, each
6.00-7.00; tarsus, about 1.75 ; middle toe and claw, about 2.00.

This fine bird is the most abundant and generously
distributed kind of Grouse in New England, inhabiting
wooded and swampy portions of our country, without
regard to special geographical distribution. In fact,
Grouse of this species, in one or another of its several
varieties, occur in nearly all the woodland of North
America, and are very closely related to the Hazel
Grouse of Europe, Bonasa betulina. The characters of
any Bonasa^ or " ruffled " Grouse, are so strongly marked
that there should be no difficulty in recognizing it, and
no confusion with species of Canace, still less with any
of the Partridges proper. Whatever the special tone
and pattern of coloration of these birds, the soft, silky
black frill on the neck, and the amply fan-shaped tail,
should be distinctive at a glance. Yet great uncertainty
does find its way into the minds of many who have
ample means of judging, as to the character of this bird.
Much of this is traceable to the vague use of the name
" Partridge " to designate birds not only specifically but
also generally distinct from one another. Both the
Canace canadensis and Bonasa umbella are true Grouse,
as witnessed by the feathering of the shank and nos-
trils ; but in New England they are both often called

152 TETRAONID^E I GROUSE.

" Partridges," the real Partridge of the United States
being termed a Quail. In the Southern States the case
is still further complicated by calling Bonasa a " Pheas-
ant." This confusion in nomenclature is an inheritance
from the earliest English settlers of our country, who
naturally called any bird new to them by a name suggested
by its real or fancied resemblance to some European
species with which they were familiar. Most of the
error resulting from such practice ceases in the course

FIG. 33. — HEAD OF RUFFED GROUSE. Natural size.

of time to be mischievous, or even disappears, as in the
case of our Robin, Ttirdus migratori2is) which familiar
bird no one confounds with the European " Robin Red-
breast," the very existence of which is little more than
a memory of nursery tales with most persons in this
country. The matter stands very differently, however,
with our game birds of the gallinaceous tribe, the con-
fusion of nomenclature being so hopeless that natural-
ists, after repeatedly returning to the charge, generally
give up in dispair of doing away with it.

The most remarkable trait in the disposition of the
Ruffed Grouse is that which confirms the bird in the

BONASA UMBELLA : RUFFED GROUSE. 153

habit of making the noise called " drumming." Here
again not only sportsmen but the best naturalists are
singularly discordant in the explanation they give of the
curious feat. Mounted upon a fallen log or stump, the
Grouse puffs out its feathers, spreads its tail, raises its
crest, and opens its " umbrellas ; " and then, with its head
drawn close to the body, struts stiffly and consequen-
tially about. So far, the performance tallies with what
every one has seen when a Turkey-cock displays what a
superb masculine creature it takes itself to be, and
probably all of our Grouse exploit in a similar manner,
though each one after a fashion of its own, when inflated
with erotic vanity. Just as the Turkey-cock "gobbles"
at such times, so do other Gallince give vent to the most
uncouth sounds, the volume of which is so vastly in-
creased, in the cases of many of the Grouse, by the
great air-sacs which are developed beneath the skin of
the neck, that the hollow reveberations may be heard at
a great distance. The noise which proceeds from the
Ruffed Grouse, however, is not vocal but instrumental,
and that it results from amazingly rapid vibration of the
wings is certain. For one who is near enough during
the performance may see that the wings move so rap-
idly that the strokes dissolve to the eye in a haze on
each side of the creature, like that perceived when a
Humming-bird is hovering before a flower. But just how
the noise is made is a question which has been confi-
dently answered in at least four different and irrecon-
cilable ways. First, say some, the bird beats its wings
against the log or stump upon which it stands. Sec-
ondly, it strikes the outside of the wings together over
its back. Thirdly, it claps its wings against the sides
of its body, like a rooster about to crow. Fourthly, it

I 54 TETRAONID^E : GROUSE.

beats the air. Those who are interested to follow up
the subject may refer to Dr. Coues' Birds of the North-
west, where the views of many writers are collated and
compared, the author coming to the conclusion that the
last explanation here given is the correct one. No one
who has heard the whirring of the tiny Humming-bird,
or the " booming " of the night-hawk, and witnessed the
extraordinary aerial antics of the latter bird at the
moment the sound is produced, can doubt that the rapid
movement of feathers in the air may make so much
noise that there is no difficulty in explaining the rum-
bling sounds that come from the Ruffed Grouse in the
same way, contrary as it is to the familiar clapping of
the wings of the barn-yard fowl. The bird's " music "
would, therefore, appear to be literally that of a wind
instrument — unlike the vocalization of most Grouse,
and also different from the playing upon a stringed in-
strument which results in the stridulation of many in-
sects, which literally fiddle upon themselves by scraping
together different parts of the body. As to the reason
why the Grouse indulges in such performances, it may
be said that it is primarily a manifestation of sexual
vigor and desire, universally admired by the fair of the
opposite sex, like all other masculine demonstrations,
from the most delicately suggestive to the most effec-
tually operative. But the Grouse drums both in and
out of love ; so that it seems to be done often for his
own amusement, or to work off his animal spirits. The
excessive muscular motility induced when the bird has
his spasms may be imagined when we reflect that the
great stiff wings move up and down too rapidly to be
perceived by the human eye, and that millions of cubic
yards of air are set in vibration audible to our dull ears.

BONASA UMBEkLA: RUFFED GROUSE. 155

In the greater part of May, and early in- June, you may
find the nest in the woods, oftenest in low swampy
places or tangled undergrowth, at the foot of a bush or
stump, or alongside of a prostrate log. It is a rude
domicile, — merely a slight hollow in the ground, lined
with some leaves or a little grass or moss. The eggs
are characteristic of the species, differing both in form
and color from those of most Grouse ; they approach
the pyriform contour — very broad and blunt at one end,
and sharp at the other — usually seen in Partridge
eggs, and also lack the heaviness of coloring common to
most Grouse's eggs, and at a maximum in those of Ptar-
migan. The eggs are creamy-colored, varying from pale,
creamy white to rich creamy-brown ; they may be im-
maculate, or scarcely dotted in fine points only, though
they sometimes have small round spots of pale chocolate-
brown set in amongst countless minute dots. In number
they range from 8 or 10 to a dozen or more, according to
the age and vigor of the parents or other circumstances ;
and in size they measure about one and two-thirds by
one and a fourth inches. They are said to be deposited
at intervals of twenty-four hours till the set is completed,
and to hatch in about eighteen days from the beginning
of incubation. The young begin to ramble about as
soon as they are hatched, like little chickens, and in fact
like all the " praecocial " Gallince and Grallatores ; the
mother leads tljem in paths of peace and pleasantness,
as well as she can judge, where food is most abundant,
and shelter from enemies is most likely to be secured —
the thickest cover of tangle, where the ground is
springy, being the favorite resort. She is motherly in
the extreme ; her maternal devotion is not seldom
proven by the vigilance and address she displays to get

156 TETRAONID^E : GROUSE.

her little ones hidden from threatened danger before
she thinks of her own safety, and her courage in such
an emergency will even lead her to risk her own life in
their defence. In our country, as well as generally in
northern portions of the range of this Grouse, one brood
seems to be all that the birds can successfully produce
and rear as a rule ; for the chicks grow tardily, and are
not off their parents' hands till well toward the waning
summer ; so that the broods of callow young found un-
usually late in the season are probably to be accounted
for by some accident to the happy course of domestic
affairs early in the season.

The flesh of this bird is white, and good for the table.
The Grouse ranks high as a game bird in the estimation
of some sportsmen, but its pursuit is attended with
great uncertainty and difficulty, except in localities
where the birds are very abundant. It is very fatiguing to
follow them in their fastnesses of swamp and tangle ; they
behave before a dog with more regard to their own ideas
than to the wishes of their w6uld-be destroyers ; they
get up with startling suddenness, and fly off with amaz-
ing celerity; altogether their instinct of self-preserva-
tion is "functionally developed" to a high rate of
efficiency, as a physiologist might say, and they would
be still more numerous did not these very qualities
stimulate the ardor of the sportsman to their ceaseless
persecution. Being robust, hardy birds, much more so
than Partridges, they stand our hard winters well, prob-
ably very seldom freezing to death or getting snowed up
to their destruction, accidents to which the smaller and
more delicate Partridges are frequently exposed in our
latitudes. Having an extensive and varied bill of fare,
in numerous small fruits, both hard and soft, in season,

ORTYX VIRGINIANA I THE QUAIL, OR BOB WHITE.

in numberless insects during a part of the year, and in
various leaves and buds at another, life may be quite
worth living for these brave, self-reliant and judicious
creatures. Let us imagine them to be resigned to the
inevitable having to live, even though they be neither
contented nor happy ; and as finding in that necessity
the logical refuge from the doubt raised by many half-
fledged philosophers whether life be worth living.

THE AMERICAN PARTRIDGE, QUAIL, OR
BOB-WHITE.

ORTYX VIRGINIANA (L.) Bp.

Chars. Tarsi and nasal fossae naked. A small erectable crest on
the head. No peculiar feathers on side of neck. Throat of
male white, of female tawny. Upper parts blended brownish-
red and gray ; lower parts whitish, with many sharp dark marks,
especially on the breast and about the white on the throat.
Length about 9.00 ; extent, 14.50 ; wing, 4.50 : tail, 2.75.

The well-known and abundant Bob-white, called "Quail,"
in New England, where the Ruffed Grouse is called " Par-
tridge," and named " Partridge " further south, wherever
the Ruffed Grouse is called " Pheasant," — this paragon
of good qualities, from the sportsman's standpoint, has
been ascribed in general terms to all New England, as
by Dr. Brewer for example, but certainly upon hasty
conclusions. Though, owing to its habit of colonizing
particular spots beyond its general range, and to some
extent to its habit of moving back and forth from caprice
or according to vicissitudes of the weather, it is diffi-
cult to trace the exact limit of its northward dispersion,

158 TETRAONIDjE I GROUSE.

the bird may be said to inhabit at present only the three
southern New England States. That it overlaps at
times, or in particular localities, into the other three, is
doubtless a fact. It is a true component of the Alle-
ghanian and other more southern Faunae, its range
being complementary to that of the Spruce Grouse,
Canace canadensis : and the scattering coveys in south-
ern Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont are rather
evidence of this fact than of the assumption that the
bird should be considered native to New England at
large. The range appears, moreover, to have been arti-

FIG. 34. — BILL AND FOOT OF QUAIL.

ficially restricted of late years as a consequence of the
persecution to which the birds are always subjected. In
fine, Massachusetts is practically the limit of the Bob-
white, and it is not found to be numerously or evenly
distributed throughout that State.

A contributor to Minot's "Birds of New England"
has prepared the following agreeable sketch : " The
Quail are abundant in the three Southern States of New
England, except in the colder and more hilly portions.
They are not found much to the east or north of Bos-
ton, in the neighborhood of which, however, they are
resident throughout the year. Our observations on

ORTYX VIRGINIANA : THE QUAIL, OR BOB-WHITE. 159

them naturally begin at that season of the year when
they relinquish the habits of extreme cunning and vigi-
lance for that of confidence in man's respect lor domes-
tic life, that is in
the early part of
summer. Though
among the har-
diest and most
active of feath-
ered creatures,
they are prudent
in spring, and do
not commit them-
selves to the
risks of incuba-
tion until they
have received full
assurance of fit-
ting weather. In
this respect they
differ from the
peculiar but more
venturesome
Woodcock, whose
premature endea-
vors, founded up-
on the first de-
ceptive Smile Of FlG.3S._CocKANDHENQyAIL. Natural size.

spring, to raise a

family, are often defeated by an unexpected snow-storm.
The Quail do not begin until May, when they announce
the fact to all their neighbors within half a mile by their
loud, frank and cheery whistle, which is generally trans-

I6O TETRAONID.E : GROUSE.

lated into our uncouth language as 'Bob-white.' The
male is not now constrained by fear, and instead of any
false pride, he has a proper sense of his own comely
appearance. He knows that he is attending adequately
to his own department in the great business of nature,
and is entirely willing that any one should see him. He
has no fear of man, but keeps an eye to the hawks, cats,
and those other predatory enemies, who respect neither
time, place nor season. He is willing to take any
amount of family responsibility ; nature cannot ask too
much of him ; he will whistle to two or three wives if
necessary ; and he will even accept the law of Moses,
and assume the part of husband toward his brother's
widow. Should his wife propose a family of fifteen in-
stead of nine, he does not complain ; and moreover,
having escorted his young family about for some time,
he is ready to go through with this once or even twice
more. In fact, he carries his amiability and industry so
far as often to introduce a half-grown family to the rigors
of winter, so that it is not uncommon to find a covey of
these little ' cheepers,' when hardly able to fly, even in
November. A successful pair of Quail will often turn
out twenty-five young in a season. During the period
of incubation, the Quail often appear on our lawns, or
on the walls and fences by the roadside. Though their
bills are especially adapted to crushing, and their crops
to dissolving small grains and seeds, they are also fond
of grubs, worms and other insects, and are thus useful
in destroying the farmer's pests."

The eggs of the American Partridges differ much
among themselves, those of some species, as the beauti-
ful crested creatures of the southwest, being as heavily
colored as those of Grouse, while others are pure white,

ORTYX VIRGINIANA: THE QUAIL, OR BOB-WHITE. 161

without any markings. Bob-white's are of the latter
character. They are broad and blunt at one end and
sharp at the other, and measure about 1.25 by i.oo.
The nest is a mere depression in the ground, lined with
a little grass or a few leaves, and usually hidden beneath
the friendly shelter of overgrowing grass weeds or
bushes — not seldom a heap of brushwood. The num-
ber of eggs laid is wholly indeterminate. A female may
be found incubating eight or ten only ; while in other
cases, in which very likely more than one parent con-
tributes some of the number, as many as two dozen have
been found together.

Among the perennial conundrums propounded by
persons short-sighted in respect to the laws of nature is
one which touches the present bird. Quite a literature
sprang up recently in the sporting papers in answer to
the question, " Can Quail withhold their scent ? " No
one doubts that under some circumstances the best dog
is unable to find a Quail by following his nose, or to
detect its presence by the sense of smell. Some sup-
pose this due to causes outside the bird, and wholly in-
dependent of the bird's intentions or actions, such as
the state of the atmosphere. Others maintain that the
bird can consciously, that is, intentionally and design-
edly, prevent the escape of its effluvium, and thus secure
immunity from pursuit. The former explanation seems
to be quite beside the point, and the latter to be absurd.

No act of conscious volition — that is, the operation
of will-power, could effect such a result, even supposing
a Quail to know when it would be of advantage to retain
its effluvium, and to try to do so — which supposition is
itself unreasonable. The true explanation would seem
to be that certain actions of the bird, instinctively ac-

1 62 TETRAONID^E : GROUSE.

complished in the face of danger, result in the reten-
tion of the scent ; the retention being, furthermore,
favored or hindered by certain circumstances, such as
the state of the atmosphere.

NOTE ON THE INTRODUCTION OF THE MESSINA OR
MIGRATORY QUAIL OF EUROPE, Coturnix dactylisonans,
in New England. Of late years, hundreds of these
birds, quite different generically as well as specifically
from any American representatives of the Partridge
family, have been imported and turned out in various
parts of New England. Though they are known in
some instances to have paired and bred, the result of the
experiment is still doubtful, and their naturalization in
New England does not appear to be an accomplished
fact. Lack of space forbids us to enter into the details
of the experiment. Mr. Allen has given a summary
notice (Bull. Essex Inst., x, 1878, p. 36); and the fol-
lowing records may also be consulted : Forest and
Stream, issues of June 28, Aug. 2, 9, 23, Sept. 6, Nov.
15, 22, 29, Dec. 6, 27, 1877 ; June 20, Aug. 8, 22, 1878 ;
Jan. i, Feb. 20, Mar. 13, 20, June 19, 26, Aug. 14, 28,
Oct. 16, Dec. u, 25, 1879.

WATER BIRDS.

FAMILY CHARADRIID^: PLOVERS.

BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER.
SQUATAROLA HELVETICA (L.) Cuv.

Chars. Distinguished from all other Plovers by having a small
hind toe, no trace of which is seen in the rest of the species.
Plumage speckled, like that of the Golden Plover, without any
of the rings and bands of color which characterize the species of
jEgialites. Adult breeding plumage (rarely seen in the U. S.) :
Face and entire under parts, black ; upper parts, variegated
with black and white or ashy ; tail, barred with black and white ;
wing quills, dusky, with large white patches. Adult winter
plumage, and young : Under parts, white, more or less shaded
with gray ; the throat and breast speckled with dusky ; upper
parts speckled with blackish, white and yellowish ; rump, white,
with dark bars; legs, dull bluish. Old birds changing show
every gradation between the plumages given. Length, n.oo-
12.00; extent about 23.50; wing, 7.25; tail, 3.00; bill, i.oo-
1.25 ; tarsus, 2.00; middle toe, 1.20.
x

Passing from the Land Birds, we enter now upon the
no less varied and scarcely less extensive series of those
feathered creatures which are seldom found except by
the water's edge, or which are as much at home in the
limpid element as upon its fixed shores ; which, when
not on the water itself, do not as a rule live in trees and

163

164 CHARADRIID^E : PLOVERS.

bushes above the ground, but alight upon the earth it-
self. This series is collectively called "Water Birds;"
the members of which, representing many families and
even orders, fall in the two extensive categories of wad-
ing or grallatorial birds, and of swimming or natatorial
birds, according as their organization fits them more es-
pecially for one or the other of these modes of life. The
former are usually small-bodied, long-legged, and long-
necked birds ; the Snipes and Plovers, and the Herons
and Cranes, respectively exemplify some of the leading

FIG. 36. — HEAD AND FOOT OF SQUATAROLA. Natural size.

families ; while the thick-set, short-limbed, web-footed
birds of all kinds illustrate the great variety of ways in
which the natatorial plan of structure is carried out. In
round numbers about two-fifths of the Bird Fauna of
New England consists of water birds.

The Plovers, as a group, like the members of the
closely related Snipe family, are noted for the extent
and regularity of their migrations. Many species pro-
tract their mysterious journey to very high latitudes in
the spring time ; in the fall, when the bird-tide ebbs,
they visit us again for a few weeks, and pass on south-

SQUATAROLA HELVETICA : BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. 165

ward. The majority of such birds are, therefore, vernal
and autumnal migrants with us, neither nesting within
our limits, nor enduring the rigors of our inhospitable
season.

The Black-bellied Plover, called " Bull-head " or
" Beetle-head " by the gunners, is a good illustration of
these remarks. It is common during the migration,
particularly coastwise, but never seen at other seasons.
It arrives late in April, and remains but a short time,
seeming anxious to be on its way, as if it knew what a
long journey must be accomplished in order that the
sudden and fleeting Arctic summer may see its brood
safely on wing. Returning in the fall from these dreary
hyperborean regions, it greets us early in September,
and then seems in no hurry to seek other feeding
grounds. For several weeks it lingers with us in flocks,
both along the coast and on the uplands, before pro-
ceeding further on its long and devious pathway towards
the tropics.

Eggs of this species, collected on the Arctic coast,
east of Anderson River, July 4, 1864, afford the follow-
ing description : Size 2.10 by 1.40, to 1.90 by 1.40, in a
set of four. Color, brownish-drab, or rather dark
brownish-clay color, very thickly marked at and around
the larger end, for nearly half the length of the egg, with
irregularly sized and shaped spots and blotches of
brownish-black, and over the rest of the surface thinly
spotted with smaller marks of the same color. The
larger markings around the butt are to a great extent
confluent, producing an imperfect wreath. A very few
paler shell markings are noted on close scrutiny. The
nest was a depression of the ground on the side of a
slight eminence, lined with a few dried grasses. An-

1 66 CHARADRIIDjE I PLOVERS.

other set of four from the same source average more
elongated, the most pointed one being 2.30 long by 1.45
broad ; the markings are much more evenly distributed
over the whole egg, are smaller, and tending to a con-
fused, scratchy pattern, as well as rather lighter in tone.
A third set of four from Franklin Bay are intermediate
between the other two in these respects, though most
like the first described.

GOLDEN PLOVER.

CHARADRIUS DOMINICUS Mull.

Chars. Plumage of the upper parts speckled, and of the under parts
in the breeding season black, as in the last described species ;
but much of the speckling golden yellow, and the rump and
upper tail-coverts like the back ; forehead and broad line over
the eye to nape, white; tail-feathers grayish-brown, with imper-
fect white or ashy bars ; axillars, gray or ashy. At other times,
under parts much the same as in last species. No hind toe.
Length, io.oo-n.oo; extent, 20.00; wing, 7.00 or less; tail,
under 3.00; bill, i.oo or less; tarsus, 1.65; middle toe and
claw, i.io.

The Golden Plover is even better known to the gun-
ners than the last, being during the migrations more abun-
dant and generally distributed. It has a number of local
names, some of them applied both to this species and
the Black-bellied Plover, by those who do not discrim-
inate between these generically distinct birds. The
general habits of the two are counterpart. The Golden
Plover appears during the latter part of April, making
but a flying visit, and it is then off for its favorite breed-
ing grounds in the far north. In the return movement
some birds come by the latter part of August ; their

CHARADRIUS DOMINICUS I GOLDEN PLOVER.

numbers are increased in September, and all through
that month, and perhaps for a few days in October, fine
sport may be had. The birds at this season are fat,
tender and delicious, being excelled by few in the deli-
cate sapidity of their flesh. They are, consequently, in
great demand for the market, and are incessantly pur-
sued not only by gentlemen who are fond of shooting,
but by professional pot-hunters.

The Golden Plover breeds only far northward, and is
not ordinarily seen
in the United
States in the ad-
vanced breeding
plumage above
noted. It appears
to have no special
lines of migration,
but passes over
the country at
large, sometimes
in vast flocks, its
autumnal progress
being more leis-
urely than its advance in the spring. It reaches its
breeding grounds late in May — the barren grounds
of British America, and the coasts and islands of the
Arctic Ocean. The eggs, as usual in this family, are
oftenest four in number. They are of the ordinary
pyriform shape, pointed at one end and very obtuse at
the other. The following measurements may indicate
extremes of variation in shape — 2.00 by 1.35; 1.80
by 1.40. They are distinguished from those of S. hel-
vetica by their decided average smaller size ; and though

FIG. 37. — GOLDEN PLOVER.

1 68 CHARADRIIDjE : PLOVERS.

the general pattern of coloration is similar, the shade is
not quite the same. The ground color is rather a pale,
brownish-clay color, than a drab, in most specimens,
although some shade quite closely into the drab of hel-
vetica. Some specimens have the ground-color ex-
tremely pale, grayish-white, nearly dead white. .On all
the eggs the markings are exceedingly bold, dark and
numerous ; it is impossible to describe adequately the
endless variations in precise pattern. The average egg
is heavily marked about the butt with blackish-brown,
in large, irregular spots and blotches ; while similar
smaller spots are sparsely distributed over the rest of
the surface. Sometimes markings are much lighter
brown, a rich, dark sienna, and they are sometimes dis-
tributed over the whole surface with approximate unifor-
mity, but the decided tendency is to aggregate around
the butt in semi-confluent masses, or a wreath. The
nest is a mere depression in the ground, lined with a
few dried grasses or leaves.

KILDEER PLOVER.

VOCIFERUS (Z.) Bp.

Chars. Plumage not speckled ; below, white ; head and neck with
black bands in the breeding season. Tarsus about half as long
again as the middle toe. Rump and upper tail-coverts tawny or
orange-brown, most of the tail-feathers white at base and tip,
suffused with orange-brown in a part of their length, and with
I to 3 black bars ; secondaries mostly white, and primaries with a
white space; forehead white ; a black bar across the crown, and
two broad black bands on the neck and breast ; bill, black ;
feet, pale grayish-blue. Length 9.00-10.00 ; extent, 20.00 ; wing,
6.00 or more ; tail, 3.50, much rounded ; tarsus, about 1.50.

^EGIALITES VOCIFERUS : KILDEER PLOVER. 169

The Kildeer's presence in New England is under cir-
cumstances entirely different from those that attend the
appearance of the two species last described. Though it
is one of the birds most generally disposed over North
America, and though its piercing cry is often heard in
our fields and along our estuaries, the bird is less
common in New England and eastward than in most
other portions of our country. Not at one with the

FIG. 38. — KILDEER PLOVER. Natural size.

other species of its own genera in having a specially re-
stricted habitat, it also differs from the species of Cha-
radrius and Squatarola in breeding indifferently through-
out its extensive range — the bird being apparently wise
enough to give up that search for the North Pole which
is the fashionable infatuation of the present day. Some-
times it reaches New England from its winter quarters
by the latter part of February ; its numbers increase in
March ; it nests with us, and seems in no haste to de-
part in the fall, lingering, like the Kingfisher, till it is
fairly frozen out. The nest of this bird and of the

170 CHARADRIIM: : PLOVERS.

Spotted Sandpiper are those which, of all the waders,
are oftenest found — it is merely a slight depression of
ground, either in a bit of shingle by the water's edge,
or in some grassy meadow or marshy spot not far from
open water. The eggs are usually four in number, very
broad at one end and pointed at the other, measuring
1.50 to i. 60 long by about i.io broad. The ground is
a creamy clay-color, sometimes tending to brownish
but thickly blotched, spotted and scratched with dark
or blackish brown. The markings are usually of small
size, tending to speckles and scratches rather than full
spots, comparatively few specimens being boldly
blotched at the longer end, where the markings tend to
aggregation, though they are oftenest numerously dis-
tributed over the whole surface. They are usually laid
in May ; and not improbably in some cases a second set
is deposited later in the season.

WILSON'S PLOVER.

WILSONIUS (Ord) Cass.

Chars. Pale ashy-brown, merging into fulvous on the nape; a
black bar on the crown, and a broad black pectoral belt, grayish-
brown in the female and young ; no bright ring round eye; legs,
flesh-colored ; bill, black, extremely large and stout, nearly as
long as the head. Length, 7.00-8.00 ; extent, 15.25 ; wing, 4.50-
5.00 ; tail, 2.00, nearly square ; bill, 0.80; tarsus, 1.20.

Unlike any of the foregoing Plovers, Wilson's is a
southern species, of restricted range in the United
States, and probably confined to the sea coast. So
rarely does it proceed northward beyond the coast of

^GIALITES WILSONIUS I WILSONS PLOVER. I /I

the Middle States, that its presence in New England
has been denied. Dr. Brewer wrote in 1875 : " I am in
doubt in regard to this species. It is not of Massachu-
setts, although my name is usually quoted as authority
therefor. Its occurrence on the coast of Connecti-
cut is quite probable, but as I have no data therefor,
I take it from among the birds of New England, at least
for the present" (Pr. Bost. Soc., xvii, 1875, p. 452). In
1878, Mr. Allen includes it only hypothetically among
the birds of Massachusetts, stating that there appears to
be no recent well authenticated instance of its occur-
rence north of Long Island (Bull. Essex Inst, x, 1878,
p. 33). For Connecticut, Mr. Merriam allows the Rev.
Mr. Linsley's early record of a capture at Stratford, adding
Mr. J. P. Giraud's authority for its occurrence on Long
Island (Rev. B. Conn., 1877, p. 102).

This was one of the species which caused quite a con-
troversy between Dr. Brewer and Mr. Purdie (Bull.
Nutt. Club, i, 1876, pp. 72, 91 ; ii, 1877, pp. 13, 46).
The sum of the evidence at that time appears to have
been correctly indicated by Mr. Purdie (1. c., 1877, p. 13) ;
it consisted of the bird's known appearance on Long
Island ; the Linsley record, which was perhaps properly
considered open to question ; Mr. Allen's statement (in
Am. Nat., iii, 1869) to the following effect : "It hence
seems unquestionable that they sometimes occur in
southern New England, and it would not be strange if
they should occasionally reach the coast of Massachu-
setts ; " together with the general statement of the bird's
habitat by Coues, in the Birds of the Northwest : " North
to Long Island and Connecticut, probably to Massachu-
setts, but rare beyond New Jersey."

There is a late Long Island record by Wm. Dutcher,

1/2 CHARADRIimE I PLOVERS.

of a specimen shot in Shinnecock Bay, May 28, 1879
(Bull. Nutt. Club, iv, 1879, p. 242).

Whatever uncertainty may attach to the early New
England records, there can be none respecting that re-
cently given by Coues, of a specimen shot by Mr. Arthur
S. Fiske, at Gurnett, Mass, (not " Conn." as printed),
Aug. 22, 1877 (Bull. Nutt. Club, vii, 1882, p. 59).

If our collectors will keep a sharp lookout, no doubt
other specimens will be forthcoming in due time, not
only from Connecticut, but also from Massachusetts.
This Plover is one of the "beach birds," not unlike the
Semipalmated and Piping Ring Plovers in general ap-
pearance, but instantly to be distinguished by its larger
size and great black bill. It nests on the shingle back
of the beach, and its eggs, usually 3 in number, offer the
following characters: "Length, 1.22 to 1.45; breadth,
i.oo to 1.05 ; ground-color, pale olive-drab, more inclin-
ing to green in some cases, to brown in others, but
always very pale, thickly marked all over with blackish-
brown in irregular, sharply-defined spots, small splashes,
and fine dots. In some specimens the markings show
a tendency to run into fine lines, and in these are the
smallest, darkest and most numerous [most evenly dis-
tributed], and most sharply outlined ; but ordinarily the
distinctive ' speckled character is maintained. Com-
monly the markings are rather larger, and consequently
more thickly set, on the larger part of the egg, where
there is also some tendency to run together, though
scarcely to form a ring around the butt ; but in none of
the specimens examined was the pointed end free from
spots. Here and there may usually be observed a few
pale, obsolete spots, but they are not conspicuous ; in
fact, hardly to be detected without close scrutiny."

jEGIALITES SEMIPALMATUS : RING PLOVER. 1/3

SEMIPALMATED RING PLOVER: RING-NECK.

^EGIALITES SEMIPALMATUS (Bp.) Cab.

Chars. Dark ashy-brown, with an olivaceous shade ; very broad
coronal and pectoral black bars, in the adult of both sexes, that
on the breast grayish-brown in the young, but still evident;
edges of eyelids bright orange ; bill moderately short and stout ;
orange or yellow, black-tipped ; legs yellowish ; toes conspicu-
ously semipalmate. Length, about 7.00 ; extent, 14.00 ; wing,
4.50; tail about one-half as long as the wings, rounded ; bill,
0.50; tarsus, i.oo.

Two species of " Ring-necks " are abundant on the
New England beaches, in flocks usually, mixing indis-
criminately with the various kinds of Sandpipers. These
two are the Semipalmated and the Piping — both of
whose trim and agile forms are mirrored in the glassy
surface of the wet sand as they nimbly follow the re-
treating wave to pick up the tiny creatures that the sea
has cast at their feet for food, or still more swiftly speed
back from the incoming breaker which would engulf
them. It is hard to say which of the two is the com-
moner during the migration. In the breeding season
the Semipalmated will scarcely be seen, for most of the
individuals which migrate along the Atlantic coast pro-
ceed beyond our limits before stopping to nest — to
Labrador, the shores of which are a favorite breeding
place, and even still further north. Some, however, are
said to linger through the summer with us ; Mr. Samuels
speaks of a pair nesting on Muskeget Island, off the coast
of Massachusetts, and many other pairs are content with
the sinuosities of the Maine coast. The arrival of the
Ring-necks in spring is somewhat in advance of the

174 CHARADRIIDjE I PLOVERS.

great body of migrants among the land birds, occurring
during the latter part of April, though their numbers are
greatly augmented by the middle of May. The return
movement of those individuals that do not remain to
breed is quite early — some appear in July ; the birds
become very numerous in August, and so continue
well through September. Thousands are annually de-
stroyed by the boys and pot-hunters, who do not hesitate
to decimate their ranks by murderous discharges into
the innocent and unsuspecting flocks. The numbers of
these and other beach birds have been sensibly dimin-
ished in the years intervening since the present writer
was guilty of the same atrocities.

For its nesting place, the Semipalmated Plover com-
monly selects some grassy spot on the marshes back of
the beach, oftenest near one of the numberless muddy
estuaries that find their way back from the sea line.
The nidification is not peculiar — merely a slight de-
pression in the ground, lined with a few blades of grass.
The eggs are scarcely to be distinguished from those of
the Kildeer, excepting in size — the largest being only
about 1.40 by 0.95, and the dimensions thence running
down to 1.20 by 0.90. The ground color ranges from
quite olivaceous drab to pale clay color, or even grayish-
white, some of the lighter-colored examples resembling
eggs of the Piping Plover quite closely. Compared with
Kildeer's eggs, the markings are usually more definite,
larger and bolder, with little of the scratchiness of the
latter. A few obscure shell-markings may usually be
observed. The full normal number is four, though
three, and even only two, may be deposited — the fewer
numbers being generally observed in cases of birds
which nest in the higher latitudes.

jEGIALITES MELODUS : PIPING PLOVER. 1/5

PIPING PLOVER: PALE RING-NECK.

MELODUS (Wils.) Bp.

Chars. Coloration above, very pale, ashy-brown ; the black bands
about the head narrow, that on the neck rarely, if ever, forming
a perfect ring. In the young, both of this species and the pre-
ceding, the black bands are deficient, being replaced by dark ash.
This species is easily distinguished from the last, not only by its
coloration, but by its very short, stout, obtuse bill, and lack of
any evident webbing between the middle and inner front toes.
It is likewise smaller.

As indicated in the preceding notice of the Semipal-
mated Plover, the Piping is one of New England's sum-
mer birds, breeding all^long our coast ; and it does not
appear to proceed much north of Maine for that pur-
pose. It is particularly abundant on the coast of south-
ern New England in May, and during August and
September, and much more conspicuous at such times,
when flocking on the beaches, than when dispersed in
pairs to breed. The breeding habits are closely cor-
respondent with those of its southern relative, Wilson's
Plover ; that is to say, it lays in the bare shingle of the
sea-coast, rather than in muddy and marshy places back
of the beach line. The eggs, too, are almost exactly
like those of Wilson's Plover, excepting that they are
smaller. They may be distinguished at a glance from
those of the Ring-neck by their light color and fine,
sparse speckling. The ground is clay-color, or palest
possible creamy-brown, marked nearly uniformly all
over, but sparsely, with small blackish-brown dots and
specks, but no spots of any size nor scratchy lines ; the
largest markings observed scarcely exceed a pin's head.

1/6 CHARADRIIDjE : PLOVERS.

The dotting is sometimes extremely fine, mere points,
and with it appear to be always mingled a few obscure
shell-markings of lilac or lavender. The egg appears to
be about of the same size (capacity) as that of the Ring-
neck, but is rather less elongate and pointed. Several
specimens measure: 1.30 by i.oo; 1.25 by i.oo ; 1.20 by
0.95, etc. Four is the usual number, laid late in May
or early in June.

H. PALLIATUS: AMERICAN OYSTER-CATCHER.

FAM. H^EMATOPODID^E : OYSTER-CATCHER.

AMERICAN OYSTER-CATCHER.

H.EMATOPUS PALLIATUS Temm.

Chars. Feet, 3-toed, very stout and rough, red. Bill, stout,
straight, longer than head, much compressed, truncate at ends
something like a Woodpecker's, red. Head and neck sooty
blackish, changing to blackish-brown on the back and wings.
Under parts of the neck, white ; a large white space on the
wings. A red ring around eyes. Sexes alike. Length about
18.00 ; extent, 34.00 ; wing, 10.00 ; tail, 4.25 ; bill, 3.00 or 4.00 ;
tarsus, 2.50.

This curious bird, though not particularly southern,
and common enough along the coasts of the Middle
States, where it breeds, is nevertheless a very rare spe-

Fio. 39. — BILL OF OYSTER-CATCHER. Natural size.

cies in New England now, however common it may for-
merly have been. The Oyster-catcher is confined
strictly to the sea-coast, and is one of the wildest and
wariest of the beach birds — facts which may account in
part for its scarcity along shores where men are plenti-
ful. Among the old records of its appearance are those

1/8 H,EMATOPOniD,E : OYSTER-CATCHER.

given by Brewer in Peabody's Report of the Orni-
thology of Massachusetts, 1839, P- 358, by Emmons
in Hitchcock's Report, 1835, p. 5 — both perhaps a
little dubious, and by Linsley in the Amer. Jour.
Sci., xliv, 1843, p. 265, who says that the Oyster-
catcher was then rare in Connecticut, though it
had not been uncommon in autumn a few years pre-
viously. Coming to later notices, we find Coues re-
marking that the bird is of very unusual occurrence
along our coast (Pr. Essex Inst, v, 1868, p. 292). Mr.
Maynard notes it as accidental, but one or two instances
of its capture being on record (Nat. Guide, 1870, p. 139) ;
while Mr. Allen calls it " accidental in summer" in Mas-
sachusetts (Bull. Essex Inst., x, 1878, p. 23). Dr. Brewer's
general list of New England birds includes the species
with the asterisk, and notes Massachusetts and Maine
as localities — the latter doubtless on the excellent
authority of Mr. Boardman of Calais (Pr. Bost. Soc.,
xvii, 1875, p. 445).

TURNSTONE OR CALICO-BIRD.
STREPSILAS INTERPRES (L.) III.

Chars. Feet, four-toed, red. Bill, dark -colored, hard, acute, in this
respect differing from that of most wading birds — the modifica-
tion of the organ, like that which the singular instrument of
the Oyster-catcher has undergone, being in adaptation to the par-
ticular habits of the bird. The Oyster-catcher uses its singular
tool as a burglar does a "jimmy," to pry open the shells of
bivalve molluscs. As indicated by the name " Turnstone," the
beak of the latter bird is used to dislodge pebbles along the sea-
shore, to get at the odd little marine creatures that lurk beneath
them. In other respects, the general habits of the Turnstone

STREPSILAS INTERPRES I TURNSTONE.

agree with those of Sandpipers, and its haunts are similar,
though it naturally prefers rocky coves and shingly places to the
open sandy beaches. The sexes are alike, but the summer and
winter plumages differ greatly. In the former season the bird is
singularly patched and pied on the upper parts with black, white,
gray and chestnut, giving the suggestion of printed calico ; the
under parts, and a large space on the wings, are pure white, ex-
cepting the black on the breast. In winter the reddish coloration
is wanting. Length about 8.00 ; extent, 17.00 ; wing, 5.65 ; tail,
2.40 ; bill, 0.90 ; tarsus, i.io.

A common spring and autumn migrant through New
England, almost exclusively along the sea-coast. It is
not found in flocks, like the Sandpipers generally, but
alone, or only two or three together, sometimes asso-
ciating with the Sandpipers, but oftener satisfied with
its own company. It ap-
pears among us in April,
and sometimes remains
through the greater part of
May, after which it is off to
the hyperborean regions
where it breeds. It returns FIG. 4o.-Bn.L OF TURNSTONE.

A Natural size.

in August, more numerous-
ly than before, and lingers through the greater part of the
autumn. It is one of the most widely diffused of birds,
being found on the sea-coasts of nearly all countries, and
on many of the larger inland waters of North America,
as of other continents. Its peculiarities almost entitle
it to be considered as the type of a family Strepsilaid&>
in which might be also classified its near relative, the
curious Surf-bird of the Pacific, Aphriza virgata.

ISO RECURVIROSTRIDjE : AVOCETS : STILTS.

FAMILY RECURVIROSTRID^: AVOCETS:
STILTS.

AMERICAN AVOCET.
RECURVIROSTRA AMERICANA Gm.

Chars. Legs, blue, very long ; feet, 4-toed ; toes, webbed. Bill,
black, longer than head, very slender and excessively acute,
turned up at the end. Iris, red. Head and neck, cinnamon-
brown in summer, ashy in winter ; back, wing-coverts and pri-
maries, black ; general plumage and under parts, white. Length,
17.00; extent, 30.00; wing, 9.00 ; tail, 3.50; bill, 3.00-4.00; tar-
sus, 3.50. Female usually smaller than the male.

This is a bird of extraordinary configuration and
bizarre coloration. Having long legs, like any wader
— in fact, the length of leg exaggerating a usual pro-
portion — the feet are nevertheless webbed like those of
a swimming bird, and the body is flattened underneath,
with thick, duck-like plumage to resist the water. The
bill is unique, resembling a shoemaker's awl in slender-
ness, sharpness and curvature — and the curve is up-
ward. The black and white pattern of coloration, with
the cinnamon head and neck and blue legs, adds to the
singularity of its appearance. The color of the legs
suggests the ludicrous name of "blue-stocking," some-
times applied ; but the bird differs from those creatures
of our own species which have been so nicknamed, in
being harmless, interesting and instructive.

The Avocet is irregularly distributed over nearly all
of temperate North America, from one ocean to the
other, and from rather high latitudes in British America
to Mexico and the Gulf. Still, there are large tracts of

RECURVIROSTRA AMERICANA: AMERICAN AVOCET. l8l

country seldom visited, and New England is one of
these. Here the bird is little more than a straggler,
though not rare further South on the Atlantic coast. It
thus becomes necessary to examine the records for cases
of its occurrence among us.

The record left by the Rev. Mr. Linsley is discred-
ited by Mr. Merriam (Rev. B. Conn., 1877, p. 146) as
resting upon insufficient evidence. But Mr. Merriam is
able to furnish an authentic instance of the presence of

FIG. 41. — HEAD AND LEG OF AVOCET. Reduced.

the bird in Connecticut, one of his correspondents, Mr.
J. G. Ely, writing to him, that a specimen was found in
1871, between Saybrook and East Lyme, in an old seine
strung out on the beach to dry (Rev. B. Conn., 1877, p.
103). Dr. Brewer states this to be "the only instance
of its capture within our limits that is on record, all the
others having been extra-limital or without particulars "
(Pr. Bost. Soc., xix, 1878, p. 307). Mr. G. A. Board-
man had indeed noted some years before (Pr. Bost. Soc.,
ix, 1862, p. 128), the capture of a specimen in Maine,
but this turned out to have been taken in New Bruns-
wick. In 1875, therefore, Dr. Brewer removed the
species from the New England List, with the following
comments : " This has been placed among the Birds of

I 82 RECURVIROSTRIDjE I AVOCETS : STILTS.

New England by Prof. Verrill and Dr. Coues, on the
strength of a single specimen said to have been taken
by Mr. G. A. Boardman, near Calais. As the specimen
was not taken near Calais, but at Point Lepreaux, New
Brunswick, we are without any evidence that this bird
belongs to our fauna, and therefore I take it out " (Pr.
Bost. Soc., xvii, 1875, p. 452). In preparing the Mas-
sachusetts list in 1878, Mr. Allen could find no author-
ity for including the Avocet among the birds of that
State, and accordingly only gave it a hypothetical place,
on the strength of the 1862 New Brunswick, and the
1871 Connecticut cases above mentioned (Bull. Essex
Inst, x, 1875, p. 34). These seem to have remained
the only authenticated records until very recently. Mr.
N. C. Brown has given the interesting note of the cap-
ture of a specimen at Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Nov. 5,
1878 (Bull. Nutt. Club, iv, 1879, P- Io8)- Mr- Purdie has
noted another taken in Natick, Middlesex Co., Mass.,
making the third authentic New England one, and the
first for Massachusetts (Bull. Nutt. Club, vi, 1881, p.
123). Mr. G. A. Boardman and Mr. Montague Cham-
berlain have each lately noticed the casual occurrence
of Avocets in New Brunswick (Bull. Nutt. Club, v, 1880,
p. 241, and vii, 1882, p. 105).

BLACK-NECKED STILT.

HIMANTOPUS MEXICANUS (Mull.) Ord.

Chars. Legs, exceedingly long, slender, red ; feet, semipalmate ;
no hind toe. Bill, black, very slender and acute, longer than
head. Iris, red. Color, white, with lustrous black wings and
back, and black stripe up back of neck. Length about 15.00 ;
extentt 27.00 ; wing, 8.75 ; tail, 3.00 ; bill, 2.50 ; tarsus, 4.00.

HIMANTOPUS MEXICANUS: BLACK-NECKED STILT. 183

The case of this bird, probably the longest-legged
feathered biped in proportion to the size of its body,
is quite similar to that of the Avocet, so far as its pres-
ence in New England is concerned. It is simply a
straggler, though it is known to have occurred oftener
than the Avocet has been ascertained to have done —
for, as we have seen, there are only three unexceptionable
records in the case of the
latter species. Nearly every
writer upon our New Eng-
land birds refers to the
Stilt, but in terms that leave
their remarks open to objec-
tion, and the earlier authori-
ties on the subject may be
passed over. I have learned
of no Connecticut occur-
rence. For Massachusetts,
Mr. Maynard has usually of
late been quoted as author-
ity. This Writer Says that FlG" 42' ~ ^"-NECKED STILT.

he was " assured by gunners and others," that it was occa-
sionally seen along the sandy beaches (Nat. Guide, 1870,
p. 143). This authority is cited by Allen (Am. Nat., iii,
1870, p. 638; and Bull. Essex Inst, x, 1878, p. 23), who
also brings up the testimony of Mr. Boardman, to the
effect that the latter saw, some years previously, in the
Boston market, two specimens which he was assured had
been taken in Massachusetts. The only positive and
unequivocal case that has come to my knowledge is that
given by Mr. Boardman, of a specimen taken at Calais,
Maine, in 1862 (Pr. Bost. Soc., ix, 1862, p. 128). For New
Brunswick, see Chamberlain, Bull. Nutt. Club, vii, 1882,
p. 105.

1 84 PHALAROPODIM: : PHALAROPES.

FAM. PHALAROPODID^E: PHALAROPES OR
COOT-FOOTED SANDPIPERS.

WILSON'S PHALAROPE.
STEGANOPUS WILSONI (Sab.} Cones.

Chars. Bill long, equalling the tarsus, exceeding the head, ex-
tremely slender, terete and acute. Culmen and gonys broad and
depressed. Lateral grooves long and narrow, reaching nearly
to tip of bill. Interramal space narrow and very short, extend-
ing only half way to the end of the bill. Nostrils at the extreme
base of the bill. Wings of moderate length. Tail short ;
deeply doubly-emarginate ; legs greatly elongated; tibiae bare
for a considerable distance ; tarsus exceeding the middle toe.
Toes long and slender, broadly margined with an even, unscol-
loped membrane, united but for a brief space basally. Claws
moderately long, arched and acute. Adult in breeding dress :
Bill, legs and feet, black ; crown of head, pale ash, passing into
white along a narrow strip on the nape. A narrow, distinct,
pure white line over the eye. Sides of neck intense purplish-
chestnut, or dark wine-red ; anteriorly deepening upon the auri-
culars into velvety black ; posteriorly continued, somewhat duller
in tint, as a stripe along each side of the back to the tips of the
scapulars. Other upper parts pearly-ash, blanching on the rump
and upper tail-coverts. Wings pale dull grayish-brown ; the
coverts slightly white-tipped, the primaries dusky-brown, their
shafts brownish-white, except at tip. Tail marbled with pearly-
gray and white. All the under parts pure white, but the fore-
part and sides of the breast washed with pale chestnut-brown, as
if with a weak solution of the rich color on the neck, and a faint
tinge of the same along the sides of the body to the flanks. The
female is larger and handsomer than the male. Length, 9.50 ;
extent, 16.00; wing, 5.00; tail, 2.00; bill, 1.25; tarsus, 1.25.
Specimens just fledged are in a plumage not generally known :

STEGANOPUS WILSONI : WILSON'S PHALAROPE. 185

Bill, blackish, about i.io long; legs, dull yellow (tarsus, 1.20;
middle toe and claw, 1.05). Upper parts, including crown and
upper surface of wings, brownish-black, each feather edged with
rusty-brown, very conspicuous on the long inner secondaries,
and giving a general aspect like that of a Sandpiper of the genus
Actodromas. Upper tail-coverts pure white. Tail clear ash,
edged and much marbled with white, the ash darker at its line
of demarcation from the white. Line over eye, and whole under
parts, white, the breast with a faint rusty tinge, and the sides
slightly marbled with gray. Quills dusky, the secondaries white-
edged, and the shafts of the primaries whitish. This stage is of
extremely brief duration, beginning to give way, almost as soon
as the bird is full grown, to the clear uniform ashy of the upper
parts of the fall and winter condition. The change in some spe-
cimens shot early in August is already very evident, clear ashy
feathers being mixed, on the crown and all the upper parts, with
such as just described. Size of the smallest specimen only 8.25
in length by 14.50 in extent ; wing, 4.60.

Several wading birds, properly so classed, furnish ex-
ceptions to the rule that these birds have but slight
powers of swimming, only exercised in an emergency.
The Avocet is a fair swimmer, the toes being nearly full-
webbed ; still better swimmers are the Coots and Phala-
ropes, birds not very closely allied, yet alike fitted for highly
aquatic life and habitual swimming by the presence of
broad lobes on the toes. Phalaropes are swimming
Sandpipers — with the modification of the feet just men-
tioned, a thin shank to cut the water, a depressed boat-
shaped body to rest upon it, and thickened, duck-like
under plumage to prevent wetting of the body. Not
one of the waders surpasses the Phalaropes in ease and
variety of movement, grace and elegance of form, or
beauty of color when in perfect plumage ; and Wilson's
Phalarope is the most beautiful of them all. Their
domestic relations, however, are simply scandalous. The

1 86 PHALAROPODID.E : PHALAROPES.

fair sex conducts the courtship, and several of them may
be seen in spring pursuing some modest male, who un-
dertakes the r61e of St. Anthony without success, and
when captured, submits with what grace he may to in-
cubating such eggs as his flourishing partner assures
him are his own.

The chorus of New England writers swells into one
grand symphony in treating of this bird's presence in

FIG. 43. — HEAD OF WILSON'S PHALAROPE. FIG. 44. — FOOT OF NORTHERN
PHALAROPE. Natural size.

their country, the theme being that Wilson's Phalarope
is a rare straggler. So true is this statement that I
have been unable to find more than a single authentic
case recorded of late years. Much that has been inti-
mated on the subject seems to flow from some statement
made by Audubon. I have not had time to look up
what he says ; but the reader who can tear himself away
from these fascinating pages long enough to do so, will
be able to inform himself on the subject (see Orn. Biog.,
iii, 1835, p. 400; 8vo. ed., v, 1842, p. 299). As so fre-
quently proves to be the case, the Rev. J. H. Linsley is
good authority, and the only one we have so far, for the
recurrence of this Phalarope in Connecticut. He speaks
of a specimen killed in Bridgeport, and sent to him by

LOBIPES HYPERBOREUS : NORTHERN PHALAROPE. l8/

a friend (Am. Jour. Sci., xliv, 1843, p. 268). Merriam
copies this statement as his only Connecticut authority
(Rev. B. Conn., 1877, p. 103). All the following records
appear to flow from Audubon, and to be without later
confirmation : — Putnam, Pr. Essex Inst, i, 1856, p. 217 ;
Allen, Pr. Essex Inst., iv, 1864, p. 86 ; Coues, Pr. Essex
Inst., v, 1868, p. 292 ; Brewer, Pr. Bost. Soc., xvii, 1875,
p. 445 ; Allen, Bull. Essex Inst., x, 1878, p. 23. We have,
however, an authentic Rhode Island instance (Newport,
Aug. 2, 1880; Jencks, Bull. Nutt. Club, v, 1880, p. 237).

NORTHERN PHALAROPE.
LOBIPES HYPERBOREUS (L.) Cuv.

Chars. Bill generally as in Steganopus, but shorter, basally
stouter, and tapering to a very acute, compressed tip ; ridge of
culmen and gonys less depressed ; interramal space longer and
broader. Wings long. Tail short, greatly rounded. Legs and
feet, short ; tibiae denuded for but a brief space ; tarsus not
longer than the middle toe. Toes very broadly margined with a
membrane which is scolloped or indented at each phalangeal
joint, and united basally as far as the second joint between the
outer and middle toe, and as far as the first joint between the
inner and middle toe. The feet are thus semipalmated. Claws
very small and short. Coloration something like that of Wil-
son's Phalarope ; but the much smaller size of the species, to-
gether with the generic characters here given, will suffice for
identification. Length, 7.00; extent, 13-5°; wing» 4-25; tail,
2.00 ; bill, i.oo ; tarsus, i.oo.

Though we are already among the " water birds," we
have not yet seen any one to be fairly called an off-the-
coast or sea-bird proper. This Phalarope, however, is
such a creature, and a very curious compound it is of a
wader and a swimmer. Take one of our common little
Sandpipers, fit it for sea by making oars of its feet, and

1 88 PHALAROPODIM: : PHALAROPES.

launch it upon the great deep — you have the Northern
Phalarope. You may see a flotilla of these little ani-
mated cockle-boats riding lightly on the waves anywhere
off the coast of New England. Let a storm arise too
violent for such frail creatures to outride, and they will
run into harbor anywhere, or even be blown far inland.
Such facts as these give the clue to the occasional and
irregular occurrences of the Phalarope in New England.
They are not rare — hundreds and thousands of them
disport off the coast during a great part of the year.
Thus Mr. Harold Herrick remarks upon their abund-
ance about Grand Menan : " Thousands may be seen all
summer on the * Ripplings ' about eight miles from
Menan, where they congregate to feed on the shrimps
and animalculae that are drifting in the eddies made by
the advancing and receding tide. They never come on
shore unless driven by storms, and are so tame, espe-
cially in foggy weather, that I have almost run them
down with a small boat."

The statement of the appearance of the birds " all
summer " leads to the inference that they breed with
us, but I do not know that the fact has been established.
They are chiefly known as spring and summer vagrants
along the coast, as not common, and as irregular at that.
Their general range is very extensive, embracing the
coast lines and large inland waters of most of the north-
ern hemisphere. They are known to breed in very high
latitudes, and to migrate to the tropics in winter. Thus
they occur in Spitzbergen in summer, and on the shores
of the Polar sea. That they are not strictly maritime is
shown by the fact of their presence in our great lakes
and rivers, as in Ohio, Illinois, Wyoming, etc.

Large series of eggs of this Phalarope show such a

PHALAROPUS FULICARIUS : RED PHALAROPE. 189

range of variation in color that it is difficult to de-
scribe them intelligibly. The ground varies from dark
greenish-olive, or brownish-olive, through various
lighter drab-tints, nearly to a buffy-brown, and in some
instances to a light grayish-drab. The markings are
usually very bold and heavy, consisting of large spots
and the still larger splashes produced by their con-
fluence, mingled with dots and scratches in inter-
minable confusion. The markings are, in general,
pretty evenly distributed, sometimes aggregated about
the butt, and in rarer instances forming a complete,
definite circle. In a few instances all the markings are
mere dots. In general, the heaviness and size of the
markings bear some proportion to the intensity of the
ground-color. The color of the markings is dark bistre,
chocolate, and sometimes still lighter browns. The
longest and narrowest egg measures 1.30 inches by only
0.75 ; a short and thick one only i.io by 0.82 ; average
about i. 20 by 0.80. The eggs are three or four, oftenest
four, and are laid in June — more frequently in the latter
half of the month — in a depression of the ground, vari-
ously lined with withered vegetation.

RED PHALAROPE.
PHALAROPUS FULICARIUS (L.) Bp.

Chars. Bill scarcely longer than the head or tarsus ; very stout for
this family ; much depressed ; so broad as to be almost spatulate,
the tip only moderately acute. Upper mandible with the ridge
broad and flattened, its apex arched and decurved, its lateral
grooves wide and shallow. Interramal space broad and very
long, extending nearly to the end of the bill. Nostrils sub-

PHALAROPODIDuE : PHALAROPES.

basal, at some distance from the root of the bill. Wings long
and pointed. Tail long, rounded, the central rectrices projecting,
rather acuminate. The legs and feet are much as in Lobipes,
but the semipalmation is of less extent. The species, in any
plumage, is readily distinguished from the Northern Phalarope
by these generic characteristics. The plumage is very variable
according to season. In full breeding dress, the under parts are
dull mahogany-brown; the upper parts slate-gray, varied with
blackish and yellowish ; the bill yellowish, with dark tip. In size
between Wilson's and the Northern Phalarope.

The remarks offered upon the Northern Phalarope
apply without qualification to the present species, the
manner of whose appearance in New England is sub-
stantially the same. It occurs along the coast chiefly
as a migrant, and is not common or regular in its ap-
pearance. There is no occasion to cite particular
records of its capture, as these simply confirm what has
been advanced in general terms. Mr. Boardman speaks
of its being, like the last species, a summer resident
along the coast of Maine, and it may not improbably be
found breeding there, like its nearest ally, with which it
so commonly found associated. The mode of nesting is
the same, and the eggs are not to be distinguished with
any certainty, though averaging larger. Specimens
before me from Arctic regions measure 1.30 by 0.90;
1.15 by 0.90; 1.25 by 0.85.

PHILOMELA MINOR : THE WOODCOCK. IQI

FAMILY SCOLOPACIDyE: SNIPE, ETC.

THE WOODCOCK.
PHILOHELA MINOR (Gm.) Gr.

Chars. Under parts russet, varying from pale reddish-buff to
ruddy brownish ; generally palest on the throat. Upper parts
intimately varied with russet, black, brown and silvery-gray ;
an irregular dark line from bill to eye. Head peculiarly shaped,
with large eyes in the back upper corner. Bill perfectly straight,
much longer than head, high ridged at base, amply furrowed,
very sensitive at the end, the knobbed tip of the upper mandi-
ble overhanging the end of the lower mandible ; gape of the
mouth much contracted. Legs short for a wader, feathered to the
heei ; toes long and slender ; tail short ; wings rounded, with
several outer primaries narrowed and falcate, bistoury-like.
Body plump ; neck short. Female larger and heavier than the
male. Length, about 11.00; extent, 18.00; wing, 5.00; tail,
2.50 ; bill, 2.50-3.00 ; tarsus, 1.15.

The Woodcock is found in nearly all parts of the
United States east of the Mississippi, and in adjoining
British Provinces. Occurring thus both north and
south of New England, it is in that section of country
more numerous during the migrations than at other
seasons ; more numerous in summer than in winter ;
yet actually a permanent resident. There is no month
in the year in which Woodcock may not be found.
These are the final facts in the case ; more super-
ficially and practically, the bird is a summer resi-
dent, arriving as soon the snow leaves, and departing
with the freezing of the watery soil in which its

192

SCOLOPACID^E : SNIPE, ETC.

food is sought. March and April, and October, are
the moving months. From early in April to some

time in May are the laying and incubating periods ;
domestic concerns occupy the birds in the rest of May

PHILOMELA MINOR : THE WOODCOCK. 193

and in June, after which, with the celebration of the
American political idea, — now old enough to be less
barbaric in its methods of self-glorification, — the Wood-
cock season begins ; that is to say, a considerable propor-
tion of the young birds are grown strong enough to fly
in order to be shot. It is a twin relic of barbarism that
allows them to be killed at this tender age ; the close
time should not cease before September, in which
month as well as the succeeding one, the best sport may
be had. But whether or not July shooting be per-
missible, Woodcock should be let alone in August, when
they are moulting, and poorly able to take care of them-
selves. The regular course of events may be inter-
fered with by irregularities in the season, or the otherwise
accidental destruction of eggs, causing very late broods
to appear.

Nesting is early — by the middle of April eggs are to
be found in their slight nests — mere depressions in
some dry spot in swampy land, generally the cover of
alders and birches, sometimes more open places. The
normal number of eggs is four, averaging in size about
i. 50 X i. 20 ; they are, however, as variable in dimensions
as in coloration, which latter is some shade of buff,
thickly spotted and blotched with browns, neutral and
lilac tints. In shape, they are less prominently pyriform
than those of most waders. It is a fact that when
danger threatens, the parent will transport her callow
young to a place of greater security, carrying them
either in her claws, like a hawk, or close-pressed to her
lower bosom between the legs. The Woodcock is
largely nocturnal, feeding most by night. During the
courtship, it has a variety of extravagant actions both
in the air and on the ground, accompanying the display

194 scoLOPAciD,E : SNIPE, ETC.

with curious sounds, sometimes musically modulated.
When sitting closely little or no effluvium is disen-
gaged, so that the best dog may be at fault, though pass-
ing close by the nest. The general habits of the bird,
from the sportsman's standpoint, are too well known to
need description. I am inclined to think the swiftness
of the bird on wing is exaggerated, the difficulty in
shooting it down arising rather from the irregularity of
its course, and the thickness of the cover in which it is
usually flushed.

NOTE. — The European Woodcock, Scolopax rusticula, is a
straggler to this country, and has been taken at points which
render it probable that it passed New England to reach them
(Newfoundland, Long Island, New Jersey, Virginia). It has con-
sequently been included hypothetically in the New England List.
Though the inference is permissible, the fact remains to be demon-
strated. It may be recognized, among other characters, by its
greatly superior size and lack of the attenuated outer primaries.

THE AMERICAN SNIPE; WILSON'S SNIPE.
GALLINAGO WILSONI (Temm.) Bp.

Chars. Upper parts varied with black, brown, and a buff or reddish
shade, the latter forming especially two lengthwise stripes on
each side, along the inner border of the wing. Under parts
white ; throat and breast spotted and streaked with brownish, the
lining of the wings and axillary feathers and sides of the body
barred regularly with black. Tail barred with black, white and
chestnut ; some of the lateral feathers narrowed. Crown dark
with a median light stripe. Length, about 10.00 ; extent, 16.25 ;
wing, 5.00; tail, 2.00; bill, 2.50, but variable ; tarsus, 1.40.

The name of "English" Snipe, of common but
erroneous application to this bird, is a misnomer, the

GALLINAGO WILSONI : AMERICAN SNIPE. IQ5

bird being technically different from that of England,
as any one may perceive on comparing the two, though

the general resemblance is quite close. It is another of
the deplorable instances in which paucity of language

196 SCOLOPACID^E : SNIPE, ETC.

has caused American birds to be called by the name of
their nearest European relative, real or supposed — a
circumstance tending to promulgate error and confusion.
We should do our best to suppress such wrong names in
every instance, even without such an example as the
well-nigh hopeless muddle about our Bob-white to warn
us. "Jack Snipe" is another soubriquet of our Gal-
linago, of no obvious application indeed, but not par-
ticularly bad, though also employed to designate the
Pectoral Sandpiper, Actodromas maculata.

Throughout the greater part of the United States the
Snipe is found only during the migrations, and in
winter. It breeds, however, in Northern New England,
and it may do so along other portions of our northern
border. It is almost exclusively a migrant through the
United States, though some probably winter in the
southern portions. Its migrations are pushed, at that
season, even to South America, and it also occurs
in Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies,
according to numerous extra-limital quotations. The
eggs are moderately pyriform, and measure about 1.60
by 1. 1 2 ; some, however, being so small as 1.50 by 1.95.
The ground color is grayish-olive, with more or less
brownish shade in different specimens. The markings
are numerous, generally heavy, and often massed,
though, as a rule, distinct ; they may appear all over the
surface, but are always thickest and largest on the
major half of the egg. The color is umber-brown,
of varying shade, according to the depth or quantity of
pigment. With these surface markings are associated
some paler or obscure shell spots, not ordinarily so
noticeable, however, as in some other species. And
over all we find, in occasional specimens, curious sharp,

GALLINAGO WILSONI I AMERICAN SNIPE.

straggling lines of what appears to be pure black.
The other markings have the ordinary splashed or
blotched character. The nest-complement is three or
four. A set of eggs in the Smithsonian is labelled
Oneida County, New York. The nest is a mere depres-
sion in the grass or moss of a boggy meadow ; the
down of the newly-hatched young is mottled with white,
ashy, ochrey, and dark brown.

It is, however, in the character of spring and autumn
migrant that the Snipe chiefly figures in New England.
Occasionally those that have bred in the high north
appear in August ; but the migration is not in force until
the second week in September, from which period until
late in October good shooting may be had. The spring
movement is mainly in April.

I like very well the way in which the collaborator
of Minot's Birds of New England has exploded one pop-
ular fallacy respecting the Snipe : " In all the accounts
of these birds which are accessible to him, the author
finds the ancient, time-honored tradition, that the Snipe
always begin their flights by rapid zigzags, so that it
behooves the shooter either to fire at the instant when
the birds attain the height of their first spring or to
wait till they have completed their zigzags and begin
their steady flight. The beginner, deeply impressed
with these statements, his mind filled with the idea that
the flight of the Snipe is much like that of a tortuous
lightning flash through a cloud, sets out, and, adopting
one or the other of these absurd rules, is sure to miss.
Inasmuch as the Snipe, five times out of six, in most
weather, does not spring at all, to fire at the height of
the first spring means to the beginner to fire as soon as
he can, that is, as much as possible before he gets his

198 SCOLOPACIM: : SNIPE, ETC.

aim. On the other hand, to wait till the bird is done
with zigzagging necessitates waiting till he has begun
zigzagging, and, as he generally does not zigzag at all,
this involves waiting some time. From the expression,
'zigzag flight,' would not the natural impression be that
the bird kept darting rapidly, with short, quick short
turns from side to side ? That such is the Snipe's
usual flight is certainly not true, though it is undoubt-
edly often rapid and sometimes eccentric. The author's
experience is for these days of rapid travel limited, but
after shooting Snipe at different seasons in the British
Provinces, in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and North Carolina,
he ventures to assert that they almost never 'zigzag' in
their flight."

RED-BREASTED SNIPE; GRAY SNIPE;
BROWN BACK; DOWITCHER.

MACRORHAMPHUS GRISEUS (Gm.) Leach.

Chars. This Snipe as about as large as Wilson's, and the bill
is exactly as in that species. It is distinguished by the greater
length of the legs, the whole naked portion being about 3.50
inches long, of which the bare part of the tibia is 0.75 of an
inch ; by a web between the outer and middle toes ; by 12
instead of 16 tail feathers, and many points of coloration. Tail
and its coverts, with lining of wings and axillars, beautifully
barred with black and white or tawny; shaft of first primary
white. In breeding plumage, brownish-black above, variegated
with bay ; reddish-brown below, variegated with dusky ; a tawny
superciliary and dusky loral stripe. At other seasons, dark
gray above, the feathers with dusky centres and pale gray or
whitish edges ; lower back pure white ; superciliary line and spot
on under eyelid white ; below, white, the jugulum, fore-breast,

MACRORHAMPHUS GRISEUS : GRAY SNIPE.

199

and sides heavily shaded with gray, leaving chin whitish ; the
flanks and crissum with wavy, dusky spots or bars. Length*
10.25 to 10.75 f extent, 18.00 ; wing, 5.25-5.90, average about 5.60 ;
tail, 2.50; tarsus, 1.20-1.55, average 1.35; bill, 2.00-2.50, very
variable. (The alleged differences of the supposed variety
M. scolopaceus are given beyond.)

A common spring and autumn migrant. It is also
considered by both Dr. Brewer and Mr. Boardman to be
a summer resident in northern
New England, but we have no defi-
nite advices of its breeding in our
limits. It certainly nests very far
northward, even to the Arctic
Coasts of North America, though
many individuals re-appear among 8
us in August. The birds become $
abundant during the following a
month, and afford excellent sport «
to the gunners. They frequent *
mud-bars, flat and marshy mead- £
ows, in flocks often of considera- |
ble size, and are in good condition g
for the table.

Of several sets of eggs I have o
examined, laid either by this spe- g
cies or by var. scolopaceus, high ?
in boreal regions of the United |
States, one set contains four eggs, y>
another three, another only two ; •"
but we must presume that four is
the regular nest-complement. The
eggs are not peculiar among their
allies in any respect, and probably no description would

200 SCOLOPACID.E : SNIPE, ETC.

suffice for their positive identification. The following
measurements indicate the size and shape : 1.75 by 1.15
(unusually long, narrow, and pointed) ; 1.70 by 1.15 ; 1.62
by 1. 12 (about an average) ; 1.68 by i.io; 1.55 by i.io
(very short). The ground-color is the same as in Gallina-
go, with all its variation, while the general character of the
markings is identical, even to the occasional occurrence
of sharp, black tracery over the ordinary spots and
blotches. One of the eggs has the markings rather
chocolate than umber-brown, and much smaller and
more diffuse than they are in any of the examples of
Gallinago which happen to be before me. The Red-
breasted Snipe is a gentle and unsuspicious creature by
nature, most sociably disposed to its own kind, as well
as toward its relatives among the Ducks and waders.
In the western regions, where they are not often mo-
lested, no birds are more confiding, though none more
timid. They gather in such close flocks, moreover,
that the most cruel slaughter may be effected with ease
by one intent only on filling his bag. As we approach
a pool we see numbers of the gentle birds wandering
along the margin, or wading up to the belly in the
shallow parts, probing here and there as they advance,
sticking the bill perpendicularly into the mud to its full
length with a quick, dexterous movement, and some-
times even submerging the whole head for a second
or two. All the while they chat with each other in
a low, pleasing tone, entirely oblivious of our dangerous
proximity. With the explosion that too often happens,
the next moment some stretch dead or dying along the
strand, others limp or flutter with broken legs or wings,
while the survivors, with a startled weet, take wing.
Not, however, to fly to a place of safety ; in a compact

MACRORHAMPHUS GRISEUS I GRAY SNIPE. 2OI

body they skim away, then circle back, approaching
again the fatal spot with a low, wayward, gliding motion,
and often re-alight in the midst of their dead or disabled
companions. No birds fly more compactly, or group
together more closely in alighting ; it seems as if the
timid creatures, aware of their defenceless condition,
sought safety, or at least reassurance, in each other's
company. Thus it happens that a whole flock may be
secured by successive discharges, if the gunner will
seize the time when they stand motionless, in mute
alarm, closely huddled together. In a little while,
however, if no new appearance disturbs them, they
cast off fear and move about separately, resuming their
busy probing for the various water-bugs, leeches, worms,
and soft molluscs, which form their food, as well as the
seeds of various aquatic plants. When in good order,
they are excellent eating.

Being partly web-footed, this Snipe swims tolerably
well for a little distance in case of emergency, as when
it may get for a moment beyond its depth in wading
about, or when it may fall, broken-winged, on the water.
On such an occasion as this last, I have seen one swim
bravely for twenty or thirty yards, with a curious bob-
bing motion of the head and corresponding jerking of
the tail, to a hiding-place in the rank grass across the
pool. When thus hidden they keep perfectly still, and
may be picked up without resistance, except a weak
flutter, and perhaps a low, pleading cry for pity on their
pain and helplessness. When feeding at their ease,
in consciousness of peace and security, few birds are
of more pleasing appearance. Their movements are
graceful and their attitudes often beautifully statuesque.

2O2 SCOLOPACID^E : SNIPE, ETC.

GREATER LONG-BEAK.

MACRORHAMPHUS GRISEUS SCOLOPACEUS (Say) Coues.

Chars. Very similar to the last, and distinguishable with difficulty,
if at all. Averaging larger : wing, 5.40-6.00, average, 5.75 ; bill,
2.10-3.00, average, 2.70; tarsus, 1-35-1.75, average, 1.60 ; mid-
dle toe, 0.95-1.15, average, i.oo. In summer plumage, abdomen
uniform reddish, without markings (in griseus whitish) ; breast
scantily speckled and sides barred with dusky (in griseus, breast
and sides speckled with dusky). Young and winter specimens
not distinguishable with any certainty from those of griseus, as the
dimensions of the two intergrade.

,The balance of opinion respecting this doubtful bird
seems to have settled in favor of at least its varietal dis-
tinction from M. griseus. According to the latest author-
ity on the subject, Mr. Ridgway, specimens never occur in
western North America which have in summer the ab-
domen either whitish or speckled, or the sides speckled ;
these being characters peculiar to birds of the Atlantic
coast (true griseus], where these abound in the migra-
tions in the proportion of about a thousand to one of
scolopaceus. The coloration as above given is said to
be more constant than the dimensions, though scolo-
paceus averages larger than griseus. Young birds and
those in winter plumage cannot be distinguished, ex-
cepting those specimens of scolopaceus which surpass the
maximum dimensions of griseus. (Bull. Nutt. Club, v,
1880, p. 158.)

Mr. Newbold T. Lawrence has paid particular atten-
tion to this subject, and we extract in substance his
article in Bull. Nutt. Club, v, 1880, p. 154. Mr. Law-
rence says that the bill of scolopaceus varies from 2.50

M. GRISEUS SCOLOPACEUS: GREATER LONG-BEAK. 2O3

to 3.25 in length, while that of griseus seldom if ever
reaches 2.50. "The M. scolopaceus not only exceeds
the other in length of bill, etc., but the whole general
appearance is very noticeably different, and it can be
easily distinguished from M. griseus some distance off.
Mr. George N. Lawrence says : ' In all three of my
specimens which are in full summer plumage, the breast
and entire abdomen is of a uniform rather pale rufous,
without spots or bars, but the sides of the breast are
transversely barred with black. In an example from
Texas, the breast is barred in the same manner as the
ones from Cuba.' In all of the seventeen specimens of
M. scolopaceus I have examined," continues Mr. N. T.
Lawrence, " the character of the plumage is strongly
marked, with still another feature, and that is in having
the feathers of the breast and abdomen edged with
a lighter rufous or white, this being particularly strongly
marked in a specimen in the collection of Mr. George
N. Lawrence, taken in Florida, during the spring
of 1879. IR summer specimens of M. griseus, the
rufous of the breast blends into white on the abdomen,
and the whole is more or less spotted. In the notes,
which are so characteristic of all the Limicolce, and
in the time of its arrival and departure during the
spring and fall migrations, it differs essentially from
M. griseus. The note of M. scolopaceus is much louder
and clearer, and easily distinguished from the rather
plaintive note of M. griseus, having about the same
relation as the notes of the Big and Little Yellow-leg
bear to each other." Mr. Lawrence gives further
the memoranda relating to six instances in which he
observed the bird on Long Island (in each case singly)
from Aug. 7 to Oct. 13.

2O4 SCOLOPACID^E : SNIPE, ETC.

The difference alleged by Mr. Lawrence between the
notes of the two birds is confirmed by Mr. G. L.
Nicholas, in speaking of the capture of a specimen of
scolopaceus on Shinnecock Bay : " The note was entirely
different from that of the Dowitcher, being made up of
several quick, sharp whistles. I am quite sure it is not
a Dowitcher, as it is quite different in color, the under
parts being like those of Tringa canutus, and only the
throat and sides being spotted. Mr. Lane, with whom
I was staying, says that for the past three years he has
seen these birds in company with the Dowitchers,
and they seem to be increasing in numbers. He and
other gunners of the house also say they have never
heard this bird give a note anything like that of the
Dowitcher." (Bird-notes from Long Island, in Forest
and Stream, xiv, 1880, p. 44.)

" In regard to the spring arrival of this bird, Mr.
George N. Lawrence gives March 20 as the earliest
date, he having secured several specimens in Fulton
Market, N. Y., at that time, from Long Island, which is
about six weeks earlier than any recorded capture
of M. griseus. The gunners in the vicinity of Rocka-
way, L. I., make a distinction between the two birds,
calling M. scolopaceus the White-tail Dowitcher, and say
it is the first to come in the spring, and during the
southern migrations it remains until late in the fall,
after the Dowitchers have disappeared." (Bull. Nutt.
Club, v, 1880, p. 156.)

Dr. Brewer gives M. scolopaceus full specific rank in
his Catalogue (Pr. Bost. Soc., xvii, 1875, p. 445), mark-
ing it as a rare migrant along the Massachusetts coast,
not in company with M. griseus •, on the authority
of Mr. Brewster; but Mr. Purdie corrects this misun-

M. GRISEUS SCOLOPACEUS I GREATER LONG-BEAK. 2O5

derstanding, as Mr. Brewster informed him he found
it and griseus together (Bull. Nutt. Club, i, 1876, 73).
Mr. Allen does not distinguish the supposed species in
any way from M. griseus (Bull. Essex Inst., x, 1878, p
23). Dr. Brewer afterward made the following note :
"A female was shot at Eastham, by Mr. Frank L.
Tileston, November 2, 1878. Without presuming to
decide whether this is entitled to rank even as a variety,
the fact remains that this bird was a very different
form from the common M. griseus, and was shot at
a period much later than the latter bird has been known
to appear" (Bull. Nutt. Club, iv, 1879, P- 64). Tne
same record re-appears in Pr. Bost. Soc., xx, 1879, P-
272.

The bird had ten years previously been given by
Coues as one which should occur in New England (Pr.
Essex Inst, v, 1868, p. 293). This author in 1874 (B.
N. W., p. 477) declined to recognize the species, on the
strength of the great variations he found in dimensions
among individuals shot from a single flock in Dakota,
the differences being supposed to cover both griseus and
scolopaceus. But if griseus proper be confined to the
Atlantic coast, all his specimens were of course M.
scolopaceus ; and being in fall plumage did not exhibit
the color-characters which may distinguish the two
forms. His measurements therefore simply show the
great range of variation of M. scolofaceus in size and
proportions.

206 SCOLOPACIM: : SNIPE, ETC.

STILT SANDPIPER.

MlCROPALAMA HIMANTOPUS (Bp.) Bd.

Chars. Bill somewhat as in Macrorhamphus, but shorter, less
evidently widened at the end, and not so distinctly furrowed.
Legs very long ; tibiae bare an inch ; tarsus as long as the bill ;
toes semipalmate. Length, 8.50-9.00; extent, 16.00-17.00;
wing, 5.00 ; tail, 2.25 ; bill or tarsus, 1.50-1.70; middle toe and
claw, i.oo. Adults in summer: above blackish, each feather
edged with white and tawny or bay, becoming scolloped on the
scapulars ; auriculars chestnut ; a dusky line from bill to eye, and
a light reddish superciliary line ; upper tail-coverts white with
dusky bars ; tail-feathers 12, ashy-gray, their edges and central
fields .white ; under parts mixed reddish, black and whitish,
in streaks on the jugulum, elsewhere in bars. Young birds and
adults in winter have a dress chiefly ashy above and white
below, the sides and jugulum suffused with the color of the back,
and streaked with dusky ; legs usually pale greenish-yellow.

This very interesting Sandpiper has been the inno-
cent cause of so much contrariety of opinion among New
England writers, that it will be well to review the whole
case.

Coues included it in 1868 upon presumptive evidence
of its occurrence (Pr. Essex Inst., v, 1868, p. 294).
Specimens had indeed been taken in New England
at that date, as at Plymouth and Swampscott, Mass.,
in 1852, in 1857 or l858, and in 1860; but no record had
been published.

In his notes on the rarer birds of Massachusetts,
Allen cites cases of its occurrence in that state and in
New Hampshire (Am. Nat., iii, 1870, p. 639).

A specimen from Needham, Mass., July 24, 1871, is
recorded* by Mr. O. Fuller (Am. Nat., v, 1871, p. 727).

MICROPALAMA HIMANTOPUS : STILT SANDPIPER. 2O/

Mr. Brewster soon instanced several specimens from
Rye Beach, N. H., and Cape Cod, Mass. (Am. Nat., vi,
1872, p. 307.) Mr. Maynard, in Nat. Guide, 1870, p.
140, notes Mr. Brewster's first and second specimens,
the same as given by Allen, as above. It was in 1870
and 1871 that Mr. Brewster secured the additional speci-
mens, being the ten referred to by him in the American
Naturalist, as just quoted ; he considered the species as
by no means rare.

In his catalogue of 1875, Dr. Brewer enters the
species with the remark: "Migratory, (Mass.)" (Pn
Bost. Soc., xvii, 1875, p. 445). In reviewing this cata-
logue, Mr. Purdie speaks, and correctly, as will appear,
of the bird as " migratory along the whole New England
coast" (Bull. Nuttall Club, i, 1876, p. 73). To this
Dr. Brewer replies : " So far as my own observations
go, and so far also as I have been able to obtain infor-
mation from others, ' H. A. P.' is not warranted in his
sweeping statement that Micropalama himantopus is a
regular migrant along the whole New England coast.
But if he is better posted, and can produce evidence
to establish his views on this long controverted point,
such data are too valuable and would be too important to
be suppressed " (Bull. Nutt. Club, i, 1876, p. 92). Thus
put to the proof, Mr. Purdie produces the following in the
next number of the periodical cited : " A word about the
Stilt Sandpiper (Micropalama himantopus}, and I am
done. In the ' American Naturalist ' (vol. iii, p. 639), is
recorded the first supposed instance of its occurrence in
New England. In the same periodical (vol. v, p. 727) is
given the first supposed* instance for Massachusetts.

* " Mr. F. C. Browne, of Framingham, has a specimen taken at
Plymouth in 1852."

2O8 SCOLOPACIDjE I SNIPE, ETC.

Again (in vol. vi, p. 307), Mr. Brewster says : ' The
Stilt Sandpiper (Micropalama himantopus) t which I see
was recorded in a recent number of the Naturalist as
new to our Fauna, I consider by no means rare in
its migrations. Indeed, I have seen as many as six or
seven sent into Boston market at one time, from Cape
Cod, and, in the course of a few weeks' shooting in
August, at Rye Beach; N. H. (just north of our state
limits), I secured no less than ten specimens.' Not only
has he since shot it, but he, as well as myself and
others, find it frequently in the Boston markets " (Bull.
Nutt. Club, ii, 1877, p. 17). But Dr. Brewer is still
dissatisfied ; for he says : ' Having exhausted the all too
insufficient limits to which I am restricted, I am com-
pelled to omit nearly all that I have written in reference
to Micropalama himantopus. I will only state that in
characterizing it as ' migratory, Mass.,' I should have
added ' N. H.,' in which it has been taken, twelve miles
from our boundary lirie. Though invited to do so,
your correspondent [Mr. Purdie] is unable to give any
data to show that it is migratory along the entire New
England coast. It has not been found in any part of
that coast from St. Andrews to Kittery, or from
Buzzard's Bay to East River, and the sweeping state-
ment of your correspondent still remains an entirely un-
supported assumption" (Bull. Nutt. Club, ii, 1877,
p. 48).

Very soon, however, Mr. N. C. Brown comes to the
front with the following paragraph : " Mr. H. A. Purdie,
in his review of a recent * Catalogue of the Birds of
New England,' stated (this Bulletin, vol. i, p. 73) that
Micropalama himantopus is migratory along the whole
New England coast. This elicited the rather sweeping

MICROPALAMA HIMANTOPUS : STILT SANDPIPER. 2OQ

assertion from the author of the Catalogue, that the bird
had ' not been found in any part of the coast from St.
Andrews to Kittery' (Bull., vol. ii, p. 48). I desire to
contribute my evidence in support of Mr. Purdie's
statement. M. kimantopus has been repeatedly taken
on the marshes and sand-bars in the vicinity of Portland,
Me., during the early part of autumn" (Bull. Nutt. Club,
iii, 1878, p. 102).

In an article entitled " Apologetic," Dr. Brewer con-
tinues : " My statement that not a specimen of the
Micropalama was then known to have been taken along
the entire coast of Maine may have been ' sweeping/
It was so intended to be. At the time it was made
it was literally and exactly true. Of the occasional and
irregular occurrence of this bird in the vicinity of
Portland I am well aware (see Proc. Boston Soc. Nat.
Hist., Oct. 3, 1877). Its presence at a single point
on the western portion of the coast of Maine,* so long
as all the rest of the coast is destitute, does not prove
either that it is regular in its migrations, or that these
extend along the whole New England coast" (Bull.
Nutt. Club, iii, 1878, p. 148).

On the very page last cited, Dr. Brewer himself gives
an interesting note of the bird's abundance in Long
Island (and therefore between Buzzard's Bay and East
River). It is as follows : " In a late paper read before
the Linnaean Society of New York, Mr. N. T. Law-
rence speaks of this species as being common on the
south side of Long Island (N. Y.). He has quite often,
while Bay-Snipe shooting, had parties of from three to five,

* For occurrence eastward of the species, in New Brunswick for
example, see Chamberlain, Bull. Nat. Hist. Soc. N. B., 1881, p. 53,
and Bull. Nutt. Club, vii, 1882, p. 105.

210 SCOLOPACID,E : SNIPE, ETC.

and very frequently a single bird or pair, come to his
decoys. And, of the four specimens in his collection, two,
in adult breeding plumage, were taken in July, the others
in fall plumage, in September. This note is interesting
as presenting different conditions from any recorded in
New England [?]. But one occurrence of this species is
known in July, and that in the last part of the month
and fifteen miles from the sea. Mr. Geo. N. Lawrence
writes me, in reference to the same species, that he
lived at Rockaway for five summers, and on one oc-
casion, when he was there, there was a flight of this
species and Gambetta flavipes, the latter the most
abundant, and of the two species there were killed over
one hundred and twenty individuals. He says he
remembers killing six of the M. himantoptis at one shot
He never saw so many together as on that day, but
all through the season scattering ones were shot "(Bull.
Nutt Club, iii, 1878, p. 148).

Mr. J. Dwight, Jr., next contributes intelligence of
several Stilt Sandpipers from New Jersey, July 15 to
Sept. 15, remarking: "This species will now have been
recorded, in numbers, all along the Maine, New Hamp-
shire, Massachusetts, Long Island, and New Jersey
coasts, at suitable places from Portland, Me., to Squam
Beach, N. J , showing not only that it is a regular
migrant, but also that there is every probability of
its being taken farther north and farther south. It
would now seem that it can hardly be regarded as a
rare straggler on that part of the Atlantic coast from
Maine to New Jersey. The question arises, Has the
Stilt Sandpiper been much overlooked, or has it of late
years increased in abundance ? " (Bull. Nutt. Club, iv,
> P- 63).

MICROPALAMA HIMANTOPUS I STILT SANDPIPER. 211

The same page yields also a note from Dr. Brewer
of the capture of a bird of this kind, July 25, 1878, by
Mr. Geo. H. Mackay at Nantucket (Bull. Nutt. Club, iv,
1879, p. 63).

Firmness is an admirable quality, but may be excess-
ive. We find the same author presenting the following
paragraph, in connection with which he carefully
notes very numerous cases of captures : " The past year
has brought with it no new fact of any moment,
bearing upon the history of this bird, certainly nothing
to establish any regularity as a migrant on the New
England coast, nor indeed on any part of the Atlantic
coast. Throughout Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and
the entire coast of Maine as far west as Portland, it has
remained wholly unknown. From Scarboro, Me., to
Rye, N. H., we have no record of its having been taken,
and from Swampscott, along the entire coast of Massa-
chusetts to Provincetown it continues equally unknown.
During the past summer the only record that has
reached me of its occurrence was a single specimen
procured by Mr. Geo. H. Mackay at Nantucket, July 25,
1878 [as above noted]. This is the second example taken
in July in Massachusetts. So far as negative testimony
can ever be taken as conclusive, the absence of any data
in regard to the presence of this species in any numbers
on the New England coast continues to suggest that its
regularity as a migrant is still, and more than ever, a
thing not proven" (Pr. Bost. Soc., xx, 1879, p. 273).

But enough must have been said to convince most
persons of the contrary of this last statement. If not,
the reader is referred to Dr. Brewer's very interesting
and valuable paper entitled " Notes on the Occurrence
of Micropalama himantopus in New England" (Pr.

212 SCOLOPACIDjE : SNIPE, ETC.

Boston Soc. Nat Hist., xix, 1877, pp. 252-256), in
which the carefully adduced evidence sustains the
contrary of the proposition sought to be maintained.
In any event, we have laid before him the evidence
upon which he can form his own conclusions, perhaps
with needless prolixity. Thus, for example, the species
is omitted in Chadbourne's " Rarer Birds of Massachu-
setts," as too common to require comment (Quart.
Journ. Bost. Zool. Soc., i, 1882, p. 4). We may finish
with the remark upon the bird's general habitat made by
Coues in the " Key to North American Birds " : " North
America, generally dispersed but apparently not very
common anywhere ; West Indies, in winter ; U. S. during
the migrations ; breeds in high latitudes." The habits
are much like those of Macrorhamphus.

SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER.
EREUNETES PUSILLUS (L.) Cass.

Chars. Feet semipalmate, with two evident webs. Bill, tarsus,
and middle toe with its claw of approximately equal lengths, an
inch or less long, but bill apt to be shorter, even down to 0.75 or
0.67. Length, 5.50-6.50; extent, 11.75; wing» 3-25-3-75 ; tail,
2.00, doubly emarginate, the central feathers projecting. Adult
in summer : upper parts variegated with black, bay, and ashy or
white, each feather with a black field, reddish edge, and whitish tip;
rump and most upper tail-coverts blackish. Tail ashy, the cen-
tral feathers darker ; primaries dusky, the shaft of the first white.
A dusky line from bill to eye. and white superciliary line.
Below, white, usually rufescent on the breast, with dusky speck-
ling on the throat, breast, and sides. In winter the upper parts
mostly plain ashy-gray. Young in July and August has scarcely
any traces of spots beneath, being then almost entirely white,
with a wash of buff across the breast.

EREUNETES PUSILLUS : SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. 213

An abundant spring and autumn migrant, along the
coast, thronging the beaches at those seasons in flocks
numbering hundreds and even thousands. The usual
periods of the passage are April and September ; but it
appears in August, and a few individuals are to be seen
during the summer. Though this does not prove that
it breeds with us, there is some additional evidence that
it occasionally does so. Thus Mr.
Merriam notes the egg of a Sand-
piper, believed by Dr. Brewer to be
this species, taken at Bradford, Conn.,
July 20, 1877, by Mr. Walter R. Nich-
ols (Rev. B. Conn., 1877, p. 105).

In general habits, this species
closely resembles Tringa minutilla, Natural size,
and the two are often found flocking together.

A very large series of the eggs of Ereunetes shows
the variations probably always observable when great
numbers of any limicoline wader's eggs are examined.
Some of them are nearly like the Buff-breasted Sand-
piper's eggs described beyond, and such appears to
be the normal pattern. Others, however, are quite dif-
ferent. One variation affects the ground-color, which,
instead of being clay colored (very pale grayish or
greenish-drab), is decidedly olivaceous ; and in these
eggs the markings are correspondingly heavy, rather
umber-brown than chocolate. In another decided
variety the markings, instead of being bold blotching,
massed at the large end, are exceedingly fine dotting,
uniform over the whole egg, drawn like a veil, as it
were, over the ground, giving the predominant com-
plexion to the egg. The following are several measure-
ments : 1.22 by 0.84 ; 1.25 by 0.83 ; 1.20 by 0.85. The

214 SCOLOPACIM: : SNIPE, ETC.

sets, complete, contain three or four eggs ; those with
one or two are presumably incomplete. All that I have
seen were collected in Arctic America. According to
the labels, the nests are, as usual for those of small
waders, depressions in the ground, generally in or near
marshy tracts, and lined with a few dried leaves or
grasses.

LEAST SANDPIPER.

ACTODROMAS MINUTILLA ( V.) CoueS.

Chars. Smallest of the Sandpipers ; length, 5.50-6.00 ; extent about
11.00 ; wing, 3.25-3.50 ; tail, 2.00 or less ; bill, tarsus, and middle
toe with claw, about 0.75. No webbing between toes. Bill
black; legs dusky-greenish. In summer, upper parts with each
feather blackish centrally, edged with bay, and tipped with ashy
or white ; in winter, and in the young, simply ashy. Quills
of wing blackish, the shaft of the first primary white, the second-
aries and greater coverts tipped with white. Crown not conspic-
uously different from the hind neck ; an indistinct whitish line over
eye and dusky line from bill to eye. Below, white, the jugulum
and sides of body with an ashy or brownish suffusion, thickly
spotted and streaked with dusky.

This species and the last are often confounded under
the name of "peeps," but a glance at the toes suffices
to distinguish them. It is an abundant migrant during
the latter part of April and in May, and again in
August and September. It is not known to breed with
us, though individuals may be seen at times during the
summer. Dr. Coues draws the following picture of the
summer home of the birds in Labrador.

" Fogs hang low and heavy over rock-girdled Labra-
dor. Angry waves, palled with rage, exhaust them-

ACTODROMAS MINUTILLA I LEAST SANDPIPER. 215

selves to encroach upon the stern shores, and baffled,
sink back howling into the depths. Winds shriek as
they course from crag to crag in mad career, till the
humble mosses that clothe the rocks crouch lower still
in fear. Overhead the Sea Gulls scream as they
winnow, and the Murres, all silent, ply eager oars to
escape the blast. What is here to entice the steps
of the delicate birds ? Yet they have come, urged
by resistless impulse, and have made a nest on the
ground in some half-sheltered nook. The material was
ready at hand, in the mossy covering of the earth, and
little care or thought was needed to fashion a little
bunch into a little home. Four eggs are laid (they are
buffy-yellow, thickly spotted over with brown and drab),
with the points together, that they may take up less
room and be more warmly covered ; there is need of
this, such large eggs belonging to so small a bird. As
we draw near, the mother sees us, and nestles closer
still over her treasures, quite hiding them in the cover-
ing of her breast, and watches us with timid eyes,
all anxiety for the safety of what is dearer to her
than her own life. Her mate stands motionless, but not
unmoved, hard by, not venturing even to chirp the note
of encouragement and sympathy she loves to hear.
Alas ! hope fades and dies out, leaving only fear ; there
is no further concealment — we are almost upon the
nest — almost trodden upon she springs up with a
piteous cry and flies a little distance, re-alighting,
almost beside herself with grief ; for she knows only too
well what is to be feared at such a time. If there were
hope for her that her nest were undiscovered, she
might dissimulate, and try to entice us away by those
touching deceits that maternal love inspires. But

2l6 SCOLOPACHXE : SNIPE, ETC.

we are actually bending over her treasures, and decep-
tion would be in vain ; her grief is too great to be
witnessed unmoved, still less portrayed ; nor can we,
deaf to her beseeching, change it into despair. We have
seen and admired the home — there is no excuse for
making it desolate ; we have not so much as touched
one of the precious eggs, and will leave them to her re-
newed and patient care.

" This is one verse in the little Sand-bird's life, with
the wolf at the door of what would seem the perfect
security of an humble home. Now later in the season,
when the young birds are grown strong of wing, family
joins family, and the gathering goes to the sea-beach.
Stretches of sand, or pebbly shingle, or weed-loaded
rocks, or muddy flats bestrewn with wrack, invite, and
are visited in turn ; and each yields abundant sustenance.
The unsuspecting birds ramble and play heedlessly
in the very front of man, unmindful of, because un-
knowing, danger ; they have a sad lesson to learn
the coming winter, when they are tormented without
stint, and a part of their number slaughtered in more
civilized countries for mere sport, or for the morsel
of food their bodies may afford. Blasts fiercer than they
ever knew before come out of the north ; autumn is
upon them, and they must not wait. Flocks rise on
wing, and it is not long before the beaches and the
marshes of the States are thronged." (Birds Northwest,
1874, p. 483.)

ACTODROMAS BAIRDI : BAIRD S SANDPIPER. 2 1/

BAIRD'S SANDPIPER.
ACTODROMAS BAIRDI Cones.

Chars. Adult male. Bill wholly black, small and slender, slightly
shorter than the head, just as long as the tarsus or as the middle
toe and claw, slightly expanded or lancet-shaped at the end. the
point acute ; grooves long, narrow, deep ; feathers on side of
lower mandible evidently reaching further than those on upper.
Upper parts brownish-black (deepest on the rump and middle
upper tail-coverts, and lightest on the neck behind) each feather
bordered and tipped with pale brownish-yellow, the tipping of
the scapulars broadest and nearly white, their margining broad
and brightest in tint, making several deep scollops toward the
shafts of the feathers. Only the outer series of upper tail-
coverts on each side varied with whitish. Middle tail-feathers
brownish-black, the others plain gray, with paler margins.
Jugulum tinged with light dull yellowish-brown, spotted and
streaked with illy-defined blackish markings, as are also the
sides under the wings. Throat and the other under parts white,
unmarked. Feet black, like the bill. Length, 7.25 ; extent, 15.25 ;
wing, 4.90 ; bill, 0.85 ; tarsus, and middle toe and claw, the same.
The female is entirely similar, but slightly larger. The young have
the upper parts wholly light brownish-ash, darker on the rump,
and all the feathers with a dark field, and pale or whitish edging ;
waves of brownish-black on the scapulars. Jugulum and breast
suffused with dull light reddish-brown ; the spotting small, sparse,
and very indistinct. Actodromas bonapartii is a little larger
on the average ; the bill noticeably stouter, flesh-colored at base
below ; the feathers on the sides of the lower mandible do not
extend noticeably beyond those on the upper ; the scapular
edging is bright chestnut ; the jugulum is white, or barely
perceptibly ashy, with numerous narrow, distinct streaks ; and
the upper tail-coverts are white. A. bairdi is exactly interme-
diate in size between A. maculata and A. minutilla, and is
almost identical with the latter in pattern of coloration, but the
markings on the breast are not thick and heavy, and the edgings
of the scapulars not bright chestnut. The species scarcely

21 8 SCOLOPACID^S : SNIPE, ETC.

requires comparison with maculata ; the latter is much larger ;
it differs in the colors and proportions of the bill ; the pattern
(plain, unscolloped) of coloration of the scapular edgings ; the
abrupt transition from the color of the crown to that of the hind
neck; the heavy pectoral markings, etc.

This species was originally described from the west.
It was not until 1870 that it was known to occur on the
Atlantic coast Mr. H. W. Henshaw took a specimen
on Long Island in Boston Harbor, Aug. 27, 1870,
as recorded by Mr. Brewster in Am. Nat., vi, 1872, p.
306. Mr. Brewster also notes a specimen which he
secured at Upton, Oxford Co., Me., Sept. i, 1875 (Bul1-
Nutt. Club, i, 1876, p. 19). August 17, 1876, another
was taken, by Mr. Wm. A. Jeffries, at Swampscott,
Mass. (Brewer, Bull. Nutt. Club, iii, 1878, p. 140). Mr.
N. C. Brown records the only known case for the Maine
coast, a young male, in company with another, shof by
his brother on Scarborough Beach, Sept. 9, 1875 (Bull.
Nutt. Club, ii, 1877, p. 28).* Dr. Brewer instances the
capture of a specimen by Mr. Wm. A. Jeffries, at
at Swampscott, Mass., Aug. 27, 1876 (Bull. Nutt. Club,
iii, 1878, p. 140).

To these four cases (two for Maine, two for Massachu-
setts), Mr. Brewster has latterly added his experiences
with several Baird's Sandpipers at the mouth of Cam-
bridge River, Oxford Co., Me., where he secured
several specimens, which were in company with Semipal-
mated Sandpipers and Ring-neck Plovers. "Their
motions were slow and sedate, and their attitudes
crouching. They kept up a low conversational twitter

* This specimen is erroneously recorded as " Ancylocheilus
subarquatus " by Dr. Brewer in Pr. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., xix, 1878,
P- 307.

ACTODROMAS BAIRDI I BAIRD S SANDPIPER. 2IQ

while feeding, and when flushed, flew in that swift,
erratic way characteristic of most of the smaller Waders.
The peculiar coloring of the upper parts gave them a
striped appearance, which should serve to distinguish
them from any other eastern Sandpiper excepting
Tryngites rufescens" (Bull. Nutt. Club, vi, 1881, p. 60).

The first New Hampshire record is given by Mr. H.
M. Spelman, who obtained two specimens at Rye
Beach, N. H., Aug. 26, 1880 (Bull. Nutt. Club, vi, 1881,
p. 61).

Our esteemed correspondent, Mr. Purdie, advises us
of further notes on this species, which we have had no
opportunity of looking up. These are : Quart. Journ.
Bost. Zool. Soc., i, 1882, p. 31 ; Maynard's Birds E. N.
A., p. 381 ; and the Ornithologist and Oologist, vii,
1882, p. 133 — the latter reference being to Central
New York.

This Sandpiper is only known to breed in high lati-
tudes. Eggs are described by Coues as having the
ground clay color, tending in some cases to gray, in
others to buff; the spotting rich umber and chocolate-
brown of varying shade or depth, with the usual paler
shell-markings. In most instances the markings are fine
and innumerable, of indefinite size and shape, though
thickest and largest at the greater end, where occasionally
massed in large blotches. Specimens measure: I-3OX
0.90; 1.35X0.94; 1.28X0.90.

22O SCOLOPACIM; : SNIPE, ETC.

PECTORAL SANDPIPER; GRASS SNIPE;
JACK SNIPE.

ACTODROMAS MACULATA ( V.) CoiieS.

Chars. Form exactly as in A. minutilla\ coloration much the
same ; size much larger ; length, 9.00-9 50 ; extent, 16.50-18.00 ;
wing averaging 5.50 ; bill, tarsus, and middle toe with claw, each,
1. 10. Bill and feet dusky greenish. Crown streaked with
brownish-black and light chestnut, different from the neck
behind, which is streaked with dusky and light ochrey. Upper
parts brownish-black, each feather edged with dusky or chestnut,
the latter brightest on the scapulars, not making indentations
toward the shaft. Rump and most upper tail-coverts blackish,
the internal ones white with dark spots. Primaries blackish, the
shaft of the first white, of the others brown. Under parts
white, the jugulum and fore breast with a heavy wash of ashy-
brown, and numerous dusky streaks.

The Pectoral Sandpiper is a common migrant through
New England, especially in the autumn. It arrives
from the north in August, sometimes early in that
month and soon makes its way south, to return in April
or May. In habits it is rather Snipe-like than like
a Sandpiper, as it does not flock on the sandy beaches,
but rather frequents wet, grassy meadows, muddy pools
and flats, and the salt-marshes. It is, however, oftener
seen along the coast than inland. It is very abundant
in summer in Labrador, where it frequents low, muddy
flats, laid bare by the tide, and the salt-marshes adjoin-
ing. When they arise from the grass -to alight again at
a little distance, they fly in silence or with a single tweet,
holding the wings deeply incurved ; but when suddenly
startled and much alarmed, they spring quickly, with loud,
repeated cries, and make off in an irregular manner, much

ACTODROMAS BONAPARTII I BONAPARTE S SANDPIPER. 221

like the common Snipe. Sometimes, gaming a consider-
able elevation, they circle for several minutes in silence
overhead, flying with great velocity, perhaps to pitch
down again nearly perpendicularly upon the same spot
they sprang from. The southward migration begins in
August, and is usually completed by the following
month.

BONAPARTE'S SANDPIPER; WHITE-
RUMPED SANDPIPER.

ACTODROMAS BONAPARTII (Schl.) Cones.

Chars. In form like the other species of Actodromas. Size inter-
mediate between A. maculata and A. minutilla, about the
same as in A.bairdi; length, 7.50; extent, 15.00; wing, 4.75;
bill, tarsus, and middle toe with claw rather less than i.oo. Up-
per tail-coverts white ; a strong character, peculiar to this species
in the genus. Upper parts generally, including the crown, light
brownish-ash, each feather with a large field of dusky toward the
end, and on the crown and middle of the back edged with light
yellowish-red, deepening into sienna-red on the scapulars. Pri-
maries dusky, their shafts white centrally. Rump brownish-black.
Central tail-feathers the same, the lateral ones grayish-ash,
edged and tipped with white. Under parts white, the jugulum
and breast with a faint ashy wash, and numerous linear oblong
spots of dusky. Young in August chiefly ashy on the upper
parts, the markings of the jugulum less distinct.

This is another of New England's abundant Sand-
pipers, flocking along the beaches during the migrations,
which occur at the same seasons as those of the other
species. It breeds abundantly in Labrador and other
northern regions.

222 SCOLOPACID^: I SNIPE, ETC.

PURPLE SANDPIPER.

ARQUATELLA MARITIMA (Briinn) Bd.

Chars. In form, differing from other Sandpipers in the shortness
of the legs ; tarsus shorter than middle toe and claw, or than
bill ; tibiae feathered to the suffrage ; bill not quite straight.
Length about 9 oo ; extent about 16.00 ; wing, 5.00; tail, 2.60,
much rounded; bill, 1.20 ; tarsus, 6.80-0.90 ; middle toe, i.oo, or
a little more. In breeding-dress : Crown streaked with yel-
lowish-gray or grayish-white; scapulars and interscapulars
indented with dull buff or whitish, and tipped with white ; fore-
neck distinctly streaked with dusky; breast dull gray, spotted
with darker. In winter : Back and scapulars sooty-blackish
glossed with purplish, the feathers bordered terminally with dark
plumbeous-gray ; foreneck uniform mouse-gray, or brownish-
plumbeous. Rest of under parts white.

The Purple Sandpiper is a species of circumpolar dis-
tribution, breeding only in the high north, as far as
polar explorers have gone, and migrating to temperate
lattiudes for the most part, though all individuals of
the species do not forsake the forbidding regions of
their birth even during the most inclement season. In
New England it is chiefly and properly a winter resident,
making its appearance after other migratory Sandpipers,
late in the fall, and remaining until the spring is fairly
advanced. It is not nearly so abundant as some of the
species, and is chiefly to be found singly or by twos
and threes, or in small flocks, on rocky shores. Hence
it is often called "rock" snipe or "rock plover." It
also merits its scientific name, maritimat as it is seldom
if ever found inland. The eggs, four in number, measur-
ing about 1.40 X i.oo, are of the usual pyriform shape, of
clay-colored ground with an olive shade, boldly marked

PELIDNA AMERICANA : RED-BACKED SANDPIPER. 22$

with a rich umber-brown of varying tint, and neutral
shell-markings, which appear over the whole surface,
but are largest and most massed at the greater end.

RED-BACKED SANDPIPER.
PELIDNA ALPINA AMERICANA (Cass.) Coues.

Chars. Bill longer than head or tarsus, compressed at base, rather
depressed at the end, usually appreciably decurved. Length,
8.00-9.00; extent, 15.00; wing, 4.50-5.00; tail, 2.00-2.30; bill,
1.50-1.75 ; tibiae bare about 0.50 ; tarsus, 1.05 ; middle toe and
claw, 0.95. Adult in summer : Above, chestnut-red, each feather
with a central black field, and most of them tipped with whitish ;
rump and upper tail-coverts blackish ; tail-feathers and wing-
coverts ashy-gray, the greater coverts tipped with white. Under
parts white ; the belly with a broad, jet-black area, the breast and
jugulum streaked with dusky. Bill and feet black. Adult in
winter, and young : Above, plain ashy-gray, with dark shaft-
lines, with or without red or black traces. Below, white, with
little or no trace of black on the belly ; jugulum with a few dusky
streaks and an ashy suffusion.

Chiefly a spring and autumn migrant, though oc-
casionally observed at other seasons. It is a common

FIG. 49. — BILL AND FOOT OP RBD-BACKED SANDPIPER. Natural size.

bird coastwise, in flocks on the beaches with others of
its tribe, but rarely found inland. Mr. C. J. Maynard

224 SCOLOPACID^E : SNIPE, ETC.

speaks of taking it late in November, and a few individ-
uals doubtless winter with us. The same observer took
it June 1 8, 1868, about a fresh-water pond near Ips-
wich ; but this date is exceptional. At Calais, Me.,
Mr. Boardman records its presence in August and Sep-
tember. In Mr. Allen's Catalogue of 1878 it is marked
for Massachusetts as -an abundant migrant, with the
observation that a few sometimes remain in summer
(Bull. Essex Inst., x, 1878, p. 24). There is no evidence
that it breeds in New England.

CURLEW SANDPIPER.
ANCYLOCHILUS SUBARQUATUS (Giild.) Kaup.

Chars. Bill much longer than head, very slender, decurved ; legs
long ; tibiae bare for about half the length of the tarsus. Adult :
crown of head and entire upper parts greenish-black, each
feather tipped and indented with yellowish-red ; wing-coverts
ashy-brown, each feather with dusky shaft-line and reddish
edging. Upper tail-coverts white, with broad, dusky bars, tinged
at their extremities with reddish. Tail pale gray, with greenish
reflections. Sides of neck and entire under parts uniform deep
brownish-red ; under tail-coverts barred with dusky ; axillars and
under wing-coverts white ; bill and feet greenish-black. Young :
Crown of head and upper parts brownish-black, with slight
greenish lustre, each feather edged with white or reddish-yel-
low; rump plain dusky ; upper tail-coverts white ; wing-coverts
with broad, grayish-white borders. Under parts white, the
breast and sides of the neck with fine dusky streaks ; the former
with a light buff tinge. Length, 8.50; wing, 4.90 ; bill averaging
1.50 ; tarsus, 1.30 ; middle toe and claw, 0.90 ; tibia bare 0.70.

This is an Old World Sandpiper, so rare everywhere in
North America as to be properly considered little more

ANCYLOCHILUS SUBARQUATUS : CURLEW SANDPIPER. 225

than a straggler in this country. Audubon regarded its
occurrence as accidental. Nevertheless, it has been
several times observed in New England, and we have
taken the pains to look up the record of these occur-
rences, concerning which a singular confusion appears to
have possessed the minds of several writers.

The name occurs in the Rev. Mr. Linsley's Connecti-
cut list of 1843, but without sufficient data. This
record is discredited by Dr. Merriam, and may be passed
over, though very likely quite correct, as too indefinite
for citation.

In 1862, Mr. G. A. Boardman includes the Curlew
Sandpiper in his list of Calais (Maine) birds, with only
the remark, "not very plenty." (Pr. Bost. Soc., ix,
1862, p. 128.)

In 1867, Mr. E. A. Samuels refers to the capture of
the Curlew Sandpiper on Cape Ann, Mass., in 1865
(Orn. and Ool. of New England, 1 867, p. 444). " This
is undoubtedly the most rare of all our shore birds. I
found a single specimen in a bunch of Sandpipers shot
on Cape Ann, in the autumn of 1865, for sale in the
principal market. This is the only instance that has
come to my knowledge of its being found here. Audu-
bon speaks of two ; and other writers of a few more in
different years." This is the earliest definite record 'we
have, although, as we shall see presently, the bird had
really been taken in New England long before.

Coues, in 1868, includes the species on the strength
of Samuels' example, calling it " very rare," and stating
that it is seen chiefly during the migrations. He also
adds, that " the species is in America hardly more,
perhaps, than a visitor from Europe." (Pr. Essex Inst,
v, 1868, p. 293.)

226 SCOLOPACiD^E : SNIPE, ETC.

In 1870, Mr. C. J. Maynard speaks of "a few speci-
mens taken on our Massachusetts coast," but gives no
particulars. (Naturalists' Guide, 1870, p. 140.)

In 1875, Dr. T. M. Brewer makes the following
remark : "This is an European species, of rare and acci-
dental occurrence in America. Up to the present time
no authenticated instance was on record of a single
specimen having been taken in any part of New Eng-
land. It had been given on the strength of three
individuals taken at St. Andrews, N. B., on the St.
Croix, and within a few miles of the Maine line. A
single individual has recently been taken at Ipswich,
Mass., and the same is now in the collection of Ray-
mond Newcomb, of Salem (Pr. Bost. Soc., xvii, 1875,
p. 446).'* This ignores Mr. Samuels' record, and dis-
credits Mr. Maynard's remarks.* The New Brunswick
examples mentioned are those adduced by Mr. G. A.
Boardman as of Maine (Pr. Bost. Soc., ix, 1862, p. 128).

In 1876, Mr. Wm. Brewster, in a note entitled "Oc-
currence of the Curlew Sandpiper in Massachusetts,"
gives the following account : " Mr. Charles I. Goodale,
an accomplished Boston taxidermist, has a fine Curlew
Sandpiper (Tringa subarquatct) which was sent to him to
be mounted. It was shot in East Boston, Mass., early
in May, 1876, as it was feeding on a sand-spit among
a flock of * peeps.' This bird, in very perfect spring
plumage, furnishes the second authentic instance of the
occurrence of this species in New England." (Bull.
Nutt. Club, i, 1876, p. 51.) In calling it the "second

* Another example of confusion on the part of this writer is
found in Pr. Bost. Soc., xix, 1878, p. 307, where Dr. Brewer records
the Scarboro' specimen of Actodromas bairdi (mentioned above,
p. 218) as one viAncylochiLussubarquatus.

ANCYLOCHILUS SUBARQUATUS I CURLEW SANDPIPER. 22/

instance, however," Mr. Brewster appears to have been
misled by Dr. Brewer's note above quoted. It was
really the third.

In 1877, Mr. C. H. Merriam comes forward with
a specially interesting and valuable notice of the Curlew
Sandpiper in Connecticut. (Rev. B. Conn., p. 106.) We
transcribe it in full : " A rare visitor along our coast. Mr.
Josiah G. Ely writes me that one was shot near Say-
brook, many years ago, and I am informed by Dr. D.
Crary, of Hartford, that a specimen of this species was
killed, Oct. 3, 1859, at Keeny's Cove, on the Connecti-
cut River, in East Hartford (Hockanum), Conn. Also,
Dr. E. L. R. Thompson, of this city, tells me that he
shot three Curlew Sandpipers on the Quinnipiac River
(near New Haven) in June, 1874. Dr. Wm. O. Ayres,
now of Easthampton, Long Island, writes me that he
1 killed it once at Miller's Place, L. L, in 1839,' and it
has also been taken in Massachusetts." Aside from the
Long Island instance, this gives us three occurrences,
of five specimens, for Connecticut alone.

In 1879, Mr. R. Deane gives " Additional Captures of
the Curlew Sandpiper in New England " (Bull. Nutt.
Club, iv, 1879, p. 124): "The three * specimens of this
rare straggler, which have been previously recorded as
occurring in New England, have all been collected in
Massachusetts, and I am enabled to add two more
instances, both of which have been taken in this State.
Mr. John Fottler, Jr., writes me that he has in his pos-

* The " three " here meant are those above noted, viz. : Samuels'
Cape Ann one, Brewer's Ipswich one, and Brewster's East Boston
one. This makes Deane's two additional examples the fourth and
fifth ; but as he overlooks Merriam's record, his specimens are
really the ninth and tenth.

228 SCOLOPACIDjE : SNIPE, ETC.

session a fine spring specimen, which was shot on Cape
Cod about the loth of May, 1878. Another specimen is
in the collection made by Mr. Baldwin Coolidge (now in
possession of the city of Lawrence, Mass.), which was
taken on Nahant Beach some ten years ago, and at that
time was preserved by Mr. N. Vickery, of Lynn."

Thus, overlooking all accounts not accompanied by
the particulars, there would appear to be at least ten
well authenticated instances of the occurrence of the
Curlew Sandpiper in New England, aside from those in
New Brunswick and Long Island, and about a dozen
individuals appear to have been actually taken within
our limits.

RED-BREASTED SANDPIPER; ASH-COLORED
SANDPIPER; ROBIN SNIPE; KNOT.

TRINGA CANUTUS Linn.

Chars. Largest of the Sandpipers ; length, 10.50; extent, 20.50;
wing, 6.40; tail, 2.75; bill, 1.40; tarsus, 1.20; middle toe and
claw i. oo. Adult in summer: Above brownish-black, each
feather tipped and edged with ashy-white, tinged with reddish-
yellow on the scapulars ; rump dark ash, barred with dusky ;
upper tail-coverts white, with sagittate or crescentic dark bars.
Tail grayish-ash, edged with ashy-white. Line over eye and
entire under parts brownish-red, fading into white on the flanks
and crissum, the latter with sagittate dark marks. Bill and feet
greenish-black. Young : Above, uniform dark ash, with a con-
spicuous set of black and white semicircles, very characteristic of
the species ; under parts white, more or less tinged with reddish,
the throat, breast, and sides with dark marks.

This large and handsome species, remarkable for its
seasonal differences of plumage, but in any state readily

CALIDRIS ARENARIA I SANDERLING ; RUDDY PLOVER. 22Q

distinguished from its congeners, is a common spring and
autumn migrant through New England, where it is
found chiefly in small flocks along the seashore. Ac-
cording to Mr. Merriam it has been observed in Con-
necticut, near Middletown, "in summer;" but this
probably means late in that season, and does not imply
that the bird ever passes the whole summer with us.
Mr. Boardman speaks of its appearance in Maine in
August and September. It usually arrives the latter
part of August, remaining for a couple of months, and re-
appears in April and May.

SANDERLING; RUDDY PLOVER.
CALIDRIS ARENARIA (L.) Illig.

Chars. Readily distinguished from any other Sandpiper by
having no hind toe, like a plover. Entire upper parts and neck
all around variegated with black, light ashy and bright-reddish.
Under parts white, immaculate. Winter and young birds with
little if any trace of the reddish, the upper parts being regularly
mottled with blackish and whitish, the under parts white. Bill
and feet blackish. Length, 7.50-8.00 ; extent, 15.00-16.00 ; wing,
4.90 ; tail, 2.25, bill about i.oo; tarsus rather less ; middle toe and
claw 0.75.

The "Beach-bird," as this species is called by the
gunners, is one of the most abundant of its tribe in
New England during the vernal and autumnal migra-
tions. It also occurs, though more sparingly, in winter,
and Mr. Verrill found it abundant in summer on the
coast of Maine, where he was of opinion it might breed.
We have, however, no sufficient evidence that it does so,
and in "fact the probability is the other way ; for the

23O SCOLOPACIDjE I SNIPE, ETC.

Sanderling is only known to nest in high latitudes.

This seems to be a case like that of our other Sand-
pipers, stragglers of nearly or
quite all of which may be
found along our coast in sum-
mer, though not breeding
within our limits. The pres-
ent species is extremely abun-
dant on the pebbly and sandy
beaches in the autumn, be-
OF SANDERLING. coming numerous in Septem-
ber, and so continuing

through the following month.

GREAT MARBLED GODWIT.

LlMOSA FCEDA (L.) Ord.

Chars. Feathers not extending on side of lower mandible far
beyond those on upper. No white anywhere ; rump, tail and its
coverts barred throughout with blackish and the body-color.
Lining of wings and axillars chestnut, more or less barred with
black. General color rufous or light dull cinnamon-red, nearly
uniform on the under parts, richer on lining of the wings, on the
whole upper parts variegated with the brownish-black field of each
feather, the blackish predominating, leaving the rufous chiefly as
scollops and tippings of the feathers. Bill livid flesh-color,
blackish on about the terminal third ; feet ashy-blackish.
Length, 16.00-22.00 ; extent, 30.00-40.00 ; wing somewhere
about 9.00, bill, 3.50-550, generally about 4.00; tarsus about
3-00.

This is the largest of the " Bay-birds," excepting the
great Curlew, and no less conspicuous by its reddish
"color-line" than by its size. It may easily be dis-

LIMOSA FCEDA : GREAT MARBLED GODWIT. 23!

tinguished from a Curlew by the fact that the bill is
either straight, or bent a little upward, — not decurved.
It does not appear to go far northward along the At-
lantic coast, where it is not common beyond the Middle
States ; being, in fact, a rare bird in New England. It
inhabits muddy estuaries and marshes, usually in flocks
of greater or less extent.

The eggs of this Godwit, not as yet well-known, are
described by Coues in the following terms : —

" The only perfect set of eggs of the Godwit I have
seen were taken June
I, 1871, fifty miles
northwest of Saint
Paul, Minnesota ; both
parents were secured
and deposited in the
Saint Paul Academy,
where I examined
them ; so that the
identification is un-
questionable. There
are three eggs in this
set, measuring 2.30 X
1. 60, 2.28 X 1.56, and 2.26 X 1.62. The color is a
clear, light olivaceous-drab ; the markings are small
and numerous, but not very strongly pronounced —
there is nothing (in this set) of the heavy blotching and
marking usually seen in waders' eggs. The spots are
pretty evenly distributed, though rather larger in two
instances, and more numerous in the other instance,
about the butt than elsewhere. These markings are of
various umber-brown shades, with the usual stone-gray
shell spots."

FIG. 51. — GREAT MARBI.ED GODWIT.

232 SCOLOPACIDjE : SNIPE, ETC.

HUDSONIAN GODWIT.

LIMOSA H^MASTICA (Linn., 1758.) Coues.

Chars. Feathers on side of lower mandible reaching to a point far
in advance of those on upper mandible. Rump blackish. Most
of the upper tail-coverts white ; longest coverts and the tail-
feathers black with white bases, the tail-feathers also white tipped-
Lining of wings sooty-blackish, mixed with some white; axillars
black. Under parts rich chestnut-red, crossed everywhere with
numerous irregular black bars, there being several on each
feather, and usually also crossed with similar white bars, espec-
ially behind. Upper parts blackish with a greenish gloss,
intimately mixed with rufous and whitish. Bill light-colored,
dark on the terminal third. Length, 14.00-16.50 ; extent, 24.00-
26.50 ; wing, 7.50-8.50; tail, 3.00-3.50 ; tarsus, 2.25-2.55.

This smaller Godwit, the American representative of
the European Black-tailed Godwit, Limosa czgocephala,
will be readily distinguished from the foregoing by the
above characters. Young and winter specimens differ a
good deal in general body colors, but the specific char-
acters of the wings and tail are much the same. The
species is more frequently seen in New England than
the Great Marbled Godwit, and in some seasons is to be
fairly called common ; but it is somewhat irregular in its
movements, and more or less locally distributed. Dr.
Brewer notices one shot on Cape Cod in November,
1878 (Bull. Nutt. Club, iv, 1879, p. 64), but this is
doubtless exceptional. The breeding resorts are en-
tirely beyond our limits, in hyperborean regions. A
set of four eggs in the Smithsonian, from Anderson
River, where they were secured by Mr. MacFarlane,
June 9, measure 2.15 to 2.20 in length by about 1.40 in
breadth. The ground is a very heavily shaded olive-

SYMPH. SEMIPALMATA : SEMIPALMATED TATTLER. 233

drab, much darker (almost as in a Loon's or Jager's
egg) in two of the specimens than in the other. In
these darker specimens the markings are almost lost
in the general heavy color, merely appearing a little
darker; they are chiefly evident at the greater end. In
the other the markings, of the same general character, are,
however, much more conspicuous, owing to the lighter
ground. The peculiar coloration of the bird has given
rise to the name " spot-rump," by which it is known to
sportsmen.

SEMIPALMATED TATTLER; WILLET.

SYMPHEMIA SEMIPALMATA (Gin.) Hartl.

Chars. Toes semipalmate ; a web of some size between the inner
and middle as well as between the outer and middle ; bill stout for
this family. Above, in summer, ashy speckled with dusky,
sometimes with slight rufescence. Under parts white, some-
times with slight rufescence, the throat and breast spotted and
streaked with dusky, the sides banded or arrow-headed with the
same, the axillars and lining of wings, and edge of wing and
primary coverts, blackish ; a great white space on the wings
partly overlaid by the coverts. Tail ashy, incompletely barred
with blackish, its coverts mostly white. Bill dark ; legs blue.
Young, and in winter, chiefly plain ashy above and white below.
Length about 16.00 ; wing, 8.00 ; tail, 3.00 ; bill, 2.50 ; tarsus the
same.

This large, stout Tattler, known at a glance by its
white-mirrored, black-lined wings and blue legs, is one
of the few species of the great family Scolopacidcz
which regularly and plentifully summer in some portion
of New England, though more frequently observed
during spring and fall than at any other season of the
year.

234

SCOLOPACIDvE I SNIPE, ETC.

The nest is placed near the water of some secluded
pool, or in the midst of a marsh, whether fresh or salt,
in a tussock of grass or rushes. It is a rude structure,
of the simplest materials, raised a little way from the
ground, and with a shallow indentation. The eggs are
very variable in all respects. As to size and shape, the
following measurements show the differences : 1.90 X
1.45 ; 1.95 X 1.50 ; 2.00 x 1.50; 2.05 X 1.55 ; 2.12 x
1.50; averaging about 2.00 X 1.50. They are less
pointedly pyriform than the eggs of the smaller Tattlers

FIG. 52. — HEAD OF WILI.ET. Natural size.

and Sandpipers. The ground is sometimes brownish-
olive, or drab, or clay-color; sometimes> again, quite
buffy-brown ; in a few cases greenish or grayish-white.
The spotting is bold and distinct, but little massed even
at the greater end, where, though the spots are largest
and most numerous, they generally remain distinct.
The spots are mostly clean-edged and sharp, of mod-
erate size, but sometimes quite fine and scratchy.
They are of various umber-brown shades, and accom-
panied with the usual obsolete shell-markings.

Under ordinary circumstances Willets are notoriously
restless, wary, and noisy birds ; but their nature is

SYMPH. SEMIPALMATA : SEMIPALMATED TATTLER. 235

changed, or, at any rate, held in abeyance, during and
for a short time after incubation. They cease their
cries, grow less uneasy, become gentle, if still suspic-
ious, and may generally be seen stalking quietly about
the nest. When Willets are found in that humor —
absent-minded, as it were, absorbed in reflection upon
their engrossing duties, and unlikely to observe any-
thing not directly in front of their bill — it is pretty
good evidence that they have a nest hard by. It is the
same with Avocets, and probably many other waders.
During incubation the bird that is " off duty " (both
parents are said to take turns at this) almost always
indulges in revery, doubtless rose-
tinted, and becomes in a correspond-
ing degree oblivious to outward
things. If then they are not set
upon in a manner entirely too rude
and boisterous, the inquiring orni-

FIG. 53. — SEMIPALMATED

thologist could desire no better TOES OF WILLET. Nat-

ural size.

opportunity than he will have to
observe their every motion and attitude. But once let
them become thoroughly alarmed by too open approach,
particularly if the setting bird be driven from her nest,
and the scene quickly shifts ; there is a great outcry,
violent protest and tumult, where was quietude. Other
pairs, nesting near by, join their cries till the confusion
becomes general. But now, again, their actions are not
those they would show at other times ; for, instead of
flying off with the instinct of self-preservation, to put
distance between them and danger, they are held by
some fascination to the spot, and hover around, wheel-
ing about, flying in circles a little way to return again,
with unremitting clamor. They may be only too easily

236 SCOLOPACID^ : SNIPE, ETC.

destroyed under such circumstances, provided the
ornithologist can lay aside his scruples and steel himself
against sympathy.

GREATER TATTLER; GREATER YELLOW-
LEGS; STONE SNIPE.

TOTANUS MELANOLEUCUS (Gm.) Vieill.

Chars. Bill slender, longer than head, straight or slightly bent
upward, black or blackish ; legs very long, yellow. Above
blackish, more or less ashy according to season, everywhere
speckled with whitish, in a series of indentations along each
feather. A slight white superciliary line ; upper tail-coverts
mostly white. Under parts white, the jugulum, breast, and sides
with dark streaks or bars. Length, 13.50; extent, 14.00; wing
over 7.00, nearer 8.00 ; tail, 3.00 or more ; bill, 2.00 or more.

This large and elegant Tattler, well-known to gun-
ners, is a common species in New England during the

FIG. 54. — HEAD AND FOOT OF GREATER TATTLER. Natural size.

migrations. A few are also observed to linger through
the summer, but we have no evidence that the bird ever
breeds with us. It is seen chiefly in May and Septem-

TOTANUS FLAVIPES : LESSER TATTLER. 237

ber, though also frequently in August, both coastwise
and in the interior, in the autumn usually in small
flocks, with other birds of the bay and marsh. It is
commonly called the "winter yellow-legs," by the gun-
ners, to distinguish it from the smaller species next
to be noticed, to which the same description is ap-
plied. It is remarkable for its shrill, piercing cries,
reiterated whilst the bird is flying. These notes are
readily imitated, and the yellow-legs may consequently
be easily decoyed within the deadly range of the con-
cealed sportsman, or the less harmful purview of the
nervous tyro.

LESSER TATTLER ; LESSER YELLOW-LEGS.

TOTANUS FLAVIPES (Gm.) Vieill.

Chars. A miniature of the preceding ; colors the same ; legs
comparatively longer; bill grooved rather more extensively,
perfectly straight. Length under 12.00, usually 10.00-11.00;
extent about 20.00 ; wing under 7.00 ; tail under 3.00; bill
always under 2.00 ; tarsus about 2.00.

This species occurs with the preceding in autumn, but
it is not a regular spring migrant, and is quite scarce
with us during the vernal season. We are aware that
the New England local lists, which generally speak of
this bird in the same terms as those used in noting the
preceding species, do not support this statement ; but it
is a fact nevertheless. (See Hapgood, Forest and
Stream, xvii, Oct. 20, 1881, p. 226; and Maynard, B. E.
N. A., pp. 393, 394.) The bird is common, and well-
known to the gunners, who sometimes call it the
" summer yellow-legs," to distinguish it from the pre-

238 SCOLOPACID^E I SNIPE, ETC.

ceding, as odd birds may be found with us throughout
that season. Its cries resemble those of the other, but
are clearer and not SQ loud.

The Yellowshank, so far as known, nests only in high
latitudes. The eggs are deposited on the ground, in a
little depression, lined with a few dried leaves or grasses.
They are three or four in number, narrowly and
pointedly pyriform, measuring from 1.58 X 1.18 to 1.78
X 1.15 ; the longest not being always also the broadest.
The ground is a clear clay-color, sometimes tending
more to buffy or creamy, sometimes rather to light
brown. The marking is bold and heavy, but presents
the customary great diversity, some eggs being very
heavily splashed with blotches confluent about the
larger end, while others have smaller clean-edged spots
all over the surface. The markings are rich umber-
brown, often tending to chocolate, sometimes almost
blackish. The paler shell-markings are usually numer-
ous and noticeable. An occasional " albino " egg is
seen, whitish, with scarcely any markings. All the
many eggs examined are from Arctic America.

SOLITARY TATTLER ; AMERICAN GREEN
SANDPIPER.

RHYACOPHILUS SOLITARIUS (Wils.) Bp.

Chars. Bill moderately longer than head, very slender, straight,
grooved a little beyond the middle ; bill and legs both dark-
colored ; only a very rudimentary web between inner and middle
toe. Above, dark lustrous olive-brown, streaked on the head
and neck, elsewhere finely speckled, with white. Below, white,
the jugulum and sides of neck shaded with brownish and
streaked with dusky ; sides, axillars, lining of wings, and tail-

RHYACOPHILUS SOLITARIUS I SOLITARY TATTLER. 239

feathers beautifully and regularly barred with white and black.
Bill blackish ; legs dark greenish, drying quite black. Length,
8.00-9.00 ; extent, 15.50-17.00; wing, 4.75-540; tail, 2.25; bill,
1.12-1.24 ; tarsus, 1.20-1.30.

The New England status of this bird is not deter-
mined with desirable precision. We think it is really to
be classed as a summer resident, and a breeder within
our limits, in the Canadian Fauna at least, though the

FIG. 55. — HEAD OF SOLITARY SANDPIPER. Nat. size.

evidence favoring this view is not. entirely satisfactory.
It is not one of the " high north " birds ; our Arctic
explorers do not report it from such regions, and it
unquestionably passes the summer in portions of the
United States adjoining British provinces, though its
breeding has thus far eluded satisfactory observation,
and the eggs are still a special desideratum. In
Southern New England it is chiefly if not entirely a
migrant.

Mr. E. A. Samuels speaks of its remaining about
Canton, Mass., during the summer, and thinks that it
breeds there. Mr. Maynard prints a note from Mr.
Brewster, to the effect that Solitary Sandpipers were
common at Gorham in July, when they were migrating,
and that he saw a pair with young at Franconia in
August (Pr. Bost. Soc., xiv, 1871, p. 383). Dr. Brewer
marks the species as a summer resident in Northern
New England (Pr. Bost. Soc., xvii, 1875, p. 446). The

24O SCOLOPACID.E : SNIPE, ETC.

latter author also furnishes the most conclusive evidence
we have that the bird actually breeds in New England.
He heard of one having been shot by Mr. Jenness
Richardson, about the middle of May, 1878, in Castle-
ton, Vt., near a nest from which one egg was obtained.
The nest was a mere depression in the ground, in a
pasture bordering a swamp ; the bird was discovered on
it. "This egg resembles no egg in my possession, and
in its appearance there is something suggestive of an
egg prematurely cut from the parent. It is smaller
than I anticipated, measuring only 1.37 X 0.95, while
the egg of Totanus ochropus, which bird closely cor-
responds in size and appearance with our Solitary,
measures 1.50 X i.io. The ground color is a light drab,
similar to that of dlgialites melodus. Over this are
scattered small, rounded markings of brown, some of
these quite dark, nowhere confluent, and never large
enough to be called blotches. At the larger end are
a few faint purplish or lilac discolorations or shell-
markings. In shape it is an elongated pyriform."
(Bull. Nutt. Club, iii, 1878, p. 197.)

The Solitary Sandpiper ordinarily appears in New
England by the end of April or early in May, and
remains until October — exceptionally until November,
as in the case recorded by Maynard, as above cited. It
is not a bird of the shore or open marsh, but of pools
and ditches, ponds under cover, and other retired wet
places. Though a timid bird, like most of its tribe, it is
under ordinary circumstances familiar and unsuspicious,
often permitting a close approach before taking flight.

TRINGOIDES MACULARIUS : SPOTTED SANDPIPER. 24!

SPOTTED SANDPIPER.
TRINGOIDES MACULARIUS (L.) Gray.

Chars Bill straight, only about as long as head or tarsus, grooved
for about | its length. Tarsus about as long as middle toe and
claw ; tail rounded, half as long as the wing. Bill and feet pale-
colored. Above, silky ashy-olive (color of a cuckoo) with a
coppery lustre, finely varied with blackish. Line over eye and
entire under parts, pure white, fully spotted with dusky — the
spots larger and more crowded on the female than on the male,
wanting in the young. Secondaries and their coverts broadly
tipped with white ; tail incompletely white-barred. Feet pinkish-
white, drying yellowish ; bill flesh-color, black-tipped. Length,
about 7.50; extent, 13.50; wing, 4.00; bill, tarsus, and middle
toe with claw, each, 0.95-1.00.

This is one of the very few Waders, if indeed not the
only one, which apparently nests with equal readiness in

FIG. 56. — HEAD OF SPOTTED SANDPIPER. Nat. size.

almost any portion of its North American range.
Hence it is a summer resident in New England, where it
arrives the latter part of April or beginning of May, and
remains until October, being diffused in abundance all
over our country wherever there is water. It is a
familiar inhabitant of moist meadow-land and the brook-
side, where its low, devious flight, its amusing postur-
ing, and its mellow "peet-weet " are known to all who

242 SCOLOPACIM: : SNIPE, ETC.

have any senses for the feathered life of our fields.
Like the bowing and nodding of the Solitary Sand-
pipers, are the still more curious actions of the Spotted
Sandpipers, thus described by Coues : " a queer balanc-
ing of the body upon the legs, constituting an amuse-
ment of which these last-named birds are extremely fond.
As often as the Tip-up, or 'Teeter-tail,' as it is also
called, stops in its pursuit of insects, the fore part of the
body is lowered a little, the head drawn in, the legs
slightly bent, whilst the hinder parts and tail are alter-
nately hoisted with a peculiar jerk, and drawn down
again, with the regularity of clock-work. The move-
ment is more conspicuous in the upward than in the
downward part of the performance ; as if the tail were
spring-hinged, in constant danger of flying up, and
needing constant presence of mind to keep it down. It
is amusing to see an old male in the breeding season busy
with this operation. Upon some rock jutting out of the
water he stands, swelling with amorous pride and self-
sufficiency, puffing out his plumage till he looks twice as
big as natural, facing about on his narrow pedestal, and
bowing with his hinder parts to all points of the com-
pass. A sensitive and fastidious person might see
something derisive, if not actually insulting, in this, and
feel as Crusoe may be presumed to have felt when the
savages who attacked his ship in canoes showed the
signs of contumacious scorn that De Foe records.
But it would not be worth while to feel offended, since
this is only the entirely original and peculiar way the
Tip-up has of conducting his courtships. Ornitholo-
gists are not agreed upon the useful purpose subserved
in this way, and have as yet failed to account for the
extraordinary performance."

MACHETES PUGNAX : THE RUFF OR REEVE. 243

The nest is made in a field, pasture or meadow, often
at a considerable distance from any water. It is usually a
mere depression in the ground, lined with a few blades of
grass, but sometimes a good deal of a nest is constructed
of hay and moss, particularly in the North. The eggs
are usually four in number, pointedly pyriform in shape,
of a clay color or pale creamy-brown, heavily blotched
with blackish-brown and neutral tint, measuring about
1.30 X i.oo, but very variable in size and in the precise
pattern of the markings.

THE RUFF OR REEVE.
MACHETES PUGNAX (Linn.) Cuv.

Chars. Bill straight, about as long as head, longer than tarsus,
gape reaching back of base of culmen ; outer and middle toe
webbed, inner cleft; tarsus longer than middle toe and claw.
Tail about half as long as wings, barred. In the breeding season,
face of male beset with yellow warts, and neck ornamented with
a frill of extravagant feathers, endlessly varied in colors ; female
lacking these ornaments. Above, varied with black, brown, buff
and chestnut ; sides of the rump white ; under parts white ; quills
dusky, with white shafts ; wing-coverts ashy-brown ; bill blackish,
flesh-colored at base ; legs dingy yellow. Length about 12.00;
wing, 7.00; tail, 300; bill, 1.50 ; tarsus, 2.00. Female smaller.

This is a widely distributed old world bird, occasion-
ally straggling to America, there being various instances
of its capture in this country, and especially in New
England. One of the earliest of these records is given
by Mr. G. N. Lawrence (Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist., N. Y., v,
1852, p. 220) : a specimen from Long Island, apparently
the same as that alluded to by Cassin, in Baird's B. of
N. A., 1858, p. 737. Mr. G. A. Boardman's catalogue of

244 SCOLOPACIDjE : SNIPE, ETC.

birds found about Calais, Me., speaks of the Ruff as
accidentally occurring in that vicinity in one or two,
instances (Pr. Bost. Soc., ix, 1862, p. 129). On the
strength of these cases, Coues appears to have included
the species in his New England List of 1868, with the
remark : " Accidental from Europe ; several instances of
its capture on the New England coast " (Pr. Essex Inst.,
v, 1868, p. 296).

Dr. Brewer, however, speaks as if Mr. Boardman's
captures were not actually made within Maine limits,
and would open the New England record with the
unquestionable case recorded by Mr. Brewster in Am.
Nat., vi, 1872, p. 306 ; that of a specimen taken on the
Newburyport marshes, May 20, 1871. This was a
female, with the ovaries so active that it was judged she
would soon have laid. The same gentleman also gives
the second definite New England record : a female,
killed at Upton, Oxford Co., Maine, Sept. 8, 1874 (Bull.
Nutt. Club, i, 1876, p. 19). Mr. Gordon Plummer has
a young male specimen, shot by a Mr. Churchill at
Chatham, Mass., Sept. n, 1880, as recorded in Forest
and Stream of Oct. 7, 1880, p. 186 — said to be the
second for Massachusetts, the third for New England,
and the ninth for North America.

It may be further mentioned here that the Ruff has
even been taken in Ohio — Nov. 10, 1872, at the Lick-
ing Reservoir, thirty miles east of Columbus, by Theo-
dore Jasper (see Wheaton, Bull. Nutt. Club, ii, 1877,
p. 83).

BARTRAMIA LONGICAUDA I BARTRAMIAN SANDPIPER. 245

BARTRAMIAN SANDPIPER; UPLAND
PLOVER.

BARTRAMIA LONGICAUDA (Bec/ist.) Coues.

Chars. Bill shorter than head, about equal to middle toe and claw,
straight ; culmen a little concave, upper mandible grooved for
three-fourths its length, gape wide and deep, reaching below
eyes. Tail more than half as long as wing, graduated. Tibia
denuded for nearly the length of the middle toe. Tarsi much
longer than middle toe, scutellate before and behind. Adult :
Above blackish, intimately varied with white or tawny edges of
the feathers, the dark color prevailing on the crown and back, the
light on the head, neck, and wings ; on the scapulars and long
inner secondaries, the black resolved in regular angular bars on
a greenish-brown field. Rump and most upper tail-coverts
brownish-black, a few of the longer coverts barred to correspond
with the tail. Tail-feathers mostly orange-brown, with numerous
dark bars and spots and one broad black subterminal band, and
white tips. Under parts dull soiled whitish, or tawny-white, the
jugulum streaked with blackish, the sides with sharp, black
arrow-heads ; axillars and lining of wings white, barred with
black. Bill yellow, with black ridge and tip ; feet clay-colored,
drying darker; iris dark-brown. Length, 11.75-12.75; extent,
22.09; wing, 6.25-7.00 ; tail about 3.50; tarsus, 1.75; bill, i.oo-
1.25 ; middle toe and claw the same.

An elegant species, commonly resident in New Eng-
land during the summer, and especially abundant in
spring and fall. It arrives about the ist of May, and
may be found until October, chiefly in upland fields and
meadows ; being one of those waders that appears to be
quite independent of the vicinity of water, and well
deserving its name of " upland " plover. It is of course
not a " plover " at all, but a Sandpiper ; its erroneous
appellation coming probably from the shortness of its

246 SCOLOPACID^E : SNIPE, ETC.

bill, and some of its habits, in some respects not unlike
those of a Charadrius or Squatarola. It is a favorite
game bird, and great numbers are annually killed for the
table,

"The nest," says Coues, " is flimsy — merely a few
straws to keep the eggs from the ground, in a slight
depression. The eggs are ordinarily four in number,
as usual among Waders. The numerous specimens
I have collected are somewhat notably constant in
characters, both of size and coloration. In dimensions
they range from 1.90 X 1.30 inches, to 1.70 X 1.25,
averaging about 1.75 X 1.28. The ground is pale clay-
color, or a very light drab — sometimes the palest pos-
sible creamy-brown — with scarcely a shade of oliva-
ceous. They are spotted all over, but much more
thickly at the larger end, with rather small, sharp,
surface markings of umber-brown, overlaying a smaller
number of purplish-gray shell-markings. However
thickly they may be sprinkled, the spots are rarely, if
ever, confluent into masses of any size, the largest I
have seen not exceeding the diameter of a pea. These
larger blotches are irregular in contour, but the smaller
ones are mostly rounded."

BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER.
TRYNGITES RUFESCENS (Vieill.) Cab.

Chars. Bill shorter than head, very slender and acute, grooved
nearly its whole length, as in a Tringa, but gape extensive, and
end of bill not dilated or sensitive. Tarsus longer than middle
toe and claw ; toes cleft to the base, or with only the most
rudimentary basal webbing. Primaries peculiarly marbled in

TRYNGITES RUFESCENS : BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER. 247

color — ashy-brown, blackening at end, extreme tip white, most
of the inner webs of the primaries, and both webs of the second-
aries pearly-white, speckled, clouded and marbled with black.
Upper parts brownish-black with a greenish-gloss, each feather
edged with tawny or yellowish-brown, giving the prevailing lone.
Under parts buff or fawn-colored, unmarked excepting a few
blackish specks on the breast. Central tail-feathers greenish-
brown, blackening at the end, the others paler, often rufescent,
with white or tawny tips and black subterminal bar ; also, usually
some black marbling or streaking. Length, 7.50-8.25 ; extent
about 16.00 ; wing, 5.10 ; tail, 1.50 ; bill along culmen 0.67-0.75 ;
along gape, i.oo ; tarsus, 1.20 ; middle toe and claw, i.oo.

A curious little Sandpiper, of general distribution in
North America, apparently nowhere very common. It
is a spring and autumn
migrant only in New
England, quite rare in
the spring, less so in the
fall. It is easily recog-
nized by its special form,

and the CUrioUS mottling FlG- 57- - H|^D°^^ FF-BREASTED

of the wing-feathers, the

pattern of which is best displayed from the under side.
It appears to be most nearly related to the Bartramian,
with the habits of which its own to some extent corre-
spond.

"Of the very rare and scarcely known eggs of the
Buff -breasted Sandpiper," says Coues, " I have examined
about a dozen sets in the Smithsonian, all collected by
Mr. MacFarlane in the Anderson River region and
along the Arctic coast to the eastward. They are very
pointedly pyriform. The following measurements indi-
cate the size, shape, and limits of variation : 1.50 X 1.03 ;
1.48 X i.io; 1.45 X 1.02; 1.40 X 1.04. The ground is

248 SCOLOPACID.E : SNIPE, ETC.

clay, sometimes with a slight olivaceous or drab shade,
oftener with a clear grayish cast, of rather peculiar
shade. The markings are extremely bold and sharp,
though not heavier than usual. Taking a specimen in
which the markings are most distinct, we find heavy
blotches and spots of indeterminate size and shape all
over the egg, of rich umber-brown, deeper or lighter
according to the quantity of pigment. Nearest these
blotched varieties come the splashed ones, in which the
markings mass more heavily about the larger end, and
are elsewhere spattered over in rather small markings.
This is the more frequent pattern ; and in some cases
the splashing hides the ground-color at the large end.
Other examples are spotted with rather narrow markings
that seem to radiate from the large end, becoming
largest and thickest around the greatest diameter of the
egg, and being much smaller elsewhere. All the eggs
have the usual neutral or stone-gray shell-markings, and
in most of them there are at the large end a few spots
or scrawls of blackish over all the other markings.
According to the labels, the nidification is not peculiar,
the nest being a slight depression in the ground, lined
with a few dried grasses or leaves. The eggs are four
in a majority of instances."

LONG-BILLED CURLEW; SICKLE-BILL.

NUMENIUS LONGIROSTRIS

Chars. Birds of this genus are distinguished by the length, slender-
ness and downward curvature of the bill. In these respects the
present species stands first, the bill measuring from 4.00 to 8.00

NUMENIUS LONGIROSTRIS .' LONG-BILLED CURLEW. 249

in length, usually 5.00 or 6.00. Length, 24.00 or more ; extent
about 37.00; wing, 10.00-12.00; tail, 4.00; tarsus, 2.75-3.50.
Prevailing tone of plumage rufous, usually deepest under the
wings, where little varied with other color ; primaries dark,
varied with rufous. Top of head variegated with rufous or
whitish and blackish, without distinct pale median and lateral
lines. Upper parts brownish-black, speckled with tawny or
cinnamon-brown ; tail-feathers and secondaries cinnamon-brown,
with pretty regular dark bars throughout. Under parts rufous
or cinnamon of varying intensity, usually deepening to chestnut
under the wings, fading to whitish on the throat ; the jugulum
and fore breast with dusky streaks which tend to become bars or
arrow-heads on the sides. No white on rump, wings, or tail. Bill
black, much of under mandible pale flesh-color or yellowish ;
feet dark.

This great Curlew, the largest of the whole family
Scolopacidcz, is rated by Dr. Brewer as a rare midsum-
mer visitor along the coast
(Pr. Bost. Soc., xvii, 1875,
p. 446). As Mr. Purdie has
shown, however (Bull. Nutt.
Club, i, 1876, p. 73; ii, 1877,
p. 17) it is rather to be
placed in the category of
the spring and autumn mi-
grants, as given by Allen, FIG- 58.— HE AD ^LONG-BILLED

Merriam, and Boardman,

though a few individuals undoubtedly spend the summer
on the more unfrequented portions of the coast and in the
adjoining marshes. Unlike others of its genus, it is not
a bird of the high north. It is generally seen in small
flocks, and found to be extremely wary and difficult
to approach. It is not one of our common birds, nor
at all regular in its times of appearance and disappear-
ance.

25O SCOLOPACID.E : SNIPE. ETC.

The eggs of the Long-billed Curlew are not often
so pyriform as those of the smaller waders, being in shape
not unlike a hen's eggs. Different specimens measure :
2.45 X 1.85 ; 2.60 X i. 80 ; 2.65 X i. 80 ; 2.70 X 1.90 ;
2.8oX 1.90. They are clay-colored, with more or less
olivaceous in some instances, and in others a decidedly
buffy shade. The spotting is generally pretty uniformly
distributed and of small pattern, though in many cases
there is larger blotching and even massing about the
great end. The color of the markings is sepia or umber,
of different shades in the buffy-tinged specimens, rather
tending to chocolate. The shell-markings are commonly
numerous and evident.

HUDSONIAN CURLEW; AMERICAN
WHIMBREL.

•NUMENIUS HUDSONICUS Lath.

Chars. With a general resemblance to the foregoing, this species
is readily distinguished by smaller size, shorter and less curved
bill, and less rufescent plumage. Length, 1 6.00-1 8.00; wing,
9.00-10.00 ; tail, 3.50 ; tarsus, 2.25-2.50 ; bill, 3.00-4.00. General
tone of coloration scarcely rufous, the under parts, and the
variegation of the upper, being whitish or ochraceous. Top of
head uniform blackish-brown, with well-defined median and lateral
pale stripes. Upper parts brownish-black, speckled with
whitish, ochraceous or pale cinnamon-brown, in same pattern as
in longirostris, but the dark in excess of the light colors, and
these never strongly rufescent. Tail ashy-brown (not rufous),
with numerous narrow blackish bars. Primaries fuscous,
marbled or broken-barred with pale color. Lining of wings and
axillars rufescent, spotted or barred throughout with dusky.
Under parts soiled whitish or somewhat ochraceous, only
decidedly rufescent on crissum if anywhere ; the jugulum and

NUMENIUS BOREALIS : ESKIMO CURLEW. 25!

fore breast with dusky streaks which, as in other species, change
to arrow-heads or incomplete bars on sides of breast and body.
Bill blackish, some part of lower mandible pale.

A migratory species, occurring along the coast under
the same circumstances as the last, but more frequently
observed. Still it cannot be considered a common bird,
and it appears to be irregular, occurring at times in num-
bers, and again being seldom seen. Of its belonging to
the category of migrants there is no question ; still it
has been repeatedly found in summer. Dr. Merriam
notices (Rev. B. Conn., p. 166) the occurrence of many
individuals near Milford, Conn., in July ; of others
(p. 109) during the same month at South Hampton, Long
Island ; and others again near Saybrook, Conn., late in
August. Probably, however, it does not breed in New
England.

The eggs resemble those of N. borealis rather than N.
longirostris, being in fact difficult to distinguish from
those of the former. Coues gives the measurements as
from 2.12 to 2.30 in length, by about 1.60 in breadth.

ESKIMO CURLEW ; DOUGH-BIRD.

NUMENIUS BOREALIS (Forst.) Lath.

Chars. Of smallest size in the genus, with shortest, slenderest and
least curved bill. Length, 12.00-15.00: wing under 9.00 ; tail,
3.00 ; tarsus, 2.00 or less ; bill, 2.00 or more, perhaps nearer 3.00.
General tone of plumage little rufescent, the under parts, and
the variegation of the upper parts, rather ochraceous than
rufous. Top of head variegated throughout, without median light
line, but with well-defined pale superciliary line. Upper parts
brownish-black, varied with ochraceous or very pale cinnamon-

252 SCOLOPACID^E I SNIPE, ETC.

brown, the dark being in excess of the light color, and the
general effect as in hudsonicus. Tail barred much as in that
species. Primaries and most of the secondaries plain fuscous,
entirely lacking the variegation seen in the foregoing species
of the genus. Under parts ochraceous or somewhat rufescent,
very variable in tone, sometimes quite whitish ; marked as in the
other species with dusky arrow-heads, streaks, and bars, but these
more numerous, frequently occupying all the under parts except-
ing the chin and middle of belly. Axillars and lining of wings
rufescent, barred throughout with dusky. Bill black, with base
of lower mandible pale or yellowish.

As Dr. Coues remarks, it is singular that this species
should not be common in New England, considering the
almost incredible numbers that take their departure
for the south from Labrador in early autumn : but
such, however, is the case. The birds probably take
flight from points further east, the majority proceeding
directly on their way without visiting our shores. It is
more numerous, however, in fall than in spring, at which
latter season it is comparatively seldom observed. It
may be seen sometimes so late as the middle of October,
and is on the whole the most numerous of the three
species of the genus.

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 in
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 different instances.
The markings, always large, numerous and bold, are of
different depths of dark chocolate, bistre, and sepia
brown, with the ordinary stone-gray shell spots. They

NUMENIUS BOREALIS : ESKIMO CURLEW. 253

always tend to aggregate at the larger end, or, at least,
are more numerous on the major half of the egg ;
though in a few instances the distribution is nearly
uniform. Occasionally the large end of the egg is
almost completely occupied by confluence of very dark
markings. Eggs vary from 1.90 X 1.40 to 2. 12 X 1.33,
averaging about 2.00 X 1.45.

254 IBIDIOffi : IBISES.

FAMILY IBIDID^E: IBISES.

GLOSSY IBIS.
PLEGADIS FALCINELLUS (Lmn.) Kaup.

Chars. Bill very long and slender, compressed-cylindric, curved
downward, deeply grooved nearly or quite to the obtuse tip (thus
closely resembling the bill of a Curlew). Nostrils linear, in ad-
vance of base of upper mandible. Frontal feathers sweeping with
convex outline across forehead near but not quite at base of bill ;
lores broadly naked, the bare space embracing the eyes ; a
pointed projection of feathers on side of lower mandible ; another
median one advancing acutely on bare space of the chin.
Tibiae bare for a distance equal to one half or more of the length
of tarsus, which latter is longer than the middle toe and claw ;
mostly reticulate, but scutellate in front. Lateral toes un-
equal, the inner shortest ; claws all long and slightly curved ;
inner edge of middle claw dilated and jagged, but not regularly
combed as in a Heron. Coloration dark glossy green and
chestnut or mahogany color. Length about 24.00 ; extent about
36.00; wing, 10.00-11.00; tail, 4.00; bill, 4.50-5.50 ; tibiae bare
2.50 ; tarsus, 3.50.

Leaving now the Limicoline or plover-snipe group,
with the last of the large family Scolopacidce, we enter
upon quite a different order of birds, — that of the
Herodiones, or Herons and their allies, among which
are the Ibises, constituting a family apart from Ardei-
dce, or the Herons proper. Two species of Ibis have
occurred in New England — the Glossy and tl\e White
Ibis ; both, however, are rare and casual visitors.

In the case of this remarkable visitor to our country

PLEGADIS FALCINELLUS ! GLOSSY IBIS. 255

we wish to trace the entire record. The Glossy Ibis
belongs more properly to the old world than to any part
of America, and it nowhere appears to be as abundant
in the United States as is its congener, Plegadis
guatauna, in the West. The notices of occurrences
in New England date at least as far back as the time of
Nuttall, who says that "a specimen has occasionally
been exposed for sale in the market of Boston" (Man.
Orn., ii, 1834, p. 89), as also cited by Peabody, Rep. B.
Mass., 1839, p. 365. But this does not necessarily imply
that such birds were actually killed in Massachusetts,
though warranting the probability that this was actually
the case. The Rev. J. H. Linsley speaks of five
specimens taken at Stratford, Conn. (Am. Journ. Sci.,
xliv, 1843, p. 266; cited by Merriam, Rev. B. Conn.,
I^77) P- IIQ)- Mr. Samuel Cabot, Jr., records a
specimen from Fresh Pond, * Cambridge, Mass., two
from Middleboro, Mass., and one from Middletown,
Conn., all in "June, 1850" (Pr. Bost. Soc., iii, 1850, pp.
313, 314). This record is cited by Putnam, 1856,
Allen, 1864, Coues, 1868, and Maynard, 1870; and Mr.
Purdie receives from F. C. Browne, of Framingham,
extracts from a journal kept while he was at Harvard
College in 1850. His classmate shot the Fresh Pond
bird, with which were two others that got away.
This was May ?th or 8th, 1850 — not June, as Mr. Cabot
has it. Under date of May 23, 1850, Mr. Browne's
journal reads : " Mr. Thoreau tells me of a Glossy Ibis
shot near the Concord river by a Mr. Melvin." This
Concord river specimen, then, is one which has not

* Mr. Purdie informs Dr. Coues that this 1850 Fresh Pond
specimen is still preserved in the rooms of the Boston Society of
Natural History.

256 IBIDID.E I IBISES.

hitherto been publicly recorded. " May 25th : Calling
at Ogden's (the taxidermist's) he told me he had
mounted two more Ibises (since my first one) which
came from Middleboro." Thus we have four birds
taken, and two others seen, in Eastern Massachusetts,
in May, 1850. The Middletown, Connecticut, bird was
probably also shot during the same month (May, 1850),
and is very likely the same one that Dr. Merriam speaks
of in 1877 as in the Museum of the Wesleyan Univer-
sity, "taken about 1855" by Dr. Barratt (Cabot says
Dr. J. Barrett).

Thus there must have been a special irruption of
Glossy Ibises in Southern New England in May, 1850,
— doubtless many more than we have heard of. No
further record appears for twenty years, until Allen
adduces a specimen from Nantucket, Sept., 1869, and
one from New Hampshire, October, 1858 (Am. Nat., iii,
1870, p. 637). The New Hampshire instance is pre-
sumably the same as that cited by Maynard (Nat. Guide,
1870, p 145) — Stafford Ridge, N. H., and by Dr.
Charles Palmer (Am. Nat., v, 1872, p. 120), who says
the bird was shot at Alton, N. H.

In 1878, Dr. Brewer, alluding to previous captures, as
above, adds the record of a specimen purchased in
Boston market, which had been shot at Orleans, May
5, 1878 (Bull. Nutt. Club, iii, 1878, p. 151).

The same number of the Bulletin, next page (p. 152)
gives a note, from Mr. Charles B. Cory, of his examina-
tion of a fresh specimen taken on Cape Cod, May 4,
1878. A note from Mr. Allen, upon information
furnished by Mr. R. Deane, states that this specimen
was shot at Eastham, Mass., by Mr. Augustus Denton,
and adds: "Mr. N. Vickary, of Lynn, Mass., writes me

EUDOCIMUS ALDUS I WHITE IBIS.

that he has in his possession also a specimen of this
species taken at East Orleans, May 5, 1878. This,
with the specimens above recorded by Dr. Brewer and
Mr. Cory, makes three that were taken at nearly the
same date and near the same locality on Cape Cod,
during the first week in May, the present year" (Bull.
Nutt. Club, iii, 1878, p. 152).

Referring to this visit of May, 1878, quite like that
which occurred in May, 1850, Dr. Brewer says: " Mr.
Frank L. Tileston informs me that in the following
August [of 1878], several specimens of what were called
"black curlews" were noticed on Prince Edward's Island ;
one of them was shot by a gentleman of Boston, but was
not preserved" (Pr. Bost. Soc., xx, 1879, p. 272).

WHITE IBIS.
EUDOCIMUS ALDUS (Linn.) Wagl.

Chars. General characters of Plegadis, but face more denuded, the
whole chin being bare in the adult ; claws stout, obtuse, curved.
Plumage not metallic ; entirely white in the adult, with several
outer primaries glossy black at the ends. Bare parts of head,
and most of bill, with the legs, orange, red, or carmine ; bill
dusky at end ; iris blue. Young brownish with whitish rump and
under parts and gray tail. Length, about 26.00; wing, 11.50-
12.50; tail, 5.00 ; bill, 5.00-7.00; tarsus, 3.50; middle toe and
claw, 2.50.

.This is an abundant bird of the South Atlantic and
Gulf States, rarely straying even to the Middle Districts.
Two specimens are noted as having been taken on Long
Island (Giraud's B. L. L, 1844, p. 275). There is but a
single authentic New England case of the kind — that

258 IBIDIM: : IBISES.

of a specimen seen and thoroughly identified, though
not secured, by Mr. Geo. Bird Grinnell, near Milford,
Conn., May 23, 1875. The details of the case are
given in Am. Nat., ix, 1875, p. 470, and again in Mer-
riam's Rev. B. Conn., 1877, p. 1 10, as follows : "Late
in the afternoon of May 23 [1875], I observed near Mil-
ford, Conn., a specimen of the Ibis alba. I recognized
the bird as it flew over me, and following it to a small
pond where it went down, discovered it perched upon a
tree over the water. I carefully examined it with a
good glass, at a distance of about one hundred and fifty
yards, and by this means was enabled to note every
detail of form and color. It was in full plumage, the
white being pure, and the naked skin about the head
bright red. After watching it a few moments I tried to
approach it, but before I came within gunshot it flew,
uttering a hoarse cackle as it went off."

ARDEA HERODIAS I GREAT BLUE HERON.

FAMILY ARDEID^E: HERONS.

GREAT BLUE HERON.
ARDEA HERODIAS Linn.

Chars. Of very large size, and dark varied colors ; never white.
Back without peculiar plumes, but scapulars lengthened and
lanceolate ; an occipital crest, two long filamentous feathers of
which are deciduous, ornamenting the bird only during the
breeding season. Bill yellow, more or less blackened on the cul-
men ; iris yellow ; lores blue ; legs and feet blackish, soles
yellowish. Tibiae and edge of wing chestnut. Forehead and
middle of crown white ; sides of head, and the crest, black.
Neck pale purplish-gray, with a mixed black, white, and rusty
throat-line, yielding to white on chin and cheeks. General
color of upper parts slaty-blue ; tail the same ; scapular
feathers more pearly-gray ; wing-feathers deepening from this
color to black on the primaries. Young with colors less
pronounced, etc. ; but the species may always be recognized by its
dark color and large stature. Length, 42.00-50.00 ; extent about
70.00; wing, 1 8.00-20.00; tail, 7.00-8.00; bill, 4.50-6.25,
usually between 5.00 and 6.00 ; tibiae bare 3.00-4.00 ; tarsus
usually 6.50-7.00.

This great Heron, commonly but wrongly known
as the "blue crane," is a summer resident in *New
England ; more abundant during the migrations, and
generally but unevenly distributed over the country,
according to the nature of the surface. It usually
arrives early in April, and departs in October, some
individuals, however, lingering into November. It is to
be seen in its usual resorts singly or in small flocks, and

26O ARDEID^: : HERONS.

breeds in communities, the nest being placed in trees in
swampy localities, built chiefly of large sticks. The
eggs, commonly three or four in number, but often
more, are elliptical in shape, pale bluish-green in color,
and measure about 2.60 X 1.75. It is a wild and wary
bird, very difficult to approach under ordinary cir-
cumstances.

GREAT WHITE HERON, OR EGRET.
HERODIAS EGRETTA (Gm.) Gr.

Chars. Of large size ; color entirely white at all ages and seasons ;
no crest, but back with a magnificent train of fastigiate feathers
in the breeding season, reaching beyond the tail ; neck closely
feathered. Bill, lores and eyes yellow ; legs and feet black.
Length, 36.00-42.00 ; extent about 55.00 ; wing, 16.00-17.00 ;
tail, 5.50-6.50 ; bill, 4.50-5.00 ; tarsus about 6.00 ; tibiae bare
3-50-

This very elegant bird, conspicuous by reason of
its stature and color, is of rare and probably not
regular occurrence so far north as New England.
The earlier records, made at a time when precision
in the identification of rare occurrences was considered
of less consequence than it is now rightly held to be,
are too indefinite to be satisfactory now. Thus
Prof. Emmons in his catalogue of Massachusetts birds
(1835) speaks of the Great White Egret as a regular
visitant, and a breeder. The Rev. W. B. O. Peabody
also notices the bird (B. Mass., 1839, p. 363), on
authority of Audubon per Brewer. These are probably
the sources of Mr. F. W. Putnam's remark, that the
bird occurs in Essex County, Mass., as a very rare
spring visitor (Pr. Essex Inst, i, 1856, p. 218).

HERODIAS EGRETTA : GREAT WHITE HERON. 26 1

Later and definite records are the following for
Massachusetts: One at Springfield, prior to 1864, and
one at West Brookfield, in 1860; Allen, Pr. Essex Inst.,
iv, 1864, p. 76. Two taken at Hudson, by Mr. S.
Jillson, and others seen, in 1867; one at Ashland, Mr.
A. L. Babcock, May, several years before ; one near
Lynn, Mr. N. Vickary ; Allen, Am. Nat., iii, 1870,
p. 637. (See also Maynard, Nat. Guide, 1870, p. 143.)

Mr. Purdie records a specimen from Westford, Mass.,
Am. Nat., vii, 1873, p. 693 ; and the same gentleman
informs us of a MS. note he has of a bird shot at
Plymouth, Mass., Apr. 18, 1875.

For Maine we have one record, given by Mr. N. C.
Brown, in Rod and Gun, vi, 1875, p. 81 ; Scarboro',
April, 1875.

The Connecticut record has been given by Dr. Mer-
riam in the following terms (Rev. B. Conn., 1877,
p. in): — "A rare visitor from the South. Several
specimens have been taken in Massachusetts, and I
have myself seen it at the ' Ox Bow ' in Connecticut.
A specimen was shot near Middletown, Conn., some
years ago, and is now in the Museum of the Wesleyan
University. Mr. Grinnell has seen it on the marshes
near Milford, Conn., in September. Dr. Wood tells me
that, several years ago, one spent a week on a marsh
near East Windsor Hill, Conn. Mr. Fred. Sumner
Smith tells me that he saw a pair of these birds at
Lake Saltonstall (near New Haven), Conn., during the
latter part of July, 1876, and two weeks later, at the
same place, saw no less than seven individuals feeding
together. They were exceedingly shy and he could not
approach within gunshot."

262 ARDEIM: : HERONS.

Mr. R. Deane notes a Grand Menan case, — bird shot
Aug., 1879 (Bull. Nutt. Club, 1880, p. 63).

Notwithstanding these summer occurrences, the
natural breeding of the Egret in New England remains
to be attested.

As to occurrences of this Egret beyond us, may be
here noted the specimen examined by Mr. C. J. May-
nard, shot at Grand Menan, New Brunswick, November
3, 1878, as recorded by Mr. Ruthven Deane (Bull. Nutt.
Club, iv, 1879, P- 63), wno a^so notices in the same
place a Nova Scotian instance given by Mr. J. Matthew
Jones of Halifax (Trans. Nova Scotia Inst. Nat. Sci., ii,
1868, p. 72).

SMALL WHITE HERON, OR EGRET.
GARZETTA CANDIDISSIMA (Gm.) Bp.

Chars. Like the last in being entirely white at all seasons and
ages, but much smaller. An occipital crest, a recurved dorsal
train, and lengthened feathers of the lower neck, in the breeding
season. Lores, eyes and toes yellow ; bill and legs black, former
yellow at base, latter yellow at lower part behind. Length about
24.00; extent, 36.00-40.00; wing, 9.50-11.00; tail, 4.00; bill,
3.00 or more ; tarsus, 3.75 ; tibiae bare 2.50.

This is another of New England's rarities, occurring
under nearly the same conditions as the Great White
Egret, though more seldom. There are early Massachu-
setts records, as in the other case, but all of them
" shaky," as is probably also Mr. Putnam's notice of
1856. In 1864, Allen adduces an instance of the oc-
currence of the bird near Boston, in 1862, and says for
Massachusetts that " stragglers have been taken in a few

FLORIDA CCERULEA : LITTLE BLUE HERON. 263

instances " (Pr. Essex Inst., iv, 1864, p. 86. See also
Maynard, Nat. Guide, 1870, p. 143). For Connecticut,
Dr. Merriam says in general terms "a raie accidental
visitor from the south ; " refers to Stratford, Conn., on
the authority of Linsley, and adds that " Dr. Crary
says he has taken it near Hartford, Conn.," but gives
no specific case (Rev. B. Conn., 1877, p. ill).

Mr. Purdie contributes an interesting note of the
occurrence of the Little White Egret in Nantucket,
Mass., at an unexpected time of the year — in March,
1882 (Bull. Nutt. Club, vii, 1882, p. 251).

The species is given as having occurred in Nova
Scotia, by Jones (Trans. N. S. Inst. Nat. Sci. ii. 1868
p. 72).

Its capture on Long Island, Aug. 4, 1881, at Great
South Bay, is recorded by Louis A. Zerega (Bull. Nutt.
Club, vi, 1 88 1, p. 248).

LITTLE BLUE HERON.

FLORIDA CCERULEA (Linn.} Bd.

Chars. Dichromatic ; i. e., either white or colored. In the
colored phase, dark grayish-blue, becoming purplish or maroon-
colored on the neck and head. Loral space and bill blue, latter
blackening toward the end ; eyes yellow. The white birds are
liable to be confounded with Garzetta candidissima ; notice
lores and basal half of bill greenish-blue, the rest blackish ;
most of lower mandible yellowish ; legs greenish-blue, with
yellow traces, or bluish-black. Size of the little White Egret.

A rare and casual visitor from the South, like the last
species. The name appears in nearly or quite all the
New England lists, as far back at least as the time
of Linsley, who took the bird at Stratford, Conn. Mr.

264 ARDEID^E : HERONS.

E. A. Samuels notes a definite case from Barnstable,
spring of 1861 (Orn. and Ool. N. E., 1867, App.). Mr.
Allen has noted its occurrence in Massachusetts.
There are several late authentic Connecticut records.
According to Merriam, " Mr. Dayan saw a small Heron
on Lake Whitney, in April, 1877, which he supposes to
have been this species. In the cabinet of Mr. Coe, of
Portland, Conn., is a beautiful specimen of this species
which he shot in that vicinity early in July, 1875. . . .
There were two of them together, but the other escaped.
Mr. Erwin I. Shores, of Suffield, Conn., writes me that
one was shot there about the middle of May by Mr.
Chas. Newton" (Rev. B. Conn., 1877, p. in).

Dr. Brewer records that the Boston Society of
Natural History has an example of this species, in
immature plumage, shot at Cohasset, about 1869, by
Mr. Henry D. Morse (Pr. Bost. Soc., xx, 1879, P- 272)-

The species has recently been added to the Avifauna
of Maine, by Mr. N. C. Brown, who notes a specimen
captured on the Scarborough Marsh in Sept., 1881, by
Mr. Winslow Pilsbury (Bull. Nutt. Club, vii, 1882,
P- 123).

GREEN HERON.

BUTORIDES VIRESCENS (Linn.} Cab.

Chars. Of smallest size in the family (excepting the Least Bittern).
Adult in breeding season with the crown and occipital crest and
lengthened narrow feathers of back glossy green, sometimes with
a bronzy iridescence, the dorsal plumes in high plumage with a
glaucous bluish cast. Wing-coverts green, with tawny edgings ;
neck purplish-chestnut, the throat line varied with dusky and
white. Under parts mostly dark brownish-ash ; belly variegated

NYCTIARDEA GRISEA N^VIA I NIGHT HERON. 265

with white. Quills and tail-feathers greenish-dusky, with a
glaucous bloom ; edge of wing white, and usually some of the
quills white-tipped. Lores and iris yellow ; bill greenish-black,
much of the under mandible yellow ; legs greenish-yellow.
Length, 16.00-18.00 ; extent about 25.00 ; wing, 6.50-7.50 ; bill,
2.50 ; tarsus, 2.00 ; middle toe and claw about the same ; tibiae
bare i.oo or less.

A common summer resident, arriving during the
middle or latter part of April, and remaining until or
into October. It is generally distributed in suitable
places, — those which are watery enough to yield proper
food, and sufficiently well-wooded to afford the privacy
and shelter which Herons require. The nest is con-
structed in May ; it is a rude platform of loosely arrayed
twigs, placed upon some bush or wide spreading tree not
far from the water. The usual altitude is 10 to 30
feet from the ground ; an apple-tree is sometimes
selected. The eggs, usually five or six in number, are
pale greenish-blue, like those of other Herons, rather
elliptical than ovoidal in shape, measuring about 1.50 X
1. 1 8. A correspondent and friendly critic, who helps
me to revise these proofs, remarks, that this biography is
" as thin as the bird itself." But it is absolutely neces-
sary to economize space, and I generally prefer to be
brief in the cases of the best-known birds.

NIGHT HERON ; QUA-BIRD ; SQUAWK.
NYCTIARDEA GRISEA N^VIA (Bodd.) Allen.

Chars Of medium size, with short legs and very stout bill, about
as long as tarsus or middle toe and claw. No peculiar plumes,
except two or three extremely long slender feathers springing in a

266 ARDEID.E *. HERONS.

bundle from the hind head. Crown, scapulars and interscapu-
lars dark glossy-green ; other upper parts bluish-gray with a
lilac or lavender shade, most decided on the neck. Forehead
and throat-line white, as are the long occipital plumes. Under
parts whitish, tinged with lilac. Eyes red ; lores greenish ; bill
black ; legs yellow. Length about 24.00 ; extent about 44.00 ;
wing, 12.00-14.00; tail, 5.00; bill, tarsus, and middle toe with
claw, each, 3.00. Young very different, being grayish-brown
above, the feathers paler edged, conspicuously spotted with
•white ; the lower parts paler or dull whitish, streaky with darker
color ; quills chocolate-brown, white-tipped ; no crest.

This is another common summer resident of New
England, on the whole our best known representative of
the family Ardeidce — not only on account of the num-
bers which pass the season with us, but of their general
distribution throughout our country in suitable places,
and their colonization by hundreds or even thousands to
breed in extensive heronries. At such places, hun-
dreds of nests may be seen, sometimes several in the
same tree, — even so many as ten or a dozen ; — the
trees seeming as if whitewashed with the incessant
droppings, and the vegetation beneath them being
entirely killed by such excessive manuring. Numerous
colonies have been discovered and explored by enthusi-
astic ornithologists, particularly in southern New Eng-
land. Tall trees are usually selected for the nesting
sites, and access to the nests is not always easy. They
are bulky platforms of twigs, visible at long distances on
the boughs of the trees, which are whitened and more or
less bared by their numerous untidy tenants. The eggs
are usually four to six in number ; but their variability
in this respect, and the fact that the same nest may
contain fresh and incubated eggs and hatched young
together, makes it probable that the birds carry their

N. VIOLACEUS I YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON. 267

communism to the extent of using each other's nests
in some cases. The eggs resemble those of other
Herons in shape and color, and they measure on an
average 2.10 X 1.45 ; but they are quite variable in
dimensions.

Though properly a summer resident, the Night Heron
is occasionally found with us all the year round. Ac-
cording to the " Oologist," (v, 1880, p. 84) individuals
have been seen on Shelter Island, Conn., in January
and February, 1870, and January 28, 1881 ; as well as in
February, 1880, at Norwich, Conn, (ibid., p. 78). Mr.
C. J. Maynard, in giving a good account of this species,
speaks of its occurrence all winter in Massachusetts
(Birds Eastern N. Am., 1881, p. 418).

YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON.
NYCTERODIUS VIOLACEUS (Linn.) Reich.

Chars. Bill extremely stout, shorter than tarsus ; culmen and
gonys t?oth much curved ; tarsus longer than middle toe and
claw, reticulate excepting above in front. Occiput in the breed-
ing season with a dependent crest. General color light grayish-
blue, darker on back, where the feathers have black centres and
pale edges, and paler on under parts. Head and upper neck
behind, with cheek patches, the crown, and most of the crest,
white, more or less tinged with buff. Bill black ; eyes orange ;
lores greenish; bill and feet black and yellow. Length about
24.00 ; extent, 44.00 ; wing, 12.00 ; tail, 5.00 ; bill scarcely 3.00,
over 0.50 deep at base ; tibiae bare 2.00 ; tarsus, 4.00 ; middle toe
and claw, 2,75. Young quite different, but readily known by the
stout bill and other characters.

A rare and casual visitor from the South. We have
information of only two instances in which the bird

268 ARDEID^: : HERONS.

has thus far been found in 'New England. One of
these is that recorded by Mr. Allen, Lynn, Mass.
October, 1862 (Amer. Nat, iii, 1870, p. 637). This is
believed to be the first authentic New England record.
The second case known to us is that of a young bird
taken at Somerville, Mass., July 30, 1878, as recorded by
Mr. Brewster (Bull. Nutt. Club, iv, 1879, p. 124), and
by Dr. Brewer (Pr. Bost. Soc., xx, 1879, P- 2Z2)- Mr.
Brewster's interesting note is transcribed in full, with our
usual generosity toward those who are unwise or unfor-
tunate enough not to take the Nuttall Bulletin — a work
which, by the way, gives more important information
respecting the birds of North America than any other
equal number of pages of print which have appeared in
this country since 1876 : " On the afternoon of July 30,
1878, Mr. George Cunningham — who resides in a
rather densely populated part of Somerville, just beyond
the line separating that city from Cambridge, was
attracted by a commotion among the Robins and other
small birds in the orchard behind the house. Upon
investigating the cause of this unusual excitement, a
large bird was seen to take flight and disappear over an
adjoining fence. Shortly after this there was another
alarm from the orchard, and it was found that the
strange intruder had returned. A neighbor, who is
fond of shooting, was called in, the bird winged, and
after a sharp chase overtaken. It showed plenty of
fight, and, to use the words of its captor, ' chattered very
like a monkey.' . . . The specimen is in the spotted
immature plumage, and is apparently very young, inas-
much as many of its feathers still retain the peculiar
hair-like filaments which characterize the downy stage of
Herons, and which are pushed outward on the tip of the

BOTAURUS MUGITANS : AMERICAN BITTERN. 269

feathers that succeed. This fact, taken in connection
with the date of capture, is certainly suggestive of a not
very remote breeding-place, though the bird was perhaps
old enough to have flown northward from the Carolinas,
its nearest known breeding-ground." Young Herons,
we may add, have a way of wandering aimlessly about
during the latter part of summer, before they are old
enough to have sense enough not to go where there are
Nuttall Bulletinians about.

AMERICAN BITTERN.
BOTAURUS MUGITANS (Bartr.} Cones.

Chars. Tail of only ten feathers (twelve in all the foregoing
Herons). Size medium. Bill shorter than tarsus, which is
shorter than middle toe and claw, and broadly scutellate in front.
No peculiar plumes. General plumage of the upper parts
singularly freckled with brown, black, tawny, and whitish ; neck
and under parts ochrey or tawny whitish, each feather marked
with a brown dark-edged stripe, the throat-line white, with brown
streaks ; a patch of velvety black on each side of neck above.
Iris yellow ; bill on edge blackish, the rest pale yellowish ; legs
yellowish-green. Length, 23.00-34.00 ! extent, 32.00-45.00 !
wing, 9.50-13.00 ; bill about 3.00 ; tarsus about 3 50 ; middle toe
about the same.

A common summer resident, usually arriving during
the middle or latter part of April, and remaining until
November. Being one of the hardiest as well as one of
the most erratic of the family Ardeidcz, the Bittern is
doubtless to be sometimes seen in New England in
winter, though we have not laid hands upon any positive
record to that effect. It is a bird of the bog and reedy

2/O

ARDEID.E : HERONS.

marsh rather than of such woody swamps as most
Herons affect, and differs from any of the foregoing in
nesting upon the ground, as well as in the character of
its eggs. Mr. Endicott remarks very pointedly upon
the general uncertainty that pervades ornithological
writings respecting the color of the Bittern's eggs,
" finding the enumerated authorities determined that the
eggs should have green on them of some shade or
other." He calls them "a dark drab ;" Mr. Samuels
says "a rich drab, with sometimes an olive tinge."

FIG. 57. — BILL OF BOTAURUS MUGITANS. Natural size.

The color of the several sets before me may be called
a brownish-drab, with a shade of gray. It is a difficult
color to name, and doubtless varies in tint in different
specimens ; but it is probably never anything like the
clear, pale greenish of the eggs of ordinary Herons.
Specimens measure 1.90 X 1.50, to 2.00 X 1.50; the
nest-complement is three to five.

The Bittern also differs from most Herons in being
" wild, shy, and solitary." We oftener start one from his
lonely vigils in the bog, than find several, or even a pair
together, excepting in the breeding season. No doubt
he enjoys life after his own fashion, but his notions

BOTAURUS MUGITANS : AMERICAN BITTERN. 271

of happiness are peculiar. He prefers solitude, and
leads the eccentric life of a recluse, " forgetting the
world, and by the world forgot." To see him at his
ordinary occupation, one might fancy him shouldering
some heavy responsibility, oppressed with a secret,
or laboring in the solution of a problem of vital con-
sequence. He stands motionless, with his head drawn
in upon his shoulders, and half-closed eyes, in profound

FIG. 58. — BITTERN.

meditation, or steps about in a devious way, with an
absent-minded air ; for greater seclusion, he will even
hide in a thick brush-clump for hours together. Startled
in his retreat whilst his thinking-cap is on, he seems
dazed, like one suddenly aroused from a deep sleep ; but
as soon as he collects his wits, remembering un-
pleasantly that the outside world exists, he shows com-
mon sense enough to beat a hasty retreat from a scene
of altogether too much action for him. Some such
traits have doubtless led to the belief that he is chiefly

2/2 ARDEID^E : HERONS.

a nocturnal bird; but such is not the case. He may
migrate by night, but so does the Killdeer, and the Bob-
olink, and many other birds not in the least nocturnal.
Nor is the Bittern either lazy or stupid, as some may
suppose. He is simply what we call a shady character
— one of those non-committal creatures whom we may
invest, if we please, with various attributes, and perhaps
consider very deep, without sufficient reason ; the fact
being, that we make the mystery about him. There is
nothing remarkable in the fact that he prefers his own
company, and dislikes to be bored. He lives in the
bog, where he finds plenty to eat that he likes best, and
is satisfied to be simply let alone.

When the Bittern is disturbed at his meditation, he
gives a vigorous spring, croaks at the moment in a man-
ner highly expressive of his disgust, and flies off as fast
as he can, though in rather a loose, lumbering way.
For some distance he flaps heavily with dangling legs
and outstretched neck ; but when settled on his course
he proceeds more smoothly, with regular measured wing-
beats, the head drawn in closely and the legs stretched
straight out behind together, like a rudder. He is very
easily shot on the wing — easily hit, and dropping at
a touch even of fine shot. When winged, he croaks
painfully as he drops, and no sooner does he touch the
ground than he gathers himself in defensive attitude to
resent aggression as best he can. He fights well, and
with more spirit and determination than he might
be expected to show — like many other quiet, inoffensive
creatures when quite sure they have a grievance and are
pushed to desperation. He has a very ugly way of point-
ing his resistance with quick thrusts of his spear-like bill,
capable of inflicting no slight wound on an incautious

ARDETTA EXILIS : LEAST BITTERN.

hand. But it avails little ; a kick from a cowhide boot,
or a thump with the butt of a gun, generally decides the
unequal contest.

The food of this bird consists of various kinds of
small aquatic animals. In its stomach may be found
different molluscs, crawfish, frogs, lizards, small snakes
and fishes, as well as insects. Such prey is captured
with great address, by spearing, as the bird walks or
wades stealthily along, the thrust of the bill being mar-
vellously quick and skilful.

LEAST BITTERN.

ARDETTA EXILIS (Gm.) Gr.

Chars. Smallest of the whole family ; in form, nearly like the com-
mon Bittern, having also only 10 tail-feathers. Adult male :
Crown, back and tail glossy greenish-black ; neck behind, most
of the wing-coverts, and outer edges of inner quills, chestnut ;
other wing-coverts brownish-yellow, like the front and the sides
of the neck and inner parts generally ; the throat-line varied with
white, and sides of the breast with a brownish-black patch.
Female with the black of the back entirely, that of the crown
mostly, replaced by purplish-chestnut ; edges of the scapulars
forming a brownish-white stripe on each side. Bill mostly pale
yellow, culmen blackish ; lores light green ; 'eyes and toes
yellow ; legs green, the hinder scales yellow. Length about
12.50 ; extent about 18.00 ; wing, 4.00-5.00 ; tail, bill, tarsus, mid-
dle toe and claw, each, 2.00 cr less.

This queer little Heron, which looks as if might have
been a cross between a Bittern and a Rail, is a regular
though not abundant summer resident in southern New
England. It is hardly a bird of the Canadian Fauna,
belonging rather to the Carolinian, and also being not

274 ARDEID^E : HERONS.

rare in the Alleghanian. The older New England lists
usually present it as a rare bird, and so it is ordinarily
taken to be ; but, however the case may formerly have
been, the bird is certainly no rarity now in the Alle-
ghanian Fauna. Prof. Verrill's list notes its presence
in Southern Maine (Pr. Essex Inst., iii, 1862, p. 157), and
it has lately been traced to New Brunswick (Chamberlain,
Bull. Nutt. Club, vii, 1882, p. 105), five individuals
having been taken between the spring of 1877 and the
fall of 1880 on the Bay of Fundy shore, about ten miles
east of St. John. (See Orn. and Ool., vii, 1882, p. no.)

The manner of the bird's presence in Connecticut has
been carefully noted by Dr. Merriam, who says that
" the Least Bittern seems to be at present a pretty
regular summer resident, though formerly regarded as
an accidental visitor. Linsley gave it from Northford,
Conn., without comment. It has certainly bred here
for several years past, and on June 27, 1876, Mr.
Nichols found its nest at Bradford, Conn., containing
one fresh egg. Have seen it in September. They were
particularly abundant throughout the State during the
season of 1875. Mr. W. W. Coe, who has seven beauti-
ful specimens in his cabinet, showed me five eggs which
he took from a nest at Portland, Conn., June 14, 1873,
and says that they breed regularly in that vicinity.
Mr. Geo. Bird Grinnell also tells me that he takes two
or three every year (generally in August or September).
They follow up the Connecticut Valley to Massachu-
setts." (Rev. B. Conn., 1877, p. 113.)

The Least Bittern has even been found with us in
winter. Mr. Jencks adduces such an instance, one
having been known in Rhode Island, Feb. 28, 1881 (Orn.
and Ool., vi, 1881, p. 6).

ARDETTA EXILIS I LEAST BITTERN.

Its breeding in Connecticut and Rhode Island is
noted in the same periodical, vi, 1881, p. 8, andv, 1880,
p. 78. According to Mr. Samuels it has been found to
breed in all the New England States (Orn. and Ool. of
N. E., 1867, p. 403). But we think the bird must be
scarce north of Massachusetts. Coues gives the eggs as
" three to five " in number ; the full set appears to be five.
They are white with a faint bluish tint, elliptical or equal-
ended in shape, and measure from 1.20 to 1.25 in length
by 0.90 to 0.95 in breadth, being thus not dissimilar to
Pigeons' eggs in general aspect. Several sets have been
taken in Massachusetts.

Mr. Brewster has noted the curious fact that upon
examining the stomach of a Least Bittern shot at Bel-
mont, Mass., May u, 1876, he found that organ fairly
crammed with white, clean cotton wool, the greater
portion of which had been swallowed in one lump,
though there were several smaller flakes, and among
these some slender white worms — notwithstanding all
which, the bird seemed to be in good health and spirits
(Bull. Nutt. Club, i, 1876, p. 76).

2/6 GRUID^E : CRANES.

FAMILY GRUID^: CRANES.

GREAT WHITE, OR WHOOPING CRANE.
GRUS AMERICANA (L.) Temm.

Chars. Of great stature, and the adult with the plumage pure white,
with black primaries, primary coverts and alula ; bill dusky
greenish ; legs black ; bald part of head red, the sparse hair-like
feathers black. Length about 50.00 ; extent, 90.00 ; wing, 24.00 ;
tail, 9.00 ; tarsus, 12.00 ; middle toe, 5.00 ; bill, 6.00.

Cranes are birds of great size, standing especially
high on the legs. The general build is something like
that of Herons, with which they are generally associ-
ated in the popular mind ; but they belong to a different
order, Alcctorides, their true relationships being with the
Rails, Gallinules and Coots, not with the Herons, Ibises
and Storks.

There are three North American species, two of
which have been found in New England.

In his interesting article on the " Decrease of Birds in
Massachusetts" (Bull. Nutt. Club, i, 1876, pp. 53, 58),
New England's greatest ornithologist, Allen, speaks
of the Brown or Sandhill Crane, and perhaps the White
or Whooping Crane, as having formerly inhabited Mass-
achusetts, though extirpated at so early a date that they
had not been previously recognized as belonging to the
fauna of that State.

" In all the early notices of the natural productions of
New England, the Crane is mentioned among the few
birds usually enumerated. Emmons [1833] gives the

GRUS AMERICANA I WHOOPING CRANE. 277

Whooping Crane (Grits americana) in his list of the
birds of Massachusetts, but subsequent authors have
generally believed without due authority, and of late it
has been wholly lost sight of as a bird of the State.
That some species of Crane, and in all probability both
species, was common in New England in early times is
beyond question. Both the Sandhill and the Whooping
Cranes have still a wide range in the interior, passing
northward in summer far beyond New England.
Neither species has of late been met with north of New
Jersey, where the Whooping Crane occurs only as a
rare casual visitor. Morton wrote, of ' Cranes, there are
greate store, that ever more came there at S. Davids
day, and not before ; that day they would never misse.
These doe sometimes eate our corne, and do pay for
their presumption well enough ; and serveth there in
powther, with turnips to supply the place of powthered
beefe, and is a goodly bird in a dishe, and no discom-
modity.' * This shows that the Crane, and not a
Heron, is the bird to which reference is made."

In 1842, Zadock Thompson still speaks of the Whoop-
ing Crane as " occasionally seen during its migrations "
in Vermont (Hist. Vermont, 1842, p. 103).

BROWN, OR SAND-HILL CRANE.

GRUS PRATENSIS Bartr.

Chars. Smaller than the last, and in adult plumage plumbeous-gray,
never whitening ; primaries, their coverts, and the alula, ashy-

* New English Canaan. Printed by Charles Greene, 1632.
Reprinted in Force's Historical Tracts, vol. ii, tract 5, pp. 47, 48.

278 GRUIDjE : CRANES.

brown, little darker than the general plumage ; shafts of primaries
white. Wing about 22.00 ; tail, 9.00 ; tarsus, 9.50-10.00 ; bill
along culmen 5.00-6.00 ; middle toe 3.50-4.00.

Our remarks upon the preceeding species have
anticipated some points in the New England history of
the present one. We have to note further that in 1/92,
Jeremy Belknap gives the Sandhill Crane as a bird
of New Hampshire (Hist. N. H., iii, 1792, p. 169) ; and
that Samuel Williams, about the same time, states that
the species was one of the commonest of the " water
fowl " of Vermont (Hist. Vt., 1794, p. 119).

No modern instance of this species or the preceding
appearing in New England is known to us.

RALLUS LONGIROSTRIS CREPITANS I CLAPPER RAIL.

FAM. RALLIDyE; RAILS AND THEIR ALLIES.

CLAPPER RAIL, OR SALT-WATER MARSH-
HEN.

RALLUS LONGIROSTRIS CREPITANS (Gm.) Ridg.

Chars. Bill longer than head, slender, decurved, with long nasal
groove extending beyond its middle. Nostrils linear, sub-basal.
Hind toe not one half as long as tarsus. Above, variegated
with dark olive-brown and pale olive-ash, the latter edging the
feathers. Below, pale dull ochrey-brown, whitening on the
throat, frequently ashy shaded on the breast ; the flanks, axillars
and crissum fuscous-gray, with sharp narrow white bars. Quills
and tail plain dark brown, without chestnut on the coverts ; eye-
lids and short superciliary line whitish. The general tone is
that of a gray bird, as compared with the reddish-brown cast of
R. elegans. Length, 14.00-16.00 ; extent about 20.00 ; wing, 5.00-
6.00; tail, 2.00-2.50 ; bill, 2.00-2.50; tarsus, 1.67-2.00; middle
toe and claw, 2.00-2.33.

The New England range of this bird is not deter-
mined with absolute precision. The species is probably
to be regarded as a straggler in most of New England,
and as a locally distributed summer visitor all along the
coasts of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
To dispose first of the earlier records, we may note that
Linsley took the bird at Stratford, Conn., where he
states it "breeds abundantly " (Am. Journ. Sci., xliv,
1843, p. 267). The species is also given as of New
England, in more or less general terms, by Putnam, Pr.
Essex Inst., i, 1856, p. 229; Allen, Pr. Essex Inst, iv,
1864, p. 87 ; Samuels, Orn. N. E., 1867, p. 471 ; Coues,

28O RALLID.E I RAILS AND THEIR ALLIES.

Pr. Essex Inst, v, 1868, p. 296; Maynard, Nat. Guide,
1870, p. 145. These writers all credit the species to
Massachusetts, probably resting upon the authority of
Cabot, Pr. Bost. Soc., iii, 1850, p. 326. Dr. Brewer has,
however, corrected an error in this case, the individual
referred to by Cabot having really come from Long
Island, N. Y. (Pr. Bost. Soc., xvii, 1875, p. 447). Mr.
Maynard, however, states positively that a specimen had
some years previously been taken in Ipswich by Mr. J.
F. LeBaron.

FIG. 59. — CLAPPER RAIL.

Recurring once more to the old Connecticut record
left by Linsley, we may next note Dr. Brewer's state-
ment that the Clapper Rail " breeds in S. W. Conn., in
salt marshes on shores of L. I. Sound. Not found
in any other portion of New England." (Pr. Bost. Soc.,
xvii, 1875, p. 447.) This statement, however, was soon
negatived by Mr. Purdie, who adduced an instance of
the occurrence of the species in Massachusetts, this
being probably the first authentic record for that state.
Purdie's specimen was taken in Boston Harbor, May 4,

RALLUS LONGIROSTRIS CREPITANS : CLAPPER RAIL. 28 1

1875, having flown on board a vessel (Bull. Nutt Club,
ii, 1877, p. 22). This same case is noted by Merriam
(Rev. B. Cona, 1877, p. 115) ; by Allen (Bull. Essex
Inst., x, 1878, p. 25) ; and by Brewer (Pr. Bost. Soc., xix,
1878, p. 307), who, however, misprints the date as " May,
1876." The specimen is preserved in the Boston
Natural History Society. The second Massachusetts
case is furnished by Mr. Brewster, who notes the capture
of a Clapper Rail at Plymouth, Mass., late in October,
1879 ; it was killed on a salt marsh where another large
Rail supposed to be of the same species was also seen
(Bull. Nutt. Club, vi, 1881, p. 62).

We also have authentic advices of the Clapper Rail in
Maine, where, according to Mr. N. C. Brown, it appears
to be an occasional visitor. " Mr. Samuel Hanson, a
gentleman who is perfectly familiar with the species, has
given me three instances of its occurrence in the vicinity
of Portland. One specimen was killed by himself, in
Falmouth, on the I7th of October, 1866, and about the
same time two others were noticed in the game-bag of a
sportsman of the town. A probable fourth specimen (if
correctly identified, doubtless the first killed in the state)
was shot by my friend Mr. Luther Redlow, about Sep-
tember, 1864."* (Bull. Nutt. Club, iv, 1879, P- Io8-)

* Mr. Brown further states : " A contributor writing from Ports-
mouth to the defunct ' Country' [a newspaper of New York] under
date of February 14, 1878, noted the capture of a Rallus crepitans
at York, Me., in the last week of December, 1875. Since the
gentleman chose to conceal his identity under the initial * E,' I
am unable to say under whose sponsorship this record was made,
but regard it as probably correct. Mr. Purdie writes me that his
allusion on page 22, vol. ii, of this Bulletin, to the bird's occurrence
in Maine was based on a knowledge of the same specimen, which,
he adds, was preserved by Mr. Vickary, of Lynn, Mass."

282 RALLID^E I RAILS AND THEIR ALLIES.

FRESH-WATER MARSH HEN ; KING RAIL.

RALLUS ELEGANS Aud.

Chars. With a general resemblance to R. crepitans^ but much
more brightly colored, as well as larger. Adult, above distinctly
streaked with brownish-black and tawny-olive, becoming rich
chestnut on the wing-coverts. Below, cinnamon-red, brightest
on the breast, fading on the throat and belly ; a line of the same
over the eye, and dusky stripe through eye ; lower eyelid white.
Flanks and lining of wings blackish, broadly and distinctly barred
with white. Length, 17.00-19.00; extent, 23.00-25.00; wing,
6.00-7.00 jbill, 2.10-2.50; tarsus, 2.30.

The King Rail is certainly a rare bird in New Eng-
land, and the manner of its occurrence has not been
ascertained with precision. It should probably be
classed as a summer visitor of irregular or casual occur-
rence and local distribution. Its record is quite brief.
Linsley gives a single instance of its breeding at Strat-
ford, Conn. (Am. Journ. Sci., xliv, 1843, p. 267). Coues
records a Connecticut specimen in the Museum of the
Essex Institute, Salem, from West Haven (Pr. Essex
Inst, v, 1868, p. 296) ; apparently the same as noted by
Brewer (Pr. Bost. Soc., xvii, 1875, p. 447). Merriam
records two cases for the same State : a specimen taken
at Portland, by W. W. Coe, and another at Saybrook, in
midwinter (Jan. 14, 1876), by J. N. Clark (Rev. B. Conn.,
1877, p. 115). For Massachusetts, Purdie gives the first
record, that of a specimen in the collection of Geo. O.
Welch, shot at Nahant, Nov. 21, 1875* (Bull. Nutt.

* This is the specimen noted by Brewer (Pr. Bost. Soc., xix, 1878,
p. 307) in « the cabinet of Mr. Willard S. Brewer," " shot at
Nahant in the spring of 1876." (See Brewster, Bull. Nutt. Club,

RALLUS VIRGINIANUS I VIRGINIA RAIL. 283

Club, ii, 1877, p. 22). Another Massachusetts record is
also furnished by Mr. Purdie, that of a specimen from
Sudbury Meadows, " some years since " (Bull. Nutt.
Club, iii, 1878, p: 146).

The first and only Maine record, to our knowledge, is
given by Mr. N. C. Brown, a specimen having been
taken by Mr. A. G. Rogers, on Scarborough marsh, Oct.
8, 1 88 1 (Bull. Nutt. Club, vii, 1882, p. 60). But in col-
lating the previous New England record Mr. Brown
overlooks the West Haven, Conn., case.

VIRGINIA RAIL.
RALLUS VIRGINIANUS Linn.

Chars. Coloration exactly as in R. elegans, of which species
the present is a perfect miniature. Length, 8.50-10.50 ; extent
about 14.00; wing, 4.00; tail, 1.50; bill, 1.35-1.65; tarsus, 1.25-
1.50.

A common summer resident, though necessarily of
local distribution, occurring in those fresh or brackish
marshes which afford the conditions requisite for its
health and happiness. It arrives the latter part of
April or early in May, and usually departs in Septem-
ber. The nest is built in a tuft of reeds or grasses close
to the water, and consists of a slight bedding of the
same materials. The eggs are six to eight or even more
in number, quite like those of the King or Clapper Rail

vi, 1881, p. 62.) Dr. Brewer also overlooks the Linsley record, and
the two other Connecticut cases given by Merriam, in stating, as he
does in this connection, that " there was no previous record of the
bird for New England, except West Haven, Conn."

284 RALLID^E : RAILS AND THEIR ALLIES.

in shape and color, but of course much smaller, measuring
about 1.25 X 0.95. The ground color varies from dull
clayey whitish to creamy or pale buff, with numberless
reddish-brown markings, irregularly distributed, varying
from mere dots to blotches, and mixed with shell spots
of paler color. Of about the same size as those of the
Sora, they may always be distinguished by their colora-
tion, which is not of the olive or greenish-drab tint dis-
played by the eggs of P. Carolina.

Dr. Coues gives the following night-scene in Arizona,
with Rail in the foreground (B. N. W., 1874, p. 507) :

" A night at Soda Lake, the debouchure of that singu-
lar river, the Mojave, was one of the strangest, as well
as most uncomfortable, I ever passed. It was late in
October, and the full moon threw a pale, uncertain light
upon a scene of desolation and of death. On one side
stretched the interminable desert of shifting sand,
broken here and there by clumps of the foul creosote
plant, straggling patches of grease-wood and bitter sage,
and scattered, sentinel-like, Spanish bayonet. Along
the road just traversed were strewn skeletons of beasts
that had fallen in their tracks beneath the scorching rays
of the sun. At the foot of some cliffs near by lay
whitening the heads and horns of the argali (Ovis mon-
tana}, shot by previous travellers. The bare bones
looked of double size and fantastic shape in the uncer-
tain moonlight. Before us lay a dead-white sea of salty
efflorescence, where the lake had evaporated or sunk in
the sand, leaving its saline matter. It was dry, except
toward the middle, where dark green masses of Tule
reeds, contrasting with the snowy whiteness all around,
showed that a little water was left. Our animals, like
ourselves, were exhausted ; one poor creature, cruelly

RALLUS VIRGINIANUS I VIRGINIA RAIL. 285

over-tasked, had given birth to a foal, and lay groaning
by the wayside, unable to rise. The water was too
nauseous to drink, and hardly answered to cook with.
After a poor meal, we lay down with gloomy thoughts.
But sleep was impossible, though wrapped never so
closely, head and all, in our blankets. We contended
with a bloodthirsty swarm of mo'squitoes, wafted like a
cloud from the stagnant pools. Every breath of air
seemed to vibrate to the continuous hum of the insects ;
it was open onslaught, as well as stealthy attack, with
them, as we huddled around the camp-fire, on the side
to which the smoke was wafted, enveloped in blankets,
and impatiently waiting the day. We were bitten on
every exposed point ; for days afterward our hands and
faces were sore and swollen, inflamed by the tiny drops
of poison instilled into each wound.

" But even under such circumstances I was gratified
by the presence of feathered friends. At nightfall some
Mallard and Teal settled into the rushes, gabbling
curious vespers as they went to rest. A few Marsh
Wrens had appeared on the edge of the reeds, queerly
balancing themselves on the thread-like leaves, see-sawing
to their own quaint music. Then they were hushed, and
as darkness settled down, the dull, heavy croaking of the
frogs played bass to the shrill falsetto of the insects.
Suddenly they too were hushed in turn, frightened, may
be, into silence ; and from the heart of the bulrushes,
" crik-crik-rik-k-k-k" lustily shouted some wide-awake
Rail, to be answered by another and another, till the
reeds resounded. Then all was silent again till the
most courageous frog renewed his pipes. The Rail are,
partially at least, nocturnal. During such moonlight
nights as this they are on the alert, patrolling the

286 RALLIM: : RAILS AND THEIR ALLIES.

marshes through the countless covered ways among the
reeds, stopping to cry " all's well " as they pass on, or
to answer the challenge of a distant watchman. That
they feed by night, as well as by day, cannot be doubted.
Their habit of skulking and hiding in the almost in-
accessible places they frequent renders them difficult of
observation, and they are usually considered rarer than
they really are. During the spring migration they seem
to pass more swiftly and secretly than in the fall, when,
their ranks recruited by the summer's broods, they
become more noticeable."

CAROLINA RAIL, OR SORA.
PORZANA CAROLINA (Linn.} Vieill.

Chars. Rails of this genus differ from the foregoing (Rallus) in
having the bill short, straight, and quite stout at base ; they are
also smaller birds. Above, adult, olive-brown, varied with black,
and with numerous sharp white streaks and specks ; flanks,
axillars and lining of wings barred with white and blackish ;
belly pale, crissum rufescent ; face and central line of throat
black, the rest of the throat, line over eye, and the breast, more
or less intensely slate-gray, .the sides of the breast usually also
with some obsolete whitish speckling or barring. Young with-
out these black and slate-colored areas, the throat whitish, the
breast brown. Length, 8.00-9.00; extent, 12.00-13.00; wing,
4.00-4.50 ; tail about 2.00 ; bill, 0.67-0.75 ; tarsus, 1.33 ; middle
toe and claw 1.67.

A very abundant summer resident in suitable local-
ities, being the best known and most equably dis-
tributed of the New England Rallidcz, arriving in April
or May and departing usually in September, though some
linger into October. The habits are too well-known to
require description.

PORZANA NOVEBORACENSIS : YELLOW RAIL. 28/

The eggs of Porzana Carolina are spotted just like
those of the foregoing Ralli,
but are readily distinguished
by their strong drab ground-
color, instead of the white or
creamy and pale buffy of the
former. They are rather
smaller than those of R. vir-

ginianus, and perhaps more FIG. 60. -CAROLINA RAIL.
obtuse, measuring about 1.20 X o.

YELLOW RAIL, OR CRAKE.
PORZANA NOVEBORACENSIS (Gm.) Cass.

Chary. Very small. Above, streaked with blackish and brownish-
yellow, thickly marked also with narrow white semicircles
and transverse bars. Below, pale brownish-yellow, fading on
the belly, deepest on breast, where many feathers are dark-
tipped ; flanks blackish, with numerous white bars ; crissum
varied with black, white, and rufous. Length about 6.00 ; wing,
3.25 ; tail, 1.50 ; bill, 0.50 ; tarsus, 0.87 ; middle toe and claw 1.12.

This is represented by the older New England
authorities, and by others down to a quite recent date,
as a rare species. It is certainly uncommon, as com-
pared with either the Virginian or Carolinian Rail, but
there is every reason to believe it is a regular summer
resident of New England, and one generally distributed
in suitable places. Being insignificant in stature, of no
striking colors, and one of the most inveterate skulkers
of the reedy recesses, it is very liable to be overlooked.
The dates of its appearance and disappearance are

288 RALLID.E ! RAILS AND THEIR ALLIES.

not ascertained with precision, but probably do not
differ materially from those of our other Rails. The
bird has been found in October, and even so late as
November. Many specimens have been secured of late
years during the migrations, in Southern New England.
It is also known to breed with us. Nidification is
substantially the same as that of other Rails. A set
of eggs is described by Coues as consisting of six, differ-
ing from those of P. Carolina in the ground color, which
is a rich, warm buffy-brown, marked at the greater end
with a cluster of reddish-chocolate dots and spots ; the
shape as in those of P. Carolina, but the size smaller,
being from 1.15 X 0.85 to 1.05 X 0.80.

A letter from Mr. Geo. Bird Grinnell to Dr. Merriam,
gives a glimpse of the interesting habits of this diminu-
tive Rail : " I was working a young setter on Snipe, on
a piece of wet meadow near Milford, Conn., and several
times during the early part of the day was annoyed
by the pertinacious way in which the dog would trail up
some bird which neither he nor I could start. At
length, during one of these performances, I saw the
puppy grasp at something in the bog before him, and
immediately a small Rail rose and fluttered a few yards.
Noticing its small size, and the fact that it had some
white on its wings, and seeing from its flight that it was
a Rail, I shot the bird before it had gone far, and when
it was brought by the dog I was delighted to see that it
was P. noveboracensis, a species I had never before seen
alive. During the day several more individuals were
secured. The next opportunity I had of looking for
these birds was, I think, Oct. 14. That day my brother
and' I secured eight in an hour or two. They were
ridiculously tame, and would run along before the

PORZANA JAMAICENSIS I LITTLE BLACK RAIL. 289

dog, creeping into the holes in the bog and hiding there
while we tried in vain to start them. I killed one with
my dog-whip, caught one alive in my hand, and the dog
brought me another, uninjured, which he had caught in
his mouth. From what I saw of their habits, I am con-
vinced that the only successful way of collecting these
birds is to look for them with a dog. Without one they
could never be forced from the ground " (Rev. B. Conn.,
1877, p. 1 1 8).

While it is hardly necessary to follow up the record
of this species in New England, I will present the
references I have collected : Bailey, Forest and Stream
Bird Notes, 1882, p. 124 ; Brewster, Bull. Nutt. Club, vi,

1881, p. 186; Maynard, B. E. N. Am., 1881, p. 431 ;
Chamberlain, Bull. Nat. Hist. Soc. New Brunswick,

1882, p. 56. Mr. Purdie informs me he has a man-
uscript record from Mr. G. A. Boardman, of several
specimens from the vicinity of Calais, Me.

LITTLE BLACK RAIL, OR CRAKE.
PORZANA JAMAICENSIS (Gm.) Cass.

Chars. Smallest of all. Upper parts blackish, the hind-neck and
fore-back dark chestnut, all finely speckled and barred with
white ; head and under parts dark slate color, paler or whitening
on the throat ; the lower belly, flanks, crissum and under wing-
coverts barred with white. Quills and tail-feathers with white
spots. Length about 5.50 ; wing, 2 75-3.00 ; tail, 1.35 ; tarsus,
0.75 ; bill under 0.50.

Still another New England rarity from the same ubi-
quitous but secretive family of the Rails is this dusky

290 RALLID.E : RAILS AND THEIR ALLIES.

little Crake, which has only been lately determined to visit
us at all. It appears to have been first definitely added to
our Fauna by Dr. Brewer, who notes it as a rare summer
resident, and cites Hazenville, Conn. (Pr. Bost. Soc.,
xvii, 1875, p. 447). The next we hear of it is from Mr.
Purdie, who adduces another Connecticut instance, and
adds a Massachusetts case. " Of this species Mr. Clark,
of Saybrook, Conn., writes me that a neighbor of his,
while mowing at that place, July 10, 1876, swung his
scythe over a nest of ten eggs on which the bird was
sitting, unfortunately cutting off the bird's head and
breaking all but four of the eggs (Bull. Nutt. Club, ii,
1877, p. 22). These eggs, later inspected by Merriam,
are said to agree precisely with Cones' description,
" being creamy-white, sprinkled all over with fine dots of
rich, bright reddish-brown " (Rev. B. Conn., 1877, p.
119). Mr. Purdie also states in the same communica-
tion, that he had seen a specimen which was picked
up dead on Clark's Island, Plymouth Harbor, Mass., in
August, 1869. This specimen is the same one men-
tioned by Mr. Browne in Forest and Stream, viii, 1877,
p. 33. Another one, to which, however, some doubt is
attached, is noted by Mr. Curtis, in the paper last cited,
p. 129 ; see Bailey, Forest and Stream Bird Notes, 1882,
p. 1 24. Dr. Brewer speaks of the species as " not at all
uncommon in Connecticut," but upon what other au-
thority than the records we have here adduced does not
appear (Pr. Bost. Soc., xix, 1878, p. 307). It is really a
bird of South and Central America and the West Indies,
the occurrence of which in the United States is in most
localities infrequent and irregular.

GALLINULA GALEATA : FLORIDA GALLINULE.

FLORIDA GALLINULE.
. GALLINULA GALEATA (Licht.} Bp.

Chars. Birds of this genus and the following, as well as Coots, are
readily distinguished by the broad, horny plate which ascends
from the bill upon the forehead, known as the frontal shield.
The bill is much as in the ralline genus Porzana, and the
general form is not greatly dissimilar. The present species has
• the head, neck, and under parts grayish-black, deepest on the head,
palest or whitish on the belly ; back brownish-olive ; wings and
tail dusky ; crissum, edge of wing, outer web of first primary and
stripes on the flanks, white. Bill, frontal plate, and ring around
tibiae, bright red ; bill tipped with yellow ; tarsi and toes greenish.
Length, 12.00-14.00; extent, 20.00-22.00 ; wirig, 6.50-7.50 ; tail,
3.00 ; gape of bill about 1.50 ; tarsus about 2.00.

In Southern New England this Gallinule is of regular
occurrence, and is considered now by the local authorities
to be a rather common summer resident, though it
used to be rated as rare or even accidental. The Con-
necticut cases are numerous, and need not be recapitu-
lated. It is rarer in Massachusetts, where, however, it
doubtless breeds (see Allen, Am. Nat., iii, 1870, p. 639;
Maynard, Nat. Guide, 1870,. p. 146, and B. E. N. Am.,
1 88 1, p. 432.) Mr. Brewster remarks that it probably
breeds in the Fresh Pond marshes near Cambridge,
where he shot a young bird on the Qth of October,
1868, and saw another.

Dr. Brewer notes a specimen, now in the Boston Soci-
ety of Natural History > shot late in the autumn of 1872,
probably in October, on Hummock Pond, Nantucket
(Bull. Nutt. Club, iv, 1879, p. 63). The same authority
speaks also of a specimen procured in Wayland, by Mr.

292 RALLID.E I RAILS AND THEIR ALLIES.

E. O. Bangs, Sept. 10, 1878 (Pr. Bost. Soc., xx, 1879, p.
273). Mr. R. Deane notes the Gallinule as probably
breeding in New England, in Forest and Stream, xiii,
1879, P> 785- Mr. Boardman has taken the Gallinule
at Calais, Me. (Am. Nat., v, 1871, p. 662), and Mr. R. E.j
Robinson records it among the rare Vermont visitors
(Forest and Stream, xii, 1879, P- 2^5)- Mr- Purdie in-
forms us of various other cases. For New Brunswick,
we have the authority of Mr. Brewster for the capture
of a specimen at Dick's Lake, in September, 1880 — •
doubtless the same case as that recorded by Chamber-
lain, Bull. Nat. Hist. Soc. N. B., 1882, p. 56, though the
date is there given as September, 1879. There is also
a Nova Scotia record (Gilpin, Orn. and Ool., vii, 1882,
P. 123).

PURPLE GALLINULE.

IONORNIS MARTINICA (Linn.) Reich.

Chars. Head, neck and under parts beautiful rich blue, with
a purplish tinge, blackening on the belly, the sides of the body
and lining of the wings bluish-green, the crissum white. Upper
parts olive-green, the cerviae and wing-coverts tinted with blue.
Frontal shield blue ; bill carmine, tipped with yellow ; legs yellow.
Young, with head, neck and lower back brownish ; under parts
mostly white, mixed with ochrey ; but distinguished in any
plumage from the last by the very stout bill with oval nostrils near
its middle, obovate frontal shield with a point behind, and toes
without lateral margins. About the size of the last.

A very rare and casual visitor from the South ; yet
there are several authentic instances of the appearance
of this " sultan of the water-fowl " in various parts of
New England. The earliest of these, to our knowledge,

IONORNIS MARTINICA : PURPLE GALLINULE.

that given by the Rev. W. B. O. Peabody, of a specimen
from Stoneham, Mass., Nov. 27, 1837 (Rep. B. Mass.,
1839, p. 238). Another is furnished by Mr. F. W. Put-
nam, who notes a capture by Mr. S. Jillson, at Swamp-
scott, Mass., April 22, 1852 (Pr. Essex Inst, i, 1856,
p. 224; not the same as given by Allen, ibid., iv, 1864,
p. 87 ; see also Coues, ibid., v, 1868, p. 297). Mr. F. T.
Jencks has lately published the record of a specimen
taken somewhere about 1857, at Westerly, Rhode
Island (Bull. Nutt. Club, vii, 1882, p. 124). Mr. G. A.
Boardman records the bird from Calais, Maine (Am.
Nat., iii, 1869, p. 498) ; and Mr. Purdie gives another
Maine case, that of a specimen from Booth Bay, last of
September, 1877 (Bull. Nutt. Club, v, 1880, p. 242). A
still more exceptional apparition of the bird in Hali-
fax, Nova Scotia, January 30, 1870, is given by Jones
(Am. Nat, iv, 1870, p. 253). Mr. C. P. Whitman
notes a specimen taken by Robert Wendell at Rock-
port, Mass., April 12, 1875 (Am. Nat., ix, 1875, p.
573). According to Mernam, one was taken about 1855
near Middletown, Conn., and is now in the Museum of
the Wesleyan University (Rev B. Conn., 1877, p. 119).
For New Brunswick we have two instances, one at Irish-
town, Apr. 6, 1881 (Brewster, Bull. Nutt. Club, vi, 1871,
p. 1 86) ; the other near Gagetown, on the St. John's river,
Sept., 1880 (Chamberlain, Bull. Nutt. Club, vii, 1882, p
105). These are the only cases which have conic to our
knowledge.

294 RALLID.E J RAILS AND THEIR ALLIES.

AMERICAN COOT.

FULICA AMERICANA Gm.

Chars. Toes conspicuously lobate with a series of scolloped flaps ;
a small frontal shield. Dark slate-color, paler or grayish below,
blackening on head, tinged with olive on the back ; under tail-
coverts, whole edge of wing, and tips of secondaries, white. Bill
white or flesh-color, marked with reddish-black near end and at
base of frontal shield ; feet livid greenish ; iris carmine. Length,
14.00-16.00 ; extent, 23.00-27.00 ; wing, 7.00-8.00 ; tail, 2.00 ;
bill from gape, 1.25-1.50; tarsus about 2.00; middle toe and
claw about 3.00.

This well-known bird is an uncommon summer resi-
dent with us, but particularly abundant during the
autumnal migration, It is known to breed in New
England, though the actual numbers during the season
of reproduction are few compared with those which
pass through in the spring and fall. It lingers late, and
may not improbably be sometimes found in winter.

" The nidification of the Coot," says Coues, " is not the
least interesting portion of its history. The mode of
nesting is most like that of the Grebes. The nest is
said to be sometimes a floating one, moored to the
stems of reeds, rising and falling with the tide. One
author, in illustration of the insecurity of the bird's
home, has related that once during a storm a nest
became detached from its moorings by a rise of the
water, and drifted about, the parent nevertheless re-
maining at her post of duty, and safely- hatching out
her brood during the cruise. This may or may not have
been a strict statement of fact. Among many Coots'
nests I have found, one was built in a clump of reeds

FULICA AMERICANA : AMERICAN COOT. 2Q5

where the water was about knee-deep ; it was a bulky
affair, resting securely on a mass of reedy debris. The
nest itself was built of the same materials, heaped
up and little hollowed ; it was about fifteen inches in
diameter, and half as high. The reed-stems appeared
to have been bitten by the bird into short pieces ;
there was no special lining. This nest was a floating
one, in the sense that the platform of broken-down
reeds upon which it was built rested on the water ; but
it was perfectly secure, raised out of the wet, and though
loosely constructed, could be lifted up intact. It con-
tained eleven eggs, nearly ready to hatch. They
measured from 1.75 to 2.00 in length, by 1.20 to 1.35 in
breadth, exhibiting the usual variation in contour as well
as in absolute size. The shape is much like that of an
average hen's egg — perhaps rather more pointed. The
ground is clear clay-color, uniformly and minutely dotted
all over with innumerable specks of dark brown ; a few
of the bolder markings are of the size of a pin's head,
but the greater number are mere points. But the eggs
are not always so uniformly and finely dotted as those of
this set were ; sometimes the spots being aggregated
into blotches of some size, or tending chiefly to wreath
around the larger end. Various other nests examined
contained an average of ten eggs ; some were built just
like the one described, while others were on the ground,
in comparatively dry spots around the margin of the
pools, hidden in rank grass ; in all the materials and
mode of construction were much the same." (B. N. W.,
1874, p. 542.)

296 ANAT1D.E I SWANS, GEESE, AND DUCKS.

FAMILY ANATID^E: SWANS, GEESE AND
DUCKS.

AMERICAN WILD SWAN.
CYGNUS COLUMBIANUS (Ord) Coues.

Chars. Tail normally of 20 feathers. Bill black, with a yellow spot
between eye and nostril ; the latter at the middle of the bill ; feet
black. Plumage of the adult entirely white ; of younger birds
white, washed with rusty on the head ; of youngest, gray or ashy.
Length about 4.50 feet.

Note. The Trumpeter Swan, C. buccinator, probably occurs in
New England. It may be distinguished by having normally 24
tail-feathers, the bill longer, with the nostrils in its basal half, and
no yellow spots. (See Merriam, Rev. B. Conn., 1877, p. 120.)

According to early records it would appear that these
beautiful birds were not uncommon in New England ;
but they are certainly of rare occurrence now. Writing
in 1632, Thomas Morton speaks of " greate store at the
seasons of the yeare " in the Merrimac River and else-
where. Linsley speaks of four which were seen, two of
them being shot, at Stratford, Conn. Coues, in 1868, calls
the Swan a bird "of irregular or at most very rare
occurrence in winter" (Pr. Essex Inst, v, 1868, p. 297).
Maynard refers to it as having been found at Ipswich
(B. E. Mass., 1870, p. 146). Dr. Merriam notices two
Swans, supposed to be of this species, seen in Branford
Harbor, Conn., during a storm, in March, 1876 (Rev. B.
Conn., 1877, p. 120). In 1878 (Bull. Essex Inst, x,

CYGNUS COLUMBIANUS : AMERICAN WILD SWAN.

p. 26), Mr. Allen could "point to no recent record of
its actual capture " in Massachusetts. The first actual
capture recorded of late years is probably that given by
Mr. Brewster, who speaks of one taken on Coskata
Pond, Buzzard's Bay, Nantucket, March 4, 1878, by Mr.
F. P. Chadwick (Bull. Nutt. Club, iii, 1878, p. 198).
The same excellent authority also notes one supposed
and one authentic occurrence, the latter at Seabrook,

FIG. 61. — AMERICAN SWAN.

N. H., Oct. 1 8, 1878 (Bull. Nutt. Club, iv, 1879, P- 125).
Dr. Brewer speaks of another specimen, in the Boston
Natural History Society's collection, which he has no
doubt was shot about 1865, at Nahant (Pr. Bost. Soc.
Nat. Hist., xx, 1879, P- 274)- Mr. Newton Dexter gives
a Rhode Island case (Forest and Stream, xiii, 1879, p.
848). Mr. Elisha Slade, of Somerset, Mass., saw there
a flight of five Swans, Oct. 16, 1880 (Bull. Nutt. Club,'
vi, 1 88 1, p. 123). These comprise all the instances
which have come to our knowledge.

298 ANATID.E : SWANS, GEESE, AND DUCKS.

AMERICAN WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE.

ANSER ALBIFRONS GAMBELI (Hartl.) Coues.

Chars. Bill smooth ; the laminae moderately exposed ; tail normally
of 16 feathers. Under parts white or gray, extensively blotched
with black ; back dark gray, with paler or brownish edgings of
the feathers ; upper tail-coverts white ; head and neck grayish-
brown, the forehead conspicuously pure white (in the adult ;
dark in some states) ; bill pale lake ; feet orange, with pale
claws. About 27.00 long; wing, 16.00-18. oo; tail, 5.00-6.00;
tarsus, 2.75-3.00 ; middle toe and claw about the same.

A rare spring and fall migrant. The authorities are
agreed upon the rarity of this Goose in New England,
and some, like Coues, consider it probably of exceptional
occurrence only. We have found no record for Rhode
Island, Connecticut, Vermont, or New Hampshire ; and
our only intimation of the presence of the bird in Maine
is .afforded by manuscript additions to Mr. Boardman's
Catalogue of 1862, in the possession of Mr. Purdie. As
to Massachusetts, Audubon gave the bird in 1839
(Synopsis, p. 272). Allen remarks that some years ago
he found specimens in the Boston market supposed to
have been taken in Massachusetts (Bull. Essex Inst, x,
1878, p. 26). According to Dr. Brewer, who records a
specimen in immature plumage, taken at Gloucester,
this Goose was more common thirty or forty years ago
than it is now, as appears to be the case with many
others of our water-fowl (Bull. Nutt. Club, ii, 1877, p. 46).
In his list of 1875, Dr. Brewer marks it "rare, migra-
tory" (Pr. Bost. Soc., xvii, 1875, p. 447).

CHEN HYPERBOREUS : SNOW GOOSE. 2Q9

SNOW GOOSE.
CHEN HYPERBOREUS (Pall.) Boie.

Chars. Bill with the teeth very prominent, owing to arching of
the edges of the bill ; the enclosed space blackish ; rest of the bill
reddish, with white nail ; feet reddish, with dark claws. Plu-
mage of the adult white, usually washed on the head with rusty-
red ; the primaries broadly tipped with black. Young ones
bluish or leaden-gray on the head and upper parts. Length,
about 30.00 ; wing, 17.00-19.00 ; tail, 5.50-6.50 ; bill, 2.50 ; tarsus,
3-25-

Note. The Blue Goose, C. ccentlescens, probably occurs in New
England, but we have no positive authority for including it.
(See Brewer, Pr. Bost. Soc., xvii, 1875, p. 452.) It closely
resembles the young of the Snow Goose, and may therefore
be easily overlooked.

Though far from being as abundant in Eastern North
America as it is in the West, this fine Goose, of swan-
like purity of plumage, occurs in New England as
a rare regular winter visitor, chiefly along the coast. It
arrives late in the fall ; many of the migrants pass
further south, wintering all along the Atlantic seaboard,
while others are to be found with us during the whole
season. Early in the spring the birds take flight for the
hyperborean regions where they breed. While it is
needless to cite all the records we possess, we may refer
to the case given by Samuels, of a female shot in Boston
Harbor, July, 1860 (Rep. Sec'y Mass. Board Agric., 1860,
p. 364; the date being given as July, 1862, on p. 24 of
separates of the paper, and as July, 1863, in Orn. and
061. N. E., p. 482).

300 ANATIDjE: SWANS, GEESE, AND DUCKS.

BARNACLE GOOSE.

BERNICLA LEUCOPSIS (Bechst.) Boie.

Chars. Forehead, cheeks, and under parts of the head white ; side
of the bill narrowly bordered with black. Crown, nape, and
lower part of neck, jugulum, fore part of back, rump, and
tail black. Feathers of interscapulars and wings silvery bluish-
gray, passing into black towards the end, but with the extreme
tip whitish-gray. Tail-feathers similarly marked, but without the
pale tips. Under parts uniform bluish-white, the feathers on the
sides only showing a darker basal portion. Upper tail-coverts
and sides of the tail at the base white. Bill and legs black.
Length, 28.00 ; wing, 16.50 ; bill, 1.45 ; tarsus, 2.60.

This is a European Goose, the occurrence of which
anywhere in North America is accidental. It is ques-
tionable whether it has ever visited New England spon-
taneously. The early records are too dubious to be relied
upon (Quincy, Mass., Cabot, Pr. Bost. Soc., iii, p. 136;
Mass. Peabody, Rep., 1839, P- 385). As remarked by Dr.
Brewer, the supposed occurrences may be traced to the
escape of imported birds from confinement : " I omit this
from among the birds of New England," he says, "because
I am confident that all the instances of its supposed cap-
ture have been birds that had escaped from confinement.
It is a bird, at best, only accidental in America in a
wild state, is not uncommon in private collections of
water-fowl, and occasionally escapes. Eight birds
escaped from the grounds of a gentleman in Hali-
fax, in the fall of 1871 or 1872, many of which were
afterwards shot at 'various points along the coast. The
specimen taken in North Carolina and referred to by
Mr. Lawrence was probably one of these escaped birds "

BERNICLA BRENTA : BRANT GOOSE. 30 1

(Pr. Bost. Soc., xvii, 1875, p. 452). But later, the same
writer had occasion to restore the bird to his list, as he
did in the following terms : " A head and neck of
the Barnacle Goose is now in the possession of my
young friends, Mr. Russell Hooper and Mr. Outram
Bangs,- of Boston. These were all that was unplucked
of a Goose found in Boston market this winter, and
which had been shot at Marshfield, Vt. From the
locality, it is not probable that the bird had escaped
from confinement, and therefore the species may once
more take its place among the many accidental visitors
to New England" (Pr. Bost. Soc., xix, 1878, p. 307).

A Barnacle Goose was killed on Long Island, about
Oct. 20, 1876, by Mr. J. K. Kendall, as recorded by Mr.
Lawrence (Bull. Nutt. Club, ii, 1877, p. 18 and note).

BRANT GOOSE.
BERNICLA BRENTA (Pall.} Steph.

Chars. Head, neck, body anteriorly, quills and tail, black ; a small
patch of white streaks on the middle of the neck, and usually
white touches on the under eyelid and chin ; upper tail-coverts
white ; back brownish-gray ; under parts the same, but paler, and
fading into white on the lower belly and crissum ; black of
jugulum well-defined against the color of the breast. Length,
24.00 ; wing, 13.00 ; tail, 5.00 ; bill, 1.33 ; tarsus, 2.25.

A spring and fall migrant, and to some extent a
winter resident, though not so common at that season
as during the migrations, as the greater number of
individuals proceed further south. It leaves in April,
and does not breed with us. Brant Geese are chiefly

3O2 ANATID^E : SWANS, GEESE, AND DUCKS.

seen coastwise, being essentially salt-water birds ; still
they occur inland anywhere, though the fact has been
repeatedly denied.

FIG. 62. — BRANT GOOSE.

BLACK BRANT GOOSE.
BERNICLA BRENTA NIGRICANS (Lawr.) Coues.

Chars. Similar to the last ; black of jugulum extending over most
of the under parts, gradually fading behind ; white neck patches
usually larger and meeting in front.

This variety of Brant is chiefly a bird of Western
America, but also occurs along the Atlantic seaboard,
and has even been taken in New England. Dr. Brewer
gives a case, on the authority of Mr. H. W. Henshaw

BERNICLA CANADENSIS I COMMON WILD GOOSE. 303

(Pr. Bost. Soc., xvii, 1875, p. 447), and Allen connotes
the occurrence of Black Brant with the preceding species
(Bull. Essex Inst, x, 1878, p. 26).

COMMON WILD GOOSE; CANADA GOOSE.
BERNICLA CANADENSIS (L.) Boie.

Chars. Tail normally i8-feathered. Grayish-brown, below paler
or whitish-gray, bleaching on the crissum, all the feathers with
lighter edges : head and neck black, with a broad white patch on
the throat mounting each side of the head ; tail black, with white
upper coverts. About 36.00 ; wing, 18.00-20.00 ; tail, 6.50-7.50 ;
bill, 1.75-2.00; tarsus usually over 3.00. North America,
abundant ; United States chiefly in winter, but also in summer ;
breeding sparingly.

This is the characteristic and only abundant Goose of
New England, occurring as a winter resident and spring
and fall migrant. It is nearly equally abundant inland
and along the seacoast. No regular time of arrival and
departure can be assigned, but it is found in spring on the
breaking up of the ice, and in fall until its freezing over.
The flight begins commonly late in March, and con-
tinues through April, and sometimes even in May. In
the fall the arrival is generally late in November. This
Goose is supposed to breed on some of the islands in
Massachusetts and Buzzard's Bay. Mr. Audubon sup-
posed it to breed in New England ; but we have no
authentic record of its doing so.

304 ANATID.E : SWANS, GEESE, AND DUCKS.

LESSER CANADA GOOSE.
BERNICLA CANADENSIS HUTCHINSI (Rich.) Cones.

Chars. Tail usually i6-feathered. Colors exactly as in the
Canada Goose, but size less. About 30.00 long; wing, 15.00-
17.00; tail, 5.00-6.00; bill, i-33|-i.66jf ; tarsus rather under
3.00. North American, but chiefly northern and western.

This doubtful species may be found in New England
in limited numbers. It was regarded by Nuttall as
a straggler on our coast ; Giraud says it is quite abundant
some seasons on the coast of Massachusetts, Linsley
records it from Connecticut ; Coues remarks, " Spring and
autumn migrant. Not abundant." Dr. Brewer regards
it as formerly more abundant than at present. Mr. Mer-
riam refers to it as " Southern Goose," and adds, " not
uncommon, ' Stratford,' Conn.," (Linsley). Mr. Geo.
Bird Grinnell tells me that the hunters about Milford,
Conn., all make a distinction between the common or
Canada Goose, and the Southern Goose ; that the
latter do not arrive until after the Canada Geese have all
come, and that they do not stay long, but pass South-
ward,— hence their name" (Rev. B. Conn., 1877, p.

122).

THE MALLARD.
ANAS BOSCAS Linn.

Chars. Male : head and neck glossy-green, surrounded by a white
collar ; breast purplish-chestnut ; tail-feathers mostly whitish ;
greater wing-coverts tipped with black and white ; speculum
violet, bordered with black ; bill greenish-yellow ; feet orange-

ANAS BOSCAS: THE MALLARD. 305

red. Female : wing-markings as in the male ; general plumage
variegated with yellowish-brown and dusky ; bill blotched with
yellowish and blackish. Length about 24.00 ; extent, 36.00 ;
wing, 1 1. oo; bill, 2.40; tarsus, 1.75.

Although so common a bird in North America at
large, and one of the most widely distributed of Ducks
in various parts of the world, the Mallard is rare in New
England, and does not ordinarily go further eastward
along the coast. It is chiefly found in winter, and
during the migrations. The numerous authorities speak
of the bird in similar terms, and none appear to be
aware of its breeding within our limits.

We have collated the following references : — Mass.,
very rare, Peabody, Rep. B. Mass., 1839, P- 386. Essex
Co., Mass., rare, Putnam, Pr. Essex Inst., i, 1856, p. 219.
Essex Co., Mass., one specimen, Coues, ibid., v, 1868,
p. 298. Mass., rare, Allen, ibid., iv, 1864, p. 78, and
Bull. Essex Inst., x, 1878, p. 27. E. Mass., rare, May-
nard, Nat. Guide, 1870, p. 147. Salem. Mass., R. L.
Newcomb, Forest and Stream, i, p. 279. Norway, Me.,
rare, Verrill, Pr. Essex Inst, iii, 1862, p. 153. Calais, Me.,
rare, Boardman, Pr. Bost. Soc., ix, 1862, p. 129. New
Brunswick, rare, Chamberlain, Bull. Nutt. Club, vii,
1882, p. 105. Newport, R. I., very rare, one shot,
anonymous writer in Forest and Stream, v, p. 204.
Conn., a rare migrant, Merriam, Rev. B. Conn., 1877, p.
123 ; cites Linsley ; cites Grinnell, Oct. and Nov., 1870,
and Brooks, as to its occasional presence in fall. Conn.,
occasional, R. E. Morris, Forest and Stream, vii, p. 116.
Maynard calls it " only a wanderer" in Bds. E. N. Am.,
1 88 1, p. 441. Coues speaks of it as " far from common,"
in Bds. of N. W., 1874, p.. 560. One of the newspapers
(Boston Herald of Nov. 6, 1882) speaks of four Mallards

306 ANATIM: : SWANS, GEESE, AND DUCKS.

killed by A. W. Bray at Ipswich, Nov. 5, 1882 — the
first he ever killed in twenty years' experience in
gunning there.

DUSKY DUCK.

ANAS OBSCURA Gm.

Chars. Size of the Mallard, and resembling the female of that
species, but the general coloration darker ; no decided white any-
where excepting the lining of the wings ; speculum violet, with
black bordering, without any white tipping of the coverts ; bill
greenish-yellow ; legs red. This, as well as all the River Ducks
{Anatin<z\ are distinguished from the Sea Ducks by having no
lobe or flap on the hind toe.

The characteristic and one of the commonest Ducks
of New England — a resident species, though most
numerous during the migrations, when those individu-
als which breed farther north and winter farther south
pass through. Those which do not nestle with us,
come in September from the north, the flight beginning
as soon as the young are grown strong of wing ; and the
departure from the north is completed in May. This
Duck is known to breed at large in New England, but
the greater number which pass the summer here resort
to the swamps of Maine. " Flappers," i. e., the young
before they can fly, are commonly seen in July, in broods,
swimming on ponds ; when molested they are very
expert in eluding pursuit, by scrambling out of the
water and hiding closely in the surrounding herbage.
At this season, also, the old birds shed their flight-
feathers ; they are for a time entirely deprived of
the power of flying, and may be observed skulking in

DAFILA ACUTA : PINTAIL OR SPRIGTAIL DUCK. 307

the rank herbage about the borders of the pools, where
their young were reared. The nest is commonly placed
on the ground — in rare instances in the hollow of a
tree, or some "stub" projecting from the water of a
swamp. The eggs are creamy or pale buff-colored,
smooth and elliptical, measuring two and one-third
inches long by one and two-thirds of an inch in breadth ;
they are laid in May and June, to the number of six,
eight or ten.

This is one of the largest of the river Ducks, and
unsurpassed in the excellence of its flesh. Among
sportsmen, its book-name of " Dusky Duck " is less
often used than that of " Black Duck."

PINTAIL OR SPRIGTAIL DUCK.
DAFILA ACUTA (L.) Jen.

FIG. 63. — HEAD OF FEMALE SPRIGTAIL. Nat. size.

Chars. Tail cuneate, when fully developed the central feathers
much projecting and nearly equalling the wing in length ; much
shorter and not so narrow in the female and young ; 4.00 to 9.00

308 ANATIDyE : SWANS, GEESE, AND DUCKS.

inches long ; wing i i.oo ; total length about 24 oo. Bill black and
blue, feet grayish-blue ; head and upper neck dark brown, with
green and purple gloss ; side of neck with a long white stripe ;
lower neck and under parts white; dorsal line of neck black,
passing into the gray of the back, which, like the sides, is
vermiculated with black ; speculum greenish-purple, anteriorly
bordered by buff tips of the greater coverts, elsewhere by black
and white ; tertials and scapulars black and silvery. Female and
young with the whole head and neck speckled or finely streaked
with dark brown and grayish or yellowish-brown ; below dusky-
freckled ; above, blackish, all the feathers pale-edged ; only
a trace of the speculum between the white or whitish tips of the
greater coverts and secondaries.

A winter resident, and not very common; most
numerous during the migrations, and particularly in the
fall.

THE GADWALL.

CHAULELASMUS STREPERUS (L.) Gray.

Chars. Male : with most of the plumage barred or half-ringed with
black and white, or whitish ; middle wing-coverts chestnut ;
greater coverts black, speculum white ; female known by these
wing-marks. Length, 19.00-22.50; extent, 30.00; wing, 10.00-
n.oo; bill, 1.66; tarsus, 1.75.

Occurring during the migrations, with some reg-
ularity, but far from common. This Duck very probably
breeds in the swamps of Maine, though the fact has not
been determined. The eggs are of the usual shape, of a
uniform creamy-buff color, and measure a trifle over 2.00
in length by about 1.50 in breadth.

MARECA AMERICANA I AMERICAN WIDGEON. 309

AMERICAN WIDGEON ; BALDPATE.
MARECA AMERICANA (L.) Steph.

Chars. Male : Bill shorter than head, grayish-blue like the feet ;
tail I4~i6-feathered, pointed, but hardly or not half as long as
the wing ; top of head white or nearly so, plain or speckled, its
sides, and the neck, more or less speckled ; fore breast light
brownish-red ; belly pure white ; crissum abruptly black ; middle
and greater coverts white, latter black-tipped ; speculum green,
black-bordered. Head and neck grayish-white, speckled with
dusky ; top of head white, in full plumage, its sides with a broad
green patch. Length, 20.00-22.00; wing, n.oo; tail, 5.00; bill,
1.33-1.50. Female recognizable by the wing-markings.

One of the regularly migratory Ducks, occurring in
spring and fall, and also occasionally during
the winter months ; but it is not a com-
mon species. Mr. Brewster thought its
recent occurrence inland, about twenty
miles from the coast, worth a notice (Bull.
Nutt. Club, vii, 1882, p. 185). We have
no evidence that it breeds with us. The
eggs are eight to twelve in number, FJG
measuring about 2.00 X 1.50, and of a dull WIDGEON.
pale buff color.

NOTE. The European Widgeon, Mareca penelope, has been found
casually along the Atlantic coast, and in localities it could hardly
have reached without visiting New England. But we have no
knowledge of its actual occurrence. It has however been taken
on Long Island.

3IO ANATID,E : SWANS, GEESE, AND DUCKS.

GREEN-WINGED TEAL.

QUERQUEDULA CAROL1NENSIS (Gm.) Steph.

Chars. Male : subcrested ; head and upper neck chestnut, with a
broad glossy green band t>n each side, whitish-bordered, uniting
and blackening on the nape ; under parts white, the fore breast
with circular black spots ; upper parts and flanks closely waved
with blackish and white ; crissum black, varied with white or
creamy ; speculum rich green, bordered in front with buffy tips of
the greater coverts, behind with white tips of the secondaries ;
no blue on the wing ; bill black ; feet gray. A conspicuous
white crescent on the side of the body just in front of the bend
of the wing ; scapulars plain. Female differs especially in
the head-markings, but those of the wings are the same. Small ;
length, 14.00-15.00; wing, 7.50; tail, 3.50; bill, 1.50; tarsus,
1.25.

These small and elegant Ducks, notable both for the
beauty of their plumage and the excellence of their
flesh, are among the commonest of the
'migratory species. They sometimes ap-
pear in March, but more numerously in
April, and are among the earliest to re-
turn in the fall, sometimes even appear-
ing in August, and always by September.
The nest is placed upon the ground, built
of hay and lined with feathers ; the eggs
FIG. 65. -GREEN- are about eight in number, pale dull green-

WINGED TEAL. .... . /•

ish in color, measuring from 1.75 to 1.90
in length by 1.20 to 1.30 in breadth.

NOTE. The European Teal, Q. crecca, has been erroneously attrib-
uted to New England (see Pr. Bost. Soc., v, 1855, p. 195 ; Bull.
Nutt. Club, ii, 1877, pp. 13 and 46 ; Bull. Essex Inst, x, 1878,
P- 34).

QUERQUEDULA DISCORS : BLUE-WINGED TEAL. 3! I

BLUE-WINGED TEAL.
QUERQUEDULA DISCORS (L.) Steph.

Chars. Wing-coverts in both sexes sky-blue, the greater white-
tipped ; speculum green, white-tipped ; axillars and most under
wing-coverts white ; scapulars striped with tawny and blue (not
in the female) or dark green ; fore back barred ; rump and tail
dark, plain ; crissum dark or black ; bill black ; feet not dark-
Head and neck of the male blackish-plumbeous, darkest on the
crown, usually with purplish iridescence ; a white crescent in
front of the eye ; under parts thickly dark-spotted. Female with
head and neck altogether different ; under parts much paler and
obscurely spotted ; but known by the wing-markings from any
other species. Length, 15.00-16.00; wing, 7.00; tail, 3.00; tar-
sus, 1.25 ; bill, 1.50-1.67.

This kind of Teal occurs with us under the same
circumstances as the Green-Winged does, but is less
numerous. Mr. Allen speaks of its having formerly
been, doubtless, a summer resident ; but we have no
late records of its breeding in New England.

SHOVELLER ; BROAD-BILL.
SPATULA CLYPEATA (Z.) Boie.

Chars. Head and neck glossy-green ; rump and upper tail-coverts
black, faintly glossed ; breast and forward under parts white ;
belly dark violet-red ; under tail-coverts black ; more or less white
on the wing, shoulders, and along the posterior parts ; wing-
coverts and tertials blue, more or less tipped with white ; specu-
lum green, bordered with a stripe of black and then of white.
Female darker or duller ; head and neck reddish, darker below.
Bill enlarged at end, nearly black. Legs and feet red. Iris
orange-red. Length, 19.00-20.00 ; extent, nearly 30.00 ; wing,
9.00-9.75; bill, 20.00 or less ; tarsus, 1.40.

312 ANATID^: : SWANS, GEESE, AND DUCKS.

This Duck, of singular figure and greatly varied
plumage, is a rare migrant, chiefly along the coast. " It
was formerly," says Mr. Allen, "judging from its breed-
ing range in the interior, a frequent summer resident."
This probability is strengthened by the fact that,
according to Dr. Merriam, the Shoveller has been taken
in Connecticut in July and August, as well as in
December. It decreases in numbers from Connecticut
northward and eastward.

The eggs are eight or more in number, measuring on
an average 2.10 in length by 1.20 in breadth, and are
uniform dull pale greenish-gray.

SUMMER, OR WOOD DUCK.
Aix SPONSA (L.) Boie.

Chars. Head crested, metallic green and purple ; line above and
behind eye, white ; throat white also ; above, coppery black with
a gloss of green and purple ; beneath white, throat and upper
part of breast chestnut ; sides buffy, very finely variegated
with black ; scapulars black ; a white crescent in front of the
shoulder bordered also with black ; coverts and quills with more
or fewer tips and shades of white and purple. Female : chest-
nut of neck detached and dull ; sides not striped, head and neck
dull. Bill reddish, edges dusky. Legs and feet yellowish. Iris
red. Length, 19.00; extent, 27.50; wing, 9.00; bill, 1.40; tar-
sus, 1.50.

This, the most beautiful of the Ducks, arrayed in
a plumage well-named " bridal," is a common summer
resident, arriving in March and remaining into October.
It is remarkable among Anatidce for nesting in holes
in trees, the last place one would expect a Duck to select.

FULIGULA MARILA : GREATER SCAUP DUCK. 313

The habit, however, is not peculiar, for some of the
Fuligtilina do the same thing. The eggs are about
a dozen in number, measuring 2.00 X 1.50, of a dark
color, and are laid upon a bed of hay and feathers. The

FIG. 66. — WOOD DUCK.

bird is the most characteristic Duck of New England,
excepting the Dusky Duck; and is found generally
distributed wherever there are suitable breeding-places,
being by no means peculiar to the coast.

GREATER SCAUP DUCK.

FULIGULA MARILA (L.) Stcph.

Chars. Male : head, neck, and body anteriorly black, the former
glossy ; lower back, rump, and tail blackish. Below, white, the
sides and lower belly finely waved with black. Speculum white ;
back and sides zigzagged with white ; no colored ring around
neck. Bill and feet bluish, former with black nail. Female :

314 ANATIM: : SWANS, GEESE, AND DUCKS.

head and anterior parts of the body brown, and other parts which
are black in the male here brownish. Region about base of bill
white. Length about 20.00 ; extent, 29.00 ; wing, 9.00 ; bill, 2.10 ;
tarsus, 1.50.

One of the winter residents along the coast, rather
common at that season, but, as usual with birds of this
family, more numerous during the migrations, when
those that have wintered farther south, or bred in
the high north, pass through New England. It is an
expert diver, and usually found in flocks of considerable
size.

LESSER SCAUP DUCK.

FULIGULA AFFINIS EytOH.

Chars. Very like the last ; gloss of head purplish rather than
green ; flanks and scapulars less closely vermiculated ? Size
less ; length about 16.00 ; wing, 8.00. Difficult to define
specifically, and perhaps only a variety of the last ; it appears,
however, to preserve certain distinctions, though constantly
associated with F. marila.

This Duck is doubtfully a distinct species from the
last, with which it is found associated, occurring under
the same circumstances. Both are properly sea-ducks,
though occasionally found inland.

RING-NECK SCAUP DUCK.
FULIGULA COLLARIS (Donov.) Bp.

Chars. Male : resembling the last two species ; back nearly
uniform blackish ; an orange-brown ring round the neck ;
speculum gray ; bill black, pale at base and tip. Female : no

FULIGULA FERINA AMERICANA: RED-HEAD DUCK. 315

collar ; head and neck brown, but loral space, chin, and eye-ring
white. In size between the other two foregoing species of
Fuligula.

Another spring and autumn visitant, not common.
This is its proper category, though it may be occasionally
found in winter, and is known to breed in Maine, where
Mr. Boardman has found it in summer, near Calais (Am.
Nat., v, 1871, p. 12 1). As to its rarity in Maine, how-
ever, see Brown, Bull. Nutt. Club, vii, 1882, p. 190.

RED-HEAD DUCK; POCHARD.
FULIGULA FERINA AMERICANA (Eyt.} Cones.

Chars. Male : head and neck chestnut-red, rich and pure, with
bronzy reflections. Body anteriorly, rump and tail-coverts,
black ; back mixed silvery-gray and black in about equal
amounts ; the dark vermiculations unbroken ; speculum bluish-ash.
Female : head plumbeous-brown ; black parts of the male dark
brown ; vermiculations less distinct. In both sexes, bill dull
blue with a black belt at end, broad and depressed, two inches or
less in length ; not rising high on the forehead, the nostrils
within its basal half; head very puffy, the forehead convexly
coming down to bill ; extent of red on the neck less than in the
canvas-back. Length about 20.00 ; extent, 29.00 ; wing, 9.00-
10.00 ; tarsus, 1.70.

Chiefly a migrant, and rather rare.' It, however,
breeds in Maine, according to Mr. Boardman (Am. Nat.,
v, 1871, p. 662). It is very frequently offered for sale as
canvas-back, but there should be no difficulty in dis-
criminating the two species by the shape of the bill and
the color of the head.

3l6 ANATIDJE '. SWANS, GEESE, AND DUCKS.

CANVAS-BACK DUCK.

FULIGULA VALLISNERIA (WHs.) Steph.

Chars. Resembling the Red-head, but easily distinguished by the
bill and head. Bill blackish, high at the base and narrow
throughout, not shorter than head, 2. 50 inches long or more, the
nostril's at its middle ; head much obscured with dusky ; black
waved lines of the back sparse and much broken up into dots,
the whitish thus predominating. North America, especially
abundant along the middle Atlantic Coast in winter, where from
feeding on the wild celery (Vallisneria) its flesh acquires a
peculiar flavor, though it is not particularly excellent under other
circumstances.

FIG. 67. — CANVAS-BACK DUCK.

Occurring with the last, under the same circum-
stances. Though its breeding with us has not been
determined, so far as we know, the bird will probably
yet be found nesting in the swamps of Maine. In the
West, it is known to breed within the limits of the
United States, as for example on the Turtle Mountain,
in Dakota, where Dr. Coues found it nesting in 1873.

CLANGULA GLAUCIUM I GOLDEN-EYED DUCK. 317

GOLDEN-EYED DUCK; WHISTLER.
CLANGULA GLAUCIUM (L.) Brehm.

Chars. Male : with the head puffy, dark-colored, iridescent, with
large white patches ; lower neck all around, under parts, includ-
ing sides, most of the scapulars, wing-coverts and secondaries,
white ; lining of wings and axillars dark ; most of upper parts
black ; no waving on back and sides. Female with the head less
puffy, brown or dark gray, with traces of the white patches, or
not ; somewhat less white on the wings ; fore breast and sides
with gray, the feathers paler-edged. Bill much shorter than
head, very high at the base, tapering, with median nostrils.
Male with the head and upper neck glossy dark green, and
a white oval or rounded loral spot, not touching the base of the
bill throughout ; white continuous on outer surface of wing ; bill
black, with pale or yellow end ; feet orange ; webs dusky; eyes
yellow. Length, 16.00-19.00 ; extent, about 28.00 ; wing, 8.00-
9.00 ; bill, 1.25 ; tarsus, 1.75.

The Golden-eye is resident in New England. It is
chiefly known in its character of a winter visitant, but it
breeds in Maine, as attested both by Mr. Boardman and
Mr. Deane. The latter speaks of a nest, containing
eight eggs, placed in a hollow stump at Lake Umbagog,
and its nidification would appear to be usually arboreal.

BARROW'S GOLDEN-EYE ; ROCKY MOUN-
TAIN GARROT.

CLANGULA ISLANDICA (Gm.) Bp.

Chars. Very similar to the last ; gloss of head purplish and violet ;
the loral spot larger, triangular or crescentic, applied against the
whole side of the bill at base ; white on surface of wing divided

3l8 ANATID.E : SWANS, GEESE, AND DUCKS.

by a dark bar ; rather larger than the last ; length, 19.00-22.00 ;
wing, 9.00-10.00 ; occipital feathers lengthening into a slight
crest ; bill shoiter. Female probably not distinguishable with
certainty from that of the foregoing, unless by the dark bar on
the wing.

A winter resident, rare and scarcely more than
casual, in most parts of New England. It is, however,
spoken of by Mr. Boardman as occurring in summer in
Maine, and Dr. Brewer so marks the species in his list,
doubtless upon this authority. It may not be so scarce
as it is supposed to be on the Maine coast, seeing how
likely it is to be confounded with C. glaucium by the
gunners. It is so rare in southern New England as to
have been only recently added to the Massachusetts
fauna by actual capture of a specimen on Cape Cod,
Dec. 7, 1870, as noted by Mr. Brewster (Am. Nat., vi,
1872, p. 306), who adds that he has also seen numbers
in the Boston markets, mostly from the same State.
A Connecticut case is reported by Dr. Merriam ; that
of an adult male in possession of Mr. J. H. Sage, of
Portland, who purchased it Nov. 14, 1867, from a man
who said it had been killed on the Sound (Rev. B.
Conn., 1877, p. 126).

BUFFLE-HEAD DUCK.

CLANGULA ALBEOLA (L.) Steph.

Chars. Pattern of coloration of the foregoing. Male with the head
particularly puffy, of varied rich iridescence, with a large white
auricular patch confluent with its fellow on the nape. Small ;
14.00-16.00; extent, 22.50 ; wing, 6.00-7.00; bill about i.oo,
with nostrils in basal half; female still smaller, an insignificant
looking duck, with head scarcely puffy, dark gray, with traces of
the auricular patch.

HARELDA GLACIALIS : LONG-TAILED DUCK. 319

A common winter resident, arriving in October, and
remaining into April. "The Buffle-head is not often
seen in the United States, except from fall to spring ; as
it usually retires to high latitudes to breed, as along the
Yukon and elsewhere in boreal America, its nidification
is consequently not generally known. A set of fourteen
eggs taken, the accompanying label states, from a
feathery nest in a dead poplar, some distance from the
ground, furnishes the following description : Shape,
perfectly ellipsoidal; size, slightly over 2.00 inches in
length by 1.50 in breadth; color, a peculiar tint, just
between rich creamy-white and grayish-olive, unvaried
by markings. Other eggs are described as being about
1.67 long by 1.25 broad, and buff-colored" (Coues, Birds
Northwest, 1874, p. 578).

LONG-TAILED DUCK.
HARELDA GLACIALIS (L.) Leach.

Chars. Tail of fourteen narrow pointed feathers, in the male in
summer the central ones very slender and much elongated,
nearly or quite equalling the whig ; nail of bill occupying the
whole tip ; seasonal changes remarkable. Male in summer
with the back and the long, narrowly lanceolate scapulars varied
with reddish-brown, wanting in winter, when this color is ex-
changed for pearly-gray or white ; general color blackish or
very dark brown, below from the breast abruptly white ; no
white on the wing ; sides of head plumbeous-gray ; in winter,
the head, neck and body anteriorly, white, but the gray cheek-
patch persistent, and a large dark patch below this ; bill at all
seasons black, broadly orange-barred. Female without length-
ened scapulars or tail-feathers, the bill dusky greenish, and
otherwise different, but recognized by presence of head and

32O ANATIM:: SWANS, GEESE, AND DUCKS.

neck patches, and absence of white on the wing. Length, 15.00-
20.00, or more, according to tail ; extent, 28.00 ; wing, 8.00-
9.00; bill, i.io; tarsus, 1.50.

An abundant winter resident all along the coast, and
even more numerous during the migrations, arriving in
October, and remaining until April. The following in-
teresting paragraph is cited from Dr. Merriam : " This
is by far the most abundant species of Duck found along
our coast, and during the migrations (notably in Novem-
ber) hundreds of thousands of them can be seen on the
Sound, covering the waters as far as the eye can reach
in every direction, and almost deafening one by their
constant, and to my ears not altogether unpleasant,
cackle. They are continually on the move, and, notwith-
standing their immense numbers, it is no easy task to
approach within gunshot of the flock. Though as strictly
maritime as any of our ducks, they have occasionally
strayed so far into the interior as Ohio (Wheaton). Mr.
Grinnell tells me that they occasionally breed here, but
these may be wounded birds, — ' pensioners,' as they
are commonly called" (Rev. B. Conn., 1877, p. 126). Mr.
H. Herrick thinks they may breed at Grand Menan,
N. B., where he has known them to be shot June 18
(Bull. Essex Inst, v, 1873).

LABRADOR OR PIED DUCK.
CAMPTOL^EMUS LABRADORIUS (Gm.) Gray.

Chars. Bill enlarged towards end by membraneous expansion, the
nostrils in its basal third ; cheek-feathers rigid. Male with the
body and primaries black ; rest of the wing, with neck and

CAMPTOL^MUS LABRADORIUS : LABRADOR DUCK. 321

head, white, with a black collar and lengthwise coronal stripe.
Female plumbeous gray. About 2 feet long ; extent, 32.50 ;
wing, 9.00.

One of the earliest notices of this rather celebrated
duck, a portrait of which adorns the title-page of Pen-
nant's Arctic Zoology, published in 1785, speaks of it

FIG. 68. — LABRADOR DUCK.

as having been sent from Connecticut to Mrs. Black-
burn, an English lady best known to our ornithologists
by the association of her name with one of our most
beautiful Warblers. The Duck appears to have formerly
been a common bird, but it has become exceedingly
rare, and the species is supposed to be near extinction.

322 ANATIDjE : SWANS, GEESE, AND DUCKS.

Mr. Allen, in his Review of " G. D. Rowley's mono-
graphic essay on the Labrador or Pied Duck," says :
" While apparently of rather frequent occurrence along
the Atlantic coast, as far south at least as Long Island,
New Jersey, and Delaware, fifty to thirty years ago, it
has of late been rarely observed, and few specimens
appear. to have been taken since 1868. Its last recorded
capture, as appears from a letter from Mr. George N.
Lawrence, published in' Mr. Rowley's paper, seems to
have occurred "in the fall of 1874," when a specimen
was obtained by Mr. J. Wallace, from Long Island, from
which source the same gentleman had obtained four or
five others during the five previous years. All were
females or immature males, and only one adult male is
known to have been taken in the last twenty years."
He adds that the number of specimens known to be
extant are " only thirty-three, of which about twenty are
preserved in different collections in the United States,
and the remainder in European museums. About one-
half are adult males, and most of the remainder adult
females. The localities, so far as known, are Long Island,
N. Y., thirteen specimens ; Calais, Me., two ; Halifax har-
bor, one ; ' Labrador, one ' ; and one is recorded from
Delhi, Michigan, eighteen in all, leaving fifteen from
unknown localities" (Bull. Nutt. Club, iii, 1878, p. 79).

Dr. Brewer remarks that the Pied Duck was "abun-
dant" in Boston market from that vicinity in 1836-37
(Bull. Nutt. Club, ii, 1877, p. 46). Mr. Boardman speaks
of its being formerly common in the Bay of Fundy
(Forest and Stream, vi, 1876, p. 181 ; see also Am. Nat.,
iii, 1869, p. 383). Three individuals are noted in Nova
Scotia in 1850 (Orn. and Ool., vii, 1882, p. 122). Mr.
H. Herrick speaks of a male shot in April, 1871, at

HISTRIONICUS MINUTUS : HARLEQUIN DUCK. 323

Grand Menan, N. B. (Bull. Essex Inst., v, 1873, p. 13 of
separate issues). We may also refer to the record given
by Dr. W. H. Gregg, of the occurrence of the rare bird
near Elmira, Chemung Co., N. Y., Dec. 12, 1878 (Am.
Nat., xiii, 1879, P- I28)-

HARLEQUIN DUCK.

HISTRIONICUS MINUTUS (L.) Coues.

Chars. Bill very small and short, with a membraneous lobe at
base, rapidly tapering to tip, which is wholly occupied by the
fused nail. Tertiaries curly; plumage singularly patched with
different colors. Male : deep leaden bluish, browner below ;
sides of head, and of body behind, chestnut ; coronal stripe and
tail black ; a white patch at base of bill, one on side of occi-
put, of breast, and of tail ; two transverse ones on neck nearly
forming a collar, and several on wings ; a white jugular collar.
Speculum violet-purple. Female : dark brown, pale below,
whitening on belly ; a white patch on auriculars and before eye.
Length, 15.00-18.00; extent, 27.00; wing, 8.00; bill, i.oo; tar-
sus, 1.40.

An extremely rare winter visitor. Mr. Boardman
remarks : " A few apparently somewhat disabled indi-
viduals breed on the islands," that is, on the Maine
coast and about the bay of Fundy. Mr. Purdie re-
cords the species from Hampton, N. H., Nov., 1872.
Mr. Allen gives it as a "winter visitor; not common."
There is no doubt that it still occurs irregularly on our
coast, though much more rarely than in former days.
Mr. Merriam does not give it from Connecticut, and I
can find no recent records of its capture. Mr. Herrick
says of it at Grand Menan : " Common in winter. It
is noted among gunners for its diving propensities, it

324 ANATID.E : SWANS, GEESE, AND DUCKS.

being almost impossible to shoot one sitting on the
water, as they go under at the flash. I do not think it
breeds now, though it may have done so in years past."
See Brewer, Bull. Nutt. Club, ii, 1877, p. 46 ; Allen, Bull.
Essex Inst., x, 1878, p. 27 ; Boardman, Pr. Bost. Soc., ix,
1862, p. 130.

EIDER DUCK.

SOMATERIA MOLLISSIMA DRESSERI (Skarpe) CoiteS.

Chars. Bill not feathered to the nostrils, with long club-shaped
processes extending in a line with the culmen upon the sides of
the forehead, divided by a broad feathered interspace. Male in
breeding attire white, creamy-tinted on breast, and washed with
green on head ; under parts from the breast, lower back, rump,
tail, quills, and large forked patch on the crown, black. Female
with the bill less developed ; general plumage an extremely vari-
able shade of reddish-brown or ochrey-brown, speckled, mottled
and barred with darker ; male in certain stages resembling the
female. Length, about 2 feet ; extent, 35.00 ; wing, 11.00-12.00 ;
bill of male, 3.00; tarsus, 1.75.

This celebrated bird, semi-domesticated in some
places, yields most of the prized eider-down of com-
merce, which the parent plucks from the breast to
cover the eggs.

Though given in Dr. Brewer's catalogue of 1875 only
as a "winter visitant," the Eider Duck is resident in
New England, breeding sparingly on the Maine coast
eastward (Boardman, Pr. Bost. Soc., ix, 1862, p. 130), and
in winter extending its range beyond Connecticut. Mr.
Purdie informs us that to his knowledge it nests on
the Maine coast at least as far westward as Mt. Desert.

SOMATERIA MOLLISSIMA DRESSERI I EIDER DUCK. 32$

It is exclusively maritime, and not abundant at any
season, though very common further east and north,
being one of the most characteristic summer birds of-
Labrador and Newfoundland. The nest is built on the

FIG. 69. — EIDER DUCKS.

ground, and consists chiefly of mosses, lichens, hay, and
seaweed, to which are added the feathers which the bird
plucks for that purpose ; the eggs are six to ten in
number, but often fewer, plain dull greenish:drab, meas-
uring about 3.00 by 2.00. They are laid usually in
June and the early part of July.

326 ANATID.E : SWANS, GEESE, AND DUCKS.

KING EIDER DUCK.

SOMATERIA SPECTABILIS (L.)

Chars. Bill with broad, squarish, nearly vertical frontal processes
bulging angularly out of line with the culmen proper. Male
in breeding attire black, including a forked chin-patch, a frontal
band, and space around eye. Neck and fore parts of the body,
part of the interscapulars, of the wing-coverts, and of lining
of wings, together with a flank patch, white ; creamy on the
jugulum ; greenish on the sides of the head, the crown and. nape
fine bluish-ash. Female resembling that of the common Eider,
but bill differently shaped. Size of the last, or rather less.

A rare winter visitor along our whole coast. Linsley
speaks of two Connecticut examples, Giraud gives the
bird as from Long Island, and Coues ascribes a range
from the Arctic coast to New York. A copy of Board-
man's Calais list in the possession of Mr. Purdie is
annotated in manuscript with the remark, that the
King Eider breeds in that vicinity. Allen notes what
appears to have been an irruption of King Eiders on
Lake Erie, near Buffalo, N. Y., in November, 1879,
when at least eighteen individuals were shot.

AMERICAN BLACK SCOTER.

CEDEMIA AMERICANA (WHs.) Sw.

Chars. Bill scarcely encroached upon by the frontal feathers,
shorter than the head, the gibbosity superior, circumscribed,
orange (male) ; nostrils at its middle ; tail normally 16-
feathered. Plumage of male entirely black. Female sooty-
brown, paler below, becoming grayish-white on the belly,

CEDEMIA AMERICANA I VELVET DUCK.

327

there dusky-speckled, on the sides and flanks dusky-waved ;
throat and sides of head mostly continuous whitish ; bill all
black ; feet livid olivaceous, with black webs. Male nearly 2
feet long; wing about 10 inches; female 18.00-19.00 inches;
wing, 8.00-9.00; gape, 2.00; culmen, 1.75. Differs from the
European in the shape and coloration of the protuberance on the
bill.

FIG. 70. — FEMALE BLACK SCOTER, WITH OUTLINE OF BILL FROM BELOW.

A winter resident along the coast, not very common,
but more so during the autumnal and vernal migrations.
Like the rest of the genus it is a sea-duck, occurring
inland only exceptionally or upon the larger bodies
of water.

VELVET DUCK: WHITE-WINGED
SCOTER.

CEDEMIA FUSCA (Z.) SlV.

Chars. Bill broadly encroached upon by the frontal feathers,
on the culmen nearly or quite to the nostrils, and on its sides to
a less extent, shorter than head, black, broadly orange-tipped

328 ANATID^E : SWANS, GEESE, AND DUCKS.

(male) ; nail broad and truncate ; gibbosity superior, circum-
scribed. Male black, with a large white wing-patch, and another
under the eye ; feet orange-red, with dusky webs. Size of the
the last, or rather larger. Female smaller, sooty-brown, pale
grayish below, with much whitish about head, but showing white
speculum ; bill all black. Said to differ from the European
by greater encroachment of feathers on bill, but the ascribed
feature is not tangible.

This is the most numerous of the three species of the
genus, occurring as a winter visitant, and still more
abundantly during the migrations. It usually appears
during the latter part of September, and works its way
southward by October, some individuals remaining until
well into May of ttie following spring. It is strictly
maritime, only exceptionally seen away from the coast.
It would appear that during the migrations the old
birds, or perhaps the old males, move apart from the
others. The bill being differently shaped and colored in
these cases, some gunners have supposed that there
is more than one species. All the members of this
genus are often called "Coots," or "Sea-Coots," with
other epithets designating the different species.

SURF DUCK; SEA-COOT.

CEDEMIA PERSPICILLATA (L.) Step/I.

Chars. Bill narrowly encroached upon by the frontal feathers, on
the culmen nearly or quite to the nostrils, but not at all upon its
sides, about as long as head, with the nail narrowed anteriorly,
the swelling lateral as well as superior ; nostrils beyond its
middle ; bill of male orange-red, whitish on the sides, with a
large circular black base. Plumage of male black, with a white

CEDEMIA PERSPICILLATA : SURF DUCK. 329

patch on forehead and another on nape ; none on the wing. Size
of CE. americanaj gape of bill about 2.50. Female smaller ; bill
black, shorter, gape about 2.25 ; feathers of culmen hardly or not
reaching nostrils ; feet dark, tinged with dusky-reddish ; webs
black ; plumage sooty-brown, below silvery-gray, sides of head
with much whitish, chiefly in two patches, one loral, the other
auricular.

FIG. 71. — YOUNG MALE SURF DUCK, WITH OUTLINE OF BILL FROM BELOW.

A migrant and winter visitant, in numbers interme-
diate between those of the other species of the genus,
the circumstances of its appearance, however, being the
same. Dr. Brewer notes them all as " migratory " only,
ignoring their winter residence. Any of them may be
casually found during the whole year ; but none appear
to be properly estimable as summer residents or breed-
ers in New England.

33O ANATID^E : SWANS, GEESE, AND DUCKS.

RUDDY DUCK.

ERISMATURA RUBIDA (Wils.) Bp.

Chars. Remarkably distinguished from other Fuligulina by the
stiffened, linear-lanceolate tail-feathers (sixteen to twenty in
number), exposed to the base by reason of extreme shortness
of the coverts ; bill broad, flattened, the nail large, overhang-
ing. The male in perfect plumage with the neck all round and
the upper parts brownish-red, the lower parts silky silvery-white
watered with dusky, the chin and sides of the head dead-white,
the crown and nape black ; but not often seen in this condition
in the United States. As generally observed, and the female
at all times, brown above, finely dotted and waved with dusky,
paler and duller below, with darker undulations, and sometimes
a slight tawny tinge, as also occurs on the sides of the head ;
crown and nape dark brown ; bill dusky ; crissum always white.

Common, chiefly in the character of a migrant, in
spring and fall. As correctly given by Allen, for Massa-
chusetts, it is a winter visitant, and Cones remarks that
some individuals may breed in northern New England,
while Brewer only gives it as a migratory species. Mr.
Hiram Cutting saw an old bird and three young at
Lake Memphremagog, in Vermont, where it probably
bred.

ST. DOMINGO DUCK.

NOMONYX DOMINICA (L.) Ridg.

Chars. Male : head anteriorly and chin black ; hind-head, neck,
and breast deep ferruginous ; above, brownish-red, blotched
with black; below, lighter ferruginous; speculum white. Fe-
male similar, but less strongly marked. Length, 13 50 ; wing,
6.25 ; tail,- 3.75 ; bill, 1.33, smaller and less expanded than in
the preceding.

NOMONYX DOMINICA: ST. DOMINGO DUCK. 331

South America and West Indies, -accidental in the
United States. The only known instances are Lake
Champlain (Cabot, Proc. B. S. N. H., vi, 375) ; Wiscon-
sin (Kumlein ; ibid, xiv, 154; Am. Nat. v, 441).

MERGANSER ; GOOSANDER ; FISH DUCK.
MERGUS MERGANSER L.

Chars. Bill not shorter than head, mostly red ; nostrils nearly
median ; frontal feathers reaching beyond those on sides of bill.
Male with the head scarcely crested, glossy green ; back and
wings black and white, latter crossed by one black bar ; under
parts salmon-colored. Length, about 24.00 ; extent, 36.00 ; wing,
11.00 ; tail, 5.00 ; bill, 2.25 ; tarsus, 1.75. Female smaller; occip-
ital crest better developed, but still flimsy; head and neck reddish-
brown ; black parts of the male ashy-gray ; less white on the
wing ; under parts less tinted with salmon.

The three species of Merganser which occur in New
England, as in most other parts of the United States,
have substantially the same character, being chiefly
migrants and winter residents, but also breeding in
northern sections. Mr. Boardman records the present
species as breeding in trees about Calais, Maine, and
Mr. J. H. Sage notes its breeding at Moosehead Lake,
in Maine (Orn. and Ool., vi, 1881, p. 51). They are
all chiefly maritime, but also found inland. All three
breed in Maine, at least as far south as Umbagog Lake,
where eggs have been procured, and Mr. Allen thinks
Audubon had good grounds for stating that the present
species has bred in Massachusetts.

332 ANATIDvE : SWANS, GEESE, AND DUCKS.

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER.
MERGUS SERRATOR L.

Chars. Nostrils sub-basal : frontal feathers not reaching beyond
those on sides of bill ; a long, thin, pointed crest in both sexes.
Smaller than the foregoing ; wing, 8.00-9.00. General coloration
and sexual differences the same, but male with the jugulum and
forebreast rich reddish-brown streaked with black ; sides of the
body conspicuously and finely waved with black ; a white, black-
bordered mark in front of the wing, which is crossed by two
black bars.

FIG. 72. — RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, WITH OUTLINE OF BILL FROM ABOVE.

This is the commonest one of the three, especially
along the coast. The figure represents the bill of natural
size, and shows the sub-basal position of the nostrils,
which are more median in M. merganser. The nest
is placed on the ground; carefully concealed in rank
herbage ; it is neatly constructed of mosses, lichens, hay
and seaweeds, and warmly lined with down from the
parent's breast. The eggs are some nine or ten in
number, of a fine creamy buff color, oval or ellipsoidal,
measuring about 2.50 X 1.65.

MERGUS CUCULLATUS: HOODED MERGANSER. 333

In our latest list of Maine birds, which has not reached
us until this work is nearly completed, Mr. N. C. Brown
notes this species as abundant in the vicinity of Portland,
and, like the last, chiefly a migrant. He is however
informed by Mr. Brewster that it winters in considerable
numbers as far north-east as Point Lepreaux, N. B.
(Pr. Portl. Soc. Nat. Hist., Dec. 4, 1882.)

HOODED MERGANSER.
MERGUS CUCULLATUS L.

Chars. Bill shorter than head, mostly or entirely black ; nostrils
sub-basal ; frontal feathers reaching far beyond those on sides of
bill ; a compact, erect, semicircular, laterally compressed crest
in the male, smaller and less rounded in the female. Male :
Black, including two crescents in front of wing, and bar across
speculum ; under parts, centre of crest, speculum, and stripes on
tertials, white; sides chestnut, black-barred. Length, 18.00-
19.00 ; wing, 8.00. Female smaller ; head and neck brown ;
chin whitish ; back and sides dark brown, the feathers with
paler edges ; white on the wing less ; bill reddish at base below.

The rarest of the three, excepting probably in places
where it breeds. This may be anywhere in New Eng-
land, but as far as known is chiefly in the swampy
wooded northern portions. The nest is built in the
hollow of a tree or stump. According to Mr. J. G.
Rich, as noted by Mr. Maynard, it breeds not uncom-
monly on Lake Umbagog, where Mr. Deane has taken
the eggs.

334 suLiD^E : GANNETS.

FAMILY SULID^ : GANNETS.
COMMON GANNET; SOLAN GOOSE.

SULA BASSANA (L.)

Chars. Bill rather longer than the head, cleft to beyond the eyes,
very stout at the base, tapering and a little decurved toward the
tip, which however is not hooked ; the tomia irregularly serrate,
or rather lacerate ; nostrils abortive ; gular sac little developed,
but naked ; wings rather long, pointed ; tail long, stiff, wedge-
shaped, 12-14-feathered ; feet more nearly beneath centre of
equilibrium than in some other families of this order. General
configuration somewhat that of a goose ; body stout ; neck
rather long ; head large, uncrested ; plumage compact. Adult :
White, with black primaries ; the head washed with amber-
yellow ; bill not yellow ; lores, sac, and feet blackish. Young :
dark brown speckled with white, below from the neck grayish-
white, each feather darker edged ; quills and tail blackish.
Length, about 31.00 ; extent, 60.00 ; wing, 17.00-21.00 ; tail,
about 10.00; bill, 4.00.

Leaving now the long array of Ducks, which we have
passed in rapid review, it being necessary to condense
our notices in some cases in order to bring all the birds
of New England within the compass of two small vol-
umes, we enter upon a group of web-footed birds which
are distinguished by having all four of the toes palmated.
This order of Stcganopodes, or Totipalmati, includes the
six families of the Gannets, Pelicans, Cormorants, An-
hingas, Frigates, and Tropic-birds, all but the last of
which furnish representatives in New England.

The Gannet occurs in winter along our whole coast,

SULA LEUCOGASTRA : BROWN GANNET ; BOOBY. 335

more sparingly southward, than in the opposite direc-
tion. A few still breed on a " Gannet rock " off the
Maine coast, and the bird is common on the fishing-
grounds. This rock lies to the southward of Grand'
Menan Island, at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy. There
is also a rock called by the same name lying to the
southwest of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. The great breed-
ing resort of the species are Bird Rocks, in the Gulf of
St. Lawrence, and Bonaventura Island, in the same gulf,
near Gaspe.

"The herring fishermen who used to resort to the
Magdalens in early spring," says Capt. J. W. Collins,
" captured the bird by the ingenious device of a board
painted water-color, to the upper surface of which was
fastened a number of herring. This board was then
anchored at some distance from the shore : the birds
perceiving the lure, dashed down upon it, and broke
their necks."

BROWN GANNET ; BOOBY.
SULA LEUCOGASTRA Bodd.

Chars. Form like that of the foregoing, but coloration very differ-
ent, being brown ; below from the neck white ; bill and feet yel-
low. Young : grayish-brown, merely paler below ; bill dusky.
Rather smaller than the last.

This is a southern species, — one perfectly authen-
ticated, however, as a casual visitor in New England.
It was given from Guilford, Conn., by the Rev. Mr. Lins-
ley, many years ago (Am. Jour. Sci., xliv.,' 1843, p. 271).
In 1856, Mr. Putnam recorded it for Massachusetts (Pr.

336 SULID^E : GANNETS.

Essex Inst., i, 1856, p. 221). Notwithstanding these
cases, which Dr. Coues allows, and Mr. Purdie thinks
good (Bull. Nutt. Club, i, 1876, p. 72; ii, 1877, p. 14),
Dr. Brewer excludes it from his catalogue of 1875,
with the remark that he prefers to place it on proba-
tion and await further proof (Pr. Bost. Soc., xvii, 1875,
p. 453). This proof he has the pleasure of producing
himself, a specimen having been shot on Cape Cod, Sept.
17, 1878, and brought to the Boston market, whence it
passed into the possession of the Messrs. E. O. and O.
Bangs, of Boston (Bull. Nutt. Club, iv, 1879, p. 191). On
the alleged imperfection of the early record, see Pr.
Bost. Soc., xx, 1879, P-

P. TRACHYRHYNCHUS : AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN.

FAMILY PELECANID^E : PELICANS.

AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN.
PELECANUS TRACHYRHYNCHUS Lath.

Chars. Bill several times as long as the head, comparatively slen-
der, but strong, straight, broad, flattened, ending with a distinct
claw-like hook; mandibular rami joining only at their apex;
the long, broad interramal space, and the throat, occupied by
an enormous membranous sac ; nostrils abortive ; wings ex-
tremely long, in the upper and fore-arm portions as well as the
pinion, with very numerous remiges ; tail very short, of twenty
or more feathers ; feet short, very stout. Size large. Color
white ; occiput and breast yellow ; primaries, their coverts, bas-
tard -quills, and many secondaries, black ; bill, sac, lores and
feet yellow. About 5 feet long ; expanse, 7.00-9.00 ; wing, 2.00 ;
bill, i.oo or more ; tail, 0.50, normally 24-feathered.

FIG. 73. — BILL OF WHITE PELICAN; MUCH REDUCED.

According to Allen (Bull. Nutt. Club, i, 1876, p. 60),
the White Pelican was doubtless in early times not
uncommon in Massachusetts and other parts of New

33^ PELECANID.E : PELICANS.

England, where, however, its presence now can only
be considered accidental, though there are some recent
records of its occurrence. The individuals noted by
him (Am. Nat., iii, 1870, p. 640) as having visited Nan-
tucket Island were later determined to have been Brown
Pelicans. Mr. Purdie gives the first recent record of the
capture of a White Pelican, at North Scituate, Oct. 6,
1876 (Bull. Nutt. Club, ii, Jan. 1877, p. 22). This is
probably the first definite modern instance for Massa-
chusetts, and the second for New England ; Mr. Board-
man's remark, "accidental, in one or two cases," being
the only other (Pr. Bost. Soc., ix, 1862, p. 130). There
is a New Brunswick case, of one and perhaps two speci-
mens (Chamberlain, Bull. Nutt. Club, vii, 1882, p. 106).

BROWN PELICAN.

PELECANUS FUSCUS L.

Chars. Form like that of the last species. Plumage dark-colored,
variegated ; neck of the adult mostly reddish-brown ; head mostly
white ; bill dark, varied with red ; sac blackish ; feet black. Rather
smaller than the last. Tail normally 22-feathered ; bill without
any upright horny process.

Accidental, New England being entirely beyond the
usual range of this species. According to Maynard,
" Mr. J. F. Le Baron is confident of having seen two of
this species at Ipswich some years ago " (Nat. Guide,
1870, p. 149). Allen says that a flock of five Brown
Pelicans visited Nantucket a few years before 1870, one
of them being shot. Mr. Allen's slip of referring this
case to the preceding species is corrected on p. 40 of
the extras of his paper in Am. Nat., iii, 1870, p. 640.
(See ibid., iv, p. 58.)

PHALACROCORAX CARBO I COMMON CORMORANT. 339

FAMILY PHALACROCORACID^E:
CORMORANTS.

COMMON CORMORANT.
PHALACROCORAX CARBO (L.) Leach.

Chars. Bill about as long as head, stout, more or less nearly
terete, strongly hooked at the end ; tomia generally found
irregularly jagged, but not truly serrate ; a long, narrow nasal
groove, but nostrils obliterated in the adult state ; gape reach-
ing below the eyes, which are set in naked skin. Gular pouch
forming an evident naked space under the bill and on the throat,
encroached upon by the feathers on the middle line so that it is
heart-shaped behind. Wings short for this order, stiff and
strong, the second primary usually longer than the third, both
these exceeding the first. Tail long, large, fan-shaped, of
fourteen very stiff, strong feathers, denuded to the base by
extreme shortness of the coverts. Plumage glossy greenish-
black ; feathers of back and wing-coverts bronzy-gray, black-
edged ; quills and tail grayish-black ; gular sac yellow,
white-bordered ; feet black ; in summer a white flank patch,
numerous long thready white plumes on head and neck, and
a small black occipital crest. Length, 36.00 ; wing, 12.00-14.00;
tail, 6.00-7.00 ; tarsus over 2.00 ; bill, 4.00 along the gape.

Rather common off the coast during the fall and win-
ter months. A few also breed at. Grand Menan. Mr.
Hiram Cutting records a specimen taken in Vermont.

340

PHALACROCORACIDjE : CORMORANTS.

DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT.
PHALACROCORAX DILOPHUS (Sw.) Nutt.

Chars. Tail of twelve feathers.
Gular sac convex behind.
Plumage glossy greenish-
black ; feathers of the back
and wings coppery-gray,
black-shafted, black-edged ;
adult with curly black lat-
eral crests, and in the
breeding season other fil-
amentous white ones, over
the eyes and along the
sides of the neck; white
flank-patch not observed in
the specimens examined,
but probably occurring ;
gular sac and lores orange.
Length, 30.00-33.00 inches;
wing, 12.00 or more; tail,
6.00 or more ; bill along
gape, 3.50 ; tarsus a little
over 2.00. Young plain
dark brown, paler or gray-
ish (even white on the
breast) below, without head-
plumes.

This is the Cormorant
most widely diffused in
North America, and one
which occurs in New
England under circum-
stances similar to those
under which the preceding species is found.

FIG. 74.— DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT.
Natural size.

TACHYPETES AQUILUS : FRIGATE.

341

FAMILY TACHYPETID^: FRIGATES.

FRIGATE, OR MAN-OF-WAR BIRD.
TACHYPETES AQUILUS (L.) V.

Chars. Bill longer than head, stout, straight, wider than high
at the base, thence gradually compressed to the strongly hooked
extremity. Nostrils very small, linear, almost entirely closed, in
a long, narrow groove.
Gular sac small, but ca-
pable of considerable
distension. Wings ex-
ceedingly long and
pointed, of about thirty-
four remiges, of which
the ten primaries are
very powerful, with stout
quadrangular shafts ;
upper and middle por-
tion of the wings greatly
lengthened. Tail very
long, deeply forked, of
twelve strong feathers.
Feet exceedingly small,
the tarsus, in particular, extraordinarily short, feathered ;
middle claw pectinate. Bulk of body slight compared with the
great length of the wings and tail. Male brownish-black, glossed
with green or purplish, duller on the belly, wings showing brown
and gray ; female with white on neck and breast. Length,
about 3.50 feet; extent, about 8.00; wing, 2.00 ; tail, 1.50; bill,
5.00 or 6.00 inches ; tarsi, i inch or less.

Accidental, in one known instance. Mr. George Bird
Grinnell narrates that a female of this species was killed

FIG. 75. —HEAD OF FRIGATE BIRD.

342 TACHYPETIM: : FRIGATE BIRDS.

on Faulkner's Island, Conn., in the autumn of 1859, and
preserved in the collection of Captain Brooks (Am. Nat.,
ix, 1865, p. 470. See also Merriam, Rev. B. Conn.,
1877, p. 131 ; Brewer, Pr. Bost. Soc., xix, 1878, p. 308).
Mr. Purdie's manuscript informs us that a specimen was
taken, but not preserved, about twelve years ago, at
Booth Bay, Maine. A Nova Scotian case is recorded
by Deane (Bull. Nutt. Club, iv, 1879, P- 64); probably
the same as given by Gilpin (Orn. and Ool., vol. vii,
1882, p. 123).

It may be mentioned that a Tropic-bird has been
known to occur in Nova Scotia and New York.

STERCORARIUS SKUA I SKUA JAEGER. 343

FAM. LARIDyE: JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS AND
SKIMMERS.

SKUA JAEGER.

STERCORARIUS SKUA (Brilnn.) Coues.

Chars. Bill shorter than middle toe without its claw ; tarsus
shorter than middle toe and claw. Central rectrices broad to the
tip, little projecting beyond the rest. Very large ; length about
24.00 ; wing, 17.00 ; tail, 6.00 ; tarsus, 2.75 ; middle toe and claw,
3.00 ; bill about 2.00, its depth at base 0.75. Plumage above
blackish-brown, varied with chestnut and whitish ; throat and
sides of neck yellowish-brown, streaked with white ; below, fusco-
rufous, with an ashy shade ; quills blackish, with white shafts
and a conspicuous large white area at base ; tail-feathers
blackish, white at the base ; very old birds are much darker and
more uniform brown, almost blackish above, rather smoky-
brown below.

Though allowed a place in the New England list for
many years, upon more or less unsatisfactory evidence,
this species was with many others eliminated in 1875 by
Dr. Brewer, with the remark : " This, it is now generally
conceded, has no claim to be placed in the avi-fauna of
New England. Except as accidental in Greenland, it is
not even North American " (Pr. Bost. Soc., xvii, 1875, p.
453). But this statement is too sweeping. Dr. Brewer
himself has the pleasure of correcting it, in recording
the capture of a specimen on the Georges fishing banks}
off the Massachusetts coast, in July, 1878 (Bull. Nutt.
Club, iii, 1878, p. 1 88). This specimen was brought into
Gloucester, and examined by Prof. Baird.

344 LARID.E : JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS, ETC.

POMARINE JAEGER.

STERCORARIUS POMATORHINUS (Temm.) Lawr.

Chars. Bill and tarsi relatively longer than in the foregoing ;
central rectrices finally projecting far beyond the rest. Smaller
and less robust. Middle tail-feathers finally projecting about
four inches, broad to the tip. Length about 20.00 ; wing, 14.00 ;
bill, 1.50-1.75; tarsus about 2.00. Adult: back, wings, tail,
crissum and lower belly blackish-brown, deepening on the
top of the head and slight occipital crest to brownish-black ;
below, from bill to belly, and neck all round, pure white, except-
ing acuminate feathers of sides of neck, which are pale yellow ;
quills whitish basally, their shafts largely white ; tarsi above
blue, below, with the toes and webs, black. Not quite adult :
as before, but breast with dark spots, sides of the body with dark
bars, blackish of lower belly interrupted ; feet black. Younger :
whole under parts, with upper wing and tail-coverts, variously
marked with white and dark ; feet blotched with yellow. Young :
whole plumage transversely barred with dark brown and rufous ;
feet mostly yellow. Dusky stage (coming next after the barred
plumage just given ?) : fuliginous, unicolor ; blackish-brown
all over, quite black on the head, rather sooty-brown on the
belly ; sides of the neck slightly gilded.

Of rare occurrence along the coast in autumn and
winter ; Merriam could give no Connecticut instance.
The bird is known to have been taken in Pennsylvania ;
according to Mr. Boardman it is not uncommon at
Grand Menan.

PARASITIC, OR RICHARDSON'S JAEGER.
STERCORARIUS PARASITICUS (Briinn.} Gray.

Chars. Middle tail-feathers finally projecting about four inches,
tapering, acuminate; smaller; wing, 12.00-13.00; tarsus, 1.75-

S. BUFFONI I LONG-TAILED, OR ARCTIC JAEGER. 345

1.87 ; bill, 1.33-1.50 ; tail. 5.00-6.00, the long feathers up to 9.00.
Adult : upper parts, including top of the head and slight occipi-
tal crest, and crissum, blackish-brown, deeper on wings and
tail ; chin, throat, sides of head, neck all round and under parts
to the vent, white, the sides of the neck pale yellow ; quills and
tail-feathers with whitish shafts ; feet blue and black. Younger :
clouded below with dusky in variable pattern and amount.
Young : barred crosswise with rufous and dusky ; feet mostly
yellow. There is a fuliginous stage, precisely as in the last
species.

The commonest of the Jaegers, yet not one of the
abundant sea-birds of our coast. Linsley has it from
Bridgeport, Conn., and Merriam cites another instance
of its occurrence in this State, a specimen in the collec-
tion of Mr. J. H. Sage, of Portland, having been killed
at that place in the fall of 1875 (Rev. B. Conn., 1877, p.

LONG-TAILED, OR ARCTIC JAEGER.

STERCORARIUS BUFFONI (Boie) Cones.

Chars. Middle tail-feathers finally projecting eight to ten inches,
very slender and almost filamentous in the greater part of their
extent. In size smaller than the foregoing ; wing about 12.00;
tail about 6.00 ; tarsus, 1.50-1.70; bill. 1.00-1.12. Coloration as
in S. parasiticus, and changes of plumage the same.

Occurring off the coast in fall and winter, with other
species of the genus. A fresh case of its presence
on our southern border is given by Merriam, — a
specimen taken on the Community Lake, at Walling-
ford, Conn., August 30, 1873 (Rev. B. Conn., 1877,
P-

346 LARID^E : JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS, ETC.

GLAUCOUS GULL, OR BURGOMASTER.

LARUS GLAUCUS Brunn.

Chars. Adult : general plumage white ; primaries entirely white,
or very pale pearly-blue, fading insensibly into white at some
distances from the ends, their shafts straw-yellow. Mantle
palest pearly-blue. Bill yellow with red spot on lower mandible ;
feet flesh-colored or pearl-yellowish. In winter : head and
hind neck lightly touched with gray. Young : impure white,
with or without traces of pearly-blue on the mantle ; head, neck,
and upper parts mottled with pale brownish, sometimes quite
dusky on the back, and under parts a nearly uniform but very
faint shade of the same ; quills and tail often imperfectly barred
with the same ; bill flesh-colored or yellowish, with black tip.
Very large; length about 30.00; extent, 60.00; wing, 18.00-
18.50 ; bill, 2.75-3.00 ; tarsi about 3.00.

This magnificent Gull is the most boreal representa-
tive of the genus, uncommon even in Labrador, and very
rare in New England, where it only occurs in winter.
It has been taken on Long Island, and in New York
State, but does not appear to have ever been observed
in Connecticut. Mr. H. rHerrick gives it as a winter
resident at Grand Mehan, and the name occurs in nearly
all the New England Lists, citation of which, however,
does not appear to be required.

WHITE-WINGED GULL. V

LARUS LEUCOPTERUS Faber.

Chars. Coloration precisely as in L. glaucus ; size less; length,
24.00 (rather less titan more) ; wing, 16.00-17.00 ; bill, 1.75-2.00 ;
tarsus, 2.00-2.25.

LARUS MARINUS I GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. 347

Another species occurring off the coast in winter,
but apparently one of the rarer gulls. It may, however,
be really more common than is supposed, as it closely
resembles the ordinary Herring Gull in size and general
appearance, excepting the black tips of the wings, and is
therefore liable to be overlooked.

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL.
LARUS MARINUS L.

Chars. General plumage white, primaries crossed with black ; feet
flesh-colored ; bill yellow with red spot Mantle blackish slate-
color ; first primary with the end white for two or three inches ;
second primary with a white subapical spot, and, like the
remaining ones that are crossed with black, having the tip white
(when not quite mature, the first with small white tip and sub-
apical spot, the second with white tip alone). In winter, head
and neck streaked with dusky. Young : whitish, variously
washed, mottled and patched with brown or dusky ; quills and
tail black, with or without white tips ; bill black. Very large ;
equalling or even exceeding L. glaucus.

Unlike the preceding, this is a common winter
resident along the coast, and some individuals breed in
Maine. The great birds may be seen now and then
sailing over our harbors in company with Herring and
Ring-billed Gulls, from which they are readily dis-
tinguished by their superior size, even should they
be in the dark plumage of the young birds, as is most
frequently the case, or if the slaty mantle of the adults
be not visible in flight. They are more numerous on
the open coast than in the harbors.

348 LARID^E : JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS, ETC.

HERRING GULL; COMMON GULL.

LARUS ARGENTATUS SMITHSONIANUS CoueS.

Chars. Adult : general plumage white. Feet flesh-color ; bill
yellow with red spot ; mantle dull blue (darker than in glaucus,
but nothing like the deep slate of marinus — much the same as
in all the rest of the species) ; primaries marked as in marinus,
(but the great majority of specimens will be found to have the
not quite mature or final condition). Length, 22.00-27.00 ; wing,
15.00-18.00 ; tarsus, 2.25-1.75 ; bill about 2.25 long, about 0.67-
0.75 deep at base, and about the same at the protuberance.
In winter: head and hind neck streaked with dusky. Young:
at first almost entirely fuscous or sooty-brown, the feathers
of the back and wings with paler edges ; bill black ; quills and
tail black, white-tipped or not ; size at the minimum above given.
As it grows old, it gradually lightens ; the head, neck and under
parts are usually quite whitish, before the markings of the quills
are apparent, and before the blue begins to show, as it does in
patches, mixed with brown ; the black on the tail narrows to a
bar, at the time the primaries are assuming their characters, but
this bar disappears before the primaries gain their perfect
pattern. At one time the bill is flesh-colored or yellowish,
black-tipped. The American bird proves to average larger than
the European in all its parts, as observed in several other water-
birds ; whence L. smithsonianus Coues.

This is the commonest New England Gull, neither
confined to the coast, nor occurring only in winter,
though more frequently under these than any other
circumstances. It appears to have formerly bred along
the coast from Massachusetts northward, and individuals
are still to be seen now and then during the whole year ;
but its breeding seems to be now chiefly if not entirely
confined to eastern localities in Maine. Farther east
and north it is extremely common in summer, as in

LARUS DELAWARENSIS I RING-BILLED GULL. 349

Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador. The nest
is usually placed on the ground, sometimes on rocks
or even trees, being a considerable heap of grasses,
mosses, or seaweeds ; the eggs are normally three in
number, about 2.75 X 1.90; the ground color, an ex-
tremely variable shade of greenish-gray, or drab, some-
times darker olive, dotted, spotted and blotched in the
most irregular manner with dark brown and neutral
tints. The Herring Gull is a constant feature of the
scene in our harbors from September till April, sailing
with great buoyancy overhead, eagerly scanning the
surface of the water in search of food. The majority of
such birds are in the dark or mottled plumage of the
first and second years.

RING-BILLED GULL.

LARUS DELAWARENSIS Ord.

Chars. Adult plumage precisely like that of the last species, and
its changes substantially the same ; bill greenish-yellow, encircled
with a black band near the end, usually complete, sometimes
defective, the tip and most of the cutting edges of the bill yellow;
in high condition, the angle of the mouth and a small spot
beside the black, red; feet olivaceous, obscured with dusky
or bluish, and partly yellow ; the webs bright chrome. (Observe
the coloration of the feet, as compared with argentatus.
Notably smaller than argentatus • length usually 18.00-20.00;
extent about 48.00 ; wing about 15.00 ; bill under 2.00, and only
about 0.50 deep at the protuberance ; tarsus about 2.00 ;
obviously longer than the middle toe.

Another common winter Gull, oftener seen in dark
mottled plumage than with snow-white under parts and

35O LAKID^E : JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS, ETC.

pearly mantle, circling over the harbors. It can scarcely
be distinguished from the last under these circumstances,
but is constantly smaller. It is not confined to the
coast, being one of the species most frequently seen
on the larger inland waters. Its known breeding-range
is such that the bird will doubtless be found sometimes
nesting in New England, though we have at present
no record to that effect. Mr. Boardman speaks of
its presence in Maine in summer.

KITTIWAKE GULL.

RlSSA TRIDACTYLA (L.) Bp.

Chars. Hind toe only appearing as a minute knob, its claw abor-
tive. Mantle rather dark grayish-blue; first primary with the
whole outer web, and the entire end for about two inches, black;
next one, with the end black about as far, but outer web else-
where light, and a, white speck at extreme tip; on the rest of
the primaries that have black this color decreases in extent pro-
portionally to the shortening of the quills, so that the base of
the black on all is in the same line when the wings are closed
(a pattern peculiar to the species of Rissa) ; and these all have
white apex. Bill yellow, usually clouded with olivaceous. Rather
small. Length, 16.00-18.00; wing, 12.00; bill, 1.33-1.50; tar-
sus about the same ; middle toe and claw longer. Tail usually
slightly emarginate. In winter, nape and hind neck shaded with
the color of the mantle. Young: bill black; a black bar on the
tail, another across the neck behind; wings and back variously
patched with black; dark spots before and behind the eyes;
quills mostly black.

On the coast in winter, and common. This is one
of the most abundant of the Laridcz breeding in the
Gulf of St. Lawrence, as at the Magdalen Islands with

C. ATRICILLA : BLACK-HEADED GULL. 35 1

the Gannet.s, as well as along the Labrador coast ; and
a few also breed on the coast of Maine and in the Bay
of Fundy.

BLACK-HEADED OR LAUGHING GULL.
CHROICOCEPHALUS ATRICILLA (L.) Lawr

Chars. A species of medium size, of less robust form and slenderer
bill than most of the foregoing. In the breeding season the
white of the under parts rosy-tinted, and the head enveloped
in a dark-colored hood. Length, 16.00-19.00; wing, 12.00-13.00;
tarsus, 2.00; middle toe and claw, 1.50; bill, about 1.75, the tip
elongated and decurved, so that the point comes nearly or quite

FIG. 76.— BILL OF LAUGHING GULL, NAT. SIZE.

down to the level of the small acute prominence of the gonys.
Mantle grayish-plumbeous; hood dark plumbeous ; eyelids white;
black on primaries taking in nearly all the first quill, but rapidly
decreasing to the sixth ; the white tips very small, few, or want-
ing ; bill and feet dusky carmine. In winter, not rosy, and un-
hooded; head white, with dusky or grayish patches on the nape
and auriculars. Young : quite brown, paler, grayish or whitish
below and on the upper tail-coverts ; feathers of the back dark
with paler edges; quills and tail black, or latter white or partly
grayish-blue, with a black bar ; bill and feet dusky or brownish.

Unlike all the foregoing, the present is a southern
species, and a summer resident only with us. It ap-

352 LARID.E ! JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS, ETC.

pears to have formerly been more common than it is
now, and Mr. Allen speaks of its being nearly extir-
pated in Massachusetts. It usually arrives in April,
and remains until September, sometimes into October.
The nest is placed upon the ground, usually the sand
of the seashore ; the eggs are two or three in number,
usually three, measuring from 2.00 to 2.25 in length by
about i. 60 in breadth; in coloration they are not dis-
tinguishable from those of other Gulls. The bird breeds
only very sparingly north of Massachusetts.

BONAPARTE'S GULL.
CHROICOCEPHALUS PHILADELPHIA (Ord) Lawr.

Chars. Tarsus about equal to middle toe and claw. Small. Length,
12.00-14.00; wing, 9.50-10 50; tarsus, 1.33; bill, 1.12-1.25, very
slender, like a Tern's. Adult in summer : bill black ; mantle
pearly blue, much paler than in the foregoing; hood slaty-plumb-
eous, with white touches on the eyelids ; many wing-coverts
white ; feet chrome yellow tinged with coral red ; webs ver-
milion. Primaries finally, — the first five or six with the shafts
white except at tip ; first, white, with outer web and extreme tip
black; second, white, more broadly crossed with black; third to
sixth or eighth, with the black successively decreasing. In win-
ter, no hood, but a dark auricular spot. Young : mottled and
patched above with brown or gray, and usually a dusky bar on
the wing; the tail with a black bar, the primaries with more
black, the bill dusky, much of the lower mandible flesh-colored
or yellowish, as are the feet.

Bonaparte's Gull is one of the smallest and airiest
species of the Laridce, closely resembling a sea-swallow
both in habits and in general appearance. It is very

XEMA SABINIi: FORK-TAILED GULL. 353

common in New England, but the circumstances of
its presence can hardly be stated without qualification.
There is probably no month in the year when the bird
may not be found with us, unless it be in the depth of
winter. It is commonly seen late in the summer, and
its numbers increase in the fall. It resides all the sum-
mer in Maine, yet we have no authentic record of its
breeding there. It would appear to belong most prop-
erly to the category of spring and fall migrants, its
presence in summer being chiefly during the latter part
of that season, as in the cases of various Sandpipers,
which, like this Gull, have a high north breeding range.
Individuals are commonly seen into the winter months,
and great numbers appear from the south in April.
During the migrations the pretty birds fairly swarm by
thousands.

FORK-TAILED GULL.
XEMA SABINII (Sab.) Leach.

Chars. Adult : white, including inner primaries, most of seconda-
ries, and greater coverts ; head enveloped in a slate-colored
hood, succeeded by a velvety-black collar ; mantle slaty-blue,
extending quite to the tips of the tertiaries ; whole edge of the
wing, and first five primaries, black, their extreme tips, and the
outer half of their inner webs to near the end, white ; bill black
tipped with yellow; feet black. Length, 13.00-14.00; wing, 10.00-
n.oo; bill, i.oo; tarsus, 1.25; tail, $.w, forked an inch or more.
The changes of plumage are correspondent with those of C. Phil-
adelphia. In the young the tail is simply emarginate.

This very elegant little Gull is probably not so rare
as is commonly supposed. For many years it remained
one of the least known of the North American repre-

354 LARID^E: JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS, ETC.

sentatives of the Laridce, being only less rare in col-
lections than Rhodostethia rosea and Xema furcata ;
but of late it has been turning up anywhere, and the
probability is that it has been often overlooked or
confounded with Bonaparte's Gull, which it resembles
closely. Although recorded many years ago by Mr.
Lawrence for Long Island, it does not appear to have
been recognized as a New England bird until noted as
such by Mr. William Brewster in the "American Sports-
man" (v, 1875, p. 370), then published at West Meri-
den, Conn., by the late Mr. William F. Parker, one of
the firm manufacturing the well-known "Parker gun."
This is the case of a specimen taken in Boston Harbor,
Sept. 27, 1864, by Mr. H. W. Diamond, and later placed
in Mr. Brewster's collection. (See also Bull. Nutt.
Club, i, 1876, p. 30, and Pr. Bost. Soc., xvii, 1875,
p. 449 : same case.) In 1878, Mr. Allen recorded
a specimen taken in the spring of that year at Calais,
Maine, by Mr. Boardman, in nearly full plumage
(Bull. Nutt. Club, iii, 1878, p. 195). The same note by
Mr. Allen also speaks of a third case of which he was
informed, — that of a specimen taken a short time be-
fore at Portland, Maine. Concerning the Calais case,
Mr. Boardman writes to Dr. Brewer : " I have known
this bird to be about almost every spring, but was never
able to get one, and only succeeded by getting a cart-
load, almost, of Bonaparte Gulls. As you go from East-
port to Calais, you can often see with a good glass a
Gull or two, among the thousands with the black wing-
feathers, different from the Bonapartes " (Pr. Bost. Soc.
Nat. Hist., xx, 1879, P- 285)-

STERNA CASPIA: CASPIAN TERN. 355

GULL-BILLED OR MARSH TERN.
STERNA ANGLICA Mont.

Chars. Bill remarkably short, stout, and obtuse, hardly or not half
as long again as the tarsus; bill and feet black; pileum black;
mantle pearly grayish-blue, this color extending on the rump
and tail ; primaries with the white stripe restricted to their bases,
their shafts white. Length, 13.00-15.00; extent, about 34.00;
wing, 10.00-12. oo ; tail, 4.00, forked only 2.00 or less, the lateral
feathers little narrowed; tarsi, 1.00-1.25; bill, I 33.

Of casual and rare occurrence. The only instances
which have come to our knowledge are those given by
Mr. Brewster, of a specimen taken at Ipswich, Mass.,
in September, 1871 (Am. Nat., vi, 1872, p. 306), and one
shot at Grand Menan in the latter part of August, 1879,
as noted by Mr. Deane (Bull. Nutt. Club, v, 1880, p. 63).
But the species is given by nearly all the earlier writers,
upon data which were doubtless satisfactory to them at
the time. It breeds* plentifully as far north as Cobb's
Island, Va.

CASPIAN TERN.
STERNA CASPIA Pall.

Chars. Of great size, being much the largest of the Terns. Occi-
put slightly crested. Feet black, bill red. Mantle pearly grayish-
blue; black cap extending below the eyes, but under eyelid
white ; primaries without any white stripe. In winter, black of
the cap mostly restricted to the occiput. Young with bill dusky
and yellowish ; back, wings and tail patched with brown or
blackish. Length, 20.00 or more ; wing, 15.00-17.00; tail, 5.00-
6.00, moderately forked, without narrowed feathers ; bill, 2.33-
2.75, very stout, 0.75 or more deep at base, 0.50 wide opposite
nostrils; tarsus, 1.67-1.75; middle toe and claw rather less.

356 LARIM: : JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS, ETC.

Of regular and not uncommon occurrence. This
great Tern — as large as an average Gull — has com-
monly been considered both as a northern species and
as rare in North America. But it is neither, for it is
known to breed off the Virginia coast, and abundantly
in Texas ; and it has also occurred in the interior of
the United States, as well as along the coast. Prob-
ably no year passes without its presence in New Eng-
land. Allen notes it for Massachusetts as rare or
occasional in winter (Bull. Essex Inst., x, 1878, p. 29).
Brewer notes it as " occasional " for Massachusetts,
and queries it for Maine (Pr. Bost. Soc., xvii, 1875, p.
449). But Mr. Brewster is more explicit : " The Cas-
pian Tern — all previous statements to the contrary
notwithstanding — must be regarded a regular visitor
every season, and one by no means uncommon. They
come down from their northern breeding grounds during
the latter part of September, and for several weeks, at
least, are to be found in moderate numbers all along
our seaboard. I have observed them at various points
from Ipswich to Nantucket. At the latter place, upon
one occasion, six individuals were seen fishing in the
harbor near the town. As to their wintering within
New England limits, I can offer only negative evidence,
but that points to the inference that they pass further
south with the approach of severe weather. During
the first week of May, 1875, I found them quite nu-
merous at Chatham, Mass. They frequented the sand-
bars near the shore, and kept apart from the Herring
and Black-backed Gulls, the only other species of
Laridce present at the time" (Bull. Nutt. Club, iv,
1879, p. 14). Mr. Purdie informs us that he possesses
a young specimen taken in Boston Harbor. A July

STERNA CANTIACA : SANDWICH TERN. 357

occurrence in Westerly, R. I., is noted in Orn. and
Ool., vi, 1881, p. 44.

ROYAL TERN ; CAYENNE TERN.

STERNA MAXIMA Bodd.

Chars. Scarcely less in linear dimensions than the Caspian Tern,
owing to greater length of tail, but much less bulky. Length,
1 8.00-20.00 ; wing, 14.00-15.00; tail, 6.00-8.00, deeply forked,
with narrow lateral feathers ; tarsus, about 1.25 ; middle toe,
1.25 or more ; bill, 2.50-2.75, 0.50-0.67 deep at base ; gonys,
about i. oo long. Bill orange ; feet black ; occiput lightly crested ;
cap black, but often, even in summer breeding birds, the black
chiefly restricted to the lengthened feathers of the hind head ;
mantle pale grayish-blue ; quills silvered-dusky with long white
stripe.

This is only a straggler from the south, of casual
occurrence. Messrs. C. J. Maynard and Wm. Brewster
made captives of a male and female at Nantucket Island,
July i, 1874. "The female bore marks of having just
laid. Both specimens were in somewhat peculiar plu-
mage " (Am. Sports, v, Jan. 16, 1875, p. 249). While at
Penikese Island, I had brought to my notice a specimen
seen there about the same time.

SANDWICH TERN.
STERNA CANTIACA Gm.

Chars. Bill black, tipped with yellow ; plumage as in the fore-
going, but mantle extremely pale. Length, 15.00-16.00; wing,
about 12.00 ; tail, 5.00-6.00 ; bill, 2.00-2.30, the yellow end from

358

LARID^E : JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS, ETC.

0.75 of an inch to a mere point; tarsus, i.oo; middle toe and
claw, 1. 12.

Another of the stragglers which occasionally visit
us from southern waters. It was included among our
birds by Coues in 1868, as of undoubted occurrence on
the coast. As Dr. Brewer remarks, "the capture of
two specimens by Mr. Vickary at Chatham, Cape Cod,"
in August, 1865, first gave it a right to take its place

FIG. 77. — BILL OF SANDWICH TERN. Nat. size.

among the rare and accidental birds that visit our coast
(Pr. Bost. Soc., xvii, 1875, p. 449). This Chatham record
was made by Allen (Am. Nat., iii, 1870, p. 644).

COMMON TERN ; WILSON'S TERN ; SEA
SWALLOW.

STERNA HIRUNDO Auct.

Chars. Bill red, blackening on the terminal third, the very point
usually light ; feet coral-red. Mantle pearly grayish-blue ; pri-
mary shafts white, except at the end ; below white, washed with
pale pearly plumbeous, blanching on throat and lower belly ; cap

STERNA HIRUNDO I WILSON'S TERN. 359

black ; quills silver dusky with long white stripe ; tail mostly
white, the outer web of the outer feather darker than the inner
web of the same. Length of male, 13.00-16.00; extent, 29.00-
32.00; wing, 9.75-11.75; tail, 5.00-7.00; tarsus, 3.66-3.87; bill,
1.25-1.50 ; whole foot averaging 1.75. Female rather less, aver-
aging toward these minima. Young birds may show a little
smaller, in length of tail particularly, and so of total length :
length, 12-f; wing, 9-}-; tail, 4+; bill, 1.12-}-. In winter, this
species does not appear to lose the black cap, contrary to a
nearly universal rule. Young : bill mostly dusky, but much of
the under mandible yellowish ; feet simply yellowish ; cap more
or less defective ; back and wings patched and barred with gray
and light brown, the bluish showing imperfectly if at all, but this
color shading much of the tail ; usually a blackish bar along the
lesser coverts, and several tail-feathers dusky on the outer web ;
below, pure white, or with very little plumbeous shade.

This is one of the four species of Terns which breed
abundantly on the coast of New England, no others of
our thirteen species being known to pass the summer
season with us. It is on the whole the most numerous
of all ; and as its habits are the same as those of several
of its allies, with which it associates during the period
of incubation, one description will answer for all. In
preference to penning a new account, we select for the
pleasure of our readers the charming narrative given by
Mr. William Brewster (Bull. Nutt. Club, iv, 1879, P- l6)-

During the latter part of May, " a few days after the
advent of the ' Little Strikers,' as the Least Terns are
called by the 'longshoremen of Virginia, the Wilson's
and Roseate Terns begin to appear. They are already
paired, but, judging by the occasional bickerings and
jealousies that arise, even the more sedate females are
not above a little harmless flirtation. It is a pretty
sight to see the mated birds sitting side by side upon
some long sand-spit, all with their breasts turned to the

360 LARIDjE : JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS. ETC.

soft morning breeze, and each little glossy black cap
glistening in the sunlight. Forty or fifty there may be
altogether, with others continually arriving from the
distant fishing-grounds. As the incoming birds settle
among their fellows, a low murmur of welcome runs
through the assembled throng, and fifty pairs of wings
are simultaneously raised above their owners' backs.
It is like the greeting offered by men to one whom they
delight to honor, save that among these simple sea-
birds even the humblest are rarely neglected. Those
individuals occupying the higher portion of the bar are
squatted on the warm sand, or lying with wings par-
tially extended to the grateful rays of the sun, while
along the water's edge many are washing and pluming
themselves, scattering the salt spray in every direction,
or toying with the lapping waves. As the rising tide
encroaches on their domain, numbers of the more care-
less are floated off their feet, when they take wing and
alight again among the rest. In this way the area con-
tinually narrows, until the birds are massed in a com-
pact body upon the highest point. When this at length
becomes submerged, they all take wing and remove to
some other spot. The same bar is apt to be resorted
to daily, and if sufficiently elevated to be beyond the
reach of the tides, it is all the more likely to be chosen.
"About the middle of June — the time varying some-
what with different localities — the Terns repair to their
breeding-grounds and begin to deposit their eggs.
Muskegat, the outermost of a group of low, sandy
islands that with Nantucket form the breakwater of the
Vineyard Sound, is, and has been since time immemorial,
the largest breeding station of the Terns on the New
England coast. It is crescentic in shape, three miles

STERNA HIRUNDO : WILSON'S TERN. 361

long by one across at the broadest part, and uninhabited.
The beach along the eastern shore is steep and bold,
and in the calmest summer weather the heavy surges
from the open ocean break upon the shifting sands with
an incessant sullen roar. Upon the Sound side shallows
and sand-bars extend for miles in every direction, and it
is said that at low tide one may wade across to Tucker-
nuck, more than a mile distant. The interior of the
island, rises in rolling sand-hills, which are sparsely
clothed with beach-grass and a stunted growth of poison
ivy, while a few scattered clumps of bayberry-bushes
afford the nearest approach to arboreal vegetation.
Were it not for man, — who, alas ! must be ranked
as the greatest of all destroyers, — the Terns would here
find an asylum sufficiently secure from all foes. But
season after season the poor birds are daily robbed
of their eggs by the fishermen, while frequent yachting-
parties invade their stronghold and shoot them by hun-
dreds, either in wanton sport or for their wings, which
are presented to fair companions. Then the graceful
vessel spreads her snowy sails and glides blithely away
through the summer seas. All is gayety and merriment
on board, but among the barren sand-hills, fast fading in
the distance, many a poor bird is seeking its missing
mate ; many a downy little orphan is crying for the food
its dead mother can no longer supply ; many a pretty
speckled egg lies cold and deserted. Buzzing flies settle
upon the bloody bodies, and the tender young pine away
and die. A graceful pearl-tinted wing surmounts a
jaunty hat for a brief season, and then is cast aside, and
Muskegat lies forgotten, with the bones of the mother
and her offspring bleaching on the white sand. This is
no fancy sketch ; all over the world the sad destruction

362 LARID.E : JAEGARS, GULLS, TERNS, ETC.

goes on. It is indeed the price of blood that is paid for
nodding plumes. Science may be, nay, certainly is,
cruel at times, but not one tithe of the suffering is
caused by her disciples that the votaries of the fickle
goddess Fashion yearly sanction.

"My first visit to Muskegat was in 1870. It was about
the 25th of June when we landed on the island, and
three days were spent in investigating its fauna.
Although the fishermen told us that the Terns had
been diminishing for years, their numbers at that time,
nevertheless, were astonishing. The Arctic Terns were
breeding apart in a separate colony, on a long, narrow
strip of sand, while the Common and Roseate Terns
intermingled freely, oftentimes placing their nests side
by side. Little preference seemed to be accorded
by the last two species to any given locality. Their
eggs were as often laid upon the windrows of sea-weed at
high-water mark, as among the ivy-vines on the sand-
hills. Indeed, they were scattered everywhere, and the
birds that were breeding there must have been numbered
by hundreds of thousands. The sight was a novel
and impressive one. Overhead, at varying heights,
swarms of Terns were passing and repassing, crossing
each other's flight in mazy lines. From the birds just
skimming the crests of the sand-hills to the white specks
floating thousands of feet above the earth in the blue
sky, the air was filled with their countless numbers.
Hundreds were continually rising from their nests and
making out to sea, or returning from the fishing-grounds,
each with a small fish held crossways in its bill.

"If a Tern were shot, the effect was instantaneous
and startling. Every voice was at once hushed,
hundreds of long narrow wings were set, and troops

STERNA HIRUNDO : WILSON'S TERN. 363

of gliding arrowy forms swept down in silence to the
fallen victim. From the sky above, from every nook
and corner of the neighboring sand-hills, they came
hurrying to the spot. Then, as if at a given signal,
every bird burst out afresh in cries of rage, protest and
despair. The effect was indescribable. As the graceful
birds came whirling down in perfect silence, they seemed
like dread avengers seeking to bear away their dead
comrade and to overwhelm his destroyer. If another
bird were killed, the tumult continued and the excite-
ment became even more intense ; but if no further
molestation were offered, they gradually departed one
by one. This habit of hovering over their slain com-
panions, though undoubtedly prompted by sympathy
and social affection, is a most unfortunate one, as it
is constantly taken advantage of, and dozens are
frequently killed at a time.

" Upon Muskegat the Terns have, or had at the* time
of which I write, another enemy, which, though second
in importance to man, nevertheless destroyed large
numbers of these birds. This was the Short-eared Owl
(Brachyotus palustris). A small colony of these birds
had established itself upon a certain elevated part of the
island, spending the day in a tract of densely matted
grass. Scattered about in this retreat were the remains
of at least a hundred Terns, that they had killed and
eaten. Many of these were fresh, while others were in
every stage of decomposition, or dried by the sun and
wind. In each case the breast had been picked clean,
but in no instance was any other portion disturbed.
Every day, at a certain time, these Owls sallied forth in
search of fresh prey. We used regularly to see them
about sunset, sailing in circles over the island or beating

364 LARID^E : JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS, ETC.

along the crests of the sand-hills. They were invariably
followed by vast mobs of enraged Terns, which dived
angrily down over the spot where the Owl had alighted,
or strung out in the wake of his flight like the tail of a
comet. The Owl commonly paid little attention to this
unbidden following, and apparently never tried to seize
his persecutors while on the wing, but on several occa-
sions we saw a sitting bird pounced upon and borne off.
Sometimes in the middle of the night a great outcry
among the Terns told where a tragedy was being
enacted.

" I found the Terns sadly diminished in numbers
when I last visited Muskegat, in July, 1874. Their
persecutors were ravishing their stronghold more relent-
lessly than ever, and nearly every day fishermen came
from far and near to collect their eggs. So cleanly had
they swept the island that we could find scarcely a nest
with eggs, and at that comparatively late date not
a single young bird was to be seen. In fact, the poor
Terns were kept laying like hens through the whole
summer. We were told by the fishermen that quite as
many eggs were obtained by them in August as in June.
It is doubtful if one pair in a hundred succeeded in
raising offspring that year. Under such conditions the
result is inevitable. If prompt legislation be not
brought to bear on the matter, the time is near at hand
when the waters of the Vineyard Sound will no longer
be enlivened by these innocent birds. The inconsider-
able destruction of small fishes, a reason that has been
given for withholding protection, is of little moment,
and those barren, sandy shores can ill afford to lose the
presence of the graceful Sea-swallow.

" Of the eggs of the three species of Terns which breed

365

upon Muskegat, little may be said save that they vary to
an almost endless degree, and cannot specifically be
distinguished. The Wilson's and Roseate Terns usually
build nests, some of which are quite bulky, with a lining
of dry grasses, upon a foundation of coarse twigs or sea-
weed. In many cases, however, the eggs were simply
laid in a slight depression in' the sand. We fancied that
the Roseate Terns built more substantial domiciles than
the other species, but the difficulty of satisfactorily
identifying any considerable number of nests rendered a
positive conclusion hopeless. The Arctic Terns, as
before stated, bred apart from the others, and laid their
eggs upon the bare sand.

" The notes of the Wilson's and Arctic Terns vary, if at
all, only slightly in modulation. The ordinary cry of
anger or protest is a harsh vibrating te-ar-r-r, that of
contentment or recognition a soft chick. They utter
various other sounds, all more or less discordant. The
usual note of the Roseate Tern is a soft, mellow hew-it,
repeated at frequent intervals. It has, in addition,
when excited or angry, a cry which can be closely
imitated by forcibly tearing a strong piece of cotton
cloth.

" One who has never held in his hand a freshly killed
Tern can scarcely imagine its wonderful beauty. The
delicate, faultless outlines ; the long, slender, graceful
wings ; the pearly blue-gray back, and soft tinting
beneath, set off by the bright coral-red of the feet and
bill, all go to make up a whole that must satisfy the
most aesthetic eye. The delicate blush that suffuses the
breast of the Roseate Tern can only be seen in its
perfection for a brief period after death, for either it
fades altogether, or turns to a dull salmon tint before the

366 LARID^E I JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS, ETC.

bird becomes cold. Like an ethereal grace, it shrinks
and perishes before the gaze of vulgar eyes.

" When the cares of incubation are over, — and sad, un-
profitable cares they must be in most cases for these poor
birds, — the Terns resort again to the sand-bars nearest
their chosen fishing-grounds. The waters about Nan-
tucket are a favorite haunt, and through the month of Sep-
tember they swarm about every bay and cove that indents
the shore. Their movements, however, depend largely
upon those of the blue-fish. These voracious creatures
prey upon the smaller fishes, and, hunting always in
schools, by their combined action drive the feeble fry to
the surface, when they are seized by the Terns. The
fishermen rely almost wholly upon the actions of the
latter to discover the presence of fish in the Sound, and
when a flock of Terns is seen hovering over a certain
spot, a school of blue-fish is pretty sure to be at work
beneath.

" It is an interesting sight to watch the birds collect.
A moment before, perhaps only a few were to be seen,
leisurely winnowing their way along the shore ; but in an
incredibly short space of time the lucky discoverer of a
school is surrounded by hundreds of his fellows, and a
perfect swarm of eager, hungry birds poises over the
spot. Dozens dash down at once, cleaving the water
like darts, and, rising again into the air, shake the salt
spray from their feathers by a single energetic move-
ment, and make ready for a fresh plunge. Every bird
among them is screaming his shrillest, and the excite-
ment waxes fast and furious. Beneath, the blue-fish are
making the water boil by their savage rushes, and there
is fun and profit for all save the unfortunate prey.
Their position is perhaps the best exemplification of

STERNA HIRUNDO : WILSON'S TERN. 367

the " frying-pan and the fire " that can be found in
nature.

" The descent of a Tern upon its victim is performed
with inimitable ease and grace. The bird frequently
disappears entirely beneath the surface, and occasionally
even swims a short distance under water before reap-
pearing. The flight of the Roseate Tern is especially
dashing and beautiful, with the long cleft tail streaming
out behind, or inclining, rudder-like, to either side,
as the bird suddenly changes its course. I have seen
the Wilson's Tern picking up floating garbage from the
surface in the manner of a Gull, but the food is ordinarily
small fishes, which are taken alive.

" In clear calm weather in September, few Terns will
be seen along shore. They probably wander farther out
to sea at such times, or congregate upon the sand-bars to
rest and plume themselves. The cleanliness of these
birds is remarkable. Not only is the plumage invariably
spotless, but I have on more than one occasion seen
a wounded one, which had been taken into the boat,
begin to arrange its disordered feathers ; and its feeble
efforts to remove the blood-stains from its fresh wounds
were truly touching.

" When the wind blows hard the Terns spend much of
their time on the wing, and then display great restless-
ness and activity. They seem to exult with the
freshening breeze, like ships that have been becalmed.
At such times I have seen them play for many minutes
with a fish which one of their number had captured.
The holder would drop it, evidently by design, and
the whole troop go sweeping down in pursuit. The
foremost was sure to seize it before it reached the
water, when it was taken up into the air and again

368 LARID.E : JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS, ETC.

dropped. In this manner the prize would be in turn
passed from one to another. The game was apparently
well understood by all, as no attempt was made by any
of them to devour the fish. Swallows will frequently
play with a feather in a similar manner.

"The ease with which sea-birds find their way
through the densest fog is as astonishing as it is inex-
plicable. I have seen the Terns passing between the
fishing-grounds and Muskegat when it was impossible
for human eyes to discern an object many yards away,
and yet their course was as direct and decided as in the
clearest weather. Indeed, at such times the fishermen
are often guided by their flight.

" The Least Terns usually leave for the south in the
latter part of August, and the Short-tailed , species com-
monly departs before the close^of the succeeding month.
But the Wilson's, the Roseate, and the Arctic Terns
linger about Nantucket through the first half of Octo-
ber. After that their numbers thin rapidly, and by the
25th all are gone. The fishermen say that they follow
the blue-fish in their southward migration. However
that may be, when the chilling blasts of early November
sweep across the sea, the Herring and Black-backed
Gulls have taken their places upon the sand-bars about
Nantucket ; the Eider Duck, the Scoter, the Whistler,
and the Sheldrake flock to fish among the Muskegat
' tide-rips ' ; and troops of Snow-Buntings whirl over
the bleak sand-hills."

STERNA FORSTERI : FORSTER S TERN.

369

FORSTER'S TERN.
STERNA FORSTERI Nutt.

Chars. Like the last ; larger, tail longer, and wings shorter. Wing
of adult, 950-10.50; tail, 6.50-8.00, thus often beyond the ex-
treme Q{ hirundo, and nearly as in macrura; bill, 1.66 (1.50-1.75),
and about 0.40 deep at base (in hirundo rarely if ever so deep) ;
whole foot, about 2.00. Little or no plumbeous wash below ;
inner web of the outer tail-feather darker than the outer web of
the same. Young and winter birds may be distinguished from
hirundo at gunshot range ; the black cap is almost entirely
wanting, and in its place is a broad black band on each side of
the head through the eye ; several lateral tail-feathers are largely
dusky on their inner webs, their outer webs being white.

Though one of the common and generally distributed
Terns of North America, For-
ster's is rare in New England,
where it is not known to breed.
It is commonly spoken of as only
a casual or irregular visitor ; but
probably no season of migration
passes without the presence of
the bird along our shores. It
is chiefly seen in the fall, during
the month of September and in
immature plumage. The first
definite record for Massachu-
setts, if not for New England, seems to have been
given by Mr. Brewster (Am. Nat., vi, 1872, p. 306). Mr.
Purdie notes it from the Massachusetts coast (Am. Nat,
vii, 1873, p. 693), and Mr. N. T. Lawrence speaks of two
Rhode Island specimens (For. and Str., x, 1878, p. 235).
It has lately been ascertained to breed on the Virginia

FIG. 78. — FOOT OF FORSTER'S
TERN. Nat. size.

37O LARIM: : JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS, ETC.

coast (Brewster, Bull. Nutt. Club, vii, 1882, p. 126). Its
habits are in all respects the same as those of Wilson's
Tern.

ARCTIC TERN.
STERNA MACRURA Naum.

Chars. Bill carmine or lake-red throughout ; feet vermilion ; plu-
mage like that vihirundo, but much darker below, the plumbeous
wash so heavy that these parts are but little if any paler than
the mantle ; crissum pure white in marked contrast ; throat and
sides of the neck pale or white. In winter, cap defective ; in
young, the same. Upper parts patched with gray, brown, or
rufous ; under parts paler or white ; a dark bar on the wing ;
outer webs of several tail-feathers dusky ; bill blackish or dusky-
red with yellow on the under mandible ; feet dull orange. Smaller
than hirundo, but tail much longer. Length, 14.00-17.00; ex-
tent, 28.00-30.00 ; wing, 10.00-12.00; tail, 5.00-8.00; bill, 1.20-
1.40; tarsus, only 0.50-0.67 ; whole foot, about 1.50.

Like the Common Tern, the Arctic ranges all along
the coast, only less numerously than 5. hirundo, and in
about equal numbers with 5. dougalli. There is noth-
ing in its habits to distinguish it from its relatives, a
full account of which has already been given. It is one
of the most elegant species of the family, with lithe
form, pearly color, and a sweep of swallow-like tail only
rivalled by the Roseate Tern; while none of the family
surpasses it in buoyancy and grace of flight. The so-
called Portland Tern, S. portlandica* is simply the young
of this species.

« See Ridgway, Am. Nat., viii, 1874, p. 433 5 Coues, Birds North-
west, 1874, p. 691 ; Bfewster, Am. Sportsm., v, Jan. 16, 1875, p. 249.

S. SUPERCILIARIS ANTILLARUM : LEAST TERN.

ROSEATE TERN.
STERNA DOUGALLI Mont.

Chars. Bill black, usually orange at base below ; mantle very pale
pearly-blue ; primaries with the white band broad and usually
extending to the very tip. Below, pure white, or rosy-tinted ;
feet coral-red. Changes of plumage as in other species. Length,
12. 00-16.00 ; wing, 9.00-10.00 ; tail, 5.00-8.00 ; bill, 1.33-1.67,
very slender ; tarsus, 0.75-0.87.

This most elegant of all our Terns occurs in New Eng-
land under the circumstances
already fully detailed under head
of 5. hirundo. The principal
point to be noted is, that this
is a southerly bird, unknown in
the very high latitudes to which
Wilson's and the Arctic Tern re-
sort to breed. In fact, it chiefly
occurs with us south of Cape
Cod, which may be regarded as
the normal limit of its extension,
though it is known to occur as

r ,. ,. -, TII FIG. 79. — ROSEATE TERN.

far north as the Green Islands,

in Casco Bay, Maine, where Mr. Brewster once observed

a small flock in July (Bull. Nutt. Club, iv, 1879, P- 1S)>

LEAST TERN.
STERNA SUPERCILIARIS ANTILLARUM (Less.) Coues.

Chars. Bill yellow, usually tipped with black ; mantle pale pearly
grayish-blue, extending unchanged on the'rump and tail ; a white

3/2 LARID^ : JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS, ETC.

frontal crescent separating the black cap from the bill, bounded
below by a black loral stripe reaching the bill ; shafts of two or
more outer primaries black on the upper surface, white under-
neath ; feet orange. Young : cap too defective to show the cres-
cent ; bill dark, much of the under mandible pale ; feet obscured.
Very small. Length, only 8.00-9.00 ; wing, 6.00-6.50 ; tail, 2.00-
3.50; bill, 1.00-1.25; tarsus, 0.67.

The distribution of the Least Tern is nearly coincident
with that of the Roseate, being for the most part re-
stricted by Cape Cod in northward extension.

The usual number of eggs of this species is two, not
three, and often only one is laid. They do not average
over 1.25x1.00, being therefore decidedly smaller than
those of the foregoing three species of Sterna, and diffi-
cult to find unless the birds are very numerous, because
their color closely assimilates that of their surround-
ings. The ground color varies from clear pale greenish-
white to pale dull drab or olivaceous. The markings
are numerous, and generally distributed, though they
frequently tend to wreathe around the large end, espe-
cially when they are of large size ; they consist of small
splashes, irregular spots, and mere dots of clear brown
of several shades, together with numerous pale, ill-
defined lilac or gray shell-markings.

SOOTY TERN.
STERNA FULIGINOSA Gm.

Chars. No occipital crest ; bill and feet black. Above, brownish-
black, continuous from head to tail ; under parts, outer web of
outer* tail-feather, and a frontal crescent, white. Very young
birds are fuliginous, speckled with white. Length, 15.00-17.00;
wing, 1 1.00-12.00; tail, 6.00-8.00; bill, 1.50-2.00; tarsus, 0.87.

STERNA FULIGINOSA : SOOTY TERN 3/3

This is another straggler, — one of the four Terns of
casual occurrence, among the eleven species known to
occur in New England. It was properly given as a
bird of our country by Samuels and Coues, not to men-
tion any earlier trace there may be of its presence in
this country. (See Allen, Pr. Essex Inst, iv, 1864, p.
90 ; Coues, ibid., v, 1868, p. 309 ; Samuels, App. to Orn.
and Ool. of N. E., 1867, p. 583; Maynard, Nat. Guide,
1870, p. 157.) In 1875 it was formally expunged from
the list by Dr. Brewer, with the remark: "This is a
southern species, unknown on our coast, or that of New
Jersey" (Pr. Bost. Soc., xvii, 1875, p. 443) ; after which,
as usual in such cases, the explicit records of its pres-
ence began to multiply.

" Mr. Clark informs me that he has this species in
his collection, mounted from a bird that last summer
flew against the side of the steamboat-wharf depot at
Saybrook, Conn. (Purdie, Bull. Nutt. Club, ii, 1877, p. 22).

Mr. Ruthven Deane records "the capture of a fine
adult male on the Merrimac River, near Lawrence,
Mass., on October 29, 1876. I examined the specimen
at the store of Mr. Charles I. Goodale, taxidermist, who
has finely preserved it, and it is now in the possession
of Mr. W. A. Rowland of Lawrence " (Bull. Nutt. Club,
ii, 1877, p. 27). Mr. Deane also tells us of a specimen,
the tenth for New England, "a fine adult male, taken at
Newmarket, N. H., about Sept. 14, 1878, by Mr. D. C.
Wiggin. I am indebted to Mr. Charles I. Goodale, who
has preserved the specimen, for the above facts " (ibid.,
iii, 1878, p. 195).

Mr. Merriam adds to the New England history of
this bird the following facts : " A rare visitor from the
south. Prof. Sanborn Tenney states that a specimen

374 LARID.E I JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS, ETC.

was killed as far inland as the northwest corner of
Massachusetts ('near the Hoosac River'), in Septem-
ber, 1876 (Am. Nat., xi, 1877, p. 243). Mr. Fred. T.
Jencks, of Providence, R. L, writes me that he took a
particularly beautiful specimen at Point Judith, R. L,
last fall. Two adult birds killed themselves last Sep-
tember, by flying against the light-house tower at Falk-
ner's Island. One of them is now in the collection of
Capt. O. N. Brooks of that place. Mr. Elbert Coe, of
Stony Creek, Conn., has a mounted specimen which
was killed there with a stone, late in the summer (1876).
Mr. Norman Elmore, of Granby, Conn., has just sent
me, for examination, a bird of this species that was
taken in that vicinity, Sept. 20, 1876. The Rev. J.
Howard Hand writes me that it was procured in a sin-
gular place and manner. ' It was knocked down with
a stick by a gentleman who was netting Wild Pigeons.
He first saw it, I think, on the pigeon poles. He got
it alive, but of course could not get it to eat, and after
keeping it two or three days it died/ This, and the
one killed by Elbert Coe, Esq., are both in the young-
of-the-year plumage described by Coues. It is a sin-
gular fact that all these specimens were killed last fall,
and probably all in September" (Rev. B. Conn., 1877,
p. 134). There was evidently an irruption of the birds
into New England that fall. Mr. Allen's summary of
these records makes six Connecticut cases, one for
Rhode Island, and two for Massachusetts (Bull. Essex
Inst, x, 1878, p. 30).

Mr. Deane records a remarkable case, of which he
says : " Through the kindness of Mr. Horace R. True,
I have recently examined an adult specimen of Sterna
fuliginosa, which was captured aliva in the town of

H. LARIFORMIS I BLACK OR SHORT-TAILED TERN. 375

Parkman, Piscataquis Co., Me., some eighty miles from
the coast, Oct. 5, 1878" (Bull. Nutt. Club, v, 1880,
p. 64).

See also Dr. Brewer's Chatham, Mass., record (Pr.
Bost. Soc., xix, 1878, p. 308), and Vermont case (ibid.,
xx, 1879, p. 276).

BLACK OR SHORT-TAILED TERN.
HYDROCHELIDON LARIFORMIS (L.} Cones.

Chars. Adult in breeding plumage : head, neck, and under parts,
uniform jet-black ; back, wings and tail, plumbeous ; primaries
unstriped ; crissum pure white ; bill black. In winter, and young
birds, the black is mostly replaced by white on the forehead, sides
of head and under parts, the crown, occiput and neck behind,
with the sides under the wings, being dusky-gray ; a dark auric-
ular patch and another before the eye. In a very early stage,
the upper parts are varied with dull brown. Small : wing, 8.00-
9.00, little less than the whole length of the bird ; tail, 3.50, sim-
ply forked ; bill, 1.12 : tarsus, 0.67 ; middle toe and claw, 1.12.

A rare but regular migrant in spring and fall. Dr.
Brewer (Bull. Nutt. Club, iii, 1878, p. .140) mentions the
capture, by George H. Mackay, of this bird at Nan-
tucket, Buzzard's Bay, August 8, 1877. The valuable
contribution of Mr. William Brewster states that he
observed " a large number of individuals " on this same
island, and in August, 1878, and on the i6th of the
same month, eight individuals were seen in the harbor
near the town, and several were shot and examined
(Bull. Nutt. Club, iii, 1878, p. 190). Mr. N. C. Brown
tells us that "two young examples of H. lariformis
were taken in Scarborough (Me.) the last autumn, and

376 LARID.E : JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS, ETC.

are probably, with one exception, the first detected
within the limits of the State " (Bull. Nutt. Club, iv, 1879,
p. 108). Mr. Merriam says: *'A rare visitor, occurring
chiefly in fall. Though essentially an inland species,
it is sometimes found along the coast during migra-
tions. Capt. Brooks took one specimen near Goose
Island, Conn., about twelve years ago, — the only one
he has ever seen. Mr. George Bird Grinnell informs me
that his brother shot a bird of this species late in August,
near Milford, Conn/' Through Mr. Deane, Mr. G. A.
Boardman records three from Grand Menan, and writes,
"This Tern seems to be of unusual occurrence on the
Maine coast" (Bull. Nutt. Club, v, 1880, p. 63). Ob-
viously, then, in view of these records, the Black Tern
must take its place as a regular New England bird,
though a rare one, and one which is not known to
breed with us. Unlike our species of Sterna, it is not
specially a maritime bird, and its usual breeding places
are swamps and sloughs in the interior of North America,
especially the Western States and Territories.

BLACK SKIMMER.
RHYNCHOPS NIGRA L.

Chars. Among the singular bills of birds which frequently excite
our wonder, that of the Skimmer is one of the most anomalous.
The under mandible is much longer than the upper, compressed
like a knife-blade ; its end is obtuse ; its sides come abruptly
together, and are completely soldered ; the upper edge is as
sharp as the under, and fits a groove in the upper mandible ;
the jaw-bone, viewed apart, looks like a short-handled pitchfork.
The upper mandible is also compressed, but less so, nor is it

RHYNCHOPS NIGRA : BLACK SKIMMER. 377

so obtuse at the end ; its substance is nearly hollow, with light
cancellated structure, much as in a toucan ; it is freely movable
by means of an elastic hinge at the forehead. Plumage glossy
black, the forehead, sides of head and neck, and all under parts,
pure white, or rosy-tinted ; tail ashy and white ; bill red, black-
tipped ; feet orange. Young : grayish-black or dull brown above,
varied with white ; bill yellow, dusky-tipped. Length, 16.00-
20.00 inches; extent, 3.00-4.00 feet ; wing, 13.00-15.00 inches;
tail, 4.00-5.00, forked; under mandible, 3.25-4.50; upper, 2.50-3.00.

"The only record of this species occurring in New
England, was given by Linsley in 1843, in his Catalogue

FIG. So. — BILL OF SKIMMER. Nat. size.

of the Birds of Connecticut ; but since then, writers
have considered that it was given without sufficient
proof.

" Under date of Aug. 20, 1879, Mr. Charles I. Goodale
writes me that three specimens of the Black Skimmer
were shot at Sandwich, Cape Cod, Mass., on the iQth
inst., and that the next day a fourth specimen was
killed off Pettock's Island, Boston Harbor, which latter
bird he has preserved.

" My friend, Mr. George A. Boardman, of Milltown,
St. Stephens, N. B., under date of Aug. 31, 1879, writes
me that there had been a flight of Skimmers in his
locality, and that seven specimens had been killed off

3/8 LARID^E : JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS, ETC.

Grand Menan and Campobello Island, and that they
were seen at St. Andrews, at the head of Passamaquoddy
Bay. On the same date, while sailing some ten miles
from shore off Saco, Maine, I saw a single bird, undoubt-
edly of this species, flying rapidly along the surface of
the water.

" Is it not a little strange that a bird that has escaped
our observation for years, should appear so suddenly,
and at various points along the coast from Cape Cod to
the Bay of Fundy ? "

The foregoing is the notice given by Mr. Ruthven
Deane in Bull. Nutt. Club, iv, 1879, p. 242. But he
overlooks Prof. Emmons's record of 1833, where the
bird is marked as a breeder on the Massachusetts coast.
Both Linsley and Emmons were probably correct, though
the former's record for Connecticut is disallowed by Dr.
Merriam.

Dr. Brewer remarks : " Prof. Baird, in a letter dated
August 23, informs me that, having occasion to visit
Woods' Holl (Falmouth, Mass.), a few days previous, he
saw there a young example of Rhynchops nigra, which
had been shot at that place on the iQth of that month,
by a son of Rev. Dr. Hiram Carleton, an Episcopal min-
ister, resident in the village. This example is to be
presented to the New England collection of the Boston
Society of Natural History" (Bull. Nutt. Club, iv, 1879,
p. 243). Dr. Brewer also gives the same case in Pr.
Bost. Soc., xx, 1879, P- 277- In the same number of
the Bulletin, a few pages back (p. 227), I find that Mr.
Scott says of it, on Long Beach, N. J., " This is appar-
ently the northern limit of the breeding range of this
species, and everywhere they are rather rare. I first
saw them on the loth of June, and do not think they

RHYNCHOPS NIGRA I BLACK SKIMMER.

bred here. But on Brigantine Beach, and at Little Egg
Harbor, they are abundant, and breed in numbers."

There was evidently an irruption of Skimmers upon
the New England coast in 1879. In addition to the
above notices, see also Boardman, Oologist, v, 1879, p.
13, and especially Purdie, Bull. Nutt. Club, vii, 1882, p.
125. Mr. Purdie, in this place, brings up an old record,
published over two hundred and fifty years ago in Cham-
plain's Voyages, to the effect that a bird which, from
the description, was unquestionably this species, was
seen by Champlain while cruising off Cape Cod in July,
1605. Mr. Purdie adds : "That this species was found
on our shores early in this century is proved by the older
inhabitants of the place telling me that 'them cutwater
or shearwater birds used to be with us summer times.'
Also, Mr. Brewster informs me, that Nantucket fisher-
men assert that Skimmers bred on Muskegat Island
fifty years ago."

380 PROCELLARIIM: : PETRELS.

FAMILY PROCELLARIID^E: PETRELS.

FULMAR PETREL.

FULMARUS GLACIALIS (L.) Stepk.

Chars. Tail 12-1 4- feathered ; bill straight, very stout, hooked at
end, obviously shorter than the tarsus. Adult white, the mantle
pale pearly-blue, frequently extending on the neck and tail ; quills
blackish-brown ; usually a dark spot before the eye ; bill yellow ;
feet the same, tinged with greenish. Young : smoky-gray, paler
below, the feathers of the back and wings dark-edged ; colors of
bill and feet obscured. Coloration thus much like 'one of the
Gull family. Length usually about 16.50, but from 15.00 to 18.00 ;
wing, 12.00-13.00 ; tail, 4.00-5.00 ; tarsus about 2.00 ; bill, 1.33-
1.67, about 0.75 deep and almost as wide at base ; nasal tubes
0.60.

Leaving now the coasting Gulls and Terns, which
seldom venture far from land, we bear straight out
to sea, and are already among this interesting family of
oceanic birds, so little known to any but those who " go
down the sea in ships." Several species of the Procella-
riidce cultivate the " fisherman's farm " of New England ;
some of them so plentifully that they are themselves
objects of economic value.

The first to be noticed is the Fulmar Petrel, one of
the largest of all, but not one of the most numerous. In
fact it is usually cited as a rare bird, and certainly
no such great gatherings of Fulmars as occur over
more northern and some European waters are known to
New Englanders. But Fulmars are common enough to
have received several names from sailors, who call them
" Noddies " and " Marble-headers." Of their breeding

PROCELLARIA PELAGICA : STORMY PETREL. 381

resorts, if any, within our limits, nothing is known ; the
birds being chiefly seen in winter. In other regions
they resort by thousands to breed in particular spots,
laying a single large white egg in recesses of the rocks.
Like many other birds of their family, they may be
taken with hook and line, as noted by Dr. Brewer in the
following extract: "On Monday, November 4, I&/8, I
saw a living specimen in the yard of Mr. George O.
Welch, of Lynn, Mass., to whom it had been sent to be
mounted for the Smithsonian Institution. Mr. James
W. Milner writes me that this specimen of the Fulmar
Petrel was taken by Captain William Sweet, of the fish-
ing schooner Grace C. Hadley, on a codhook, on the
eastern part of the George's Bank, which is a very little
south of east of Boston, and certainly belongs to the
New England coast. It was taken October 28, 1878."
(Bull. Nutt. Club, iv, 1879, p. 64.)

The bird was admitted to our fauna by probably
all writers upon the subject, until expunged by Dr.
Brewer, shortly before the note above quoted was
published (see Pr. Bost. Soc., xvii, 1875, p. 453).

STORMY PETREL ; MOTHER CAREY'S
CHICKEN.

PROCELLARIA PELAGICA L.

Chars. Blackish, more fuliginous below, the greater wing-coverts
more grayish, the quills, tail, bill, and feet black ; upper tail-
coverts white, with black tips, and usually some white under the
tail and wings ; no yellow on the webs ; tail a little rounded.
Length, 5.75 ; wing, 4.75 ; tail, 2.50 ; bill, 0.50, its height at base
0.20 ; tarsus, 0.90 ; tibiae bare 0.33.

382 PROCELLARIID^: : PETRELS.

Of the three species of " Carey's Chickens," attrib-
uted to our waters, the present one is certainly the
rarest, and some have found reason to doubt its occur-
rence. It is, however, so similar in general appearance
to the other two, that it might readily be overlooked ;
and we are not willing to expunge it from our list only
to be, at the pains of reinstating it in the future. In
point of fact, we have no doubt that it occurs. Both
Verrill and Boardman accredit it to Maine ; see for
example Pr. Essex Inst., iii, p. 160, or Pr. Bost. Soc., ix,
1863, p. 234.

LEACH'S PETREL.

CYMOCHOREA LEUCORRHOA ( K) Coties.

Chars. Coloration as in the last species, with conspicuous white
upper tail-coverts, but apt to be lighter — rather of a grayish or
even ashy tint on some parts. Much larger : length about 8.00 ;
wing, 6.00-6.50; tail, 3.00-350, forked; tarsus about i.oo;
middle toe and claw the same ; bill, 0.67, strong.

Resident off the coast, and the most abundant of the

three species. It is known
to breed from Maine north-
ward, and may occasionally
be seen in summer any-
where else within our limits.
Dr. Merriam, in fact, is in-
clined to believe that a few
of this species may breed on
, _ the islands off the Connecti-

FIG. 8z. — LEACH'S PETREL.

cut coast. It nests in bur-
rows in the ground, laying a single white egg, often faintly
spotted about one end, measuring about 1.30x0.90.

OCEANITES OCEANICUS : WILSON*S PETREL. 383

WILSON'S PETREL.
OCEANITES OCEANICUS (Kuht) Coues.

Chars. Dark sooty-brown, pale gray on the wing-coverts ; the
upper tail-coverts, and frequently the crissum and sides of rump
and base of tail, white ; bill and feet black, but webs with a
yellow spot. Legs very long ; tibise bare an inch or more ; tarsi
"booted," much longer than the toes ; claws flat, obtuse ; bill
small and weak ; hind toe very minute, liable to be overlooked.
Length, 7.00-8.00 ; wing about 6.00 ; tail, 3.00, nearly even ;
tarsus, 1.75 ; middle toe and claw 1.12^; bill only .50.

Common, under the same circumstances as the last,
with which it is frequently found in association, though
we are not aware that its breeding within our limits is
sufficiently attested.

GREATER OR WANDERING SHEARWATER.
PUFFINUS MAJOR Faber.

Chars. Dark bistre-brown, somewhat plumbeous on the head, most
feathers of the back and wings with pale edges, most upper tail-
coverts partly white; below, white, with a plain line of demarca-
tion from the color of the upper parts on the side of the head
and fore neck, and dark flank-patches ; quills and tail blackish,
paler or whitish at bases of inner webs ; lining of wings mostly
white ; crissum mostly dark ; bill dark ; outside of tarsus and
outer toe dark,*rest of feet pale. Length, 18.00-20.00; extent,
45.00; wing, 13.00; tail, 5.75, outer feathers an inch less; bill,
2.00 ; tarsus, 2.40 ; middle toe and claw, 2.80.

This is the commonest species of the genus, occur-
ring all along the New England coast. It is well
known to the fishermen under the name of "Hagdon,"

384 PROCELLARIIM: : PETRELS.

or " Hag," and sufficiently numerous to be with them
of economic value, being often captured with hook and
line, and used for bait. At the same time, nothing is
known of its breeding resorts, if any, within our limits.
The nesting of birds of this genus resembles that of the
Carey Chickens, a single white egg being deposited in
burrows under ground or among rocks. The present
species is chiefly known with us as a winter bird, and
it generally keeps far off shore, ' as, for example, on
Georges Banks, where it is said to be particularly abun-
dant. Dr. Merriam speaks of a specimen stated to have
been killed at Granby, Conn. (Rev. B. Conn., 1877, p.
136.)

NORTHERN SHEARWATER. (?)

PUFFINUS BOREALIS Cory.

Of this alleged species we have no further informa-
tion than that given by Mr. Cory, in Bull. Nutt. Club,
vi, 1 88 1, p. 84, where it is described as new from speci-
mens taken off Cape Cod, Mass. The validity of the
species would appear to be not yet established ; but
having seen no specimens, we prefer to reserve further
opinion in the case.

MANKS SHEARWATER.
PUFFINUS ANGLORUM Temm.

Chars. Blackish, this color extending below the eyes, leaving the
under eyelid white ; under parts, including crissum and lining

. of wings, white ; bill greenish-black ; outside of foot Vnostly
blackish, inner side dingy orange. Length about 15.00 ; extent,

PUFFINUS FULIGINOSUS : SOOTY SHEARWATER. 38$

33.00 ; wing, 9.50 ; tail, 4.00, graduated 0.75 ; bill, 1.33-1.50, but
nearly 0.50 deep at base; tarsus under 2.00 ; middle toe and
claw, 2.00, or rather less.

This is a species which has been admitted to our
Fauna for many years, but upon authority which, to say
the least, requires confirmation. Dr. Brewer claims that
no specimen has ever been taken, and is probably right
in so doing (see Pr. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., xvii, 1875, p.
453, and xx, 1879, P- 275 5 ^Iso Allen, Bull. Essex Inst.,
x, 1878, p. 35). At the same time, we do not feel at
liberty to refuse to recognize records which have passed
unchallenged for many years, and which we are not
prepared to disprove. There is unquestionably, in our
opinion, a small New England Shearwater, neither
P. major nor P. fuliginosus, perfectly well known to
fishermen, if not to our ornithologists. Capt. J. W. Col-
lins, of the U. S. Fish Commission, a very accurate
observer, assures us of this, he himself knowing of
three species of " Hags," one of which is the common
P. 'major, another is the one all blackish, P. fuliginosus,
the third being the one in question, like P. major, but
smaller, darker above, and white below. Mr. R. S. New-
comb, since naturalist of the ill-fated " Jeannette " expe-
dition, also speaks of different kinds of " Hags," among
them P. anglorum.

SOOTY SHEARWATER.

PUFFINUS FULIGINOSUS A. Strickl.

Chars. Dark sooty-brown, blackening on the quills and tail ; paler
and grayish below, usually with some whitish on the lining of the
wings ; bill dark ; feet dark outside, pale on the inner aspect.

386 PROCELLARIID^E : PETRELS.

Length, 18.00 ; extent, 40.00 ; wing, 12.00 ; tail, 4.00 ; bill, 1.75-
2.00 ; tarsus, 2.20-2.33 ; middle toe and claw, 2.50.

A species of common occurrence off the coast, usually
in company with the P. major, from which, however, it

FIG. 81. — SOOTY SHEARWATER. Nat. size.

is entirely distinct. It is well known to the fishermen
as the "Black Hagdon." It appears to be chiefly a
winter bird, and its breeding resorts within our limits,
if any, are unknown.

PINTADO PETREL.
DAPTIUM CAPENSE (L.) Steph.

Chars. Upper parts conspicuously spotted with white upon a black-
ish ground ; under parts white ; tail black barred ; bill black,
stout, much hooked. Length, 15.00; wing, n.oo; tail, 4.50;
bill, 1.33 ; tarsus, 1.67.

As these sheets are passing the press we learn from
Mr. Purdie of this most interesting acquisition to our
Fauna, which is no less remarkable than that of dEstre-
lata gularis, recently taken in New York (Bull. Nutt.
Club, vi, 1 88 1, p. 91) ; both species being birds of the

DAPTIUM CAPENSE : PINTADO PETREL. 387

Southern Hemisphere. There appears to be no reason-
able question in this case. The bird is said to have
been shot at Harpswell, Casco Bay, Maine, and is now
preserved in the collection of the Natural History Soci-
ety of Worcester, Mass., where it is or was labelled
" Manks Shearwater." The identification of the speci-
men rests upon Mr. Purdie's authority. I have seen a
letter to Mr. Purdie from Mr. E. H. Forbush, of Wor-
cester, - containing a statement from a Mr. Wooley,
writing from Sabattis, Me., certifying to the capture
of the bird at the place named, some eight years ago.

The occurrence of this waif in Maine, and of the
other above mentioned in New York, leads us to re-
flect how little is accurately known of the remarkable
family Procellariidce. The number of species of these
wandering sea-birds which frequent our waters is dis-
puted; and, among those known to do so, the life-
history of only a single one (Cymochorea leucorrhoa) can
be considered to have been thoroughly studied upon our
own coast. Extended and reliable observations are
required to perfect our knowledge of this subject.

COLYMBID^E : LOONS.

FAMILY COLYMBID^ : LOONS.

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER, OR LOON.
COLYMBUS TORQUATUS Brunn.

Chars. Black ; below from the breast white, with dark touches on
the sides and vent ; back with numerous square white spots ;
head and neck iridescent with violet and green, having a patch
of sharp white streaks on each side of the neck and another on
the throat ; bill black. Young : dark gray above, the feathers
with paler edges; below, white from the bill, the sides dusky;
bill yellowish-green and dusky. Length, 2.50-3.00 feet ; extent
about 4.00 ; wing about 14 inches ; tarsus, 3.00 or more ; longest
toe and claw, 4.00 or more ; bill, 3.00 or less, at base i.oo deep
and 0.50 wide; the culmen, commissure, and gonys all gently
curved.

FIG. 82. — GREAT NORTHERN DIVER.

The Loon is properly to be classed as resident in
New England, being known to breed occasionally at
different points within our limits, and regularly in north-

COLYMBUS ARCTICUS : BLACK-THROATED DIVER. 389

erly portions. It is, however, more numerous, or at any
rate more conspicuous, in winter than at other seasons,
as most individuals of the species breed farther north.
It is a common summer bird of Labrador and New-
foundland. The nest is built upon the ground, usually
in rank herbage by the water's edge ; the eggs are com-
monly two in number, measuring about 3.50X2.25, of a
dark greenish or olivaceous color, profusely spotted.

BLACK-THROATED DIVER.
COLYMBUS ARCTICUS L.

Chars. Back and under parts much as in the last species ; upper
part of head, and hind neck, bluish-ash or hoary gray ; fore neck
purplish-black with a patch of white streaks, the dark color end-
ing abruptly ; bill black. The young resemble those of the last
species, but will be known by their inferior size. Length, under
2.50 feet ; extent about 3.00 ; wing, 13.00 inches or less ; tarsus,
3.00 ; bill about 2.50.

Dr. Brewer doubts the occurrence of this species in
New England, though admitting that " its presence is
far from improbable. The nearest approach that I can
ascertain is one taken near Point Lepreaux, New Bruns-
wick" (Pr. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., xvii, 1875, p. 453). But,
to all intents, the locality named is New England ; and
therefore, having no doubt of the impropriety of expung-
ing the bird from the list, we continue to give it that place
which has been accorded by nearly all the New England
writers, even though we are unable to point to any
recent cases of its actual capture within our limits.
Coues calls it a "rare winter visitant, not known to

39° COLYMBID.E : LOONS.

breed;" Allen marks it as a rare autumn and winter
visitant ; and Mr. Harold Herrick gives it as of Grand
Menan. In a dilemma like this (and there are several
such among our water birds) it is useless to deny a
moral certainty merely because the circumstantial evi-
dence is not absolutely conclusive, or because we lack a
"modern instance."

RED-THROATED DIVER.

COLYMBUS SEPTENTRIONALIS L.

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

A common winter visitant along the whole coast,
arriving from the north in September or October, and
remaining until May. It is most abundant during the
migrations in fall and spring, and has even been seen in
Southern New England in June; but it is not ascer-
tained to breed within our limits. According to May-
nard, it is the most numerous representative of the
family during autumn and winter. Mr. Deane speaks
of a perfect albino in his possession, which was shot in
Salem harbor, Mass. Individuals in perfect plumage,
with the red throat, are rare in comparison with the
numbers seen in the spotted plumage of the young.

P. GRISEIGENA HOLBOELLI : RED-NECKED GREBE. 391

FAMILY PODICIPEDID^ : GREBES.
AMERICAN RED-NECKED GREBE.

PODICIPES GRISEIGENA HOLBOELLI (Rein/I.) CoiieS.

Chars. Medium-sized, with moderately long neck ; bill not longer
than the head, shorter than the tarsus, moderately stout and
acute ; tarsus about four-fifths the middle toe and claw ; crests
and ruff moderately developed. Medium: length about 18.00;
wing, 7.00- 8.00; bill, 1.67 to nearly 2.00; tarsus, 2.50; middle
toe and claw, 2.67. Adult: front and sides of the neck rich
brownish-red; throat and sides of head ashy, whitening where it
joins the dark color of the crown ; the feathers slightly ruffed ;
top of head with its slight occipital crests, upper parts generally
black or blackish, most feathers with pale edges ; primaries
brown, but much white on the inner quills ; lower parts pale
silvery-ash, with dark sides (not pure white, but watered or
obscurely mottled, sometimes obviously speckled, with dusky) ;
bill black, more or less yellow at base. The young will be
recognized by these last characters, joined with the peculiar
dimensions and proportions.

NOTE. — The Crested Grebe, P. cristatus, was almost universally
given by New England writers, until challenged by Dr. Brewer,
who questioned its right to be regarded as even a bird of North
America. Since then, the species appears to have been dropped by
common consent. In view of the improbability that everybody has
been mistaken in this case, and of the known general distribution of
the species, we incline to the opinion that the species will have to
be restored, like probably every one of those expunged by the same
authority, though at present we lack the data to convert our opinion
into certainty.

The Red-necked Grebe is chiefly a winter bird in New
England, though it has occasionally been seen in summer,

3Q2 PODICIPEDID,E I GREBES.

even in Massachusetts, according to Allen. It is not
known to breed with us, but the same authority speaks
of a specimen in full breeding plumage taken the third
week in May in Springfield, Mass. ; and Brewer marks
the bird as a summer resident in northern New England.
Merriam speaks of several Connecticut cases, and the
bird is to be regarded as a regular visitant, far from rare,
though less numerous than our two smaller representa-
tives of the family.

HORNED GREBE.
PODICIPES CORNUTUS (Gm.) Lath.

Chars. Tarsus about equal to the middle toe without its claw;
bill much shorter than head, little more than half the tarsus,
compressed, higher than wide at the nostrils, rather obtuse ;
crests and ruffs highly developed. Small : length about 14.00 ;
extent, 24,00; wing, 6.00 or less ; bill about 0.75 ; tarsus, 1.75.
Adult : above, dark brown, the feathers paler-edged ; below,
silvery-white, the sides mixed dusky and reddish ; most of the
secondaries white ; fore neck and upper breast, brownish-red ;
head glossy black, including the ruff; a broad band over the eye,
to and including the occipital crests, brownish-yellow ; bill black,
yellow-tipped. The young differ as in other species, but are
always recognizable by the above measurements and proportions
of parts.

Chiefly a migrant and winter resident, both along the
coast and in the interior, arriving in September and
October, and remaining until May — sometimes even
through that month. It is given by Brewer as a sum-
mer resident in Northern New England, and we have
no doubt that this species and the Red-necked Grebe
both breed in Maine, although we have no authentic
cases of the kind to record.

PODILYMBUS PODICIPES : PIED-BILLED GREBE. 393

PIED-BILLED GREBE, OR DABCHICK.
PODILYMBUS PODICIPES (L.) Lawr.

Chars. Length, 12.00-14.00; wing about 5.00 ; bill, l.oo or less,
very stout; tarsus, 1.50. Adult: bill bluish, dusky on the
ridges, encircled with a black ring ; throat with a long black
patch; upper parts blackish-brown; primaries ashy -brown,
secondaries ashy and white; lower parts silky-white, more or
less mottled or obscured with dusky ; the lower neck in front,
fore breast and sides, washed with rusty. Young : lacking the
throat patch and peculiar marks of the bill, otherwise not par-
ticularly different; in a very early stage the head curiously
striped.

The Dabchick must be classed as a resident in New
England. In its range at large, it is a migratory
species, but our country falls within the limits both of
its summer and winter residence. While it is therefore
more numerous and conspicuous during the vernal and
autumnal movements, it breeds anywhere with us, and
may occasionally be found in winter.

The nest of the Dabchick, like that of other Grebes,
consists of a matted mass of broken-down reeds or other
aquatic plants, usually sodden and water-soaked, by the
edge of the pond, or almost floating on its surface. The
eggs are five or six in number, nearly equal-ended,
measuring about 1.25x0.87, with a smooth shell of a
whitish color, sometime0 as if stained greenish, but not
spotted

394

ALCID.E : AUKS.

FAMILY ALCID^E : AUKS.

COMMON PUFFIN: SEA PARROT.
FRATERCULA ARCTICA (L.) Steph.

Chars. Not crested ; eyelids appendaged ; under mandible sulcate,
like the upper, the grooves convex forward ; culmen simple, with
one curve ; base of bill bossed ; corners of mouth callous.
Blackish, including the throat, the sides of the head ashy-gray,
with dusky maxillary patches (whole face dusky in the young) ;
below, white ; bill red, blue and yellow ; feet red. A thick blunt
excrescence on eyelids. Black of throat not reaching the bill.
Length, 13.50; wing, 6.50; tarsus, i.oo ; bill, 2.00 ; depth at
base, 1.33.

FIG. 83. — HEAD OF COMMON PUFFIN. Nat. size.

The distribution and manner of occurrence of this
species are nearly coincident with those of the Razor-
billed Auk. It is found in winter along the whole
coast, and is resident on north-eastern portions, though

FRATERCULA CIRRATA : TUFTED PUFFIN. 395

much less numerous than at those favored spots, farther
north, where it congregates by thousands to breed,
depositing its single egg in burrows underground, or
among rocks. The egg is white or whitish, whole-
colored or with obsolete spotting, measuring about
2.50X1.75-

TUFTED PUFFIN.

FRATERCULA CIRRATA Pall.

Chars, Adult : with a long flowing yellow crest of filamentous
feathers on each side of the head. Eyelids not appendaged.
Under mandible smooth, upper sulcate, the grooves concave
forward ; basal part of culmen bossed ; bill and feet red ; claws
black; plumage wholly blackish, with white face. Length, 15.00-
16.00 ; wing, 7.50-8.00 ; tail, 2.00 ; tarsus, 1.33 ; bill, 2.33 ; nearly
2.00 deep at base.

As is well known, the only authority for the occur-
rence of this species, which belongs to the North
Pacific, is Audubon's statement that one was taken at
the mouth of the Kennebec River, in the winter of
i83i-'32. Although the case is entirely exceptional, I
do not feel at liberty to take it for granted that it is
erroneous, and therefore do not follow Dr. Brewer in
expunging the species from the list. (See B. of Am.,
8vo ed., vii, p. 234.)

SEA DOVE, OR DOVEKIE.
ALLE NIGRICANS Link.

Chars. Glossy blue-black, below from the breast (in winter, and
in young, from the bill) white ; scapulars white-striped ; second-

396 ALCID.E I AUKS.

aries white-tipped ; white speck over eye ; bill black, short,
obtuse, turgid. Length, 8.50 ; wing, 4.75 ; tarsus, 0.80 ; bill,
0.50 ; about 0.37 deep or wide at base.

A species belonging to the high north, only known
with us in winter, but of regular and not uncommon

occurrence at that season.
It is properly confined to
the coast, but several in-
stances are recorded of its
having been driven inland
by storms, and captured in
the most unwonted local-

FIG. 84.-SEA DOVE. Nat. size. ^^ Various cases Q£ this

kind are* recorded by Merriam (Rev. B. Conn., 1877, p.
138), and by other writers.

BLACK GUILLEMOT, OR SEA PIGEON.
URIA GRYLLE (X.) Brtinn.

Chars. Tarsus reticulate in front; bill with straight commissure,
scarcely or not longer than tarsus ; outer claw smooth ; tail con-
tained less than three times in length of wing. In summer, black,
with white on the wings ; in winter, largely white ; bill black ;
feet red. Length, 12.00-15.00; wing, 5.50-6.50; tarsus, 1.25-
1.33 ; bill, 1.33-1.67. A large continuous white area on both
upper and under surface of the wing (rarely imperfect or want-
ing) ; head and neck with greenish gloss ; tail feathers twelve.

Like most other species of the Auk family, this Guil-
lemot occurs along the coast in winter — probably
along the whole coast, though Merriam gives no Con-

LOMVIA TROILE : COMMON GUILLEMOT.

397

necticut case. It also breeds sparingly on islands about
the northern limit of the New England coast. The
eggs are laid in the
crevices of rocks,
and are usually two,
sometimes three in
number, measuring
about 2.33 X 1.55,
of a dull green-
ish color, variously

marked with
spots.

dark

FIG. 85. — BLACK GUILLEMOT. Nat. size.

COMMON GUILLEMOT, OR MURRE.
LOMVIA TROILE (L.) Brdt.

Chars. Tarsi scutellate in front, much shorter than middle toe
without claw ; bill with decurved commissure, much longer than
tarsus, its end, and the outer claw, grooved; nostrils feathered ;
tail graduated, contained more than three times in the length of
wing. Size and coloration almost exactly as described under
Utamania torda, but no white line from bill to eye. Depth of
bill at nostrils not nearly half the length of culmen ; tomia of
upper mandible at base feathered, not noticeably dilated, nor
brightly colored. In some cases, edges of eyelids, and line
behind eye, white.

Contrary to the general impression, the " common "
Guillemot appears to be a rare bird in New England,
most of the Murres occurring in winter along our coast
being of the following species. Its breeding in some
localities on the Maine coast is attested, like that of the

398

AUKS.

Black Guillemot, Sea Puffin, and Razor-bill. It is sin-
gular that Dr. Brewer should have not only made two

FIG. 86. — COMMON GUILLEMOT. Nat. size.

species of this single one, but should have assigned
them different breeding ranges (Pr. Bost. Soc., xvii,
1875, p. 450).

THICK-BILLED, OR BRUNNICH'S GUIL-
LEMOT.

LOMVIA ARRA (Pall.} Coues.

Chars. Very similar to the last; depth of bill at nostrils about one-
half the length of culmen ; tomia of upper mandible at base
dilated, denuded, usually yellowish.

FIG. 87. — THICK-BILLED GUILLEMOT. Nat. size.

This is the common winter Guillemot of the New
England coast, and probably most of the statements
supposed to have been based upon L. troile really apply

LOMVIA ARRA : THICK-BILLED GUILLEMOT. 399

to the present species. We have no knowledge of its
nesting within our limits.

FIG. 88. —GUILLEMOTS.

In support of the foregoing statements we may ad-
duce observations lately made by Mr. Harry Merrill, of
Bangor, and by Mr. William Brewster. Says the former,
speaking of the two species of Murres : " Some idea of

400 ALCIM: : AUKS.

their comparative numbers may perhaps be obtained from
the fact that during the past two years I have procured
some thirty specimens from different points on our coast
(from Grand Menan to South Bristol), and out of this
number only one was a representative of the common
Guillemot (L. troile). The experience of Mr. N. A.
Eddy of this city is exactly similar, and out of about an
equal number of specimens he has obtained but a single
example of troile. Other collectors in this vicinity who
have received numbers of Guillemots have not obtained
a specimen of L. troile." (Bull. Nutt. Club, vii, 1882, p.
191.) Mr Brewster continues the subject : "At differ-
ent times during the past ten years I have examined
specimens from various points along the shores of Maine,
New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, and all of the
numerous birds that have come under my notice have
proved to be Briinnich's Guillemots. Indeed the exam-
ple of L. troile mentioned by Mr. Merrill is the only
New England one of which I have any knowledge."
(Bull. Nutt. Club, vii, 1882, p. 251.)

RAZOR-BILLED AUK.

UTAMANIA TORDA (L.) Leach.

Chars. Brownish-black, browner on the head and throat ; under
parts from the throat (in summer ; from the bill in winter, and in
young), tips of secondaries, and sharp line from bill to eye,
white ; bill black, with a white, curved line ; mouth yellow.
Length, 16.00-19.00; wing, 7.00-8.00 ; tail, 3.00-3.50, graduated
i. oo or more; tarsus 1.00-1.25; bill, 1.33, along gape 2.25,
nearly i.oo deep.

Chiefly a winter visitant along the coast, to which all
the species of this marine family are confined. Long

UTAMANIA TORDA : RAZOR-BILLED AUK. 40!

Island Sound appears to be about the normal southward
limit of distribution of the species, and it is not common
there, though doubtless occurring each winter. On the
coast of Maine the bird occurs also in summer, being
therefore resident in some localities, as the islands in
the Bay of Fundy, where it breeds, though in nothing like
the numbers found farther north. The single egg is
deposited on the bare rock of sea-girt cliffs ; it measures
about 3.00X2.00, and is white or whitish, streaked,
spotted, and blotched with dark-brown. The egg re-
sembles those Murre's eggs, the ground color of which
is whitish, but is less pointedly pyriform, and the mark-
ings are rather in spots than in zigzags.

Respecting the Great Auk, Alca impennis, it is only
necessary to refer to the fact that it has for many years
-been wholly extinct, though formerly abundant at least
as far south as Massachusetts, where its bones in kitchen-
middings still attest its presence in years gone by. It
is perhaps the only bird of New England which no one
could criticize Dr. Brewer for expunging from the list,
had he been inclined to follow Nature in so doing.

INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES.

Auk, Great, 401.

Razor-billed, 400.
Avocet, American, 180.
Baldpate, 309.
Barrow's Golden-eye, 317,
Bee-martin, 15.
Bittern, American, 269.

Least, 273.
Black Skimmer, 376.
Bob-white, 157.
Booby, 335.
Broad-bill, 311.
Brown-back, 198.
Bull-bat, 52.
Burgomaster, 346.
Buzzard, Broad-winged, 125.

Carrion Crow, 137.

Red-shouldered, 123.

Red-tailed, 121.

Rough-legged, 126.

Swainson's, 124.

Turkey, 135.
Calico-bird, 178.
Carrion Crow, 137.
Chicken, Mother Carey's, 381.
Coot, American, 294.

Sea, 328.
Cormorant, Common, 339.

Double-crested, 340.
Crake, Little Black, 289.

Yellow, 287.
Crane, Brown, 277.

Great White, 276.
. Sand-hill, 277.

Whooping, 276.
Crow, Carrion, 137.
Cuckoo, Black-billed, 65.

Yellow-billed, 67.
Curlew, American Whimbrel, 250.

Dough-bird, 251.

Eskimo, 251.

Hudsonian, 250.

Long-billed, 248.

Sickle-bill, 248.

Dabchick, 393.

Diver, Black-throated, 389.

Great Northern, 388.

Red-throated, 390.
Dough-bird, 2^1.
Dowitcher, 198.
Dovekie, 395.
Dove. Mourning, 140.

Sea, 395.

Wild, 140.

Duck, American Black Scoter, 326.
" Widgeon, 309.

Baldpate, 309.

Barrow's Golden-eye, 317.

Broad-bill, 311.

Black, 306.

Blue-winged Teal, 311,

Buffle-head, 318.

Canvas-back, 316.

Dusky, 306.

Eider, 324.

European Teal, 310.

European Widgeon, 309.

Fish, 331.

Gadwall, 308.

Golden-eyed, 317.

Goosander, 331.

Greater Scaup, 313.

Green-winged Teal, 310.

Harlequin, 323.

Hooded Merganser, 333.

King Eider, 326.

Labrador, 320.

Lesser Scaup, 314.

Long-tailed, 3 1 9.

Mallard, 304.

Merganser, 331.

Pied, 320.

Pintail, 307.

Pochard, 315.

Red-breasted Merganser, 332.

Red-head, 315.

Ring-neck Scaup, 314.

Rocky Mountain Garrot,3i;.

403

404

INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES.

Duck, Ruddy, 330.

Saint Domingo, 330.

Sea-coot, 328.

Shoveller, 311.

Sprigtail, 307.

Surf, 328.

Summer, 312.

Velvet, 327.

Whistler, 317.

White-winged Scoter, 327.

Wood Duck, 312.
Eagle, Bald, 133.

Golden, 130.
Egret, Great White, 260.

Small White, 262.
Falcon, Peregrine, in.

Pigeon, 117.

Rusty-crowned, 118.
Flicker, 82.
Flycatcher, Acadian, 31.

Arkansas, 13.

Bee-martin, 15.

Gray King-bird, 14.

Great-crested, 18.

Kingbird, 15.

Least, 41.

Olive-sided, 26.

Pewee, 23.

Pewit, 23.

Phoebe-bird, 23.

Swallow-tailed, 12.

Traill's, 36.

Wood Pewee, 28.

Yellow-bellied, 44.
Fresh-water Marsh Hen, 282.
Frigate-bird, 341.
Gadwall, 308.
Gallinule, Florida, 291.

Purple, 292.
Gannet, Booby, 335.

Brown, 335.

Common, 334.

Solan Goose, 334.
Garrot, Rocky Mountain, 317.
Gerfalcon, American Continental, no.

Iceland, in.

Labrador, no.
Godwit, Great Marbled, 230.

Hudsonian, 232.
Goosander, 331.
Goose, American White-fronted, 298.

Barnacle, 300.

Brant, 301.

Black Brant, 302.

Blue, 299.

Canada, 303.

Common Wild. 303.

Lesser Canada, 304.

Snow, 299.

Goose, Solan, 334.
Goshawk, American, 108.
Greater Long-beak, 202.
« Yellow-legs, 236.
Lesser " 237.

Grebe, American Red-necked, 391.

Crested, 391.

Dabchick, 393.

Horned, 392.

Pied-billed, 393.
Grouse, Canada, 148.

Prairie Hen, 146.

Ruffed, 150.

Spruce Partridge, 148.
Guillemot, Black, 396.

Briinnich's, 398.

Common, 397.

Murre, 397.

Sea Pigeon, 396.

Thick-billed, 398.
Gull, Black-headed, 351.

Bonaparte's, 352.

Burgomaster, 346.

Common, 348.

Fork-tailed, 353.

Glaucous, 346.

Great black-backed, 347.

Herring, 348.

Kittiwake, 350.

Laughing, 351.

Ring-billed, 349.

White-winged, 346.
Harrier, 101.
Hawk, American Goshawk, 108.

Broad-winged Buzzard, 125.

Chicken, 105.

Cooper's, 105.

Duck, in.

Fish, 127.

Harrier, 101.

Hen, 121.

Marsh, 101.

Osprey, 127.

Pigeon, 117.

Red-shouldered Buzzard, 123.

Red-tailed " 121.

Rough-legged " 126.

Sharp-shinned, 104.

Sparrow, 118.

Swainson's Buzzard, 124.

Swallow-tailed, 103.
Hen, Fresh-water Marsh, 282.

Prairie, 146.

Salt-water Marsh, 279.
Heron, Great Blue, 259.
« White, 260.

Green, 264.

Little Blue, 263.

Night, 265.

INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES.

405

Heron, Qua-bird, 265.

Small White, 262.
Squawk, 265.

Yellow-crowned Night, 267.
Humming Bird, Ruby-throated, 59
Ibis, Glossy, 254.

White, 257.
Jaeger, Arctic, 345.

Long-tailed, 345.

Parasitic, 344.

Pomarine, 344.

Richardson's, 344.

Skua, 343.
Jerfalcon, American Continental, no.

Iceland, in.

Labrador, no.
King-bird, 15.

Gray, 14.

Kingfisher, Belted, 62.
Kite, Swallow-tailed, 103.
Knot, 228.
Loon, Black-throated, 389.

Great Northern, 388.

Red-throated, 390.
Mallard, 304.
Man-of-war Bird, 341.
Merganser, 331.

Fish Duck, 331.

Goosander, 331.

Hooded, 333.

Red-breasted, 332.
Mother Carey's Chicken, 381.
Murre, 397.
Night-hawk, 52.
Osprey, 127.
Owl, Acadian, 98.

Barn, 86.

Barred, 94.

Burrowing, 99.

Day, 96.

Great Gray, 92.
" Horned, 87.

Hawk, 96.

Long-eared, 90.

Mottled, 89.

Red, 89.

Richardson's, 97.

Saw-whet, 98.

Screech, 89.

Short-eared, 91.

Snowy, 94.
Oyster-catcher, American, 177.

Turnstone, 178.
Parrot, Sea, 394.
Partridge, 150.

American, 157.

Spruce, 148.
Pelican, American White, 337.

Brown, 338.

Petrel, Fulmar, 380.

Leach's, 382.

Mother Carey's Chicken, 381.

Pintado, 386.

Stormy, 381.

Wilson's, 383.
Pewee, 23.

Wood, 28.
Pewit, 23.
Phalarope, Northern, 187.

Red, 189.

Wilson's, 184.
Phoebe-bird, 23.
Pigeon, Passenger, 1-19.

Wild, 139.
Plover, Black-bellied, 163.

Golden, 166.

Killdeer, 168.

Pale Ring-neck, 175.

Piping, 175.

Ring-neck, 173.

Ruddy, 229.

Semipalmated Ring, 173.

Upland, 245.

Wilson's, 170.
Pochard, 315.
Prairie Hen, 146.
Ptarmigan, Willow, 145.
Puffin, Common, 394.

Sea Parrot, 394.

Tufted, 395.
Qua-bird, 265.
Quail, 157.

American Partridge, 157.

Bob-white, 157.

Messina, 162.

Migratory, 162.
Rail, Carolina, 286.

Clapper, 279.

Fresh- water Marsh Hen, 282.

King, 282.

Little Black, 289.

Salt-water Marsh Hen, 279.

Sora, 286.

Virginia, 283.

Yellow, 287.
Reeve, 243.
Ring-neck, 173.
Rocky Mountain Garrot, 317.
Ruddy Plover, 229.
Ruff, 243.

Salt-water Marsh Hen, 279.
Sanderling, 229.
Sandpiper, American Green, 238.

Ash-colored, 228.

Baird's, 217.

Bartramian, 245.

Bonaparte's, 221.

Buff-breasted, 246.

406

INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES.

Sandpiper, Curtov, 224.

Grass Snipe, 220.

Jack Snipe, 220.

Knot, 228.

Least, 214.

Pectoral, 220.

Purple, 222.

Red-backed, 223.

Red-breasted, 228.

Reeve, 243.

Robin Snipe, 228.

Ruddy Plover, 229.

Ruff, 243.

Sanderlmg, 229.

Semipalmated, 212.

Solitary, 238.

Spotted, 241.

Stilt, 206.

Upland Plover, 245.

White-rumped, 221.
Scoter, American Black, 326.

White-winged, 327.
Sea-coot, 328.
" Dove, 395.
" Parrot, 394.
" Pigeon, 396.
" Swallow, 358.
Shearwater, Greater, 383.

Mank's, 384.

Northern, 384.

Sooty, 385.

Wandering, 383.
Shoveller, 311.
Sickle-bill, 248.
Skimmer, Black, 376.
Snipe, American, 194.

Brown-back, 198.

Dowitcher, 198.

Grass, 220.

Gray, 198.

Greater long-beak, 202.

Jack, 220.

Red-breasted, 198.

Robin, 228.

Stone, 236.

Wilson's, 194.
Solan Goose, 334.
Sora, 286.
Squawk, 265.
Stilt, Black-necked, 182.
Stone Snipe, 236.
Swallow, Sea, 358.
Swan, American Wild, 296.

Trumpeter, 296.
Swift, Chimney, 56.

Tattler, Greater, 236.

" Yellow-legs, 236.

Lesser, 237.

" Yellow-legs, 237.

Semipalmated, 233.

Solitary, 238.

Spotted Sandpiper, 241.

Stone Snipe, 236.

Willet, 233.
Teal, Blue-winged, 311.

European, 310.

Green-winged, 310.
Tern, Arctic, 370.

Black, 375.
" Skimmer, 376.

Caspian, 355.

Cayenne, 357.

Common, 358.

Forster's, 369.

Gull-billed, 355.

Least, 371.

Marsh, 355.

Roseate, 371.

Royal, 357.

Sandwich, 357.
. Sea Swallow, 358.

Short-tailed, 375.

Sooty, 372.

Wilson's, 358.
Tropic-bird, 342.
Turkey, Wild, 143.
Turnstone, 178.
Upland Plover, 245.
Whimbrel, American, 250.
Whippoorwill, 50.
Whistler, 317.
Widgeon, American, 309.

European, 309.
'Willet, 233.
Woodcock, 191.

European, 194.
Woodpecker, Black-backed, three-toed,

74-

Downy, 72.

Flicker, 82.

Golden-winged, 82.

Hairy, 71.

Pileated, 69.

Red-bellied, 79.

Red-headed, 80.

White-backed, three-toed, 76.

Yellow-bellied, 76.
Wood Pewee, 28.
Yellow-legs, Greater, 236.
237-

INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES,

Accipiter cooperi, 105.

fuscus, 104.
Actodromas bairdi, 217.

bonapartii, 221.

maculata, 220.

minutilla, 214.
/Egialites melodus, 175.

semipalmatus, 173.

vociferus, 168.

wilsonius, 170.
Aix sponsa, 312.
Alca impennis, 401.
Alle nigricans, 395.
Aiuco flammeus pratincola, 86.
Anas boscas, 304.

obscura, 306.

Ancylochilus subarquattts, 224.
Anser albifrons gambeli, 298.
Antrostomus vociferus, 50.
Aquila chrysaetus, 130.
Archibuteo Jagopus sancti-johannis, 1 26.
Ardea herodias, 259.
Ardetta exilis, 273.
Arquatella maritima, 222.
Asio accipitrinus, 91.

wilsonianus, 90.
Astur atricapillus, 108.
Bartramia longicauda, 245.
Bernicla brenta, 301.

brenta nigricans, 302.

canadensis, 303.

canadensis hufchinsi, 304.

leucofsis, 300.
Bonasa umbella, 1 50.
Botaurus mugitans, 269.
Bubo virginianus, 87.
Buteo borealis, 121.

lineatus, 123.

pennsylvanicus, 125.

swainsoni, 124.
Butorides virescens, 264.
Calidris arenaria, 229.
Camptolaemus labradorius, 320.
Canace canadensis, 148.

Catharista atrata, 137.
Cathartes aura, 135.
Centurus carolinus, 79.
Ceryle alcyon, 62.
Chaetura pelasgica, 56.
Charadrius dominicus, 166.
Chaulelasmus streperus, 308.
Chen coerulescens, 299.

hyperboreus, 299.
Chordediles popetue, 52.
Chroicocephalus atricilla, 351.

Philadelphia, 352.
Circus cyaneus hudsonius, 101.
Clangula albeola, 318.

glaucium, 317.

islandica, 317.
Coccygus americanus, 67.

erythrophthalmus, 65.
Colaptes auratus, 82.
Colymbus arcticus, 389.

septentrionalis, 390.

torquatus, 388.
Contopus borealis, 26.

virens, 28.

Coturnix dactylisonans, 162.
Cupidonia cupido, 146.
Cygnus columbianus, 296.

buccinator, 296.
Cymochorea leucorrhoa, 382.
Dafila acuta, 307.
Daptium capense, 386 .
Ectopistes migratorius, 139.
Elano'ides forficatus, 103.
Empidonax acadicus, 31.

flaviventris, 44.

minimus, 41.

trailli, 36.

Ereunetes pusillus, 212.
Erismatura rubida, 330.
Eudocimus albus, 257.
Falco gyrfalco, 109.

" islandicus, in.
" obsoletus, no.
" sacer, no.

407

408

INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

Falco columbarius, 117.

peregrinus, in.

sparverius, 118.
Florida coerulea, 263.
Fratercula arctica, 394.

cirrata, 395.
Fulica americana, 294.
Fuligula affinis, 314.

collaris, 314.

ferina americana, 315.

marila, 313.

vallisneria. 316.
Fulmarus glacialis, 380.
Gallinago wilsoni, 194.
Gallinula galeata, 291.
Garzetta candidissima, 262.
Grus americana, 276.

pratensis, 277.
Haematopus palliatus, 177.
Haliaetus leucocephalus, 133.
Harelda glacialis, 319.
Herodias egretta, 260.
Himantopus mexicanus, 182.
Histrionicus minutus, 323.
Hydrochelidon lariformis, 375.
Hylotomus pileatus, 69.
lonornis martinica, 292.
Lagopus albus, 145.
Larus argentatus smithsonianus, 348.

delawarensis, 349.

glaucus, 346.

leucopteius, 346.

marinus, 347.
Limosa foeda, 230.

haemastica/232.
Lobipes hyperboreus, 187.
Lomvia arra, 398.

troile, 397.

Machetes pugnax, 243.
Macrorhamphus griseus, 198.

" scolopaceus, 202.
Mareca americana, 309.

penelope, 309.

Melanerpes erythrocephalus, 80.
Meleagris gallipavo americana, 143.
Mergus cuculatus, 333.

merganser, 331.

serrator, 332.

Micropalama himantopus, 206.
Milvulus forficatus, 12.
Myiarchus crinitus, 18.
Nomonyx dominica, 330.
Numenius borealis, 251.

hudsonicus, 250.

longirostris, 248.
Nyctala acadica, 98.

tengmalmi richardsoni, 97.
Nyctea scandiaca, 94.
Nycterodius violaceus, 267.

Nyctiardea grisea naevia, 265.
Oceanites oceanicus, 383.
CEdemia americana, 326.

fusca, 327.

perspicillata, 328.
Ortyx virginiana, 157.
Pandion haliaetus, 127.
Pelecanus fuscits, 338.

trachyrhynchus, 337.
Pelidna alpina americana, 223.
Phalacrocorax carbo, 339.

dilophus, 340.
Phalaropus fulicarius, 189.
Philohela minor, 191.
Picoi'des americanus, 76.

arcticus, 74.
Picus pubescens, 72.

villosus, 71.

Plegadis falcinellus, 254.
Podicipes cornutus, 392.

cistatus, 391.

griseigena holbcelli, 391.
Podilymbus podicipes, 393.
Porzana Carolina, 286.

jamaicensis, 289.

noveboracensis, 287.
Procellaria pelagica, 381.
Puffinus anglorum, 384.

borealis, 384.

fuliginosus, 385.

major, 383.
Querquedula carolinensis, 310.

crecca, 310.

discors, 311.
Rallus elegans, 282.

longirostris crepitans, 279.
Rallus virginianus. 283.
Recurvirostra americana, 180.
Rhyacophilus solitarius, 238.
Rhynchops nigra, 376.
Rissa tridactyla, 350.
Sayiornis fusca, 23.
Scolopax riisticula, 194.
Scops asio, 89.
Somateria mollissima dresseri, 324.

spectabilis, 326.
Spatula clypeata, 311.
Speotyto cunicularia hypogaea, 99.
Sphyropicus varius, 76.
Squatarola helvetica, 163.
Steganopus wilsoni, 184.
Stercorarius buffoni, 345.

parasiticus, 344.

pomatorhinus, 344.

skua, 343.
Sterna anglica, 355.

cantiaca, 357.

caspia,355.

dougalh, 371.

INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

409

Sterna forsteri, 369.

fuliginosa, 372.

hirundo, 358.

macrura, 370.

maxima, 357.

superrilliaris antillarum, 371.
Strepsilas interpres, 1 78.
Strix cinerea, 92.

nebulosa, 94.
Sula bassana, 334.

leucogastra, 335.
Surnia funerea, 96.
Symphemia semipalmata, 233.
Tachypetes aquilus, 341.

Totanus flavipes, 237.

melanoleucus, 236.
Tringa canutus, 228.
Tringoides macularius, 241.
Trochilus colubris, 59.
Tryngites rufescens, 246.
Tyrannus carolinensis, 15.

dominicensis, 14.

verticalis, 13.
Una grylle, 396.
Utamania torda, 400.
Xema sabinii, 3^3.
Zenaidura carohnensis, 140.

Boston Stereotype Foundry, No. 4 Pearl Street

NEW ENGLAND BIRD LIFE

A MANUAL OF NEW ENGLAND
ORNITHOLOGY.

Revised and edited from the manuscript of WlNFRID A. STEARNS,

Member of the Nuttall Ornithological Club, etc.

By Dr. ELLIOTT COUES, U.S.A.,

Member of the Academy, etc.

Part I. Osrines (Singing Birds}. Illustrated, $2.50.

The most complete Cyclopedia of Singing-Birds of New Eng-
land. The Editor's name is a guarantee that the work is
thoroughly and completely prepared.

"The study of the ornithology of New England has been carried forward
with rapid strides during the last few years, and the time has arrived when a
standard volume, covering the whole ground, and presenting in a concise and
convenient form an epitome of bird life of New England, should be written.
Such a work Mr. Winfrid A. Stearns undertook several years ago at the suggestion
of Dr. Coues. The plan of this book is to give descriptions of the birds them-
selves, enabling the student to identify any specimen he may have on hand ; local
distribution, migration, and relative abundance of every specie.

" The manuscript has been revised and edited by Dr. Elliott Coues, and the
present volume, embracing the large and important order Oscines, has received in
its arrangement and in its copious illustration the personal supervision of that
gentleman. The work is an invaluable one for the student, containing, as it does,
the results of the latest investigations and being especially adapted to practical use."
— Boston Courier.

" It is a valuable addition to the literature of Ornithology, and its value and
interest are increased by the very meritorious illustrations. It is doubtless the
most complete and satisfactory exposition of the bird life of New England that has
yet appeared." — Salem Gazette.

"This book is a benefaction to the rising generation which they cannot too
highly prize. Let it find a place on every parlor table and in every public library."
— Portland Argus.

"The volume is in its way a model of thoroughness." — Milwaukee Sentinel.

"It is exhaustive and reliable, giving almost everything in relation to the
feathered songsters, and containing everything that the casual reader will care to
know, while the naturalist cannot fail to be delighted with it." — Philadelphia
Chron-Herald.

" For the romance and poetry of the subject one will of course have to look
elsewhere. Our feathered songsters are here seen, as it were, lifeless and cold upon
the dissecting table ; instead of forms instinct with life, brilliant with fluttering
plumage, and vocal with melodious songs, we are shown through shallow drawers
full of the stuffed skins of birds only, which we may handle with the cool criticism
of the true scientist." — The Literary World.

"To say that the book is exceedingly well written would be doing it scant
justice. Dr. Coues' brilliant talents in this respect are already well known, but we
nave, perhaps, never had so striking a proof of them as is afforded by the present
volume. The work has been done so thoroughly that in point of completeness it is
almost perfect ; so consistently, that but few points are open to criticism ; so con-
cisely, that one hundred and thirty-eight species are treated in two hundred and
seventy octavo pages, and the arrangement of the whole is masterly. Gracefully
turned descriptive passages and sparkling bits of commentary everywhere enliven
the subject, as the brighter colors of an old piece of tapestry set off its more
sombre background." — Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club."

"Those who are familiar with the Editor's felicitous style, as displayed,
especially in his 'Birds of the Northwest' and 'Birds of the Colorado Valley,'
will not fail to recognize his touches on nearly every page, or his influence on the
general execution of the work." — N. Y. Nation.

" Mr Stearns began the book several years ago. He performed his task with
great care and labor. After finishing his part of the work he handed the MSS.
over to Dr. Elliott Coues, the distinguished ornithologist, to be edited. This
gentleman has done more than any other man in the country to popularize the
study of American birds. He revised the book, rewriting considerable of it.
Those accustomed to the lively, graceful style of his other books will frequently
recognize his touch in these pages. So now we may be considered to have a perfect
book about the birds of New England, at least until some disagreeable scientific
man finds out something more." — Cincinnati Commercial.

" It is the most complete and thorough study in its particular branch that has
yet appeared. In the present work, thoroughness seems to be the prime idea,
and everything that exists in New England bird life is carefully classified and
described. The publishers, with characteristic zeal, have ably seconded the efforts
of author and editor, and the work is presented in a neat and attractive style." —
Boston Times.

" Will undoubtedly take a conspicuous place among the works descriptive of the
feathered inhabitants of our section." — Boston Commonwealth.

" Will no doubt be received by the public with special favor, and be regarded by
educators as a standard authority." — Chicago Journal.

" It is the object of the present volume to go carefully over the whole ground,
and present, in concise and convenient form, an epitome of the bird life of New
England." — Albany Journal.

" Its method and scope are all that could be desired in a general scientific
treatise, and it fills a place hitherto unoccupied." — Boston Traveller.

" The work seems to have been done with thoroughness and knowledge, and
commends itself strongly to ornithologists on that account. It is fully illustrated."
— Boston Transcript.

" It is handsomely printed, well illustrated, and will be found a complete and
thoroughly serviceable manual of reference by all students." — Cincinnati Gazette.

" It is prepared by acknowledged authority, and is practical and popular rather
than exhaustive. It is just the book to take down from one's library-shelf in
answer to the question < What bird is that ? ' It is just the book to give a twelve-
year old boy when he begins to be curious about birds. It is just the book to go
into a school reference library." — N. Y. Christian Union.

" The work is thorough and up to date, and such a book ought to be put in the
hands of ten thousand boys th?t have a gun. It will do for the Northern Middle
States." — M Y. Independent.

Sold by all Booksellers and Newsdealers, and sent by mail,
postpaid, on receipt of price.

LEE AND SHEPARD, PUBLISHERS, BOSTON.

3760

THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE
STAMPED BELOW

RENEWED BOOKS ARE SUBJECT TO IMMEDIATE
RECALL

LIBRARY, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS

Book Slip-Series 458

U66370

QL683

Stearns, W.A. N67

New England bird S78
life. pt.2

LIBRA RY

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
DAVIS