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BY AUTHORITY.

NEW YORK; ^*J

D.APPLETON AC?AND Wl L£\ & PUTNAM?

BOSTON;
GOULD* KENDALL & LINCOLN.

ALB ANT,

CARROLL&COOK PRINTERS TO THE ASSEMBLY.

1843.

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The copy right of this work is secured for the benefit of the People of the State of New- York.

SAMUEL YOUNG,

Secretary of State.
Albany, 1843.

■

*

TO

WILLIAM C. BOUCK,

GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEW-YOEK.

I submit a continuation of a Report on the Zoology of the State.
And have the honor to be,

With great respect, ,

Your obedient servant,

JAMES E. DE KAY.

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LIST

OP
BOOKS ON ORNITHOLOGY, REFERRED TO IN THE FOLLOWING PAGES.

Axtdcbon, J. J. American Ornithological Biography. 5 vols. 8vo. London.
" Birds of America. 4 vols, folio.

" Note on the Hirundo fulva. (Ann. Lye. 1, p. 103.)

Facts and Observations on the permanent residence of the Swallow in the United States. (Bj. p. 166.)
Synopsis of the Birds of ISorth America. 8vo. pp. 359. Edinburgh, 1839.

The Birds of America, from drawings made in the United States and their territories. 7 vols. 8vo.
New- York and Philadelphia, 1839 et seq.
Bonaparte, C. L. American Ornithology ; or the Natural History of Birds inhabiting the United States, with figures,
drawn, engraved and colored from nature. 4 vols, folio. Philadelphia, 1826 et seq.
Sulla seconda edizione del Regno aniinale del Barone Cuvier, osservazioni. 8vo. pp. 175. Bologna,

1830.
Saggio di una distribuzione, &c. degli animali vertebrati. 8vo. pp. 144. Roma, 1831.
The Genera of North American Birds, and a Synopsis of the species found within the territory of the

United States. (Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History of New- York, Vol. 2, 1828.)
Supplement to the Genera of North American Birds. (Zoological Journal, Vol. 2.)
" Account of four species of Stormy Petrel. (Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 3, p. 227.) '

" Supplement to the preceding account. (Zool. Journal, Vol. 2.)

Observations on the nomenclature of Wilson's Ornithology. (Partly published in the 4th and 5th
volumes of the Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences, as far as No. 227 ; and subsequently
completed and published in a separate form.)
" Additions to the Ornithology of the United States. (Jour. Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 5, p. 28.)

" Descriptions of two new species of Mexican Birds. (lb. Vol. 4, p. 387.)

" On a new species of Duck described by Wilson as the Anas fuligula of Europe. (lb. Vol. 3, p. 381.)

" A Geographical and Comparative List of the Birds of Europe and North America. 8vo. Lond. 1838.

" Specchio comparativo delle ornithologie di Roma et di Filadelfia. 8vo. Pisa, 1827.

Brewer, T. M. Some additions to the Catalogue of the Birds of Massachusetts, in Prof. Hitchcock's Report. (Bost.
Journ. Nat. History, Vol. 1, p. 435.)
" Remarks on the Cow Blackbird. (lb. p. 431.)

Wilson's A merican Ornithology, with Notes by Jardine ; to which is added a Synopsis of American
Birds, including those described by Bonaparte, Audubon, Nuttall and Richardson. 8vo. pp. 746.
Boston, 1840.
Brisson, A. D. Ornithologia, sive Synopsis methodica avium. 2 vols. 8vo. Lug. Bat. 1763.

Clinton, Dewitt. On the Hirundo fulva of Vieillot, with some general remarks on the birds of this genus. (Ann.
Lye. N. York, Vol. 1, p. 156.)
" Remarks on the Columba migratoria or Passenger Pigeon (Med. & Phil. Register, Vol. 2, p. 210.)

Cooper, W. Description of a new North American species of the Genus Fringilla (vespertina). (Ann. Lye. New-
York, Vol. 1, p. 219.)
[Fauna — Part 2.] c

X LIST OF BOOKS.

Crvi«», O. La Regne animal distribue d'apres son organization, par le Chevalier Cuvier. 4 vols. 8vo. Paris, 1817
et seq.
" The same, translated by H. M'Murtrie. 4 vols. 8vo. Philadelphia, 1831 et seq.

" The same, translated by Griffith. 16 vols. 8vo. London. Vols. 6, 7 & 8.

D« Kay, J. E. Catalogue of the Animals of the State of New- York. Albany, 1840.

Douohtt, J. The Cabinet of Natural History and American Rural Sports, with illustrations. Vol. 1, 4to. Phila-
delphia, 1830.
Douglass, D. Observations on some species of the Genera Tetrao and Ortyx, natives of North America, with descrip-
tions of four new species of the former and two of the latter. (Lin. Tr. Lond. 4to. 1829.)
Emmons, E. Catalogue of the Birds of Massachusetts (See Hitchcock).
Fleming, J. The Philosophy of Zoology; or a general view of the structure, functions and classification of animals.

2 vols. 8vo. Edinburgh, 1822.
Fobster, J. R. A Catalogue of the Animals of North America (plate). 8vo. pp. 34. London, 1771.
Gikacp, J. P. Descriptions of sixteen new species of North American Birds, collected in Texas in 1 838. Folio plates,
New-York, 1841.
" The Birds of Long Island. 8vo. pp. 397. New-York, 1844.

Hitchcock, E. Catalogue of the Animals and Plants of Massachusetts'. 8vo. pp. 142. Amherst, 1835.
Jartinf., W. American Ornithology; or Natural History of the Birds of the United States, by A. Wilson, with*a

continuation by C. L. Bonaparte. 3 vols. 8vo. London, 1832.
Kirtland, J. P. Report on the Zoology of Ohio. \

LiNNjcus, C. Systema Natural. 12th edition.
Linslev, J. H. Catalogue of the Birds of Connecticut, arranged according to their natural families. (Amer. Journ.

Science, Vol. 44.)
Michener, E. A few facts in relation to the identity of the Red and Mottled Owls. (Journ. Acad. Nat. Sciences,

Vol. 7, p. 53.)
Montagu, G. Ornithological Dictionary, or Alphabetical Synopsis of British Birds. 2 vols. 8vo. London, 1802; and

Supplement, 1813.
Nuttall, T. Manual of the Ornithology of the United States and of Canada. 2 vols. 8vo. Cambridge, 1832 & 1834.
Ord, G. Account of an American species of the Genus Tantalus or Ibis. (Jour. Acad. Nat Sciences, Vol. 1, p. 53.)
" Observations on two species of the Genus Gracula of Latham. (lb. p. 253.)

" Account of the Florida Jay of Bartram. (lb. p. 345.)

Supplement to the American Ornithology of A. Wilson ; containing a sketch of the author's life, with a
selection of his letters, and a history of those birds which were intended to compose his ninth volume.
Folio. Philadelphia, 1825.
Peabodt, W. B. 0. Report on the Ornithology of Massachusetts. 8vo. pp. 148. Boston, 1839.
Pennant, W. Arctic Zoology. 3 vols. 4to. London, 1784 et seq.
Richardson & Swainson. Fauna Boreali Americana, or the Zoology of the northern parts of British America. Part

II. Birds. 4to. London, 1828.
Shabfless, J. T. Account of the Wild Swan, with a figure (See Doughty, p. 181).

" Description of the same. (Am. Journ. Science.)

Temminck, C. J. Manuel d'Ornithologie, ou Tableau systematique des oiseaux qui se trouvent en Europe, &c. 2 vols.
8vo. Paris, 1820.
Observations sur la classification methodique des oiseaux. 8vo. pp. 60. Amsterdam, 1817.
Townsend, J. K. Descriptions of twelve new species of Birds, chiefly from the vicinity of the Columbia river. (Jour.
Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 7, p. 187.)
" Description of a new species of Sylvia. (lb. p. 149.)

" Note on Sylvia tolmoai. (lb. p. 159.)

Description of a new species of Cypsclus (vauxii). (lb. p. 148.)

List of the Birds inhabiting the region of the Rocky Mountains, the territory of the Oregon, and the
Northwest coast of America. (lb. p. 151.)
Tbcdeau, J. Description of the White-winged Tanagcr (Pyranga leucoptera). (lb. p. 160.)

Wilson, A. American Ornithology, or the Natural History of the Birds of the United States. 9 vols, folio Phila-
delphia, 1808 et seq.

SYNOPSIS

OP THE

FAMILIES AND GENERA OF BIRDS FOUND "WITHIN THE STATE OF NEW- YORK.

ORDER ACCIPITRES.

Vultt7rid.£, Cathartes.

Falconid*, Aquila, Haliaetos, Pandion, Buteo, Nauclerus, Falco, Astur, Circus.

Strigid^e, Surnia, Bubo, Syrnium, Otus, Ulula, Strix.

ORDER PASSERES.

Caprimuigidje, Caprimulgus, Chordeiles.

HiRUNDiNiD.a:, Hirundo, Chaetura.

Ampelid.e, Bombycilla, Alcedo.

Trochilid*, Trochilus.

Certhid.e, Sitta, Certhia, Mniotilta, Troglodytes.

PARiDiE, Parus.

Silviad-k, Regulus, Sialia.

Merulida:, Orpheus, Merula.

MotacilliDjE, Anthus, Seiurus.

Sylvicolid.e, Trichas, Vermivora, Sylvicola, Wilsonia, Culicivora.

Mcscicapid^e, Muscicapa, Tyrannus.

Vireonid.e, Vireo, Icteria.

Laniidjb, Lanius.

Corvidje, Garrulus, Pica, Corvus.

QuiscALiDjE, Quiscalus, Stumella, Icterus, Molothrus, Dolichonyx.

C Coccoborus, Coccothraustes, Struthus, Fringilla, Emberiza, Ammo-
Fringillid^;, < dramus, Carduelis, Linaria, Erythrospiza, Pitylus, Pipilo, Spiza,

( Pyranga, Plectrophanes, Alauda, Corythus, Loxia,

Picidje, Picus.

Cijcui.id.e, Coccyzus.

Columbid^, Ectopistes, Columba.

XU SYNOPSIS OF BIRDS.

ORDER GALLING.

Phasuanidje, Meleagris, Pavo, Numida, Gallus.

Tktraunid.k, Ortyx, Tetrao.

ORDER GRALL^E.

Charadrid*, Charadrius, Squatarola, Strepsilas, Hsematopus.

Ardkida, Grus, Ardea.

Tantalid.e, Ibis.

a ( Numenius, Hemipalma, Heteropoda, Tringa, Calidris, Totanus, Limosa,

SScolopacid-*,—-- } Scolopax, Rusticola.

Rallida;, Rallus, Ortygometra, Gallinula.

Recur virostridje, Himantopus, Recurvirostra.

Phalaropodid.b, Phalaropus, Lobipes, Holopodius.

ORDER LOBIPEDES.
PodocipidjE. Fulica, Podiceps, Hydroka.

ORDER NATATORES.

Alcidj-:. Uria, Mergulus, Mormon, Alca.

Colvmbidx, Colymbus.

Procellaridje. — Puffinus, Thalassidroma.

Pelecanid.i:, Pnalacracorax, Pelecanus, Sula.

Larid.e, Rhynchops, Sterna, Larus, Lestris.

Anatid.e, Mergus, Fuligula, Anas, Anser, Cygnus.

THE NEW-YORK FAUNA.

CLASS II. BIRDS.

VERTEBRATED WARM-BLOODED OVIPAROUS ANIMALS, BREATHING BY LUNGS, WHICH ARE UN-
DIVIDED AND ATTACHED TO THE RIBS. MOUTH ELONGATED INTO A HORNY BILL. BODY
COVERED WITH FEATHERS J WITH TWO WINGS AND TWO FEET. FORMED FOR FLYING.

ORDER I. ACCIPITRES.

Bill strong, more or less hooked, covered towards the base by a membrane called
a cere. Wings powerful. Legs usually stout. Tibia muscular, completely
feathered. Toes four, three in front and one behind. Claws stout, acute,
curved and retractile. Tail of 12 - 14 feathers.

Obs. This order is commonly known under the name of Birds of prey, including Hawks,
Eagles, Owls, &c. Live upon the smaller living quadrupeds, birds, reptiles, fishes and in-
sects, and also upon dead bodies. Females larger than the males. The order includes
several families, at the head of which is usually placed the

FAMILY VULTVRIDM.

Head and part of the neck divested of feathers, or covered with a short down. Toes and
tarsus bare of feathers ; the latter shorter than the middle toe. Outer toes connected
at the base by a membrane. Claws not much incurved, and rather blunt. Eyes not pro-
minent.

Obs. This is the only family, among the birds of prey, which feeds its young by disgorging
its own food. Feeds almost exclusively on carrion. Comprises at present ten species, all
peculiar to America, of which one only is seen in this State, where it is a rare but occasional
visiter.

[Fauna — Part 2.] 1

2 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

GENUS CATHARTES. Illiger.

Bill elongated, straight at the base : upper mandible covered to the middle by the cere.
Nostrils contiguous, medial, oblong, pervious, naked. Tongue concave in the middle ; the
edges serrate. Tarsus short, stout. Middle toe longest; lateral ones equal; hind toe
very small. Claws stout, arched. Wings very large ; third, fourth and fifth primaries
longest.

THE TURKEY BUZZARD.

Cathartes aura.

plate v. fig. 18.

(STATE COLLECTION. Mam.)

Vultur aura. Wilson, Am. Ornith. Vol. 9, p. 96, pi. 75, fig. 1.

Cathartes aura. Temminck, Man. d'Orn. Ed. 2, Vol. 1, p. 48.

C. id. Bonap. Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. Vol. 2. p. 23.

Turkey Buzzard. Not-tall, Manual Orn. U. S. Vol. 1, p. 43. Audcbon, PI. 151 ; Ornith. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 296 ;

Vol. 5, p. 339.
Red-headed Turkey Vulture. Id. Birds of America, Vol. 1, p. 15, pi. 2 (male and young).
Turkey Vulture or Turkey Buzzard. Giraud, Birds of Long Island, p. 1.

Characteristics. Black. Head and neck red. Neck feathered equally all round. Wings
not extending beyond the tail, which is rounded. Young, dark brown,
with the wing-coverts and secondaries spotted with white.

Description. Cutting margin of the upper mandible undulated. Nostrils large, oblong-
elliptic, nearer the ridge of the mandible than to the cutting edge. Third and fourth prima-
ries longest. Tarsus covered with small rounded convex scales. Naked portion of the neck
extending to the breast bone, sprinkled with a few short black hairs. Legs feathered to the
knees.

Color. Black or deep blackish brown ; darkest on the neck, breast and belly ; glossed
above with green and bronze. Eyes dark hazel. The wrinkled skin on the neck behind
covered with black down. Bill white towards the tip.

Length, 30-0-32-0. Extent of wings, 72 • 0 - 76 • 0.

The Turkey Buzzard, the well known scavenger of our southern cities, is exceedingly rare
in this State. The southern part of New-Jersey is the most northerly breeding place of the
Turkey Buzzard along the Atlantic coast. Previous to the establishment of a railroad be-
tween New-York and Philadelphia, one might, at any time in July or August, have seen flocks
of these birds attracted thither by the carcases of horses which had fallen victims to the rivalry
between stage-coach proprietors. I have seen them upon several occasions at South- Amboy,

ACCIPITRES — FALC0NIDJ3 — CATHARTES. 3

and from thence the distance is inconsiderable to the west end of Long island. Here I have
seen them twice, and they appear to be known to the country people, who speak of them,
however, as very rare, and only seen at intervals of several years, and during the hottest of
the season. Dr. Eights assures me that he saw them once on the low islands in the Hudson
below Albany. Southwardly it is supposed to range to the River La Plata. They axe found
abundantly on the Rocky mountains and along the Columbia river, and according to Richard-
son as far north as the 53d parallel. It is common in Ohio during the summer, but does not
continue in the northern parts of that State during the winter. Food, carrion, disabled ani-
mals, the eggs of birds, etc. Lay two eggs, nearly three inches long, yellowish white, with
dark brown blotches particularly at the larger end.

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

C. atratus. Black Vulture. (Atjd. B. of A. PI. 3.) Neck more feathered above than below. Tail

emarginate. Young entirely brown. Southern States.
C. californianus. (Avo. lb. pi. 1.) Feathers of the collar and breast lanceolate. Wings reaching

beyond the tail. Length, 55 inches. Columbia river.

FAMILY FALCONIBM.

Head and neck feathered. Tarsus longer than the middle toe. Claws strong, sharp, much
curved, very retractile. Lower mandible obliquely rounded at the tip. Eyes large and
prominent, with a projecting bony ridge above.

Obs. This family, which formerly contained but two genera, now comprises from nine to
twelve, according to the views of systematic writers.

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

Genus Polybortts, Vieillot. Cere large, covered with hair-like feathers continued over the cheeks and
behind the eyes. Nostrils narrow, oblique. Wings long ; the third and fourth quills longest.
Tail rounded. Bill large, much compressed.
P. brasiliensis (Audub. B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 21, pi. 4.) Above blackish brown. Head crested. Tail
"white, with a broad dusky band at the tip. Cere dull red. Legs yellow. Florida. Rare.

NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

GENUS AQUILA. Brisson.

Head large, flattened above, plumed. Beak thick, powerful, nearly straight at its base,
somewhat angular above, and strongly hooked at the tip. Nostrils oval or rounded, oblique.
Legs clothed with feathers to the toes, which are short, and united by a short web. Feathers
of the head and neck narrow and pointed. Wings long ; the fourth qui]l longest : the
outer six abruptly cut out on the inner web.

THE GOLDEN EAGLE.

Aquila chrysaetos.

PLATE VI. FIG. 14 (Youho).

Ring-tailed EagU. Wilson, Vol. 7, p. 13. pi. 55, fig. 1 (young).

Falcofvlvut. Bonap. Am. Lyceum Nat. History N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 25.

Golden Eagle. Audobon, Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 464.

Royal or Golden Eagle. Nuttall, Manual Om. Vol. 1, p. 62. AuD. B. of A. 8vo. Vol. 1, p. 50, pi. 12 (adult).

AqvUa chrysaetos, Golden Eagle. GlRAUD, Birds of Long Island, p. 8.

Characteristics. Dusky. Cere and toes yellow. Tail rounded, reaching beyond the wings.
Young, with three-fourths of the tail white towards the base.

Description. The third primary nearly as long as the fourth. Secondaries broad and
rounded. Tail broad, with the feathers broad, rounded, and slightly pointed at their ends.
Claws flat beneath.

Color. Bill bluish at base, black towards the tip. Eyelids bright blue. Fore part of
the head, cheeks and throat deep brown. Neck, on its posterior part and sides, light fulvous
brown. Tail light fulvous brown. Young, to the third year, with the tail white, banded
with black at the tips.

Length, 35 • 0 - 40 • 0. Extent of wings, 80 • 0 - 84 • 0.

The Golden Eagle is a rare species, a single pair appearing to monopolize a large district.
It usually selects inaccessible rocky peaks for its abode, where it builds its nest. The eggs
are usually two, brownish white with scattering brownish streaks, and about 3 ' 5 inches in-
length. Their food consists of living quadrupeds, birds, etc., rarely touching dead bodies.
They are frequently observed near the Highlands on the North river, and have been seen on
Lake Erie. A fine specimen was shot a few years since at Islip, Suffolk county, and is now
in the collection of my late estimable friend Mr. De Rham. Its geographical range northward
extends to the 66th parallel. This species is common to Europe and America.

ACCIPITRES — FALCONIDjE — HALIiETOS. 5

GENUS HALIAETOS. Savigny.

Ridge of the beak convex and compressed : lower mandible with the tip obliquely truncate.
Nostrils oblong, oblique. Upper half of the tarsus with short close-set feathers, with
transverse scutellae in front below. Cere slightly hispid. Outer toe capable of changing
its direction. Tail rounded. Claws curved with a deep internal groove.

THE BROWN OR BALD EAGLE.

Haliaetos leucocephalus.

PLATE I. FIG. 1 (Fkiuxe).
(STATE COLLECTION. Male & Female).

Falco leucocephalut. Wils. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 89, pi. 36 (adult male).

Sea Eagle. Id. lb. Vol. 7, pi. 55, fig. 2 (young).

F. leucocephalus. Nott. Man. Vol. 1, p. 72 (male).

Aquila (Haliaetos) id. Rich. & Sw. F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 15. Bonap. Comp. and Geographical List, p. 3.

White-headed or Bald Eagle, Aud. B. of A. 8vo. Vol. 1, p. 80, pi. 14 (male).
Bald Eagle, H. leucocephalus. Giraud, Birds of Long Island, p. 9.

Characteristics. Brown. Head and tail (of males) white. Tail reaching beyond the
wings. Bill, feet and irides pale yellow. Female : Beak bluish black.
Tail with a few light spots on the upper surface. Young, irregularly
varied with dark and pale brown. Length 3. feet.

Description. Bill curved regularly from the cere to the tip : an obtuse and scarcely pro-
minent lobe on the cutting margin of the upper mandible ; and beyond this, the bill suddenly
curves downward. Primaries acute ; the fourth longest. Tail rounded. Claw of the hind
toe largest.

Color. Adult male : Head and upper part of the neck, the tail and its coverts, white ;
remaining parts of the body chocolate-brown. Bill and tarsus yellow ; cere light blue.
Female : Chin and upper part of the breast white ; a small portion of the upper part of the
tail powdered with white. Young : Dull brown varied with white. Tail brownish black,
mottled with white.

Length, 36-0 -40-0. Extent of wings, 84 • 0. Weight, 8- 12 lbs.

This noble bird is found in every part of the United States, feeding upon fish, wild fowl
and small quadrupeds. Along the coast it is frequently seen pursuing the Fish Hawk, and,
compelling him to drop his prey, seizes it before it touches the water. It builds its nest in
trees, and lays two or three dull white unspotted eggs. Although birds of prey are seldom
gregarious, yet I have known them to appear in flocks of 15-20 on the marshes near the
seacoast on Long island, after a violent northeast storm. The inhabitants, on such occasions,

6 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

approach them on horseback, and after killing many outright, dispatch the remaining
wounded ones with clubs. Its nest has been noticed in the neighborhood of New- York. It
is accidental in the northern parts of Europe. In this country, it ranges from Mexico to the
6 2d parallel of latitude.

(EXTRALIMITAt.)

H. tcashingtoni. (Add. B. of A. 8vo. VoL 1, p. 53, pi. 13.) Blackish brown, with a metallic tint.
Throat, breast and belly brownish yellow; each feather streaked with brown. Length, 42; alar
extent, 122. Western States.

GENUS PANDION. Savigny.

Upper ridge of the bill straight towards the base, with a slight lobe on its cutting edge. Tarsus
short, naked, covered with hexagonal scales. Feathers above short and narrow.

THE AMERICAN FISH HAWK.

PandioU carolinensis.

plate viii. fig. 18.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

FaUo carolinensis, Gmelin ; and Fish Hawk, Wilson, Am. Om. Vol. 5, p. 1, pi. 37.

Falco haHarius. Aud. pi. 81 (male) ; Om. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 415.

Fish Hawk. Nuttall, Manual, Vol. 1, p. 78, figure.

Aqvila {Pandion) halixeta. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 20.

Fish Hawk or Osprey. Aod. B. of A. 8 vo. Vol. 1, p. 64, pi. 15 (male).

P. carolinensis. BoNAP. Comp. List, p. 3.

P. haliailus, Fish Hawk. GiBADD, Birds of Long Island, p. 11.

Characteristics. Dark brown above ; beneath white. Cere and feet blue. Female :
Breast sparsely spotted with light brown. Young : Feathers above mar-
gined with yellowish white. Length, 24 ■ 0.

Description. Edge of the upper mandible straight to its hooked tip, excepting a slight
angular elevation near the corner of the mouth, and a slightly elevated lobe near the middle.
The folded wings slightly exceed the tail. Second primary longest. Tail slightly rounded.
Legs feathered in front half an inch below the joint. Middle claw with an obsolete groove
beneath ; the others rounded.

Color. Above dark brown ; the margins of the feathers paler. On the summit of the
head, the long feathers are white, darker in the centre, and erectile at pleasure. A dark
brown stripe runs from the base of the bill through the orbits and along the sides of the neck,

ACCIPITRES — FALCONID.E — BUTEO. 7

occasionally ascending and encircling the lower part of the neck. Inner vanes of the prima-
ries whitish barred with brown. Tail light brown, with 6-8 interrupted darker bars. Beneath
white, regularly tinged with brown. Cere and feet blue. Irides yellow. Bill bluish black.
Female with less white on the head, and a few brownish spots on the breast. Young : The
feathers bordered above with yellowish white.

Length, 21-0 -24-0. Alar extent, 50-0-60-0.

The American Fish Hawk or Osprey, occurs in every part of the State, and breeds in the
vicinity of fresh or salt water. It constructs a large nest of sticks and seaweed, in which it
deposits 3-4 dull white eggs, thickly spotted with brown. It feeds exclusively on fish and
other aquatic animals : it is therefore harmless, and should claim the'protection of the farmer ;
but he so closely resembles his congeners, that he usually shares their fate. Until recently
he has been confounded with the Osprey of Europe, and Bonaparte has restored the almost
forgotten name given to it by Gmelin. It ranges from Cayenne to the 60th parallel of north
latitude, and is peculiar to America.

GENUS BUTEO. Bechstein.

Beak short and small, and bent from the base. Cere short. Lores covered with bristles.
Tarsus long, scutellate, feathered half way down or more. Feathers of the thigh long and
pendulous. Fourth primary longest ; the first four cut out on the inner web. Outer toes
connected by a membrane.

THE ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD.

BUTEO SANCTI-JOANNIS.

PLATE II. FIG. 3 (Fimah).

(STATE COLLECTION. Male & Female.)

Rough-legged Falcon. Wils. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 59, pi. 33, fig. 1 (young) ; and Vol. 5, p. 216 (adult and young).

Black Hawk. Id. lb. Vol. 6, p. 82, pi. 53, fig. 1.

F. lagopus et St. Joannis. Bonap. Am. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 32.

F. id. Add. pi. 166 (young male), pi. 422 (adult) ; Orn. Biog Vol. 2, p. 377.

F. id. Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 97.

Rough-legged Buzzard. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol.2, p. 52, pi. 58.

Butaetes Sancli- Joannis. Bonap. Geographical and Comp. List, p. 3.

Rough-legged Buzzard, B. lagopus. Aud. B. of A. 8vo. Vol. 1, p. 46, pi. 11.

B. lagopus. Giradd, Birds of Long Island, p. 6.

Characteristics. Black and rusty. A dark broad belt across the belly. Tail white at
base, dark brown towards the tip, where it is margined with white.
Female, lighter colored. Young: Spots in place of the belt ; tail with
three bands. Length, 22 inches.

8 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

Description. Bill compressed ; edge of upper mandible slightly undulated. Eyebrows
prominent ; third quill longest ; fourth nearly equal. Tail moderately rounded. Tarsi thickly
covered with short feathers, which project over the insertion of the toes. Wings reaching
nearly to the tail.

Color. Mostly black and chocolate-brown. Head and upper parts of the neck and body
streaked with brownish black. Upper surface of wings black or brown. Belt across the
belly dark, often black. Upper tail-coverts white, with interrupted bars of black or brownish
black. Feathers on the thighs light reddish brown, with angular spots of dark brown. Breast
pale yellowish, with interrupted streaks of light brown. Bill bluish black. Cere yellow.

Length, 20-0-25*0.

This species exhibits such variations in its plumage, as to have occasioned some confusion
among systematic writers. It was originally described by Gmelin and Latham as a distinct
species, F. S. Joannis. Wilson described one form as identical with F. lagopus of Europe,
in which he was followed by all ornithologists down to 1838, when Bonaparte separated it
from that species. The other form was described as new, under the name of niger, and so
received until Bonaparte confirmed Wilson's .previous suspicions by arranging it under its
present name ; leaving, however, the old name of lagopus to stand, and thus making two
nominal species, which, however he finally united into one.

The Rough-legged Buzzard, or Black Hawk, is a northern species, rarely found beyond
Carolina. In this State, where it is often called the Marsh Hawk, it is rarely seen except in
the autumn and winter, proceeding northward in the spring, and has been observed as high
as the 68th parallel of north latitude. Its usual haunts are low grounds, where it preys upon
mice, small birds, frogs, etc. Its flight is low and leisurely, and it appears to be more noc-
turnal in its habits than any other species of the family.

ACCIPITRES — FALCONID.E — BUTEO. 9

THE RED-TAILED BUZZARD.

BrjTEO BOREALIS.
PLATE Via FIG. 17 (Young).

(STATE COLLECTION. Female.)

Falco borealis. Gmelin.

Red-tailed Falcon. Penn. Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 205.

Red-tailed Hawk. Wils. Orn. Vol. 6, p. 75, pi. 52, fig. 2 (adult male).

While-breasted Hawk. Id. lb. Vol. 6, p. 78, pi. 52, fig. 1 (young).

Falco borealis. Audits. B. of A. 8vd. pi. 7 (male and female) ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 265 ; Vol. 5, 378.

F. id. Ncttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 102. Richardson, Fauna Bor. Am. Vol. 2, p. 50.

Buteo borealis, Red-tailed Hawk or Buzzard. Giraod, Birds of Long island, p. 3.

Characteristics. Dusky ; whitish beneath, with dark hastate spots. Tail light reddish,
with a black subterminal band. Young; Tail dusky brown, with
several narrow blackish bands. Length, 20 inches.

Description. Head large and flattened. Bill rather straight from the base ; tip much in-
curved. Upper mandible broadly lobate on its cutting edge. Third, fourth and fifth prima-
ries subequal ; the fourth longest. Legs feathered two inches below the joint in front ; naked
behind. Tail nearly even or very slightly rounded, extending two inches beyond the closed
wings.

Color. Above, dark brown, with the margins of the feathers lighter ; beneath, the throat
and breast white, with a few short dark longitudinal streaks : in the adult, these are rust-
colored. Thigh-feathers white, with short interrupted transverse brown bars. Tail light
reddish brown, with a narrow black band in the male ; tip light colored. Bill light blue,
passing into black at the tip. Irides dark hazle. Cere and feet yellow.

Length, 20-0-24'0.

The Red-tail, Hen Hawk and Hen Harrier} by which names it is designated, resides in
our State during the whole year. It preys on the smaller quadrupeds, but is better known
by its frequent swoops into the poultry yard. It ranges from Mexico to the 58th parallel, and
is peculiar to this continent.

[Fauna — Part 2.]

10 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE RED-SHOULDERED BUZZARD.

BUTEO HYEMALIS.

PLATE VI. FIG. 13.

(STATE COLLECTION. Male, female and young.)

Fateo borealis et Unectut. Gmelin.

Rtd-thmUdmd Hawk. Fenn. Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 206.

Winttr Falcon. Wils. Ora. Vol. 4, p. 73, pi. 35, fig. 1 (adult.)

F. lintatiu. Id. lb. Vol. 6, p. 86, pi. 63, fig. 3 (young male).

F. {Circus J hycmalis. Bonap. Am. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 33.

Winter Falcon. Nott. Man. Vol. 1, p. 106.

Rtd-shouldcrtd Hawk. Aodubon, B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 40, pi. 9 (male and female).

Bulco lineatus, Red-thouldered Hawk. Gihacd, Birds of Long island, p. 7.

Characteristics. Brown and ferruginous. Wings and tail black ; the former spotted.
Shoulder of the wings reddish. Tail black, with five bands of white.
Young : Beneath white spotted with brown.

Description. Bill stout, compressed. Head depressed. Legs feathered a little below
the knees. Claws highly curved, and very sharp. Third and fourth primaries subequal,
longest. Tail long, slightly rounded. Feathers of the thighs elongated behind.

Color. Head, neck and back reddish brown. Wing-coverts and secondaries light brown,
thickly spotted with white. Quills nearly black, spotted with white. Under wing-coverts
reddish. Tail with from five to seven narrow white transverse bands, and tipped with white.
Thigh-feathers light brown, spotted or transversely barred with brown. Beneath reddish
brown, with longitudinal streaks of pale brown on the breast. Beak bluish at base, black at
tip. Cere, eyelids and feet yellow. Iris hazel.

Length, 19-0-21-0.

The Red-shouldered Buzzard, or Winter Hawk, breeds in the Southern States ; and
although it has been noticed as far north as the 57th parallel, it rarely passes the State of
New-York along the Atlantic coast. It builds its nest in trees, and lays four or five bluish
eggs, faintly blotched with reddish at the smaller end. Preys on the smaller birds and qua-
drupeds. Peculiar to this continent.

ACCIPITRES — FALCONID.E — BUTEO. 11

THE BROAD-WINGED BUZZARD.

BUTEO PENNSYLVANICUS.

PLATE V. FIG. II.

Paleo pennsylvanieus. Wils. Orn. Vol. 6, p. 92, pi. 54, fig. 1 (male).

F. latissimwi. Ord, reprint of Wilson.

Astur pennsylvanicus. Bonap. Am. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 29.

Broad-winged Hawk. Nutt. Man. Vol. 1, p. 106. Aud. Orn. Biog. Vol.1, p. 461 ; Vol.5, p. 377. Id. B.of A.

Vol. 1, p. 43, pi. 10 (male and female).
Broad-winged Buzzard. Gieaud, Birds of Long island, p. 5.

Characteristics. Dusky above ; whitish tinged with reddish beneath, thickly spotted with
brown. Tail white, with two bars of black tipped with whitish or
brown. Length, 14 inches.

Description. Bill short, as broad as long ; the dorsal outline curved nearly from the base,
much curved at the tip : a broad rounded lobe on the edge. Nostrils oval, oblique. Legs
long, with scutelke before and behind. Middle toe longest ; the outer connected at the base
by a membrane, and shorter than the inner. Space between the bill and eye hispid. Wings
very broad ; the fourth primary longest. Tail long, broadly rounded.

Color. Bill bluish black ; cere and margin yellow. Iris hazel. Feet yellow. Dark umber
above : forehead with a slight margin of whitish. Cheeks whitish. Beneath light reddish,
with arrow-headed brown spots, which are also observed on the feathers of the thigh.

Length, 14' 0. Alar extent, 32 "0.

This is a rare species in our State, although Mr. Bell informs me that he killed several, in
one day, in Rockland county. In Virginia and Maryland, it is more common. It breeds in
Ohio. Its geographical range appears to be between the 31st and 46th parallels. Its wes-
tern range is unknown, but believed to be circumscribed. Peculiar to America.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

B. vulgaris. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 1 p. 30, pi. 6.) Chocolate-brown above ; beneath yellowish white
barred with brown. Tail with ten dusky bars. Length, 23 inches. Columbia River.

B. harlani. (Aud. lb. Vol. 1, p. 38, pi. 8.) Deep chocolate-brown throughout. Tail with 6-7
narrow dusky bars. Length, 21 inches. Louisiana.

B. harrisi. (Aud. lb. Vol. 1, p. 25, pi. 6.) Brownish black. Wing-coverts and feathers of the
thigh reddish brown. Tail black, white at the base and extremity. Length, 24 inches. Louisiana.

12 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

GENUS NAUCLERUS. Vigors.

Bill short, wide at the base, slightly festooned on its cutting edge. Tarsus short, equal in
length to the hind.toe, thick, scaly all round. Wings and tail extremely long ; the latter
deeply forked. Third primary longest. Plumage glossy.

THE SWALLOW-TAILED HAWK.

Nauclerus furcatus.

plate vii. fig. 15.

(CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Falcofvrcatut. Wilson, Am. Om. Vol. 6, p. 70, pi. 51, fig. 2 (Adult male).

F. (Elanua) id. Bonap. Am. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 31.

Nauclenu furcatus. Vigors, ZooI. Jour. Vol. 2, p. 386.

F.fwcatui. Add. Om. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 368 ; and Vol. 5, p. 371.

Kite. NottalL, Manual, Vol. 1, p. 94, figure.

Swallow-tailed Hawk. Aod. B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 78, pi. 18 (male).

Swallow-tailed Hawk. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 13.

Characteristics. White. Wings and tail black. Legs plumbeous. Length, 25 inches.

Description. Wings very long and acute ; the secondaries comparatively very short.
Tail of 12 feathers, the lateral ones being excessively elongated.

Color. Head, neck, and all beneath white tinged with grey ; the shafts of the feathers on
the head and neck dark colored. The black of the back, wings and tail glossed with pur-
plish reflections. Bill bluish black. Cere, feet and eyelids blue.

Length, 25-0. Alar extent, 54 '0.

The Swallow-tailed Hawk, or Fork-tail, is a southern species, and appears in the Southern
States in the spring. They are numerous in Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. The spe-
cimen exhibited in the plate was shot in the neighborhood of New- York, where, however, it
can only be regarded as a rare and accidental visiter. Along the seacoast, it rarely passes
beyond the 37th degree ; but in the interior, it has been observed at the Falls of St. Anthony,
in the 44th degree of north latitude. Some years since, they were numerous in Ohio, but
have now disappeared. Its ordinary food consists of snakes, lizards and other reptiles.
Major Le Conte informs me, that when the fields are burned at the South, many of these
hawks immediately appear hovering over the smoke, in pursuit of the winged insects which
are driven upwards by the heated currents of air. Occasionally they swoop down after rabbits
and snakes, which are endeavoring to escape from the flames.

ACCIP1TEES — FALCONIDjE — FALCO. 13

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

Genus Elantjs, Savigny. Bill short, with an obtuse lobe, cleft behind the eyes. Tarsus very short,
feathered on one half its length, covered on the remainder with small rounded scales. Toes
short, cleft to the base. Wings long and pointed; second primary longest

E. leucurus, Bonap. (22. dispar of Aud. B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 70, pi. 16.) Bluish grey; wing-coverts
black. Tail emarginate. Length, 16 inches. Southern Slates.

Genus Ictinia, Vieillot. Bill angularly lobcd on its upper mandible; lower distinctly notched.

Cere glabrous. Tarsus scutellate in front. Outer toe connected at base by a membrane.

Third primary longest.
I. plumbea. (Aud. lb. Vol, 1, p. 73, pi. 17.) Dark slate; head, neck and beneath lighter; tail black
and long. Length, 14 inches. Southern States.

GENUS FALCO. Linnaeus.

Bill stout and short, arched from the base. Cere short, bare. Upper mandible with a
festoon and a prominent angular process. Nostrils round, with an internal ridge ending in
a central tubercle. Tarsi moderate, reticulate : toes long, scutellate ; the exterior webbed
at the base. Second primary longest ; first and third nearly equal.

THE DUCK HAWK.
Falco anattjm.

PLATE III. FIG. 8 (Old male).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Great-footed Hawk. WlLs. Ore. Vol. 9, p. 120|

The Wandering Falcon. Ndttall, Manual, Vol. 1, p. 53. Richardson, F. B, A. Vol. 2, p. 23.

Falco peregrinus. Aud. B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 84, pi. 20 (male and female).

F. analum. Bonap. Comparative List, p, 4.

F. peregrinus. Cikaud, Birds of Long Island, p. 14.

Characteristics. Brownish black; beneath black, transversely barred with blackish brown.
Cheeks with a dilated black spot. Middle toe as long as the tarsus.
Length, 19 inches.

Description. Lower mandible truncated at tip. Nostrils round, with a central point.
Inner web of the first primary abruptly cut out near the tip. Eyebrows very prominent.
Toes very robust ; middle toe as long as the tarsus : the claw of the hind toe largest.

14 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

Color. Bill bluish ; darker at the tip. Summit of the head uniform dark brown. Space
round the eyes, legs and cere yellow. Iris hazel. Dark blackish brown above. Wings pale
ash. Tail-coverts plumbeous, with heart-shaped blackish brown marks. Tail barred alter-
nately with deep brown and slate, tipped with whitish. Chin and throat white unspotted ;
fore part of the breast with a few drop-shaped streaks. Transverse interrupted brown bars
on the flanks and belly. Thigh-feathers barred, or with arrow-head spots of brown. Under
tail-coverts with distant interrupted bars or spots. The black on the sides of the head ad-
vances on the cheek below the eyes, and forms a sort of notch or sinus on the sides of the
neck : this contrasts strongly with the white of the neck, and forms a very characteristic
specific mark. Female : Breast inclines more to buff; darker above. Young : Feathers
above edged with rusty ; beneath entirely white, with a central oblong brownish mark on
each feather.

Length, 15-0- 18-0. Alar extent, 30*0 -44*0.

I have followed Bonaparte in considering this species as distinct from its closely allied con-
gener, the Peregrine Falcon of Europe. It is frequently taken in various parts of the State,
and known under the various popular names of Hen Hawk, Chicken Hawk and Pigeon
Hawk. It is said to breed in Cedar swamp, New-Jersey, and perhaps in this State. It has
a wide geographical range, being found from 54° south to 74° north latitude.

Its usual food consists of birds, which are struck on the wing. When falconry formed the
chief amusement of the princes and nobility of Europe, a species so closely allied to the Duck
Hawk as to have been hitherto confounded with it, was that chiefly employed.

ACCIPITRES — FALCONIDjE — FALCO. 15

THE PIGEON HAWK.

Falco coltjmbarius.

PLATE IV. FIG. 9 (Mali).

(STATE COLLECTION. Male & Female.)

Falco cohimbarhis, Lin. 12 ed. p. 128.

Pigeon Hawk. Wils. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 107, pi. 15. fig. 3 (male).

littU Corporal Hawk. Aoduboh, folio, pi. 92 (young); pi. 75 (young). Nuttall, Manual, Vol. 1, p, 80.

Pigeon Hawk. Aud. Om. Biog. VoL 1, p. 466 and 381 ; Vol. 5, p. 368. Id. B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 88, pi. 21 (male

and female).
Falco columbarius. Gikaud, Birds of Long Island, p. 17.

Characteristics. Dusky ; beneath whitish, with interrupted stripes. Tail with 4-6 nar-
now bands. Under side of wings varied with black and rust-color.
Length, 11 inches.

Description. Bill curved and notched as in preceding species. Wings, when folded,
reaching to within an inch of the tail, which is slightly rounded. Third primary longest.
Thigh-feathers long. Tarsus reticulated.

Color. Whole upper parts dusky, except the tail, which is of a darker hue, and barred
with white and slaty bluish white. Chin and throat white. Sides of the head, breast, thigh-
feathers and under tail-coverts reddish brown, with dark drop-shaped streaks. Irregular
brown or whitish bars on the under side of the primaries. Bill bluish at the base, darker at
the tip ; cere greenish ; legs yellow. Young : Head reddish brown streaked with dusky.
Female, darker, with some white on the hind part of the head.

Length, 10-0-12-0. Alar extent, 22-0-25-0.

This species has been termed the Bullet Hawk, in allusion to its swiftness. It occurs
over the Union, and has also been seen in Texas. It is, however, a northern bird, ranging
to the 65th degree. It is not uncommon in this State, several having been brought to me in
a season. It does not, however, as far as I have ascertained, breed here. It is usually ob-
served most numerous in the autumn, when birds are preparing for their annual emigrations.
Peculiar to America.

16 • NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE AMERICAN SPARROW HAWK.

Falco sparverius.

plate vii. fig. 16.

(STATE COLLECTION. Male & Female.)

American Sparrow Hawk. Wils. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 117, pi. 16, fig. 1 (female); and Vol. 4, p. 57, pi. 32, fig. 2

(male). Nuttall, Manual, Vol. 1, p. 53.
LUtle Rutty-crowned Falcon. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 31, pi. 24 (male).
Sparrow Falcon. Add. B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 90, pi. 22 (male and female).
Ccrchncis sparverius. BoNAP. Geographical and Comp. List, p. 5.
Sparrow Hawk, F. sparverius. Giraud, Birds of Long Island, p. 16.

Characteristics. Crown, back and tail reddish ; wings slate blue ; beneath whitish spotted
with black; cheeks white, with irregular black marks. Tail with a
white subterminal band. Female and young with the tail many-banded.
Length, 12 inches.

Description. Bill much curved, with a slight indentation on the upper mandible, and
anterior to that a sharp tooth fitting into a corresponding cavity in the lower mandible, which
is truncated at the tip. Nostrils oval, with a central column. Second or third primary
longest. Tail rounded. Tarsus reticulate. Toes scutellate ; under each joint a rounded
elevation. Wings shorter than the tail.

Color. Bill and supraorbital space bluish grey. Crown of the head orange brown. Back
and upper part of tail bright ferruginous. Tail with a broad black subterminal band, tipped
with white or yellowish white. Lateral tail-feathers white, spotted with black. 5-7 irregu-
lar black spots surrounding the head. Chin, throat, and all beneath white or cream-colored ;
the flanks and sides of the breast with arrow-head and rounded brownish spots. Under-
neath the wings, spotted ; the primaries barred with brown. Female, entirely reddish brown
above, barred with black. Tail with 10-12 black bars. Young resembles the female.

Length, 10'0-12-0. Alar extent, 20-0-23'0.

This common and well known little falcon has a wide geographical range. It has been
found from the 54th degree of south latitude, to the same degree north. It scarcely ever
builds a nest, but occupies those of other birds, laying 5-7 buff-colored eggs with dark
blotches. A few remain in this State during the whole winter. It feeds on smaller birds,
but chiefly on quadrupeds, reptiles and insects. It is easily tamed. Peculiar to America.

{EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

F. gyrfaleo. (Aw. B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 81, pL 19.) White, with arrow-head black spots; bill and
feet yellow. Length, 24 inches. Labrador.

ACC1PITRES — FALCONID.E — ASTUR. 17

GENUS ASTUR. Bechstein.

Edge of the upper mandible with an obtuse lobe, succeeded by a broad sinus. Tarsi moderate
or slender, scutellate before and behind, feathered one third of their length. Third toe
longest, connected at base by a membrane. Wings broad ; fourth and fifth primaries
longest. Tail rounded, long.

THE SLATE-COLORED HAWK.

ASTUR FUSCUS.

PLATE II. FIG. 2 (Young male).

(STATE COLLECTION. Old female and touno.)

Faleo fuscus. Gmelis.

F. velox. Wils. Orn. Vol. 5, p. 116, pi. 45, fig. 1 (young female).

F. pennsylvanicus. Id. lb. Vol, 6, p. 13, pi. 46, fig. 1 (adult male).

F. fuscus. Bonap. Am. Lyceum Nat. Hist. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 443.

Accipiter velox. Audubon, folio, pi. 364.

Accipiter fuscus. Bonap. Geog. and Comp. List, p. 5,

Sharp-shinned Hawk. Add. B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 100, pi. 25 (male and female).

Astur fuscus. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 19.

Characteristics. Slate-colored above. Tail with four dark bands, tipped with white.
Beneath whitish, with interrupted rusty bars. Tarsus very slender.
Length, 10- 14 inches.

Description. Wings about three inches shorter than the tail, which is nearly even, slightly
emarginate. Tarsus very slender, compressed, two inches long. Female much larger than
the male.

Color. Bluish grey above. Dark spots on the under side of the wings. Irides red. Feet
yellow. Chin and throat white, with a few dark streaks. Breast and all beneath with light
brown interrupted bars, assuming the shape of arrow-head spots. Tail with 3-5 dark bars ;
the last broadest. Tip of the tail white ; its underside white, with interrupted light brown
bars. Young: Brown above, spotted with white ; beneath white ; each feather with an oblong
brown spot.

Length, 10-0-15-0. Alar extent, 20 • 0 - 25 • 0.

This swift and daring little hawk ranges from the 54th degree of north latitude to Mexico.
It breeds in the Western States, laying from 4-5 white eggs thickly covered with reddish
blotches, and is noted for its attacks on the poultry yard. It feeds on birds, reptiles' and
insects. Peculiar to America.

[Fauna — Part 2.) 3

18 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

COOPER'S HAWK.

AsTDR COOPERI.

PLATE IV. FIG. 5 (Adult malk).

(STATE COLLECTION. Young male.)

Falco cooperi. Bonap. Lyceum Nat. Hist. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 433.
F. id. Id. Am. Orn. Vol. 2, pi. 10, fig. 1 (young).

F. stanlei, Stanley's Hawk. Adddbon, folio, pi. 36, 141 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 189 ; Mid Vol. 2, p. 265.
Falco StarJet. Nuttall, Manual, Vol. 1, p. 91.

Cooper's Hawk. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 98, pi. 24 (male and female).
F. cooperi. Cooper's Hawk. Kirtland, Zool. of Ohio, p. 179.
Astw cooperi. GlRADD, Birds of Long island, p. 20.

Characteristics. Bluish grey above ; tail barred and distinctly rounded. Young, dusky
brown, spotted with white. Larger than the preceding. Length, 20
inches.

Description. Bill robust, curved from the base, and abruptly so at the tip. Tail eight
inches long, and extending five inches beyond the wings. Legs slender, 2*7 long, and, with
the toes, not reaching the tip of the tail ; inner and hind claw largest. Tail rounded.

Color. Above bluish grey ; beneath reddish or white and reddish, with Tust-colored trans-
verse bars. Primaries reddish brown, crossed occasionally with blackish bands. Thigh-
feathers with brown bars or arrow-head spots. Tail inclining to slate-grey, with four broad
blackish brown bands, and broadly tipped with white. Cere and legs yellow. Bill bluish,
passing into black at the tip.

Length, 1 8 • 0 - 22 • 0. Alar extent, 30 • 0 - 32 • 0.

This species, which had been previously confounded with the preceding, was first detected
as distinct by Charles Bonaparte. It is a bold and swift bird, attacking chiefly the smaller birds.
Breeds in the mountainous districts of the Northern and Middle States, laying 3-4 round,
rough, white eggs. Its geographical range appears to be confined between the 29th and 41st
parallels, being seldom found north of this State.

ACCIPITRES — FALCONIDiE — ASTUR. 19

THE AMERICAN GOSHAWK.

AsTUR ATRICAPILLUS.
PLATE II. FIG. 4 (Adult). FIG. 5 (Youno male).
(STATE COLLECTION. Collection op Mb. Giiutjd.)
Fako atricapillus. Wils. Orn. Vol. 6, p. 80, pi. 52, fig. 3,
Goshauk. Ann. Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 241 ; folio, pkle 141.
F. (Astur) palumbarius. Bonap. Am. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 28.
Ac. ( Astur ) palumbarius. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 39, pi. 26.
American Goshawk. Nuttall, Manual, Vol. 1, p. 85.
Astur atricapillus. Bonap. Comp. List, p. 5.

Astur id. Add. B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 95, pi. 23 (adult male and young).
Astur palumbarius. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 18.

Characteristics. Dark blue-black above ; line over the eyes white ; beneath grey on a
light ground. Tail deeply rounded. Female and young, brown above ;
lighter beneath, with oblong brown spots. Length, 24 inches.

Description. Nostrils suboval, large. Fourth primary longest. Tips of the wings not
reaching within six inches of the end of the tail. Inner webs of the primaries, from the
second to the seventh, cut out.

Color. Bluish grey or blackish above ; darker on the wing-coverts, where the feathers are
margined with white. Sides of the head tinged with rufous, with dark oblong spots or a
large blotch from the eye to the shoulder : a whitish streak over the eye. 2-4 narrow black
bars on the upper surface of the primaries, which are tipped with white. Tail light brown,
with bars of darker brown ; each bar margined on each side with white : end of tail white.
Beneath whitish, but covered with so many longitudinal and transverse bars of grey as to
assume that general color. Cere, space round the eye, and legs yellow. Female and young :
Brown above ; the feathers edged with white. Head and neck rufous, streaked with brown.
Beneath white tinged with rufous, with drop-shaped streaks of brown.

Length, 22-0-24. Extent of wings, 40 • 0 - 45 • 0.

This species, as will be perceived, varies very much with age and sex in its markings. It
has been questioned whether this is identical with the Goshawk of Europe. Wilson was
unable to compare it directly with that species, but decided to consider it as new. Bonaparte,
in the Annals of the Lyceum, cited above, supposed it to be the same, and refers to a plate
in his forthcoming Ornithology, which, however, never appeared. In this opinion he was
followed by Audubon and Richardson. Swainson, on the other hand, believes the American
to be a distinct species, and the differences are pointed out in Jardine's octavo edition of Wil-
son, and in Nuttall's Manual. I coincide in opinion with Nuttall in considering it as a distinct
species, but closely allied to the European Goshawk, so renowned in the annals of falconry.
Since the above was written, I perceive that Bonaparte regards this species as distinct.

The American Goshawk is a northern bird, but is found in almost every State as far south
as Louisiana. Richardson states them to be found as high as 68° north. It preys on ducks,
pigeons, hares, etc. Audubon has observed them breeding at Niagara. Their nests are con-
structed on lofty trees, and contain four bluish white granulated eggs. Peculiar to America.

3*

20 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

GENUS CIRCUS. Bechstein.

Bill much compressed, terminating in a long and acute hook : lobe on the cutting margin
distinct. Nostrils large, oblong, covered in part by hair, with an oblique ridge from their
upper edge. Lores hairy. Tarsi long, scutellate before and behind, partly feathered.
Plumage soft. A ruff of narrow feathers on each side behind the eye. Ear-openings
large. Tail long, nearly even.

THE MARSH HARRIER.

Circus uliginosus.

PLATE III. FIG. 6 <Male). FIG. 7 (Female:).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

F. uliginosus. Wils. Ora. Vol. 6, p. 67, pi. 51, fig. 3 (female).

F. (Circus) cyaneus. Bonap. Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 33.

f. id. Id. Am Orn. Vol. 2, p. 3lj pi. 12 (male).

Hen Harrier. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. I, p. 109.

Buteo (Circus) cyanetu. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 55, pi. 29 (male).

Marsh Hawk. Aud. fol. pi. 356. B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 105, pi. 26 (male and female).

Strigiceps uliginosus. Bonap. Comp. List, p. 5.

Circus cyaneus. Gieaud, Birds of Long island, p. 21.

Characteristics. Bluish grey above ; white, spotted with brown, beneath. Third and
fourth primaries equal. Female and young, reddish brown ; beneath
rusty with spots. Length, 20 inches.

Description. Tarsus with short feathers in front for nearly an inch. A row of stiff
bristles curving up over the base of the bill, and nearly concealing the nostrils. Tail almost
even, or very slightly rounded.

Color. Bluish grey above, with dark brown primaries ; beneath light blue or white, with
scattering light reddish brown spots. Tail beneath lig'it colored, with 3-4 obsolete narrow
dark bands. Bill blue. Legs yellow. Female : Dark brown above, with the feathers bor-
dered with a lighter color ; beneath bright reddish brown, with longitudinal broad streaks of
a dark brown color. Tail beneath bluish white, with two distant broad bands.
Length, 18'0-22«0. Alar extent, 41-0-47-0.

The Marsh Hawk, or Hen Harrier, is common over this continent, and extends its migra-
tions from Mexico to the 68th parallel. It makes its nest on the ground, and lays four smooth
rounded bluish white eggs. Audubon also describes them as being sprinkled with pale red-
dish brown spots. Its usual food consists of field mice, and of small serpents, frogs, lizards
and other reptiles. It is a constant resident with us during the year, and, as its names imply,
is frequently observed skimming over the marshes in search of its prey, and occasionally
makes a dash at the poultry yard.

ACCIPITRES — STHIGIDJE — SURNIA. 2 1

FAMILY STRIGIDM.

Beak short, strong, compressed, bent, acutely hooked ; its base surrounded by a small cere,
almost concealed by incumbent setaceous feathers. Head very large, globular, much
feathered. Nostrils rounded, in the anterior edge of the cere. Ear-openings excessively
large, simple or operculate. Eyes very large, surrounded by a disk of feathers. Tarsus
short, feathered to the toes, of which the outer is versatile. First quills more or less
dentated on their outer edge ; the third and fourth longest. Plumage soft. The greater
part nocturnal.

GENUS SURNIA. Dumeril.

Head small ; facial disk incomplete. Tail rather long. Ear-openings oval, moderate, with
no operculum. Lower mandible with a sinus on each side. No egrets. Third quill
longest ; the first scarcely dentated. Diurnal. Connecting this family with the preceding.

THE HAWK OWL.

SURNIA FUNEREA.
PLATE IX. FIG. 19.

(CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Hawk Owl. Penn. Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 234.

Strix hudsonica. Wils. Orn. Vol. 6, p 64, pi. 50, fig. 6.

8. funerea. Sabine, App. Franklin's Journey.

Hawk Owl. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 116, figure.

American Owl. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 92. Aun. folio, pi. 378 ; B. of A. Vol. I, p. 112, pi. 27.

Characteristics. Blackish brown, thickly spotted with white ; beneath barred. Tail wedge-
shaped, long, with several lighter bars. Feet thickly feathered and
barred. Female larger, with the tints not so clear. Young, rusty
brown. Length, 17 inches.

Description. Bill short, curved from the base, and nearly concealed by the bristly fea-
thers. Third and fourth primaries subequal. Middle feathers of the tail nearly two inches
longer than the outer ones.

Color. Bill yellow, with occasionally yellow spots. Cheeks white or cream-colored.
Summit of the head barred, or spotted with black and white. The rudiments of a black
curved band over the eye, and two other black spots on each side of the neck, which vary,

22 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

however, in different individuals ; the black band over the eye uniting with the anterior spot,
and forming a circular band on the sides of the neck, and the posterior spot becoming an
angular mark. Above, confusedly blotched with white. Beneath, with numerous narrow
bars, or interrupted streaks of rufous brown. Leg-feathers rufous barred with brown. Tail
dark brown, with 6-7 narrow curved bars of whitish, and tipped with white.

Length, 15-0-18-0.

The Hawk Owl is a rare visiter in the State of New- York, except in the more northerly
counties. Its usual residence is in high northern latitudes. It is known to breed as low
down as Vermont (where it is common), and probably in this State. It has also been observed
on the coast of New-Jersey, and, according to Kirtland, in Ohio. It flies about in the day-
time more than any other species. It feeds on mice and the smaller birds. It has been ob-
served as high as the 68lh parallel, and is common to the northern parts of both continents.

THE SNOWY OWL.

SURNIA NYCTEA.

TLATE IX. FIG. 20 (Female).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Strix nyctea. Wilson, Orn. Vol. 4, p. 53, pi. 32, fig. 1 (male).

Sumia nyctea. Bonap. Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 36.

Snowy Owl. Ndttall, Man. Orn. Vol. I, p. 116.

Great Snowy Owl. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 88.

SCrix nyctea. Aud. folio pi. 121, (m. and f.) ; Orn. Biog. Vol.2, p. 135; B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 113, pi. 28.

Nyctea Candida. Bonap. Comp. List, p. 6.

Sumia nyctea. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 22.

Characteristics. Large. White, more or less barred with dusky ; bill black. An imper-
fect disk of feathers. Tail moderately rounded. Length, 25 inches.

Description. Bill compressed, nearly concealed among the feathers. Under tail-coverts
nearly as long as the tail. Eyebrows somewhat prominent. Tail rounded ; the outer feathers
about an inch shorter than the central ones. Hind claw shortest. Leg-feathers long and
hair-like.

Color. White, sometimes entirely so. Wings and breast marked with crescent-shaped
spots of deep and light brown, forming interrupted bars. Tail white, with 5-6 narrow
brown bars. Bill and claws black. Irides yellow. Female : The whole body, the throat
and legs, and all except the facial disk and occasionally the legs, covered with uninterrupted
bars of brown. Young, rusty brown.

Length, 22-0-29-0.

ACCIPITRES — STRIGID.E — SURNU. 23

The Snowy Owl is not an uncommon visiter among us, and is considered the harbinger of
a severe winter. He seems to be gregarious in his migrations, if not in habits ; for his ap-
pearance in this vicinity is always in considerable numbers at a time. He is diurnal as well
as nocturnal, and feeds on fish and the smaller quadrupeds. The Snow Owl is abundant in
Maine and Massachusetts, and may possibly be found to breed in the most northerly parts of
this State. He has been seen in Florida, and has also been observed as high as the 75th
degree of north latitude.

This species has been separated from Surnia by the Prince of Canino, and placed under
a genus Nyctea. Of this genus, which he has not characterized, I find no account. It
certainly exhibits variations from the typical form, in the more distinct disk, shorter legs,
prominent eyebrows, and small ear-apertures ; but for the present we arrange it as above.
The adoption of the specific name Candida of Latham by the Prince, seems to follow from
the generic change. The Snowy Owl is found in the northern parts of both continents.

{EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

S.? cunicularia. (Aud B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 119, pi. 31.) Brown, spotted with white. Tail short.

Facia] disk greyish white. Foot long, slender, with very short feathers. Length, 10 inches.

Trans-Mississippi.
S.? passerinoides, Temminck. (Aud. B. of A. Vol., 1, p. 117, pi. 30.) Very small. Tail long,

barred with white. Body olive-brown above, ashen beneath. Head spotted. Length, 7 inches.

Columbia River.

24 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

GENUS BUBO. Cuvier.

Head tufted. Aperture of the ears elliptical, and without an operculum. Bill short, broader
than high. Facial disk complete. First quill short ; the fourth longest. Tail moderate,
rounded. Nocturnal.

THE GREAT HORNED OWL.

Bubo virginiantjs.

PLATE X. FIG. 22 (Female).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Strix virginiana. Gmelin.

Great Horned Owl. WiLS. Orn. Vol. 6, p. 52, pi. 50, fig. 1.

B. (Ulula) virginiana. Bonap. Ann. Lye. N. York, Vol. 2, p. 37.

Great Horned Owl. Audubon, folio, pi. 61 ; Ornith. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 313; Vol. 5, p. 393. Nottall, Man.

Ornithol. Vol. 1, p. 124, figures. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 82. Aud. B. of A.

Vol. 1, p. 143, pi. 39 (male and female).
Bubo virginianus. Gikaud, Birds of Long Island, p. 27.

Characteristics. Very large. Mottled. Quills and tail-feathers banded with black. Tufts
large. Facial disk with concentric circles. Length, two feet.

Description. Bill stout, curved from the base ; its cutting margin sinuous. Facial disk
not a regular circle. Tail slightly rounded, 3-4 inches longer than the tips of the folded
wings. Tufts large, and of 10- 12 feathers.

Color. Above, a general mottled appearance, produced by the intermixture of grey, greyish
white, rufous, brown and brownish black. Tufts reddish-brown on their interiors. Facial
disk reddish, with an external circle, more or less complete, of blackish. Chin and breast
white, with an obscure light or rufous collar encircling the neck. Dusky interrupted trans-
verse bars on the breast and leg- feathers.

Length, 20 • 0 - 25 • 0. Alar extent, 56-0-60 '0.

This is one of the largest of our Owls, and its aspect and dismal tones struck terror into
the breasts of our early colonists. It is often called the Cat Owl, and builds in trees, laying
3-4 white unspotted eggs. It preys on the larger birds, and upon dead fish cast upon the
shore, and has a peculiar attachment to the inhabitants of the poultry yard. Found through-
out the continent, and has been observed as far north as the 68th degree. Peculiar to
America.

ACCIPITRES — STRIGIDjE — BUBO. - 25

THE LITTLE SCREECH OWL.
Bubo asio.

PLATE XII. FIG. 25 (Adult) ; FIG. 26 (Youko).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Strix noma, Mottled Owl. Wils. Am. Ornith. Vol. 3, p. 17, pi. 19, fig. 1 (adult).

S. asio, Red Owl. Id. lb. Vol. 5, p. 83, pi. 42, fig. 1 (young).

S. ( Syrnia) asio. BoNiP. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 36.

Mottled and Red Owl. Nutt. Man. Ornith. Vol. 1, p. 121. Aud. folio, pi. 97; Om. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 486; B. of

A. Vol. 1, p. 147, pi. 40 (adult and young).
Scops asio. Bonap. Geographical and Comparative List, p. 6.
Bubo asio, Mottled Horned Owl. GlRAUD, Birds of Long Island, p. 28.

Characteristics. Small. Dark brown, mottled, black, brown and grey. Tail even, not
longer than the wings. Feet covered with short feathers. Young,
tawny red. Length 10 inches.

Description. Bill curved from the base. Conch of the ear oval. Feathers on the feet
resembling hairy down. Facial circle complete. Tufts erect, and of ten graduated feathers.
Tail even.

Color. Dark brown, with paler shades, and thickly studded with dark points. Wings
spotted with white, and barred with brownish black on a darker ground. Disk bluish. Tail
obscurely barred. Iris yellow. Bill and claws bluish horn. Young : Bright tawny red ;
beneath white, with reddish dilated longitudinal streaks on the belly ; similar dark brown
streaks on the breast ; disk or facial circle tawny.

Length, 8-0-12-0.

This little owl is not only inoffensive, but useful to the farmer, in clearing his neighbor-
hood of mice and other noxious vermin. It is, I believe, a species exclusively belonging to
the Union, and not found beyond its limits. The adult and young of this species have, from
the time of Pennant, been considered as distinct, until they were separated by the Prince of
Canino in the Transactions of the Academy of Natural Sciences, and afterwards in the
Annals of the Lyceum of New-York. A similar error for a long time prevailed in Europe in
relation to the Syrnium aluco. A writer in the Transactions of the Academy of Sciences of
Philadelphia, Vol 8, p. 53, asserts, however, that the color of both young and old is variable
and uncertain, or else that they are specifically distinct. He arrives at this conclusion, from
having observed the old and young of the Mottled Grey Owl, neither of which had the
slightest shade of red about them.

The Little Screech Owl, or Red Owl, selects the hollow trunk of a tree for its nest, near
outhouses : it lays 3-4 white rounded eggs. The nestlings are yellowish white. It feeds
on mice and insects, and is gentle and inoffensive.

[Fauna — Part 2.] 4

26 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

GENUS SYRNIUM. Cuvier.

Head not tufted. Nostrils large, elliptical. Bill convex to the end of the cere, then curved.
Ear moderate, with a semicircular operculum covered with hair. Facial disk complete.
Tail broad, rounded. Wings large and broad. Tarsus short, and with the toes feathered.

THE GREAT GREY OWL.

Syrnium cinereum.

plate xiii. fig. 89.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

8trix cinerea, Gmelin. Bonaparte, Am. Ornith. Vol. 2, pi. 23, fig. 2. Id. Ann. Lye. N. York, Vol. 2, p. 436.

Nottall, Man. Ornilh. Vol. 1, p. 128.
Cinereous Owl. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 77.
Great Cinereous Owl. Add. folio, pi. 351 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 4, p. 364. Id. B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 130, pi. 35.

Characteristics. Very large. Dark brown, mottled with whitish. Disk perfect, white,
with black concentric circles. Length, 24 - 30 inches.

Description. Wings shorter than the tail, which is wedge-shaped, and extends three
inches beyond them. Eyes small.

Color. Dark brown, mottled irregularly with white. The feathers on the upper part of
the head with two transverse spots on each web. Primaries rufous brown, with broad darker
bands. Tail obscurely barred. Beneath greyish, with dark brown spots, and varied with
yellowish. Feet not barred. Disks grey within, and marked with six to nine narrow regu-
lar concentric circles. Bill and feet yellow; the former almost hidden in the feathers of
the face, of which those on the inner angle of the eye, and around the bill, are black.

Length, 25-0-30-0.

The Great Grey Owl inhabits chiefly the arctic regions, and is a rare visiter within the
Union. It has been observed in Massachusetts, and will doubtless be found within our State,
but I have as yet no authentic statement to that effect. It is peculiar to this continent, and
its history incomplete.

ACCIPITRES — STRIGIDiE — OTOS. 27

GENUS OTUS. Cuvier.

With small tufts. Ear-opening exceedingly large, with an anterior semicircular operculum.
Bill short, broader than high at base, gently bent at the tip. Nostrils large, oblique. Feet
robust, moderately long. Tarsi short, and with the toes feathered. Wings long and
broad. Tail short, slightly rounded. Second quill longest.

THE LONG-EARED OWL.

Otus americanus.

plate xi. fig. 24.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Strix otus. Wilson, Om. Vol. 6, p. 73, pi. 51, fig. 1.

S. (Ulula) otus. Bonap. Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 37.

Long-eared Owl. Audubon, folio, pi. 383; Orn. Biog. Vol. 4. p. 573. Nuttall, Manual Om. Vol. 1, p. 130.

Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 72.
Otus vulgaris. Acd. B. of A. Vol. 1. p. 13C, pi. 37 (male).
Otus americanus. Bonap. Comp. List, p: 7.
Otus vulgaris, Long-eared Owl. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 25.

Characteristics. Mottled, cinereous, brown and rufous. Tufts long, pointed. Wings
scarcely reaching beyond the tail. Length, 15 inches.

Description. Lower mandible slightly sinuous on the cutting edge. Facial disk com-
plete. Tufts elongated, and composed of five or six feathers. Second and third quills sub-
equal. Tail moderately rounded. Legs covered with short feathers to the nails.

Color. Above mottled with yellowish, black, brown and soiled white. Forehead and sum-
mit of the head speckled with white. Wings with interrupted bars of black. Facial disk
reddish brown, with a dark inner circle near the orbit, more or less complete. Tail greyish,
with from six to eight brown bars. Legs buff, nearly unspotted. Throat, breast and belly
greyish white, with darkish longitudinal streaks assuming a crucial form on the belly. Fe-
male, with the throat and face browner. Young, reddish white, with transverse blackish
lines.

Length, 14-0-17-0.

The Long-eared Owl is found chiefly in the Eastern and Middle States, where it breeds.
It has been seen as far north as 62°. In this State, they are found in remote woods in the
winter, and feed on the smaller quadrupeds and birds. It is peculiar to America, and repre-
sents here the Otus vulgaris of Europe.

28 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE SHORT-EARED OWL.
Otus palustris.

plate xii. fig. s7.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Strix brachyotui. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 64, pli 33, fig, 3 (male).

S. (Vlula) H. Bonap. Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 37.

Short-tartd Owl. Audubon, folio, pi. 372 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 5, p. 273. Nuttall, Manual Orn. Vol. 1. p. 132.

i>. (Bubo) brachyota. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 75.

Otiu brachyotus. Aodubon, B. of A. Vol. 1. p. 140, pi. 38 (male).

Brachyotus palustris. Bonaf. Comp. List.

Otus brachyotus. GlBAUD, Birds of Long island, p. 26.

Characteristics. Light rufous, with streaks of dark brown. Tufts short, and of 3 or 4
feathers. Wings and tail subequal. Female, more rufous. Length,
15 inches.

Description. Bill curved from the base, compressed. Tufts short and inconspicuous.
Facial disk complete. Ear-openings with a narrow operculum. Second quill-feather longest ;
the third shorter. Richardson states the tips of the folded wings to reach within an inch and
a half of the end of the tail. In the specimens which I have examined, they appear to be
subequal.

Color. Above rufous, varied with dark brown in streaks and blotches. Facial disk white
or dusky brown, the part near the eye being black. Wings mottled, and barred with dark
brown and reddish : quills buff, with a few dark bands. Tail sprinkled with bright brown
and dusky, and with five or six deep brown bars ; its underside light buff, with two or more
obsolete brown bars. Leg-feathers buff, unspotted. Bill and claws bluish black.

Length, 13-0-17-0.

This species is found in all the States, and its geographical range appears to be very great.
It occurs on both continents. In America, Pennant states that it has been found in the
Falkland islands, and Richardson saw it as far north as latitude 67°. Its longitudinal range
is equally great, for it extends across this continent. It breeds in the Middle States. They
are often seen on the ground, and on low bushes. It is said to be bold and fierce. It lives
almost exclusively on field mice and hard-winged insects, and is consequently beneficial to
the farmer.

ACCIPITRES STRIGID.*: — ULULA. 29

GENUS ULULA. Cuvier.

Bill short, robust, very deep ; the lower mandible with a notch on each side. Ear-openings
very large, with an anterior semicircular operculum in its whole length. Tarsi and feet
with soft downy feathers. Facial disks complete. Wings very broad and rounded. Third
quill longest ; filaments of the first half of the second, and terminal part of the third, free
and recurved. Tail moderate, arched, slightly rounded.

THE BARRED OWL.

UlULA NEBULOSA.
PLATE X. FIG. 41.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Strix nebulosa. L. 12 ed.

Barred Owl. Pen*. Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 234, pi. U, fig. 120. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 61, pi. 33, fig. 2.
S. nebulosa. Acdob. folio, pi. 46 (male). Om. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 242; Vol.5, p. 386. NtrrTALL, Manual Orn.

Vol. 1, p. 133. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 81.
Symium nebuloswn. Aud. B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 132, pi. 36 (male).
Syrnium nebulosa. Giraud, Birds of Long island, pi 24.

Characteristics. Light reddish brown above, spotted with white. Head and neck with
transverse brown bars. Primaries and tail barred with light rufous.
Length, 18 inches.

Description. Bill strongly curved from the base, compressed. Operculum membrana-
ceous. In the specimen which I examined, the fifth primary longest. Legs with short
feathers ; the extremities of the toes covered with scales. Tail convex.

Color. Above light brown, transversely barred with whitish and yellowish. Wings barred
alternately with brown and pale rufous. Facial disk obscurely marked with narrow interrupt-
ed concentric circles of light brown. Summit of the head barred with brown on a white
ground. Upper part of the breast with irregular interrupted bars of brown. Belly yellowish
white or buff, with numerous longitudinal dilated streaks of brown. Leg-feathers obscurely
marked with pale brown bars. Irides brown. Bill light greenish yellow. Claws bluish
black.

Length, 17'0-22-0.

The Barred Owl is a common species in this State. It feeds on rats, frogs, and the smaller
birds and quadrupeds, and bur rarely disturbs the young broods of the farmer. It is very
abundant in the Southern States, and has been seen as high as the 53d degree of latitude.
In Europe it is only seen in the high northern latitudes.

30 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE ACADIAN OWL.

Ulula acadica.
plate xii. fig. 23.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Strix acadica. Ghelin.

Litttlc Owl, S.passerma. WiLs. Am. Om. Vol. 4, p. 66, pi. 34, fig. 1.

S. acadica. Add. folio, pi. 194, m. and f. Ora. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 567 ; Vol. 5, 397.

Acadian Owl. Ndttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 137.

American Sparrow Owl. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 97.

Nyctalc acadica. Bonap. Geog. and Coinp. List. p. 6.

Little or Acadian Owl. Add. B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 123, pi. 33 (male and female).

Ulula acadica. GlRADD, Birds of Long island, p. 23.

Characteristics. Dark brown, spotted with white ; beneath whitish, blotched with rufous.
Tail and wings subequal ; the former with 2-3 narrow bars. Length,
8 inches.

Description. Nostrils oval, small. Ear-opening with a moderately broad operculum.
Third primary longest. Tail even, scarcely rounded. No tufts. Facial disk complete. Inner
and middle claw channelled ; the other rounded beneath. Tarsus and toes with long hairy
feathers extending to the roots of the claws.

Color. Light reddish brown above, with spots and blotches of white. Disk ashen grey,
darker near the orbits, often rayed with dusky. Summit of the head with longitudinal streaks
of white and dark brown. Bill and claws bluish black. Irides yellow. Beneath, white or
greyish white, with scattered chocolate-brown blotches generally assuming a longitudinal di-
rection. Large white spaces on the throat and neck. Primaries, when extended, exhibiting
four or five bars of white. Tail also with two or more narrow bars of white.

Length, 8*0-10-0. Alar extent, 1 8 • 0 - 20 • 0.

The Little Owl, or Saw-whet as it is called in Massachusetts and this State, is found in
every part of the Union. It ranges from 39° to 50° north latitude. It has a sharp note like
the filing of a saw, and, according to Audubon, another like the tinkling of a bell. It breeds
in swamps, in rotten trees or stumps, and in abandoned nests, laying 4 - 6 white eggs. It
feeds on insects, small birds and quadrupeds. It is closely allied to the succeeding.

(EXTRA-LIMITALA

U. richardsoni. (Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 122, pi. 32.) SmalL Not tufted Olive brown
above, spotted with white in regular series. Tail with five bars orinterrupted spots ; margin white.
Length, 12 inches. Maine and Arctic regions. ».

ACCIPITRES — STRIGID^E — STRIX.

GENUS STRIX.

31

Upper mandible with its dorsal outline straight to the cere. Ear-openings large, semicircular ;
operculum larger than the aperture, and fringed with feathers. No tufts. Tarsus long,
feathered, scaly beneath. Toes with tuberculated scales intermixed with bristles, and
three broad scutellae at the end. Wings long, ample ; first quill with the filaments recurved.
Tail moderate, nearly even.

THE AMERICAN BARN OWL.

Strix pratincola.
plate xiii. fig. 28.

White or Barn Oicl. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 6, p. 57, pi. 50, fig. 2..

Strix Jlammea. Bonap. Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 38.

Barn Owl. Nottall, Manual Orn. Vol. 1, p. 139. Add. folio pi. 171 ; Ora. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 403 ; Vol. 5, p. 388.

Strix pratincola. Bonap. Conip. and Geog. List, p. 6.

S. americana. Aodcbon, Synopsis, p. 25; B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 127, pi. 34 (male and female).

Characteristics. Dark tawny above, spotted with white. Tail and wings barred with
black ; the latter extending beyond the tail. Beneath whitish, dotted
with black. Length, 16 inches.

Description. Aperture of the ear very large ; the feathers margining the operculum
reduced to their tubes, the shafts and webs not developed. Legs long, thickly feathered,
becoming like bristles on the toes. Tail nearly even, two inches shorter than the wings.

Color. Above tawny yellow, minutely varied with white and brown ; and with oblong
spots of dark brown, forming parallel series resembling bars, on the wings. Beneath, pure
white or greyish, abundantly dotted with black. Tail tawny, with three or more narrow
bars of blackish brown. Facial disk whitish, surrounded by a circle or ruff of rufous brown.
Leg-feathers whitish, faintly pointed with dusky.

Length, 14-0-18-0. Alar extent, 42- 0-46' 0.

The large white or Barn Owl, although it appears to be common in the neighborhood
of Philadelphia, is rare in this State. I have never seen but one specimen, and that was
brought here about ten years since from Cuba, where it is said to winter. Richardson (Sixth
Report of the British Association) states it to be found as far as 44° north latitude, so that we
may expect to find it in this State. It is, however, strictly a southern species, occurring as
far south as Brazil. It is nocturnal, feeding on field mice, shrew moles, etc.

This species was first suspected to be distinct from the European Jlammea, by Audubon
in his Ornithological Biography ; but he refrained from giving it a distinct name, until he
was anticipated by the Prince of Canino. This is to be regretted, as the name which the
former proposed, but which can not be adopted, is more appropriate and distinctive than
the classical epithet given by Bonaparte.

32 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

ORDER II. PASSERES.

Bill moderate, strong, subconic. Upper mandible more or less notched at the
point. Toes four (rarely three). Hind toe articulated on a level with the
rest, and bearing on the ground its whole length. Tail mostly of eight fea-
thers, rarely of ten, twelve or fourteen. Wings moderate, and with the tips
pointed.

FAMILY CAPRIMULGIDM.

Bill much depressed, feeble ; the horny part decurved, opening wide to beneath or beyond
the eyes. Nostrils prominent, tubular, elliptical, emarginate. Ear-openings very large.
Head wide, depressed. Feet very small. Tarsus partly feathered, scaly. Toes scutel-
late : hind toe versatile, small ; nail of the third toe serrated on its inner margin. Wings
very long and acute. Tail long, composed of ten feathers. Plumage soft. Sexes nearly
similar. Partly nocturnal and partly diurnal. Allied to the preceding family.

GENUS CAPRIMULGUS. Linnaeus.

Gape extending to beneath the posterior portion of the eye. On each side of the base of the
bill, a series of feathers with very strong shafts, terminating in filaments with lateral fibres.
Second quill longest. Tail long, rounded.

THE WHIPPOORWILL.

Caprimulgus vociferus.

plate xxvii. fig. 59.

(STATE COLLECTION. Female.)

Cttprimulgut vodferus. Wilson, Orn. Vol. 5, p. 71, pi. 41, figs. 1, 2, 3.

C. id., Whippooruill. Audubon, fol. pi. 82 (male and female) ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 422, and Vol. 5, p. 406.

Nuttall, Manual Om. Vol.1, p. 614. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol.2, p. 338.

Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 155, pi. 42 (male and female).
Antrottomus id. Bonaparte, Comp. and Geographical List, p. 8.
Whxppoorwill. Gibaud, Birds of Long Island, p. 31.

Characteristics. Tail much rounded, reaching one half beyond the wings. Quills with
dark spots. Bristle much longer than the bill. Three outer tail fea-
thers white at tips ; in the female, these are rufous. Length 9 inches.

PASSERES — CAPRIMULGID^E — CAPRIMUI.GUS. 33

Description. Mouth beset with numerous bristles, the longest of which extend half an inch
beyond the point of the bill. Tail much rounded ; the exterior feathers nearly an inch and a
half longer than the central ones.

Color. Plumage variegated and sprinkled with black, soiled white and rust-colored spots
and streaks. Scapulars light yellowish, with a few oblique spots of black. Wings beautifully
spotted with very light and dark brown ; the quills spotted in bars witli rufous. Tail with
the three outer feathers (in the male) white at the extremities for half their length ; but in the
female, light rufous instead of white. Chin black, with small brown spots.

Length, 9*0. Spread of wings, 19*0.

The Whippoorwill, called " Quok-korr-ee " by our Dutch progenitors, appears in this State
by the latter end of April, or later, according to the season. It is found occasionally as high
as the 48th degree of north latitude, but its southern limits have not been ascertained. Au-
dubon asserts that it is never heard and scarcely ever seen in Louisiana. It breeds in this
State, placing its nest on or near the ground, and laying two or three bluish white eggs with
numerous dark olive and bluish blotches. Every one is familiar with the plaintive notes of
the bird, who, in the language of one of our poets,

" Mourns unseen, and ceaseless sings
Ever a note of wail and woe."

They are strictly nocturnal in their habits, and feed exclusively on winged insects.

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

C. carolinensis. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 1, pi. 41.) Bristles shorter than the bill. Tail rounded, an
inch longer than the wings: 3 outer tail-feathers white on the inner webs near the tip. Length,
12 inches. Southern Slates.

[Fauna — Part 2.]

34 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

GENUS CHORDEILES. Swainson.

Bill exceedingly small. Gape opening to beneath the centre of the eyes. Upper mandible
with the tip bent, and a deep lateral groove. Nostrils oblong, prominent, marginate. Eyes
and ear-openings very large. No bristles at the base of the upper mandible. First quill
longest. Tail emarginate.

THE NIGHT HAWK.

CHORDEILES AMERICANIT8.

PLATE XXVII. FIG. 60.

Long-winged Goatsucker. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 436.

Caprimu'gus americanus. Wilson, Om. Vol. 5, p. 65, pi. 40, figs. 1, 2 (male and female).
C. popeiue. Bonaparte, Obs. on Wils. Orn. No. 177. C. virginianus, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 62.
Night Hawk. Aubcbon, fol. pi. 147 ; Om. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 273, and Vol. 5, p. 406.
Night Jar. Nuttall, Ornithol. Vol. 1, p. 619.
C. (Chordeiles) virginianus. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 62.

Chordeiles virginianus. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol 1, p. 159, pi. 43 (male and female). Giraud, Birds of Long
Island, p. 32.

Characteristics. Varied with black and rufous ; breast barred ; quills with a white bar.
Males with a white spot on the chin and a white bar on the tail. Length,
9 inches.

Description. Tail distinctly emarginate, shorter than the wings. Head very large, de-
pressed. Eyes large. The claw of the middle toe pectinated as in the preceding genus.

Color. Above deep blackish brown, sprinkled with innumerable cream-colored spots and
dashes of different shades. Beneath light rufous, with waving bars of deep brown. A broad
white bar extending across four and a part of five of the quills. Male, with a horseshoe-
shaped spot of white on the throat, and a band of white across the tail. In the female, these
are wanting.

Length, 9-0-10-0. Alar extent, 23' 0 - 24*0.

This species, under the name of virginianus, was a confused mixture of the Night Hawk
and Whippoorwill by Gmelin and Brisson. It was not well defined until examined by Vieillot
and Wilson. Bonaparte, in the work above cited, observes that the name ofpopetue, awkward
and barbarous as it is, must be retained on the score of priority. In his subsequently published
synopsis, he adopts the name of virginianus ; passing over Wilson's name of a real species,
on the score of its having been already employed in this genus. Since the genus has been
remodelled, this objection has no weight, and we take pleasure in restoring the legitimate
designation of the species.

The Night Hawk, in spite of its popular name, is scarcely nocturnal. It is seen in the
afternoon, high in air ; towards evening, and in the twilight, it skims over the ground, and is
actively engaged in the search of winged insects. It appears in our State at the same time

PASSERES — CAPRIMULGIDiE — CHORDEILES. 35

with the Whippoorwill, or sometimes earlier. Its first appearance is known by a booming
sound heard high in air, while the bird itself is unseen. When a boy at school, I remember
to have heard this mysterious sound along the Connecticut river, and was told that it was the
Shad Spirit, announcing to the scholes of shad, about to ascend the river, their impending
fate. This may probably have been derived from the traditionary mythisms of the Indians.

This species is often confounded with the Whippoorwill by persons not conversant with
natural history, but a slight attention to their generic differences will establish their distinctive
characters. Mr. Giraud remarks, that from the shortness of the legs and feet of the Night
Hawk, it is always observed, when perched, to be sitting lengthwise of the branch.

The Night Hawk has a wide range from Mexico to the Arctic islands, where, as the sun
never sets during its stay, it cannot be considered as a nocturnal species.

FAMIL Y HIR UNDINID^E.

Bill very short, broad at base, compressed at the end. Upper mandible with few or no bristles
at its base ; its edge inflected, with a notch more or less distinct. Gape wide. Nostrils
oblong, contiguous, basal. Feet very short. Toes very short ; the three anterior subequal ;
the hind toe very small, more or less versatile. Claws strong, compressed, curved, acute.
Wings extremely long, falciform. Tail various, of ten or twelve feathers. Plumage
compact.

GENUS CELETURA. Stephens.

Tail-feathers ten, stout ; the shafts elongated into points projecting beyond the webs. Edge
of upper mandible with an indistinct sinus. Tarsus bare, not scutellate, longer than the
middle toe, which scarcely exceeds the outer. Second quill longest. Flight irregular.

THE CHIMNEY SWALLOW.

Chjetura pelasgia.

plate xxvii. fig. 58.

(STATE COLLECTION. Male and Female.)

Hirtmdo pelaagia, Linn. Chimney Swallow, Wilson, Orn. Am. Vol. 5, p. 48, pi. 39, fig. 1.

Cypselus pelasgius. Bonapakte, Obs. No. 175; Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 63.

Chimney Swift or Swallow. Ncttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 609. Audubon, fol. pi. 158; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2,

p. 329, and Vol. 5, p. 419.
Chimney Swallow, or American Swift. Id. B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 164, pi. 44 (male and female).
American Swift, C. pelasgia. Gikaub, Birds of Long Island, p. 33.

Characteristics. Deep sooty brown. Chin, and line over the eye, dull whitish. Wings
extending an inch and a half beyond the tail, which is even. Length,
4-5 inches.

5«

36 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

Description. Nostrils partially covered behind by a membrane, leaving a small tubular
aperture. Tongue short, cartilaginous, bifid. Feet muscular ; claws exceedingly sharp.
The shafts of the tail-feathers elongated into sharp, strong and very elastic points.

Color. Brownish black above ; somewhat lighter on the rump. Throat greyish white.
Eyes black, surrounded by a bare black skin : a light colored line over the eye.

Length, 40-00.

The Chimney Swallow appears in New- York about the latter end of April, from the tropical
regions. Its name is derived, as every one knows, from its selecting a chimney in which it
builds its nest. In the unsettled districts, it breeds in hollow trees and caverns. Audubon
relates that he counted nine thousand of these swallows roosting in the hollow trunk of a
Plane tree (Platanus occidentalis). This occurred in Kentucky. In this State, they build
exclusively in chimneys, forming their nests of dead twigs, which they break off with their
feet, and agglutinate together. The eggs are four in number, white unspotted ; and two
broods are frequently raised in a season. It feeds on insects, which it captures on the wing ;
and, like some of the preceding families, it disgorges the indigestible portions oi" its food. It
ranges as far north as the 50th parallel, and westward to the Pacific ocean. Peculiar to
America.

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

C. vauxi (Townsend, Ac. Sc. Vol. 8, p. 148.) Rump and tail dull cinereous brown; throat and
upper part of breast greyish white; benea:h ash grey. Length, 3 J inches. Columbia River.

PASSERES — HIRUNDINID^: — HIRUNDO. 37

GENUS HIRUNDO. Linnaeus.

Bill with a few scattering bristles at the base. Edge of upper mandible with a distinct notch.
Tarsus scutellate in front ; the toes scutellate. Middle toe slightly longest : hind toe not
versatile. First quill longest. Tail of twelve feathers, emarginate or forked.

THE PURPLE MARTIN.

HlRUNDO PURPUREA.
PLATE XXVIII. FIG. 61.

(STATE COLLECTION. Female.)

Hirundo purpurea, Linn., Gmelin.

PxirjiU Martin. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 5, p. 38, pi. 39, figs. 1 and 2.

If purpurea. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p 64.

Purple Martin. NuttAll, Man. Orn. Vol. 1. p. 598. Audubon, fol. pi. 22; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 115, and

Vol. 5, p. 408. Id. B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 170, pi. 45 (male and female).
Progne purpurea. Bonaparte, Comp. and Geog List, p. 8.
H. purpurea. Purple Martin. Giraud, Birds of Long Island, p. 31.

Characteristics. Dark bluish purple and glossy. Wings and forked tail brownish black.
Female and young, bluish brown ; belly pale. Length, 1\ inches.

Description. Bill rather robust. Wings rather longer than the tail, which is forked.
Plumage compact, glossy.

Color. Quills, greater coverts and tail black. General color purplish black, with blue
metallic reflections. Lores velvet black. Legs of a dark soiled purple. Female, paler
above and lighter beneath, where we observe longitudinal ochreous streaks, intermixed fre-
quently with darker spots or streaks.

Length, 7-0-8-0.

This is the largest American species of the family. It reaches this State from the south
about the middle of April. They are bold and active, attacking and pursuing all the larger
birds who venture to approach their nests. They are consequently general favorites, and
boxes are usually prepared for them against dwelling houses, of which they take possession,
driving off any previous occupant. It commences building its nest almost immediately after
its arrival, laying from four to six pure white eggs, and often raising two broods in a season.
It feeds upon various winged insects, such as wasps, bees and large beetles. It leaves us,
on its southern migration, about the middle of August. Its geographical range is very great.
It has been observed by Mr. Swainson as far south as Pernambuco, in 9° south latitude. I
have seen it there, and also at Bahia in about 12° south, but neither saw nor heard of it
farther south. To the north, it penetrates the arctic circle. Peculiar to America.

Boie has recently formed the genus Progne from this bird, but I am not informed what
characters he has assigned to it. ^

38 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE WHITE-BELLIED SWALLOW.

HlRUNDO BICOLOR.
PLATE XXIX. FIG. 63.

(STATE COLLECTION. Male and female.)

Hirundo tricolor. Vieillot, pi. 31.

H. virides. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 5, p. 44, pi. 38, fig. 3.

H. tricolor. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 65.

White-bellied Swallow. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 605.

H. tricolor. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 328. Audubon, folio, pi. 98 j Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 491, and

Vol. 5, p. 447. Id. Birds of Am. Vol. 1, p. 175, pi. 46 (male and female).
Chelidon id. Bonaparte, Comp. and Geogr. List, p. 8. Boie.
H. tricolor, White-bellied Swallow. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 36.

Characteristics. Dark lustrous greenish blue above ; beneath white. Tail forked. Tarsus
naked. Length, 5 to 5" 5 inches.

Description. The closed wings extend somewhat beyond the tail. First quill longest,
and the lesser ones deeply emarginate. Bill and claws robust.

Color. Above lustrous steel blue ; beneath white. Bill black. Feet flesh-colored. Fe-
male, with less of the lustrous color, but in other respects similar.

Length, 5*0- 5' 5.

This swallow is very numerous on the low marshes on the southern shores of Long island.
They are slaughtered by thousands and sent to market, and are much esteemed by gour-
mands as some small species of snipe. It feeds partly on insects and partly on berries, par-
ticularly the fruit of the Myrica cerifera, or Wax-berry, on which it becomes exceedingly
fat. It builds in hollow trees, and also occupies boxes in the neighborhood of dwellings.
Eggs from 4 to 6, pure white. It ranges from the Gulf of Mexico to the 60th parallel of north
latitude. A few, according to Audubon, winter in the neighborhood of New-Orleans. It
appears in this State about the middle of April, and leaves us on its southern migration in
the early part of September. Boie has made it the type of his genus Chelidon. It is
peculiar to America.

PASSERES — HIRUNDINUXE — HIRUNDO. 39

THE BANK SWALLOW.

HlRUNDO RIPARIA.
PLATE XXVIII. FIG. 62.

(STATE COLLECTION. Male and female.)

The Sand Swallow. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 430.

Hirundo riparia, Bank Swallow. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 5, p. 46, pi. 38, fig. 4. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N.

York, Vol. 2, p. 65.
H. id.. Bank Swallow or Sand Martin. Ncttall, Man. Ornith. Vol. 1, p. 607.
H. id. Audubon, folio, pi. 385 ; Ornith. Biog. Vol. 4, p. 584.
Sand Martin. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 333. Cotyle, Boie.
Bank Swallow. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 187, pi. 50 (male, female and young).
H. riparia, Bank Swallow. Gihaud, Birds of Long island, p. 37.

Characteristics. Greyish brown above, and forming a band across the breast ; beneath
light colored. Tarsus naked, with a few tufts of downy hair behind.
Tail slightly forked. Length 5 inches.

Description. The whole upper parts dark greyish brown, the upper surfaces of the wings
and tail being darker than the body : there is a broad band of the same color across the
breast. Exterior feather of the tail slightly edged with whitish. Lores and bill black.
Claws delicate, pointed and black. A slight streak of whitish occasionally over the eye.
Lower side of the shafts of the primaries white. Young, with the feathers slightly bordered
with rufous, more particularly on the wing-coverts.

Length, 5-0. Alar extent, 10' 5.

This is one of our earliest swallows, arriving from the south in the vicinity of New- York.
They dig horizontal holes in high sandy bluffs, at the extremity of which they form their nest
of grass and feathers, and lay about five white eggs. They live on the smaller hymenopte-
rous insects, which they take on the wing. Their geographical range is very great. Their
southern limits are not yet established, but they occur in Louisiana, and have been observed
at the mouth of Mackenzie's river in the 68th degree of north latitude. This species is com-
mon to Europe and America, and is found indeed in almost every quarter of the globe.

40 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

THE BARN SWALLOW.

HlRUNDO RUFA.
PLATE XXIX. FIG. 64.

(STATE COLLECTION. Male and female.)

Hirundo rufa, Gmelin.

Chimney Swallow. Pebnant, Arct. Zoology, Vol. 2, p. 429.

H. amtricana. Wilson, Am. Ornilh. Vol. 5, p. 34, pi. 38. figs. 1 and 2.

H rufa. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye N. Y. Vol. 2. p. 64. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. C01, figure.

II. rustica. Audubok, fol.pl. 173; Orn Biog. Vol.2, p. 413, and Vol. 4, p. 411.

H. americana. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol.2, p. 329.

H rustica. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 181, pi. 48 (male and female).

H. rustica, Barn Swallow. GlRAUD, Birds of Long Island, p. 35.

Characteristics. Steel-blue above ; beneath chesnut. Tail deeply forked ; the lateral fea-
thers narrow, and longer than the wings. Length, 7 inches.

Description. General color above glossy blue. Forehead and beneath bright chesnut :
a band on the neck, glossy blue. Bill black. Irides dark brown. Legs dark purple. Tail
deeply forked : all the feathers, but the central pair, have a large white spot on the middle of
their inner webs. Female and young, paler beneath, and the exterior tail-feathers shorter.

Length, 6" 5 -7-0.

The Barn Swallow is one of our most common visiters. It makes its nest of pellets of
mud mixed with grass, and attached to the rafters or eaves of outhouses. It deposits from
4 to 6 white eggs, sparsely spotted with reddish brown. It destroys numerous noxious winged
insects. It has been observed in Mexico. It usually appears in Louisiana the latter end of
February, and in this State the latter end of March or beginning of April. This year, it did
not appear here until the ISth of April. It leaves this State about the end of August. It
has been observed as far north as 67° 50'. Peculiar to America, but confounded by many
with the H. rustica of Europe.

PASSERES — HIRUNDINIDJB — HIRUNDO. 41

THE CLIFF SWALLOW.

HlRTJNDO FULVA.

PLATE XXX. FIG. 87.

(CABINET LYCEUM.)

Hirundo fulva. Vieillot, Vol. 1, p. 62, pi. 32.

H lumfrons. Say, Long's Expedition, Vol. 2, p. 47.

H fulva. Clinton. Ann Lye. N. Y. Vol 1, p. 156. Bonaparte, Am. Omith. Vol. I, p. 63, pi. 7, fig. 1.

Republican or Cliff Swallow. Audubon, fol. pi. 68; Ornith. Biog Vol. 1, p. 353, and Vol. 5, p. 415.

Fulvous or Cliff Swallow, Nuttall, Orn. Manual, Vol. 1, p. 603.

11. lunifrons. Richardson, F. B A. Vol. 2, p. 331.

H. fulva, Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 177, pi. 47. Giraud, Birds of Long Island, p. 38.

Characteristics. Blue-black above ; beneath brownish white. Throat and rump rust-
colored. Front with a pale semilunar band. Tail even. Length, 5£
inches.

Description. Bill rather short. Tail very slightly emarginate, not longer than the wings.

Color. Bill and feet dusky. Jrides dark brown. A narrow black line extends over the
bill to each eye. Front white or reddish white, and the remaining part of the crown black,
violaceous. Chin, throat and cheeks dark chesnut extending in a narrow band on the hind
part of the neck. Rump and some of the tail-coverts pale reddish. Breast reddish ash.
Inferior wing-coverts ashy brown. The exterior tail-feathers slightly edged with whitish on
the inner vane.

Length, 5-0-5-5. Alar extent, 12" 0 - 13-0.

The history of this species is curious. It was first noticed* by Vieillot at St. Domingo
and Porto Rico, in large flocks, in the middle of May. He published a description of this
species, with an indifferent figure. Nothing further was known about it, until Say observed
it in 1820 in great numbers in the Rocky mountains. Unacquainted with Vieillot's descrip-
tion, he called it Hirundo lunifrons. In the interim, a solitary pair appeared near Whitehall
at the south end of Lake Champlain, and every succeeding year appeared in greater num-
bers, and extended farther west and south through this State. The celebrated Dewitt Clinton,
in 1824, sent a description of this bird to the Lyceum of Natural History of New- York,
naming it H. opifex, which he was induced to change upon reading Vieillot's description. In
1820, it was observed by Capt. Franklin in latitude 65° north. Swainson, in the seventh
volume of Griffith's Cuvier, has also given it as new, under the name of melanogaster. It
has appeared on the coast of this State within the last two years, and Mr. Bell has observed
its nest in Rockland county.

* I have a note that it was seen in great numbers at Dennisville, Maine, in 1795, but the authority is not remembered ;
in! it is scarcely probable that so distinct a species, with such remarkable habits, should not have attracted the attention
of natural. sts.

[Fauna — Part 2.] 6

42 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

The winter retreat of the Cliff Swallow is in Mexico, and perhaps farther south. Its ordi-
nary course of migration appears to have been along the Rocky mountains, and across high
northern latitudes to the Atlantic ; and from thence, for the last forty years, it has gradually
descended each successive year more to the south. In the course of years, it may become a
very common and generally distributed species throughout the Union. Unlike its congeners, it
has not yet followed the Atlantic coast in its northern migrations, but takes the course of the
vallies of the Mississippi and Ohio. Its return south is doubtless more direct ; but as this
must be very rapid, it has not yet been observed. In this Stale, its stay scarcely exceeds six
weeks ; appearing in the first week of June, and leaving the latter end of July. It breeds
with us, and its nest, composed of mud or clay with a narrow tubular neck, resembles a
coarse retort. The eggs 4-5, white spotted with brown. Until it approached the habita-
tions of man, these nests were agglutinated to the sides of overhanging rocks ; but now they
attach them boldly under the eaves of houses and out-buildings. Peculiar to America.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

H. lhalassina. (Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 186, pi. 49.) Above violet green; a line over the
eyes, cheeks and all beneath white. Tail emarginate, much shorter than the wings. Female :
Head and rump brown. Length, 41 inches. Rocky Mountains and Texas.

H. serripennis. (Id. pi. 51.) Greyish brown above; lighter beneath. Tail nearly even. Outer
margin of first quill with the filaments curved into hooks. Closely allied to riparia. Length, 5}
inches. Southern Stales.

FAMILY AMPELID&.

Bill short, triangular, decurved at the tip ; the edges more or less distinctly notched. Roof
of the upper mandible concave, with three longitudinal ridges. Tongue horny, deeply
slit. Nostrils oval, partly concealed by bristly reversed feathers. Feet short, robust ;
claws long, curved, acute. Wings broad. Plumage silky.

GENUS BOMBYCILLA. Brisson.

Upper mandible with a distinct tooth. Three toes directed forward and one backward. Tarsus
with six scutellae. Wings with the spurious feathers very short ; the first and second quills
longest. Head crested. Adults with the tips of some or all of the secondaries, and occa-
sionally of the tail, terminated by small bright red appendages like sealingwax.

Obs. This genus, as now restricted, comprises one species peculiar to this country, and
the other common to Europe and America. This latter has been only recently observed with
us, and is now increasing in numbers.

PASSERES — AMPELIDjE — BOMBYCLLLA. 43

THE BLACK-THROATED WAXWING.

BoMBYCILLA GARRULA.

PLATE XXVI. FIG. 57 (Female).

(CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Ampelis garrulus. Linn^us, Syst.

Bomtycilla gamtla. Bonaparte, Am. Om. Vol. 3, p. 7, pi. 16, fig. 2 ; Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 438. Rich-
ardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p 237. Nhttall, Vol. 1, p. 246. Audubon, B. of A. Vol.
4, p. 165, pi. 49.

Black-throated Waxwing. Giraod, Birds of Long Island, p. 165.

Characteristics. Drab. Throat, frontlet and line over the eye black. Belly ashen ; vent
rufous. Wings and tail blackish : the latter tipped with yellow ; the
former with two series of white marks. Length, 8-9 inches.

Description. The feathers of the crown form a crest nearly an inch broad and an inch
and a half in bngth. Secondaries with four to seven of the shafts terminating in bright red
waxen appendages, occasionally wanting. Adult males with the ends of the shafts of the
tail-fealhers slightly enlarged at the end, and bright red. Tail three inches long.

Color. Brownish grey. A narrow line over the base of the upper mandible, extending to
the eyes and beyond them, and the upper part of the throat, deep black : a narrow streak
below the lower mandible, white. Wing-feathers blackish. Coverts largely tipped with
white, forming a band. Secondaries marked in a similar manner, but forming a larger band.
Quills with a bright yellow spot at the end of the outer web. Tail broadly tipped with yellow.
Irides dark red.

Length, 8-0-9«5.

This species inhabits the northern regions of Europe and Asia. The first published
account of it as an inhabitant of North America, is due to Charles Bonaparte, Prince of
Canino, who introduced it in his Synopsis of the Birds of North America, in the Annals of
the Lyceum referred to above. It was first observed in high northern latitudes, but has since
been noticed as far south as Philadelphia. The specimen from which our figure was taken,
was shot in the autumn of 1835, in the neighborhood of this city. It is still a rare species,
but is apparently on the increase. -»

44 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE CEDAR-BIRD.

BoMBYCILLA CAROLINENSI8.
PLATE XXVI. FIG. 56.

(STATE COLLECTION. Male, female and yotjno).

Amptlit amtricana. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 107, pi. 7, fig. 1.

BombycMa carolmeruii. Bonaparte, Obs. No. 78 j Ann Lye. Vol. 2, p. 59. Adddbon, fol. pi. 43 ; Orn. Bio».

Vol. 1, p. 227. Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 248, figure.
B. americana. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 239.
B. rarolinmsis. Aodobon, B. of A. Vol. 4, p.
Cedar Waxmng, B. carolinensis. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 163.

Characteristics. Brownish grey : crest slightly rufous ; frontlet, line over the eye, and
chin black. Belly yellow ; vent white. Wings blackish, unspotted.
Length, 7 or 8 inches.

Description. A deep black line from the nostril, over the eye, to the hind head, bordered
above by a slender line of white. Chin black, gradually blending into greyish brown. Six
or seven, and sometimes all the secondaries furnished with a prolongation of their shafts, of
a vermilion color, and resembling sealingwax. Occasionally these appendages are seen on
the lail feathers, and sometimes individuals are found without them. Bill, legs and claws
black. Female, with its plumage duller, smaller crest, and narrower bar on the tail.

Length, 7-0-8-0.

This well known bird has various popular names. Those of Cedar-bird, and Cherry-bird,
are most common in this State. In Massachusetts, it is called Canada Rubin ; and by the
French Canadians, it is known under the name of Recollet, from the color of its crest re-
sembling the hood of that religious order. It is frequently called the Brown-bird.

The Cedar-bird appears in flocks, and lives chiefly upon whortleberries ( V actinium fron-
dosum), cedar-berries (Juniperus virginiana, improperly called cedar in the Northern States),
persimmons (Diospyros virginiana), grapes and cherries. They are best known by their
fondness for cherries, which they devour with great avidity, and in large quantities. They
are not, however, exclusively frugivorous, but repay the comparatively unimportant injuries
which they inflict on man, by ridding trees of the small beetles, caterpillars and cankerworms
with which they, are infested. The eggs are usually four in number, white, tinged with
purple and spotted with black.

The Cedar-bird is capable of braving a low temperature, and is frequently seen with us
during the whole winter. They range from the equator to the COlh degree of north latitude.

PASSERES — ALCEDINIDiE — ALCEDO. 45

FAMILY ALCEDINIDM.

Bill long, straight, compressed, angulated, robust. Mandibles opening to beneath the eyes.
Neck short. Tarsus very short, scutellate in front. Anterior toes united for more than
half their length ; hind toe small. Solitary, feeding on insects or fishes. Breed in holes
near the banks of streams.

GENUS ALCEDO. Linnaeus.

Bill robust, tetragonal, pointed ; the ridge above distinct, somewhat flattened ; the edges
nearly straight, wilhout notch : upper mandible slightly longest. Nostrils basal, adjacent,
oblong, oblique, half closed by a naked membrane. Tarsus half the length of the middle
toe ; claw of the middle toe dilated in front. Third quill longest ; second subequal. Tail
of twelve feathers.

THE BELTED KINGFISHER.

ALCEDO ALCYON.

PLATE XIX. FIG. 40 (Male). FIG. 41 (Youko).

(STATE COLLECTION. Male and young).

Alcedo alq/on. LlNN^us, 12 ed. p. 180.
Btlted Kingfisher. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 279.

A. alcyon. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol 3, p. 59, pi. 23. fig. 1. Abddbon, folio, pi. 97 (m. and f.) ; Orn. Biog. Vol.
I, p. 394. Ndttall, Man. Ornith. Vol. I, p. 594, figure. Richardson, F. B. A, Vol. 2, p. 339.
A. id., Belled Kingfisher. Gibaud, Birds of Long island, p. 172.

Characteristics. Bluish above, with a belt of the same color across the breast ; beneath
white. Head crested : a white spot on each side of the eye. Female
and young, with two rust-colored belts across the breast. Length, 12
inches.

Description. Bill with a longitudinal furrow on each side of the ridge of the upper man-
dible. Tail short, nearly even, slightly rounded, reaching beyond the tips of the closed
wings.

Color. Bluish slate above. Breast bluish white. A white spot, varying in size and shape,
above and beneath the eye. Quills black, barred with white at the base. Secondaries spotted
and tipped with white, forming narrow bars on the expanded wings. Central pair of tail-
feathers bluish above, obsoletely spotted with while near the shafts ; the remainder black,
with interrupted white bars bordered with blue. A light blue broad belt over the breast.
Female and young, with a double belt ; the upper rusty tinged with blue ; the lower nar-
rower, rust-colored, and expanded over the flanks.

Length, 12- 0-12-5. ' -

46 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

The Kingfisher breeds in this State, where he is a resident during nearly the whole year.
I have seen him on the south side of Long island in the month of December, and as early as
the beginning of March. Their nests are excavated in dry sandy banks, to the depth of five
or six feet, enlarged at the end : they lay 4 - 6 white unspotted eggs. Their food consists
mainly of small fish, which ihey swallow whole, casting up the scales, bones and indigestible
parts in the form of pellets. It ranges from Mexico to the 68th parallel of north latitude,
and is peculiar to this continent. It has been arranged by Boie under the genus Ceryle, with
the characters of which I am not acquainted.

FAMILY TROCHILIDJE.

Bill elongate, awl-shaped, slender, straight or slightly arched, flexible, pointed at tip.
Nostrils linear, with a membranous flap above. Feet short. Tarsus very short, annu-
laled, naked or half feathered. Tail of ten or twelve feathers. The inner toe united at
the base to the middle one ; hind toe articulated high on the tarsus. Tongue long, exten-
sile, ending in two filaments. The first or second primaries longest. Plumage often
brilliant. Diminutive in size.

Obs. This family is at present separated into three genera. Although more than one hun-
dred species are described from America, yet we have in this State but one species, and that
belongs to the

GENUS TROCHILUS. Linn^us.

Bill long, slender, depressed at the base, cylindrical. Ridge of the upper mandible narrow
at the base, convex beyond, and covering the lower mandible, which has a very acute
ridge. Head small. Middle toe scarcely longer than the rest. Wings very long and
narrow ; first quill longest. Tail nearly even, of ten feathers.

THE RED-THROATED HUMMING-BIRD.

Trochilus colubris.

PLATE XL. FIG 87 (Male and female).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Trochilus colubris, Linn. 12 ed. p. 191. Red-throated Honey sucker, Penn. Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 286.

Humming-bird. Wilson, Am Orn. Vol. 2, p. 26, pi. 10, figs. 3 and 4.

T. colubris. Audubon, folio, pi. 47; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 248, and Vol. 5, p. 544. Nuttall, Manual Ornithol.

Vol. 1, p. 583, figure. Richarpson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 323.
Ruby-throated Humming-bird. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 190.
T. colubris. Gibaud, Birds of Long island, p. 169.

Characteristics. Golden green; throat ruby-colored. Tail notched, black ; its three outer
feathers rusty white at the tips. Female ; throat white. Length, 3 J
inches.

PASSERES — TROCHILID^E — TROCHILUS. 47

Description. Bill, straight, somewhat dilated near the tip. First primary longest, reach-
ing nearly to the tail,- which is deeply cmarginate (Audubon describes it as even).

Color. Above light green, with metallic reflections. Primaries and lateral tail-feathers
dusky black. Beneath greyish white mixed with green. Throat and breast in the male
resplendent ruby or flame-colored, varying into dusky orange, according to the light in which
it is held. Female, without the brilliant throat mark, greyish beneath ; the lateral tail-
feathers broadly banded with black, tipped with white. Young, dull whitish beneath ; the
tail tipped with white.

Length, 3-2-3-5.

This is the smallest species of bird occurring in this State, and, in particularly warm
seasons, it is found here in great numbers. It reaches the southern parts of the State about
the commencement of May, and almost immediately begins to construct its ^Te*st, which is
usually placed on the upper side of a limb, and coated with moss or lichens, in order to
make it resemble the tree to which it is attached. It lays two white unspotted eggs. It
feeds on the sweet juices of flowers, and, according to the observations of Wilson, undoubt-
edly destroys small insects. It is active and fearless, entering out-houses and dwellings. In
one instance a humming-bird flew into my hall, and was captured. It appeared as if dead,
and while the children were busily engaged in examining it, it suddenly darted away, ap-
parently uninjured. The Humming-bird ranges from Mexico to 57° north, where it even
breeds. It leaves us for the south about the beginning October, and sometimes even earlier.
In common with the whole family, it is peculiar to America.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

T. rufus. (Audubon, fol. pi. 379.) Head rich green and gold ; back rust-color. Primaries deep blue.

Feathers on ihe neck elongated into a rufE California.
T. mango. (Id. fol. pi. 184.) Neck and breast velvet-black, margined with emerald-green. Female,

same parts white, with a longitudinal streak of black. Florida Keys.
T. anna. (Id. Birds of America, Vol. 4, pi. 252, p. 188.) Head, cheeks and throat blood-red changing

to red; above glossy green. Rocky Mountains.

48 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

FAMILY CERTHIDJE.

Bill generally elongate, slender, awl-shaped, acute, compressed. Nostrils basal, obvious,
half closed by a membrane. Tarsus naked, with seven or eight scutellce. Toes long and
slender. Wings moderate or short, broad and rounded. Tail short, broad, of twelve
feathers.

Obs. Under this family, Charles Bonaparte has included the Nuthatches, Creepers, and
Wrens, comprising seven European and fourteen American species.

GENUS SITTA. Linnaeus.

Bill moderate, very hard, conic, subulate, slightly compressed, with short bristles at the
base. Mandibles equal ; the lower slightly curved from the middle. Nostrils basal, round,
partly covered by reversed bristly incumbent feathers. Tongue short, slender, wide at
base ; its tip terminating in strong bristles. Tarsus short, with eight scutellae. Toes long,
much compressed ; hind toe long, with a stout compressed and hooked nail. Second,
third and fourth quills longest. Dwell in woods. Feed on insects, and occasionally on nuts
and seeds.

THE WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH.

SlTTA CAROLINENSIS.

PLATE XLI. FIG. 91.

(STATE COLLECTION. Male and female.)

Silta carolinensis, Brisson. While-breasted Blank-capped Nuthatch, Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 40, pi. 2, fig. 3.
White-breasted American Nuthatch, Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol.1, p. 581.

White-breasted Nuthatch. Audubon, fol. pi. 152 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 299, and Vol. 5, p. 373 ; B. of A. Vol. 4,
p. 175, pi. 247. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 166.

Characteristics. Slate-blue above. Head and neck above black ; beneath pure white.
Bill long. Young : Head plumbeous. Length five inches.

Description. Bill straight, longer than the head, with incumbent feathers at the base of
the upper mandible, extending beyond the nostrils. The first and fifth quills subequal. Tail
nearly even, slightly rounded.

Color. Summit of the head and back of the neck glossy black, dilating over the shoulders.
Back bluish. Quills black, edged with bluish. Inside of the wings, near the shoulders,

PASSERES — CERTHID.E — SITTA. 49

black, bordered behind with white. Outer tail-feathers black, tipped and barred with white.
Sides of the head and beneath pure white. Female : Crown dark leaden ; neck glossy black.
Young, without black on the head. Length, 5"0-5-5.

This industrious little bird derives its popular name from the hatches or hammerings which
he makes on hard nuts, in search of larvae within. It is a resident in this State, as I have
seen it during the whole winter. It lays from four to six whitish eggs, spotted with brown
at the larger end. Its food consists mainly of spiders, ants, etc. Its geographical range is
from Mexico to Maine.

THE RED-BELLIED NUTHATCH.

SlTTA CANADENSIS.

PLATE XL. FIG. 88.

(STATE COLLECTION. Male and female.)

Sitta canadensis. LiNN-sus, Syst. Nat. 12 ed. p. 177 (young). • j

Sitta varia. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 43, pi. 2, fig. 4.
S. canadensis. Bonaparte, Obs. No. 60, and App. ; Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 96. Aoddbon, fol.pl. 105;

Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 24, and Vol. 5, p. 474.
Red-bellied Nuthatch. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 583. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 4, p. 179, pi. 248.
Sitta canadensis. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 168.

Characteristics. Smaller than the preceding, lead-colored. Head, neck and eye-stripe
black ; rust-colored beneath. Bill short. Length, four inches.

Description. Bill straight, short, entire. The first quill shorter than the fifth. Wings
reaching nearly to the tip of the tail, which is slightly rounded.

Color. Frontlet, cheeks, shoulder and line over the eye white : a line of black passes
through the eye to the shoulder. Legs, feet and claws dull greenish yellow. Chin white.
Beneath light rust-color or reddish. Lateral tail-feathers barred with white near the end, and
tipped with pale brown. Female : Crown brownish black ; beneath light reddish.

Length, 4-0 -4-5.

This hardy little northern bird appears in this State in the autumn and spring, as it passes
to and fro on its migrations. It feeds on insects and the oily seeds of the evergreens, and
ranges from 38° to 52° north. Its history is as yet very imperfect, but from its resemblance
in appearance and general habits to the preceding, it may be presumed to be similar to that
species.

[Fauna — Part 2.] 7

50 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

(EXTRA-L1MITAL .)

S. pusUla. (Wils. Vol. 2, pi. 15. Aud. B. of A. Vol. 4, pi. 249.) Plumbeous. Head and neck

above light brown ; beneath slate. Lateral tail-feathers black, tipped with grey and crossed with

white. Length, 4 inches. Southern States.
S.pygmaa, Vigors. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 184, pi. 250.) Greyish brown above. Quills

and tail dusky margined with grey. Two outer feathers of tail with a white band towards the

base. Length, Z\ inches. California.

GENUS CERTHIA. Linnaeus.

Bill long, slender, arched, entire, much compressed, three-sided, acute. Nostrils basal, linear,
oblong, situated in a groove, and half closed by a membrane. Edges of mandibles not
notched. Tarsus and middle toe subequal, compressed : first toe longer than the middle
toe, including the claw ; hind toe longest, with a very long claw. Wings short, very broad ;
fourth and fifth quills longest ; first shorter than the seventh. Tail wedge-shaped, of twelve
stiff pointed feathers.

THE BROWN CREEPER.

CERTHIA AMERICANA.

PLATE XLI. FIG. 90 (Female).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Brown Creeper. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 122, pi. 8, fig. 1. Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 585. Audcboh,

fol. pi. 415 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 5, p. 458.
C americaruu Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp List, p. 11.
C.familiaris. AcnnBON, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 109, pi. 115. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 71.

Characteristics. Dark grey, varied with light brown and dusky ; beneath white ; rump
and tail dusky brown. Length, 5^ inches.

Description. The first and seventh primaries subequal. Tail rounded, longer than the
body ; the quills with their shafts projecting beyond the webs, and ending in acute elastic
points. Plumage on the back soft and loose.

Color. Above reddish brown. Feathers with a dull white central streak. A white streak
over the eye, and a small dark triangular spot between the eye and base of the bill. Beneath
white, tinged with brown on the sides. Wings deep brown. Tail brown, with obsolete
dusky undulations.

Length, 5* 0-5" 5.

PASSEEES — CERTHID.E — MNIOTILTA. 5 1

The Brown Creeper is supposed not to be a common species in this State, although it
breeds and remains here the whole year. It may not, however, have been often observed, as
it is a very solitary bird, inhabiting for the most part the recesses of the forests. The eggs
are from 7-9, of a dull ash-color with dots and streaks of brown. It feeds on insects and the
seeds of pines. Wilson could detect no differences between this and the Common Creeper
(C. familiaris) of Europe. In this he has been followed by all ornithologists until recently,
when Charles Bonaparte, whose knowledge of both European and American birds is confess-
edly unrivalled, has considered them as specifically distinct. It ranges from Louisiana to the
50th degree of north latitude.

(EXTRA-LIM1TAL.)

C. albifrons. (Giraud, Birds of Texas, plate.) Dark brown, spotted with lighter. Tail and coverts
light brown, broadly barred with black : throat, foreneck and breast pure white. Length, 5 '4.
Texas.

GENUS MNIOTILTA. Vieillot.

Bill straight, slender, much compressed towards the end : notches on the edges obsolete.
Tongue long, pointed and horny at tip. Feet moderate, very slender. Tarsus much com-
pressed ; the upper scutella blended, shorter than the middle toe and claw. Toes com-
pressed ; the first very long. Plumage loose. Wings long : the second and third quills
longest, subequal ; first longer than the fourth. Tail moderate, nearly even, slightly
emarginate.

Obs. This genus was instituted by Vieillot, for the reception of a species which had been
arranged by Linnsus as a Motacilla, by Latham as a Sylvia, and by Wilson and Vieillot
himself as a Certhia. It was subsequently arranged by Bonaparte as a Sylvia, and by
Swainson and Jardine as a Sylvicola. Wilson, considering the actual state of ornithological
knowledge in his time, was justified by its habits, and most of its characters, in placing it as
he did. But one species has yet been discovered.

52 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

THE VARIED CREEPING WARBLER.

MtflOTILTA VARIA.
PLATE XLI. FIG. 89 (Male.)

(STATE COLLECTION. Male and female.)

Mblacilta varia. LiNHiECs, Syst. Nat. 12 ed. Vol. I, p. 333.

While-pott Warbler. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 402.

Certhia maculata. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p. 23, pi. 19, fig. 3 (male).

Sylvia varia. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 81.

Certhia varia. Audubon, fol. pi. 90 ; Orn. BioS. Vol. 1, p. 152, and Vol. 5, p. 471.

Black and While WarbUr,or Creeper. Ndttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 384.

Creeping Warbler. Audubon, B, of A. Vol. 1, p. 105, pU 114. Glraud, Birds of Long island, p. 70.

Characteristics. Varied with white and black. Throat black. Female, and young of the
year, throat greyish. Length, 5*5.

Description. Bill somewhat dilated at the base, incurved, keeled, and compressed at the
sides ; lower mandible straight. Tail slightly emarginate, or even. Tips of the wings reach-
ing to within half an inch of the end of the tail ; the second quill rather longest.

Color. Above white varied with black. Rump black. A white stripe along the summit
of the head and back part of the neck, bounded by black. Line above and below the eye
white. Quills rusty brown, edged externally with soiled white. Wings with two white
transverse bars. Inner webs of the tail-feathers marked with white. Beneath varied with
black and white. Female and young, greyish tinged with rufous on the throat ; beneath
greyish. Sides and under tail-coverts marked with black. Eye-stripe obsolete. Sides of
the neck dull rufous.

Length, 5*0 -5' 5.

This active little species is common throughout this Stat.:, making its appearance from the
South in this vicinity about the middle of April, and leaving us the latter part of September.
It is highly useful in destroying the various insects which hide themselves in the crevices of
the bark of trees. Its eggs are described as whitish, with brownish red spots at the larger
end. It has been noticed by Swainson in Mexico, and has also been observed as far north
as 50°, although not noticed in the Northern Zoology. Peculiar to America.

PASSERES CERTHID.E TROGLODYTES. 53

GENUS TROGLODYTES. Vieillot. Cuvier.

Bill usually long, slender, sharp, compressed, without notch, or at least only a slight vestige.
Nostrils oval, oblong, obvious, half closed by a membrane. Tongue slender, ending at
the tip in two or three small rigid bristles. Tarsus longer than the middle toe, with eight
anterior distinct scutellae. Inner toe free ; posterior with a larger nail than the rest. Wings
short, rounded, concave, with a spurious feather : third, fourth and fifth quills longest. Fe-
male and male differ little in plumage. Tail usually erected. Live exclusively on insects.

Obs. This genus has been separated into two by modern systematists : In Troglodytes,
the bill is slender from the base, the spurious feather moderate, and the hind toe equal to the
inner ; in Thryothorus, the bill is rather thick at the base, the spurious feather long and
broad, and the hind toe longer than the inner. The genus, as it now stands, is very natural,
does not comprise many species, and the distinctions do not appear of sufficient magnitude to
require the introduction of a new genus.

THE HOUSE WREN.

Troglodytes jEdon.

plate xliii. fig. 97.

(STATE COLLECTION. Male and female.)

Troglodytes ccdon. Vieillot, pi. 107.

Sylvia domestica. Wilson, Am. Om. Vol. 1, p. 129, pi. 8, fig. 3.

T. aedon ct furvus. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 92 and 439.

House Wren. Audubon, folio, pi. 83 (male, female and young) ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 4, p. 409. Nuttall, Man.
Orn. Vol. 1, p. 423, figure. Richardson, Northern Zoology, Vol. 2, p. 316. Auddbon, Birds
of Am. Vol. 2, p. 125, pi. 120. Giradd, Birds of Long island; p. 73.

Characteristics. Dark brown, banded with blackish ; beneath dull greyish, with obsolete
bands. Tail rather long and rounded. Length, 4^ inches.

Description. Bill, measured along the upper surface, half an inch long, without the
slightest appearance of a notch. Nostrils with a membrane above. Tail wedge-shaped,
arched.

Color. Above deep brown, darkest on the head and neck, and lighter on the rump. All
the feathers, except those of the head and neck, barred with dusky. Beneath, soiled white
on the belly and vent ; darker above, obscurely barred with dusky. Wings and tail strongly
barred. Lower mandible flesh-colored.

Length, 4 "5. .

54 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

The House Wren is well known for his familiar habits and his usefulness. They build in
boxes or houses prepared by man, laying from 6 to 9 reddish flesh-colored eggs, sprinkled
with grains of a deeper tint. It arrives in the southern part of this State towards the end of
April, and leaves us in September. It is stated in some works of authority, that this species
is found nearly as far south as the equator ; but as it has never been observed in the southern
States, it is supposed to pass round this region, in order to avoid the Great Carolina Wren.
The observation of Audubon (Synopsis, p. 75), appears more probable, namely, that it does
' not extend beyond Maryland, where it winters. This opinion he has subsequently modified,
and supposes it to winter south of the United States. It has been observed as high as the
57th parallel, and across the continent to the Columbia river.

THE WOOD WREN.

Troglodytes americanus.

T. amtricana. Acd. Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 452, and Vol. 5, p. 469. T. americanus, Id. B. of Am. Vol. 2, p. 123.
T. americanus, Wood Wren. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 74.

Characteristics. Closely allied to the House Wren, but is larger, the bill more robust, and
tail-feathers much longer ; no light colored line over the eye. Length,
4 ' 5 - 5 ■ 0 inches.

Description. Bill moderate, nearly straight, slightly decimate at the tip. Tarsus com-
pressed, with seven scutellae in front. Wings short j second quill much shorter than the
third. Tail rather long, broad, graduated.

Color. Above dark reddish brown (duller on the head), and indistinctly barred with dark
brown. Sides of the head, above the eye, with no light colored line. Edges of the outer
primaries light colored. Beneath pale brownish grey ; faintly barred on the foreneck, breast
and sides. Under tail-«overts distinctly barred.

Length, 4-85.

I am only acquainted with this species through the description of Mr. Audubon, who noticed
it in South-Carolina, Vermont and Maine. Mr. Giraud states that a few have been shot on
Long island in this State. It has probably been confounded with the House Wren, and has
thus been overlooked.

PASSERES — CERTHIDiE — TROGLODYTES. 55

THE MOCKING WREN.

Troglodytes ltjdovicianus.

c
PLATE XLH. FIG. 94.

/

(STATE COLLECTION. Male and female.)

Sylvia ludoviciana. Latham, Index Omith. sp. 150.
Certhia caroliniana. Wilson, Am. Om. Vol. 2, p. 61, pi. 12, fig. 5.
T. ( Thryothorus) ludovicianus. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 93.
The Great Carolina Wren. Audubon, folio, pL 78 j Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 399.
Mocking Wren. Nuttall, Manual Ornith. Vol. 1, p. 429, figure.

Great Carolina Wren. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 2, p. 116, pi. 117 (male and female). Giracd, Birds of
Long island, p. 75.

Characteristics. Chesnut brown above. Wings and tail barred with brown; the coverts
slightly tipped with white. Beneath rusty ; vent light colored, barred.
Throat, and stripe over the eye, whitish. Female, no white on the
wing-coverts. Length, 5-6 inches.

Description. Bill stout, curved, and three-quarters of an inch long. Tail rounded,
wedge-shaped ; the two exterior feathers on each side being half an inch shorter. Wings
short and broad. Nostrils oval, partly covered by a prominent convex membrane.

Color. A broad well defined streak of soiled white passes from the base of the bill, over
the eye, and down the sides of the neck ; beneath this, a stripe of reddish brown passes from
the eye backward, to mix with the general color of the body above. Chin lightly tinged with
rust. Throat and sides of the neck greyish white. Quills, coverts and tail barred with
blackish brown.

Length, 55 -6"0.

This large Wren, which in the southern and western parts of the Union is celebrated for
his mimicry and powers of song, is but a rare visitor in this State, or at least has been
rarely observed. I suspect that it even occasionally breeds here ; for I have had specimens
from Westchester and Rockland counties, which were taken as late as the middle of Decem-
ber. Its eggs are from 5-8, greyish, spotted with brown. It is a resident in the Southern
States during the whole year, and ranges from Texas to New- York.

56 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

THE MARSH WREN.

Troglodytes palustris.

plate xlii. fig. 93.

(STATE COLLECTION. Male.)

Certhia palustris. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 58, pi. 12, fig. 4.

Troglodytes palustris. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 93.

Marsh Wren. Audubok, fol.pl. 100; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 500, and Vol. 5, p. 467. Nutt. Man. Orn. Vol.1,

p. 439.
T. palustris. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 319. Aodobon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 135, pi. 123 (male and female).
Giravd, Birds of Long island, p. 72.

Characteristics. Dark brown. Crown dusky brown : neck and back streaked with light
color. A white stripe over the eye. Beneath glossy white ; vent
brownish. Length five inches.

Description. Bill curved, and so nearly entire that the notch can scarcely be observed
with a lens. Tail short, rounded and erect. Wings short, with the fourth quills longest.
Legs and feet large for the size of the bird. Tongue sharp, pointed, entire. Claws long,
slender and arched.

Color. Above reddish brown. Wings darker; the feathers edged with lighter. The
lores, a line from the eye, throat, breast and belly whitish. Sides of the breast obscurely
barred with brown ; flanks, thighs and vent tinged with brown. Tail dark towards the end,
with 6-8 faint dark bars .

Length, 4-5-5-0.

This little wren, as its name implies, is chiefly found in marshes, where it constructs a
curious pensile nest, laying from 6-8 small mahogany-colored eggs. I have been assured
by intelligent witnesses that it is a highly musical species; singing, early in the spring, during
the greater part of the night. It breeds in Pennsylvania, and probably in this State, but I
have not yet met with its nest. It winters from Texas to Carolina, and migrates as far north
as Massachusetts.

PASSERES — CERTHID.E — TROGLODYTES. 57

THE WINTER WREN.

Troglodytes hyemalis.

plate xlih. fig. 96.

(CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Sylvia tmglodytes. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. I, p. 139, pi. 8, fig. 6.
Troglodytes hyemalis. Vieillot, Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat.
T. europeus. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p, 93.

Winter Wren. Aumjbon, fol. pi. 360; Orn. Biog. Vol. 4, p. 430. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 427. Aud.
B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 128, pi. 121 (male and female). Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 72.

Characteristics. Reddish brown, faintly barred with dusky; beneath dull rufous, with
obsolete bars. Hind toe stout. Bill short. Length, 3^ inches.

Description. Bill nearly straight, half an inch long. Tail short and rounded, scarcely
more than an inch long. Wings rather short ; the fourth quill longest.

Color. Above dark rufous brown, with numerous short interrupted bars of dusky. Head
and neck plain, not barred nor spotted. Primaries crossed with alternate rows of black and
whitish or yellowish white. Superciliary line, sides of the neck, of the head and breast
soiled white, with obsolete longitudinal dusky stripes. Beneath reddish brown. Belly and
vent barred with black and white. Bill dark brown above ; yellowish beneath towards the
base.

Length, 3*5 -4*0.

This Wren, which is one of our smallest species, has for a long time been confounded with
that of Europe, and is frequently also taken for the House Wren by casual observers. The
following characteristics of T. europeus may serve to contradistinguish these closely allied
species : " Greyish beneath ; neck, breast, and anterior part of the body immaculate." This
species, as its name would imply, remains with us during the winter, but in fact is found
here during the whole year. My late collector, Mr. Ward, found them breeding in great
numbers near Lake Oneida in July. They lay from 10- 12 dull whitish eggs, with a few
reddish spots at the larger end. Its geographical range east and west is very extensive,
reaching acrosss the continent : its latitudinal range is more limited, being included between
the 38th and 50th parallels.

[Fauna — Part 2 ] 8

58 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

THE SHORT-BILLED WREN.

Troglodytes brevirostris.

tlate lxii. fig. 93.

(CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

T. brevirostris. NDTT4LL, Trans. Am. Philos. Soc. Vol. 5, p. 98 (figure).
The Short-billed Marsh Wren. NoTTAtL, Man. Orn. Vol.1, p. 436 (figure).

T. id. Aodcbok, fol. pi. 175 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 427, and Vol. 5, p. 469 ; B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 138, pi. 124 (male
and female).

Characteristics. Bill shorter than the head, which is striated. Above brown, varied wjith
rufous and whitish ; wings and tail barred ; beneath pale rufous ; throat
and centre of breast white. Length, four and a half inches.

Description. Bill slightly curved and compressed, half an inch long from the angle of
the mouth to the tip. Tail much rounded, and about an inch in length. Tarsus 0-7 long.
Claws very small when compared with those of the T. palustris. Wings short, very convex ;
the second, third and fourth primaries subequal.

Color. Above blackish brown, varied with white and rufous chiefly along the shafts of the
feathers. Summit of the head with blackish interrupted stripes. Wings dusky, barred with
rufous and white or whitish on the outer webs. A light colored streak over the eye. Sides
of the breast, the belly and vent pale rust-color. Beneath, the wings obscurely barred.
Thighs rufous.

Length, 4-0 -4' 5.

This little Wren, which is allied in its habits to the palustris, was first detected by Nuttall.
It does not appear to be a numerous species in this State. According to Nuttall, it constructs
a highly artificial nest in sedge grass, and lays from 6-8 pure white eggs. It arrives here
at the latter end of April, and leaves in September : winters, according to Audubon,
from Texas to South- Carolina. In summer it has been observed in Massachusetts. The
specimen which is figured in the plate, was taken near Tappan, Rockland county.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

T. obsoletws. (Bonap. Am. Orn. Vol. 1, pi. 1.) Brownish waved with pale ; beneath whitish mark-
ed with brown. Tail long, rounded. Bill an inch long, slender, notched. Length six inches.
Rocky mountains, Columbia river.

T. bewicki. (Aud. B. of A. pi. 118.) Chesnut-brown ; beneath cinereous inclining to white : a pale
yellowish stripe ovei the eye and down the neck. Tail long, graduated; Lateral feathers spotted,
and external barred with black and white. Length, five inches. Southern States. Rare.

T. parkmani. (Aud. B. of A. pi. 122.) Bill longer, stouter and more curved than in hyemalis.
Fourth quill longest. Reddish brown above, faintly barred ; beneath dull brownish white ; sides
barred; lower wing-coverts and axillaries greyish, obscurely barred. Length, four inches. Co-
lumbia river.

PASSERES — PARID.E — PARUS. 59

FAMILY PARIDJE.

Bill short, straight, robust. Upper mandible slightly curved above, waved on its edges :
notches obsolete. Nostrils basal, rounded, concealed by incumbent feathers . Tarsus with
eight distinct scutellce : three anterior toes united as far as the second joint. Wings mo-
derate ; the third, fourth and fifth quills longest. Tongue truncated at tip, ending in
four bristles. Plumage long and full. Tail long, of twelve narrow feathers.

Obs. This group, which in Bonaparte's arrangement forms a subdivision of his great family
TurdidjE, including Regulus, we think is entitled to form a separate family by itself, in-
cluding as yet but one genus from which it takes its name.

GENUS PARUS. Linn^us.

Bill stout, short, compressed, entire, with bristles at the base. Upper mandible longest,
rounded above. Nail of the hind toe strongest and most curved. Other characters of the
family as noted above.

Obs. This genus, as at present restricted, comprises six American species.

THE CRESTED TIT.

Parus bicolor.

plate xlv. fig. 101.

(STATE COLLECTION. Male and Female.)

Porta bicolor. Limceus, Sjst. Nat. 12 ed. p. 340.

The Crested Titmouse. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 137, pi. 8, fig. 5. Audubon, folio, pi. 39; Orn. Bioj .

Vol. 1, p. 199, and Vol. 5, p. 472.
The Tufted Titmouse. Nuttall, Man. Om. Vol. 1, p. 236, figure.
The Crested Titmouse. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 142, pi. 125.
The Crested Titmouse, P. bicolor. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 78.

Characteristics. Crested. Leaden blue above ; beneath whitish ; flanks tinged with dull
yellowish brown. Length, six and a half inches.

Description. Bill very robust, obtusely elevated above, slightly bent at the tip. The
third and fourth quills subequal, longest. Crest high and pointed. Tarsus rather longer
than the middle toe. Tail even, slightly emarginate.

Color. Upper parts plumbeous. Frontlet, bill and shoulder black. Space before the
eyes grey. Feet leaden blue. Beneath greyish ; the sides light yellowish tinged with red.
Female : The rump reddish ; space before the eyes drab.

Length, 6" 0-6' 5.

This lively and noisy bird appears in the southern counties of our State about the first of

8»

60 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

May, and remains with us until very late in the autumn, and indeed may be said to be a con-
stant resident. It feeds on nuts and hard seeds, which it breaks in a similar mode to that
used by the Nuthatch. It also destroys large quantities of insects and their larvae. The eggs,
six in number, are white with sprinkled red at the larger end. It ranges from 30° to 70°
north, although unnoticed in the Boreal Fauna of Richardson. Occurs throughout the north-
ern regions 4>f Europe and America.

THE BLACK-CAP TIT.
Parus atricapillus.

PLATE XLV. FIG. 100 (Mule).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Purus atricapillus. LinnjEHS, Syst. Nat. 12 ed. p. 341.

Black-capped Titmouse. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 134, pi. 8, fig. 4. Audubon, forro-, pi. 353) On). Biog

Vol. 4, p. 374.
Chicade*. Nuttall, Manual Ornith. Vol. 1, p. 241, figure.
P. atricapillus. Richardson, F. B. A- Vol. 2, p. 226.

Black-cap Titmouse. Audubon, B. of A. Vol.2, p. 146, pi. 126 (male and female).
Id., P. atricapillus. Giraod, Birds of Long island, p. 77.

Gharacteristics> Not crested. Grey tinged with brown ; crown, neck and throat black ;
cheeks and beneath whitish. Tail two inches long. Length, 5^ inches.

Description. Bill short, stout. Tarsus compressed. Third and fourth quills longest,
subequal ; the first and seventh subequal. Tail long, slightly emarginate, rounded, extend-
ing 1 • 25 beyond the tips of the closed wings. Plumage long, soft and downy.

Color. Crown and throat deep black,, with purplish tints. From the base of the bill, a
white space extends backwards, dilating over the cheeks, and, with the white on the upper
part of the breast, forms a species of white collar almost surrounding the neck. Above greyish
ash, tinged with brown. Rump ferruginous. Beneath whitish, or tinged with greyish brown.
Sides of the breast and vent pale rusty. Quills light brownish ; their outer edges dull white ;
the outer edges of the secondaries and external tail-feathers bluish or dull white.

Length, 5'0-5-5.

This species is considered by Temminck and Nuttall as identical with the palustris of
Europe. It is larger, however, and its tail proportionally longer, the black on the throat
descends lower, the colors are more pure and distinct, and its voice and habits are different.
It is, however, a closely allied species.

The Black-cap Titmouse, or Chickadee, is a truly northern species; so abundant indeed
are they in the fur countries, that a family of them may be found in almost every thicket.
They are equally numerous in our State, particularly in the northern counties, throughout the
year. In the southern district it is rather rare. I have seen it in this vicinity in the depth »f
winter, when the whole country was buried under a deep snow. It feeds on seeds and nuts,
and also on spiders, canker-worms, and other injurious insects. It has been observed as far

PA8SERES — PARID.* — PARUS. 61

north as the 65th parallel, and, according to Audubon, has been seen as far south as Mary-
land. It has also been noticed in Kentucky. It builds its nest usually in the hole of a
squirrel or woodpecker, laying from 6-8 pure white eggs, and often raising two broods in a
year. Some writers describe the eggs as minutely sprinkled with red> fob

THE CAROLINA TIT.

Parus carolinensis.

plate liv. fig. 123.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Parus carolinensis. Audbbon, folio, pi. 100 ; Ornith. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 341, and Vol. 5, p. 474. Bonaparte, Com.
and Geog. List, p. 20. Aoedbon, Birds of Am. Vol. 2, p. 152, pi. 127 (male and female).

Characteristics. Smaller than the preceding. Ash grey above. Cheeks greyish white.
Tail emarginate. Length, 4^ inches.

Description. Plumage long and loose ; the third and fourth quills longest ; the first and
seventh subequal.

Color. Crown, hind head, throat and upper part of the neck pure black. Cheeks greyish,
becoming lighter towards the eyes. Quills and tail-feathers margined with greyish. Be-
neath greyish, and tinged with rufous on the sides.

Length, 4'25-4-5.

This southern species has not, until recently, been detected in this State. Mr. Bell in-
formed me, three years since, that he had reason to believe that a species closely resembling
the Chickadee, but smaller, and with a different note, existed in this State during the winter.
He succeeded recently in obtaining a specimen in Rockland county, which proved to be the
Carolina Tit. It chiefly affects low marshy situations, and is more shy than the Chickadee.
It is a resident in the southern States, and has been observed in Texas. Its extreme north-
eastern range along the Atlantic is in this State, although it may be found still farther north,
having been taken hitherto for the Chickadee.

(EXTRA-LMITAL.)

P. hudsonicus. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 2, pi. 128.) Rufous brown above. Cheeks with a narrow

band of white. Beneath white ; rufous on the sides. Length, 5 inches. Labrador, Maine.
P. rufescens. (Id. pi. 129.) Bright chesnut above; the white cheek band curving upon the back.

Head, throat and sides of the neck dark brown. Length, 4£ inches. Columbia river.
P. minimus. (Id. pi. 130.) Greyish brown above. Crown and hind head reddish brown. Tail

more than two inches. Length, 4£ inches. Columbia river.
P. leucolis. (Giraud, B. of Texas, plate.) Red : cheeks satin white. Tail long, graduated. Length,

4-9. Texas.

62 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

FAMILY SYLVIADJ2.

Bill moderate, slender, straight, rather broader than high at the base. Upper mandible a
little bent at the tip, slightly notched on the edges. Bristles short, or weak at the base.
Nostrils basal, oval or oblong. Tarsus compressed, with seven scutellce in front. Toes
moderate, compressed ; the third longest ; the second and fourth subequal. Tail moderate
or long, of twelve feathers. Tongue slender ; tip bifid and lacerated.

Obs. This family, as at present restricted, contains but two American genera. In the
outlines of the General System proposed by Charles Bonaparte, it comprises two of the
subdivisions of the large family Turdid,e, embracing many European species.

GENUS REGULUS. Ray.

Bill short, straight, subulate, very slender, with short bristles at the base. Edge of upper
mandible slightly notched, and a little curved at the tip. Nostrils elliptical, half closed by
a membrane covered by small reversed feathers. Tarsus slender, longer than the middle
toe, much compressed ; the lower four scutellae only distinct : hind toe stoutest, with a
larger and thicker nail. Feathers of the head elongated and silky. Spurious feather very
short: third and fourth quills longest; the first and seventh subequal. Tail emarginate.

T(HE GOLDEN-CRESTED KINGLET.

Regulus satrapa.

plate xlhi. fig. 94.

(STATE COLLECTION. Male and rauAii.)

Sylvia regulus. Wilson, Ornith. Vol. 1, p. 126, pi. 8, fig. 2 (male).

Regulus cristatus. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 91.

Golden-crowned Goldcrest. Id. Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 22, pi. 2, fig. 4 (female).

American Fiery-crowned Wren. Nuttall, Man. Ornith. Vol. 1, p. 420.

Regulus tricolor. Audubon, folio, pi. 183 (m. and f.) ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 476.

R. satrapa, Lichtenstein. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 2, p 165, pi. 132 (m. and f ).

R. reguloides. Jardine, Ed. of Wils. and Bonap. Vol. 1, p. 127.

JR. satrapa. Gibaud, Birds of Long Island, p. 80.

Characteristics. Olive green ; beneath whitish. Crown orange margined with black ;
cheeks greyish. Bill slender from the base. Female : crown lemon-
yellow ; beneath dull greyish. Young : crown golden-yellow.

PASSERES — SYLVIADiE — REGULUS. 63

Desciuption. Front descending rather abruptly. Bill 0"2 long, depressed at the base,
compressed at the tip, with an obsolete notch on the edge of the upper mandible. Nasal
membrane covered by a single recumbent decompound feather. A long undivided plate on
the upper part of the tarsus, with a few scutellae beneath. The third quill slightly longest.
Feathers of the tail narrow, acuminate. Bristles at the base of the bill.

Color. Above greenish olive ; the hind head plumbeous. Frontlet, line over and beneath
the eye light ashen. Summit of the head yellow margined with black ; in the centre of this
yellow crown is a longitudinal stripe of flame color : the lateral feathers in the black border,
and the yellow feathers above, are long, and capable of concealing the brilliant crown. Beneath
greyish, with a slight greenish tinge. Wings and tail dusky. Greater wing-coverts with a
white bar across the tips ; another small white bar above this, formed by the tips of the upper
wing-coverts. An irregular large black spot on the secondaries, the edges of which are olive.
Quills bordered with yellowish. Female, without the red streak on the crown ; frontlet and
line over the eye dark ashen grey.

Length, 4'0. Alar extent, 7"0.

This bird was for a long time confounded with its closely allied species, the cristatus of
Europe. Nuttall, we believe, was the first who suggested the idea of its being specifically
distinct ; but his name, tricolor, as well as that of Jardine, yields to the prior appellation
given by Lichtenstein. It is extremely active and restless, feeding on minute insects, which
it takes on the wing or extracts from the crevices of trees. It is a rare bird in this State, and
the only specimens I have seen from this region are those described above. Its geographical
range, as far as ascertained, appears to be between the 23d and 54th parallels. It has been
observed breeding in Labrador, and in the autumn leaves the northern regions, passing
through the United States as far as Mexico. Its history is incomplete. According to Mr.
Giraud, it appears with us in April and May on its northern migration ; and on its return,
from September to December.

Ill ni-w van* !• mina — »moi.

II I !•: Himv CROWNED KINULKtJ (sTr*^ •

hi,*,
1 1 , n i in ii.

(H'I'A'I'I • "i i i ' i lt)| I
MWuMmtaMhtai LiNMMii 0NIUI

/,',. 11 I'NNN.NT, Ah l Ihlli 1

*»/.. . I v-' I - l|i I'

H>»">' /rinliihn, NVHPHNNIi NlmW'i KmI \"l II

ft««V I " ' ' I I '■" '

/Mv i II. lit* Ai

w,,. it) lllrda of I

i lARArrHNlNTitiN. OlivncnoiiM. u> >■ milium M I vvnli IiImi'.Ic, StSt'l llmillJ

i.i' inehtii

Daitinin'ioN, Hill nlmiilnr, noli hi d itMi Ihi llpi wim li li illghllji btni Tall modi i Hi

OotOH OrnnnUli ulivn abovo, Wtngl mul tail duiky brown, odgnd with Iah«yollow,

idtrlen, mul ili' i u oi wii vim I i'iIiii-iI mul U|i|iimI with whitllh, Si

mul lun. I Iii'ihI vi'iiiiiIkhi \ i nm ..I \ i'IIhw lull wlulu . lullln i' v« Honotllll wliilo.

Hill liliu'li ynllow i1""" i' '' ' ■ "■> mul ini'K dinky brown Famo/i thfl marking

• imiliu, Kill llin IiiiIn Itil blighti YotuiK • '"»" "I lln' ln'iul wmiliii" iIi. \ m nulnm ipOi

I .. iwlli. I • Mil .■ \ I I'll! . Il 0

Tlim in tin' lil ll i. -I I liinl 1 1 a mm limn .J)«olo», mul ii. i. In' I linn ' Il i In' mull i

III NilVOIIlliiM, |ioi|»li'llllv Hlil\ in- Willi 111 iKl Wholfl Wllllfl 'Tllli ^I'l'lllor llllllll'i'i. Uun

appOKi ibOUl ikl mlddlo ul A|ml limn tlm N.mlli , lmt nlli'i ii voiy hlioil "lav, piii-ur linn

i.'nnH\ northward Nothing li known ol In InoubaUoai aadlltUaol Ita habitat amaptthai

Il AlOdn OB "iimll ki'ihIb, OR lOIOOU whloh Itil'oMl Into*, i.tnl llirn IiiiIuii i|iliniil

'" ^M . .1 "I ' III. I ,11 ' II. -I I II 1,1 ||<

{i \ n: i / nur.il i

H, MM'im, ( A.OI*. II, of A. |d. 111,) (UoyUll nlnn iilnivft; btlMalh fit] I'nniii v. nullum ..

I.ln.l, lun, I Ii.mii ilio ii..inl,i. |m. in ■■ ill Iiil,,,|, l,n il, i;ii„l..-, l'Sthilrli>Mi%. Komih

imthomillioitty.il U "llmlo i|m, mi, n \i. i.i ,,W»'*/I<» f

ft. (wAi/m*. (Thmm |il Ml,) l»«lo ulivo. A Into nl yi'lluw uh,i\o tho ,>\. It,

niin., \Vinn«nii,hi»il ,'1 ., ,,iuiiii,'i ',i iii. li i, 'ii", i iii. hi ih, wingt, Lri"

ft Inohw, jfctttlfar* St*i*t «nd JbtrtjM.

— AVI.VIAI)*— AIAUA,

<;KNIIH HIAUA, Hwainnon.

Hill ihoft* nearly nltninUl, AiiliulaU, wii*l Am Ugh K 'M btIO, flUft in.uly i« iIk • r -.,
l,1I(li«l..-«l wild linmly f -i jfct !.,■,. U(,,,<, i,,,,,!',

vfld, undconrwdlili" iij-, ily n«t/:li«*l, NnAtrlU UihI, f/urtlf < loAod

'l'»ngWO MrliliiHiii',ii», Willi (til |»oilil *lit, Tuikiik »ln

mfdolo too and claw ; iu lowoj Ind HifldttflftM Mttfd » «liortor

'i tho too, WlngA r»lb«r tag, p'-inh .1 b- - <,»i'l un<l ilunl <jinlU longoJI,

Nil. HMJKHIKI).

Hum* ITJ&IOOT,

num MW M <*

(•TATS QOVWUmtni. Mam an» mwam,)

I. ,.«*„., H|rri, N«i, (, «A,

:.»*('»(<»»,, Ana l/f#< ti, v. v>a ■<, p, If,
HVU4* tMl; *• M, Mrf Vol, », p, AM,

a,.., .1.1,, HtmA On

'it,
Mihii. ..., H >,l A, V-.i A, |, in, ,.\ in <w*ts, (mob »*4rmm§),

HI****,'- -l l—«-

Cka*a/jt*juaw;a, Bluo, Bonosth bright ntfJMij i-iiy m4 *'•»<• wMu, Towy, JMky

AfHrtMd Wi'li wlnUI, 1*0//' bff<

DmcftirTfMT/ Winf« full Mil tooA Kyooiorgo, 'I -. Uwl, *li</liUy omorgioou,

oton j iu fotfhorf Wot4 *nd roundod, PIimiaj/< fMgfeffy «I</A»y,

« .,).,,. A,i/^i i n-i. imm Mm , 0m ><">■ i rmm <>\ \\,<- <|hjII«, *nd (bob fboftf -j.,ri- y ,
tb« outer b And iippor port of tho broA»i l/i <«. Molly «n4 root

wliiU-. Hill mi'J bp l-li.'k. I/.b.'I' '! " ■• -'I b/,I<;« «/l Id. /'«( y..||',w. J/ib pgii#H

FmaUi Hood «od book, Mooptfof Hi" wiogA, duU loadon, with i <<l S,\m, Vtrmg,

hrownUh oho* a ; bonottb greyi»U, tiogod with brown,

Uogtb, «'»-7'0, AkrHtm,9'6-i

Tb$ Bhttldrd, or Him lloltin wit /« «f(M <s»IU4 in tb« w«#Uf ft utmmt, twnM»§ nry
fftiicb in iu munmr* tod bcbiu 0m Humkola rubicob, or HoMn littihrtMi of Ktuop; m& It
\mUA with ua aa tb« ftrit h«rbhif«r of coring, A few ,..U i-oniriv*, l/y »<^ki/.

Aomo wtnn Aiwnjr Apot, to Uofor out tho winter with ma ; hut tin a U a r«r* oemnrmtM, Tboy
•ppotr in tho Aottthom eouotioo about tho rni/i/iU of Mwttk, oo4 lomotiwoi oro» o*< ;.< i b
IFawwa— Pa*t2,| »

66 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

the autumn, usually in November, it leaves us for the south as far as Mexico, where it was
noticed by Lichtenstein. Along the Atlantic, it ranges to Nova-Scotia. It is very prolific,
laying 4-6 blue unspotted eggs, and raising several broods in the year. It is very useful in
destroying multitudes of noxious insects. In the autumn they feed on cedar berries, wild
cherries, etc. This species has exercised the ingenuity of systematists, having been originally
a Motacilla, and then successively a Sylvia, Saxicola, Parus, CEnanthe, Vitiflora, Ampelis,
Erythraca and Sialia. I do not admit the propriety of changing its specific name. The
genus Sialia, however, is a good one, and forms a natural passage to the next family.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

S. occidentalis. (Aud. B. of A pi. 135.) Bright ultramarine blue. A broad band across the back,

and the scapulars chesnut red. Tail deeply emarginate. Female, light greyish brown tinged

with blue. Length, 7 inches. Pacific coast, Columbia river, Texas.
S. arctica. (Id. pi. 136.) Light azure blue; beneath light greenish blue. Quills and larger coverts

dusky. Female : breast greyish brown. Length, 7i inches. Columbia river, Northern regions,

and (according to Mr. Giraud) Texas.

FAMILY MERVLIDM.

Bill short or moderate, straight, with bristles at the base. Upper mandible slightly rounded
and curved ; the tip small, with a small notch : the lower shorter, straight. Nostrils
rounded. External aperture of ears large and rounded. Tarsus compressed, with seven
anterior scutellce. Feet rather robust. Wings short or moderate, broad, rounded. Tail
various, of twelve feathers. Tongue cartilaginous, bifid at tip.

Obs. This family, which is essentially the same with the Turdince of Audubon, comprises
a portion of the section Saxicolince of the great family Turdid^e of Bonaparte. As we re-
strict it, it comprises three American genera, Orpheus, Merula, and Cinclus.

GENUS ORPHEUS. Swainson.

Bill elongated, slender, and more curved than the following genus. Feet of moderate length,
slender. Wings short and rounded ; fourth and fifth quills longest. Tail very long, straight,
much rounded or even graduated.

PASSERES — MERULIDiE — ORPHEUS. 67

THE COMMON MOCKING-BIRD.

Orpheus polyglottus.

plate xxxix. fig. 84.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Turdus polygloltus, LiHNjEUS. Wilson, Am .Om. Vol. 2, p. 13, pi. 10, fig. 1.

The Common Mocking-bird. Audubon, pi. 21 ; Om. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 108, and Vol.5, p. 438. Nuttall, Man.

Orn. Vol. 1. p. 320, figure.
Mimus polyglotlus. Bonaparte, Geographical and Comparative List, p. 17.
Orpheus polyglottus. Auddbon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 187, pi. 138.
O. id., Grey Mocking-bird. Gieaud, Birds of Long island, p. 82.

Characteristics. Ash-colored. Eyebrows and beneath whitish ; base of the primaries,
tips of the coverts and the lateral tail-feathers white. Tail wedge-
shaped. Length, 9-10 inches.

Description. Above ash-colored : the wings and tail dark brown ; the first and second
rows of coverts tipped with white. The first four quill-feathers are white at their bases, as
far as the tips of their coverts ; the remainder are white to a greater extent, but much variety
is observed among individuals in this respect. The two outer tail-feathers white ; the re-
mainder, except the two middle ones, tipped and sometimes spotted with white. Chin white ;
the remaining under parts light ashen grey, the base of the feathers being slate. Bill, legs
and feet black : base of the lower mandible light colored. Female : the white spot on the
primaries less clear, and not spreading over more than seven or eight of the primaries, and ex-
tending farther down on the inner web. The back is rather more inclined to brown. Young,
spotted on the breast.

Length, 10-0. Alar extent, 14 -0.

The Mocking-bird, the peculiar ornament of the forests of the Southern and some of the
Middle States, is comparatively rare in New- York, although some are occasionally found in
Rhode-Island and Massachusetts. The specimen figured in the plate, was shot in Rockland
county. I have seen them occasionally in Queens county, where, indeed, I have been as-
sured that they breed ; but my information is not to be implicitly relied on. The unrivalled
powers of song attributed to this bird are too well known to be repeated here. It is found
25 degrees south of the equator, and ranges to 44° of north latitude. It lays 4-6 pale green
eggs, spotted and blotched with brown. It has been observed with us towards the end of
May. Its food is various, consisting of berries of the holly, sumach, etc., and of insects,
worms and spiders. Peculiar to the torrid and temperate zones of the two Americas.

9#

68 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE BROWN THRUSH.

Orpheus rufus.

plate xxxvhi. fig. 82.

(STATE COLLECTION. Male and female.)

Ferruginous Thrush. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 83, pi. 14, fig. 1.
Turdus rufus. Bonapakte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 75.

Ferruginous Thrush. Audubon, folio, pi. 116 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 102, and Vol. 5, p. 411.
Ferruginous Thrush or Thrasher. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 328.
Fox<olored Mocking-bird. Richabdson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 189.

Ferruginous Mocking-bird. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 9, pi. 141 (male and female).
Ferruginous Thrush. Gikaud, Birds of Long Island, p. 85.

Characteristics. Reddish brown ; beneath whitish, spotted with black. Wings with two
whitish bands. Length, 10-11 inches.

Description. Bill long and rounded ; the notch obsolete. Wings rounded, three and a
half inches shorter than the tail ; the outer feathers of the tail an inch shorter than the middle
ones. Feet robust.

Color. Above bright reddish ; beneath yellowish white ; the breast and sides with arrow-
headed dark brownish spots. Wings above with two series of white spots, forming bars.
Lower mandible whitish at its base. Iris yellow. Legs dusky black. Female : Bars on
the wings more narrow, and the spots on the breast smaller.

Length, 11 -5 -21-0. Alar extent, 13-0- 13-5.

This delightful songster has various popular names in different districts. He is called the
French Mocking-bird, Ground Thrasher, Ground Mocking-bird and Brown Thrasher.
Although a few have been known to remain during a mild winter in the State, yet it usually
winters farther south. It ranges throughout North America from 30° to 54° north. It usually
arrives here from the south towards the end of April, and breeds in every part of the State.
Its nest is built on or near the ground ; the eggs are from four to six, greenish white, with
numerous dots of brown (" dull buff," Audubon). It feeds on worms, insects and various
kinds of berries, and is readily domesticated.

PASSERES — MERULID^E — ORPHEUS. 69

THE CAT-BIRD.
Orpheus carolinensis.

PLATE XXXIX. FIG. 85 (Male).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Muscicapa carolinensis. Linnaeus, Sys£. Nat.

Tardus lividus, Cat-bird. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 90, pi. 14, fig. 3.

T.felivox, Vieillot. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 75. Audubon, folio, pi. 128; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2,

p. 171, and Vol. 5, p. 440. Nuttall, Manual Orn. Vol. 1, p. 332, figure.
Orpheus felivox. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 192.
The Cat-bird. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 195, pi. 140 (malo and female).
Black-capped Thrush, O. carolinensis. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 85.

Characteristics. Deep slate ; beneath paler. Vent rufous. Crown and tail black. Length,
9 inches.

Description. Bill compressed on the sides, with rather an acute ridge above ; the tip
slightly bent. Notch near the tip, very minute : at the corners of the mouth, 2-4 rigid
bristles directed forwards. Wings short, from two to two and a half inches shorter than the
tail. Nostrils basal, nearly closed above by a membrane, and partly concealed by feathers.
Fourth and fifth primaries subequal, longest.

Color, as given above : bill black ; feet blackish brown. Occasional piebald varieties
have been seen. Young : feathers of the vent simply tinged with reddish.

Length, 9-0. Alar extent, 12-0.

This familiar bird ranges from Mexico to the 54th degree of north latitude, where it was
seen by Richardson. It arrives in this State at the beginning or middle of April, according
to the temperature of the season. It lays 4-5 unspotted greenish eggs. Food, berries,
worms, wasps and other insects. One of our most useful birds, but usually doomed to per-
secution and death by thoughtless ignorance. Its notes are eminently beautiful, although few
suppose it capable of emitting any other sound than the harsh and discordant mew which has
given rise to its trivial name. I see no reason for following the modern writers in altering its
linnean specific appellation.

(EXTRA-L1M1TAL.)

O, monlanus. (Aud. B. of A. pi. 139.) Greyish brown: tips of secondary coverts, edges of quills,
and a large spot at the end of the three outer tail-feathers, white ; light colored beneath, with arrow-
headed spots. Length, 8 inches. Rocky mountains.

70 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

GENUS MERULA. Ray.

Bill, moderate or short, rather robust, straight. Feet long, somewhat robust. Third and
fourth quills longest. Tail moderately long, even.

THE AMERICAN ROBIN.

Merula migratoria.

plate xxxviii. fig. 83.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

T. migratorius, Linn.eus. Wilson, Am.Om, Vol. 1 p. 35, pl.2, fig.2. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 75.
American Robin, or Migratory Thrush. Nuttall, Man. Ora. Vol. 1, p. 338, figure. Audubon, folio pi. 131 ; Om.

Biog. Vol. 2, p. 190, and Vol. 5, p. 442.
Merula migratoria. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 176.
Robin, or Migratory Thrush. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 14, pi. 142.
. Reb-breasted or Migratory Thrush. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 86.- -

Characteristics. Dark greyish ; beneath reddish. Head and tiil black ; the latter with
the two exterior feathers white at the inner tip. Length, 9£ inches.

Description. Throat, and a few spots occasionally forming a ring around the eyes, white.
Bill yellow. Beneath reddish, more or less deep according to the season of the year ; abdo-
men white. Throat whitish, thickly streaked with black. All above a dark dull greyish
brown. Young, pale reddish beneath, thickly spotted with black. ,

Length, 9-0-10-0.

This familiar species is a resident in this State throughout the year, and those which thus
remain probably advance farther north to breed. The eggs are from 4-6, bluish green, un-
spotted. They feed on worms, insects, berries and fruits, and range from the equator to the
67th degree of north latitude. Its popular name was given to it by the early English colo-
nists, from its supposed resemblance to the S. rubicola or Robin Redbreast of Europe.

PASSERES — MERULIDJE — MERULA. 71

THE WOOD THRUSH.

Merula mustelina.

PfcATE XXXIX. FIG. 86.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Turdus melodus, Wood Thrush. Wilson, Am. Om. Vol. 1, p. 29, pi. 2, fig. 1.

T. mustelinus, Gmelin. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 75. Audubon, folio, pi. 73 ; Orn. Biog. Vol.

1 , p. 372, and Vol. 5, p. 446. *

Wood Thrush. Nuttall, Manual of the Ornithology of U. S. Vol. 1, p. 343. Audcbon, Birds of Am. Vol. 3,
p. 24, pi. 144. Gibaud, Birds of Long island, p. 88.

Characteristics. Reddish brown : rump and tail inclining to olive ; beneath white, spotted
with blackish. Eyes margined with whitish. Tail short, slightly
emarginate. Length, 8 inches.

Description. Bill short, carinate above ; mandibles subequal. Nostrils subovate, large.
Wings an inch shorter than the tail ; the extended legs reaching beyond the tail. Third and
fourth quills longest, subequal ; second equals the fifth : outer webs of the third, fourth and
fifth obliquely sinuated.

Color. Above dull brown, becoming more fulvous on the head and olivaceous on the
rump. Extremities of the quills, and upper side of the tail, greenish brown. Vent and
central part of the throat pure white. Sides of the neck, breast and belly, with round heart-
shaped deep brown spots.

Length, 7* 5 -8*0. Alar extent, 13-0.

This little Thrush reaches this State (where it breeds) about the beginning of May. It has
various popular names, such as Wood Robin, Ground Robin and Little Brown Thrasher.
Its food consists of various berries, caterpillars, etc. It is well known for its distinct, rich
and varied song. It is shy and retired in its habits ; and its eggs, except in size, do not
differ from those of the Robin. It ranges from Mexico to the 50th degree of north latitude,
and is found during the whole winter in Louisiana.

72 NEW- YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

THE HERMIT THRUSH.

Merula solitaria.

plate xxxvii. fig. 80.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Turdus solitarius. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 5, p. 95, pi. 43, fig. 2.
T. minor. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 75.
• T. id., Hermit Thrush. Audubon, pi. 58; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 303, and Vol. 5, p. 445.
Little or Hermit Thrush. Ndttall, Man. Ornilh. Vol. 1, p. 346.

Merula solitaria. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 184, pi. 35. s

T. solitarius. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 3, p. 29, pi. 14C.
T. minor. Hermit Thrush. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 90.

Characteristics. Dark ferruginous brown, inclining to reddish on the tail ; beneath white,
with arrow-headed spots. Tail short, emarginate ; under tail-coverts
pale buff. Third, fourth and fifth primaries longest ; second and fifth
subequal. Length, 6-7 inches.

Description. Bill moderate, with the notch at the tip, small but distinct.

Color. Above brown, with a ferruginous tinge on the primaries, tail-coverts and tail.
Chin greyish white. Sides of the head and neck dull yellowish, with a dark brown arrow-
headed spot on the tips of many of the feathers of the breast. Upper mandible blackish ;
lower yellowish, darker towards the tip.

Length, 6* 5 -7* 5. Alar extent, 10-5- 11 -0.

The Hermit Thrush, as its name implies, is a shy solitary bird, resembling in its general
color the European Nightingale, and scarcely inferior to that bird in its low-toned and
melodious notes. It is readily distinguished from the preceding, by its smaller size, and the
peculiar shape of its spots beneath. It is found in every part of the State, which it reaches
from the south about the middle of May. Its eggs are pale greenish blue, spotted with olive.
It ranges from Mexico- to the fiftieth parallel of latitude.

PASSERES — MERULID.E — MERULA. 73

THE OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH.

Merula olivacea.

Tardus olivaceut. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 91.

Characteristics. Uniform yellowish brown above. Breast and throat buff, with small
sagittate black spots : outer webs of the primaries yellowish ; lower
tail-coverts white. Length, 7 inches.

Description. Second quill-feather longest ; the first and third equal. Tarsi one inch
long. Bill short and robust.

Color. Uniform dark olive brown above. Sides of the neck, circle round the eye, and a
line from the bill to the eye, rufous. Throat cream-color, inclining to rufous ; fore part of
the throat with arrow-headed spots, smaller and more distinct than in M. solitaria. Sides
light greyish brown : under tail-coverts pure white ; abdomen white, spotted with light
greyish brown. Bill dark brown, approaching black.

Length, 7'0.

For the first detection of this species, we are indebted to the late H. C. De Rham of this
city, a young man of singular attainments and great zeal in the investigation of our ornitho-
logy. He died in consequence of fatigue and exposure to the sun in Carolina, while in the
pursuit of his favorite studies. He furnished me with the following note, which I believe
was subsequently read before the Lyceum of Natural History :

" Having been struck by the difference between the figures of the Hermit Thrush as
given by Wilson and Audubon, I was led to examine numerous specimens, and observed
very remarkable discrepancies, such as induced me to suspect the existence of two distinct
species. One, agreeing with Audubon's figure and the descriptions of Bonaparte and Nuttall,
being yellowish brown above, inclining to rufous on the tail-coverts and tail, the outer webs
of the primaries being of the same color ; the other agreeing with Wilson's figure, the whole
upper parts being of a yellowish brown, rather lighter than in the thrush figured by Audubon,
without the rufous tail, and the outer webs of the primaries inclinirfg to yellowish instead of
rufous. The description of Wilson is so vague, that it may apply to either. The relative
length of the folded wing, and of the primaries, is also very striking. In Wilson's, the
wings reach to within an inch of the tail ; those of Audubon to within an inch and a half.
In Wilson's, the third is longest, the second and fourth equal ; in that described by Audubon,
the fourth longest, the ihird and fourth subequal. Mr. Audubon cites the minor of Rich-
ardson merely as a synonime of wilsoni, while Bonaparte notes it as a distinct species. I do
not undertake to say whether two species have been confounded under one name, but it is
certainly singular that such marked differences should occur in birds shot at the same season
of the year."

I had been previously struck with great discrepancies between many specimens which
[Fauna — Part 2. J 10

74 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

had been sent to ine under the name of Hermit Thrush, and which I had supposed to form
strongly marked varieties dependant upon age. A reexamination of the subject induced me
to coincide in opinion with my late estimable friend, and I had given it a name, which it is
now unnecessary to cite, as it has been already well designated by Mr. Giraud.

The Olive-backed Thrush is closely allied to the preceding in appearance, and probably
in habits and geographical distribution. Mr. Giraud thinks it probable that it breeds farther
north than the preceding.

WILSON'S THRUSH.

Merula wilsoni.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

T. mustelinus. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 5, p. 58, pi. 43, fig. 3.

T.wUsonii. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol.2, p. 76: Audubon, folia, pi. 164; Orn. Biog. Vol.2, p. 164,

and Vol. 5, 446.
Vary, or Wilson's Thrush. Nuttall, Manual Orn. Vol. 1 , p. 349.
Taumy Thrush. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3. p. 27, pi. 145 (male).

Characteristics. Tawny brown. Beneath white, with brown pointed spots on the throat
and upper part of the breast. Tail short, nearly even ; its feathers
somewhat pointed. Second, third and fourth quills longest. Length, 7
inches.

Description. Bill short and robust ; upper mandible gently curved. The tips of the
folded wings one inch shorter than the tail. Shafts of the quill and tail-feathers produced
somewhat beyond the webs.

Color. Bill black above and beneath, except the base of the lower mandible, which is
yellow ; the sides of the breast, and underneath the wings, slightly tinged with cinereous.
It resembles in its general aspect the preceding, but may be distinguished by these marks :
The Hermit Thrush has a longer bill, more curved at the tip, and white beneath ; its tarsus
is more slender and much longer than its middle toe ; its breast has a reddish tinge, and its
belly, vent, and under tail-coverts nearly pure white.

Length, 6-5-7-5.

"Wilson, in describing this new species, assigned to it a name which had been already ap-
propriated to another bird : hence the necessity for a change. It is seen in this State, where
it breeds, about the end of April, laying from four to five green unspotted eggs. They have
the same habits with the preceding, and range from 25° to 57° north.

PASSERES — MERULID.E — CINCLUS. 75

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.\

M. silens. (Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 186.) Greyish olive; beneath whitish; throat arid

breast marked with dusky spots; tail and upper coverts tinged with rufous; edges of the quills

pale : 2d and 6th subequal. Length, 7 inches. Mexico, Texas.
M. ncevia. (Id. pi. 38.) Blackish grey; beneath reddish orange, except an imperfect blackish belt

over the breast. Wings with two reddish orange bands ; outer webs of quills edged with the same.

Length, 10 inches. Columbia, river.
M. nana. (Aud. B. of A. pi. 419.) Resembles solitaria in its colors, but inferior in size. Length,

six inches. Columbia river.

Genus Ginclus, Bechstein. Bill rather slender, slightly bent upwards, compressed at the sides ; upper
mandible notched at the tip, and encompassing the lower one. Nostrils basal, linear, and
partly closed by a membrane. Legs strong. Tarsus with a long undivided plate and four
lower scutellse, not as long as the middle toe and claw ; the outer toe attached to the middle as
far as the second joint. Wings short ; the first, second and third quills gradually longer.
Tail short, even.

C. americanus. (Bonap. Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 173, pi. 16.) Dark cinereous. Head, neck and breast
chocolate-brown. Length, 7 inches. Oregon, Rocky mountains.

10*

26 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

FAMILY MOTACILLIDJE.

Bill moderately long, straight, slender : bristles at the base small or wanting. Upper man-
dible slightly notched and bent at the tip. Nostrils basal, elliptical, half closed by a
membrane. Form slender. Tongue cartilaginous, slender ; the tip slit. Toes subequal ;
the claw of the hind toe generally long. Wings moderate or long ; the scapulars occa-
sionally much elongated. Tail emarginate.

GENUS ANTHUS. Bechstein.

Bill moderate, straight, destitute of bristles ; edges somewhat inflected in the middle. Upper
mandible carinate at the base, rounded beyond, notched slightly, and a little benfat the tip.
Tarsus much compressed, longer than the middle toe ; hind toe shortest, with a long and
rather straight claw. Outer three quills subequal, longest. Secondaries notched at the
tips : one or more of the scapulars (inner secondaries, Audubon) nearly as long as the
primaries. Tail long, emarginate.

THE AMERICAN TITLARK.

Anthus ludovicianus.

PLATE LXIV. FIG. 99 (Male).

(STATE COLLECTION. Male and female.)

Aiauda ludoniciana. LiNNiEUs. Gmelin.

Alauda rufa. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 5, p. 89, pi. 42, fig. 4.

Anthus spinoletta. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. "V. Vol. 2, p. 90.

A. aquaticus et pipiens. Adddbon, folio, pi. 10 and 60 ; Orn Biog. Vol. 1 , p- 49 (adult) ; Vol. 1, p. 408 (young) ;

Vol. 5, p. 449.
Brown or Red Lark. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 450.
A. aquaticus. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol.2, p. 231, pi. 44.
American Pipit or Titlark. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 40, pi. 150.
A. ludovicianus, American Pipit. Gieaud, Birds of Long island, p. 94.

Characteristics. Beneath, and line over the eye whitish ; breast spotted with black. Tail-
feathers dark : outer one half white ; the second, and occasionally the
third, tipped with white. Old male, slightly roseate beneath. Female,
more spotted below. Young, line over the eye, and beneath, reddish
yellow. Length, 7 inches.

PASSERES — MOTACILLID^E — ANTHUS. 77

Description. Hind claw longer than the toe. Color, varies, as we have noticed above,
with age and sex. In the male, the upper parts greyish brown, with a darker shade in the
centre of each feather. Cheeks brown : a light colored stripe or band over the eye, more
distinct in its summer plumage. Beneath dusky white ; the lower part of the neck, the breast
and sides of the abdomen with long dusky spots ; chin white. In summer, the male has the
neck and breast tinged with reddish. Female, similar to the male in its winter plumage.
Young, with more green above ; lower mandible yellowish ; the spots beneath dark and con-
spicuous ; the two bands on the wings greyish brown, and an obscure band of brownish on
the neck.

Length, 6" 5 -7-0.

There appears to have been much diversity of opinion respecting this species, arising from
its various states of plumage. It was originally noticed by Gmelin, and subsequently well de-
scribed by Wilson as the A. rufa. Subsequent writers referred it to spinoletta and aquaticus
of Europe. Mr. Audubon described the young as a new species under the name of pipiens,
which he has since restored to its proper place ; but Bonaparte, in his Geographical and
Comparative List, has chosen to consider it still as a distinct species.

The Little Brown Titlark winters in Louisiana, and as far south as Brazil. It reaches us
about the beginning of May, and goes north as high as the 63d parallel. It breeds in Ver-
mont and farther north, but I have not ascertained whether it breeds in this State. The eggs
are from 4-6 in number, deep reddish brown, with spots and streaks of a deeper hue. Its
food varies with its locality. Here it frequents in preference rocky shores and the banks of
streams, feeding on minute shells, shrimps and aquatic insects. When in meadows or ploughed
grounds, they feed on insects and various seeds, and on such occasions are found in small
flocks. On its return from the north, it passes through this State in October. Mr. Nuttall
states that nearly all the birds which pass south in the autumn are young, the adult or white-
breasted bird having as yet not been noticed. It has been observed on the shores of the
Pacific at Columbia river.

78 NEW-YORRK FAUNA — BIRDS.

GENUS SEIURUS. Swainson.

Bill rather short, scarcely depressed at the base. Bristles at the corners of the mouth small,
scarcely visible. Upper mandible slightly notched, and bent at the tip. Tarsus with
three scutellae, and a long undivided plate above. Wings moderate : third quill usually
longest ; the first nearly as long as the third.

THE NEW-YORK WATER THRUSH.

Seitjrus noveboracensis.

PLATE XLVH. FIG. IOC (Spkino plumahe).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Motacilla noveboracensis, Gm. Water Thrush, Wilson, Orn. Vol. 3, p. 66, pi. 23, fig. 5.
Sylvia id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. York, Vol. 2, p. 77.

T. aquaticus. Audubon, folio, pi. 19; Vol. 5, p. 2S4; ludovicianus, Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 99.
New-York or Aquatic Thrush. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 353.
Aquatic Accentor. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 229.

<S. novaeboracensis, Aquatic Wood Wagtail. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 37, pi. 149. Giraud, Birds of Long

island, p. 93.

Characteristics. Dark olive; beneath, and line over the eye, yellowish; neck and breast
with dark arrow-headed spots. Female, slightly paler beneath. Length,
6 inches.

Description. Upper mandible somewhat suddenly narrowed in the middle ; tip very
slender, and very minutely notched. Second and third quills about equal, scarcely longer
than the first. The hind claw not longer than that of the middle toe. Tail nearly even,
slightly notched.

Color. Above uniform dark olive brown. A line of white or yellowish white over the eye,
occasionally extending along the sides of the neck. Bill dusky brown or black above ; flesh-
colored beneath. Throat white (in the spring plumage); beneath light sulphur-yellow, with
deep brown arrow-headed or oblong spots, which are also seen underneath the wings.

Length, 6'0. Alar extent, 9'5.

This musical little bird, as one of its popular names implies, is partial to the neighborhood
of brooks, in search of insects. It builds its nest on the ground, laying 4-6 flesh-colored
eggs sprinkled with dark red at the larger end. It inhabits Louisiana, and as far south as
Brazil. It appears in this State from the south about the beginning of May, and has been
noticed as far north as the 64th parallel. It returns south through this State the latter end
of August, and appears to be equally fond of swamps and mountainous regions. I have not
been able to ascertain whether it breeds in this State.

PASSERES — MOTACILLID^E — SE1URUS. 79

THE OVEN-BIRD.

Seiurus aurocapillus.

plate xlvi. fig. 102.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

T. aurocapillus, Lin. Golden-crowned Thrush, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 3, p. 33ft

T. id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 88, pi. 14, fig. 2.

Sylvia aurocapilla. Bonaparte, Ann. Ls'c. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 77.

T. id. Audcbon, folio, pi. 143 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 253, and Vol. 5, p. 447.

Oven-bird, NuttAll, Man. Ornilh. Vol. 1, p. 355.

Golden-crowned Accentor. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 227.

Golden-crowned Wagtail. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 3, p. 35, pi. 148.

Golden-crowned Wood Wagtail. Giraud, Birds of Long Island, p. 92.

Characteristics. Yellowish olive. Crown orange, margined on each side with black.
Beneath whitish ; the breast spotted with dark brown. Length 6
inches.

Description. Bill short, rather robust. Bristles at the angles of the mouth very short.
Tail even or slightly emarginate ; its feathers acutely pointed, and extending an inch beyond
the folded wings ; the three first quills subequal.

Color Above yellowish olive ; the tips of the wings, and the inner vanes of the quills,
dusky brown ; the brownish orange spot on the crown bordered on each side by a series of
black spots, often continuous Bill and feet pale. Spots on the breast triangular. Female,
with a paler crown. Young : crown uniform with the rest of the body.

Length, 6 • 0. Alar extent, 9 - 0.

This is a common species in our State during the summer. It winters in Mexico ; appears
in Louisiana about the beginning of March ; in this State the latter end of April, and ranges
north to the 55th parallel. It breeds in this and the neighboring States, often producing two
broods in the season. One of its trivial names is derived from its. sinking a curious oven-
shaped nest in the ground, where it deposits 4-6 white eggs, spotted at the larger end with
brown. It is a shy solitary bird, feeding on ants, caterpillars, and small coleopterous insects.
It leaves or passes through this State to its winter abode in the early part of September.

80 NEW- YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

FAMILY SYLVICOLIDM.
Bill short, moderate, slender, subcorneal, gradually compressed towards the tip. Upper
mandible straight to near the tip, where it is slightly notched. Tongue cartilaginous,
tapering to the tip. Tarsus with eight scutellce ; the upper ones blended, compressed,
longer than the middle toe. Claws rather small, much compressed. Tail moderate, of
twelve feathers.

GENUS TRICHAS. Swainson.

Bill slightly bent. Tarsus longer than the middle toe and claw. Claws moderately long,
laterally grooved. Tongue slit and lacerated. Wings short, convex, rounded : the third
and fourth quills usually longest ; the fifth somewhat shorter. Tail much rounded, uni-
form in color.

THE YELLOW-THROAT.

Trichas marilandica.

plate liv. fig. 123.

(STATE COLLECTION)
Turdus trichas, Linnj:us. Yellow-breasted Warbler, Pennant, Arct. Zoology, Vol. 2, p. 399.
Sylvia marilandica. Wilson, Am. Ornith. Vol. 1, p. 88, pi. 6, fig. 1 (male) ; Vol. 2, p. 163, pi. 18, fig. 4 (female).
S. trichas. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. Vol. 2. p. 84.
Sylvia roscoe. Audobon, fol. pi. 23 and 24 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 124 (young) ; trichas, Id. Vol. I, p. 121 (adult);

Vol.5, p. 463.
Maryland Yellow-throat. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 401, figure.
Trichas marilandica. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 78, pi. 102 (male, female and young).
Maryland Ground Warbler. Giraud, Birds of Long Island, p. 64.

Characteristics. Olive-green ; front, and stripe through the eye, black, bordered above by
grey. Female, dull olive; no black stripe; beneath reddish brown.
Young male, the stripe only extending to the eye. Length 5 inches.

Description. First quill longest. Color. A rich olive-green above. A broad black
band over the front, and passing through the eyes, terminates in a point on the sides of the
neck, bounded above by a bluish grey line. Throat, breast and vent yellow ; darker on the
belly and flanks ; more distinct on the chin, throat and breast. Bill dark brown. Feet flesh-
colored. Wings and tail dusky brown ; their feathers edged with yellowish olive. Female :
Above light olive ; beneath reddish brown : the eye stripe wanting. Autumnal male : Stripe
only passing through the eye, and not bordered. Summit of the head reddish olive.

Length, 5-0-5-3. Alar extent, 6' 0-6-5.

The Yellow-throat is a common species in this State, where it is found from May to Sep-
tember. It builds a nest in the ground somewhat like the Oven-bird, laying from four to six
white eggs speckled with reddish brown. It feeds chiefly on caterpillars and spiders. It
ranges from Mexico to the 50th degree of north latitude.

PASSERES — SYLVICOLID.E — TRICHAS. 81

THE MOURNING WARBLER.

TRICHAS PHILADELPHIA.

PLATE L1V. FIG. 122 (Adult).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Sylvia Philadelphia. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol.2, p. 101, pi. 14, fig. 6 (adult male); agilis. Id. Vol.5, p. 64, pi. 39,

fig. 4 (young).
S. agilis el Philadelphia. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, pp. 84 and 85.

S. agilis. Audubon, fol. pi. 138 (young) ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 227 ; Philadelphia, pi. 399 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 5, p. 79.
S. agilis el Philadelphia. Nuttall, Manual, Vol. 1, pp. 399 and 404.

Trichas Philadelphia. Addcbon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 76, pi. 101 (male). Sylvicola agilis, Id. Vol. 3, p. 71, pi. 99.
Mourning Ground Warbler, Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 65.

Characteristics. Deep greenish olive. Head slate ; breast bluish slate, with numerous
crescent-shaped black bars ; beneath yellow. Female and young : Uni-
form greenish olive ; throat, sides of the neck and breast buff. Length,
5 inches.

Description. Tips of the wings, and centre of the tail-feathers, brownish. Head and
back part of the neck blue-grey ; space before the eye, and on the frontlet, black ; chin and
sides of the neck blue-grey. Central part of the throat and breast black, with numerous
concentric paler lines. In an individual in the Cabinet of the Lyceum, the breast is of a
uniform jet black, and only faint traces of the concentric or cresent-shaped lines are to be
seen : from this I am induced to suspect that Wilson's specimen was in change, and that in
the old male this part is of a uniform black color. Female and young : Throat of a pure buff;
breast buff, with a darker shade. Tail-feathers rather more acute than in the adult. The
figure given by Wilson of agilis, would scarcely be understood without his description.

Length, 5 • 0 - 5 ■ 5. Alar extent, 7-0-8-0.

Our great ornithologist first described the male of this species under the name of Philadel-
phia. He never met with but this single specimen, and Charles Bonaparte at one time sup-
posed it to be a variety of the preceding. Another specimen has since been added to the
Collection of the Lyceum of Natural History of New- York, from Rockland county, and Mr.
Bell obtained another from Long island. Dr. Bachman informs me that he has not the slightest
doubt that agilis was the female and young of this species ; and from a careful comparison
of the specimens within my reach, I have arrived at the same conclusion. Charles Bona-
parte, in the prodromus of the general system of ornithology which he intends to publish,
also accords with these views. Mr. Audubon, however, in his latest work cited above,
separates the species.

The Mourning Warbler derives its name from its peculiarly melancholy notes, and is a
bird of shy and solitary habits. It is a rare species, and its history is imperfect. Its present
ascertained geographical range is between the 23d and 44th parallels of latitude.
[Fauna — Part 2.] 11

82 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

T. tolmmi. (Townsend, Ac. Sc. Vol. 8, p. 149. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 74, pi. 100.) Olive.

Head, neck and breast dark sooty ash. Lores and frontlet black. Columbia River.
T. delafieldi. (Aud. B. of A. Vol.2, p. 81, pi. 103.) Crown bluish ash; frontlet and line through

the eye black. Beneath entirely yellow. Length, 5 inches. California.

GENUS VERMIVORA. Swainson.

Bill short, rounded, about as long as the head, thick at the base, acutely pointed, straight,
entire. Nostrils elliptical. Bristles scarcely apparent. Tail moderate, nearly even.

Obs. This genus corresponds nearly to the Dacnis of authors, and entirely with the genus
Helinaia subsequently proposed by Audubon.

THE WORM-EATING WARBLER.

VeRMIVORA PENNSYLVANIA.
PLATE LV. FIG. 124.

(CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.) „

MotacUla vermivora, Gm. Worm-eater, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol.2, p. 406.

Sylvia vermivora, Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p. 74, pi. 24, fig. 4. Bonapaete, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 86.

Addubon, folio, pi. 34; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 177, and Vol. 5, p. 460.
Worm-eating Warbler. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 409.
V. pemylvanica. Swainson.

Helinaia vermivora. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol.2, p. 86, pi. 105.
H. id., Worm-euiing Swamp Warbler. GlRAUD, Birds of Long island, p. 67.

Characteristics. Olive ; beneath dull buff. Head striped above with black and buff.
Length, 5*5.

Description. Second quill slightly longest. Tail even, slightly emarginate. Tarsus
longer than the middle toe. Nostrils partly concealed by the feathers.

Color. Above deep olive green. Head and beneath buff; the head with two stripes of
black or umber brown on the crown, extending to the back of the neck ; and externally to
these, two narrower and shorter stripes through the eyes. Abdomen and under tail-coverts
pale.

Length, 5-0-5-5. Alar extent, 8-0-8-5.

This species feeds on spiders and other insects infesting trees. It lays 4-5 light buff-
colored eggs with a few reddish spots at the larger end. It is numerous in New-Jersey, but
has not been noticed as abundant in this State. It occurs here between May and September,
and ranges between the 23d and 55th parallels.

PASSERES SYLVICOLID^E — VERMIVORA. 83

THE WHISTLING WARBLER.

Vermivora swainsoni.

Sylvia swainsonii. Audubon, folio, pi. 198; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 563, and Vol. 5, p. 462.
Vermivora id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 21.
Ilelinaia id. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 3, p. 83, pi. 104 (male).

Characteristics. Brown, tinged with reddish on the head. Sides of the head brownish
white, and a whitish line over the eye. Length, 5 inches.

Description. Nostrils half closed by a cartilaginous membrane. Claws with lateral
grooves. The first three quills longest, subequal.

Color. Bill brownish, becoming darker at the tip. Feet flesh-colored. Above uniform
brown. Beneath pale brownish grey ; darker on the sides. Head tinged with red on the
summit ; brownish white on its cheeks, and a light colored line passes over the eye.

Length, 5*5. Alar extent, 8 "5.

This is a southern species, and apparently rare. I have never seen it in this State, but
my young friend H. C. De Rham assured me that he had obtained it from Rockland county.
His premature and much regretted decease prevented me from examining the specimen. It
has since been observed in Massachusetts, by Mr. Samuel Cabot. The female does not
appear to have been described. Its history is still imperfect.

THE BLUE-WINGED WARBLER.
Vermivora solitaria.

PLATE LV. FIG. 125 (Male).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Pine Warbler. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 412, Parus aureus, Bartram, p. 292.

Sylvia solitaria. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 109, pi. 15, fig. 4. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 87. Aud.

folio, pi. 20; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 102.
Blue-winged Yellow Warbler. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 410.
Helinaia solitaria. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 2, p. 98, pi. 111.
H. id., Blue^winged Yellow Swamp Warbler. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 66.

Characteristics. Olive-green. Forehead and all beneath yellow. Lores black. Wings
and tail slate-blue : the former bifasciate with whitish ; the latter with
the inner vanes white. Young : crown olive-green. Length, 5 inches.

Description. Second quill longest. Tail slightly emarginate in repose; its feathers 0*7
longer than the tips of the wings, and pointed.

Color. Above bright olive green. Summit of the head and beneath bright yellow : lores
black. Wings and tail slate-blue. Two bands of white across the wing ; the tail-feathers,
except the central ones, white on the inner webs. Young : Faint bluish on the cheeks.

11*

84 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

Rump, tail-coverts, wing-coverts and outer webs of the primaries blue. Head greenish-olive,
passing into bluish on the back of the neck. Interscapulary region tawny orange. Beneath,
chin lemon-yellow ; throat bluish ; breast reddish orange, with light reddish drab on the
sides ; belly and vent soiled white.

Length, S'O-S^. Alar extent, 7" 0-7' 5.

I have never had the fortune to meet with more than two of this rare and beautiful species.
It probably breeds within this State, as I found the young in the neighborhood of my resi-
dence in August. It lays 4-6 white eggs with a few pale reddish spots at the larger end.
Its geographical range, as far as has been yet traced, is from Mexico to New-York, which
appears to be its extreme northern limit.

THE GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER.

Vermivora chrysoptera.

PLATE LII. FIG. 118 (Male).

(STATE COLLECTION. Cabinet Lyceum.)

Motacilla chrysoptera. L. 12 ed. p. 333. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 403, and p. 404.

Sylvia id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 113, pi. 15, fig. 5. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 87 ; Am. Orn,

Vol. 2, p. 12, pi. 1, fig. 3 (female). Audubon, folio, pi. 414 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 5. p. 154.
Golden-winged Warbler. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 411.

Golden-winged Swamp Warbler. Audubon, Birds of Am. VoL 2, p. 91, pi. 107 (male and female).
Helinaia chrysoptera. Gikaud, Birds of Long island, p. 68.

Characteristics. Bluish grey. Crown and wing-coverts yellow. Chin, throat and eye-
stripe black ; beneath white. Female : Olive ; breast and eye-stripe
dusky. Length, 4j inches.

Description. Bill slightly shorter than the head. First and second quills longest, sub-
equal. Tail 1 ' 7 long, slightly emarginate ; its feathers acuminate, and 1 * 1 longer than the
tips of the wings.

Color. Above bluish grey, obscurely touched with greenish. The yellow crown separated
from the black eye-stripe by a band of white over the eye. The black throat bounded by
white on the sides of the neck. Flanks pale ash. Outer webs of the primaries whitish, and
of the secondaries bright green. Upper mandible black ; lower horn-color. The three
external tail-feathers on each side with their inner vanes white. Female : Eye-stripe ash-
colored ; throat pale slate : two bright yellow bands across the wings. Quills as in the male,
broadly margined with white on their inner vanes..

Length, 4-5-5"0. Alar extent, 7'0.

The Golden-winged Warbler is a rare species in this State, although it has been observed
as far as 50° north. It winters in Mexico and the southern States. The specimen which
furnished the illustration was shot in Kings county, in the early part of May. Its history is
yet incomplete.

PASSERES — SYVICOLUXE — VERMIVORA. 85

THE TENNESSEE WARBLER.
Vermivora peregrina.

PLATE XLVII. FIG. 105 (Female).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Sylvia peregrina. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p. 97, pi. 25, fig. 2 (male). Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 87.

Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 412. Audubon, folio, pi. 154 (male) ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2,

p. 412.
8. ( Vermivora) peregrina. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 221, pi. 42 (male).
Helinaia id. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 2, p. 96, pi. 110 (male).

Characteristics. Yellowish ; bluish on the head ; line over the eye pale yellow. Bill very
short. Beneath whitish. Wings without bands. Female : Chin, throat
and line over the eye cream-color. Length, 4^ inches.

Description. Bill straight and notched near the tip. The three first quills subequal ; the
second slightly longest. Tail slightly emarginate, even, 1*8 longer than the wings, and its
feathers acuminate.

Color. Female : Summit of the head ashy blue, blending on the back of the neck into
the olive of the back. Interscapulars and upper tail-coverts rich yellow olive. Outer webs
of the first six quills soiled white ; the remainder and secondaries margined with green.
Frontlet and line over the eye cream-white. Eye-stripe slate colored. Chin and upper part
of the throat buff. All beneath dusky white, slightly tinged with yellow.

Length, 4 "7. Alar extent, 8'0.

This is a rare species in this State, and indeed is rare everywhere. It ranges between 23°
and 55° north. The female has not, until now, been described or figured. The specimen
which afforded the above description was shot in Putnam county, September 5, which must
be near the time of its southern migration. The history of its migration and breeding is yet
unknown.

86 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE NASHVILLE WARBLER.
Vermivora rubricapilla.

PLATE XLV1I. FIG. 104 (Mais).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Sylvia ruficapilla et rubricapilla. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p. 120, pi. 27, fig. 3. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N.

Y. Vol. 2, p. 87. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 412.
Nashville Warbler. Audubon, fol. pi. 89 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 450.
Sylvicola (Vermivora) rubricapilla. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 220, pi. 42 (male).
Helmaia id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 103, pi. 113 (male and female).
H. id., Nashville Warbler. Gibaub, Birds of Long Island, p. 69.

Characteristics. Greenish olive ; beneath yellow. Head and neck light ash. Crown
dotted with dull reddish. Wings without bands. Female : Jrlead dull
olive^j chin buff. Length, 4j inches.

Description. Second quill-feather longest ; the first shorter than the third. Tail slightly
emarginate, 0-7 longer than the tips of the closed wings.

Color. Head and sides of the neck ashen. On the summit of the head, a few chesnut-
colored spots, produced by feathers of that color at their bases, tipped with ash, and nearly
concealing the bay crown : occasionally the whole crown of a uniform bay. Circle round the
eye white. Outer web of the first primary white, or tinged with yellow ; the others light
greenish olive. Wings and tail brown ; the latter margined with olive on the outer webs. All
beneath, with the exception of the centre of the body, bright yellow. Female : The ches-
nut marks on the crown scarcely distinguishable, and all the colors more dull. Head olive-
brownish ; sides of the neck brownish buff. Chin bright buff. Tail-feathers more acumi-
nated than in the male.

Length, 4 '5. Alar extent, 7 • 0.

This is another rather rare species. Those in the State Collection were shot in Rockland
county, September 10. The specimen figured by Richardson appears to be a strongly marked
variety of this species. It arrives in this State about the middle of May, and breeds farther
north. Its geographical limits are between the 23d and 55th parallels of north latitude, but
it appears to be exceedingly rare. History imperfect.

PASSERES — SYLVICOLIDjE — VERMIVORA. 87

THE ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER.
Vermivora celata.

Sylvia alata. Say, Long's Expedition, Vol. 1, p. 169. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 88; Am. On). Vol. 1,

p. 45, pi. 5, fig. 2. Audubon, fol. pi. 178 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 449.
Orange-crowned Warbler. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 413. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 100, pi. 112 (male
and female).

Characteristics. Greenish olive ; beneath olivaceous yellow. Crown with a bay spot.
Length, 5 J inches.

Description. Second and third quills longest, subequal. Tail slightly emarginate, of
twelve feathers. Colors exceedingly simple. Bill dusky above ; pale greyish blue beneath.
Above brownish grey ; beneath dull olive-yellow, becoming more bright on the vent and lower
tail-feathers.

Length, 5 '5. Alar extent, 8-0.

I have not been able to find this species within our limits ; but as it breeds in Maine, and
ranges from 24° to 54° north, it undoubtedly belongs here. Eggs 4-6, of a pale green
color, with small black dots. In the autumn, its bright bay crown can only be seen by sepa-
rating the feathers. This species, which appears to be more abundant in the Southern States,
was first discovered by the late Mr. Say on the banks of the Missouri.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

V. protonotarius. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 2, pi. 106.) Yellow. Wings, rump and tail-feathers greyish

blue. Inner webs of the tail-feathers white, except near the tips. Length, 5\ inches. Southern

and Western States.
V. bachmani. (Id. lb. pi. 108) Brownish olive. Forehead, line over eyes, cheeks, side of neck and

beneath yellow : a black patch on the breast. Female : frontlet olive-green. Length, 4J inches.
V. carbonata. (Id. pi. 109.) Dark olive green : beneath yellow. Forehead and crown black ; back

and sides of the body spotted with black.
V. nigrescens. (Id. pi. 114) Bluish grey. Head, eye-stripe and breast black : a small yellow dash

from above the eye to the nostril. Cheeks, and two bands across the wings, white. Length, 5

inches. Columbia river.

88 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

GENUS SYLVICOLA. Swainson.

Bill short, straight, with feeble bristles at the base. Upper mandible slightly curved, and
notched near the tip. Nostrils basal, partially concealed by the feathers. Tarsus com-
pressed, longer than the middle toe, with seven scutellae. Tail emarginate. First, second
or third quills longest, subequal.

THE MYRTLE-BIRD.

Sylvicola C0R0NATA.

PLATE LXVI. FIG. 103.

m

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Molacilla coronata. Linnjecs, p. 333.

Yellow-rump Warbler. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 400, and p. 403.

Sylvia coronata. Wilson, Orn. Vol. 2, p. 138, pi. 17, fig. 4 (summer dress) ; Vol. 5, p. 121, pi. 45, fig. 3 {winter

dress).
S. id. Acbubon, fol. pi. 153 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 303.
Myrtle-bird. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 361.
Sylvicola coronata. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 216. Acdubon, B. of Am. Vol 2, p. 23, pi. 76 (male

and young).
S. id., Yellow-crowned Wood-warbler. Giraud, Birds of Long Island, p. 55.

Characteristics. Slate-colored, streaked with black ; beneath whitish. Crown, sides of
the breast and rump yellow. Wings bifasciate with white. Inner webs
of three outer tail-feathers white. Winter, brownish olive ; yellow of
breast and crown obsolete. Young, without black, and the yellow
scarcely obvious. Length, 5 inches.

Description. Bill rather broad at base, and half an inch long. Second quill longest.
Wings an inch shorter than the tail, which is emarginate ; the central feathers being some-
what more acuminated.

Color. Above slate, with a dark streak in the middle of each feather. Front and sides
of the head black. Wings and tail bright brown ; the former bifasciate with white. On the
summit of the head, a bright yellow crown. Eye-stripe black, dilated occasionally behind,
with a whitish line over the eye, which is often obsolete. Rump yellow. Beneath, the throat
white, immaculate ; belly and vent white, striped with black : sides of the breast yellow.
Bill and legs blackish brown. Female, light brown above, with dark reddish brown inter-
rupted stripes on the back : the yellow on the crown nearly concealed by the brown obsoletely
striped feathers. Traces of yellow on the sides of the breast. Eye-stripe dull brown. Au-
tumnal male, resembles the female : the yellow on the sides of the breast not so brilliant.
Whitish line over the eye, bordered above by a darker one. No yellow on the crown.

Length, 5-0-6-0. Alar extent, 8-5-9-0.

PASSERES — SYLVICOLIDjE — SYLVICOLA. 89

The Yellow-crowned or Yellow-rump Warbler, or Myrtle-bird, ranges from Mexico to the
65th degree of north latitude. It is a common species, and reaches us about the beginning
of May, on its way to the north, where it breeds. On its return, it leaves us in November,
and some are even seen as late as the early part of December. In summer, it feeds on
caterpillars and insects which it takes on the wing ; in the autumn and winter, on berries
of the Juniper, and particularly the Myrtle-wax berries [Myrica cerifera), which has
given rise to one of its popular names. Eggs 4-5, flesh-colored, sparsely dotted with red
in a ring around the larger end. Extremely common in this State.

THE RED-POLL WARBLER.

Sylvicola ruficapilla.

PLATE LVIII. FIG. 133 (Adult male).
(STATE COLLECTION.)
Sylvia ruficapilla, Latham. Re>l-poll Warbler, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 401.
S. petechia. Wilson, .Am. 0rn- Vol 4, p. 19, pi. 28, fig. 4 (adult).
S. palmarum. Bonapakte, Am. Ornith. Vol. 2, p. 12, pi. 10, fig. 2 (young).
S. petechia, Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N'. Y. Vol 2, p. 83 ; and palmarum, p. 78.

S. palmarum. Audubsn, fol. pi. 1C3 (adult); petechia, pi. 145 (young) ; Ornith. Biog. Vol. 2, pp. 259 and 350.
Yellow Red-poll Warbler. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 364.
Sylvicola petechia. Richardson, F. B A. Vol. 2, p. 215, pi. 41.
S. petechia. Addobon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p 55, pi. 90 (males and young).
Yellow Red-pall Warbler. Giracd, Birds of Long Island, p. 59.

Characteristics. Brownish. Crown rufous ; line over the eye, and all beneath yellow .
lateral tail-feathers tipped with white. Crown and streaks on the breast
bright bay. Female, without the rufous crown. Young, yellowish
grey beneath. Length, 4^ inches.

Description. Upper mandible carinate, and distinctly notched. Second quill longest, but
6ubequal with the first and third. Tail emarginate, but, when expanded, somewhat rounded,
an inch longer than the tips of the closed wings.

Color. Above yellowish olive. Crown dark bay. Rump yellow, tinged with green. The
two lateral tail-feathers with a large dash of white on the inner web, embracing the tip. Deep
bay streaks on the yellow breast. Over the eye, a bright yellow streak ; an obscure reddish
line passing through the eye. Female, without the bright rufous crown,, and the spots on the
breast not so distinct Young of the year : Crown spotted with bay ; the breast yellowish
brown, obscurely streaked with deeper brown.

Length, 4 • 5 - 5 • 0. Alar extent, 8-0-9-0.

There has been great confusion in relation to this species, and more extended observations
are still requisite to render its history complete. The specimen in the State Collection was
shot, September 20, in the neighborhood of New-York. Although very abundant in the
Southern States from November to April, it has seldom been noticed in this State, where it
appears to be shy and solitary. Its breeding places and periods of migration are yet unknown.
It has been observed from Mexico to the 55th degree of north latitude.
[Fauna — Part 2.] 12

90 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRD*.

THE SPOTTED WARBLER.

Sylvicola maculosa.

PLATE L FIG. 112 (Male).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Motacilla maculosa, Gmelin. S. id. Vieillot, pi. 93.

Sylvia magnolia. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p. 63, pi. 23, fig. 2.

Black and Yellow Warbler. Audubon, fol. pi. 123 (adult), pi. 50 (young) ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 260, where it i»

named iwainsoni ; Vol. 2, p. 145, and Vol. 5, p. 458.
Spotted Warbler. Nut-tall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 370.
Yellow-rump Warbler. Richakdson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 212, pi. 40.
Black and Yellow Wood Warbler. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 65, pi. 96.
Blue-headed Yellow-rwnped Wood-warbler. GlBAUD, Birds of Long island, p. 54.

Characteristics. Crown ashen. Rump and beneath yellow. Breast with oblong black
spots. Lateral tail-feathers white on the middle of the inner vanes.
Young, without the black eye-stripe. Length, 4 J inches.

Description. Lower mandible straight, with a few bristles at the base. Second quill
slightly longest, but the first three subequal ; the fourth longer than the first. Tail slightly
emarginate, rounded, 1 ' 5 longer than the tips of the closed wings.

Color. Upper part of the head and neck slate-blue. Frontlet and stripe passing through
the eye and dilated behind, black : a narrow line over the eye, running backwards, white.
Back and upper tail-coverts deep black ; the edges of the feathers greenish yellow. Rump
and beneath yellow. Chin immaculate. Throat and breast with confluent oblong black spots,
forming a sort of collar around the breast ; sides of the breast with similar oblong black spots.
Vent, middle of the inner webs of all the tail-feathers except the central pair, and under
tail-coverts, white. Young, I have not seen, but according to Audubon it is yellowish grey
above, with very faint streaks on the sides.

Length, 4,5-5,0. Alar extent, 7*5.

Tliis is one of the most beautiful, and occasionally in this State the rarest, of our war-
blers ; at other times it is more common. According to Vigors, it is common in Cuba, and
also in Maine and Labrador as far as 55° north, where it breeds ; but in the intermediate
regions it has been rarely observed. It is rare in the Southern and Western States, but Mr.
Audubon notices having observed them on the Pocano mountains (Pennsylvania) in the autumn,
with their young. It feeds on winged insects. It lays 4-5 small white eggs, sprinkled
with red at the larger end. In the northern regions, it is called by the natives the Rain-
bird. The complete history of its migration is yet a desideratum.

PASSERES — SYLVICOLID^E — SYLVICOLA. 9 1

THE SPOTTED CANADA WARBLER.

Sylvicola pardalina.

PLATE LI. FIG. 115 (Female.)
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Motacilla canadensis. Linnaeus, Syst. Nat. sp. 27. Pennant, Arot. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 388.
Muscicapa id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p. 100, pi. 26, fig. 2 (male).
Sylvia pardalina, Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 79.
Muscicapa canadensis. Audubon, fol. pi. 90 ; Orn. Biog. Vol.2, p. 17.
8. pardalina, Canada Warbler. Ncttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 372.
Myiodioctes canadensis. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 14, pi. 72 (male and female).
Jf. id., Spotted Canadian Fly-catching Warbler. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 49.

Characteristics. Bluish ash, immaculate. Crown streaked with black. Beneath and lores
yellow. Breast with a sort of collar of black spots. Length, b\ inches.

Description. Bill broad at base, distinctly notched and carinate ; 4 - 5 bristles at the base,
extending beyond the nostrils. The second and third primaries subequal ; the third slightly
longest. Tail emarginate, rounded, nearly two inches long, and 1 • 3 longer than the tips of
the folded wings.

Color. Above, a uniform bluish ash. Wings and tail brown, edged with greyish. Crown
with oblong dark streaks ; line under the eye black. Frontlet, line towards the eye yellow.
Under tail-coverts white. All beneath bright lemon-yellow. A number of irregular black
streaks on the sides of the neck, and over the upper part of the breast, forming a sort of
collar. Female, with a tinge of green on the back ; the streaks on the head scarcely con-
spicuous : a dark brown dash occasionally beneath the eye. The lemon-color beneath as
bright as in the male, but the spots are dull brown and somewhat smaller.

Length, 4-0-5-0. Alar extent, 8-5-9-0.

This species is occasionally very rare in New- York, or at least in its southern portions,
where our specimens were obtained in the early part of May. In the size of its bill, and the
bristles at its base, it differs so much from its congeners as scarcely to satisfy me with its
present position. Audubon states that he never met with this bird south of Philadelphia,
and that it must be a northern species ; but Vigors observed it in Cuba. It has been observed
as high as 55° north, unless Richardson has confounded it with another species. Its history
is yet incomplete.

12*

. 92 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE BLUE-GREY WARBLER.

SYLVICOLA CjERULEA.

I

PLATE XLV1II. FIG. 107.

Sylvia cccrulea. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 14lrpl. It, fig. 5 (male) ; and S. rara, Vol. 3, p. 119, pi. 27, fig.

2 (young).
.V. rara et azurea. Bonaparte, Ann. Lyo. N. Y. Vol. 2, pp. 82 and 85. Id. Am. Ornith. Vol. 2, p. 27, pi. 11,

fig. 3 (female).
Muscicapa nxrulea. Audubon, folio, pi. 48 (adult). S. rara, pi. 49, (young) ; Om. Biog. Vol. 1, pp. 255 and 258,

and Vol. 5, p. 456.
Sylvicola cccrulta. Bowapartb, Comp. List, p. 23. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 45, pi. 86 (males).

Characteristics. Blue. Wings bifasciate with white. Tail with a white spot on the inner
webs near the tip. Length, 4^ inches. *

Description. Three outer quills subequal ; the first and second longest. Tail slightly
emarginate.

Color. Above light verditer-blue, with a few dark streaks on the back. Frontlet and lores
black, extending to behind the eyes : a light streak over the eyes. Primaries black, mar-
gined with pale blue. Beneath white, with an obscure collar of dusky streaks over the
breast. Female, the blue above tinged with green. Stripe over the eye and all beneath
yellowish white ; the white on the tail obscure.

Length, 4-5. Alar extent, 8-0.

This little bird is exceedingly rare in the middle States, and I have never seen it in New-
¥*ork. As it has been observed near Philadelphia and in Nova-Scotia, it will doubtless be
found here, although it seems rather to prefer the eastern parts of the continent. It reaches
Louisiana from Mexico in the spring, and breeds there, returning in October.

PASSERES — 3YLVIC0LIDi£ — SYLVICOLA. 93

THE BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER.
Sylvicola blackburnl*.

PLATE L. FIG. 113 (Male).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Motacilta blackburniat, Gm. 8. id. Latham.

Blacibumian Warbler. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 412 (mate).

S. id. Wilson, Am. Ornith. Vol. 3, p. 64, pi. 23, fig. 3 (male). Audobon, folio, pi. 135; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2,

p. 208, and Vol. 5, p. 73.
Blackburnian Warbler. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 379. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 2, p. 48, pi. 87

(male and female.)
S. id., Blaciburnian Wood-warbler. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 53.

Characteristics. Head black, striped with orange : throat and breast orange ; white on the
wings and lateral tail-feathers. Female, dusky olive on the head ; line
over the eye, and sides of the neck yellowish. Length, 4£ inches.

Description. Bill depressed at base ; bristles extending beyond the nostrils, which are
large. Tail erharginate, with acuminated feathers. First primary longest.

Color. Deep brown above, striated with buff. Head black, with a central stripe of orange.
Sides of the head, line over the eye, neck and breast rich orange. Eye-stripe, which is
irregularly dilated on the sides of the neck, black. Beneath yellow, striped on the sides with
brown. Wings and tail deep brown : wings with a white bar over the coverts. Inner webs
of the three lateral tail-feathers more or less white. Female : Head dusky olive, rather
lighter in the centre ; back olive, streaked with brown ; eye-stripe brown : two white bars
across the wings. Beneath cream-yellow.

Length, 4,5-5,0. Alar extent, 7-0 -8'0.

This beautiful Warbler was first discovered by an English collector named Ashton Black-
burn, who resided for many years at Hempstead, Queens county.* The male in the State
Collection was killed in this vicinity, May 1 , and the female in Putnam county in August ;
from which I infer that it breeds in this State. This is now rendered certain, from the ob-
servations of Dr. Bachman. The eggs are white, with a few spots of light red at the larger
end. It ranges from Mexico to the parallel of 54° north.

* Pennant acknowledges hi3 obligations to the collections made by this indefatigable naturalist, in New-York, New-Jersey
and Connecticut, at that time in the possession of his sister Anna Blackburn of London. According to Pennant, " he added to
the skill and zeal of a sportsman, the most pertinent remarks on the specimens he collected for his worthy and philosophic sister."

94 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE BAY-BREASTED WARBLER.

Sylvicola castanea.

PLATE LI. FIG. 116 (Male).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Sylvia castanea. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 97, pi. 14, fig. 4 (male). Bonap. Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 80.
Bay-breasted Warbler. Abdbbon, folio, pi. 69; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 358. Nuttall. Mar.. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 382.

Auduboh, Birds of Am. Vol. 2, p. 34, pi. 80 (male and female).
Bay-breasted Wood-warbler. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 62.

Characteristics. Forehead and cheeks black. Crown, throat and sides under the wings
bay. Three lateral tail-feathers marked with white. Female and
young, slightly rufous beneath. Length, 5 inches. *

Description. Numerous porrect bristles extending beyond the nostrils : the notch on the
mandible obvious. First three quills subequal ; the second slightly longest ; outer vanes of
the second, third and fourth sinuated. Wings 0 ' 6 shorter than the tail, which is emarginate.

Color. Above slate streaked with black. Wings blackish brown, with two white bars.
Centre of the breast and vent rufous white. Summit of the head, throat and sides chesnut :
a yellowish white or buff spot on the sides of the neck. Female, faint reddish on the crown,
greenish brown in front, and the eye-spot of the same color. Beneath dusky white, with a
faint tinge of bay on the sides.

Length, 5 ' 3. Alar extent, 11*0.

This little Warbler is usually rare in this State. The specimens in the Collection were
shot, May 20, in this neighborhood. It has been observed in Massachusetts, which appears
to be its highest northern range along the Atlantic coast. Audubon has noticed them in
Louisiana, but the history of its migration and of its incubation is yet unknown.

PASSERES — SYLVICOLID-E — SYLVICOLA. 95

THE BLACK-POLL WARBLER.

Sylvicola striata.
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Sylvia striata. Wilson. Am. Ornith. Vol. 4, p. 40, pi. 30, fig. 3. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 81.

Audubon, folio, pi. 133; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 200.
Sylvicola id. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 218.

Black-poll Wood-warbler. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 2, p. 28, pi. 78 (male and female).
S. striata. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 53.

Characteristics. Bluish grey above. Crown black ; cheeks and beneath white. Wings
bifasciale with white. Inner vanes of three outer tail-feathers marked
with white. Female, greenish olive, streaked with black and grey.
Length, 5-6 inches.

Description. First primary longest. Notch in the bill scarcely perceptible. Tail emar^
ginate, half an inch longer than the tips of the closed wings.

Color. Head black, often streaked with brown. Back dark ash, with central black
streaks in the feathers. Cheeks white, running backwards and encircling the neck behind,
and forming a species of collar more or less distinct. Primaries brown, edged with yellowish
olive on the outer webs. Tail wood-brown. Centre of the throat, breast and belly white ;
the sides striped with black. Female, above greenish olive ; bands on the wings yellowish.

Length, 5-5-6-0. Alar extent, 8' 5 - 9-0.

I have observed the Black-poll or Black-headed Warbler in the .neighborhood of New-
York, in the beginning of May. According to Mr. Giraud, it is the last of its tribe which
reaches us in the spring. It is one of our most common species, and is highly useful in
destroying canker-worms and other noxious insects. Its southern limits are not known. It
appears in Louisiana in February, is found in New- York in May, and in the middle of July
is seen breeding in Labrador. The history of its incubation and migration is yet imperfect.
The only author who has seen the eggs, neglected to describe them. This species has been
*een as high as 54° north. With its western geographical limits, I am unacquainted.

96 ' NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE PRAIRIE WARBLER.

Sylvicola discolor.

plate xlix fig. 110.
(STATE COLLECTION.)

S discolor. VlEILLOT, pi. 98

iS. minuta. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p 87, pi. 25, fig. 4. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol.2, p. 82. Aodu-

BON, fol. pi. 14 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p 76. ,
Prairie Warbler. Nottaix, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 394. Aodobon, Birds of Am. Vol. 2, p. 68, pi. 97 (male and
female). Gibaud, Birds of Long island, p. 52.

Characteristics. Olive : more yellowish towards the head, with bay spots on the back.
Beneath yellow, spotted with black on the sides. 3-4 lateral tail fea ■
thers white, spotted on the inner webs. Eye-stripe and crescent beneath
black. Female, paler yellow beneath ; no eye-stripe. Length, 5 inches.

Description. Bill half an inch long, very slightly notched, depressed at the base. Tail
more than 1*5 long, rounded; the feathers acuminated. Second quill longest; the first four
subequal.

Color. Above yellowish olive. Frontlet, line over the eye, a space beneath, and all
beneath bright yellow ; the central part of the frontlet is of the general color above. From
the corner of the mouth proceeds a black stripe through the eye ; and from the same place,
another beneath the eye in a crescent shape, leaving a bright yellow spot beneath ; a similar
colored stripe above the eye. A few of the feathers on the back, between the wings, tipped
with chesnut or bay. Wings and tail brown ; outer webs of the former tinged with yellow ;
the yellow bands on the wings often obsolete. Inner web of three or four of the lateral fea-
thers of the tail spotted with white. Sides with oblong black spots. Female, paler beneath ;
the black stripes on the sides of the head wanting.

Length, 4 • 5 - 5 • 0. Alar extent, 6 • 0 - 7 • 0.

The Prairie Warbler is not uncommon on Long island, . where I have procured many
specimens. It appears in this State, from Mexico, about the commencement of May.; and
in the interior, is found in great numbers on the shores of Lake Erie. Along the Atlantic it
has been observed as far east as Massachusetts, where it breeds as well as in this State ;
builds its nest in low bushes, laying 4-5 white eggs with brown spots in a circle round the
larger end.

PASSERES — SYLVICOLID^E — SYLVICOLA. 97

THE BLUE YELLOW-BACKED WARBLER.

SYLVICOLA AMERICANA.

PLATE XL VIII. FIG. 108 (Male).

(CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Parus amtricanus, LlNNios. Creeping Titmouse, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 423.

S. torquata, Vieillot, pi. 99 ; pusilla, Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 17, pi. 28, fig. 3.

•S. ameriama. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 83. Audubon, fol. pi. 13; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 78.

Finch Creeper, or Particolored Warbler. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 397.

S. americana, Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 57, pi. 91. Parula id. Bonapahte, Cotnp. List,

The Blue Yellow-backed Wood-warbler. Giraud, B^rds of Long island, p. 60.

Characteristics. Bluish : bajek yellowish olive ; throat and lower mandible yellow ; belly
white. Wings bifasciate with white. Breast spotted with orange.
Female : no loral black band, nor orange spots on the breast. Young,
brownish grey. Length, 4J inches.

Description. Bill very slender, carinate, 0-4 long, acute, slightly notched. First quill
longest ; the three first subequal. Tail very slightly emarginated, 0 ■ 7 longer than the tips
of the closed wings ; its feathers somewhat pointed.

Color. Above light blue, with a broad belt on the back of a deep reddish yellow. Wings
brown, with the outer webs light blue : two white bands on the wings. Loral space black.
An indistinct white stripe above and below the eye. Tail dusky, with outer webs blue : a
white spot on the three external feathers. Chin, throat and all beneath yellow. An obscure
interrupted black collar around the breast, and beneath this brownish orange passing into
clear lemon-yellow. All beneath white. Female, wants the loral band and dark collar on
the breast.

Length, 4' 5. Alar extent, 6*5.

This beautiful warbler appears in this State about the beginning of May, when it is very
common. It ranges from Mexico to the 46th parallel along the Atlantic, and is very common
in the Western States. It breeds in this State, although I have never seen its nest, but have
been informed that it has been observed in Putnam county. I cannot coincide with Prince
Charles Bonaparte in placing it near Parus, under a new genus. It only resembles the Tit-
mouse in its creeping and prying habits, but is in structure a true Sylvicola.

[Fauna — Part 2.] 13

98 NEW-YORK FAUNA -* BIRDS.

THE BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER.

Sylvicola canadensis.

PLATE LVHI. FIG. 131 (Maus). PLATE XL VIII. FIG. 109 (Youno).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Motacilla canadensis. Ljnn^os, Syst. Nat. p. 336.

Black-throat Warbler. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 399.

Sylvia canadensis. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 115, pi. 15, fig. 7 (male). S. pusilla. Id. Vol. 5, p. 100, pi. 43,

fig. 4 (young).
S. canadensis. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 84 (male) ; sphagnosa, Id. lb. p. 85 (adult).
S. sphagnosa. Audobon, fol. pi. 155 (adult) ; pi. 148 (young) ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 279, and Vol. 5, p. 458 ;

canadensis, Id. lb. Vol. 2, p. 309.
S. id. et canadensis. Nott. Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 406 (young) ; Vol. 1, p. 398 (adult male).
iS. canadensis. Addubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 63, pi. 95 (male and young). «

The Black-throated Blue Wood-warbler. GlRAOD, Birds of Long IslarSj p. 56.

Characteristics. Slate blue : beneath white. Throat, cheeks and sides black. Tail-
feathers, except the central pair, spotted with white. Female, greenish
olive ; light yellow beneath. Length, 5 inches.

Description. Bill with rigid bristles at the base, extending beyond the nostrils. Third
and fourth quills longest, subequal. Tail slightly emarginate, rounded when expanded, and
reaching an inch beyond the tips of the closed wings.

Color. Male : Above slate blue, becoming duller towards the rump. Cheek, throat and
sides of the breast jet black. Wings and tail blackish brown : base of the primaries white.
Three outer tail-feathers, and sometimes all except the central pair, spotted on their inner
webs near the tips. Breast, belly and vent pure white. Female (from a specimen in the
Cabinet of the Lyceum, labelled sphagnosa) : Above greenish olive. Wings and tail wood-
brown ; central feathers of the latter, bluish brown : third primary longest. A faint whitish line,
and another crescent-shaped line beneath it, on the sides of the neck ; the included space be-
tween these lines somewhat darker than the general color above. Chin greyish white ; throat
and all beneath lemon-yellow. Obsolete light marks on the lateral tail-feathers.

Length, 4'5^5-0. Alar extent, 7-0-r7*5.

The differences between the sexes is so great, that it is not at all remarkable that two species
have been made from them. My first knowledge of this fact was derived from the eminent
artist H. Inman, who had repeatedly found them together ; and this was afterwards verified by
numerous examinations of the same birds killed in this neighborhood. It is more common in
the western and northern districts of this State. It winters in Mexico, enters South Caro-
lina the latter part of March, this State about the 10th to the 20th of April, and ascends as
high as 54° north. It breeds in Nova-Scotia, laying4-5 flesh-colored eggs sprinkled sparsely
with red at the larger end. On its return south, it is observed here in November, and as late
as the 15th of December. Feeds on insects.

PASSERES — SYLVICOLlDiE — SYLVICOLA. 99

THE SUMMER YELLOW-BIRD. ■-= M^iW- (nAJU —
Sylvicola ^estiva.

PLATE LVII. FIG. 130 (Male).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Motacilla cBstiva, Gmelin. S. id. Vieillot, pi. 95. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 402.

S. citrinella, Blue-eyed Yellow Warbler. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. Ill, pi. 15, fig. 6 (male).

5. cestiva. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 83.

S. childrenii. Audubon, lot. pi. 35 (young) ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 180; S. (estiva, pi. 94, Vol. 1, p. 476, and Vol.

5, p. 453 (adult).
Summer Yellow-bird. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 365, figure.
Yellow-poll Warbler. Addubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 50, pi. 88 (males).
S. wstiva, Yellow-poll Wood-warbler. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 58.

Characteristics. Greenish yellow. Crown and head beneath bright yellow : breast and
sides streaked with brownish red ; lateral tail-feathers yellow within.
Female; breast not streaked. Young, greenish above; throat white.

Description. First primary slightly the longest. Tail 0 ' 6 longer than the tips of the
closed wings, emarginate. Wings brownish, with the outer webs yellow. On the under
side of the wings, the inner webs are margined with yellow for more than two thirds of their
length. Secondaries broadly margined with yellow. All tail-feathers, except the central pair,
broadly margined with yellow on their inner webs. Female, destitute of the dark streaks
beneath, and of a uniform yellowish above.

Length, 4* 5 -4- 7. Alar extent, 7-0-8-0.

This is a very common species in our State, and is called Summer Yellow-bird, to contra-
distinguish it from the Common Yellow-bird (Carduelis tristis), which is seen here at all
seasons of the year. They breed in every part of the State, laying four or five light bluish
white eggs dotted with brown at the larger end, and breeding twice in the season. This
species is remarkable for its instinctive sagacity in getting rid of the eggs of the Cow Black-
bird (Molothrus pecoris). As the egg is too large to be thrust out, the Yellow-bird commences
a new nest above it ; thus almost hermetically closing it up, and then proceeds to deposit her
own eggs. In one instance, this reconstruction was twice effected; thus forming a nest of
three stories. This species appears in Louisiana from Mexico, about the beginning of March ;
and by the end of that month, have spread over all the Atlantic States, and penetrates as high
as the 68th parallel.

13*

100 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER,

Sylvicola virens.

PLATE L. FIG. 114 (Male).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Itotacilla virens, Gmslin. Sylvia id. Latham,

Green Warbler. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 404. Vieillot, pi. 92.

S. virens. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 137, pi. 17, fig. 3. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 80.

8. id. Audobon, folio, pi. 399 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 4, p. 70. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 370, figure.

Black-throated Green Wood-warbler. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 42, pi. 84 (male and female).

Id., S. virens. Gieaud, Birds of Long Island, p. 57,

Characteristics. Yellowish green. Front cheeks, sides of the neck, and line ewer the eye
yellow. Beneath dusky white. Chin and throat black : wings bifa-
. sciate with white. Female : chin yellowish ; throat dusky ; beneath
faint buff.

Description. Bill short, slightly curved and notched : bristles distinct. Second and third
quills longest, subequal. Tail rounded, einarginate, an inch longer than the closed wings.

Color. Wings and tail brown ; the former with two white bars. Edges of the seconda-
ries white. Outer three tail-feathers white on both vanes to near the tip ; the others more or
less largely spotted with white. All above light yellowish green. Frontlet, band over the
eye, cheeks and sides of the neck bright yellow. Female : stripe through and beneath the
eye dull olive ; chin slightly yellowish ; breast obscurely spotted and mottled with black, de-
scending along the flanks. The third external tail-feather spotted, and edged with white on
its inner vane.

Length, 4-5-5-0. Alar extent, 7-5-8-0.

This species, which is somewhat rare, I have obtained from Long island and the southern
river counties. It breeds in Massachusetts, and undoubtedly in this State, but I have not yet
met with its nest. It appears with us about the 10th of May, and penetrates to the 50th
degree of north latitude. It leaves us in October, on its way to its winter retreat in Mexico,
It is active in. the pursuit of small winged insects.

PASSERES — SYLVIC0LID.E — SYLVICOLA. 10 1

THE PINE WARBLER.

Sylvicola pinus.

PLATE LIII. FIG. 120 (Female).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Syhiapinva, Latham. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p. 25, pi. 19, fig. 4 (male). Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y.

Vol. 2, p. 81.
S. pinus. Audcbon, fol. pi. 140 (adult) ; and Vireo vigorsii (young) ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 232, and Vol. 1, p. 153.
Pine Warbler. Nuttall, Man Orn. Vol. 1, p. 387. Bonaparte, Comp. List, p. 22.
Pine-creeping Wood-warbler. Addubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 37, pi. 82 (male and female).
S. pinus. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 51.

Characteristics. Bright olive ; beneath yellow. Wings and tail brown ; the former bifa-
sciate with white. Vent white : two outer tail-feathers partly white.
Female and young, olive green ; yellowish and grey beneath. Length,
five inches.

Description. First and second quills subequal ; the first longest ; the others successively
shorter. Tail emarginate, 0*6 longer than the closed wings.

Color. Above of a uniform rich yellow green ; a shade lighter on the frontlet. A line
over the eye, throat, breast and sides yellow ; the breast obscurely streaked with dusky on
the sides. Primaries edged with white ; secondaries with light brown. Two or three of
the outer tail-feathers with a band of white on the inner web near the end. Female and
young, very plain colored ; the upper surface dull greenish ; beneath obscure brownish, or
soiled white with a tinge of yellowish.

Length, 5-0-5-5. Alar extent, 8- 0-8*5.

The Pine Warbler is not an uncommon species in this State, more particularly in the
northern parts, where it breeds. Eggs greenish white, with numerous pale brown spots.
They reach this State from the Southern States about the first week in April, and do not leave
us until October or November. Feed on various insects and their larvae in the summer and
autumn, and on different seeds and berries during the winter. Ascend to the 50th degree of
north latitude, and winter in the Southern States. Mr. Giraud has observed it breeding on
Long island.

102 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE CHESNUT-SIDED WARBLER.
Sylvicola icterocephala.

PLATE LIX. FIG. 134 (Male).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Molacilla icterocephala et pensylvanica. Linnaeus, Syst. pp. 333 and 334.
Bloody-side Warbler. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 405. Vieillot, pi. 90.
S. pensylvanica. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 99, pi. 14, fig. 5.

S. icterocephala. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 80. Audubon, folio, pi. 59; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 306.
Chesnut-sided Warbler. Nuttall, Man. Ornith. Vol. 1, p. 380.

Chcsnut-sided Wood-warbler. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 2, p. 32, pi. 81 (male and female). Gikaud, Birds
of Long island, p. 63.

Characteristics. Crown yellow. Sides, from the bill, chesnut. Wings bifasciate with pale
yellow. Beneath white. Female and young : Crown greenish yellow ;
sides pale rufous, sometimes scarcely apparent. Length, 5 inches.

Description. Bill short, rather straight, with porrect bristles at the base, extending beyond
the nostrils. Tail slightly emarginate, extending 0'7 beyond the tips of the closed wings.
Second quill longest ; the second, third and fourth quills sinuated on the outer webs towards
the tips.

Color. Greenish and slate streaked with black. Wings and tail brown. Two or three
outer tail-feathers white on their inner webs. First and second row of coverts broadly tipped
with yellow. Secondaries greenish yellow on their outer vanes. Crown bright lemon-yellow.
From the angle of the mouth, a distinct black line goes over the eye ; and from the same
place, another somewhat curved benealh $ie eye, and leaving posterior to the eye a white
spot. Female and young : Wing-coverts not so distinctly tipped with yellow ; the black
lines surrounding the eye obsolete. Sides with indistinct chesnut. Yellow crown tinged
with green.

Length, 4*5-5"0. Alar extent, 7'5-8-0.

This rare Warbler I observed first in the western part of this State on the 20th of May,
although it probably reaches the southern portions earlier. The young were obtained a few
miles above the city, near the Hudson, August 20. It winters in Mexico, and does not
appear to advance much farther north than Massachusetts. Feeds on flies and other insects.

PASSERES — SYLVICOLIDJE — SYLVICOLA. 103

THE HEMLOCK WARBLER.

Sylvicola parus.

plate lix. fig. 135.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Sylvia parus. Wilson, Am. On). Vol. 5, p. 114, pi. 44, fig. 3 (adult) ; autumnalis, Vol. 3, p. 65, pi. 23, fig. 4

(young).
S. parus. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 82 ; and autumnalis, lb. p. 84.
S. parus. Audubon, folio, pi. 134; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 205 (adult) ; autumnalis, folio, pi. 88; Om. Biog. Vol.

1, p. 447 (young).
S. parus et autumnalis. Nuttall, Man. Ornith. Vol. 1, pp. 390 and 392.
S. parus. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 2, p. 40, pi. 83.

Characteristics. Blackish. Head yellow, spotted with black ; line over the eye, neck
and breast yellow : beneath yellow, streaked with dusky on the sides.
Young, olive green, streaked with dusky ; beneath dusky white ; yel-
lowish on the neck. Length, 5^inches.

Description. First quill longest. Tail slightly emarginate.

Color. Above yellowish green, spotted with dusky. Head greenish yellow. Wings
blackish brown, bifasciate with white : quills edged with greenish. The greater part of the
two outer tail-feathers white. Female, resembles the male, with the colors more dull.
Young, above olive-green : a pale line over the eye. Quills edged with brownish white. A
patch of white on the inner web of the two external tail-feathers. Beneath, sides of the neck
yellow ; belly dusky white ; brownish on the side.

Length, 5-5-6-0. Alar extent, 8-0-9-0.

Audubon discovered the young of this species near Lake Cayuga and Lake Champlain. I
have not been able to procure a specimen in this State, except of the young from a few miles
above the city. Feeds on small insects and berries. I do not know by whom the two nomi-
nal species were first clearly shown to be one, but the first indication is to be found in the
Comparative List of Bonaparte. The Hemlock Warbler, as its name indicates, is most
commonly found in forests, and extends its migrations from the Mississippi to the 52d degree
of north latitude.

104 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE CAPE-MAY WARBLER.

. , Sylvicola maritima.

PLATE LVIH. FIG. 132 (Male).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Sylvia maritima. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 6, p. 99, pi. 51, fig. 3 (male).
S. maritima. Bonaparte, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 32, pi. 3, fig. 3 (female?).

Cape-May Warbler. Audubon, folio, pi. 414 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 5, p. 156. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 371.
Cape-May Wood-warbler. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 44, pi. 85 (male and female). Gibaud, Birds of Long
island, p. 61.

Characteristics. Yellow olive, spotted with black. Crown and line through the eye blackish :
a chesnut spot around and behind the eye. Beneath yellow spotted
with black. Female, dusky olive ; beneath greyish, streaked. Length,
5 inches. Rare.

Description. Bill very slender ; the notch scarcely visible. First and second quills sub-
equal, longest. Tail emarginate, 0*5 longer than the tips of the closed wings.

Color. Summit of the head deep brownish black, with a faint mixture of reddish : a ches-
nut spot on the cheeks. Back yellow olive, spotted with black ; the feathers being black in
their centres, and edged with yellow olive. Quills and tail brown ; the outer webs light
yellowish. Rump bright greenish yellow : a broad white band over the wings. Inner webs
of lateral tail-feathers broadly marked with white, except at their extreme tips. Beneath the
chin and throat yellow unspotted, extending up the sides of the neck, and completely sur-
rounding it. Black confluent spots on the breast and sides. Female, without the spot on
the cheeks. Summit of the head olive-cinereous ; beneath whitish, spotted, slightly tinged
with yellowish.

Length, 4*5 -5*5. Alar extent, 7*5 -8'5.

This is a very rare species. My description of the male is taken from a specimen shot in
May, on the south side of Long island. For the description of the supposed female, I am
indebted to the work of Bonaparte cited above. Its highest northern range, according to
Audubon, is the Blue mountains of Vermont. Little or nothing is known of this beautiful
species : its shy and solitary habits may have contributed to elude our observation.

PASSERES SYLVICOLIDiE — SYLVICOLA. 105

/

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER.

SYLVICOLA FORMOSA.

PLATE LVI. FIG. 127 (Male).

(CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Sylvia formosa. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p. 85, pi. 25, fig. 3. Audubon, fol. pi. 38 ; Om. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 196.

S. id. Nuttall, Manual Om. Vol.1, p. 399.

Myiodioctes formosus. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 19, pi. 74 (male and female).

M. id., Kentucky Flycatching Warbler. GlRAUD, Birds of Long island, p. 49.

Characteristics. Olive green ; beneath, and line over the eye yellow. Crown ashen : a
black stripe from the bill down the sides of the neck. Female, without
the stripe. Length, b\ inches.

Description. Bill somewhat curved, compressed and distinctly notched, 0*5 long, with
a few bristles. First q\iill longest. Tail slightly emarginate, 1 ' 2 longer than the tips of the
closed wings.

Color. Above rich olive green. Frontlet, at the centre of the base of the upper mandible,
jet black, becoming spotted and striped on the crown of the head on a dark ashen ground.
A yellow stripe over the eye, with a patch of the same behind it. Wings olive on their outer
webs ; brown within.

Length, 5-0-5-5. Alar extent, I'O-S'O.

This is a rare bird in this State ; the specimen in the Cabinet of the Lyceum being the
only one I am acquainted with, within our territorial limits. It is very common in the Mis-
sissippi valley, but does not seem to be often found north of Carolina, except in Maryland,
where it is rather common. Its present ascertained geographical range is between Mexico
and New- York. It has a certain resemblance to Wilsonia pusilla, but is larger. Feeds on
spiders, insects and their larvae. The eggs are described as white, finely sprinkled with bright
red dots. Mr. Giraud states that a few have been obtained from the south side of Long
island ; and it has also been observed at Hoboken, and in Rockland county in this State.

[Fauna — Part 2.] 14

106 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

S. pensilis. (Abd. VoL 2, p. 32, pi. 79.) Slate-colored. Frontlet, lores and above- the eye black ;

throat and breast yellow ; belly and line over the eye white. Wings and tail black, varied with

white. Length, 5£ inches. Southern States.
S. tigrina. (Aud. Vol. 2, p. 69, pi. 98.) Yellow olive. Front, cheeks and sides of neck yellow;

breast and belly pale yellow, streaked with dusky. Wings and tail dusky brown ; the former

bifasciate with white. Length, 5 inches. Virginia. Rare.
S. occidentalis. (Id. Vol. 2, p. 60, pi. 93.) Bluish grey. Head and cheeks yellow; head spotted

with black ; throat black. Female : throat dusky, spotted with black. Length, 3£ inches. Texas

and Columbia river.
S. townsendi. (Id. Vol. 2, p. 59, pL 92.) Greenish olive. Cheeks and throat black : a band over

the eye, on the side of the neck, and fore part of the neck yellow. Beneath white. Length, i\

inches. Texas and Columbia river. *

S. auduboni. (Id. Vol. 2, p. 26, pi. 77.)v Bluish ash. Crown, rump, throat and sides of the body

bright yellow; frontlet, cheeks and breast black. Length, 5| inches. Columbia river.
S.rathbonia. (Id. Vol.2, p. 53, pi. 89.) Generally yellow; slightly darker above. Length, \\

inches. Mississippi.
S. halseii. (Giraijd, B. of Tex. plate.) Slate; white beneath. Forehead dusky: a spot of yellow

at the base of the upper mandible. Cheeks brown ; throat white : a broad streak of white over

the eye, extending down the neck. Secondaries and coverts tipped with white. Length, 5*0. Mr.

Giraud suggests that this may prove to be the female of V. nigrescens of Townsend. Texas.
S. olivacea. (Giraud, lb. plate.) Ashy grey. Head, throat, breast, neck and hind neck dull ochre ;

lore, and a broad patch behind the eye black. Wings with two white bands. Abdomen soiled

white, tinged with greenish yellow. Length, 5*4. Texas.

GENUS WILSONIA. Bonaparte.

Bill moderate, much broader than high. Upper mandible with its dorsal outline nearly straight,
and very indistinctly notched. Bristles long, at the base of the bill. Tarsus with three
scutellae beneath, blended above. Second or third quills longest. Tail rounded.

Obs. This genus, which was first indicated by Bonaparte, and dedicated to the memory of
the great pioneer in American ornithology, has since been very improperly given to the world
under the new and less appropriate name of Myiodioctes. It comprises a few species
detached from the great genus Sylvicola.

PASSERES — SYLVIC0LIDJ3 — WILSONIA. 107

THE HOODED WARBLER.

WlLSONIA MITRATA.

PLATE LVII. FIG. 128 (Mali).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Motacilla mitrata, Gmelin. Sylvia id. Latham. S. id. Vieillot, pi. 77.

Hooded Warbler. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 400.

Muscicapa cucullata. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p. 101, pi. 20, fig. 3<

Sylvia mitrata. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 79. AueuboN, folio, pi. 90 (adult) ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2,

p. 66, and Vol. 5, p. 465.
Muscicapa selbyii. Aodcbon, fol. pi. 9; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 46.
Wilsonia mitrata. Bonaparte, Comp. and Geog. List. p. 23.
Myiodioctes milratus. Aodubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 12, pi. 71 (male and female).
M. id., Flycatching Warbler. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p; 47.

Characteristics. Olive yellow above. Head, neck, chin and throat black ; forehead, cheeks
and beneath yellow ; lateral tail-feathers partly white. Female and
young : throat and breast tinged with dusky. Length, five inches.

Description. Bill stout, depressed at the base, carinate and faintly notched ; the bristles
at the base more than half the length of the bill. Third or fourth primary longest. Tail
slightly emarginate, rounded, and l'O longer than the tips of the closed wings.

Color. Forehead, cheeks, breast, abdomen, lower wing and tail-coverts bright yellow.
Summit of the head, hind-head, chin, throat and upper part of the breast jet black. Wings
and tail dusky brown : outer vanes of the primaries and secondaries yellow olive. The three
lateral tail-feathers with a patch of white on their inner webs, towards the tip. Female :
Hind-head, throat and breast only tinged with dusky.

Length, 5* 0-5*5. Alar extent, 8" 0.

This well marked but rare species in this State, was shot in Westchester county, about the
middle of May. It ranges from Mexico to 52° north. It enters Louisiana about the middle
of March ; and along the Atlantic coast, as far as Virginia, is rather common. Farther north,
it is rare and accidental. It builds in low bushes, and lays from four to six greyish eggs with
reddish brown spots at the larger end. A bold courageous bird, feeding on insects which it
takes on the wing.

14*

108 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE GREEN BLACK-CAPPED WARBLER.

WlLSONIA PUSILLA.

PLATE LII. FIG. 117 (Male).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Muscicapa pusiila. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p. 103, pi. 26, fig. 4 (male).

Sylvia wilsonii. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. New-York, Vol. 2, p. 86.

Muscicapa id., Green Black-capped Flycatcher. Audubon, folio, pi. 124 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 148.

M. id. Nuttall, Man. Ornilh. Vol. 1, p. 409.

Myiodioctes wilsoni. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 2, p. 21, pi. 75.

M. id., Wilson's Flycatchmg Warbler. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 51.

Characteristics. Olive green. Crown black ; front, line over the eye, and all beneath
yellow. Female and young, without the black crown, or-"very indis-
tinct. Length, four and a half inches.

Description. Bristles extending half the length of the bill. Second and third primaries
longest, subequal ; the first shorter than the fourth. Tail long, rounded, and extending one
inch beyond the tips of the closed wings.

Color. Back, rump and upper tail-coverts yellowish green. Frontlet, line over the eye,
and all beneath rich lemon-yellow. Crown and hind head deep purplish glossy black, but
varying in intensity with different individuals. Outer webs of the tail-feathers olive-green.

Length, 4* 0-4* 5. Alar extent, 60 -6' 5.

This little Warbler, according to Audubon, passes rapidly through the United States on its
way to the northern districts. It appears in this State, near New-York, in the early days of
May ; the only one I have seen within our limits having been shot on the eighth of that
month. In June it appears in Labrador, and breeds in those regions as far as 58° north. It
extends westward to the Columbia river. Its return southward must be late, as Audubon
noticed them in the State of Maine in the month of October. In the southern part of this
State, they are very rare. They build their nests on low bushes, laying about four greyish
eggs, sprinkled with reddish dots in a circle around the larger end. Feed on insects, which
they take on the wing.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

W. bonapartii. (Aud. Birds of Am. Vol. 2, pi. 73.) Greyish blue; beneath yellow : two outer quills
edged with white. Bristles and tail elongated. Length, 5i inches. Louisiana. Very rare.

W. minuta. (Id. lb. Vol. 2, pi. 67.) Greenish olive; beneath pale yellow, fading into white behind.
Wings and tail brownish; the former bifasciate with whitish.

PASSERES — SYLVICOLIDjE — CULICIVORA. 109

GENUS CULICIVORA. Swainson.

Bill moderate, depressed, rapidly attenuated to a slender tip. Upper mandible with a distinct
ridge ; the tip narrow, bent. Bristles at the base of the bill. Tarsus very slender, with
the upper scutella indistinct, longer than the middle toe : hind toe larger. Second or
fourth quill longest. Tail longer than the body, slender, rounded.

Obs. This genus was founded by Swainson on a species detached from Muscicapa, and
connects this family with the succeeding.

THE BLUE-GREY GNATCATCHER.

CtJLICIVORA CCERULEA.
PLATE LVI. FIG. 126 (Mali).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Muscicapa ccerulea. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 164, pi. 18, fig. 5.

Sylvia ccerulea. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. York, Vol. 2, p. 85.

Muscicapa id. Audubon, folio, pi. 84; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 431.

Blue-grey Sylvan Flycatcher. Nuttall, Man. Ornith. Vol. 1, p. 297.

Culicivora ccerulea, Bonap. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 244, pi. 70. Giraud, Birds of Long Island, p. 46.

Characteristics. Bluish grey ; beneath bluish white. Tail black. Female, without the
black band over the forehead and eyes. Length, four and a half inches.

Description, of a young male shot May 5, Orange county. Bill somewhat straight,
flattened, curved at the tip : notch conspicuous. A few porrect bristles at the base of the
bill. Tail rounded, 1*3 longer than the tips of the folded wings. Second quill-feather
longest. v

Color. Light blue. Summit of the head with an anterior black marginal stripe. Rump
white. Primaries brown, edged on their external vanes with white. The outer tail-feather
white on both vanes for more than two-thirds of its whole length ; the next white along the
greater part of its outer vane, and on its inner vane towards the tip ; the suceeding feather
obscurely tipped with white. Throat soiled white ; breast bluish white ; belly and vent pure
white. The adult male has the dark black band of the frontlet extending in a narrow line
over the eye ; the tail glossy black. Female, with the tints of blue not so bright, and the
black frontlet and line over the eye wanting.

Length, 4 "5. Alar extent, 6*5.

This lively little Gnatcatcher is found, according to Lichtenstein, in Mexico during the
winter. It arrives in Louisiana about the middle of March, and in this State is seen in the

110 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

early part of May. They do not appear to advance farther north than the 46th parallel.
They extend over the western States. It is not a numerous species. It leaves this State
towards the end of September. It lays 4-5 pure white eggs, with a few reddish dots at the
larger end. I am not informed whether it breeds in this State, but presume this to be the
case at least in the western counties. It is exceedingly active in its movements, and is
perpetually on the wing in search of the smaller winged insects, and particularly of mosqui-
toes. It chiefly affects humid places and the borders of small streams.

{EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

C. townsendi. (Philogonys id. Sw. Aud. B. of Am. Vol. 1, p. 243, pi. 69). Dull brownish grey.
Basal part of primaries pale yellow: middle tail-feathers greyish ; the others blackish; the outer
white. Tail long, straight, emarginate and rounded. Length, 8-5. Columbia river.

FAMILY MUSCICAPIDM.

Bill moderate, triangular, robust, with elongated bristles at the base. Upper mandible
inflected at the tip, notched; lower with*the tip somewhat ascending. Nostrils basal,
rounded, patulous, partly covered by bristles. Feet generally short. Tarsus short, slen-
der, with broad scutellce. Hind toe not proportionally large. Wings long : the first
quill usually long ; the outer three longest. Tail various. Tongue depressed, sagittate,
bristly at the tip. Solitary, taciturn, untamable.

GENUS MUSCICAPA. Linnaeus.

Bill broad at base, gradually compressed towards the end. Upper mandible with a very
small notch near the tip. Tarsus with six scutellae, three of which almost meet behind.
Toes free, all scutellate above. Second and third quills longest ; outer quills sometimes
attenuated. Tail long, even or emarginated.

PASSERES — MUSCICAPID.E — MUSCICAPA. Ill

THE AMERICAN REDSTART.

MUSCICAPA RUTICILLA.

PLATE XXXI. FIG. 68 (Male).

Muscicapa ruticilla, Lin. Black-headed Warbler, Pennant, Arct, Zool. Vol. 2, p. 398.
Yellow-tailed Warbler. Id. lb. Vol. 2, p. 406 (female).

American Redstart, Wilson, Orn. Vol. 1, p. 103, pi. 6. fig. 6 (male). Id. lb. Vol. 5, p. 119, pi. 45, fig. 2 (young).
M. ruticilla. Audubon, folio, pi. 40; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 202.

Selophaga id. Richardsoh, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 223. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 291, figure.
M. id. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 1, p. 240, pi. 63 (male and female). Gikaud, Birds of Long island, p. 45.

Characteristics. Black. Belly white : base of the primaries, and of the tail-feathers
(except the central pair) orange-red. Female, young and autumnal
male, greenish olive ; sides of the breast and base of the tail-feathers
yellow. Length, five inches.

Description. First quill shorter than the fourth ; second and third longest, subequal.
Tail rounded.

Color. Head, neck, breast and back black, with bright glossy blue reflexions. Tail with
a broad terminal band of black. Sides of the breast, lower wing-coverts, base of the prima-
ries, and of the tail-feathers (except the central pair) orange-red. In some individuals, I
have noticed these orange marks to approach a bright scarlet. Abdomen and lower tail-
coverts white. Bill brownish black. Female : Olive brown above ; white, tinged with yel-
low, beneath. Those parts which in the male are orange, in the female are yellow. Young
male, above greenish ; inside of the wings, and a band across the wings yellow.

Length, 5-0-5--5. Alar extent, 6-0-6-5.

This beautiful bird winters within the tropics, and is found during the summer throughout
the Union. It is even found extending its migrations as far north as the 62d parallel. It
arrives in Louisiana in the beginning of March, and reaches this State towards the end of
April. On its return southward, it leaves us in September. It is shy and solitary, avoiding
the haunts of man, and feeding on various insects and their larvae.

The American Redstart differs so much in the brilliancy of its colors, and in some of the
characteristics of its congeners, that its place in the systems has been frequently changed. I
prefer retaining him in his present situation.

112 . NEW- YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

THE SMALL GREEN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER.

MlJSCICAPA ACADICA.

PLATE XXX. FIG. 66.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Muscicapa acadica, Gmelin. Lesser-crested Flycatcher, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 386.

M. qxurula. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 77, pi. 13, fig, 3.

M. acadica. Acdubon, fol. pi. 144 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 256, and Vol. 5, p. 427. Nuttall, Manual Orn. Vol. 1,

p. 288.
Platyrhyncos virescens. ViEILLOT, Nouv. Diet.

Small Green Flycatcher. AunoBON, B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 221, pi. 62 (male and female). Giraud, Birds of Long
Island, p. 40.

Characteristics. Olive green ; beneath greenish yellow. Throat greyish ; lower mandible
flesh-colored. Tail even, or slightly emarginate. Length*, 51 inches.

Description. First primary shorter than the fourth. Color. Above dusky olive green,
often verging to brown. Beneath yellowish white ; darker across the breast, and ash-grey on
the throat. Wings and tail dusky brown ; the former with two rust-colored or dusky white
bands : secondaries broadly edged with the same. A narrow white ring around the eye, and
occasionally a small lightish spot beneath the eye. Tail dusky brown ; the outer feathers
occasionally light-colored. Legs and feet black.

Length, 5*5. Alar extent, 9'0.

The Small Green-crested Flycatcher, or Small Pewee as he is sometimes called, in com-
mon with some others, from the sound of its usual note, winters in Mexico, where it was
observed by Swainson, and appears in our State early in May, where it breeds. It ascends as
high as the 50th degree of north latitude. It lays from 4-6 pure white eggs. In the spring
and summer it feeds on insects, and during the autumn on berries and grapes. Its habits are
shy and solitary, generally preferring the recesses of the forest. It usually leaves us on its
southern migration in the month of September.

PASSERES — MUSCICAPIDjE — MUSCICAPA. 113

THE YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER.

MUSCICAPA FLAVIVENTRIS.

■■

Musckapaflavivenlrit. Baird, Proceedings Ac. Nat. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 283.
M. id. Acdbbon, B. of A. Vol. 7, p. 341, pi. 490 (male).

Characteristics. Olive green : sulphur-yellow beneath. Front dark olive. Orbits yellow.
Tail emarginate. Length, 5*1.

Description. Bill broad and robust, tapering rapidly to the point ; ridge on the upper
mandible obvious : bristles on the front and sides of the base of the bill. Wings 2' 5. Third
and fourth quills subequal, or the fourth slightly longest ; first and sixth subequal. Feathers
of the head somewhat elongated, but scarcely forming a definite crest. Tail 1 ' 9, emarginate.

Color. Bill blackish brown above ; flesh-colored beneath. Head and body above dark
glossy olive green ; the head, in certain lights, exhibiting obsolete darker spots. Circle round
the eyes, and an obsolete streak towards the bill, light yellowish. Abdomen, under tail-
coverts and axillaries light sulphur-yellow. Neck and breast light yellow olive. Ridge of
the wings bright yellow. Quills and tail light hair-brown. Lower row of lesser wing-coverts
and secondary coverts tipped with yellowish white, forming two bands across the wings.
Wing-coverts and secondaries brownish black. Secondaries edged anteriorly with yellowish
white. Female, smaller.

Length, 5'l-5'2.

This beautiful little species was first discovered by Mr. S. F. Baird, at Carlisle, Pennsyl-
vania, and described in the work cited above. In a general system it must follow M. acadica,
with which it is closely allied. Its distinctive characters appear to consist mainly in the deep
yellow color of its abdomen, and its emarginate tail. The specimen above described was
kindly communicated by Mr. Giraud, from the cabinet of G. W. Lawrence, who procured it
from Long island, where it is doubtless not uncommon, although it had been previously con-
founded by Mr. Audubon and other ornithologists with the M. acadica.

[Fauna — Part 2.] 15

114 NEW- YORK FAUNA — M BIRDS*

THE WOOD PEWEE.

MtJSCICAPA VIRENS.

PLATE XXXI. FIG. 69.

i

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Muncicapa viretu, LiNN«os. Cinereous Flycatcher, Pennant, Aret Zool. Vol. 2, p. 387.

M. rapax, Bartram. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 81, pi. 13, fig. 5.

M. viretu. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 68.

M. id. Audubon, fol. pi. 115 (male) ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 93, and Vol. 5, p. 425.

Wood Pewee. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1. p. 285. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 231, pi. 64 (male).

Wood Pewee Flycatcher. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 43. Tyrannula of recent author*.

Characteristics. Dark brown olive ; beneath pale greenish yellow. Upper mandible black ;
lower yellow. Tail emarginate : second primary longest. Length, six
inches.

Description. Bill with sides somewhat convex ; the edges sharp, and the tip slightly bent
and notched. Head subcrested. Tail deeply emarginate.

Color. Above dusky olive inclining to greenish ; the upper part of the head brownish
black : a pale whitish ring around the eye. Two obscure greyish bands on the wings ;
secondaries bordered with greyish. Beneath pale greenish yellow ; throat and breast greyish
tinged with green. Upper mandible and feet black.

Length, 6*0- 6*5. Alarextent, lO-O-H'O.

The Wood Pewee winters in Mexico, where it was noticed by Lichtenstein, and appears in
our State about the middle of May. It advances as far north as the 50th degree, and is seen
on the Rocky mountains. It breeds in this State, laying three or four cream-colored eggs
with irregular spots of brown towards the larger end. It feeds on insects, which it seizes
with, great adroitness on the wing. The male and female scarcely differ in their plumage

PASSERES — MUSCICAPID.fi — MUSCICAPA. 1 15

THE PH(EBE-BIRD.

MuSCICAPA FUBCA.

PLATE XXX. FIG. 67.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

M.fusca, Gmelin. Dusky Flycatcher. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 389.

M. mmciola, Bartr am. Wilson, Am. Orn, Vol. 2. p. 78, pi. 13, fig. 4.

M.fusca. Bonapaete, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 68. Audubon, folio pi. 120; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 122, and

Vol. 5, p. 424.
Pewit Flycatcher, or Phabe. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 278, figure.
M.fusca. Audobon, B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 223, pi. 63 (male and female).
M. ill., Peicee Flycatcher. Gikahd, Birds of Long island, p. 42.

Characteristics. Dark olive brown. Bill entirely black. Tail emarginate ; the exterior
feathers whitish on the outer web. Length, seven inches.

Description. Head with an erectile crest. Tail emarginate, an inch and a half longer
than the tips of the closed wings. Third and fourth primaries longest, subequal.

Color. Above dark olive ; the head darker, approaching to brownish black. Wings and
tail dusky approaching to black ; the former edged on every feather with yellowish white.
Legs and bill black. Beneath pale whitish or greenish yellow ; the breast greyish. Sexes
nearly similar.

Length, 7*1. Alar extent, 9- 0-9-5.

This familiar and favorite little bird winters from South-Carolina to Mexico. It appears
with us in the latter days of March or beginning of April, and their appearance is hailed as
the certain harbinger of spring. They leave us in October or November, according to the
nature of the season. It extends its migrations north to the 57th parallel. It breeds in every
part of the State, laying from four to six white eggs with a few reddish spots near the larger end.
Feeds in the spring and summer on insects ; in the winter, on berries and seeds of various
kinds.

J5*

116 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

M. pusilla. ( Aud. B. of A. Vol. 1, pi. 66.) Greenish brown. Breast and sides grey ; beneath, pale

yellow : a pale narrow ring surrounding the eye. Length, 5 inches. Labrador (not yet observed

in this State).
M. trailli. (Id. lb. Vol. 1, pi. 65.) Dusky olive ; head darker. Wings bifasciate with greyish

white ; secondaries bordered with the same. Throat and breast grey ; pale yellow beneath. Length,

5 inches. Columbia river, Arkansa. Closely allied to the preceding.
M. say a. (Id. lb. Vol. 1, p. 59.) Greyish brown. Tail black : a dusky spot before the eye; lower

wing-coverts reddish white. Length, 7 inches. Columbia river, Arkansa, Texas.
M. phcebe. (Richardson, F. B. A. pi. 46.) Olive brown. Dusky grey on the neck ; breast and

sides tinged with olive ; abdomen pale dull yellow. Length, 6 '8. Columbia river, Fur countries.

Allied to fusea.
M. nigricans. (Aud. B. of A. pi. 60.) Dark sooty brown ; beneath white. Tail slightly emarginate.

Length, seven inches. Mexico, California, Texas.
M. texensis. (Gikacd, Birds of Texas, plate.) Crown, with a concealed patch of bright vermilion;

back, scapulars, wings, rump and tail brown. Throat, foreneck, and a band over the eyes and

across the front, white. Tail long, even, and of twelve feathers. Length, 7-25. Texas.
M. laurentii. (Id. B. of Texas.) Above dull brown: throat, foreneck and breast cinereous; beneath

yellow. Bill robust. Length, 6*45. Texas.
M. fulvifrons. (Id. B. of Tex. plate.) Brown ; beneath buff. Secondaries broadly edged with white

on the outer webs. Tail emarginate ; the outer vane of first feather white. Bill feeble. Length,

4-8. Texas.
M. derhami. (Id. lb. plate.) Slate. Lores and forehead black; crown and occiput chesnut brown,

spotted with dusky. Wings and tail brown : four outer tail-feathers spotted with white. Throat

and foreneck black ; breast and belly light red. Length, 5*0. Texas.
M. belli. (Id. lb. plate.) Olive-green. Throat, breast and abdomen yellow ; crown, cheeks, and a

spot before the eye chesnut-brown : a yellow streak from the base of the bill, passing over the eye,

and somewhat dilated on the sides of the neck. Tail graduated. Length, 4-0. Texas.
M. leucomus. (Id. lb. plate.) Black : beneath bright red, Throat and foreneck black. Outer webs

of the three lateral tail-feathers white. A conspicuous patch of white on the wings. Length, 5 "5,

Texas.
M. brasieri. (Id. lb. plate.) Olivaceous; yellow beneath. Forehead and loral space yellow ; crown

and occiput orange, bordered with black; cheeks and sides of the neck greenish yellow. Length,

5*0. Texas.
M. rubrifrons. (Id. lb. plate.) Back, scapulars and upper tail-coverts ash-grey ; rump white. Fore-
head, space round the eyes, loral space, throat and foreneck red. Wings and tail brown. Sides

of body dusky; beneath white. Length, 4'0. Texas.

PASSERES — MUSCICAPID^E — TYRANNUS. 117

GENUS TYRANNUS. Vieillot.

Head distinctly crested, often with a vermilion patch on the summit. Outer quills attenuated
towards the ends.

THE KING-BIRD.

Tyrannus intrepidus.
plate xxxiii. fig. 72.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Lanius tyrannus. Linnaeus, Syst. Nat.

Tyrannus pipiri et intrepidus. Vieillot, pi. 44.

Muscicapa tyrannus. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 66, pi. 13, fig. 1. Audubon, folio, pi. 79; Orn. Biog. Vol.

I, p. 403, and Vol. 5, p. 420.
King-bird, or Tyrant Flycatcher. Nuttall, Manual Orn. Vol. 1, p. 265. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 1. p. 204, pi. 56.
M. tyrannus, Tyrant Flycatcher. GmAUD,JBirds of Long Island, p. 39.

Characteristics. Blackish; beneath whitish. Tail nearly even, black, with a terminal
band of white. Length, 8-9 inches.

Description. Bill depressed, wide at the base, gradually tapering to the tip, where it
forms a small hook : lower mandible flatly convex. Crest erectile. The two outer quills
attenuated at the tip ; second quill longest. Tail nearly even, 1 ' 5 longer than the tips of the
closed wings.

Color. Dark ash above, approaching to black. Head and tail nearly black. When the
dark feathers of the head are removed, we observe a bright vermilion spot bordered with
yellow. Wings olive brown, bordered with dull white. Beneath pure white, except the
breast and under tail-coverts, which are light ash. Bill and feet black. Female, resembles
the male, except that the colors above incline to olive brown ; beneath dusky white.

Length, 8-0-9*0. Alar extent, 14*0- 15-0.

The King-bird, as it is called in this State, or Field Martin as it is termed elsewhere, is
a well known and common species. It winters in Mexico, enters Louisiana about the middle
of March, and appears here in the latter part of April or beginning of May. They continue
their northward course as far as the 57th parallel of latitude. It spreads over the continent
to Columbia river. It leaves us for its winter quarters in September or October, according
to the season. Breeds in every part of the State, laying from 4-6 yellowish white eggs
with a few spots of deep brown. Feeds on berries and seeds, beetles, canker-worms, and
insects of every description. By this, and by his inveterate hostility to rapacious birds, he
more than compensates for the few domestic bees with which he varies his repasts. Like the
Hawks and Owls, he ejects from his mouth, in the shape of large pellets, all the indigestible
parts of insects and berries.

H8 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

THE OLIVE-SIDED KING-BIRD.

Tyrannus cooperi.

plate xxxi ii. fig. 73.

(CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Mutcicapa inornata et cooperi. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 2S2.

M. cooperi. Aoddbon, fol. pi. 174; Orn.Biog. Vol. 2, p. 422, and Vol. 5, p. 422.

Tyrannus borealis. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 141. -
It. cooperi. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol 1, p. 212, pi. 58 (male and female).

Characteristics. Dusky brown. Head darker, without a colored spot. Sides olive grey.;
lateral space beneath the wing white. Tail emarginate.

Description. Bill stout, 0-5 long and very broad. Upper mandible distinctly carinated.
Second quill longest ; first and third equal ; the three first slightly attenuated towards the
ends. Tail emarginate.

Color. Dusky brown above. Wings and tail blackish brown, with a few of the tips and
edges of the feathers of the wings margined with dusky white, often entirely plain. Crest
plain, dark brown. Rictus bright yellow, as well as the inside of the mouth. Upper
mandible black ; the lower horn-color. Chin and throat white ; breast and telly brownish,
becoming tinged with yellowish towards the vent, and dusky olive on the sides. Legs and
feet black. Iris dark hazel. Female and young, similar to the adult.

Length, 6' 5 -7-0. Alar extent, 12*5.

This plain-colored species was discovered by William Cooper (from whom it derives its
name) in 1829, and first described by Nuttall from Massachusetts (where it breeds), and sub-
sequently by Richardson in 53° of north latitude. Audubon met with it in Texas and Georgia,
and Nuttall subsequently observed it as a common species on the banks of the River Colum-
bia. It probably winters in Mexico, and the main stream of migration is perhaps directed
along the Pacific coast. It has been seen in New-Jersey ; and although it doubtless breeds in
this State, I have not yet met with a specimen here. Its eggs are yellowish cream-white,
with spots of reddish brawn. Habits similar to those of the preceding.

PASSERES — MUSCIC kPWM — TYRANNUS. 119

THE GREAT-CRESTED KING-BIRD.

Tyrannps crinittjs.

plate xxxii. fio. 70.

(CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

BTtacicapa crinita, Lin. Crested Flycatcher, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 386.

M. id. Wilson, Am. Oro. Vol. 2, p. 75, pi. 13, fig. 2. Audubon, folio, pi. 129 ; Om. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 176, and
Vol. 5, p. 423. Id. B. of Am. Vol. 1, p. 209, pi. 57 (males). Gieaud, Birds of Long island, p. 41.

Characteristics. Greenish olive. Throat ash ; belly yellow. Wing and tail-feathers rusty
on their inner webs. Length, 8-9 inches.

Description. Feathers of the head pointed. Third primary longest ; the first scarcely
exceeding the sixth : they are not attenuated towards their tips. Tail elongated, nearly even.

Color. Above greenish olive. Wing-coverts crossed with two irregular bars of yellowish
white. The inner webs of all the tail-feathers, except the central pair, rusty red ; primaries
edged with the same. Crest with its feathers dark brown in their centres. Beneath, the
throat and breast bluish ash, becoming pale yellow on the abdomen and vent. Irides haael.
Bill, legs and feet greyish black. Female, scarcely to be distinguished from the male.

Length, 8*5. Alar extent, 12*5 -13 0.

This bird enters Louisiana in March, and appears to prefer the direction of the Mississippi
valley, but does not advance far north in that direction. The interior of Massachusetts,
where it has been observed to breed, appears to form its extreme northern limits towards the
Altantic. It is of course rare in our State. The eggs are cream-colored, thickly streaked
with purplish brown. Feeds upon insects, grapes, berries, etc. Bold and fierce in its habits.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

T. dominicensis. (Aud. B. of A. pi. 55.) Dull ash grey. Crest vermilion. Wings and tail chocolate.

Beneath ash tinged with yellow. Length, 8-9 inches. Carolina, Florida.
T. verticalis. (Id. B. of A. Vol. 1, pi. 54.) Plumbeous tinged with olive green. Crest vermilion.

Throat and breast ash grey ; beneath yellow : outer tail-feather white on the outer web. Mexico^

Texas, Columbia river \

Genus Milvulus, Swainson. Second primary longest; third and first subequal: the three first

abruptly notched towards the attenuated tip. Tail excessively elongated and deeply forked.
M. tyrannus. (Bonap. Am. Orn. Vol. 1, pi. 1. Aud. B. of A. Vol. 1, pi. 52;) Ashen; beneath

white. Head black: a yellow spot on the crown. Tail more than twice the length of the body.

Length, 14 inches. Louisiana, Kentucky. In New- Jersey.
4f. forficatus. (Bonap. lb. pi. 2. Add. lb. pi. 53.) Light ash; beneath white. Head darker;

axillary feathers rosaceous. Tail longer than the body ; outer feathers rosaceous. Length, 1 1

inches. Arkansa.

120 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

FAMILY VIREONIDM.

Bill moderate, robust, broader than high at the base, which is furnished with bristles.
Dorsal outline of the upper mandible convex {in one genus much arched), notched ; tip
bent. Tarsus moderate, compressed, with seven or eight scutellce. Tail various.

Obs. This family now includes three American genera, or two according to the ideas of
some systematists.

GENUS VIREO. Vieillot.

Upper mandible strongly notched ; lower mandible shorter, recurved at the tip, with small
bristles at the base. Nostrils basal, rounded. Tongue cartilaginous, bifid at the tip.
Tarsus longer than the middle toe, compressed, with seven scutelLae. Wings pointed ;
second or third quill longest. Tail moderate, nearly even. General color with a tinge of
green. Female resembling the male.

Obs. A genus peculiar to America.

THE YELLOW-THROATED GREENLET.

VlREO FLAVIFRONS.

PLATE XXXV. FIG. 77.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Vireo Jlavifrons. Vieillot, Ois. de l'Amerique, pi. 54.

Muscicapa sylvicola. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 117, pi. 7, fig. 3.

V. Jlavifrons. Bonaparte, Annals Lye. Nat. Hist. Vol. 2, p. 70. Audubon, folio, pi. 119 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2,

p. 119, and Vol. 5, p. 428.
Yellow-throated Vireo. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 302. Aoddbon, Birds of Am. Vol. 4, p. 141, pL 238.
Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 159.

Characteristics. Olive green. Frontlet, line round the eye, throat and breast yellow ;
belly white. Wings with two white bands, and with the tail dark
brown. Length, 5-6 inches.

Description. Bill with three or four slight bristles at the base. The two exterior toes
united to the middle as far as the first joint. Tail emarginate.

Color. Greenish olive. Throat and breast dull lemon-yellow ; lesser wing-coverts, lower
part of the back, the rump and the flanks bluish ash. Primaries edged with pale ash ;
secondaries bordered with white. Tail deep brown ; the three exterior feathers edged on
each vane with white. Female and young, with duller colors.

Length, 5-5-6-0. Alar extent, 9-0-9-5.

PASSERES VIREONJDjE VIBEO. 121

This bird winters in Texas and Mexico, and must pass rapidly over the southern States,
for they are rarely observed in those regions until they reach Pennsylvania. It is first seen
here at the commencement of May, and leaves us in September, having advanced north as
far as Nova-Scotia. It is not as common with us as the V. noveboracensis. It is said to
construct a pendulous nest, in which it deposits 4-5 white eggs spotted with reddish brown.
Its food in the spring and summer consists of caterpillars, small moths, wasps and wild bees ;
and in the autumn and winter, of seeds and berries.

THE SOLITARY GREENLET.

VlREO S0LITARITJS.

PLATE XXXV. FIG. 76.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Mutcicapa solitaria. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 143, pi. 17, fig. 6.

Vireo id. Vieillot, Nouv. Diet. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 70. Aodobon, folio, pi. 28 ; Orn. Biog.

Vol. 1, p. 147, and Vol. 5, p. 482.
Solitary Vireo. Nottai.l, Man. Ornilh. Vol. 1, p. 305. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 4, p. 144, pi. 239 (male and
female). Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 160.

Characteristics. Dusky olive. Head bluish grey : line round the eye white. Breast pale
ash ; belly white, yellow on each side. Length, 5 inches.

Description. Bill very short, and nearly as broad as in Muscicapa. Tail emarginate.

Color. Back and upper tail-coverts dusky olive ; primaries and tail-feathers bordered with
light green. A line of white from the nostrils to the eye, which it encircles. Cheeks, upper
part of the head and neck dark bluish grey : a dusky spot before the eye. One, and more
frequently two whitish bands across the wings. Tail brownish black ; the outer feathers
edged with greyish white. Lower mandible, legs and feet pale bluish grey. Female : Head
dusky olive ; throat greenish.

Length, 5-0-5-5. Alar extent, 8-0-8-5.

This is the rarest of the genus found in this State. It winters in Mexico, according to
Lichtenstein, and has been traced as far north as Nova-Scotia. On the western side of the
continent, it extends to Columbia river. The specimen figured above, was shot, May, 1837,
near New- York city. Its eggs are 4-6 in number, light flesh-colored, and spotted with
brownish red at the larger end. Feeds on insects and berries.

[Fauna — Part 2.] 16

122 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE WHITE-EYED GREENLET.

VlREO NOVEBORACENSIS.
PLATE XXXVI. FIG. 78.

(STATE COLLECTION.) .

Miucicapa noveboracensis, Gm. Green Flycatcher, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 389.
M. cantalrix. Bartram, Travels, p. 290.
V. mnsicus. Vieillot, Ois. de l'Am. pi. 52.
M. cantatrix. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 166, pi. 18, fig. 6.

M. noveboracensis. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. p. 70. Audobon, folio, pi. 63; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 328, and Vol.
5, pp. 431, 433. Id. Birds of Am. Vol. 4, p. 146, pi. 240 (male). Gibaud, Birds of Long
island, p. 158.

Characteristics. Dark olive ; beneath white ; sides lemon-yellow : line round the eye, and
spot near the nostrils, yellow. Irides white. Length, 5 inches.

Description. Bill very short, straight, flattened at the base, curved abruptly at the tip.
Third quill longest. Tail nearly even, slightly emarginate.

Color. Above deep olive, with the head somewhat darker. Frontlet, lore, and line above
the eye yellow. Primaries umber-brown, edged with yellow: two white bands over the
wings. Feathers of the tail edged with yellow. Throat white ; sides of the neck ash grey ;
beneath soiled white ; the sides lemon-yellow : lower mandible light bluish.

Length, 5 • 0 - 5 • 5. Alar extent, 7 • 0 - 7 • 3.

The White-eyed Greenlet winters in the maritime parts of the Southern States, and also in
Mexico. According to Audubon, it enters Louisiana the latter end of February or beginning
of March. It appears in this State in the early part of April, where it is common. It ex-
tends its migrations along the coast to Labrador, and on the western side of the continent to
Columbia river. It breeds in this State, laying from 4-6 white eggs with a few dark spots
at the larger end. Food, insects and berries. Its notes are said to possess uncommon sweet-
ness. From its habit of using bits of newspapers in. the construction of its nest, Wilson says
that it is sometimes called the Politician ; intending thereby a sly allusion to feathering its
nest by the use of even the commonest materials. It leaves us in October, for its southern;
winter quarters.

PASSERES — VIREONIDjE — VIREO. 123

THE WARBLING GREENLET.

VlREO GILVUS.

PLATE XXXIV. FIG. 74.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Muscicapa gilva. Vieillot, Ois. de l'Amerique, pi. 34. S. gilva, Id. Nouv. Diet.

M. melodia. Wilson, Am. Om. Vol. 5, p. 85, pi. 42, fig. 2.

Vireo gilrus. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 70. Auddbon, folio, pi. 118 ; Om. Biog. Vol. 2. p. 114,

and Vol. 5, p. 433.
Warbling Vireo. Nottall, Man. Omith. Vol. 1, p. 309. Aodubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 4, p. 149, pi. 241 (male

and female).
Warbling Greenlet. Giradd, Birds of Long island, p. 161.

Characteristics. Pale green olive; head and neck ash; beneath, and line over the eye
whitish. Wings not banded. Irides brown. Bill short. First and fifth
primaries equal. Length, 5 inches.

Description. Bill broad and short, distinctly curved and notched, 0*5 long to the rictus.
Tail emarginate, extending 1*2 beyond the tips of the closed wings.

Color. Above pale green, mixed with ash on the neck and shoulders. The line over the
eye, noticed in the specific phrase, was not obvious in the specimen from which our descrip-
tion was taken. Lower parts whitish ; sides of the body, and beneath the wings, pale
greenish yellow. Legs and feet light blue. Wings and tail brown ; the feathers edged
with light green. Lower mandible flesh-colored. Iris hazel.

Length, 5'0. Alar extent, 7'5.

This musical little bird reaches us from tropical America about the beginning of May, and
breeds in various parts of the State. It has not yet been noticed in the States south of Vir-
ginia, from which we infer that its transit through those regions must be very rapid. Along
the Atlantic coast, it has been seen as far north as 46°, and on the western side of the conti-
nent to Columbia river. It builds a pendant nest, which contains 4-6 white eggs, with con-
fluent spots and thread-like brown lines on the larger end. Feeds on caterpillars, and various
seeds and berries. Leaves us in the early part of October.

16*

124 KEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

THE RED-EYED GREENLET.

VlREO OLIVACEUS.
PLATE 36. FIG. 79. — PLATE 34. FIG. 75 (Variety).
(STATE COLLECTION.) *

Muscicapa olivacea, Linnscs. Red-eyed Flycatcher, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 387.

Sylvia olivacea. Wilson, Am.Orn. Vol.2, p. 55, pi. 12, fig. 2.

M. olivacea. Vieillot, Ois. de l'Am. pi. 38 ; Sylvia altiloqua, Noav. Diet.

Virco olivaceut. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 71. Aububon, fol. pi. 150 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 287,

and Vol. 5, p. 430.
Red-eyed Greenlct. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 233. Nuttaix, Vol. 1, p. 312, figure. Audubon, B. of A.

Vol. 4, p. 155, pi. 242. Vireosylvia id. Bonaparte, List.
Red-eyed Grccnlet. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 157. ~

Characteristics. Olive green. Crown ash, with a dark marginal line ; line over the eye,
and all beneath whitish. Irides red. First quill loDger than the fifth.
Length, 51 inches.

Description. Bill long and robust, abruptly bent at the tip, distinctly notched. Wings
long ; second and third quills longest. Tail nearly even or slightly emarginate, extending
half an inch beyond the tips of the closed wings.

Color. Light olive green above ; the head ash-color, with a blackish line on each side :
below this is a white line passing through and beyond the eye. Quills dusky white on the
inner vanes. Tail brownish ; the inner vanes dusky. Beneath whitish, with a yellow tinge
on the sides.

Length, 5*5- 6"0. Alar extent, 9*0 -9*5.

In the young, the deep line over the eye is not apparent, and the eye is dark hazel. I have
figured ( pi. 34) a remarkable variety in the Cabinet of the Lyceum, in which the whole
upper parts are mottled green and ash, and the lower parts ashen grey with a faint tinge of
greenish.

The Red-eyed Greenlet ranges from Mexico to the 55th degree of north latitude. It win-
ters also in Florida. It reaches us in the latter part of April, and breeds throughout the State.
The eggs are white, sprinkled with brownish black points. It feeds on insects, and, later in
the season, on seeds and berries. A common species. Migrates south from this State in the
beginning of October.

PASSERES VIREONID.(E — VIREO. 1 25

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

V. bartrami. (Add. B. of A. Vol. 4, pi. 242.) Yellowish olive. Head deep grey margined with

blackish, and beneath it yellowish white. First quill shorter than the fifth. Length, 4£ inches.

Kentucky, New-Jersey.
V. longirostris. (Richardson. F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 237.) Chin margined by a black line. Bill

elongated. Wings short, not reaching to half the length of the tail : first quill shorter than the

fourth. Length, 5\ inches. Antilles.
V. belli. (Add. B. of A. Vol. 7, p. 333, pi. 485.) Greyish olive. Sides and beneath tinged with

yellow. Head and shoulders tinged with grey. Wings and tail brown, edged with yellowish.

Third quill longest. Length, 4*6. Upper Missouri

GENUS ICTERIA. Vieillot.

Bill stout, elongated, convex, curved, entire, with small divergent bristles at the base. Man-
dibles subequal ; the edges somewhat bent inwards. Nostrils half closed by an arched
membrane. Tongue cartilaginous, bristly at the tip. Inner toe free. Wings rounded :
third and fourth primaries longest ; the first scarcely longer than the sixth.

Obs. This is an exclusively American genus, thus far comprising but one species. The
name is perhaps objectionable, on account of its resemblance to Icterus ; but as the species
on which it was founded has been figured already in five different genera, and as it has been
generally received by modern ornithologists, it will not in all probability be further disturbed.
Its place in the systems has also been exceedingly doubtful, and often changed. In the most
recent systems, it connects the Flycatchers with the Greenlets, but it also forms the passage
between Merdla and Vireo. Its most natural position would seem to be in the abnormal
group of ConirostreSy comprising Pyrrhula, Loxia, &c.

126 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS,

THE YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT.

IcTERIA VIRIDIS.
PLATE XXXII. FIG. 71.
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Muscicapa viridis, Gmelin. Chattering Flycatcher, Pennaht, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 385.

Garrulus australis, Bartram, p. 290. Icteria dumicola, Vieillot, Ois. de l'Am. pi. 55.

Pipra pollyglotta. Wilson, Orn. Vol. 1, p. 90, pi. 6, fig. 2.

Icteria viridis. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 69. Audcbon, fol. pi. 137 ; Om. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 223,

and Vol. 5, p. 433.
Yellow-breasted Icteria. Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 299.
I. polyglotta. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 157.

YelloM-breasted Chat. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 160, pi. 244 (male and female). Giraud, Birds'of Long
island, p. 162.

Characteristics. Greenish olive. Throat and breast yellow. Belly and line around the
eye white. Length, 7 inches.

Description. Bill typical, subcarinate between the nostrils, 0"7 in length from the rictus.
Tail three inches long, rounded, and extending 2-2 beyond the tips of the closed wings ; the
inner vanes of the feathers attenuated so as to render them acuminated. Hind claw largest.

Color. Deep olive green above. Inner webs of the quills and tail-feathers brownish ;
outer webs olive. Frontlet occasionally deep slate. Lores, and a line under the eye black.
Chin margined on each side by a short white line, which occasionally consists of a series of
white points. A line of white from the nostrils, encircling the eye, and extending beyond it.
In the adult, the breast is of a rich orange-yellow, passing into lemon-yellow beneath. Abdo-
men and under tail-coverts white. Female, scarcely differing from the male, except in
having the black and white adjacent to the eye less pure.

Length, 6 • 0 - 7 • 0. Alar extent, 8 • 5 - 9 • 0.

This bird, which attracts general attention whenever seen, by the oddity of its motions and
its singular notes, arrives from the tropical regions of America, in the southern part of this
State (where it is common), in the early part of May, and scarcely advances farther north
along the Atlantic. It is not uncommon in the Western States, and has been noticed by Mr.
Say near the Rocky mountains, among the sources of the Arkansas river. I cannot state
from my own observation that it breeds in this State, although it is extremely probable. It
lays 4-6 light flesh-colored eggs, spotted with reddish brown. Feeds on beetles, and
berries of various kinds. It is among the earliest of the birds which leave us ; taking its
departure about the middle of August.

PASSERES — LANIIDjE — LANIUS. 127

FAMILY LANIIDJE.

Bill robust, convex above, much compressed at the sides, abruptly bent and deeply notched.
Claws much curved and very acute. Plumage soft and blended. Carnivorous or insecti-
vorous.

GENUS LANIUS. Linnaeus. Bonaparte.

Bill straight from its origin, with advancing bristles at its base. Upper mandible rounded
above, notched, hooked and acute at the tip ; the lower likewise notched, and also toothed
at the tip. Nostrils basal, lateral, oval, half closed by a membrane. Tarsus rather short,
compressed, slender, with eight scutellae ; shorter than, the middle toe. First quill very
short ; third and fourth longest.

THE NORTHERN BUTCHER-BIRD.

Lanius septentrionalis.

PLATE XXXVII. FIG. 61 (Mali).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Lanius septentrionalis, Gmelin. L. borealis, Vieillot, Vol.], p. 80, pi. 50.

L. excubitor. Wilson, Am. Om. Vol. 1, p. 74, pi. 5, fig. 1 (male).

L. borealis. Bonaparte, Obs. No. 33.

L. septentrionalis. Id. Ann. Lye. N. V. Vol. 2, p. 72. v

L. excubitor. Acdubon, folio, pi. 192.

L. semptentrionalis. Nt/ttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 258, figure.

L. borealis. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. Ill, pi. 33 (female). Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 130, pi. 236

(male, female and young).
Nine-killer. Heckewelder, Am. Phil. Soc. Vol. 4, p. 124. Peabodt, Birds of Mass. p. 291. (
L. borealis. Giraud, Birds of Long Island, p. 155.

Characteristics. Light slate ; beneath white, undulated with pale brown. Wings, tail,
and eye-stripe black. Outer tail-feathers entirely white. Female, with
the eye-stripe obscure. Young, greyish drab : four of the middle tail-
feathers wholly black. Length, 10 inches.

Description. Bill compressed, with a stout abrupt tooth on the upper mandible, with
strong bristles at the corners of the mouth, and the oval nostrils are concealed by bristly hairs.
Wings moderate : fourth quill longest ; the third slightly shorter ; the first half the length of
the second. Tail wedge-shaped, an inch and a half longer than the tips of the wings.

Color. Light ash-grey above, with a slight tinge of bluish. Bill bluish at the base, darker

128 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

towards the tip. Sides of the head whitish, with a broad deep black stripe passing from the
nostrils through the eye, and on the sides of the neck. Wings black, with a spot or bar of
white on the primaries just below the wing-coverts ; edges and tips of secondaries and coverts
whitish. Tail with the outer webs of the lateral feathers, and a part of its inner web from
the tip, white ; tips of the remaining tail feathers, except the middle pair, white. Breast and
sides with undulating bars of grey. Female, light rusty brown above ; tail black, with a
light border. Young, pale ochreous beneath.

Length, 10*0- 10-5. Alar extent, 14-0.

This bold and ferocious little bird, which is usually known as the Butcher-bird, is found
at all seasons of the year in this State, where it breeds, laying 4-6 pale ashy white eggs,
thickly marked at the larger end with reddish spots and streaks. From its attempts to imitate
the notes of other birds, it is sometimes called Mocking-bird in Canada and the Eastern
States. The name of Nine-killer is derived from the popular belief that it catches and im-
pales nine grasshoppers in a day. It is exceedingly destructive, waging war upon all birds,
and destroying even large ones with great ease. It breeds from Pennsylvania northward, but
is found in the winter still farther south. It is found as far north as the 60th parallel of
latitude.

{EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

L. ludovicianus. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 135, pi. 237.) Dark slate; beneath white. Frontlet,

wings and tail black. Four middle tail-feathers black ; the others partly white. Third quill longest.

Length, 8' 0. North-Carolina, Mexico.
~L.excubitorid.es, (Rich. F. B. A. p. 115, pi. 34.) Deep pearl-grey ; beneath white unspotted. Bill,

frontlet and eye-stripe black. Wings short. Tail narrow, wedge-shaped, black with a white border.

An var. ? Northern regions.
L. elegans. (Id. lb. p. 122.) Clear bluish grey ; beneath unspotted white. Frontlet of the same color

with the head. A broad white band across the wing. Second primary longer than the sixth ;

fourth longest. Tarsus longer than the bilL Northern regions.

PASSERES — CORVID^E — GARRULUS. 129

FAMILY CORVIDJE.

Bill robust, nearly straight, compressed, convex ; the edges sharp with a slight sinus : base
with incumbent porrect feathers. Nostrils basal, roundish, patulous, covered by reversed
slender feathers. Tongue acute and bifid at the tip. Tarsus compressed, with about
eight large scutellai. Toes separated almost to the base. Claws rather large, acute,
canaliculate beneath. Wings subelongated. Tail of twelve broad feathers.

GENUS GARRULUS. Brisson.
Head with erectile feathers. Bill rather short, straight, rather compressed, pointed. Nostrils
basal, elliptical. Wings rather short : first quill very short ; fourth and fifth longest. Tail
long, rounded, almost cuneate. Colors brilliant, with more or less of blue.

THE BLUE JAY.

Garrulus cristatus.
plate xxv. fig. 54.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Cortus cristatus, Linitsos. Pehnant, Arct. Zoology, Vol. 2, p. 249. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 11, pi. 1,
fig. 1. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol, 2. p. 58. Ndttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 224,
figure. Acdobon, fol. pi. 102; Birds of Am. Vol. 4, p. 110, pi. 231. Peabody, Birds of
Mass. p. 287.

Cyanocorax id,. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List. p. 27.

Garrulus cristatus. Gikaud, Birds of Long island, p. 153.

Characteristics. Blue : head much crested ; beneath whitish, with a black collar. Wings,
coverts and tail transversely barred with black. Length, 12 inches.

Description. Feathers of the head elongated, oblong, rising into a high crest. Tail long,
wedge-shaped.

Color. Above light purplish blue. A narrow line of black runs along the frontlet, rising
on each side higher than the eye, but not extending over it. Mouth, tongue, bill, legs and
claws black. Chin, cheeks, throat and belly white, with faint bluish. Wings and tail rich
blue, barred with transverse curves of black ; each feather of the tail, except the two middle
ones, tipped with white. A band round the neck, black. Irides hazel.

Length, 11-0- 12-0. Alar spread, 14 -0.

This familiar and elegant bird is common throughout the United States. It lays four or
five dull olive eggs spotted with brown. It is exceedingly mischievous ; but as it rarely
appears except in small numbers, its injuries are of little moment. It feed's on chesnuts,
acorns, corn, cherries, large insects, caterpillars, and in times of scarcity has been known to
feed on carrion. It is also fond of lhe_eggs of the smaller birds, and will not hesitate to
devour the callow young. It is found from Texas to the 56th parallel of north latitude. In
this State, it is observed throughout the year.

[Fauna — Part 2.] 17

1 30 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS .

THE CANADA JAY.

Garrultjs canadensis.

PLATE XXV. FIG. 55 (Young).

(STATE COLLECTION.)
Corvus canadensis. LiNN*us.

Cinereous Crow. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 248. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p 33, pi. 21, fig. 1. Bona-
parte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol.2, p. 58. Audubon, fol.pl. 107. Nuttall, Man. Orn.
Vol. 1, p. 232.
Whiskey Jack.- Richardson, F. B A. Vol. 2, p. 295.

G. brachyrhynchus. Id. p. 296, pi. 55 (young). Audubon, B. of A. Vol.' 4, p. 121, pi. 234. Pcrisoreus, Bona-
parte, Geog. and Cuinp. List, p. 26.

Characteristics. Back leaden grey ; hind head black ; forehead, collar and tip of the tail
dusky white. Plumage loose. Length, ten to eleven inches.

Description. Bill short and robust : upper mandible curved and notched at the tip ; lower
mandible shorter, nearly straight, and slightly emarginate near the tip. Feathers at the base
of the bill porrect, rigid, concealing the nostrils. The color is subject to many variations,
but the usual appearance in this State is as follows: Summit of 'the head and nape black,
forming a sort of hood. Frontlet and collar dingy white. Breast and belly light plumbeous
brown, with .a faint reddish tinge. Back deep plumbeous. Primaries and tail tipped with
dingy white. In the young, the uniform color, except the end of the tail-feathers, is a deep
dingy brown; in the adult, the under parts are drab.

Length, lO'O-ll-O. Alar spread, 15-0-15-5.

This may be considered as a rare bird in this State, except in the northern districts, where
it undoubtedly breeds. I saw them at the sources of the Saranac, in June, where they ap-
peared to be numerous. The eggs are light grey, faintly streaked with brown. It has occa-
sionally been driven by the severity of winter, or scarcity of food, as low down as the neigh-
borhood of New-York. Its food consists of berries, caterpillars, eggs of other birds, and
even carrion, from whence it derives one of its popular names of Carrion-bird. Its present
ascertained range westwardly is across the continent to the Pacific ocean, and along the Atlantic
from Philadelphia to the 68th parallel.

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

G. stelleri. (Aitd. Vol. 4, pi. 230.) Crested Blue: head and neck blackish ; feathers on the fore-
head tipped with blue ; secondaries and tail-feathers slightly barred with black. Tail long, rounded.
Length, 12- 14 inches. Mexico, Northwest Coast.

G. fioridanus. (Aud. Vol.4, pi. 233.) Not crested. Back light yellowish brown. Head, wings
and tail bright azure blue ; beneath greyish. Tail wedge-shaped. Length, 11-12 inches. Florida,
Western States.

PASSERES — CORVID^E PICA. 131

G. ultramarinus. (Id. Vol. 4, pi. 232.) Not crested. Tail long-, rounded. Head, wings and tail

blue. A white band over the eye. Neck streaked with dusky. Length, 12 inches. Columbia

river.
G.bullocki. (Id. Vol. 4, pi. 229.) Much crested. Glossy blue. The two central tail-feathers curved,

and much longer than the others : four outer feathers of the tail tipped with white. Length, 3 1

inches. Columbia river.

GENUS PICA. Brisson.

Head -feathers not erectile. Tail very long, wedge-shaped. Wings moderate, much rounded.
Colors generally white and black, sometimes variegated.

THE MAGPIE.

Pica caudata.
plate xxiv. fig. 53.
(CABINET OP THE LYCEUM.)

Corvus pica, Linn.eus. Pica caudata, Ray.

Magpie. Pennant, Arct. Zoo). Vol. 2, p. 247.

Corvus pica. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 75, pi. 35, fig. 2. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 57.

Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 219, figure.
C. hudsomus. Sabine, Frank. Journey.

C. pica. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 292. Audubon, fol. pi. 357.
C. melanoltuca. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 99, pi. 227.
C. hudsonica. Bonaparte, Comp, List, p. 27.

Characteristics. Deep glossy black. Belly, primaries on the inner web, and scapular*
white. Tail long, greenish black, with bronzed reflections. Length,
18 inches.

Description. Tail very long (equalling ten inches), wedge-shaped ; the two exterior fea-
thers scarcely half the length of the longest ; the others increasing in length towards the two
middle ones, which taper towards their extremities. Nostrils covered with a thick tuft of
recumbent hairs. First quill very short and narrow ; the fourth and fifth longest.

Color. Head, neck, back and fore part of the breast black. Scapulars and inner webs of
primaries white. Coverts green and blue. Breast and sides pure white. Tail bright green,
blending into purple and bluish towards the tips. Legs and tail-coverts black.

Length, 18*0- 19-0. Alar spread, 22 '0.

17#

132 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

This species is very rare in this State, and has never been seen except in the western
district near Niagara. The eggs are pale blue or green, freckled with reddish. It feeds on
worms, grubs, young birds, eggs and carrion. It has been noticed in Texas, Louisiana,
Arkansas, Missouri, and the high northern latitudes to the 58th parallel. Some ornithologists
have considered it aS distinct from the common Magpie of Europe ; but upon carefully com-
paring the two, I can find no greater differences than may be found among two individuals of
any other species.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

P. tmttalli. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 4, pi. 228.) Black, tinged with brown ; head green ; tail green.
Bill and space beneath the eyes yellow. Length, 18 inches. California.

GENUS CORVUS. Linnaeus.

Bill thick, straight at the base, curved at the tip, and compressed and edged at the sides ; the
lower mandible shortest. Nostrils basal, lateral, rounded, covered by advancing hair-like
feathers. Claws strong, arched, compressed, acute. Wings long, acute ; the first quill
short, the fourth longest. Tail moderate, rounded.

THE COMMON CROW.

CoRVTJS AMERICANTJS.

PLATE XXIV. FIG. 52.

Carrion Crow. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 246.

Corvus corone. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 79, pi. 36, fig. 3. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 56. Ncttall,

Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 209.
C. americanus. Audubon, folio, pi. 156 ; Birds of A. Vol. 4, p. 87, pi. 225. Peabody, Birds of Mass. p. 287.
Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 151.

Characteristics. Black and glossy, with violet reflections. Tail slightly rounded, extending
but little beyond the wings. Tail-feathers somewhat acute. Length,
17 inches.

Description. There is so much uniformity in the characters of this species, that its
description is almost entirely comprised in the characteristic phrase. We may add, how-
ever, that the undersides of the wings and tail are brownish black. Young and female dull
brownish black, with the reflections of the plumage less brilliant. Irides hazel. Variegated
or black and white crows are occasionally seen.

Length, 16-0-17-5. Spread, 35-0-37-0.

PASSERES — CORVID.E — CORVUS. 133

The American species is supposed to differ from the common Carrion Crow of Europe, by
its smaller size, different voice, gregarious habits, and shape of its tongue. They are for the
most part constant residents in this State, but are less numerous in the northern and western
districts, where they meet their powerful and unrelenting enemy, the Raven. Whenever the
Crow appears, he is treated as a nuisance, and among the earliest laws passed in this State
was one offering a reward for his head. Nothing escapes his rapacity. In the spring, when
the farmer commences ploughing, the crow may be seen following in the furrows, picking up
worms and the larvae of insects ; but here his useful services terminate. No sooner is the
seed in the ground, than he commences digging it up and devouring it. He snatches up and
devours young chickens, turkies and goslings ; dstroys every egg within his reach ; and when
the indian corn has commenced ripening, he attacks it with unceasing activity. Various
means have been devised to extirpate this public pest, but his natural sagacity generally con-
trives to elude them all. To preserve the corn, it is. usual to stir the seed in tar, and after-
wards to roll it in gypsum, ashes or lime. The crow pulls up a few seeds, and finding them
disagreeable, abandons the field. To preserve young broods of chickens, it is customary with
some farmers to raise the guinea-fowl, whose unusual appearance and discordant cries
frighten the crow. To protect the corn in the ear, various devices are employed, such as
stuffed figures of men ; nets and lines suspended across the field ; miniature windmills with
clappers attached, which make an incessant noise. Poisoning has been resorted to, but few
are destroyed in this way. The seeds may be steeped in hellebore before planting, and
lately a solution of strychnine has been recommended for the same purpose. A dead crow
hung up in a cornfield frequently serves to prevent their approach ; but the most efficacious
mode I have seen adopted, is to keep a low smouldering fire in the field. On the coast of
Long island, we have observed the crow to come with instinctive exactness to the seashore
at low-water, and to retreat to the interior with the rise of the tide. One of the best papers
on the habits of this bird is to be found in a small volume by Dr. Godman,* to which we
recommend the reader.

The Crow ranges and breeds from Texas to 74° north latitude. With us, it commences
building its nest in the beginning of April ; the eggs are brownish, tinged with green, with
spots and dashes of dark brown.

* Rambles of a Naturalist, Philad. 8vo.

134 NEW- YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

THE RAVEN.

CoRVTJS CORAX.

PLATE XXIV. FIG. 5L

Coma corax, Li*. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 9, p. 113, pi. 75, fig. 3. Bona'partk, Ann. Lye. Vol.2, p. 56.

Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 102. Audubon, folio, pi. 101. Emmons, Cat. Mass. p. 9.

Doughty, Cab. Nat. Hist. Vol. 1, p. 278, pi. 24. Richardson, F. B; A. Vol. 3, p. 290.
C. catototl. Bonaparte, Comp. List, p. 28. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 4, p. 78, pL. 224.
C. corax, The Raven. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 149.

Characteristics. Black. Back glossed with bluish purple. Feathers of the throat and
breast loose and long. Tail much rounded ; third primary longest.
Larger than the pfeceding. Length, 26 inches.

Description. The same remark made in reference to the characters of the Common
Crow, will apply to this species ; the strongest diagnostic character being limited to the
specific phrase. The nasal feathers are half the length of the bill ; the feathers of the breast
elongated, lanceolate and prominently pendant. Bill notched near the tip.

Color. Bluish purple with greenish tints, less glossy beneath. Bill and feet black. Irides
dark chesnut brown. Young, frequently pied white and black.

Length, 25-0-26-0. Alar spread, 50 * 0.

This species is rare in this State, except in the northern district, where I have noticed it
to be common, and where it breeds. The eggs are greenish blue, with blotches of light
purple and yellowish brown at the larger end. It is omnivorous, feeding on grain, field-mice,
grubs and worms. It is considered by most ornithologists to be common to Europe and
America, although Wagler and Bonaparte treat it as a distinct species. It occurs from the
Polar sea to Mexico, rarely appearing in the Atlantic States near the seashore. Mr. Giraud
states that a few occur on the seacoast of New-Jersey, and that it is occasionally seen soaring
in wide circles over the shores of Long island.

PASSERES — CORVIDiE — CORVUS. 135

THE FISH CROW.

■ , CoRVUS OSSIFRAGTJS.

Corvus ossifragua. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 5, p. 27, pi. 37, fig. 2. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 57.
Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 216. Aod. fol. pi. 145 ; B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 94, pi. 226.

Characteristics. Glossy black, with violet reflections. Chin naked. Tail slightly rounded,
reaching more than an inch beyond the wings : fourth primary longest ;
the first much shorter than the ninth. Length, 16 inches.

Description. Upper mandible notched near the tip ; the edges of both turned inwards
about the middle. Eyes small ; the recumbent bristly feathers large and long. Ear-feathers
prominent. Claws black, sharp and long ; the hind one largest.

Color. Bill, legs and claws jet black. Female, dull brownish black beneath. Irides dark
hazel.

Length, 15-0-16-0. Alar spread, 30-0-33-0.

This is a rare bird in our State, although they are said to breed along the seacoast of New-
Jersey. They are occasionally seen on the shores of Long island, but are usually confounded
with the Common Crow. It is a southern species along the Atlantic, but appears on the
Pacific as far as Columbia river.

(EXTRA-LIM1TAL.)

Genus Nucifraga, Brisson. Bill long, stout, conical, compressed, slightly depressed at the tip ; the
edges sharp and overlapping, without notch. Nostrils basal, rounded, covered with bristly
feathers. No bristles at the base of the upper mandible. Wings long, rounded. The first
quill very short ; the fourth longest. Tail moderate, rounded.
N. columbiana. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 4, pi. 235.) Brownish grey. Wings and two middle tail-
feathers shining bluish black : secondaries white at tip ; outer tail-feathers white. Length, 13 inches.
Oregon Territory.

136 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

FAMILY QUISCALIDM.

Bill conic, elongate, stout, straight, entire. Nasal sinus short and wide. Outer and middle
toes adherent at the base. Tail various, of twelve feathers.

GENUS QUISCALUS. Vieillot.

i ...

Bill as long as the head, compressed from the base, entire. Upper mandible curved from the
middle, with a long keel within. Nostrils basal, oval, half closed by a membrane. Tongue
cartilaginous, lacerated at the sides, and cleft at the tip. Tarsus as long as the middle
toe and claw. Wings moderately long ; the first quill equal to the fifth, and shorter than
the second and third, which are longest. Plumage glossy.

THE COMMON CROW BLACKBIRD.

QUISCALUS VERSICOLOR.
PLATE XXIII. FIG. 49.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

. Gracula quiscala, Linn^ecs, p. 165. Purple Grakle, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, pp. 263 and 265.

G. quiscala. Wilson, Am. Om. Vol. 3, p. 44, pi. 21, fig. 4.

G. barila. Ord, Ac. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 253.

Quiscalus versicolor. Vieillot, Nouv. Diet. Vol. 28, p. 498 ; Gal. des Ois. pi. 108. Bonaparte, Am. Orn, Vol.
1, p. 52, pi. 5, fig. 1 (female). Aodubon, folio, pi. 7. Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1,
p. 194. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 285. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 4, p, 58, pi.
221. Peabody, Bird3 of Mass. p. 285.

Q. id., Purple Grakle. Giracd, Birds of Long island, p. 145. . ...

Characteristics. Glossy black. Tail much rounded, reaching nearly three inches beyond
the wings. Bony keel within the bill large. Female, resembling the
male, but less brilliant. Young, brown. Length, 12 -13 inches.

Description. Bill sinuous on the margin. Tail long and rounded. Plumage of the male
glossy ; the head, neck and front of the breast blackish, with metallic, violet, steel-blue and
green. Back, rump and belly with coppery hues. Wings and tail black, with green and
bluish reflections.

Length, 12-0- 13*0. Alar spread, 18-0- 19*0.

The Common Crow Blackbird is well known, and dreaded by our farmers for its attacks
on the indian corn. They appear with us about the second week in April ; but from causes
not yet understood, they seem to have abandoned certain districts where they formerly
appeared in great and destructive numbers. In the southern or Atlantic district of this

PASSERES — QUISCALIDiE — QTJISCALUS. 137

State, they are, for instance, far less numerous than they were fifteen or twenty years ago.
They breed in every part of the State, laying five or six dull green eggs blotched with dark
olive. Their food consists of grubs, caterpillars, moths, beetles, and grain of various kinds.
They are found from the Gulf of Mexico to the 57th parallel of north latitude. They are
constant residents in the Southern States.

THE RUSTY CROW BLACKBIRD.

QlIISCALUS FERRUGINEUS.

PLATE XXIII. FIG. 50.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

V

Rusty Oriole. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 260.

Gracula ferruginea. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p. 41, pi. 21, fig. 3. Pendulinus ater, Vikillot.

Q. ferrugineus. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 55. Aodubon, folio, pi. 147.

Rusty Blackbird. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 199. Scolicophagus, Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 286.

Audobon, B. of Am. Vol 4, p. 65, pi. 222. Peabody, Birds of Mass. p. 286.
Q. ferrugineus, Rusty Grakle. GiraPd, Birds of Long island, p. 146.

Characteristics. Glossy black, more or less rusty. Tail slightly rounded. Female,
brownish black ; belly and rump inclining to ash. Length, 9j inches.

Description. Bill comparatively slender : both mandibles even ; the lower slightly curved
down at the tip. Tail about two inches longer than the tips of the closed wings.

Color of the male in full plumage, glossy black with bluish reflections, but more fre-
quently intermixed with rusty brown. Female, with duller plumage, and a lightish line over
the eye ; lores and ear-feathers dark brown or black. Young, dusky brown.

Length, 9-0-9-5. Alar spread, 14-0-14-5.

The Rusty Blackbird has the same habits with the preceding, but is not, at least in this
State, so numerous. It appears in this vicinity about the middle of April, and leaves us in
November and occasionally as late as January. Their eggs are light blue, spotted and
streaked with brown and black. Their food is the same with that of the preceding species.
It is not known whether they breed in this State, but it is probable that they do in the
northern distirict, for according to Audubon they breed in Maine and farther north. Their
geographical range extends from 24° to 68° north.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

Q. major. (Aud. B. of Am. Vol. 4, p, 52, pi. 220.) Glossy black. Tail wedge-shaped, reaching

nearly five inches beyond the wings. Bony keel small. Female, light brown beneath. Length,

16 inches. Southern States.
Q. breweri. (Aud. B. of Am. Vol. 7, p. 345, pi. 492.) Glossy black. Head, cheeks and sides of the

neck with purple reflections. Length, 10-0. Upper Missouri.

[Fauna — Part 2.] 18

138 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

GENUS STURNELLA. Vieillot.

Bill lengthened, almost straight, depressed towards the tip ; edges sharp, the upper overlap-
ping. Upper mandible somewhat rounded above ; frontal sinus deep, rounded. Nostrils
oval, half closed by a corneous membrane above. Tarsus and middle toe subequal ; late-
ral toes nearly equal ; hind nail longest and largest. Upper eyelid margined with strong
bristles. Wings broad, moderate : second and third quills longest, first and fifth subequal ;
two of the inner secondaries nearly as long when the wing is closed. Tail of twelve acute
feathers. Tongue narrow, sharp and bifid at the tip.

THE MEADOW LARK.

Sturnella ludoviciana.

plate xix. fig. 42.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Sturnut ludovicianus, Lin. Crescent Stare, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 230.

Alauda magna. Bartram, p. 290 (bis).

Meadow Lark. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p. 20, pi. 19, fig. 2 (male).

Sturnella ludoviciana. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 50. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 147. Audobos,

Birds of Am. Vol. 4, p. 70, pi. 223.
The Crescent Meadow Starling. Giradd, Birds of Long island, p. 147.

Characteristics. Beneath, and line over the eye, yellow : a black crescent over the breast.
Four lateral tail-feathers white. Length, 11 inches.

Description. Body above brown varied with chesnut, deep brown and black. Summit
of the head dark brown, with a cream-colored stripe : a yellow stripe over the eye, passing
into cream-color behind. Sides of the head and neck greyish white. Flanks, thighs and vent
pale rufous brown, spotted with black. Neck and breast of a bright yellow, with a large
crescent of black. Upper mandible brown; the lower bluish white. Tail wedge-shaped;
the feathers pointed ; the four outer ones nearly all white ; the others brown, with interrupted
bars of white. Legs and feet pale flesh-color.

Length, 10-5-11-5. Alar spread, 15-0-16-0.

The common Meadow Lark is well known, and is found in all parts of the State. I have
seen them in the Atlantic district of the State during every season of the year. It breeds
here, laying 4-5 white eggs with numerous reddish brown spots at the larger end. I have
never seen the nest, but Audubon describes it as resembling an oven. In Virginia it is called
the Oldfield Lark. Although frequently shot by young sportsmen, its flesh is rank and ill-
flavored. In this State it does no injury, living on seeds and various insects : indeed it merits
the protection of the law, although farther south it is charged with pulling up the seeds of
wheat, rye and rice. It ranges from Mexico to the 56th degree of north latitude.

PASSERES QUISC AL1 DJ3 — ICTERUS. 139

GENUS ICTERUS. Auctorum.

Bill slightly shorter than the head, conical, slightly bent towards the tip. Nostrils elliptical.
The four outer quills nearly equal. Frontal sinus acute, not deep. Construct pensile
nests.

THE GOLDEN ORIOLE.
Icterus Baltimore.

PLATE XX. FIG. 43 (Male).~ FIG. 44 (Female).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Oriolus ballimore, Linn-EUS, p. 162. Icterus, Bkisson.

Baltimore Oriole. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 257, pi. 12.

Yphantes ballimore. Vieillot, Gal. Ois. pi. 87. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 23, pi. 1, fig. 3 (male) ; Vol. 6,

. p. 88, pi. 53, fig. 4 (female).
Icterus ballimore. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 51. Audubon, fol.pl. 12. Nuttall, Man. Ore. Vol.

1, p. 152. Richardson, Vol. 2, p. 284. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 37, pi. 217.
Baltimore Hangnest. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 142.

Characteristics. Orange : head, neck, wings and tail black ; lateral tail-feathers yellow
at their ends. Female, dull yellow ; tail yellowish brown. Young,
brownish yellow. Length, 7-8 inches.

Description. Bill entire, very acute. Nostrils naked : lower mandible stouter at the base
than the upper. Second and third quills longest ; fourth longer than the first. Tail nearly
even, slightly rounded, reaching an inch and a half beyond the tips of the closed wings.

Color. The under parts, upper tail-coverts, smaller wing-coverts and rump rich yellow,
passing into orange on the breast and sides of the neck. Head, throat, anterior part of the
back and hind neck black. Wings black ; the ends of the secondary covers tipped with white,
and the outer vanes of the primaries white. Tail black ; the feathers tipped with yellow, the
external ones for nearly their whole length, gradually diminishing to the central pair. Legs
and feet lead-colored. Female, yellowish olive. Wings dark brown ; the quills margined
with whitish. First row of small coverts and secondary coverts largely tipped with white.
A space round the eyes light yellowish ; the cheeks spotted with dusky. Tail yellowish
brown, with obscure dusky bars. Young, resembles the female, but is brownish yellow ;
the back obscurely barred with dusky.

Length, 7-0-8-0. Alar spread, 11-0- 12-0.

The Oriole, Hang-bird, Fire Hang-bird, or Golden Robin, for it is known under all
these names, is found in the summer season throughout the State, breeding in every part.
Its nest is well known, from its being suspended from trees by two or more strings. Its eggs

18*

1 40 NEW- YORK FAUNA — EIRDS.

are bluish white, with pale brown spots and lines. Its food consists chiefly of flies, beetles
and caterpillars, and its services in destroying these insects are invaluable. It ranges over
the whole Union, from Mexico to 55° north latitude. Is easily domesticated, and imitates
the notes of other birds.

THE ORCHARD ORIOLE.

Icterus spurius.

PLATE XXI. FIG. 46 (Mali).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Oriolus spurius. Linn«us, Syst. Nat. 12 ed. p. 162.

O. mulatus. Wilson, Am. Ornith. Vol. 1, p. 64, pi. 4, fig. 1 (female) ; fig. 2 (male of two years) ; fig. 3 (male

of three years) ; fig. 4 (adult male).
YphaTtfes solitaria. Vieillot, Gal de3 Ois. Penrlulinusnigricollis, Id. lb.
Iclmis spwius. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 51. Audubon, fol. pi. 42. »
Orchard Oriole. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 165. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 162.
Orchard Hangnest. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. J44.

Characteristics. Tail long and rounded. Bright chesnut : head, neck, back, wings and
tail black. Female and yearling, yellow olive, inclining to brown above.
Young male of more than a year, with the throat black. Length, six
inches.

Description. Bill conical, acute, slightly curved. Inner and hind toe subequal ; claw of
the hind toe twice the size of the others. Second and third primaries longest. Tail of twelve
feathers, rounded, and an inch and a half longer than the tips of the closed wings. Nostril*
oval.

Color. Deep bay on the breast, belly, vent, shoulders, under wing-coverts and tail-coverts.
Quills and larger coverts black, margined with pale rufous or yellowish. Tail black ; a few
of the tips of the feathers whitish. Female and young of the year : Head and rump bright
yellow-olive ; back and wings dusky brown ; coverts tipped with white : of the second year,
black on the chin and throat : third year, chin blacker ; back olive and black j beneath olive
mixed with bay.

Length, G'S-T-O. Alar spread, 9*0.

The Orchard Oriole is more common than the preceding species in the southern district of
this State, where it is seen from May to September, when it migrates southwardly. Its
nest does not hang free and pendulous like that of the Golden Oriole, but is firmly attached
all around its margin ; in other respects, it is interwoven in the same manner : the eggs are
bluish white sprinkled with brown. It ranges from the equator to 49° north latitude. Mr.
Audubon states that he has seen them in the State of Maine, but they have not yet been
noticed in the adjoining State of Massachusetts. It feeds on crickets, grasshoppers, spiders,
larvae of insects, and occasionally on juicy fruits and berries.

PASSERES — QUISCALID^ — ICTERUS. 141

THE RED-WINGED ORIOLE.

Icterus phceniceus.

PLATE XXII. FIG. 47 (Male).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Oriolut p hceniceus, Linnasus, p. 161. Red-winged Oriole, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 225.

Sturniu predatorius. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 30, pi. 30, fig. 1 and 2.

Agdaius phtrniceus. Vikillot, Ency. Methodique, Vol. 2, p. 714. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 52.

Audubon, fol. pi. 42. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 280. Nuttall, Man. Orn.

Vol. 1, p. 1G9. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 162. Peabodt, Birds of Mass. p. 282.

Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 4. p. 31, pi. 216.
Red^winged Starling, Agelaius plteniceus. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 141.

Characteristics. Black : lesser wing-coverts red. Young and autumnal male, feathers
edged with ferruginous. Female, striate with brown and whitish ; lesser
wing-coverts blackish tipped with white, or rufous and sometimes
spotted with black and red.

Description. Bill conic, straight ; the ridge of the tipper mandible flattened and obso-
letely rugose ; the tip depressed, rounded. Second and third quills longest, equal. Tail
rounded, an inch and a half longer than the tips of the closed wings. Tongue slender, lacerated
at the tip.

Color. Upper feathers often edged with bay, and the under tail-coverts tipped with white.
Female : a line over the eye whitish or reddish brown ; chin and throat cream-color. Young :
sides of the head pale yellowish brown.

Length, 7-5-9-0. Alar spread, 10-0-14-0.

The Red-winged Blackbird is equally well known in every part of the State under the
names of Swamp Blackbird and Corn-thief, and is regarded by the farmer with great aver-
sion ; but their beneficial acts in destroying grubs and insects, compensate in a great degree
for their known depredations. They appear in the southern district of this State in March
or the beginning of April, and leave us in November. Their eggs are light bluish, with
scattering brownish spots and streaks especially at the larger end. It breeds from Texas to
the Columbia river, and throughout the United States, and is found from Mexico to the 57th
degree of north latitude.

142 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

I. xanthocephalus. (Bonap. Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 27. Giratjd.) Black. Head, neck and breast

yellow-orange : a white spot on the wing; Female and young, dark brown ; breast yellow ;

wing unspotted. Length, 9 inches. Missouri, Texas.
J. tricolor. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 27, pi. 214.) Bluish black: smaller wing-coverts carmine;

their lower row white. Female, unknown. Length, 9 inches. North-California.
I. gubernator. (Id. lb. pi. 215.) Glossy bluish black: smaller wing-coverts scarlet; at the base,

white. Female, dark brown ; throat, and a broad streak over the eye dull orange. Length, nine

inches. Columbia river.
I. bullockii. (Id. lb. pi. 218.) Black: back, rump nnd belly yellow; frontlet, a line over the eye,

and sides orange yellow; throat black; four middle tail-feathers black, the others yellow. Female

and young, olive grey ; sides of the head and neck yellow ; throat of the latter black. Length, 7

inches. Columbia river.
I. auduboni. (Giraud, B. of Tex.) Head, throat, foreneck, wings and tail black : back, rump and

upper tail-coverts greenish yellow. Beneath yellow. Tail much rounded. Length, 8-7. Texas.
I. vulgaris, Daud. Bill naked ; space round the eye and feet blue ; head, neck, breast, back, wings

and tail black: a patch of white on the wings: rest of the body yellow. Length, 10 inches.

Charleston.

PASSERES — QUISC ALID^E MOLOTHRUS. 1 43

GENUS MOLOTHRUS. Swainson.

Bill short, stout, conical, moderately compressed. Upper mandible with the dorsal line
slightly covex ; tip rather acute. Nostrils small, elliptical ; the sinus at the base of the
bill sharp and shallow. Wings rather long, pointed : the second quill longest ; the first
almost equal. Tail moderate ; its feathers broad and rounded.

THE COW BUNTING.

MOLOTHRUS PECORIS.
PLATE XXI. FIG. 45.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Fringilla pecoris, Gmelth. Brown-headed Oriole, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 259? Id. lb. Vol. 2, p, 371.

Stwnus stercorarius. BartrAM, p. 291.

Emberiza pecoris. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 145, pi. 18, figs. 1, 2, 3.

Icterus ( Emberizoides) pecoris. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 53.

Icterus id, Temminck. Acdubon, folio, pi. 99. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol.1, p. 178. F. ambigua, Id. (young?)

Molothrus pecoris, Sw. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 277. Peabody, Birds of Mass. p. 283. Kirtland,

' Zool. Ohio, p. 162. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 16, pi. 212.
M. pecoris, Cowpen-bird. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 139.

Characteristics. Glossy black ; head and neck deep glossy brown. Female, sooty brown.
Young, similar, but with arrow-headed spots on its breast. Length, 7
inches.

Description. Bill stout ; the ridge of the upper mandible flattened : edges sinuous. The
three first primaries subequal ; the remainder successively graduated. Tail nearly even,
slightly rounded, 1-0-1 '4 longer than the tips of the closed wings.

Color. The black glossed with green, purplish near its junction with the deep glossy drab
of the neck. Female, smaller than the male, of a uniform dull greyish brown ; beneath a
shade lighter, and obscurely streaked with pale brown. Young, mottled with black and
brown : above greyish brown ; the tail and primaries darker ; the latter faintly edged with
white : dusky pointed spots in series on the sides.

Length, 6'5-7*0. Spread of wings, 11*0 -11 "5.

The Cow Bunting, Cow Blackbird, or Cowpen-bird, derives its various names from the
circumstance of its following cattle in the fields, searching in their droppings for undigested
grains and intestinal worms. Like the Cuckoo of Europe, it deposits its eggs in the nests
of other birds to be hatched, and, according to the testimony of some writers, never builds a
nest of its own : the eggs pale greenish, with olive brown points and confluent blotches, more
numerous at the larger end. This species appears in this State about the beginning of April,
and leaves us for the South in October. Its food consists of grubs and the hard-shelled in-
sects, maize and other seeds. It has been observed from Mexico to the 68th parallel.

144 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

GENUS DOLICHONYX. Swainson.

Bill thick, conical, very robust and acute : upper mandible with the dorsal line straight.
Nostrils small, operculate. Wings broad, pointed ; the first quill longest. Tail moderate,
with the feathers narrow and acuminated at the tips.

THE BOBLINK.

DOLICHONYX ORYZIVORUS.
PLATE XXII. FIG. 48 (Male).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Emheriza oryzivora, LmN«;ns, 12 ed. p. 311.
- Rice Bunting. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 360. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 48, pi. 12, figs. 1 and 2 (male
and female). Passerinaid. Vieillot.
Icterus ( Emberizoides ) agnpinnis. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 53.

Bob-o'link. Ndttai.l, Manual Orn. Vol. 1, p. 185. Aodubon, Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 283, and Vol. 5, p. 486.
Dolichonyx. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 278. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 162. Peabody, Birds of

Mass. p. 284,
D. oryzivorus. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 10, pi. 240.
Rice-bird. Giraod, Birds of Long island, p. 137.

Characteristics. Adult male in spring dress, black ; hind head cream-color ; scapulars,
rump and tail-coverts white tinged with ash. Female, young and male
in early autumn and winter dress, varied with brownish black and yellow;
beneath dull yellow. Length, seven inches.

Description. The inner webs of the tail-feathers bevelled in a rounded manner ; the three
first primaries much longer than the others. Tarsus longer than the middle toe. The spring
and summer dress of the male is sufficiently detailed in the specific phrase ; but in autumn
he assumes the plumage of the female, which is light yellowish brown, with longitudinal
streaks of brownish black ; summit of the head and all beneath dull yellow ; the sides
streaked with dusky.

Length, 6"5-7-5. Alar spread, 11'5.

The Boblink, or Bob-o'link as it is called in this State, is known in others by the various
names of Reed-bird, May-bird, Meadow-bird, American Ortolan, Butter-bird and Skunk
Blackbird. In the Southern States, where it is highly prized by epicures, it is usually known
under the name of Rice-bird. It arrives in this State about the first week in May, and re-
turns to the south about the middle or latter part of October. Their northern migration appears
to be chiefly by night ; but on their return southwardly, they fly by day. The eggs are of a
faint bluish white irregularly spotted with blackish, and placed in a nest on the ground. Their
food consists of crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, spiders, and seeds of various kinds, parti-
cularly of the grasses. They have been observed on the Rocky mountains, and their geogra-
phical range on the Atlantic side of the continent extends from Mexico to the 54th parallel of
north latitude.

PASSERES — FRINGILLID.E — COCCOBORUS. 145

FAMILY FRINGILLIDJE.

Bill short, robust, less thick than the head, conic, acute and very slightly curved at the tip ;
edges generally entire : upper mandible wider than the lower. Nostrils basal, roundish,
partly concealed by short bristly feathers. Tarsus compressed, with seven or eight ante-
rior scutellce, shorter than the middle toe : lateral toes subequal ; hind nail longest. Roof
of the mouth concave, with three prominent ridges, of which the middle is sometimes ele-
vated into a hard prominence. Tongue compressed, pointed.

GENUS COCCOBORUS. Swainson.

Bill very robust, almost as broad as the head, somewhat compressed, tapering to a point.
Upper mandible convex above, smaller than the lower, and with distinct bristles at its base ;
the edges ascending for a third of their length, then direct ; the notches faint.

THE BLUE GROSBEAK.

COCCOBORUS CERULEUS.
PLATE LXIV. FIG. 146.

(STATE COLLECTION.)
Loxta cerulea. Linn^us, p. 206.

Blue Grosbeak. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 351. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p. 78, pi. 24, fig. 6 (male),
Fringilla ( ' Coccothraustes ) cerulea. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 114.

F. id. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 529. Accobon, folio, pi. 122. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 134. Peabody,
Zool. Mass. p. 330. Aodubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 204, pi. 204.

Characteristics. Deep blue. Lores and frontlet black : wings and tail dusky ; the former
edged with chesnut. Female : Head and hind part of the back blue.
Young, yellowish brown ; lighter beneath. Length, 7*5.

Description. Bill forming a continuous curve with the forehead. Upper mandible broadly
notched near the base, and a slight notch near the tip. Second, third and fourth primaries
longest, subequal. Tail rounded, nearly even. Middle toe and claw subequal with the tarsus.
A few small porrect bristles at the base of the upper mandible. Tail 1*4 longer than the
tips of the closed wings.

Color. Brilliant blue. Lores, chin and frontlet black. Wings and tail dusky black ; the
latter and the quills edged with blue. Wing-coverts edged with chesnut-brown. Lower
mandible lightest. Legs dusky. Female : Head and posterior part of the back bright blue.
Sides and breast tinged with blue. Anterior part of the back brown. Wings and tail dusky ;
the coverts of the former edged with chesnut. Beneath yellowish brown. Young, yellowish
brown, tinged with darker brown ; rather lighter beneath. Wings and tail dark blackish
brown. Length, 6- 5 -7- 5. Alar spread, 10-0- 1 1-0.
[Fauna— Part 2.] 19

146 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

This beautiful but shy and solitary bird is a southern species. It has been rarely observed
as far north as Pennsylvania and New-Jersey ; in which latter State, Audubon once detected
its nest. I think it highly probable that it will be found to breed in this State ; for Mr. Ben-
jamin Moore killed the specimen which has furnished me with the preceding description and
figure, on the 15th May, 1838, on Manhattan island, a few miles from the city. Its food
consists of rice and seeds, and kernels of the hardest kinds. It breeds from Texas to
New- York, and has heen observed on the Rocky mountains.

THE ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.

CoCCOBORUS LUDOVICIANUS.
PLATE LXIV. FIG. 147.

(STATE COLLECTION.) .

Loxia ludoviciana. Linn&Us, p. 306.

Red-breasted Grosbeik. Pennant, Arct. Zool.' Vol. 2, p. 350.

Spotted do. Id. Vol. 2, p. 300 (female), and p. 372.

Loxia rosea (ludoviciana). Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 135, pi. 17, fig. 2 (male).

Fringilta (Coccolhrausles) ludoviciana. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 113.

Pyrrhula id, Sabine, Franklin's Journey.

F. id. Bonaparte, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 79, pi. 15, fig. 2 (female). Audubon, fol. pi. 127. Nuttall, Man. Orn.

Vol. 1T p. 527.
Coccolhrausles (Guiraca) id. Rich. & Syvainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2. p. 271. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 184. Pea-

BODyr Birds of Mass. p. 329.
Coccoborus id. Audubon, B. of A, Vol. 3, p. 209, pi. 205.
C. id , Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 133.

Characteristics. Black. Breast and under wing-covefts rosaceous. Abdomen, rump,
bands on the wings, and part of three outer tail-feathers white. Female
and young, pale brown ; beneath lighter : three white bands on the
head : no rose-color. Length, 8 inches.

Description. Upper mandible with obsolete furrows ; the tip superficially notched. Tail
slightly emarginate and rounded.

Color. Head and upper parts black. Breast and under wing-coverts rose-colored : in
front, this rose-color often descends down the centre of the abdomen. The posterior portion
of the back, two bands on the wings, base of the quills, tips of the secondaries, and the
terminal half of the inner webs of the outer tail-feathers white. Female and young, dusky
olive brown : a white line over the summit of the head ; another over the eye, and one be-
neath. Centre of the breast and under wing-coverts flaxen yellow. Beneath greyish white,
spotted with brown more particularly on the breast and flanks.

Length, 7- 5 -8-5. Alar extent, 12-5- 13-0.

I have noticed this beautiful species in the western and atlantic districts of this State, where
it breeds. Its eggs are from four to five, white spotted with brown. Its food consists of
grain, berries and insects. Its observed geographical range is from Texas to 56° north lati-
tude. It appears in its northern migration to avoid the Southern States bordering on the sea
coast, and extends across the continent.

PASSERES FRINGILLID2E — STRUTHUS. 147

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

C. melanocephalus. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 214, pi. 106. Giraud.) Head black : body above and
beneath orange-yellow. Most of the inner webs of tail-feathers white. Female, brown, with three
bands of white on the head; tail unspotted; lower wing-coverts yellow. Length, 8*5. Rocky
Mountains, Texas.

Genus Coccothraustes, Brisson. Bill large, robust, conical, not compressed. Upper mandible
rather broader than the lower ; the edges simply arched, and a little inflected.

C. vespertina. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 217, pi. 207. Giraud, B. of Tex.) Yellow: frontand line
over the eye yellow ; crown, wings and tail black ; secondaries and inner great wing-coverts white.
Young male : Head and back greyish drab ; sides of the neck yellow ; abdomen and lower tail-
coverts white. Female, greyish drab; no yellow frontlet nor line over the eye ; tail-coverts black,
tipped with white; inner web of tail-feathers white at tip. Length, 8 inches. Michigan, Mis-
souri, Texas.

GENUS STRUTHUS. Boie.

Bill small, conical, acute. Upper mandible slightly broadest, straight on the dorsal line ; the
edges nearly straight: lower mandible with the edges inflected. Nostrils concealed by
feathers. Wings short, rounded ; the second, third and fourth quills longest. Tail long,
emarginate. Palate with the rudiment of a tubercle.

THE SNOW-BIRD.

Struthus hyemaus.

plate lx. fig. 138.
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Fringilla ht/emalis, Lin. Syst. Nat.

F. nivalis (hudsonia). Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 129, pi. 1C, fig. 6.

P. ( Spiza) ht/emalis. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 109. Audubon, folio, pi. 13.

Black Finch. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 259 (figure of head).

F. hudsonia. Nutt. Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 491. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 183. Peabody, Birds of Mass. p. 324.

Niphea ht/emalis. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 3, p. 88, pi. 147. > -

N. id., Common Snowbird. Gikaud, Birds of Long island, p. 108.

Characteristics. Bluish black : abdomen and lateral tail-feathers white. Female, light
grey inclining to brown. Length, six inches.

19*

148 NEW- YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

Description. Bill short, stout ; the notch on the upper mandible scarcely apparent under
the lens : gape-line not extending to beneath the eyes. Third and fourth primaries longest.
Tail long, 1 ■ 5 longer than the tips of the wings ; the lateral tail-feathers slightly curved
outwards.

Color. Head, chin and throat leaden black, slightly tinged with grey or brown. Beneath
white. Quills with their outer webs white ; secondaries edged with brown. The two outer
tail-feathers on each side wholly white ; the next with a long spot of white. Female, light
greyish brown, without the blackish head and neck, smaller than the male ; outer tail-feathers
white.

Length, 5-5 -6*5. Alar spread, 8-5-9-0.

The Snow-bird occurs in this State at all seasons of the year. It is a shy timorous bird,
and hence is rarely seen except during snow-storms, when it appears in flocks close to dwel-
lings. It is a northern species. It breeds, acording to Dr. Brewer, among the mountains in
Oswego county, and doubtless in other parts of the State.* It makes its nest on the ground,,
and lays about four spherical yellowish white eggs sprinkled with reddish brown dots. It
breeds as far south as Virginia. It feeds on grass-seeds, berries, insects and their larvae.

The Snow-bird migrates in the night from the north, and descends as low as the 30th
parallel of latitude. It has been noticed by Dr. Richardson as high as 57° north latitude,
where, however, it appears to be only a summer resident. It is common to America and the
northern parts of Europe.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

S. oreganus. (Am. B. of Am. Vol. 3, p. 91, pi. 168. Giraud, B. of Tex.) Back dark reddish
brown; wings and tail dusky ; bill reddish white; neck, head and breast black. Female: Head
and neck blackish grey ; sides pale reddish brown. Length, six inches. Columbia river, Texas.

, * Its nests have since been observed in the Catskill mountains, and at Greenbush opposite Albany*

PASSERES FRINGILLID.<E FRINGILLA. 1 49

GENUS FRINGILLA. Liniweus.

Bill short, stout, conical, narrower than the head. Mandibles of equal width. Nostrils basal,
rounded, concealed by the feathers. Tongue compressed above, channelled lengthwise,
horny. Claws various.

THE FOX-COLORED SPARROW.
Fringilla iliaca.

PLATE LXX1II. FIG. 166 (Male).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Fringilla iliaca. Mekrem, Icones Avium, pi 10.

F. rufa, subsequently ferruginea. Wilson. Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p. 53, pi. 22, fig. 4.
F. (Fringilla) iliaca. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 1 12.
Ferruginous Finch. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 514.^ Audubon, folio, pi. 108.

F. (Zonolrichia) id. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 257 (figure of the head). Kirtlakd, Zool. Ohio,
p. 161. Peabody, Birds of Mass. p. 328. Aukubon, Birds of Am. Vol.3, p. 139, pi. 186.
Fox-colored Finch. Gieaub, Birds of Long Island, p. 119.

Characteristics. Above varied with reddish brown and ash ; beneath whitish, with large
reddish brown blotches. Wings and tail bright reddish ; the latter
emarginate. One of the largest of the genus. Length, "l\ inches.

Description. Third primary longest. Hind claws slightly curved, 0' 4 long. Tail slightly
emarginate, 1*4 longer than the tips of the closed wings.

Color. Above the eyes, and on the sides of the neck, slate. First primary edged with
white on the outer vane ; the other with rufous : the two white bars on the wings often
obsolete. Tail-coverts bright rufous. Beneath, the chin soiled white. Throat, breast and
flanks spotted with arrow-heads and oblong dashes of rufous : lower mandible dusky. The
female scarcely differs from the male, except that the crown has more slate, and the white
wing-bands are absent.

Length, 6-5-7-5. Alar extent, 9-5-10-5.

This large northern Finch, which breeds in the countries north of the United States, appears
in this State in October and November on its way south, and returns on its northern passage
in the earliest part of spring. Those in the State Collection were obtained in the neighborhood
of New-York, on the 12th of October ; but in the northern district, they appear earlier, and
I suspect will be found to breed even there. They feed on seeds and insects. It builds its
nest in the grass, and its eggs are dull greenish, sprinkled with small irregular blotches of
brown. They descend as low as 30° south, and have been seen as high north as the 68th
parallel. They are abundant about the Columbia river.

This species has been placed by some recent ornithologists in a separate genus Passarella.

150 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

THE SONG SPARROW.

Fringilla melodia. »

plate lxvhi. fig. 156.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Fringilla melodia. WitsON, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 125, fig. 4.

F. (Spiza) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol.2, p. 108. Nuttaix, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 486. Aodubom,

folio, pi. 25.
Emberizaid, Rich. & Swainsok, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 252. Kirtlakd, Zool. Ohio, p. 164. Peabodv, Birds

of Mass. p. 323. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 3, p. 147, pi. 189.
Song Finch. Giradd, Birds of Long island, p. 121.

Characteristics. Crown chesnut, with three longitudinal bluish bands. Breast and flanks
streaked with oblong spots of blackish brown. First quill shorter than
the second. Tail rounded. Length, six inches.

Description. Hind toe and claw of equal length. Bill very robust. Third and fourth
quills longest. Tail rounded, 1 ' 6 longer than the tips of the closed wings ; the feathers
pointed.

Color. Above streaked with red and brown. Crown minutely streaked with black. Line
over the eye reddish white ; a dark stripe behind the eye. Chin whitish ash, bordered on
each side with deep rufous or dusky : another similarly colored line abpve this, including a
light rufous space. Belly and vent white, immaculate. Tail with obsolete dusky bars.
Female, smaller, and tail more dusky.

Length, 6'2-6'5. Spread of wings, 8'5.

This little Sparrow is, with the Bluebird, the earliest harbinger of spring. Indeed, I have
reason to believe that a few spend the entire winter in the Atlantic district of this State.
Dr. Brewer supposes that two species may h.-ve been confounded under one name. The
first, or the one figured by Wilson, with the spots generally distributed over the breast, builds
its nest in low shrubs a few feet from the ground ; the eggs so thickly spotted with brown,
that the white ground is scarcely apparent. The other variety, or that figured by Audubon,
has the breast less spotted, but a large confluent black blotch on its centre; builds its nest
on the ground ; the eggs smaller, and the ground color distinct light green, with the spots
most crowded at the larger end. This sparrow breeds throughout all the Atlantic States,
and has been noticed by Kirtland in Ohio, but does not appear to be so common in the
interior. Its chief food consists of insects. It ranges from the 30th to the 50th parallel.

PASSERES — FRINGILLID.E — FRINGILLA. 151

THE BAY-WINGED SPARROW.

Fringilla graminea.
plate lxi. fig. 140.
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Fringilla graminea, Gmelin. Grass Finch, Pbhsaiit, Arct. Zool. Vol.2, p. 375.

Emberiza id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 51, pi. 31, fig. 5. <

F. ( Spiza) graminea. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. \. Vol. ?, p. 108. Nijttall, Man, Orn. Vol. 1, p. 482.

Acdubon, folio, pi. 90.
F. (Zonotrichia) id. Rich. &. Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 254. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 164.

Peabody, Birds of Mass. p. 322.
Emberiza id., Bay-winged Bunting. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 65, pi. 159.
E. id. Giraud, Birds of Long Island, p. 101.

Characteristics. Above, grey varied with dusky. Breast and flanks streaked with brown
spots. Lesser wing-coverts bay. The outer tail-feathers partly white.
Length, 5^ inches.

Description. Bill feebly notched near the tip. Second and third quills nearly equal. Tail
slightly emarginate, 1*2 longer than the tips of the closed wings ; its feathers slightly acumi-
nate. -

Color. Above, the head streaked with dark brown lines, which become more dilated on
the interscapulars. . Smaller wing-coverts bay, but this is nearly concealed by the feathers of
the side of the neck. Wings and tail of the same color with the streaks. Ear-feathers
dull chesnut : a narrow soiled whitish circle around the eye. Outer webs of the quills, and
tips of the wing-coverts, edged with dull white. The first outer tail-feathers nearly all white ;
the second with the terminal portion of the outer vane whitish. Two obscure narrow white
bands on the wings, formed by the tips of the wing-coverts. Beneath, the chin bluish grey.
Breast and flanks dull white, and streaked with dusky. Belly and vent soiled white. Female
scarcely differs from the male.

Length, 5-5-6-0. Alar extent, 10-0- 10"2.

This familiar sparrow, known in many parts of this State as the Grass-bird and Grey
Grass-bird, is common in the Atlantic district during the whole year. The greater number,
however, pass a few of the winter months not farther north than Pennsylvania. The eggs
are flesh-colored, with numerous reddish brown blotches, thickest at the larger end : the nes
is placed on the ground. Feeds on insects and grass-seeds. It ranges from Texas to the
57th parallel along the Atlantic coast. It has been observed on the Columbia river, and also
in the State of Ohio.

152 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

THE WHITE-THROATED SPARROW:
Fringilla pennsylvanica.

PLATE LXI. FIG. Ml.
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Passer pennsylvanicus, Brisson.

While-throated Finch. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 372.

F. albicollis. Wilsojj, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p. 51, pi. 5, fig. 2 (male).

F. ( Spiza) pennsylvanica, Bqnaparte, Ann. Lye, N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 108. Audobon, fol. pi. 8. Nuttall, Man.

Orn. Vol. 1, p. 461.
F. (Zonotrichia) id. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 256 (bill). Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 104. Pea-
body, Birds of Mass. 321. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 153, pi. 191.
While-throated Finch. Giraud, Birds o[ Long island, p. 122.

Characteristics. Crown with a white longitudinal line, bordered on each side with black :
line from the nostril yellow ; throat white, with a short black line on
each side. Female : Crown varied with black and dark bay ; sides
reddish. Length, six inches.

Description. Bill robust, with a notch near the tip of the upper mandible, most obvious
in the female. Third and fourth primaries longest. Tail 1*8 longer than the tip of the
closed wings. Hind claw not highly curved.

Color. Above varied with rufous and black ; rump olive brown. The line over the eye,
continuous with the lemon stripe from the nostrils, is white. Cheeks, sides of the neck and
breast slate ; flanks tinged with rufous. Female : Crown deep bay varied with black ; di-
viding line cream-colored ; rump rufous ; sides of the belly deep reddish drab.

Length, 6 • 0 - 6 : 5. Alar spread, 8 • 5 - 9 • 0.

This active northern sparrow appears more or less in New- York during the whole year.
I have seen them in the heart of winter near the coast ; although I believe, with Audubon,
that the great bulk do not ascend farther north than Maryland or Pennsylvania until spring.
The eggs are pale green, thickly mottled with reddish brown. It feeds on seeds and insects.
It ranges from 23° to 66° north. It will probably be found to breed in the northern parts of
this State.

PASSERES FRINGILLID.E FRINGILLA. 153

THE WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW.

FrINGILLA leucophrys.

PLATE I.X. FIG. 137 (Male). FIG. 139 (Female).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Emberiza leucophrys, Gmelim. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol.2, p. 355, pi. 16 (male). Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 4,

p. 49, pi. 31, fig 4.
F. ( Spiza) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 107. Aububon, fol. pi. 114. Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol.

l,p.479; ambigua? Id. (winter plumage?).
F. (Zonotrkhia) leucophrys. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 255. KirtlaHD.JZooI. Ohio, p. 183.
F. id. Peabody, Mass. Rep. p. 321. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 157, pi. 192.
White-crowned Finch. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 123.

Characteristics. Head white ; line surrounding the crown, and through the eye, black ;
beneath pale ash : vent ochreous. Female : Crown rufous, somewhat
lighter in the centre. Length, seven inches.

Description. Bill acute, very faintly notched near the tip. Third quill longest. Tail
nearly even, 1*8 longer than the tips of the closed wings, with its feathers acuminate.

Color. Tips of the wing-coverts white, forming two interrupted bars across the wings.
Outer webs of the primaries whitish. Interscapular region brown, varied with soiled white.
Head white, surrounded by four longitudinal black bands ; that through the eye, occasionally
interrupted ; and, according to Audubon, the white head becomes dusky in winter. Female :
line over the head and through the eye rufous brown ; cheeks light brown ; tail beneath obso-
letely barred with dusky. Young : the head ashen, with the bands greyish brown ; beneath
yellowish white : at the second moult, the head becomes yellowish brown and the bands
darker.

Length, 6'5-7*5. Alar spread, 10-0-10-5.

This northern sparrow is rather a rare species in this State. The male figured in the plate
was shot at Monticello, Sullivan county, in the autumn. Audubon observed them near New-
York in May. It breeds north, of the United States, although it is possible that it may be
discovered to breed in this State. The eggs are light sea-green, thickly spotted with reddish
brown towards the larger end : the nest is placed on the ground. It enters the Union on the
approach of winter, and is found as far south as 28° north latitude, from whence it ranges
to the 68th parallel.

[Fauna — Part 2.] 20

154 NEW- YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

F. bicolor. (Towns. Acad. Nat Sc. Vol. 7, p. 189.) Greyish black. Wings with a large patch of white.

Tail-feathers edged with white. Female, reddish brown ; beneath whitish streaked with brown.

Length, seven inches. Western prairies. Calamospiza and Corydalina of authors.
F. atricapilla. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 162, pi. 193.) Yellowish brown: two white bands on

the wings. Head black, with a yellow longitudinal stripe above. Tail long, rounded. Length,

8 inches. History incomplete. Rocky mountains. '
F. cinerea. (Id. lb. Vol. 3, p. 145, pi. 187. Above dark olive brown; beneath white, streaked and

spotted with brown. A dusky greyish band through the eye. Claws long and acute. Length,

six inches. Texas and Columbia river.
F townsendi. (Id. lb. Vol. 3, p. 143, pi. 188.) Deep olive brown. A band of white spots from

the angle of the lower mandible. Breast whitish varied with dusky. Length, seven, inches.

Rocky mountains.
F. mortoni (Id. lb. Vol. 3, p. 151, pi. 190.) Reddish brown. Head bluish .grey, with two longi-
tudinal black bands : a light rufous band nearly surrounds the neck. Tail nearly even. Length,

5£ inches. History incomplete. California.
F. tezensis. (Giracd, B. of Tex. plate.) Black: rump white mixed with black; beneath yellow.

Secondaries edged and tipped with white. Length, 4 • 0. Texas.
F. harrisi. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 7, p. 331, pi. 484.) Varied with rufous and black. Crown and

throat black ; cheeks ash-grey ; wings bifasciate with white ; sides of the breast spotted with

black ; rump plain olive-brown. Second quill longest. Length, 7- 0. Upper Missouri.

GENUS EMBERIZA. Linn^us.

Bill stout, short, tapering, somewhat compressed. Upper mandible slightly convex above ;
the edges ascending to beneath the nostrils, then descending or direct, with a slight notch
near the tip. Hind toe robust, longer than the lateral ; the third united to the fourth at
the base. Claws long and arched. Tail moderate, emargirrate.

/

PASSERES — FRINGILLIDjE — EMBERIZ A . 1 55

THE BLACK-THROATED BUNTING.

EMBERIZA AMERICANA.
PLATE JCLIX. FIG. 3 (Male).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Emberiza amtricana, Gmelin. Black-throated Bunting, Penrast, Aret. Zoo]. Vol. 2, p. 363, pi. 17 (male).
Calandra pratensis, May-bird. Baetbaw, p. 291.

E. amtricana. Wilson, Om. Vol. 1, p. 54, pi. 3, fig. 2 (male).

F. (Spiza) id. Bonaparte, Annals Lyceum N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 107. Nuttall, Manual Ornith. Vol. 1, p. 461.

Audubon, folio, pi. 384.
E. id. Kibtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 183. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 58, pi. 156 (male and female).
E. id. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 100.

Characteristics. Breast, line over the eye, and at the base of the bill, yellow. Chin
white ; throat with a black patch ; wing-coverts, bright bay. Female :
throat without the black patch. Length, 6\ inches.

Description. Bill stout, distinctly notched near the tip : edges of the lower mandible
narrowed in. First quill slightly longest. Tail 1 * 5 longer than the tips of the closed wings,
emarginate, with somewhat pointed feathers. Hind toe and claw 0*7.

Color. Head olive brown, with black or dusky streaks : back of the sides and neck slate-
blue ; interscapular region brown, streaked with black ; rump brownish olive. Beneath, the
black throat often spotted with white, and occasionally one or more black spots on the breast.
Flanks light brown. Shoulder and base of the under wing-coverts sulphur-yellow ; the smaller
wing-coverts bright bay or chesnut. Chin white. Female, with merely a tinge of yellow
over and beneath the eye, on the breast, shoulder, and under wing-coverts. Chin buff: a
few narrow dark lines on the breast, but these are often wanting. Head and neck brown
varied with black.

Length, 6'0-7*5. Alar extent, lOO-ll'O.

The Black-throated Bunting reaches this State from the South about the middle or latter
end of May, and rarely advances farther east than Massachusetts. It breeds in every part of
the Atlantic and Western districts. Its nest is on the ground, containing about five dusky
white eggs with brown spots and lines. Its food consists of caterpillars, beetles, the canker-
worm and other destructive insects. In winter it feeds probably on the harder seeds, for
which its robust bill appears well adapted. It appears well worthy to be classed under a
separate genus, allied in some respects both to Plectrophanes and Coccothraustes.
Charles Bonaparte has suggested the name of Euspiza, but I can no where find its charac-
ters. This species has been observed in Texas and Mexico.

20*

V

156 NEW-YOKK FAUNA BIRDS.

THE YELLOW-WINGED BUNTING.

Emberiza passerina.

plate lxvl fio. 150.
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Fringilla passerina. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p. 7C. pi. 24, fig. 5.

F. ( Spiza ) passerina. Bonaparte. Ann Lye. Nat. Hist. Niw-York, Vol 2, p. 109.

Fringilla id. Audubon, fol. pi. 130; Orn. Biog. Vol 2, p. 180, and Vol.5, p. 497.

Savannah Finch, or Ydlow-shoutdtred Sparrow. Nut-tall, Man. Ornith. Vol. 1, p. 494.

Coturniculus id. Bonaparte, Geog. List, p. 32.

B. id. AupUBON, B. of A. Vol.3, p. 73, pi. 162 (male). GtRAUP, Birds of Long island, p. 103;

Characteristics. Line over the eyes, lesser wing-coverts and shoulder, yellow." Breast
brownish drab. Centre of the breast dull white. Length, 4-5 inches.

Description. Bill very stout and short, slightly arched ; the upper mandible extending
over the lower, and slightly notched at the tip. First and second quills longest, subequal.
Tail with acute feathers, etnarginate and rounded, extending l'O beyond the lips of the
closed wings. Hind claw elongated, slightly arched.

Color of the head, blackish, with a white central streak and a yellow line over each eye.
Back of the neck with rust-colored spots. Back varied with black, brown and white : the
yellow line over the eye, passes into dull white beyond it. Middle of the breast and the vent
soiled white. Quills and tail-feathers dusky, margined with whitish. Edge of the wing, at
the shoulder, bright yellow. Female : central stripe on the crown cream-color.

Length, 4-5-5-0. Alar extent, 7-5-8-0.

This little Sparrow appears in this State about the first week in May, and remains with us
in large numbers to the end of October. It doubtless breeds here, but I have never seen its
nest, which is stated to be placed on the ground, and to contain four or five dingy white eggs
sprinkled with brown spots. Its food consists of insects and their larvae, and of the seeds of
grasses and other plants. The history of its migrations is incomplete; It has been observed
in Mexico, Texas, and on the shores of the Columbia river. In its progress northward along
the Atlantic coast from Texas, it has not yet been observed in any of the States south of
Maryland, where it is first seen, and thence through Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, New- York
and Connecticut, which is its farthest eastern limit yet observed. Peabody does not men-
tion it among the birds of Massachusetts. I have noticed it abundantly on Long island,, and
in Rockland and the neighboring counties..

PASSERES — FRINGILLIDiE EMBERIZA. 157

THE VARIED BUNTING.

Emberiza henslowi.

Embtriza henslowi. Addhbon, folio, pi. 70; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 360, and Vol. 5, p. 499.

Cotumiculus id. Bonaparte, Geographical List, p. 32.

E. id. Addubon, Birds of Am. Vol.3, p. 75, pi. 163 (male).

E. id., Hendow's Bunting. Giradd, Birds of Long island, p. 104.

Characteristics. Pale brown above ; lighter beneath, and spotted. Tail very short, notched ;
the feathers graduated, acute and narrow. Length, five inches.

Description. Bill short, conical. Claws slender, compressed, acute, slightly arched ;
the hind claw elongated.

Color. Lower mandible flesh-colored, dusky above. Above pale brown : the central parts
of the feathers brownish black ; the margins of those on the back, bright red. Secondary
coverts yellowish red on the outer webs. Quills dark brown, externally margined with
yellowish brown. Tail-feathers dusky, margined externally with yellowish brown. Beneath
pale yellowish grey ; the breast, sides and throat spotted with brownish black.

Length, 5"0.

I have never seen this small Bunting, and have accordingly copied Audubon's description.
I have introduced it here, as it is said to be abundant in the neighboring State of New-
Jersey, where it breeds. It has probably been confounded with the Yellow-winged Bunting
just described. It has been noticed in Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama, Louisiana, Florida and
New-Jersey, and in Rockland county in this State. In the System of Charles Bonaparte,
it forms the passage to Ammodramus, with which it has many relations. Its history is in-
complete. Mr. Giraud states that on Long island it is not abundant, but it not as rare as is
generally supposed.

158 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE FIELD BUNTING.

Emberiza pusilla.

plate lxvi. fig. 153.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Passer agrestis. Bartram, Travels, p. 291.

Fringtila pusilla. Wilson, Am. Om. Vol. 2, p. 121, pi. 16, fig. 2.

Passerina id. Vieillot, Diet. Sc. Nat.

F. ( Spiza) pusilla. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 110. Audobon, folio, pi. 139.

F. junconm. Nbttall, Man. Om. Vol. 1, p. 499. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 164. Peabodt, Mass. Rep. p. 325.

Emberiza id. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 251. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 3, p. 77, pi. 164.

E. pusilla. Girabd, Birds of Long island, p. 105.

Characteristics. Grown chesnut. Cheeks, line over the eye, throat and breast pale
brownish drab. Interscapulars bay, streaked with black. Beneath
greyish. First quill shorter than the sixth. Length, six inches.

Description. Bill conical, entire, with small bristles at the base. Third and fourth quills
longest, subequal. Tail emarginate, rounded, 1 ' 5 longer than the tips of the closed wings.

Color. Above streaked with dusky reddish and grey. A band over the eye, and the
throat, bluish grey. Rump olive brown. Wings and tail dark brown, edged with whitish.
Wing-coverts tipped with white.

This common little species reaches this State from the south in the beginning of April. It
breeds with us, placing its nest on or near the ground, in which are usually deposited 5 to 6
white eggs of a fleshy tint, and thickly sprinkled with reddish brown dots. It feeds on insects
and seeds. It has been observed sparingly in Maine, which appears to be its most northerly
limits. On the approach of winter, it retreats to the south as far as Maryland ; and during
the winter, is found from that State as far south as Texas and Mexico.

PASSERES — FRINGILLID JS — EMBERIZA. 1 59

THE CHIP-BIRD.

Emberiza socialis.
plate lxx. fig. 160.

Passer domesticus. Babtram, Travels, p. 291.

Fringilla socialis. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 127, pi. 16, fig. 5.

Passerma id. Vieillot, Diet. Sc.

F. ( Spiza) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 109. . >

Chipping Sparrow. Ncttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 497. Aodubon, folio, pi. 104.

Emberiza socialis. Rich. & Swainsoh, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 251. Kirtland, Ohio Rep. p. 164. Peabody,

Mass. Rep. p. 325. Aoddbon, Birds of Am. Vol. 3, p. 80, pi. 165.
E. id., Chipping Bunting. Giracd, Birds of Long island, p. 106.

Characteristics. Bill short, entirely black. Frontlet black. Crown chesnut, undivided.
Chin and line over the eye white. Length, 5^ inches*

Description. Bill short, thick, conical. The first four primaries nearly equal ; the third
and fourth slightly longest. Tail emarginate, 0 ■ 3 longer than the tips of the closed wings.

Color. Beneath the eye, hind part of the neck and underneath, ash-grey. Rump ash-
colored. Beneath the white stripe over the eye, is a narrow black stripe, passing through
the eye, and continued more or less interrupted behind the chesnut crown. Interscapular
region brown, streaked with black. Primaries dusky, edged with chesnut. Tail dusky,
edged with pale chesnut. Female, smaller; crown streaked with black. In winter, the
frontlet black.

Length, S'O-S'S. Alar extent, 7'5-8-0.

The familiar Chipping-bird is known to all. During the winter months, it migrates to the
Southern States, and appears with us in the earliest spring. It breeds in this State, placing
its nest on some low bush, and laying from four to five bright greenish blue eggs, spotted
with brown chiefly at the larger end. It feeds on the smaller insects and seeds. Its hitherto
observed range extends from the northern boundary of New-York to Texas.

160 . NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE TREE BUNTING.

Emberiza canadensis.

plate lxxii. fig. 164.
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Passer canadensis, Brisson. Fringilla id. Latham.
Tree Sparrow. Pennant, «Arct. Zool. Vol.2, p. £73.
F. arborea, Wilson, Am. <5rn. Vol. 2, p. 123, pi. 1C, fig. 3.
F. ( Spiza) canadensis. Bonaparte. Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol.2, p. 109.
E. id. Audubon, folio, pi. 188. Nuttall, Man. Orn. V6l. 1, p. 495. •

Emberiza id. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 252. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 164. Peabodt, Mass. Report,
p. 324. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 3, p. 83, pi. 166. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 107.

Characteristics. Crown bright bay. Stripe over the eye, sides of the neck, chin arrd breast
pale ash. Wings with two white bars. Lower mandible yellow. Length,
six and a half inches.

Description. Bill short and stout, slightly notched near the tip. The second and third
quills slightly lunger than the fourth and fifth. Tail long, emarginate and slightly rounded,
1 • 5 longer than the tips of the closed wings ; the feathers narrow, somewhat pointed. Hind
nail largest, long, incurved.

Color. Back varied with dark rufous, grey and white. Rump olive-brown. Eye-stripe
short, and of a bright bay color. Chin, throat and breast ashen grey ; belly and vent white,
tinged with rufous. Flanks light reddish drab. A dark spot, more or less distinct, on the
middle of the breast. Head bright bay above. Quills dusky, edged with soiled white : two
white bars across the wings. Tail-feathers bordered with greyish ; the edge of the external
feather on each side white. Female, smaller, and its colors and markings not quite as distinct.

Length, 6*0 -6- 5. "Alar extent, 9-0-9-5.

This little bunting is a northern bird, and is only seen in the Atlantic district of this State
during the winter. On the approach of spring, it resorts to the fur countries, where it breeds.
Audubon states that he has reason to believe that it breeds in Maine, and we may therefore
expect to find it near the northern boundary of this State. Its eggs are of a pale uniform
deep blue. It feeds on beetles, and hard seeds and berries. It occurs in Ohio, and has been
noticed in Maryland.

-pu*k f-ttffcf; *"** ■ , $ **£™ ^-.^J. A-; , 7/^ ^rrr\

PASSERES — FRINGILLID.E — EMBER1ZA. 161

THE SAVANNAH BUNTING.

Embeiuza savanna.

plate lxvh. fig. 155.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Water Finch? Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 376 (young?).

Fringilla savanna. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 72, pi. 34, fig. 4 (male); Vol. 3, p. 55, pi. 22, fig. 3 (female).
., P. (Spiza) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 108.

Savannah Sparrow. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 489. Audubon, folio pi. 109.

F. savannarum. Peabody, Mass. Rep. p. 324.

Emieriza savanna. Ahdcbon, B. of Am. Vol. 3, p. 68, pi. 160. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 102.

Characteristics. Cheeks, space over the eye, and ridge of the wings yellow. Above
rufous, streaked with black. Breast and flanks spotted with brown.
Female, with no yellow marks.

Description. Bill short, conic ; the edges entire. The three first primaries subequal,
longest. Hind claw nearly as long as the toe. Tail short, emarginate, extending 1 " 2 beyond
the tips of the closed wings.

Color. Crown with black streaks. Chin, belly and vent white. Legs yellowish or flesh-
colored. Edges of the primaries white ; of the tail-feathers lightish. General color pale
reddish brown : above spotted with black ; the breast and sides with small dark brown spots
and streaks. Female : line on the crown, and over and beneath the eyes cream-colored.

Length, 55-60. Alar extent, 8-5-9-0.

The Savannah Bunting is quite common in this State, occurring from April to October,
and occasionally is found during the winter along its maritime border. It breeds in this
State ; the nest being placed on the ground, and containing four or five pale bluish eggs
mottled with purplish brown. It feeds on beetles and seeds of grasses. It ranges from
Texas to the 52d parallel, and along the Pacific it extends its range to Columbia river.

[Fauna — Part 2.] 21

162 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE BLUE-STRIPED BUNTING.
Emberiza lincolni.

Fringilla lineolmi. Aodubon, Om. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 539 ; fol. pi. 193.

Passmulua id. Bohaparte, Comp. List, p. 33.

Pencaca id. Addcbon, Synopsis, p. 113; B, of A. Vol. 3, p. 116, pi. 172.

Characteristics. Head chesnut, with a blue band in the middle and on each side. Throat
and belly white. Length, 5 to 6 inches.

Description. Bill robust, straight, somewhat compressed, obsoletely notched towards the
tip. Wings short, convex, rounded ; the first and seventh quills subequal. Tail rather long,
graduated, of twelve narrow rather acute feathers.

Color. Head chesnut, streaked with black. General color above yellowish brown, with
streaks of brownish black. Quills and coverts deep brown, margined externally with yellowish
brown. Tail yellowish brown ; the outer feathers paler. Throat white, streaked with dusky,
with a line of dusky spots on each side. Breast and sides pale buff, with streaks of dusky.

Length, 5 • 0 - 5 • 5 . Alar extent, 8 ' 4.

This bunting is very rare. It has been observed by Audubon in Labrador in July, and by
Mr. William Cooper in the neighborhood of New- York. Its history as yet is incomplete.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

E. grammaca. (Bonap. Am. Om. Vol. 1, p. 47, pi. 5.) Head striped with white and red ; the cen-
tral stripe inclining to black. Tail rounded ; lateral tail-feathers partly white. Length, 6£ inches.
Upper Missouri.

E. townsendi. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 62, pi. 157.) Bluish grey. Line over the eye, chin and
throat white: a faint dusky line on each side of the throat. Length, 5£ inches. Rocky mountains.
Pennsylvania.

E. pallida. (Id. lb. Vol. 3, p. 71, pi. 161.) Light yellowish brown above ; greyish white beneath :
a dusky white band over the eye. Neck light bufE Tail long, emarginate. Length, 5 inches.
Missouri, and Northern regions.

PASSERES — FRINGILLIDiE — AMMODRAMUS. 163

GENUS AMMODRAMUS. Swainson.

Bill rather slender, somewhat compressed, with a slight notch near the tip, which is deflected.
Nostrils small, elliptical, basal, partially concealed. Toes rather long; hind toe large.
Claws long, tapering, little arched, much compressed, laterally grooved. Wings short
and rounded ; the second, third and fourth quills longest. Tail graduated, and composed
of narrow acuminate feathers.

THE SEASIDE FINCH.

Ammodramtjs maritimus.

plate lxvii. fig. 153.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Fringilla maritima. Wilson, Am. Orn, Vol. 4. p. 68, pi. 34, fig. 2.

Passerina maritima. VlEILLOT, Diet. Sc.

F. (Spiza) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 110. Audubon, fol. pi. 93.

F. id. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 110. Peabody, Mass. Rep. p. 326. ( ■

Ammodramus id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 103, pi. 172.

A. id., Grey Shore Finch. GiBAUD, Birds of Long island, p. 112.

Characteristics. Plain olive brown above. Streak over the eye, and on the shoulders,
greenish yellow. Rump slate blue. Stripe beneath the eye cream or
white. Chin and vent white. Breast and flanks mottled grey and
brown. Length, 8 inches.

Description. Upper mandible stouter and more incurved than in the following species, 0'6
long, strongly carinate and distinctly notched. Hind claw 0'35, and longer than the toe.
First and sixth primaries equal ; third and fourth subequal, longest. Tail 2 ' 1 long, and
extending 1 * 6 beyond the tips of the closed wings.

Color. Wings uniform wood-brown ; the outer webs of the quills olivaceous, as are also
the tail-feathers. On the back, the feathers are brown in the centre. Ear-feathers and borders
of the white chin dull ash. The yellow line from the base of the bill over the eye becomes
greenish and obsolete beyond it. The under side is not streaked as in the following, but is
occasionally obscurely mottled with greyish brown and white, with a faint rufous tinge on the
sides.

Length, 7-0- 8*0. Alarextent, lO'O-ll'O.

The Seaside Finch, as its name imports, is common along our maritime borders. It is
found during the summer in our salt marshes, where it breeds. The nest is on the ground,
containing from four to six greyish white eggs freckled with brown. It feeds chiefly on ma-
rine Crustacea, and such insects as resort to the seashore. It ranges along the coast to this
State, and a few are occasionally found on the shores of Massachusetts.

21*

164 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE QUAIL-HEAD. -

Ammodramus caudacutus.
plate lxvii. fig. 154.
(Cabinet of the lyceum.) v-

Frmgilla caudacuta. Latham, Ind. Orn. Vol. I, p. 459.

Sharp-tailed Oriole. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 261 ? Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 70, pi. 34, fig. 3 (male).

F. (Spaa) id. Bonapahte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 110. Audubon, folio pi. H9. Nut. Man. Orn. Vol. 1. p. 505.

Ammodramus id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 108, pi. 174.

A. id., Bug-breasted Shore Finch. GIraud, Birds of Long island, p: 113.

Characteristics. A stripe of reddish brown above and beneath the eye. Tail gfaduated,
with very acute feathers. Length, 5 inches.

Description. Bill robust, somewhat curved and carinate above the nostrils, faintly notched
at the tip. First, second and third quills largest, subequal. Tail-feathers acutely bevelled
on both vanes, but the shafts do not extend beyond the webs. Secondaries nearly as long as
some of the quills. Hind claw as long as the toe. Tail extending 1 ■ 7 beyond the tips of
the closed wings.

Color. Above olive. Crown bluish slate in the centre and chesnut on the sides, margined
by the light reddish brown over the eyes. Ear-feathers dark slate. A broad band of red-,
dish brown from the lower mandible, down the neck. Shoulder with a slight tinge of lemon
yellow. Chin, breast and flanks buff ; the two latter streaked with brown. Throat, belly and
vent soiled white : the under tail-coverts buff, streaked with brown.

Length, S'O-S'S. Alar spread, 7*0-7"5.

The name of Quail-head, by which this species is distinguished among our gunners, is
derived from its distant resemblance to the head of the common Quail. Like the preceding,
it is found only in salt marshes, where.it breeds. Its nest is placed on the ground, and con-
tains four or five dull white eggs sprinkled with light brown dots, which are most numerous
towards the larger end. Its food consists of shrimps, aquatic insects and grass seeds. It is
a resident in the Southern States, and is found as far south as Mexico. In summer it migrates
northwardly along the coast as far as Massachusetts.

PASSERES — FR1NGILLID.E — AMMODRAMUS. 165

THE SWAMP FINCH.

Ammodramus palustris.

plate lxxi. fig. 101.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Pringilla palustris. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol.3, p. 49, pi. 22, fig. 1;

F. (Spiza) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 110.

F.jimcorum. Nuttall, Manual Orn. Vol. 1, p. 502. Aoddbon, folio pi. 64.

Zonotrichia, Swains. & Richardson. Kirtlahd, p. 162. Peabody, Mass. Rep. p. 326. '

Ammodramus id.. Swamp Sparrow, Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3. p. 110, pi. 175.

A. id., Marsh-shore Finch. Giradd, Birds of Long island, p. 114.

Characteristics. Front black. Crown bay; line over the eye, breast and sides of the
neck bluish ash. Length, 6 inches.

Description. Bill robust, slightly incurved and notched near the tip. First primary shorter
than the sixth : second, third and fourth primaries subequal ; the third slightly longest. Tail
emarginate, rounded ; the feathers pointed as in the preceding, but broader, 1«7 longer than
the tips of the closed wings.

Color. Crown deep bay, usually streaked with black. Ear-feathers brown, margined
above with blackish. Wing-coverts bright bay. Flanks and under tail-coverts pale chesnut;
the latter striate with dusky. Chin greyish white. Female, scarcely differs from the male,
except in the absence of the black frontlet and black streaks on the crown.

Length, 5-5-6-0. Alar extent, 7 • 5 - 8 • 0.

This species, which is often called the Red Grass-bird in this State, occurs in swamps,
wet meadows, and along the margins of rivers. Its nest is on the ground, containing a few
soiled white eggs, speckled with reddish. It feeds on grass seeds and aquatic insects. It
does not appear to follow the ordinary law of migration, although Audubon declares that it is
found from Texas to North-Carolina in winter. It breeds abundantly in this State during
summer, particularly in the marshes of the western district ; and yet, according to Audubon,
it is very abundant about Boston during the winter. Found from Texas to Labrador.

(EXTRALIM1TAL.)

A. macgillivrayi. (Aud. B. of A Vol. 3, p. 106, pi. 173.) Dark brown above; lighter beneath.

Breast and sides with dusky streaks. Sides of the neck tinged with rufous. Length, 5£ inches.

Carolina, Texas.
A. bachmani. (Id. lb. p. 114, pi. 176.) Reddish brown above; yellowish beneath: a yellowish

streak over the eye. Tail graduated. Length, 6 inches. Carolinas. History incomplete.
A. leconlii. (Id. lb. Vol 7, pi. 488.) Yellowish red varied with black. Cheeks, a broad band over

the eyes, and lower parts buff. Tail round ; the feathers acute. Length 4-7. Missouri.

166 NEW- YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

GENUS CARDUELIS. Brisson.

Bill short or moderate, narrower than the head, conical, very stout at the base, straight and
compressed : both mandibles acute. The three first quills subequal and longest. Tail
rather short, emarginate.

THE YELLOW-BIRD, OR AMERICAN GOLDFINCH.
Carduelis tristis.

PLATE LXVI. FIG. 151 (Male). _.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

FringUla tristis, Lis. 12 ed. p. 320.

Golden Pinch. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 371 (summer); p. 372, Siskin (winter dress):

Carduelis americana. Bartram, Travels, p. 291.

F. tristis. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 20, pi. 1, fig. 2 (male). Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. Ill, and

Am. Orn, Vol. 1, p. 57, pi. 6, fig, 4 (female), Audubon, fol. pi, 23.
American Goldfinch. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 507.
Carduelis americana. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 268. Kirtland, Ohio Rep. p. 164. Peabodv,

Mass. Rep. p. 326.
Chrysometris. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 33.
Carduelis tristis. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 3, p. 129, pi. 181. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 117.

Characteristics. Yellow. Wings black, varied with white : tail-feathers interiorly white
towards the tips. Head black. Female and young : head and all the
body above brownish olive ; beneath yellowish white. Length, 4j
. , inches.

Description. Bill moderately slender, sinuate on the edges. Second primary longest,
and subequal with the third. Tail deeply emarginate, 0-8 longer than the tips of the closed
wings.

Color. Summer: Bright lemon-yellow, except the head, wings and tail. Summit of the
head black : greater wing-coverts tipped with yellowish white, exhibiting two whitish bands ;
quills edged with whitish. Winter : Head yellow olive ; back reddish drab ; shoulder and
throat yellow : beneath soiled brownish white. Female, brownish olive ; beneath yellowish
white.

Length, 4' 5 -50. Alar extent, 8-0-8*3.

This well known bird is found in this State at all seasons of the year. It feeds on various
oily seeds, particularly of the sunflower, lettuce, thistle, etc. The nest is made on trees or
tall bushes, containing pure white eggs, according to Audubon with reddish brown spots at
the lower end. This bird is often kept in cages for its song. Its geographical range extends
from the tropics to the fur countries, or to the 60th parallel ; breeding throughout that dis-
tance. It has been observed near the Columbia river.

. PASSERES — FRINGILLID.E — CARDUELIS. 167

THE PINE FINCH.

Carduelis pinus.
plate lix. fig. 136. •

(STATE COLLECTION.)

FringUla pinus. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 133, pi. 57, fig. 1.

F. (Carduelis) pinus. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 111. Audubon, fol.pl. 180. Nuttall, Man.

Om. Vol. 1, p. 511. Peabody, Mass. Rep. p. 327.
Linaria pinus. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 123, pi. 180.
Chrysometris id. Bonapakte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 33.
L. pinus, Pine Linnet. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 115.

Characteristics. Varied with olive-brown and black ; beneath lighter. Wings dusky,
with one or more yellowish bars. Primaries except the first and tail-
feathers, edged with yellow. Length, 4j inches.

Description. Bill short, conical, very acute. First and second quills subequal ; the
second slightly longest. Tail deeply emarginate ; the feathers much acuminated, being be-
velled on both vanes, 0*5 longer than the tips of the closed wings.

Color. General color greenish olive brown. Wing-coverts edged with light rufous. Base
of the primaries broadly marked with sulphur-yellow on their outer webs ; then narrowly
edged with olive, and tipped with whitish : shafts dark brown or black. Upper and under
tail-coverts, and beneath the wings, yellow. Female, differs but little from the male ; the
yellow not so obvious, and more dusky beneath.

Length, 4-5-5-0. Alar extent, 8-0-8-5.

This modest colored little species has, like the preceding, a wide geographical range. They
have been observed from Maine to Georgia, during the autumn and winter. In this State,
I have noticed them from October to March, and have little doubt but that they may be con-
sidered here as permanent residents. They feed on the seeds of the thistle, pine, larch, etc.
It has been noticed as far north as the 52d parallel, and perhaps ranges still farther north. It
is usually treated as a northern species, extending its range southward during the winter ;
but its history as yet is incomplete.

{EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

C. magellanicus. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 3, pi. 182.) Yellow. Crown, sides of the head and throat black.

Wings and tail varied with yellow and black. Length, 4i inches. Ohio. Rare.
C. psallria. (Id. lb. pi. 183.) Greenish olive; beneath wholly yellow. Crown, wings and tail

black : three outer tail-feathers white in the middle. Length, 4i inches. Arkansa, Louisiana.
C. mexicanus. (Id. lb. p. 184, yarrelli.) Yellow. Crown black. Olivaceous green above. Wings

with two greenish yellow bands. Tail yellow on its basal half. Female : Crown olivaceous ;

base of the quills and lateral tail-feathers white. Length, 4 inches. California.
C. stanleyi, (Id. lb. pi. 185.) Olivaceous. Bill thick. Wings and tail edged with white and

yellowish white: two bright yellow bands on the wings. Length, 5 inches. California.

168 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

GENUS LINARIA. Ray.
Bill short, conical, higher than broad at the base, very acute at the tip.

THE LESSER RED-POLL.

LlNARIA MINOR.
PLATE LXX. FIG. 161.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Fringilla linaria. Linnjeus, 12 ed. p. 322.

Letter Red-poll Finch. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 1, p. 379. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 42, pi. 30, fig. K

■v, (male) ; Vol. 9 (Ord's reprint), p. 294.

F . (Carduelis) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 1 12. Audubon, fol. pi. 375.
Linata id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 34. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 512.
Linaria minor. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 267. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 183. Peabody, Mass.

Rep. p. 328. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 122, pi. 179.
Linaria id. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 116.

Characteristics. Greyish, varied with black and rufous above ; beneath dusky white.
Frontlet and chin blackish. Head, neck, breast and rump crimson.
Female : crown alone crimson. Length, 5 • 0.

Description. The first three quills subequal ; the second longest. Tail with its acuminate
feathers long, and deeply forked.

Color. Frontlet, loral space and throat varying from brownish to black. Back of the head,
neck, back and scapulars brown ; toward the rump, edged with white and tipped with crim-
son. Wings and tail dusky, edged with greyish brown, and with two bands of the same on
the tips of the coverts. Sides, front of the neck, and the breast crimson. Belly, vent and
under tail-coverts white, tipped with crimson ; flanks streaked with dusky. Female, brown
above varied with black. Tail-feathers margined all round with whitish : frontlet dark greyish ;
chin black ; throat dusky brown ; breast and flanks striate with brown. Young : head grey.

Length, 5-0-5-3. Alar spread, 8 • 0 - 8 • 5.

This little arctic species migrates from the north (where it occupies both continents) in the
winter, along the Atlantic, as far south as Pennsylvania, and in the interior to Ohio and Ken-
tucky. Their appearance is an evidence of extreme cold at the north. In this State it occurs
every winter, and affords a rich treat to epicures. Feeds on berries, the seeds of grasses
and of the pine, and also their buds. Eggs pale bluish green, with a few reddish spots at the
larger end.

PASSERES — FRINGILLIDJ2 — LINARIA. 169

THE MEALY RED-POLL.

LlNARIA BOREALIS.

Fringilla borealis, Savi. Temmihck, Manual Ornith. Vol. 3, p. 264. Audubon, fol. pi. 42. Id. Birds of Am.

Vol. 3, p. 120, pi. 178.
Linota id. Bonapakte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 34.

Characteristics. Frontlet, loral space and throat black ; beneath whitish. Crown, cheeks,
flank and rump red. Length, 5\ inches.

Description. Above dusky, streaked with lighter ; the rump quite light-colored. Wings
and tail dusky, edged with soiled white, and with two light-colored bands on the wings. Be-
neath greyish white, streaked with dusky. Crown crimson. Cheeks, sides of the body,
and hind part of the rump pale carmine. Female, with the black on the forehead and throat
tinged with brown ; crimson patch on the crown smaller ; no red on the sides and rump.

Length, 5 '3. Alar extent, 9*0.

I have never met with this species in this State, where it is doubtless very rare. It has,
however, been seen both in this State and in New-Jersey. It is a northern species, common to
both continents. In the breeding season, the whole under surface is said to be of rich car-
mine. Feeds on berries. Its history incomplete.

GENUS ERYTHROSPIZA. Bonaparte.

Bill short, conic, robust, bulging, pointed : dorsal line slightly convex ; tips nearly equal,
faintly notched. Tail deeply emarginate. Wings moderate ; the outer four quills longest.
Tarsi short, slender.

THE CRESTED PURPLE FINCH.

Erythrospiza purpurea,
plate lxxii. fig. 163.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Fringilla purpurea, Gmelin. Purple Finch, Penkant, Arct Zoology, Vol. 2, p. 377. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol.1,
p. 119, pi. 7, fig. 4 (male) ; Vol. 5, p, 87, pi. 42, fig. 3 (male, winter).

F. (Coccothraustes) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. VoL 2, p. 114. Audubon, folio pi. 4.

American Linnet. Nut. Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 529. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 184. Peabody, Mass. Rep. p. 330.

Erythrocorax, Breum.

Erythrospiza id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 34. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 261, mr.t
Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 170, pi. 196.

E. purpurea. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 126.

Characteristics. Crimson ; deepest on the head and throat. Wings and tail dusky. Belly
light-colored. Female and yearling male, varied with pale brown and
dusky, without crimson ; the latter with the rump tinged yellow. Length,
six inches.
[Fauna — Part 2.] 22

170 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

Description. Second and third primaries longest, subequal ; the second slightly longest.
Tail deeply emarginate, almost forked, extending 1*2 beyond the tips of the closed wings.

Color. Bill brownish black above ; lighter beneath. Fore part of the back streaked with
brown. Wings and tail deep brown ; the quills tipped and edged with red. Frontlet cream-
colored. All the rest of the body of a rich crimson. In the change, a line of lighter crimson
over the eye ; outer webs of quills dull red for two-thirds of their length : vent and under
tail-coverts streaked with brown. Female, in the State Collection, wholly olive above, striped
with white and dusky ; beneath grey-white, with arrow-headed spots of brown : a lighter
line above and below the eye. Male of the first year, differs from the female only in the
bright olive-yellow of the rump and chin, and a slight degree of the same on the wing-coverts ;
the tail-feathers also are edged externally with olive.

Length, 5-5-6-0. Alar spread, 9'0-9*3.

This species I have seen in the Atlantic district of this State, as late as November, De-
cember and January. Audubon met with it in the northern district in June, when it was
breeding. They leave us in May for the north. The eggs are bright green. It feeds on
buds and the berries of evergreens in winter, and on insects in summer. It has a good flavor.
Its geographical range is from Mexico to 55° north latitude. It occurs on the Columbia river.

{EXTRALIM1TAL.)

E. frontalis. (Aud. Vol. 3, p. 175, pi. 197.) Greyish brown. Forehead, band over the eye, throat,
breast and rump carmine. Head, hind neck and anterior part of the back slightly tinged with
red. Rare. Length, 6i inches. Rocky mountains. According to Mr. Giraud, it is numerous in
Texas.

E. tephrocotis. (Id. lb. pi. 198.) Umber brown. Head ashen grey, spotted with black. Feathers
of the wings and rump broadly edged and tipped with rose-red. Very rare. Length, 6 inches.
Northern, regions.

PASSERES — FRINGILLIDiE — PITYLUS. 171

p GENUS PITYLUS. Cuvier.

Bill short, very robust, much higher than broad, tapering to a point, arched above, with a
salient angle at the middle of the edge of the upper mandible. Nostrils covered with the
frontlet-feathers ; bristles at the base. Feathers of the head elongate and erectile. Tail
long and rounded.

THE CARDINAL GROSBEAK.

PlTYLTTS CARDINALIS.

PLATE LXII. FIG. 143 (Male, winter dress).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Loxia cardinalis. Linnjeus, Syst. Nat. p. 300. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 349. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol.

2, p. 33, pi. 11, fig. 1 and 2 (male and female).
Pitylus id. Covier, Rdgne Animal.

F. (Coccothraustes) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol 2, p. 1 13. Audubon, fol. pi. 159.
Red-bird. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 519.
Cardinalis virginianm. Bo>aparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 35. Kirtland, Ohio Rep. p. 184. Peabody, Mass.

Rep. p. 329.
Pitylus id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 198, pi. 203. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 132.

Characteristics. Red ; beneath brighter. Frontlet and chin black : bill red. Female and
young, drab, tinged with reddish beneath ; tip of the crest, wings and
tail tinged with red. Length, 8 inches.

Description. Third, fourth and fifth primaries subequal, longest. Feathers of the crown
long and pointed. Tail long, straight, rounded, 2' 8 longer than the tips of the closed wings.

Color. The outer webs of the quills red ; the inner brown towards the tips, and margined
with red towards their bases. Forehead, lores, chin and upper part of the throat black.
Female, crested ; greyish brown above ; frontlet and chin brownish black ; breast reddish
drab ; belly mixed with grey ; outer webs of the first six primaries whitish ; the tail not as
long as in the male.

Length, 8-0-8-5. Alar spread, 1 T 0 - IT 5.

This beautiful bird is seen every year, during the heats of summer, in the Atlantic dis-
trict of this State. I have also seen them in Delaware and Chenango counties. They
doubtless breed with us, as they are known to do in the neighboring States of New- Jersey
and Massachusetts, but I have never met with their nests. The eggs are dusky white, spotted
with olive brown. On account of the beauty of their plumage and their notes, they are often
reared, and breed in cages. A constant resident from Maryland to Mexico. In the summer,
ranges and breeds to the 42d parallel. A constant resident in Ohio, where it is yearly be-
coming more abundant. Feeds on fruits and berries, and the seeds of corn and grasses.
Known in this State under the names of Red-bird and Crested Red-bird.

22*

172 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

GENUS PIPILO. VlEILLOT.

Bill short, stout, conical, subcompressed ; the edges somewhat inflected, ascending for more
than a third, then direct, with a slight festoon : small bristles at the base of the upper man-
dible. Third or fourth quill longest. Tail long, rounded.

THE CHE WINK, OR GROUND ROBIN.

PlPILO EltYTHROPHTHALMUS.
PLATE LXXI. FIG 162 (Male).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Fringilla erythrophthalma. LlNNJEUs, Syst. Nat. p. 318.

Towhee Bunting. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 359.

Pipilo attr. Vieillot, Diet. Sc.

Emieriza erythrophthalma. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 35, pi. 10, fig. 5 (male); Vol. 6, p. 90, pi. 53, fig. 5.

(female). Audubon, folio, pi. 29. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 112.

Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 515.
Pipilo id. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 261. Kirtland, Ohio Rep. p. 164. Peabodv, Mass. Rep. p. 328.

Audubon, Birds of America, Vol. 3, p. 167, pi. 195.
P. id., Towhee Ground-finch. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 124.

Characteristics. Black. Breast white ; flanks and vent bay : a white spot on the wings.
Tail with the three outer feathers partly white. Female, reddish brown
where the male is black. Length, 8 inches.

Description. Third quill longest ; second and fifth subequal ; first and eighth subequal.
Tail 3" 0-3" 3 long, rounded, and extending 2'8 beyond the tips of the closed wings.

Color. All above black. Wings with one and sometimes two white bars ; tertials edged
with white or rufous white. The first external tail-feather white on the outer web, except
towards the tip. Spots of the same color on the inner webs of the three external feathers.
Bill black. Irides bright red. Breast white. Abdomen pale red. Sides reddish brown.
Female, olive brown or rufous brown above. Centre of the belly white, immaculate.
Flanks and under tail-coverts bright bay ; the sinuated webs of the quills white : a white
spot at the base of the quills ; tertials edged with rufous.

Length, 7-5-8-5. Alar spread, 10 • 0 - 12 • 0.

This beautiful and unobtrusive little species is familiarly known in this State (where it
breeds) under the name of Chewink, from its peculiar note, and of Ground Robin, from its
seldom attempting to fly high. In Louisiana it is called, from its plumpness, Grasset, and
is esteemed by epicures. Its nest is sunk in the ground, and it lays flesh-white eggs thickly
spotted with brown. It feeds on the earth-worm (Lumbricus terrenus), wire-worm (Julus),

PASSERES — FRINGILLIMS SPIZA. 173

and the larvae of insects. It extends across the continent to the Rocky mountains. It winters
in the Southern and Western States, reaching us in April, and extending its migration north
to Labrador. Few remain with us beyond the latter part of November, unless the winter
should be remarkably open. Its geographical range appears to be comprised between the
23d and 48th parallels.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

P. arcticus. (Atjd. Vol. 3, p. 164, pi. 194.) Black above and round the neck and breast. Back,
scapulars and wing-coverts tipped with white. Inner web of three outer tail-feathers with a white
spot. Female, blackish grey, smaller. Length, 8 inches. Columbia river.

GENUS SPIZA. Bonaparte.

Bill short, conical, acute. Upper mandible convex above ; the edges ascending for one-third
of their length, with a slight notch near the slightly bent tip. Nostrils basal, roundish,
partly concealed by feathers. Tarsus much compressed. Tail emarginate. Hind toe
large. Second and third quills longest ; first and fourth subequal. Plumage brilliant.

THE INDIGO-BIRD.

Spiza cyanea.
plate lxviii. fig. 157.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Tanagra cyanea. Linnaeus, Syst. Nat. p. 315.

Indigo Bunting. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 365 (blue do., moulting male). Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1,

p. 100, pi. 6, fig. 5 (male). Bonaparte, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 91, p!. 15, fig. 4 (female).

Audubon, fol. pi. 74. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 473. Kiktland, Zool. Ohio, p. 183.
Spiza cyanea. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 3, p. 9G, pi. 170.
S. id., Indigo-painted Hunting. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 110.

Characteristics. Blue, with greenish tints. Wings and tail-feathers dusky. Female,
reddish brown ; beneath soiled buff. Length, 5^ inches.

Description. Upper mandible with slightly sinuated edges, and notched near the tip ;
this notch, in the specimens I have examined, is most distinct in the female. Second quill
longest. Tail distinctly emarginate and rounded, extending 1 ■ 1 beyond the tip of the folded
wings.

174 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

Color. Sky-blue, showing in some lights a greenish tint ; the outer webs of the primaries
whitish. Quills, larger wing-coverts and tail dark brown. Autumnal male, bluish with
brown patches : obsolete bands across the tail. In moulting, the male resembles more or
less the female. Female: lower mandible light-colored ; chin, throat and breast buff; belly
and vent soiled white ; wings and tail darker than the light yellowish brown above.

Length, 5'5-6-0. Alar spread, 7-0-8-0.

The Indigo-bird is one of our most beautiful visiters from the South. It leaves Mexico
and appears in Texas in April, and in New^York in the latter part of May, where it breeds.
The nest is usually on some low bush, with white immaculate eggs. Its food consists of
caterpillars, worms, grasshoppers and seeds. The male is three years in acquiring his full
plumage. The species occurs throughout the whole Union, extending to the great lakes and
to the 45th parallel. It leaves New- York about the middle of September.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

S. ciris. (Acd. B. of Am. Vol. 3, pi. 169.) Red. Head and back above purplish blue; back yellowish

green; wings dusky red. Female and yearling male, green olive; wings beneath yellowish.

Length, 5 inches. Carolina, Louisiana.
S. amana. (Id. ib. Vol. 3, pL 171.) Verdigris blue; beneath white. Breast pale ferruginous; wings

bifasciate with white. Female, brown above ; rump greenish blue ; throat ferruginous. Length,

5*5. Columbia river.

PASSERES — FRINGILL1D.E — PYRANGA. 175

GENUS PYRANGA. Vieillot.

Bill robust, moderate, compressed towards the end, trigonate and somewhat depressed at
the base ; the upper mandible with a festoon, forming an obtuse tooth on each side near
the middle : distinct bristles at the base. Tongue short, lacerated at the tip. The three
first primaries subequal, longest. Tail moderate, slightly emarginate. Female and young
differing much in plumage from the male.

THE RED-BIRD.
Pyranga .estiva.

PLATE LXV. FIG. 148 (Mali).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Tanagra aitwa et missUsippiensis, Gmelin. ,

Summer Tanager. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 369.

Merulaflammula. Baetbam, Travels, p. 290 (bis). ,

Pyranga estiva, Vieillot. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 95, pi. 6, fig. 3 and 4. BonapaETE, Ann. Lye. N. Y.

Vol. 2, p. 105. Aud. fol. pi. 44. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 469. Kirtland, Zool.

Ohio, p. 183. Aoduboh, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 222, pi. 209.
I

Characteristics. Vermilion red. Inner vanes and tips of the quills dusky. Tail nearly
even. Female and young, yellowish ; beneath brownish yellow. Young
male, spotted with green. Length, 7j inches.

Description. Bill rather short, but robust. Nostrils round, basal. Tail-feathers acute ;
second quill longest.

Color. Entirely of a rich vermilion, except the inner vanes and tips of the quills. Bill
horn-colored above, bluish beneath. Legs dusky bluish. Iris hazel. Female, brownish
yellow olive above ; wing-coverts dusky, edged with yellow ; quills and tail deep brown, ex-
ternally edged with yellowish. Young, as in the male, but of a duller tint, and spotted with
green.

Length, 7-0-7-5. Alar extent, 11-5 -12-0.

The Red-bird, or Summer Red-bird, comes to us from the South, but not in great numbers,
and only during the hottest part of the summer : it rarely passes east of this State. It is not
known to breed here. The eggs are of a light blue color. Feeds on insects, and more espe-
cially the larger beetles. It properly belongs to Mexico, and even farther south, and scarcely
remains within the limits of the United States (where it breeds) more than four months.

176 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE BLACK- WINGED RED-BIRD.

Pyranga rubra.

PLATE LXV. FIG. 149 (Male).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Tanagra rubra, LINN.EU8. Canada Tanager, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 369 (male, olive do. female).

Merula marilandica, BartbAM, Travels, p. 290 (bis). Pyrangru rubra, Vieillot.

Tanagra id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 42, pi. 11, figs. 3, 4 (male and female).

T. (Pyranga) rubra. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 105. Audubon, fol. pi. 354. Nuttall, Man.

Orn. Vol. 1, p. 465. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 273. Peabody, Zool. of

Mass, p. 319.
Pyranga id. Audubon, B of A. Vol. 3, p. 226, pi. 209. 4

P. id., Scarlet Tanager. GlRAUD, Birds of Long'island, p. 135.

Characteristics. Scarlet red. Wings and emarginate tail black. Base of the plumage
ash ; then white. Female and young, olive green ; beneath yellow.
Wings and tail dusky. Length, 7 inches.

Description. Bill robust, rather short, compressed towards the end, acute : a faint notch
towards the tip. Claws large and arched. Second quill longest. Very small bristles at the
base of the upper mandible.

Color, as in the specific phrase. Axillary feathers, inner lower wing-coverts, and a part
of the inner webs of the quills white. Female, olive or yellowish green ; the secondaries and
tail tipped with white. The young male, after the moult, often spotted with greenish yellow,
and every feather marked with black.

Length, 6-5-7-0. Alar spread, 10-5- 11 -5.

The Black-winged Red-bird, or Fire-bird and Tanager, as it is often called in this State,
reaches us from the tropics about the middle of May, and extends its migrations north to the
49th parallel, where, however, it is rare. It is a shy solitary bird, breeding in this State, and
laying from three to five bluish eggs speckled with brown. Feeds on insects and their larvae ;
preferring, however, beetles, wasps, etc. They also eat berries and grapes. They leave this
State in September, migrating by night.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

P. ludoviciana. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 3, pi. 210.) Greenish yellow. Head all round carmine red;
back, wings and tail black ; wings bifasciate with yellow. Female : head dull green ; back, wings
and tail brownish tinged with green. Length, 7 inches. Louisiana.

P ASSERES — FRINGILLIDiE — PLECTROPHANES. 177

GENUS PLECTROPHANES. Meyer.

Bill short, somewhat compressed, robust : edges of the mandibles not notched. Roof of the
mouth concave, with three prominent lines, of which the middle is elevated into an oblong
tubercle. First or second primaries longest. Hind nail very long, and almost straight.
Tail rather long, emarginate.

THE LAPLAND SNOW-BIRD.

PLECTROPHANES LAPPONICUS.
PLATE LXIX. FIG. 159.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Frmgilla lapponica. Li.nn.ecs, Syst. Nat. 12 ed. p. 317. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 377.

Plectrophanes calcaratus, Mover. E. id. Rich. Parry's Second Voyage.

E. (Plectrophanes) lapponica. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 440. Id. Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 53, pi.

13, fig. 1 (male); fig. 2 (female). Audubon, fol. pi. 365. Nuttall, Man.

Orn. Vol. 1, p. 463. Brewer, Synopsis, p. 706.
Plectrophanes id. Aftdubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 50, pi. 152.
P. id., Lapland Lark Bunting. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 90.

Characteristics. Spring plumage. Head, chin and breast black ; beneath white : a white
line over the eye. Quills black : two outer tail-feathers black, with a
white spot near the tip. Winter. Upper part of the head black, edged
with rufous : neck black ; the feathers tipped with white. Female,
rufous grey above ; beneath white. Length, 6^ inches.

Description. First quill longest. Tail deeply emarginate and rounded. Tail-feathers
acuminate, and 0*8 longer than the tips of the closed wings.

Color. This varies with the season. In its winter dress, in which only we are enabled to
see it, it is rufous brown above, striated with black. Quill-feathers blackish brown, with
lighi rufous on the outer webs. A patch behind and beneath the eye, rufous, margined with
blackish. Throat and breast obsoletely spotted with black beneath. Flanks whitish grey,
with oblong rufous spots. Female, scarcely differs, except in the spot behind the eye being
less obvious ; the breast also is slightly darker.

Length, 6'5-7-0. Alar spread, 12-0.

This rare arctic bird is not an unfrequent visiter to this State, during the extreme cold of
winter. In the winter of 1838, numbers were seen in the markets of New-York, having
been shot on Long island. Mr. Audubon has indeed observed them in Kentucky and Mis-
souri, but this must of course have been very rare. Feed on seeds and berries. Their nest
is placed on the ground ; the eggs, from five to seven, are pale yellow, spotted with brown.
It lives habitually in the arctic regions of both continents, and has been observed as far north
as the 74th parallel of latitude.

[Fauna — Part 2.] 23

178 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE WHITE SNOW-BIRD.

PlectrophaneS nivalis.

plate lxix. fig. 158.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Emberiza nivalis. L.INN.EUS, Syst. Nat. 12 ed. p. 308.

Snow Bunting. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 355. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p. 36, pi. 21, fig. 2 (female),

E. (PUclrophanes) til. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 103. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 216.

Audubon, folio, pt. 189. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 458. Selby, Am. Orn.

Brewer's ed. p. 212. Kiktland, Zool. Ohio, p. 163. Peabody, Zool. Mass. p. 318.
P. nivalis. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 55, pi. 155.
P. id., Snow Lark Bunting. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 97. ^

Characteristics. Rufous brown above, striate with black. Quills white at the base ; se-
condaries mostly white : three lateral white, tipped with blackish. In
full plumage: head, neck and beneath white. Female and young,
,'l .'. ■ white, tinged with rufous. Length, 7j inches.

Description. Such variations in its markings occur, that scarcely any two individuals are
alike. In this State, the following is the most usual appearance : Head, neck and beneath
soiled white, tinged with brownish red. Summit of the head rufous, becoming lighter on
the neck. A rufous dash under the eyes, often descending down along the neck, and forming
an imperfect rufous collar around the breast. Above greyish brown, obsoletely streaked with
black. All the tail-feathers edged with white. Outer vanes of the quills, and their tips,
edged with white. Inner tail-feathers black. Female and young, dull grey beneath, and
light rufous on the head and rump.

Length, 7-0-7-5. Alar spread, 13-0-13-5.

This bird, which is usually known in this State under the name of White Snow-bird, to
distinguish it from the Struthus hyemalis or Common Snow-bird, is, like that and the pre-
ceding species, most abundant in the northern regions of the two continents. It usually
appears in the Atlantic district of this State after a severe snow-storm, and has been observed
in Maryland and Kentucky. It has been known to breed in Massachusetts and Maine, and
probably will be found to do the like in the high mountainous regions of our northern district.
The nest is placed on the ground, and contains 4-5 dull white eggs with numerous reddish
brown spots, becoming confluent about the larger end. Feeds on grass-seeds, insects and
minute shells. In some parts of the country, it is called White-bird.

PASSERES FRINGILLln^: PLECTROPHANES. 179

{EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

P. pictus. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 52, pi. 153.) Head black: a line passing above and below the

eye, a small spot on the nape, and a large patch on the wings white. Throat and all beneath yellow.

Length, 6 inches. History incomplete. Northern regions.
P. ornatus. (Id. lb. pi. 154.) Grey and spotted : a bright reddish belt over the neck. Line over the

eye, and the two lateral tail-feathers white. Beneath, except the vent and throat, black. History

incomplete. Prairies of the Platte river.
P. smithii. (Id. lb. Vol. 7, p. 336, pi. 487.) Yellowish brown, streaked with dusky; clay-yellow

beneath. Quills brownish black, edged with white. Two outer tail-feathers white. Length, 6 • 1.

Illinois. ■• . ...

GENUS ALAUDA. Linn^us.

Bill short, straight, robust. Upper mandible convex above, smooth on its edges. Nostrils
basal, oval, covered by the advancing feathers of the forehead. Tongue lacerated. Hind
nail long, acute, nearly straight, generally stronger than the toe. Second and third quills
longest. Two of the scapularies nearly as long as the quills. Tail usually emarginate.
Feathers of the head more or less elongated, erectile.

THE HORNED. LARK.

Alauda cornuta.

plate lxxiii. fig. 165. >■

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Alauda alpestris, Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 289.

Shore Lark. Pennant, Arrt. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 392.

A. campeslris, Sky Lark. Bartram, p. 290.

A. alpestris. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 85, pi. 5, fig. 4. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. New-York, Vol. 2, p. K>2.

Addobon, folio, pi. 200. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 455.
A. cornuta. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 245 (head figured). Kirt. Zool. Ohio, p. 183. Peabody,

Zool. Mass. p. 318. Addubon, B. of Am. Vol. 3, p. 32, pi. 151.
Phileremos id. Bonaparte, Oeograph. and Comp. List, p. 37.
A. alpestris, Shore Lark. Giradd, Birds of Long island, p. 95.

Characteristics. Head with erectile feathers. Summer, reddish. Winter, stripe under
the eye, tips of crest and patch on the breast black ; throat, sides and
. back of the neck yellow. Female: no crest; eye-stripe yellow. Length,
7j inches.

23*

180 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

Description. Dusky brown above, streaked with lighter on the edges. Shoulders, flanks
and thighs light reddish brown or vinaceous. Rump reddish. Tip of the yellow egret, and
a few feathers on the crown, black. Frontlet, throat and neck yellow. Breast below the
black crescent, spotted with black. All the tail-feathers, except the central pair, black.
Female : Head plain brown, streaked with blackish ; little or no black over the eye ; breast
reddish brown.

The Horned Lark is a northern species, which appears in this State in October, and is
seen during the coldest weather. On the great plains of Suffolk and Queens, they are
numerous at that time in flocks of twenty to thirty, and quite tame. It spreads farther south
and west, having been observed by Kirtland in Ohio during the whole winter. It has been
also seen in Texas. Its nest is placed on the ground, with olive white eggs sprinkled with
minute darker spots. It has hitherto been confounded with the Alauda alpestris of. Europe,
from which it was first specifically and generically separated by Brehm, under the name of
Phileremos cornutus. It was, however, first indicated as distinct by Richardson. Feeds on
insects and grass-seeds, according to the season. It returns to the north in March. Ranges
from 68° north to Texas.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

A. rufa, Lath. Tail-feathers uniform blackish : throat pale yellow. Length, 5-5. Texas.

A. minor. (Giraud, B. of Texas, plate.) Crown black; occiput and hind neck reddish brown : a

broad line of black from base of the mandibles, passing down the sides of the neck. Throat light

yellow, with a broad black patch on the lower neck. Tail dark brown ; two middle tail-feathers

lighter. Length, 5-4. Texas.
A. spraguei (Aud. B. of Am. Vol. 7, p. 334, pi. 486.) Light reddish brown above, streaked with

blackish brown. Beneath yellowish, streaked with black on the sides. No erectile feathers on the

head. Length, 6'0. Upper Missouri.

PASSERES — FRINGILLIDjE CORYTHUS. 181

GENUS CORYTHUS. Cuvier.

Bill stout, thick, very convex above ; the upper mandible bent over the lower. Palate with
five prominent ridges. Tufts of bristly feathers at the base of the upper mandible.
Nostrils concealed by bristly feathers. Tongue thick, obtuse, horny. Tarsus shorter
than the middle toe. Wings short. Tail rather long, emarginate.

THE PINE BULFINCH.

CORYTHUS ENUCLEATOR.

PLATE LXI1. FIG. 142 (YouNa male).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Loxia enucleator. Linn^eos, Syst. Nat. p. 299. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 348, Wilson, Am. Orn.

Vol. 1, p. 80, pi. 5, fig. 2.
Pyrrhula id. Temminck, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 333. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 115. Audubon, fol. pi.

358. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 535.
Corythus id. Rich. & Swaikson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 262, pi. 53 (female). Aocubon, B. of Am. Vol. 3, p.

178, pi. 199.
C. id., Pine Grosbeak. Gieaud, Birds of Long island, p. 128.

Characteristics. Red. Wings and tail dark brown. Female, olive green ; brighter on the
bead and rump. Length, 8^ inches.

Description. Second, third and fourth quills subequal. Tail deeply emarginate, two
inches longer than the tips of the closed wings. Bill reddish brown. Claws black. Beneath
light grey. Female : Bill dusky. Head and hind neck yellowish brown ; each feather with
a central dusky streak. Rump brownish yellow. Cheeks and throat yellowish. Beneath
ash-grey.

Length, 8-5. Alar spread, 14' 0.

This beautiful northern species visits sparingly the Atlantic district of this State during the
autumn and winter ; and as it breeds in Maine, will probably be found to do the same in our
northern district. About twenty years ago, large flocks appeared in the neighborhood of
New- York. They feed on buds, berries, and the seeds of the pine. The eggs are said to be
pure white. Richardson describes his specimens as exceeding eleven inches, whereas none
of the specimens in the State Collection exceed eight. In this country, the Pine Bulfinch
ranges from the highest northern latitude to the 40th parallel. It is found in the northern
parts of both continents.

J 82 NEW- YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

GENUS LOXIA. Linnaeus.

Mandibles crossing each other at the tips. Tongue short, entire and pointed. Palate with
three ridges. Tarsus and middle toe subequal. Tail short, emarginate.

THE AMERICAN CROSSBILL.

LOXIA AMERICANA. -
PLATE LXHI. FIG. 144 (Young maie).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Curvirostra americana. Wilson, Am. Om. Vol. 4, p. 44, pi. 31, figs. 1 and 2 (young and adult male).
Loxiaid. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 117. Audubon, fol. pi. 197. Nuttaix, Man. Orn. Vol. 1,

p. 538. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 184. Peabodv, Zool. Mass. p. 331.
L. curvirostra. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 3, p. 186, pi. 200.
L. americana. Bonaparte, Geographical and Compa.ative List, p. 38.
li. curvirostra. Gibaud, Birds of Long island, p. 130.

Characteristics. Red. Wings and tail brownish ; the former without bands. Female and
young, greenish yellow. Young after moulting, dull reddish, with
yellow on the rump and wings. Length, 7 inches.

Description. Bill compressed towards the tips. Tail about an inch longer than the tips
of the closed wings. Tarsus short, compressed, acute behind ; the two lateral toes shortest.
Claws compressed, sharp, curved.

Colok. This is described in the specific phrase. The red passes into whitish beneath.

Length, 6-5-7-0. Alar spread, 9-5 - 10- 0.

This may be considered as a northern species, breeding in this State and as far south as
Pennsylvania. The eggs are greenish white, thickly covered with brownish spots. It feeds
on the cones of the hemlock (Pinus canadensis}, and the buds of trees ; also on apples and
other fruits, which they break open for the seeds. In some of their habits, and the structure
of their feet, they form a passage to the succeeding family. Bonaparte, and the best
European ornithologists with him, consider this species as distinct from the common Cross-
bill of Europe, with which it has been hitherto confounded. Its geographical range along
the Atlantic extends from Pennsylvania to the 57th parallel of north latitude ; in the regions
west of the Mississippi, it descends still lower.

PASSERES — FRINGILLIDiE — LOXIA. 183

THE WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL. .

LoXIA LEUCOPTERA.
PLATE LXIII. FIG. 145 (Young male).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Loxia leucoptera, Gmelin. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 347,

Curvirostra id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 48, pi. 31, fig. 3 (young male).

Loxia id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol.2, p: 117. Id. Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 84, pi. 15, fig. 3 (female).

Nuttall, Manual Orn. Vol.M, p. 540. AudubCn, fol. pi. 364. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A.

Vol. 2, p. 263. Peabody, Mass. Rep. p. 331. Audubon, B. of A. Vol.3, p. 190, pi. 201.

Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 131.

Characteristics. Carmine red. Wings and tail black ; the former with two white bands.
Female, dusky olive ; breast and rump yellow. Length, 61 inches.

Description. The first, second and third quills longest. Tail deeply emarginate ; the
feathers acuminate, curved outwards, about an inch longer than the tips of the closed wings.
Lower mandible shortest.

Color, included in the specific phrase ; the posterior white band on the wings broadest.
Female, the white bands on the wings narrow. Young, dull yellowish ; beneath spotted and
streaked with brown.

Length, 6-0-6-5. Alar spread, 10'5-11'0.

This is a northern species, which, although common enough along the shores of Lake
Ontario, rarely descends to the southern part of the State, unless when impelled by the
severity of the season : it then appears occasionally in large flocks. It probably breeds in
this State, as a few have been observed to breed in New-Jersey and Pennsylvania. Its eggs
are white, spotted with yellowish. It ranges from 40 to 68° north. Accidental in Europe.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

FAMILY PS1TTAC1DM.

Bill large, short, high, convex above and below, with a cere at the base : upper mandible hooked at
the tip; lower shortest. Nostrils open in the cere. Tongue fleshy, short and thick. Toes two
before and two behind. Tail of twelve feathers.

Genus Conurus, Kuhl. Edges of the upper mandible with a deep notch near the tip : lower mandible
truncate. Tarsus very short. Second quill longest. Tail long, cuneate, of twelve narrow
tapering feathers.
C. carolinensis, Parrakeet. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 3, pi. 278.) Green. Cheeks red ; remainder of the
head, neck and throat yellow. Young, uniform green. Length, 14 inches. Southern States.

Obs. In the year 1795, a large flock of these birds was seen in the middle of winter, 25 miles
northwest of Albany ; probably transported by a whirlwind.

184 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

FAMILY PICIDJE.

Bill stout, straight, angular : margins entire. Nostrils basal, elliptical or oblong, concealed
by reversed feathers. Legs short. Toes usually Jour. Claws large, strong and much
curved. Tail moderate, of ten or twelve feathers. Tongue slender, protractile, serrated
towards the tip.

Obs. A well defined family, and abounding in species in the United States.

GENUS PICUS. Linn^us.

Bill in some species slightly curved ; in others, perfectly straight. In some the head is fur-
nished with a crest of feathers, while in others it is not so. In a few species, there are
but three toes.

Obs. The twenty American species here described, have been arranged by modern system-
atists under seven genera. We shall include them under one.

THE CRESTED WOODPECKER.

PlCTJS PILEATUS.
PLATE XVUI. FIG. 39.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Pints pileatus. Linkjius, feyst. Nat. p. 173. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol.2, p. 269. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol.

4, p. 27, pi. 29, fig. 2 (male). Bonaparte, Ann. Lyo. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 44. Audubon, folio

pi. 111. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 567.
P. (Dryotomus) id. Rich. & Swaikson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 304. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 162. Peabody

Zool. of Mass. p. 334.
P. id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 226, pi. 257.

Characteristics. Crested. Brownish black. Crest and mustachios red. Chin, a stripe
on each side of the neck, base of quills, and under wing-coverts green-
ish white. Length, 18 inches.

Description. Bill sharply carinate above, depressed towards the base ; lateral carinas
distinct : mandibles equal. Fourth and fifth quills longest. Tail long, wedge-shaped ; the
feathers worn to a point, 2' 5 longer than the tips of the closed wings.

PASSERES PICIDJE — PICUS. 185

Color. Black tinged with blue. A broad black stripe through the eye, and above this a
narrow white stripe. Bristles covering the nostrils, black and yellow. Base of the seconda-
ries, and the whole of the under wing-coverts sulphur-yellow. Female : anterior part of the
crimson crest olive-brown ; stripe from the base of the bill brown. Belly faintly barred with
grey. Length, 18-0-20-O. Alar spread, 28-0-29-5.

This is the largest Woodpecker found in our State, and is particularly abundant in the
uncleared forests, where he is known under the names of Log-cock and Wood-cock. It is
almost unknown in the Atlantic district of the State. It feeds on the larvas of insects, which
it obtains from beneath the bark of trees, and on indian corn, chesnuts, aGorns and fruits.
Forms its nests in excavations in decaying trees ; the eggs five or six in number, white. It
occurs from Texas to the 63d parallel, and appears to be resident in every part of the United
States during the whole year.

THE RED-HEADED WOODPECKER.

PlCUS ERYTHROCEPHALUS.
PLATE XVI. FIG. 34 (Mali).
(STATE COLLECTION.)
fims erythrocephahu. Linn.kus, Syst. Nat. p. 174. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 271 . Wilson, Am. Orn .
Vol. 1, p. 142, pi. 9, fig. 1. Audubon, fol. pi. 27. Bonapakte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol.
2, p. 45. Ndttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 569.
Mtlanerpes id. Rich. &. Swaikson, F. B. A, Vol. 2, p. 316. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 162. Peabody, Mass.

Rpp. p. 335. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 274, pi. 271.
P. id. Gieaud, Birds of Long Island, p. 189.

Characteristics. Head, neck and throat crimson. Back, wings and tail black. Secondaries,
rump and all beneath white. Young, brown barred with grey ; secon-
daries barred with black. Length, 8-9 inches.

Description. Lateral carina? on the upper mandible extending far forward. Tips of both
mandibles truncated. Second, third and fourth quills longest, subequal. Tail short, rounded,
with ragged acute tips extending 0-8 beyond the tips of the wings. Claws much incurved.

Color. The back with purplish reflections. Two outer tail-feathers tipped with white. A
narrow band of black at the base of the red neck. Shafts of the secondaries black. Breast
and belly white, with a slight reddish brown tinge. Young, barred with grey and dark brown ;
head, chin and throat brown, streaked with black : traces more or less distinct of red.

Length, 8-5- 9-0. Alar spread, 16-0 -17-0.

The Red-headed Woodpecker, or, as he is sometimes called, the Red-head, arrives in this
State from the South in the early part of May, and, after breeding, leaves us again in Sep-
tember : occasionally a few remain during the winter. It feeds on juicy fruits, as cherries,,
apples, pears, etc. ;. on indian corn in the milk, and on the insects which infest decaying trees.
The eggs are white, with reddish spofs at the larger end. It occurs at Columbia river, and
ranges from Mexico to the 50th parallel of north latitude. From the observations of Mr. Giraud,.
it is less common now in the Atlantic district of this State than formerly.
[Fauna — Part 2.J 24

186 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE HAIRY WOODPECKER.

PlCUS VILLOSUS.
PLATE XV. FIG. 32 (Male).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Picus villosus, L1NN.EUS, Syst. Nat. p. 175. Hairy Woodpecker, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 273.

P. id. Sabine, Franklin's Journey. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 46. Aububon, fol. pi. 416.

P. (Dendrocopus) id. Rich. &. Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 305. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 162. Peabodt,

Mass. Rep. p. 337. Aodubon, B. of A. Vol.4, p. 244, pi. 262; and canadensis, Id.

Vol.4, p. 235, pi. 258.
P. villosus et canadensis. GlRAUD, Birds of Long island, pp. 174, 176.

Characteristics. Varied with black and white ; beneath white. Back with long slender
loose feathers. Two external tail-feathers white. A red occipital band.
Female, no red occipital band. Length, 8^ inches.

Description. Bill as long as the head, straight : upper mandible with a carina on each
side. Tarsus short, feathered above. Claws acute, channelled, dilated on their edges. First
quill shortest ; fourth and fifth longest. Tail moderate, concave, wedge-shaped ; the middle
feathers pointed.

Color. Above black, varied with white ; the wings spotted with white, and representing
interrupted bands : along the back, the white predominates. Frontlet with bristly cream-
colored feathers, intermixed with black ones, and covering the nostrils. Front of the head,
eye-stripe and a triangular stripe on the sides of the neck, black. Occiput with a scarlet
band. Outer tail-feathers black at their bases, rufous or reddish white towards their tips ;
the two outer being nearly wholly white. Female, more tinged with brown, and without the
red patch on the head ; somewhat smaller.

Length, 8'0. Alar spread, 15* 0,

The Hairy Woodpecker is a constant resident in this State during the whole year. The
eggs are white, unspotted. It feeds on insects and their larva?, which infest trees. Its range
extends from Texas to the 63d parallel of north latitude.

Audubon has figured the male of a species which he names canadensis, and which appears to
differ only from the above in being larger, with the fourth toe slightly longer, and the bill pro-
portionally stouter. He himself admits that " it differs in no appreciable degree either in
form or color from P. villosus, which it also resembles in the texture of its plumage, and in
the relative proportion of the quills and tail-feathers."

PASSERES — PICIDjE — PICUS. 187

THE DOWNY WOODPECKER.

PlCUS PUP.ESCENS.
PLATE XVI. FIG. 35.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Picus pubescent. LiNNvEirs, Syst. Nat. p. 175. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 274. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol.
1, p. 153, pi. 9, fig. 4. Vieillot, Ois. de l'Am. Vol. 2, p. 65, pi. 121 (male). Bonaparte,
Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 46. Audubon, fol. pi. 112. Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 576.

P. (Dtndrocopus) id. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 307. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 179. Peabody,
Mass. Rep. p. 337. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 4, p. 249, pi. 263 ; gairdneri 7 Id. p. 252.

P. ( Dendrocopus ) pubescensi Bonaparte, Geographical and Comp. List, p. 39.

P. id. Giraud, Birds of Long Island, p. 177.

Characteristics. Resembles the preceding. Six white bars on the wings. Three outer
tail-feathers on each side white. A narrow red occipital band, which
in the female is white. Length, 6-7 inches.

Description. Third and fourth quills longest, subequal. Tail wedge-shaped, of ten
tapering pointed feathers.

Color. Above black, varied with white. Summit of the head, eye-stripe, and below
the cheeks black. A band over the eye, and one beneath, white. Wings brownish, with
square white spots on the outer vanes, and round ones on the inner ones, and also on the tips,
which form six narrow transverse bars. Dull white beneath. Female, brownish white
beneath ; occipital band white.

Length, 6-5-7-0.

This species, which is a resident in this State during the whole year, is better known under
the name of Sapsucker, from a common belief that it sucks the sap of trees. In looking at a
fruit tree, for instance, we may frequently see a series of holes completely and regularly
encircling the trunk, and which are made by this species. The popular belief is, that the
bird makes these holes to suck out the sap ; and one ornithologist at least (Dr. Kirtland)
countenances this belief. All other naturalists assert that it is only in search of insects ; and
the structure of its tongue, which is barbed at the tip, like all the other species, strengthens
this opinion. It has been suggested that these holes are made in order to attract insects to
the overflowing sap, and thus to ensure their capture. It may, however, occasionally, by its
regular systematic attack on a tree, perform an operation analogous to girdling, and thus
incidentally be injurious. Its food consists of insects and their larvae, and fruits, such as
grapes and berries, especially those of the poke-weed. Eggs white immaculate. It ranges
from Texas to the 58th parallel of north latitude.

Mr. Audubon has described, under the name of gairdneri, a bird scarcely to be .distin-
guished from this species, except that the fourth toe is somewhat longer, the bill stouter, and
the fifth quill longest.

24*

188 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE YELLOW-BELLIED WOODPECKER.

PlCUS VARITJ8.
PLATE XVIII. FIG. 38.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Piciu varius. Linnaeus, Syst. Nat. p. 176. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 275. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1,
p. 147, pi. 9, fig. 2 (male). Vieillot, Ois. de l'Am. Vol. 2, p. 63, pi. 118 (adult male) ; pi. 119
(young). Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 45. Id. Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 75, figs. 1 and 2 (young).
Auddbon, fol. pi. 190. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 574.

P. (Dendrocopus) id. Rich. & Swaikson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 309. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 179, Peabody,
Mass. Rep. p. 336. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 4, p. 263, pi. 267.

Characteristics. Crown and front of the throat crimson. Breast and belly greenish yellow.
Throat and upper part of the back black. Female : Throat and hind
head whitish. Young: White band on the wings ; head brown, barred
with black. Length, 8j inches.

Description. An oblique carina on each side of the upper mandible. First quill very
short ; second and third longest. Tail wedge-shaped, concave, with ten acute feathers,
scarcely 0*9 longer than the tips of the closed wings.

Color. A light stripe over the eye, bounded above with black. The red on the throat
bounded with black, which unites below in a large crescent-shaped black patch with purplish
reflexions. Above black, varied with greenish white. Scapulars black, tinged with green.
Quills black. Tail-feathers margined with reddish white ; the two central feathers white on
a part of their inner webs, with two black spots like bars. Female, resembles the male in
its red head and other particulars. Chin and throat white, bounded with black. Black spots
on both vanes of the central tail-feathers. Young male (August 10): Breast varied with
brown and black. Head brown, streaked with black. One or two small red feathers
diluted on the head. Young female of the second year : Breast black ; crown purple, with
a few reddish feathers.

Length, 8-0-8-5. Alar spread, 14-0-15-0.

This species comes to us from the South in the spring, and remains in this State during
the summer, where it breeds, and then migrates southwardly in the autumn. Eggs white
unspotted. Food, insects, worms and berries. It ranges from Mexico to the 61st parallel,
and is a permanent resident near the Atlantic from Maryland south. In the interior, it is not
a resident so far north.

PASSERES PICIDiE PICUS. 189

THE RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER.

PlCUS CAROLINBS.

PLATE XVII. FIG. 37.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Picus carolinus. LiNNins, Syst. Nat. p. 174. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 272. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. I,
p. 113, pi. 7, fig. 2 (male). Audcbon, folio, pi. 415. Bonaparte, Ann. Lyo. N. Y. Vol,
2, p. 45, Nuttall, Man. Ornith. Vol. 1, p. 572. Peabody, Birds of Mass. p. 336, AuD.
B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 269, pi. 270.

Centurus id. Swainson & Bonaparte.

Characteristics. Above barred with black and white. Cheeks and parts beneath pale buff.
Head and neck above red. Belly tinged with red. Female, smaller ;
head in front not red. Length, 8-9 inches.

Description. Bill nearly straight : a keel on each side of the upper mandible, near the
summit. Tarsus feathered in front half way down. Claws sharp, curved, laterally grooved.
Tail 1 * 3 longer than the tips of the closed wings.

Color. Rump and tail-coverts white, barred with black. Both vanes of the middle tail-
feathers white, and barred with black on the inner vanes ; the next three black, slightly tipped
with white ; the outer tipped or barred with white. Female, ash grey on the anterior part of
the summit of the head, and the lower parts less tinged with red.

Length, 8-5-10-0.

This beautiful species also comes to us from the South in the spring, and advances as far
north as Canada. It is not at present very abundant in this State. Dr. Emmons observed it
breeding in Massachusetts ; and although I have not observed it myself, there can be no doubt
but that it also breeds in this State. Its incubation and food as in the preceding. It leaves
us in the autumn, and is a constant resident from Carolina south. It is thought to have
gradually become less abundant in this and the adjacent States. Ranges from Texas to
Canada.

190 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

THE ARCTIC WOODPECKER.

PlCUS ARCTICUS.
PLATE XVII. FIG. 36 (Male).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Picus tridaclylus. BonapAete, Annals Lyceum N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 46. Id. Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 64, pi. 14, fig. 2.

Audubon, fol. pi. 132. Nuttall, Manual Ornith. Vol. 1, p. 578.
P. (Aptemus) arcticus. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 313, pi. 57. Aoddbor, B. of Am. Vol. 4, p. 266,

pi. 268.
Apternus arcticus. Bonapaete, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 39. -

Characteristics. Three-toed. Crown yellow. A white band from the mandible passes
under the eye. Outer tail-feathers white and rufous. Female, without
yellow crown. Length, 10 i inches.

Description. Bill nearly as long as the head, straight, pointed, and much depressed.
Tarsus scutellate before and behind. Tail graduated, of twelve decurved feathers ; the outer
very small and rounded. First primary longer than the seventh. Feathers of the head silky.

Color. Chin, throat and front of the breast white ; behind this, barred with black. Crown
yellow, verging to orange. Outer quills with seven rows of white spots. Two middle tail-
feathers black ; the two outer barred with white and black ; the others black, white and cream
colored. Female, without the yellow crown ; the white behind the eye conspicuous.

Length, 10"5. Alar spread, 16*0.

This northern bird is a rare species in the Atlantic district of the State, although it has
been seen in Pennsylvania. I noticed numbers of them in the mountainous forests of Ha-
milton and Herkimer counties in June, and they have been seen at Niagara. The eggs are
pure white. They feed on the tree-boring insects. It doubtless breeds in this State, which
appears to be its extreme southern range. This with the following have been arranged under
the genus Apternus, principally characterized by its three toes and depressed bill. For a
long time it had been confounded with the P. tridaclylus, or Arctic Woodpecker of Europe.
Until very recently, too, it has been confounded with the following arctic species. Geogra-
phical range from New- York to the Arctic regions.

PAjSSERES — V1CWM — PICUS. 191

THE BANDED WOODPECKER.

PlCUS HIRSUTUS.

Picus hirmtus. Vieillot, Ois. de l'Am. Vol. 2, p. 68, pi. 124 (adult male).

P. tridaciylus. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 311, pi. 56 (young). Audubon, fol. pi. 417. Id. B. of
Am, Vol 4, p. 268, pi. 269.

Characteristics. Three-toed. Crown yellow : back barred, black and white ; tufts of
yellowish hairs over the nostrils. Female : crown black, spotted with
white. Length, 9 inches.

Description. Very closely allied to the preceding in its markings. Beside the characters
noted in the specific phrase, I may notice that the tarsus is feathered in front, and a tuft of
stiff hairs project forward from the base and angles of the mandibles.

Color. Crown yellow, spotted with white. Throat and beneath white, barred with black
on the flanks. Four middle tail-feathers black ; outer feathers white. Female, smaller ;
head black, with white spots.

Length, 9"0. Alar spread, 15*0.

This is a rare northern species, which I have not yet detected in this State. I think I have
seen it in Mr. Ward's collection ; but he as well as myself supposed it to be the young of
the foregoing species. It was obtained in the northern part of the Slate. Audubon de-
scribes it from a specimen in the collection of the Zoological Society, London. It ranges from
the Lakes northwardly to the Arctic circle.

192 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDSv

THE CLAPE, OR GOLDEN-WINGED WOODPECKER.

PlCUS AURATUS.

PLATE XV. FIG. 33.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Picu* aurafus. Linn^us, Syst. Nat. p. 174. Pennant, Arot. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 270. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol:
1, p. 45, pi. 3, fig. 1. Vieillot, Ois. de l'Am. pi. 100. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol.
- 2, p. 44. Audubon, fol. pi. 37. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 5C1.

Colaptes id. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 314. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 162. Peabody, Mass.
Rep. p. 333. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 282, pi. 273. -

Colaptes auratus. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 40.

Picus id., Golden-winged Woodpecker. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 181.

Characteristics. Brown, barred with black : a black crescent on the breast: a red occipi-
tal band : shafts of the wings and tail yellow. Female, no black streak
on the chin. Young, without the black crescent. Length, 12-13,
inches.

Description. Bill compressed, carinate, smooth and curved. First quill very small ;
third and fourth longest Tail-feathers ten, broad and acute, extending 2*1 beyond the tips-
of the closed wings.

Color. Head and neck bluish grey : a transverse red band across the back part of the neck.
Upper paTts brown, spotted with black. A black streak on each side of the cinnamon-
colored neck, and a black lunated spot on the breast. Belly white, spotted with black. Under
side of the wings salmon-colored ; of the tail, saffron-yellow : the tips black ; in some, bor-
dered with dull whitish. Rump white ; tail above black. Female, the black lunate spot on
the breast smaller, and the lateral streaks on the throat wanting.

Length, 12-0- 13 «0. Alar extent, 17-0-19-0.

This species, from the extreme beauty of its plumage, has attracted general attention, and
received many popular names in different districts. It is called High-hole, Yucker, Flicker,
Wake-up, and Pigeon Woodpecker, and usually Clape in this State. This last I suppose to
be some provincial word, introduced by the early English colonists. In Louisiana, Pique-
boisjaune. Its food, incubation and habits as in the preceding. It is a southern species,
residing in the Southern States during the whole year, and ranging across the whole conti-
nent between the parallels of 25° and 63° north latitude. In this State, it often remains until
the winter has fairly set in, and a few remain during the year. Although occasionally feed-
ing on indian corn, it is, like all its congeners, of great benefit to man.

PASSERES — PICIDjE — PICUS. 193

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

* Crested.

P. imperialis, Gould. (Not figured.) Shining greenish black. Crest scarlet : a triangular spot on
the back ; secondaries and inner webs of primaries white ; bristles of the nostrils black. Length,
two feet ; the largest of the genus. Rocky mountains, California.

P. principalis. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 214, pi. 256.) Violet-black. Crest red and black ; secon-
daries, rump and a stripe on each side white ; nasal bristles white. Female : crest Hack. Length,
21 inches. From North Carolina southwardly.

P. lineatus. (Id. lb. p. 233, not figured.) Head scarlet: a crimson patch on the chin ; throat yellowish
white; a white band from the nostrils down the neck; breast black. Beneath whitish, barred with
black. Length, 15 inches. Columbia river.

** Not Crested.
P. ruber. (Id. lb. pi. 266.) Entire head, neck and breast carmine red ; beneath yellow. Wings

dusky, with a white patch. Length, 9 inches. Columbia river.
P. harrisi. (Id. lb. p. 261. Giraud, Texas.) Head, eye-stripe and all above black : a red occipital

band: a white stripe above and beneath the eye; quills barred and tipped with black; beneath

brownish white. Female : no red occipital band. Length, 9 inches. Columbia river and Texas.
P. querulus. (Id. lb. p. 254, pi. 264.) Black, barred above with white: sides of the head white,

with a short red line above it ; outer tail-feathers white spotted with black. Female, no red line on

the head. Length, 8£ inches. From New-Jersey southwardly. Allied to carolinus.
P. auduboni. {Id. lb. p. 259, pi. 265.) Head and eye-stripe black, with a yellow patch on the

crown: four middle tail-feathers black: quills spotted with white; beneath white. Allied to pube-

scens. Length, 7 inches. Louisiana.
P. martini. (Id. lb. pi. 260.) Barred above with white and black. Frontlet, back of the head and

eye-stripe black. Crown red : a line above the eye, one beneath meeting on the hind head, and

all the lower parts dusky white. Length, 9 inches. Canada.
P. torquatus. (Id. lb. p. 280, pi. 272.) Greenish black. Front, cheeks and belly bright vermilion;

collar round the neck and breast white. Female : throat and breast greyish white, with dusky

sagittate spots. Length, 11 inches. Columbia river.
P. mexicanus. (Id. lb. pi. 274. Giraud, Texas.) Brown above, barred with black; under side of

wings and tail, and shafts of the quills red ; hind part of the back white : a red patch at the angles

of the mouth. Female, no red patch. Allied to auratus. Length, I3£ inches. Texas and

Columbia river.
P. medianus. (Nut. Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 601.) Varied with black and white: crown black; hind

head red, and both spotted with white ; second quill much longer than the seventh. Female : head

wholly black. Confounded with pubescens, with which it may prove identical. Middle Stales.
P. ayresi. (Add. B. of A VoL 7, p. 348, pi. 494.) A red dash from the base of the bill down

each side of the throat, and a similar transverse band on the hind neck. Allied to auratus. Length,

12-5. Upper Missouri.

[Fauna — Part 2.] 25

194 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

FAMILY CUCULIDJS.

Bill long or moderate, slightly curved at the tip. Tongue short, simple, lacerated at the tip.
Feet short or moderate. Tarsus with broad scutellce. Toes long and slender ; the fore
toes entirely cleft ; outer hind toe versatile. Tail cuneate or wedge-shaped, of from 8 to
10 feathers.

GENUS COCCYZUS. Vieillot.

Bill rather long, compressed, with a ridge, and slightly bent from the base. Nostrils basal,
oval, half covered by a naked membrane. Tarsus much longer than the middle toe.
Wings short, somewhat rounded : first quill short ; second, third and fourth longest. Tail
very long, cuneate or graduated, of ten feathers.

THE YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO.

s CoCCYZTJS AMERICANUS.

PLATE XIV. FIG. 30.
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Cuculw amerkamis. Liknjeus, Syst. Nat. p. 170. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 2C5.

C. carolintnsis. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 13, pi. 28, fig. 1.

Coccyzus americanus, Vieii.lot. Bonapaete, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 42. Audubon, folio pi. 2. Nut. Man. Orn,

Vol. 1. p. 551. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 102. Peabody, Mass. Rep. p. 332. AuD.

B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 293, pi. 275.
EryOirophrysid. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p, 40. \

Ceccyzus id. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 182.

Characteristics. Greyish brown above ; beneath white. Lower mandible yellow. Inner
vanes of the quills yellow. Length, 12 inches.

Description. Bill long, arched, acute. Second quill longest ; the first shorter than the
fourth. Nostrils linear, elliptical. Tail 5*3 long, graduated, 2' 5 longer than the tips of
the closed wings : the two outer feathers scarcely half the length of the central pair.

Color. With the exception of the first two quills, the others are reddish cinnamon on their
inner vanes. The lower mandible yellow, dusky at the tip. Two central feathers of the tail
similar in color to the back, but darker towards their tips ; the others dusky, tipped with
white. Irides hazel : eyelids yellowish or dusky. Female, larger ; the four central tail-
feathers unspotted.

Length, 11 "5 -12 "5. Alar spread, 15-5- 16*0.

This is not a very common bird, but it is found during the -summer in every part of this
State. It is a constant resident in the Southern States, and appears with us in the early part

PASSERES — CUCULID.E — COCCYZUS. 195

of May, when it breeds, and leaves us in the autumn. The eggs are bluish green and un-
spotted. It is called Cuckoo, Rain Crow, and Cow-bird. It feeds on hairy caterpillars and
large beetles ; also on berries, grapes and occasionally the eggs of other birds. Mr. Giraud
has noticed its own peculiar nest, and thinks it does not resemble in its habits its European
congener. It ranges from Mexico to Labrador, and to the River Columbia along the shores
of the Pacific. It is accidental in Europe.

THE BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO.

COCCYZUS ERYTHROPHTHALMUS.
PLATE XIV. FIG. 31. ,

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Cuculus erythrophthalmus. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 16, pi. 28, fig. 2.

Coccyzus id. Vieillot. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, pp. 42 and 437. Audubon, fol. pi. 32.

C. domiiiicus. Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 556. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 162. Peabody, Mass. Rep. p. 333.

Erythrophrys id. Sw. Bonaparte, Geog. List, p. 40. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 4, p. 330, pi. 276.

Black-billed Cuckoo. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 183.

Characteristics. Upper mandible brownish black; lower bluish. Beneath dusky white.
A naked red space round the eye. Length, 12 inches.

Description. Bill scarcely as robust as in the preceding, but similar in shape. Tail 5*5
long, extending 3 ' 6 beyond the tips of the closed wings. The third primary longest.

Color, as in the preceding species. The central tail-feathers of the same color with the
back ; the terminal white spots narrow, bordered with dusky. A crimson red bare space
around the eye. Under side of the wings soiled drab, with a tinge of the same on the chin
and lower tail-coverts. Female, with obsolete dusky bars on the tail, only visible in certain
lights.

Length, 11-5-12-5. Alar extent, 15-0-16-0.

This species, which is often confounded with the preceding, appears in this State from the
South about the same time, or somewhat later. It appears to prefer swamps, the borders of
rivers and salt-ponds ; living upon minute shellfish and animals, in addition to fruit, berries,
etc. It ranges from Texas to Labrador, and appears to be a resident from Florida south-
wardly. It breeds in this State, and leaves us in the autumn.

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

C. seniculus. (Aud. B. of Am. Vol. 4, p. 303, pi. 277.) Light greenish brown ; beneath dark
brownish orange. Lower mandible yellowish at the base. Tail-feathers tipped with white.
Length, 12 inches. Florida Keys.

25*

196 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

FAMILY COLVMBIDM.

Claws robust, short, rather blunt. Hind toe present, and articulated nearly on the same
plane with the others. Tarsi short, without spurs. Tail of twelve feathers. Bill mode-
rate, compressed, straight, deflected at the tip. Upper mandible covered at the base with
a soft membrane, in which the nostrils are pierced. Toes entirely divided.

GENUS ECTOPISTES. Swainson.

Bill rather slender. Wings long and pointed ; the two first quills subequal, longest. Lateral
toes unequal; the inner one longest. Tail long, wedge-shaped and pointed, of 12 or 14
feathers.

THE WILD PIGEON.

ECTOPISTES MIGRATORIA.
PLATE LXXIV. FIG. 167.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Columba migratoria. LinN-^us, Syst. Nat. p. 285; canadensis, p. 284 (female). Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol;
2, p. 322, pi. 14, No. 187. Wilson, Am. Om. Vol. 5, p. 102, pi. 44, fig. 1. Audubon,
fol. pi. 62. Dewitt Clinton, Med. aad Phil. Reg. Vol. 2, p. 210. Nuttall, Man.
Orn. Vol. 1, p. 628.

Ectoptstes id. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 362. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 164. Peabody, Mass.
Rep. p. 351.

E. migratoria. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 41. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 5, p. 25, pi. 285.

E. id., Wandering Long-tailed Dove. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 184.

Characteristics. Bluish grey. Throat, breast and sides vinaceous. Tail of twelve feathers:
the two middle ones black ; the others whitish. Female, colors more
dull ; breast ash brown. Young, dull grey spotted with whitish.
Length, 16 to 18 inches.

Description. Tail long, extending three and occasionally four inches beyond the tips of
the closed wings.

Color. Bill black. Iris bright red. Head and sides of the neck bluish, with metallic
reflexions. Above greyish blue. Throat, breast and sides brownish red or vinaceous.
Wings and two central tail-feathers blackish ; the former edged with rufous. A few black
spots on the upper wing-coverts. Lateral tail-feathers blue at the base, and white towards
the tips. Feet red ; claws black.

Length, 16-0-18-0. Alar spread, 23 • 0 - 25 ■ 0.

PASSERES COLUMBIOE ECTOPISTES. 197

The Wild Pigeon, as it is universally called in this country, breeds in this State, where it
is found at all seasons of the year. In certain years they make their appearance in almost
incredible numbers, literally darkening the air, and breaking down trees with their weight.
Their appearance and disappearance is at very irregular and uncertain intervals, and although
in a great measure connected with a search for food, does not always seem to depend upon
that cause. Thus in February, 1742,* when the Hudson was frozen solid at New-York, and
the snow a foot deep, flocks of these birds appeared in greater numbers than were ever before
known. Large flocks were also observed about Albany, and in the northern parts of the
State, during the winter of 1819. Mr. Clark of Albany succeeded in raising the Wild
Pigeon in confinement; and from his successful experiments, we learn that it lays two eggs,
and sets fifteen days. In eight days after being hatched, they are completely feathered, and
fly from the nests. They have three or four broods between May and September. The
same success has attended the experiments of Lord Stanley in England, upon a number
sent out to him from this country. It is very desirable to domesticate this very prolific
species, although its extremely erratic disposition will probably render this difficult. Its food
consists of beech-nuts, acorns, berries, rice, seeds, etc. It ranges throughout North America,
from 25° to 62° north latitude.

THE CAROLINA TURTLE DOVE.

ECTOPISTES CAROLINENSIS.
PLATE LXX1V. FIG. 166.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Columba carolinensis. Linnjeus, Syst. Nat. p. 286. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 326, pi. 14. Wilson,
Am. Oro. Vol. 5, p. 91, pi. 43, fig. 1. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. Vol. 2, p.
119. Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 626. Audobon, fol. pi. 17.
F.ctopisles id. Swains. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 164, Peabody, Mass. Eep. p. 350. Aoddbon, B. of Am.
Vol. 5, p. 36, pi. 286. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 186.

Characteristics. Forehead and breast light reddish : a black spot under each ear,. Tail of
fourteen feathers ; four of the lateral ones black near the extremities,
white at the tip. Length, 12 inches.

Description. Bill with a tumid fleshy covering. Nostrils medial, elongated. Upper
mandible feeby declinate at the tip. Tail with the two middle feathers extending three
inches beyond the tips of the wings.

Color. Iris hazel. Crown and upper part of the head bright greenish blue ; sides of the
neck with green and golden metallic reflexions. Above brownish drab. Wing-coverts sparsely

* See " Remarks on the Columba migratoria, or Passenger Pigeon ;" in a letter to John W. Francis, M. D., from Dewitt
Clinton, Esq. (Medical and Philosophical lie gister, New-York, Vol, 2, p. 210.)

198 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

spotted with black. All the tail-feathers, except the central pair, have a spot of black about
an inch from their extremities ; the intermediate space to the tips varying from white to
greenish white. Flanks and beneath the wings blue. Female, colors not so brilliant ; head
colored similar to the back.

Length, 11 '5 -120. Alar spread, 16'5-17-0.

This beautiful Dove is found in this State from April to September, and breeds here, laying
two white eggs. It breeds freely in confinement. The nest is either on the ground, or on
some low tree. Feeds on fruits, berries and grain. A constant resident from Pennsylvania
southwardly. Ranges from Mexico to Massachusetts, and along the Pacific to Columbia
river.

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

Genus Columba, Linnmus. Tail short, even, of twelve feathers.

C. livia. The Common Pigeon. Introduced and domesticated. Bluish ash. Sides of the neck glossed

with greenish reflexions. Rump white ; tip of the tail black. Many varieties.
C.fasciata. (Bonap. Am. Orn. Vol. 1, pi. 8.) Purplish grey. Bill yellow; black at the tip. A

white band behind the head. Tail with a broad blackish bar near the middle. Length, 16 inches.

Rocky mountains.
C. leucocephala. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 4, pi. 280.) Slate blue. Crown cream-white. Tail even.

Length, 141 inches. Florida Keys.
C. zenaida. (Id. lb. Vol. 5, pi. 281.) Brownish-ash above; beneath light rufous: an amethystine

spot under each ear. Tail with a black band ; lateral tail-feathers tipped with whitish. Length,

111 inches. Florida Keys.
C. montana. (Aud. lb. Vol. 5, pi. 282.) Brownish red. Forehead, and a band running behind the

eye, light reddish brown : a broad white band from the lower mandible, beneath the eye. Length,

12 inches. Florida Keys.
C- passerina. (Id. lb. Vol. 5, pi. 283.) Scapulars with dark spots. Tail rounded; lateral tail-feathers

black, tipped with white. Bill black at the tip, and with the feet yellow. The smallest American

species. Length, 6-7 inches. From North-Carolina southward,
C. cyanocephala. (Id. lb. Vol. 5, pi. 284) Chocolate-color. Upper part of the head bright blue,

encircled by a band of deep black. Sides spotted with bright blue. Length, 12 inches. Florida

Keys.
C. trudeaui. (Id. lb. Vol. 7, p. 352, pi. 496.) Shoulders, back and two middle tail-feathers olive

brown: a large patch of white on the wings ; ablack spot on the sides of the neck. Length, 10*5.

Texas.

GALLINiE — PHASIANID^E — MELEAGRIS. . 199

- ORDER III. GALLING.

Bill short, hard and convex. Upper mandible vaulted, curved from the base or
only at the point. Nostrils lateral, half covered by an arched rigid membrane,
Feet stout. Tibia entirely feathered. Toes usually three before, and gene-
rally one behind, which scarcely touches the ground, sometimes wanting.
Nails without any retractile motion. Tail of from ten to eighteen feathers,
very rarely wanting.

FAMILY PHASIANIDJE.

Hind toe present, elevated above the others. Tarsi generally armed with spurs. Tail of
more than twelve feathers. Head more or less naked. Bill short and thick.

GENUS MELEAGRIS. Linnaeus.

Bill short and thick ; its base covered with a naked membrane, which, on the summit of
the head, is elongated into a fleshy erectile conic hairy appendage. Head and neck naked;
throat with a pendulous caruriculated wattle. Tarsi (of the male) armed with spurs. Tail
broad, expansile, with from fourteen to eighteen feathers.

THE WILD TURKEY.
Meleagris gallopavo.

PLATE LXXVI. FIG. 172 (Male).

Meleagris gallopavo. Linnaeus, Syst. Nat. p. 268. Penkast, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 291.

M. americanus. Bartram, p. 290.

M. gallopavo. Temminck, Pig. et Gall. Vol. 2, p. 374, and Vol. 3, p. 677. Bonaparte, Am. Orn. Vol. I, p. 79,

pi. 9; Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 123. Audubon, fol. pi. 1 and 6. Nuttall, Man. Orn.

Vol. 1, p. 630. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 164. Peabody, Mass. Rep. p. 352. Audubon,

B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 42, pi. 287, and 288.

Characteristics. Blackish, with metallic coppery reflexions. Quills dusky, banded with
white. Tail of eighteen feathers, rust-colored, with dark narrow bars,
and with a broad black band near the tip. Female and young, dusky
brownish, with few metallic tints. Length, 31-4 feet.

200 . NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

Description. Nostrils oblique, linear. A pendulous tuft of hairs on the breast. Tail
rather long and rounded.

Color. Above varying from deep black to yellowish brown, with a metallic lustre ; the
lower part of the back and tail-coverts deep chesnut, banded with greenish and black. Belly
and thighs brownish grey. Legs reddish or flesh-colored. Female, smaller, and the plumage
more dull ; the tuft on the breast only apparent in old birds. Young, brownish yellow above,
varied with dusky ; clay-colored beneath.

Length, 42-0-50-0. Alar spread, 60 • 0 - 70 • 0.

The Wild Turkey is a species peculiar to North America. It was sent to Europe about
twenty years after the discovery of this country. Here the domesticated and the wild are
frequently mingled together, and produce a highly prized variety, scarcely inferior to the
Wild Turkey in the metallic brilliancy of its tints. In its wild state, the Turkeyjeeds on
beech-nuts, acorns, berries and grass, and likewise on beetles and tadpoles. It lays from
ten to twelve eggs. The Wild Turkey may be said to be a resident from Mexico to Canada,
making irregular migrations from one place to another in search of food. It has, however,
almost entirely disappeared from the Atlantic States. A few are yet found about Mount Holy-
oke in Massachusetts, and in Sussex county in New-Jersey. I have not met with them in this
State, where they were once exceedingly numerous, but as I am well informed, are now only
found in the counties of Sullivan, Rockland, Orange, Allegany and Cattaraugus. Van der
Donck,* who describes this State as it appeared at its first settlement by Europeans, states,
that " the most important fowl of the country is the Wild Turkey. They resemble the tame
Turkey of the Netherlands. These birds are common in the woods all over the country, and
are found in large flocks, from twenty to forty in a flock. They are large, heavy, fat and fine,
weighing from twenty to thirty pounds each, and I have heard of one that weighed thirty-two
pounds. They are best in the fall of the year, when the Indians will sell a turkey for ten
stivers, and with the Christians the price is a daelder each. They are caught with dogs in
the snow, but the greatest number are shot at night from the trees. The Indians take many
in snares when the weather changes in winter. Then they lay bulbous roots, which the tur-
kies are fond of, in the small rills and streams of water, which the birds take up ; when they
are ensnared and held, until the artful Indian takes the turkey as his prize."

♦Description of the New Netherlands. Amsterdam, 1656. (TV. Y. HisL Soc. Collections, Vol. 1, new series.)

GALLINJ2 — PHASIANIOE — PAVO. 201

* INTRODUCED AND DOMESTICATED.

Genus Pavo, Linnmus. Bill naked at the base, thick, convex above, deflected at the tip. Cheeks par-
tially naked. Head ornamented with a crest. Tarsi of the male spurred. Tail of eighteen
feathers. Upper tail-coverts longer than the tail, broad, expansile, ocellated.
P. cristatus. The Common Peacock. Crest on the head compressed, of twenty-four feathers. General
color above brillant blue, glossed with green and gold. Length, three to four feet.

The Peacock is a native of India, where it is still found in its wild state. It breeds readily
throughout this country.

Genus Ncmida, Linnmus. Bill thick, covered at the base with a warty membrane, in which the
nostrils are placed. Head naked; the crown with a bony protuberance. Beneath the cheeks,
pendulous carunculated wattles. Tarsi without spurs. Anterior toes uitfted by a membrane
as far as the first joint. Tail short, bent down, of fourteen or sixteen feathers.
N. meleagris. The Guinea-fowl. Head and upper part of the neck naked, with a bluish skin. Plu-
mage bluish grey, sprinkled with rounded white spots. Length, 20 inches.

The Guinea-hen is originally from Africa, and has long been introduced into Europe and
America. It is prolific and noisy, easily reared with us, and much esteemed as an article of food.

Genus Galltjs, Brisson. Bill smooth at the base, thick, slightly curved. Nostrils covered by an
arched scale. Generally an erect fleshy crest on the head. Throat with fleshy wattles on
each side of the lower mandible. Ears naked. Tarsi with strong spurs. Anterior toes
united by a membrane as far as the first joint. Tail of fourteen feathers, compressed, arched,
ascending.
G. domeslicus. The Common Cock. Caruncle on the head usually compressed, denticulated. Throat
with two pendulous wattles. Feathers of the neck linear and elongated.

Known in a state of domestication from the earliest times. The original stock very uncertain,
but supposed to have been derived from a species (G. bankiva) still existing in a wild state in the
island of Java. Numerous distinct varieties produced by domestication. No unreclaimed species
of the genus known on the continent of America.

[Fauna — Part 2. J 26

202 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

FAMILY TETRAONIDJE.

Hind toe short and weak ; sometimes altogether wanting. Tarsi occasionally with tubercles
representing spurs. Tail short, rounded, of more than twelve feathers.

GENUS ORTYX. Stephens.

Bill short, thick, higher than wide : upper mandible curved from the base. No naked skin
round the eye* Tarsi without spur or tubercle. Tail short and rounded, of twelve or
more feathers, longer than the coverts. Some species with crests.

THE AMERICAN QUAIL.
Ortyx virginiana.

PLATE LXXV. FIG. 168 (Male). FIG. 169 (Female).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Tetrao virginianus. LINN.2EUS, Syst. Nat. p. 277 (female) j marilandicus, Id. (male).

Maryland Partridge. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 318.

Perdix virginianus. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 6, p. 21, pi. 47, fig. 2 (male).

P. borealis. Vieillot, Nout. Diet. Ortyx id. Stephens.

P. (Ortyx) virginiana. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 124.

Ortyx virginiana. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 5. p. 59, pi. 289 (male female and young).

O. id., Common American Partridge. Gikaud, Birds of Long island, p. 187.

Characteristics. Without distinct crest. Reddish brown, varied with black and white.
Throat white, bordered with black. Female and young : Throat and
stripe over the eye buff. Length, 9' 5 - 10*0.

Description. Bill short and robust. Nostrils concealed under the feathers. Body short
and bulky. Feathers of the head somewhat erectile, but not forming a distinct crest.

Color. Upper part of the body and head reddish brown ; sides striped longitudinally with
reddish and greyish, or reddish brown and light ash-color ; beneath white streaked with red-
dish, and transversely barred with the same. Eye-stripe, light clay-color or white, often
descending down the sides of the neck, bordered above and below with black. Throat white
margined with black. Lower tail-coverts reddish brown, spotted with white, and marked

GALLINJ3 — TETRAONID^E — ORTYX. 203

with black sagittate spots. Quills dusky, margined externally with blue : secondaries barred
with light red. Tail bluish grey, sprinkled with yellowish and black. Female : Eye-stripe
not distinct ; throat and sides of the head clay-yellow, not bordered with black ; lower side
of the neck white, spotted with black.

Length, 9-5-10-0.

The Common American Quail, or Partridge, as it is indifferently called in various sec-
tions of the country, occurs in every part of the State, where it breeds, and is a constant
resident. Their flight is rapid, but short, and they usually occur in large bevies. The nest
is on the ground, and contains from eight to eighteen pure white eggs, and they raise a single
brood in a season. Their food consists of grains, seeds and berries. Various attempts have
been made to domesticate them, but hitherto with but limited success, owing to their restless
and timorous habits. In the spring, the male has a loud whistle of two or three notes, which
is thought by the country people to resemble the words Buck Wheat, and Bob White. It is
eagerly sought after as a game bird, and is caught in great numbers by traps, horsehair
nooses, nets and other devices. When flushed, they frequently take to trees ; but they com-
monly roost on the ground, in a circle with their heads outwards.

The Common Quail ranges from Honduras to Massachusetts.

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

O. californica. (Lath. Ind. Orn. Supp. p. 62. Aud. Vol. 5, pi. 290.) Head with a tuft of six elon-
gated feathers. Back and wings greyish brown. Beneath, throat black, margined by a white
band descending from the eyes. Breast bluish grey ; beneath reddish. Female : Crest smaller ;
throat and cheeks brownish white. Length, 9 inches. California.

O. plumifera, Gould. (Aud. B. of Am. Vol. 5, p. 69, pi. 291.) Crest of two long black linear-
lanceolate feathers. Head, neck and breast greyish blue. Throat bright chesnut, margined by a
black line on the sides. Beneath and flanks reddish, varied with white and black. Bill black :
feet yellow. Length, 10 -0 - 1 1 -0. Columbia river.

O. neozenus, Vigors. (Aud. lb. p. 71, pi. 292.) Crest short, straight, and of about six lengthened
black feathers. Back and tail greyish brown, with transverse dusky bars. Beneath dark brown,
with numerous rounded white spots. Sides of the head and neck reddish. Length, 7-5. Cali-
fornia.

26*

204 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

GENUS TETRAO. Linnaeus.

Bill short, robust, feathered at the base, and covering the nostrils. Wings short and round.
A bare colored space on each side of the neck, usually concealed by the feathers. A bare
red membrane over the eyes, more especially in the males. Head occasionally with a
slight crest. Legs partially or wholly feathered.

THE COMMON PARTRIDGE, OR RUFFED GROUSE.
Tetrao umbellus.

r-LATE LXXVIf. FIG. 174.

Tetrao umbellus. Linn.eus, Syst. Wilson, Am. Ornithology, Vol.6, p. 45, pi. 49 (male).
T. (Bonasia) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Nat. History, Vol. 2, p. 120.
Ruffed Grouse. Nuttall, Manual of U. S. Ornith. Vol. 1, p. 657,
Id., Partridge Pheasant. Audubon, Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 211, and Vol. 5, p. 560.

Ruffed Grouse. Rich. & Swainson, Fauna Bor. Am. Vol. 2, p. 342. Audubpn, Birds of America, Vol. 5, p.
73, pi. 293. Gikaud, Birds of Long island, p. 191.

Characteristics. With a slight crest, most evident in the males. Mottled with reddish
and dusky brown. Lower portion of the tarsus and toes naked. Tail
elongated, rounded, with a black subterminal band. Sides of the neck
with a ruff of blackish feathers. Length, 18 "0.

Description. Body bulky. Tarsi naked at the lower portion, and without spurs. Tail
long, broad and rounded. Toes pectinated on the sides. The crest formed of two tufts of
broad feathers. On each side of the neck, a tuft of black feathers concealing a large naked
space.

Color. Head and neck varied with yellowish red and dull white. Back chesnut ; the
feathers with a white spot margined with black, and this again with reddish : all sprinkled
with black. Eye-stripe yellowish white. Throat and upper part of the breast yellowish
grey. Beneath yellowish white, alternately barred with black and greyish. Quills brown ;
their outer webs pale reddish, spotted with brown. Tail bright reddish brown, with nume-
rous undulating bars of black and reddish : a subterminal broad black band, margined with
greyish ; tip bluish white, sprinkled with black. The thighs and part of the legs covered
with a brownish white hairy down. Female, with the ruff and crest, but less developed than
in the male, and the colors are less bright.

The Pheasant, or Partridge, by which latter name it is generally known in this State, is
a constant resident with us. It breeds in every part of the State. It makes an exceedingly
inartificial nest of dried leaves, usually by the side of a decayed log or the root of a tree, in

GALLINjE TETRAONIDiE — TETRAO. 205

which it lays from six to twelve eggs of a dull brownish color. Its flight is rapid, but short,
and, when suddenly aroused, with a loud whirring noise, such as we have observed in the
Quail. It feeds on seeds and berries of various kinds, grapes, and other fruits. Their meat
is occasionally poisonous, which has been attributed to their feeding on the leaves of the
Kalmia. In the winter, they feed on the buds of various trees.

The American Partridge has a wide geographical range. It ranges along the coast from
Mexico to the 56th parallel of latitude, and extends across the continent to the Pacific ocean.

THE GROUSE, OR PINNATED GROUSE.

Tetrao cupido.

plate lxxvh. fig. 175.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

T'.trao cupido. Linn.*us, Syst. Nut. Vol. I, p. 274. Wilson, Am. Ornith. Vol. 3, p. 104, pi. 27, fig. 1 (male).

Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Nat. History, Vol. 2, p. 127.
T. id.. Pinnated Grouse. Nuttall, Manual Ornith. of U. S. Vol. I, p. C62.
T. id. Acdubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 5, p. 93, pi. 29G (male and female). Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 127.

Characteristics. Subcrested, varied with bars of black and brown. Tail not banded.
Feet feathered to the toes. Sides of the neck with a tuft of elongated
feathers ; the skin beneath naked. Female, without this tuft. Length,
18-0.

Description. Body robust. Head with its feathers somewhat elongated, and forming at
pleasure a slight erectile crest. A warty bare space over the eyes. Tail short and rounded.
Fourth quill longest.

Color. Above blackish brown, with numerous undulating bands of light reddish. Wing-
coverts and secondaries lighter brown, and barred with reddish. Quills brownish, with the
shafts black. Head with the bare space over the eyes bright scarlet, and the bare space on
the sides of the neck orange. Throat and sides of the head cream-color. A dark longitudinal
stripe under the eye. The long cervical feathers varied with reddish and white above ;
beneath dark brown or black. Tail dark greyish brown, marked transversely with pale
reddish brown, slightly tipped with greyish. Female, smaller, and without the crest, cervical
feathers, and naked space beneath.

Length, 16-0-18-0.

This species is known under the various names of Grouse, Pinnated Grouse, Heath-hen*
and Prairie-hen, in different sections of the country. In this State, they are now almost

* Various legislative enactments have been made for its preservation, hut without success. One of the acts of the Colonial
Legislature is said to have had this ludicrous title : " An Act for the preservation of the Heathen (Heath-hen) in this Colony."

206 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

entirely extirpated. The specimen figured in the plate, was one which I had obtained from
Long island in 1840, and which was probably the last of his race in that district. It is still
found in a few districts of the Atlantic States, in a few of the islands on the coast of Massa-
chusetts, and the mountainous regions of Pennsylvania. They are also said to have been
seen recently at Schooley's mountain in New-Jersey, and a few are still said to linger about
Orange county in this State. They are so readily killed, that they soon disappear as the
country becomes settled. The female builds her nest on the ground, depositing from eight
to twelve eggs of a dull brown color, upon which she sets eighteen or nineteen days. The
Grouse is easily tamed, and, with a little care, might soon be domesticated. It feeds on
buds and berries. Its geographical range is from Texas to Maine, and it is common through
the regions west of the Mississippi.

THE SPRUCE GROUSE.

Teteao canadensis,
plate lxxvi. fig. 173.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Tetrao canadensis. Linkius, Syst. Nat. Vol. 1, p. 274. Pehnant, Arct. Zool. 182 sp. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye,

N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 127. Id. Am. Orn. Vol. 3, pi. 20.
T. id. etfranklini. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, pp. 346, 348.
T. id., Spotted Grouse. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 667.
T. id., Spotted or Canada Grouse. Aodubon, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 83, pi. 294.

Characteristics. Subcrested. Darkish, spotted with white. Tail slightly rounded, with
the tips brownish red, or a broad terminal band. Throat and breast
deep black. Female, duller ; the throat and breast rufous, barred with
black. Length, 15*0.

Description. Feet short, and feathered to the toes, which are pectinate : middle toe
longest. Third quill longest ; the first very short. The crest formed by a number of rather
elongated feathers.

Color. Above brownish black, barred with blackish ; the membrane above the eyes scarlet.
Quills and larger coverts blackish brown. Tail-coverts blackish, sprinkled with black and
spotted with white ; feathers of the tail dusky, and with a reddish terminal band. Throat and
breast black, irregularly spotted with white. Belly and sides blackish, mottled with rufous
and whitish. Female, smaller, with the colors not so bright ; the scarlet membrane over the
eyes smaller ; the head, neck and breast reddish, broadly barred with black. There is much
variety in the markings, scarcely any two resembling each other.

Length, 15-0- 15- 5.

GALLING — TETRAONID.E — LAGOPUS. 207

The Spruce or Spotted Grouse, or Canada Grouse, or Spruce Partridge as it is called in
this State, is yet common in the northern counties. In June, I saw them in Hamilton county,
among the sources of the Raquet. They appear to be particularly attached to the forests of
spruce and larch, feeding on the buds and cones with great avidity. Although by appearance
and habits associated with game birds, the flesh is bitter, "and has a peculiar taste as if boiled
in turpentine. It lays from twelve to fourteen fawn-colored eggs, with irregular blotches of
brown. In the United States, it ranges through Maine, New-Hampshire, Vermont, the
northern part of this State, and on the Rocky mountains. Its northwardly range extends to
the 67th parallel of latitude.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

T. obscurus, Say. (Aud. B. of A Vol. 5, p. 89, pi. 295.) Slightly crested. Black; a scarlet space
over the eyes : throat greyish. Tail black, with a broad terminal greyish band. Female : greyish
brown, barred with yellowish brown ; throat greyish, undulated with brown. Length, 19*0 -22-0.
Rocky mountains, Columbia river.

T. phasianellus, Gm., Bonap. (Aud. Vol. 5, p. Ill, pi. 298.) Reddish brown, barred with black
above ; beneath lighter, with arrow-shaped marks. Tail much graduated. Tarsi feathered. Length,
17*0. Missouri, Rocky mountains.

T. urophasianus, Bonap. (Aud. Vol. 5, p. 106, pi. 297.) Reddish brown above, varied and barred
with black : narrow white band across the neck, and sides of the neck white. Tail of 20 narrow
and acutely pointed feathers. Tarsi feathered. Length, 22*0 -32-0. La Platte, California.

Genus Lagopus, Viei'lot. Tarsus and toes feathered. Tail nearly even or slightly rounded, of more

than twelve feathers, usually eighteen.
L. albus, Ptarmigan. (Aud B. of Am. Vol. 5, p. 114, pi. 299.) White. Summer, rufous, with

numerous zigzag black bars beneath ; wings and feet pure white. Tail brownish black, tipped

with white. Length, 16*0- 17-0. Maine, Rocky mountains.
L. mutus et americanus. (Aud. lb. pi. 300 ) White, spotted sparingly on the head and sides of the

neck with reddish. Tail and shafts of the quills black. Length, 14 -0. Europe and Boreal

America.
L. rupestris, Swains. (Aud. lb- p. 122, pi. 301.) In winter, white. Summer, reddish chesnut barred

with black; beneath lighter, but barred with brownish black and reddish. Length, 13*5. Rocky

mountains, Labrador northwardly, Northern Europe.
L. leucurus, Swains. (Aud. lb. 126, pi. 302.) Winter, white. Summer, dark brown barred with

chesnut, and undulated with fine black lines. Wings legs and tail white. Toes partially naked.

Length, 12*0. Rocky mountains.

208 NEW-YORK FAUNA EIRDS.

ORDER IV. GRALLE.

Bill various, but mostly straight and elongated, cylindrical or compressed, rarely
flattened. Neck usually long. Legs and feet long and slender; the former
more or less naked above the knees. Toes usually three before and one
behind ; the posterior toe on a level with or more elevated than the rest.
Tail short, of from ten to twenty feathers.

FAMILY CKARADRIDM.

Bill short or moderate, compressed. Neck moderate. Eyes large. Feet rather short : nails
small. Toes three or four ; when the hind toe is present, it is very short, and articulated
above the others. Wings moderate or long. Tail moderate.

GENUS CHARADRIUS. Linnaeus.

Bill shorter than the head, rather slender, straight, cylindrical, depressed at the base, some-
what turgid at the tip. Head and eyes large. Feet three-toed, connected at the base by
a membrane : naked part of the tarsus moderate. Wings long. Tail more or less rounded,
of twelve feathers.

AMERICAN RING PLOVER.

CHARADRIUS SEMIPALMATUS.
PLATE LXXIX. FIG. 179.
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Tringa Ualicula. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 65, pi. 59, fig. 3 (adult in spring).

C. semipalmntus. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 296. Id. Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 92, pi. 25, fig. 4 (young).

C. id. Semipalmated Ring Plover. Ncttall, Man. Orn. Vol.2, p. 24.

C. id. Richardson, F. B A. Vol. 2, p. 367. Auduboic, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 218, pi. 320.

Egialites id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 45,

C.id. Giraod, Birds of Long island, p. 215.

Characteristics. Toes connected at the base by a membrane. Brownish ash above. Front,
collar, and beneath white : frontlet and ring over the breast black. Bill
and feet orange ; the former black at tip. Sincipital band and auri-
culars black. Length, 7-5.

GRALL2E — CHARADRIDiE — CHARADRIUS. 209

Description. Bill moderate, depressed near the base ; nasal groove nearly half the length
of the bill. Tarsus with hexagonal scales. Middle toe longest ; the web includes two joints
of the outer and one of the inner toe : the first quill longest.

Color. A narrow white stripe in front of the head above the frontlet, and broadly margined
above with black. Color of the frontlet continued beneath the eyes, and on the ear-feathers.
The black collar over the base of the neck dilates on the sides, and becomes contracted be-
hind. Upper part of the head and back dull olive ; beneath white. Quills dark brown ; the
shafts white above for about a third of their length : secondary coverts broadly tipped with
white. Tail brown, darker towards the end, and tipped with white ; the outer feathers white
nearly through their entire length. Legs dusky orange or flesh-color. Female : band on the
head, and ring on the neck, brown. Young : wing-coverts and scapulars edged with dusky
white.

Length, 7 • 0 - 8 • 0. Alar extent, 14*0.

The Ring Plover, or Ring-neck as it is commonly called in this State, arrives here about
the beginning of May, and, after a sojourn of a few weeks, continues on its way to the north
to breed. It breeds in Labrador, and is found as far as 70° north latitude. It lays four dull
yellowish eggs with irregular spots and blotches of brown. It feeds on seeds, but chiefly on
the smaller aquatic animals, and in the autumn is considered a delicate article of food. They
usually reappear along our coast in August ; and in October and November, they return to
the south as far as the 24th parallel. It is a constant resident from Carolina southwardly
during the winter. It has for a long time been confounded with the C. hiaticula of Europe,
with which it is nearly allied.

[Fauna — Part 2. j 27

210 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

THE PIPING PLOVER.

Charadrius melodus.

s • PLATE LXXVUI. FIG. 177 (Youno>.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Charadrius hialicula. Wilson, Am Orn. Vol. 5, p. 30, pi. 37, fig. 3 (adult in spring).

C. melodus. Ord, Supplement to Wilson's Orn. p. 212. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Nat. History, Vol.2, p. 296.

Id. American Ornithology, Vol. 4, p. 74, pi. 24, fig. 3 (summer dress),
C id., Piping Ringed Plover. Nuttall, Manual Ornith. Vol.2, p. 18.
C. id. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 5, p. 223, pi. 321 (male and female). Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 217.

Characteristics. Light ash above, obscurely barred with brown. Frontlet and beneath
white. A black band on the front : a narrow black ring on the neck, not
continued in front. Inner toe cleft to the base. Bill yellow. Young,
no black marks on the head or breast ; bill black. Length, 7*0.

Description. Bill straight, short, subcylindrical. Inner toe shorter than the outer, and
cleft to the base ; a short membrane between the outer and the middle toe.

Color. Bill orange towards the base, black at tip. Feet dusky yellow. Above light ash
brown. A black band on the forehead, above the while frontlet. A black ring across the
back of the neck, scarcely continued in front ; above this ring, on the back of the neck, is a
white ring. Frontlet, neck and all beneath white. Female, with the black markings of a
dusky brown : no white on the back of the neck. Young (shot August 10) : Frontlet, line
over the eye, neck and all beneath white ; tertials obscurely barred with dusky ; axillary
feathers white tinged with brown. Quills blackish tipped with white, and spotted with white
on their inner webs and shafts, becoming larger towards the smaller ones. Tail blackish,
tipped with white ; the two external feathers nearly all white.

Length, 6*5 -7' 5.

This species is common along the shores of this State, where it breeds. It makes a slight
excavation in the sand for its nest, depositing four cream-colored eggs, sprinkled with brownish
dots. Its food similar to that of the preceding.

The Piping Plover or Beach-flea, or Beach-bird as it is sometimes called on Long island,
ranges from 24° to 53° north, breeding from New-Jersey to Nova-Scotia. It appears with
us about the last of April, and leaves during the month of October. It is a resident during
winter from South-Carolina southwardly.

GRALLJE — CHARADRIDjE — CHAR ADRIUS. 211

WILSON'S PLOVER.
Charadritjs wilsonius.

PLATE LXXVIII. FIG. 176 (Male).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Charadrius irilsonius. Ord, Supplement to Wilson's Ornith. Vol. 9, p. 242, pi. 73, fig. 5. Bonaparte, Ann.

Lye. Nat. Hist. Vol. 2, p. 206.
C. id., Wilson's Plover. Nuttall, Manual Ornith. Vol. 2, p. 21.
C id. Audubon, Birds of America, Vol. 5, p. 214, pi. 319 (m. & f.).
JEgialites id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 45.
C. id., Wilson's Plover. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 216.

Characteristics. Front, neck and all beneath white : frontlet, and a broad belt round the
breast black. Bill large and black. Female : Belt round the neck,
dusky brown. Length, 7*5.

Description. Bill as long as the head, stout, straight, somewhat swollen at the end, nearly
an inch long ; the posterior part of the turgid portion of the upper mandible compressed into
a carina. The two outer toes connected by a membrane. Tail broad, slightly rounded, of
twelve feathers, and extending beyond the tips of the closed wings.

Color. Above ash-colored. Forehead white ; lores and anterior part of the crown black
or dusky brown. A broad black collar on the front of the breast, passing into light fern>
ginous on the back part of the neck. Ear-feathers light brownish drab. Tail greyish ; the
two outer feathers nearly all white.

Length, 7-0-8-0.

This southern species is rare on our coast, which appears to form the limit of its northern
migration. It has often been confounded with the preceding, from which it may readily be
distinguished by its long black bill. Its eggs cream-color, with dots and spots of light brown.
It ranges from the 24th to the 42d degree of north latitude. According to Mr. Linsley, it
occurs on the coast of Connecticut. It breeds from Texas to New- York, and is a winter
resident in the Southern States.

27#

212 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE KILLDEER, OR KILLDEER PLOVER.

Charadrius vociferus.

PLATE LXXIX. FIG. 181 (Female.)
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Charadrius vocifertis. Lltssxvs, feyst. Nat. 12 ed. p. 253.

Noisy Plover. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 484.

C. id., Kildeer. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 73, pi. 59, fig. 6. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 297.

C. id., KOdeer Plover. Ndttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 22,

C. id. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2. p. 368.

Egialiles id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 45. ,

C. id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 207, pi. 317 (male and fomale). Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 218.

Characteristics. Brownish olive. Rump orange. Front, collar and all beneath white : a
broad ring on the neck, and a belt on the breast, black. Tail pointed.

Description. Bill shorter than the head, straight, turgid towards the tip ; lower mandi-
ble shortest. Tertials and fourth quill subequal. Legs bare for some distance above the joint :
outer toe connected with the inner by a web. Tail graduated ; its feathers lacerated at the
tips.

Color. Head, back, wing-coverts and secondaries brownish olive. Quills brownish black.
Frontlet brownish, and passing back under the eye : front white ; eyelids scarlet. Rump
and tail-coverts tawny orange. Two broad bands across the lower part of the neck and the
breast, separated by a white interval. Tail-feathers tawny orange at the base, with the ex-
ception of the middle feathers : all with a black subterminal band ; the tips white ; the outer
feather on each side white, with black spots on the inner web. Female (shot May 8) :
Frontlet white, margined above with black, and extending obscurely above and behind the
eyes. Quills, except the first, spotted with white on their outer webs towards the tip ; greater
coverts tipped with white ; the tips of the tail-feathers emarginated in a singular manner.
Rump and upper tail-coverts bright orange.

Length, IO-O-H'5. Alar extent, 20' 0 -21 "0.

The Killdeer Plover, which derives its name from a fancied resemblance of its two notes
to the word killdeer, breeds from Texas to Massachusetts, and ranges to the Rocky moun-
tains. It occurs between the 20th and 56th parallels of latitude. During summer, it keeps
in the interior ; but in winter, approaches the seashore. Tt feeds on worms, nocturnal insects
and grasshoppers, and its flesh is in little esteem. Its eggs are three or four, cream-colored,,
blotched with black. A resident in this State during the year. Q*~+^, Z^cC*, h L III I

B^H^

GRALL.E — CHARADRID.E — CHARADRIUS. 213

THE GOLDEN PLOVER.

Charadeitis virginiacus.
plate lxxvhi. fig. 178.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Golden Plover. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 483. No. 398 and 399.

C.pluvialis. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 71, pi. 59, fig. 5. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol 2, p. 297.

C. virginiacus, Borkheih. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 45.

C. marmaralus. Waoler, Syst Avium. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 203, pi. 216.

C.pluvialis. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 16. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 368.

C. marnwralus. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 213.

Characteristics. Mottled above with black and greenish yellow ; the long axillary feathers
light brown. Summer, with large patches of black beneath. Winter,
whitish beneath. Young, duller ; beneath varied with black and whitish.
Length, 10-5.

Description. Bill shorter than the head, straight, slightly curving at the tip. Tibia bare
for some distance above the joint. Outer toe connected with the middle by a web to the
second joint. First quill longest : tips of the wings extending beyond the tail, which is nearly
even, rounded. Legs extending beyond the tips of the wings.

Color. This is subject to great variations, according to the season and the moult ; but in
all a constant character may be found in the mottled greenish yellow, rufous and black upper
parts, from which results a general greenish appearance. Quills and coverts greyish brown ;
lower parts mottled with white and black. In the specimen figured, and which was shot in
May, the throat and breast ash-grey, streaked with brown ; breast barred with brown, and
the tail with a subterminal band of yellowish or dingy white : the streak over the eye almost
obsolete.

Length, 10- 5- 11-0.

This bird has for a long time been confounded with the pluvialis of Europe, with which
it is closely allied, but is smaller, and has the long axillary feathers dull brown instead of
pure white. It ranges from 23° to 75° north, and breeds in the Arctic regions and islands of
the Arctic sea. It appears in this State, in a straggling manner, in the latter part of April ;
and after a stay of a few weeks, passes on to the north to breed. Eggs are said to be pale
olive, marked with blackish spots. After breeding, they return rapidly through this State in
the early part of September, and are then to be seen in large flocks on the open plains of
Long island, in search of grasshoppers and other insect food. As they appear in the greatest
numbers after a sharp frost, they are popularly known under the name of Frost-bird. They
are frequently also called Greenbacks. At that period it is a watchful and timid bird, and
hence is usually shot from wagons by sportsmen. In the course of a week or two, they
disappear, and pass the winter south of the United States.

214 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

C. montanus. (Towns. Tr. Ac. Sc. Vol. 7, p. 192. Atjd. Vol. 5, pi. 318.) Female, dull yellowish
above ; forehead, band over the eye, fore part of the neck and all beneath white ; bill black ; top
of the head and nape dark yellowish brown. Tail even, yellowish brown tipped with yellowish
white. Male, unknown. Length, 8-5. Rocky mountains.

GENUS SQUATAROLA Cuvier.
Habits and general appearance of the preceding. Feet four-toed ; hind toe very^smalL

THE WHISTLING PLOVER.

Squatarola helvetica.

PLATE LXXIX. FIG. 180 (Spring plumage).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Trtnga helvetica. LihNjEUs, Syst. Nat., p. 250.

Charadrius apricarius. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 73, pi. 59, fig. 4.

Vanellus helveticus. Ord's reprint of Wilson, Vol.9, p. 42. Squatarola, Cuvier.

C (Squatarola) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 298.

Vanellus melanogaster. Temminck, Vol. 2, p. 547. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 370. Nuttall, Man. Orn.

Vol. 2, p. 26.
Charadrius helveticus. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 5, p. 199, pi. 315. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 211.

Characteristics. Mottled. Bill long. Summer, mottled with black and white ; beneath
black. Winter, mottled with black and yellow ; beneath whitish.
Young and moulting, varied with black and whitish, often dull white
spotted with brown. Length, 1 1 • 5.

Description. Bill longer than the head, straight, stout, 1 • 5 long. Wings scarcely ex-
tending beyond the tail, which is slightly rounded. A rudimentary web between the toes.
Hind toe with a minute nail.

Color, varies much with the season. In summer, forehead dull white ; head greyish
white ; bill, throat, breast, and axillary feathers black. The specimen represented in the
plate was shot early in the spring, and scarcely requires further detail. A specimen labelled
" young," in the State Collection, is marked as follows : The color and arrangement of the
markings resemble those of the C. virginiacus, although somewhat lighter. Inner triangu-
lar spots on the tertials rufous. Frontlet, chin and obsolete line over the eye dull grey. Head

GRALUE — CHARADRIDiE — STREPSILAS. 215

and neck finely striate with black and greenish olive ; sides of the head and neck brown and
grey. Flanks obscurely barred with dusky : abdomen dusky. Vent and under tail-coverts
white ; tail slightly tipped with rufous. In all other respects agreeing with the adult in its
spring dress.

Length, 10-5-12-0. Alar extent, 23-0.

The large Whistling Plover, or Bull and Beetle-head Plover as it is called in its autumnal
dress, appears with us from the south in May, ranging from 26° to 70° north. It breeds
from Pennsylvania northwardly. It lays four cream-colored eggs, spotted and blotched with
light brown. Feeds on insects and berries. It passes through Long island in September, on
its way southwardly. It is common to Europe and America. Is closely allied to the Lap-
wing of Europe.

(EXTRA-LIMltAL.)

8. iownsendi, Aphriza? id. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 228, pi. 322.) Dark blackish grey. Rump,
upper tail-coverts, and band across the wings white ; beneath dull greyish. white: the breast some-
what darker. Male, unknown. Length, 1 1 inches. An Strepsilas ? Columbia river.

GENUS STREPSILAS. Illiger.

Bill shorter than the head, straight, in the form of an attenuated cone, flattish above, truncated
at the end. Nostrils basal, linear-oblong, half closed by a membrane. Feet moderate,
four-toed : a very small part of the tibia bare. Tarsus not longer than the middle toe,
rather robust. Toes divided to their origin ; hind toe touching the ground. Wings long
and pointed ; first quill longest. Tail moderate.

216 NEW- YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

THE TURNSTONE.

STREPSILAS INTERPRE8.
PLATE LXXX. FIG. 182.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Tringa interpret, Lis. p. 248. Hebridal Sandpiper. Pennant, Arct. Zoology, Vol. 2, p. 472.
Strepsilas id. Illigek, Prodromus Syst.
S. collaris. Temminck, Man. Vol. 2, p. 553.

Tringa interpres. Wilson, American Ornithology, Vol.7, p. 32, pi. 57, fig. 1 (adult).
Strepsilas id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. Vol. 2, p. 229.
Sea Dotterel. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 30.

Turnstone. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 371. Audobon, Birds of Am. Vol. 5, p. 231, pi. 32*. Giraud,
Birds of Long island, p. 220.

Characteristics. Upper parts varied with white, black and ferruginous. Throat, abdomen
and rump white. Bill and breast black. Young, varied with grey
and faint rufous ; breast varied with grey and dusky. Length, 9-5.

Description. Bill compressed above near the base, turgid in the middle, blunt at the tips.
Wings reaching to or beyond the tail, which is short and rounded : inner secondaries much
elongated. Through inadvertence on the part of the engraver, the hind toe has been omitted.

Color. Bill black. Feet orange red. Crown white, streaked with black. A broad band
of white crosses the forehead, passes over the eyes and down the sides of the neck ; the
black on the breast rises up on the sides of the neck, and nearly surrounds it. Back, wing-
coverts and tertiaries chesnut-brown, blotched with black. Tail white, with a broad blackish
brown bar towards the end, and tipped with white. Young, mottled above with brown and
whitish, and slightly tinged with rufous on the wing-coverts. Chin yellowish ; throat and
upper part of the breast brown, obscurely barred with whitish : base of the bill light yellow.
Winter, plumage as in the figure ; edges of the scapulars, and of some of the wing-coverts
white. Tail with a comparatively narrower band of black.

Length, 9-0-10-0.

This bird, which is generally distributed over Europe and America, arrives in this State
from the south at the commencement of April, and proceeds northwardly the last of May. It
is known among our gunners (a class of men who earn a livelihood by shooting birds) under
the names of Brant-bird, Heart-bird, Horsefoot Snipe, and Beach-bird. The young are
often designated as Beach-birds. They live on marine animals, turning over stones and
seaweed during their search. It is very fond of the eggs of the Limulus polyphemus, or
Horsefoot. Eggs pale greenish, with patches and streaks of red. It returns to our State in
September, and remains until late in the autumn. It does not appear to go far inland, but is
confined to the Atlantic coast. A few winter in the Southern States. It ranges from the
tropics to the Arctic ocean, and breeds from Maine northwardly.

GRALL.E — CHARADRID.E — ILEMATOPUS. 217

GENUS ILEMATOPUS. Lnaum

Bill long, compressed, stout, cuneate ; the tip much compressed. Nostrils basal, oblong-
linear, pervious, placed in a short furrow. Feet three-toed ; all directed forward ; the
outer and middle connected as far as the fiist joint: all the toes bordered with a narrow
membrane.

THE AMERICAN OYSTER-CATCHER.

H^EMATOPUS palliatus.

PLATE LXXX. FIG. 183.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Pied Oyster-catcher. Pennant, Arrt. Zoot. Vol. 2, p. 489.

H. ostralegus. Wilson, Am. Ornithology, Vol. 8, pi 64, fig. 2. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. Vol.

2, p. 3C0. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, pp. 12 and 15.
H. palliatus. Temmikck. Man Orn. Vol 2, p. 532.

H. id. Bonaparte, Oss. sulla seronda editione del Regno Animale, p. 94. Id. Geog. and Comp. List, p. 46.
H. id. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 5, p. 236, pi. 324. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 222.

Characteristics-. Head, neck ^ik\ throat brownish black. Back, scapularies and wings ash-
brown. TJie first three primaries of a uniform color. Length, 18-0.

Description. Bili stout, and particularly so at its deepest part. Naked portion of the
tibia, and the tarsus with hexagonal scales. Wings long and pointed ; the first quills longest.
Tail short, somewhat rounded, of twelve rounded feathers.

Color. Bill red. Feet reddish. Head, neck and throat glossy black : lower eyelids white.
Tips of the secondary coverls, outer secondaries, and breast and all beneath pure white.
Irides yellow. Base of the tail-feathers white ; beyond this, ashy brown.

Length, 17-0- 190.

The Oyster-catcher, or as it is better known among our gunners by the name of Flood
Gull, is not very common on the coast of this State. Its eggs are cream-colored, spotted
with brownish black. It feeds on oysters and other marine bivalves. The flesh is tough and
unsavory. It breeds from Texas to Labrador, and ranges from the tropics to the fifty-second
parallel.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

H. ba.chm.ani. (Abd. Birds of Am. Vol. 5, p. 243, pi. 325.) Bill and edges of the eyelids vermilion.

General color uniform brownish black. Feet whitish. Length, 17-5. Northwest Coast.
H. towusendi. (Id. ib. Vol. 5, p. 245, pi. 326 ) Uniform brownish black. Wing-coverts narrowly

edged with white. Feet red. Length, 20-0; of bill, 3*3. Northwest Coast.

[Fauna— Part 2.] 28

218 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

FAMILY GRUIDJE.

Bill strong, elongated. Neck and feet elongated. Four toes : tarsus longer than the middle
toe ; hind toe usually long, and res.ing on the ground.

GENUS GRUS. Brisson.

Bill somewhat longer than the head, straight, compressed, deeply channelled at the base of
the upper mandible on each side. Nostrils medial, placed in the groove, and closed behind
by a membrane. Head more or less bald, sometimes crested. Tibia considerably denuded.

THE AMERICAN CRANE.

GRUS AMERICANA.

Ardea americana, Lin. p. 234 (adult). A. canadensis, Id. (young).
Hooping Crane, .^nd Brown Crane. Pennant, Arcl. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 412, and p. 443.
A. americana. Wilson, Am. Ornilh. Vol 8, p. 20, pi. C4, fig. 3.

A. id. et caitadensis. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye Vol. 2, p. 303. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, pp. 372 and 373.
A. id. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 3, pp. 28 and 34. Bonaparte, Comp. List, p. 46. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol
5, p. 188, pi. 313 (aduli) ; 314 (young).

Characteristics. White. Quills and their shafts black. Crown and cheeks bald. Young,
bluish grey ; quills and their shafts brownish white. - Length, 54 '0.

Description. Neck and feet very long ; the bare portion of the tibia covered with trans-
verse series of rectangular scales. Head and cheeks naked, flesh-colored, and covered with
hairs. Second quill longest, Tail short and rounded. Color of the adult and young as in
the specific phrase.

The Large Brown or Whooping Crane has not been observed by me in this State ; but
from its geographical range, it will doubtless be obtained here. It appears not to extend
along the Atlantic coast farther than New-Jersey, although it extends its migrations north-
wardly in the interior to the 68th parallel. The eggs are said to be green, with numerous
spots of brown confluent at the larger end. Wilson long ago supposed the Brown or Canada
Crane to be the young of the great white Whooping Crane, but his views were disregarded
by many subsequent naturalists. " It is highly probable," he says, " that the species described
by naturalists as the Brown Crane {Ardea canadensis), is nothing more than the young of
the Whooping Crane. In a flock of six or eight, three or four are usually of that tawny or
reddish brown tint on the back, scapulars and wing-coverts, but are evidently yearlings of the
Whooping Crane, and differ in nothing but in that and size from the others ; they are gene-
rally five or six inches shorter, and the primaries are of a brownish cast." Dr. Bachman
has since conclusively demonstrated the indentity of the two nominal species.

GRALL^E GRUID-iE ARDEA. 219

GENUS ARDEA.

Bill much longer than the head, robust, straight. Beneath with slender elongated plumes.
Head usually with a pendant crest. Hind toe resting its whole length on the ground.

THE GREAT BLUE HERON.

Ardea herodias.
plate lxxxi. fig. 184.

Ardea herodias. LINN.EOS, Syst. Nat. 12 ed. p. 237.

Great Heron. Pennant, Arcl. Zool. Vol 2, p. 443.

A id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 28, pi. 65, fig. 2. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 304.

A.H. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 373. Nuttall, Manual Orn. Vol. 2, p. 42.

A. id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 122, pi. 369 (male). Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 276.

Characteristics. Crested. Bluish ash : thighs ferruginous ; crest black, with two long
feathers ; back with long greyish plumes. Young : crown dark slate;
no dorsal pendant feathers. Length, 50 "0.

Description. Bill seyen to eight inches long, very sharp at the points, and serrated slightly
near the tips. Tarsi nearly as long as the bill. Space between the bill and the eye, and
around the latter, bare.

Color. A white stripe from the base of the bill, passing over the crown. Sides of the
crown and hind head bluish black, and crested. Two long tapering black feathers in the
crest, six inches in length. Chin and cheeks white, but with double rows of black abbre-
viated stripes. Breast with numerous long ashen brown feathers. Thighs and edge of the
wings rust-colored. Quills bluish black. Back, wing-coverts and tail bluish.

Length, 48-0-54'0.

The Great Blue Heron appears early in the spring, on our coast, from the South, and
remains with us until the autumn. It feeds on crabs, shellfish, eels and various fish. It is
partly nocturnal in its habits, and a portion of its breast is covered with a down, which is
said to be phosphorescent. Its use is supposed to be to attract fishes by night. It lays two
to three dull bluish white eggs unspotted. It ranges from 25° to 50° north, but is more
usually restricted to 42°. It prefers the vicinity of the sea. It is a resident from South-
Carolina southwardly. It is with us a common species, and breeds in this State.

28*

220 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE GREAT WHITE HERON.

Ardea leuce.
plate lxxxi. fig. 186.

threat While Heron. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. -145i.

ArdtaegjeUa. Wilson, Am Om. Vol.7, p. 106, pi 61, fig. 4.

A Imce, Illioer. A. alba, Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. i\. Y. Vol. ?, p. 304.

A.egrtlta. I30NAPAK1E. Am. Om. Vol.4, p 97. Nuttai.l, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p 47.

A. id. Audubon, 13. of A. Vol. 0, p. 132, pi. 370. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 288.

Characteristics. Snowy white. Bill yellow ; legs black : no crest. Long pendant plumes
on the back, extending over the tail. Young, without the pendant
plumes. Length, 40*0.

Description. Characters sufficiently detailed in the specific phrase. The general snowy
whiteness is frequently found to have a tinge of yellow. The highly prized dorsal train dis-
appears after incubation, and, according to Mr. Audubon, reappears in all its graceful length
in the spring.

Length, 400-4S-0. Alar extent, 60 >0.

This showy species inhabits from the equator to 43° north ; this State being its northern
boundary. Jt breeds in the adjoining State of New- Jersey, and may probably do so in this
State. They reach us about the middle of May, and leave for the south early in the autumn.
Their food consists of frogs, salamanders, mice, moles, snakes, etc. Eggs two or three,
pale blue. It has hitherto been confounded with the A. alba of Europe, to which it ia
closely allied.

GRALLiE — GRUID.E AKDEA. 221

THE WHITE-CRESTED HERON.

Ardea candidissima.

plate lxxxii. fig. 187.

(CABINET OP THE LYCEUM.)

Ardea candidissimn, Gmei.ik. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7.. p. 120. pi 02, fig. 4 (adult)'

A. id. Honaparte, Annul* L\ceum N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 3C5. Nuttall, Manual Orniih. Vol. 2, p. 49.

A. id., Snowy Heron, Audubon, II. of A. Vol. G, p. 1GJ, pi. 374. Gikaud, Uirds of Long island, p. 293.

Characteristics. Crested. Snowy white. Bill and legs black ; toes yellow. Young,
slightly crested, and without the dorsal train. Length, 24 '0.

Description. Bill straight, tapering, 4#3 long. The feathers on the head form a loose
crest, 40 long : a similar tuft on the breast. The adult has a dorsal train of long silky re-
curved plumes, scarcely reaching beyond the tail, which is very short and slightly rounded,
of twelve feathers.

Color. The bare space on the side of the head, and edges of the eye-lids, yellow. Ge-
neral plumage of a snowy whiteness; but in the specimen examined, a slight tinge of yellowish
at the origin of the dorsal train, and on the feathers of the thighs.

Length, 22-0- 26-0. Alar extent, 360-380.

This southern species extends its migrations as far east as Massachusetts, and is certainly
known to breed in New-Jersey, if not in this State. It is often seen on our coast, where it
is familiarly known as the White Poke. It feeds on fish, crabs, salamanders, and the seeds
of aquatic plants. Eggs pale bluish green. It appears on this coast in May, and leaves us
in September. It is a constant resident from Florida southwardly, and its geographical range
is comprised between the tropics and the 43d parallel of latitude.

222 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE BLUE HERON.

Ardea cerulea.

Ardea cerulea, Linnjeus Slue Crane. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol.7, p. 117, pi. 62, fig. 3 (adult).

A. id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 300.

Egretla id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 47.

A. cerulea. Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 58. Addubon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 148, pi. 372.

A. id. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 282.

Characteristics. Crested. Slate -blue. Head and neck brownish blue: feathers of the

back and neck slender and elongated. Young, whitish varied with

greyish blue. Length, 24 '0.

ft

Description. Bill robust, slightly decurved above, 4-0 long. Lower half of the tibia
bare : claw of the hind toe largest. The feathers on the back long, and extending 4-0
beyond the tail. Feathers of the hind head long and slender, increasing in length behind.
Tail short and even.

Color. Bill bluish at the base, becoming black towards the tip. Legs and toes black.
General color of the plumage blue. Head and neck purplish blue ; the anterior portion of
the neck with a longitudinal bluish line.

Length, 20-0-25'0.

This is a southern species, inhabiting the Antilles, and extending to the equator. It is a
rare visiter to our coast, but according to Mr. Linsley, has been observed in Connecticut.
It frequents marshes, feeding on fishes. Eggs three or four, bluish green. It breeds from
New-Jersey southwardly, and is a resident from Florida towards the tropics.

GRALLE — GRUIDJE — ARDEA. 223

THE LOUISIANA HERON.
Ardea ltjdoviciana.

Ardca ludoviciana. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8. p. 13, pi. 64, fig 1. A. leucogaster, Ord's reprint.

A. id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 305 ; Obs. on Wilson's Orn.

A. id. Niittall, Man, Orn. Vol. 2, p. 51. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 156, pi. 372.

A. id. GiraL'D, Birds of Long Hand, p. 281.

Characteristics. Crested. Slate-blue : back, rump and beneath white : breast and back
with long purplish feathers ; throat white. Young, greyish mixed with
bluish. Length, 27" 0.

Description. Bill strait,, compressed, tapering, 3#5 long. Nostrils basal, linear. Tibia
bare for half its length. Tarsus compressed, as long or longer than the bill : hind toe shortest.
Tail short, small, slightly rounded. Feathers of the head elongated, as are those of the
back part of the neck, but not to so great a degree. A large mass of elongated feathers on
the breast or lower part of the neck. Feathers of the fore part of the back thread-like, elon-
gated, and extending far beyond the tail.

Color. Bill yellow at base, blackish at the tips : bare space before and around the eye
yellow. Feet light yellowish green. General color above blue. Crest blue ; the long fea-
thers on the back of the head white. The dorsal feathers.blue, but becoming dull yellowish
white towards the tips. Throat white : a broad longitudinal band of bluish, dark reddish
brown and white, occupies the whole fore part of the neck, and is lost in the white of all the
under parts.

Length, 26-0-27«0.

This is so rare a species, that it may be considered as an accidental visiter. Mr. Giraud
obtained one from Suffolk county, about six years since, and I have heard of none other
having been obtained since that period. It is even rare in New-Jersey. It is a southern
species, extending to the tropics. Breeds in Florida and Texas, where it is a constant
resident.

224 NEW-YORK FAUNA MUDS.

THE GREEN HERON.
Ardea virescens.
rlate lxxx1i. fic. 188.

Ardea virrscens, LlNNiEUS, p. 238. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 97, pi 61, fig. 1.

Greta Heron. Pennant, Arct. Znol. Vol 2, p. 417.

A. (Botawus) id. Bonaparte. Ann. Lye. N. V. Vol 2, p. 307.

Oreeii Heron. NuTTAbL, Man. Oin. Vol. 2, p. C3. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 105, pi. 307. GlRAUD, Bird*

of Long island, p. 284.

Characteristics. Crested. Crown and wing-coverts glossy green : neck and breast bright
rufous ; chin and throat whitish, striped or spotted with deep brown :
tapering pointed feathers on the back. Young, less brilliant, and want-
ing the elongated dorsal feathers. Length, 17" 5.

Description. Bill nearly straight, pointed, compressed and gently curved. Upper man-
dible slightly notched near the tip. Nostrils basal, linear. Tibia moderately denuded above
the joint. The naked space from the bill to the eyes, passes behind the eyes. Feathers of
the hind head erectile, long and loosely webbed ; those of the back long and pointed. Sca-
pulars very large : second quill longest.

Color. B;ll black above ; yellowish beneath : both mandibles tinged with yellow at the
base. Legs and feet greenish yellow. The crest near the frontlet, greenish glossy black.
Wing-coverts and tertials green, bordered with brownish or grey. Dorsal feathers hoary
green, with while shafts. Quills blue-black, lighter on their outer webs. Flanks and abdo-
men chesnut or ashy brown. Hind part of the body deep green.

Length, 17-0- 18* 0. Alar extent, 25 '0.

The Poke, Chalk-line, Fly-up-the-creek, or Schyte Poke as he was called by our Dutch
progenitors, is a southern species, arriving in this Slate about the middle of April, and leaving
us in October. It breeds in this Slate. Eggs bluish green. It prefers marshy situations,
feeding on the smaller reptiles and fishes. It is common throughout the State, and, from
some curious notions respecting its habits, is held in general contempt. Its geographical
range extends from Mexico to the forty-fourth parallel. This species is arranged by Bonaparte
under the genus Herodias of Boie,

GRALLiE — GRUIDjE — ARDEA. 225

THE SMALL BITTERN.

Ardea exilis.

plate lxxxhi. fig. 190.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Ardea exilis, Gmelin. Little Heron, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 453 (cxc. syn.) Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8,

p. 37, pi. 05, fig. 4.
A. (Ardeola) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 308.

Ardeola id. Bonapaete, Geog. anJ Comp. List, p. 43. Auddbon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 100, pi. 366. GlRAUD,
Birds of Long island, p. 287.

Characteristics. Subcrested. Chesnut ; beneath whitish. Neck, above and sides rufous.
Crown, quills and tail black. Length, 1 1 ■ 0.

Description. Bill compressed, pointed, very slightly arched towards the tip, 2-5 long.
Body much compressed. Naked space on the tibia, very small. Tarsus with broad oblique
scutellas, robust, shorter than the middle toe and its claw. Edges of the mandibles minutely
serrate ; the serratures directed backwards : tip of the upper mandible slightly notched.
Feathers of the neck and breast long, and loosely webbed.

Color. Female : Bill dusky black above, yellow on the sides and beneath. Feet yellowish
green. Lores yellowish. Crown reddish brown, tinged with greenish, and bounded on each
side with rufous : back of the neck light rufous. Back deep reddish brown. Tail purplish
black ; primaries tipped with rufous. Throat white, with a central brown line. Neck and
beneath white, shaded with cream and dark brown narrow streaks along the shafts. Male :
Upper part of the head, with the back, glossy dark green ; sides of the head and hind part of
the neck brownish red. Throat, neck and beneath reddish white. Breast black, tipped with
rufous.

Length, 10-0- 12-0.

This small Bittern is a southern species, appearing in New- York about the beginning of
May, and is found throughout the State, where it breeds. Eggs yellowish green, unspotted.
It prefers marshes and the borders of streams. It extends its migrations from Mexico to the
45th parallel, and is a permanent resident in Florida.

[Fauna — Part 2.] 29

226 !"" NEW- YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

THE AMERICAN BITTERN.

Ardea minor.

plate lxxxih. fig. 189.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Bittern. PennAnt, Arrt. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 451.

A. minor. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p 35, pi 05, fig. 3.

A. (Botaurus) minor. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 307.

Botaurus id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 43.

A. lentiginosa. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 374, Sabine, Frank. Journey. Not. Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 60.

A. id. Audobon, B. of A. Vol. 0, p. 94, pi. 305. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 285.

Characteristics. Subcrcsted. Rusty yellowish, mottled and sprinkled with deep brown :
throat white, streaked with brownish. Crown, a line on each side of
the neck, and primaries black or blue-black. Length, 27" 0.

Description. Bill longer than the head, straight beneath, moderately arched above, stout,
pointed, 4"0 in length, serrated on both mandibles, and on the upper notched near the tip.
Tibia bare for nearly an inch above the joint. Hind nail robust, much incurved, 1 * 2 long.
Middle toe and its claw longer than the tarsus. Feathers on the back of the head and neck
loose and elongated. Tail small, rounded, and of ten feathers.

Color, of a male killed near the city, April 15 : Chin and throat white, with a few light
brown streaks. From the base of the lower mandible proceeds downwards a narrow rusty
brown streak, becoming broad and black, and turning upwards on the back part of the neck,
where it is lost. On the neck, breast and abdomen, the feathers are mottled reddish grey in
the centre, margined with dusky, and the external parts light cream-yellow. Often the web
of one side is entirely light cream, and the other web marked as above. Legs olive-green.
Vent and under tail-coverts reddish white. Above minutely mottled with grey, brown and
black-brown. In certain lights, a greenish metallic lustre is evident on the back, tertiaries
and tail.

Length, 26-0-28-0.

The American Bittern, also familiarly known under the names of Poke, Indian Hen, In-
dian Pullet, Look-up, Stake-driver, and in Louisiana Garde-soleil, is a southern species,
migrating northwardly in the spring, and retreating to the south in autumn. It appears along
our maritime borders in April, and leaves us in October. It breeds in this State, laying
three or four pale bluish eggs. It is a sly and solitary bird, preferring the depths of swamps
and marshes, and feeding on meadow mice, aquatic reptiles, fishes, and the larger winged
insects. It has latterly been supposed identical with a specimen described and figured by
Montagu in his Ornithological Dictionary, Suppl. verbo : " Heron freckled," the A. lenti-
ginosa, which is accidental in Europe. Our species ranges between the thirty-eighth and
fifty-eighth parallels.

GRALLiE GRUID.E — ARDEA. 227

THE BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON.

Ardea discors.
plate lxxxi. fig. 185.

Night Heron. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 450.

A. nyclicorax. Wilson, Am Om. Vol. 7, p. 101, pi. 51, figs. 2, 3. s

A. (Botaurus) nyclicorax. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 306.

A. discors. INuttall, Man. Om. Vol. 2, p. 54.

Nyclicorax americanus. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 43.

A. nyclicorax. Aodcbon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 82, pi. 36.1 Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 279.

Nyclicorax gardenii. Jaedine, Am. Ornithology, Ed. Arijilio-. Vol. 3, p. 5.

Characteristics. Crested. Whitish : crown and back greenish black ; rump, wings and
tail light drab : at the nuptial season, three long white occipital feathers.
Young, brown streaked with whitish ; beneath lighter streaked with
grey. Length, 26 "5.

Description. Bill stout, straight, slightly compressed, scarcely longer than the head, 4" 5
long : upper mandible curved towards the tip, where it is strongly notched. Occipital fea-
thers, when present, cylindrical, incurved, from eight to ten inches long, and so closely con-
nected as often to appear like a single feather ; the other feathers of the head and breast long,
loose and silky. Tail short and slightly rounded, of twelve feathers. Hind claw stout and
much curved. Tibia bare to an inch above the joint : tarsus longer than the middle toe.

Color. Bill black. Frontlet and all beneath white, with a faint tinge of dusky or yellowish
on the abdomen : ridge of the wings white. Upper part of the head, and fore part of the
back, glossy dark green. Space between the base of the bill and the eyes greenish blue.
Legs yellowish. Young : Bill greenish yellow ; above deep brown, streaked with light
rufous, and triangular white spots on the wings ; beneath dusky, streaked with white. Legs
and feet light green. The long occipital feathers wanting.

Length, 25'0-28-0.

The Black-crowned Night Heron, or Quawk, has long been confounded with the A. nycli-
corax of Europe, to which it is closely allied in form and habits. To the American species,
Mr. Jardine has applied the name of N. gardenii, and this has been transposed by subse-
quent writers to the European species. Mr. Nuttall, I think, first pointed out the distinction.

This species derives its popular name from the deep guttural cry, resembling that word in
sound. It is a southern species, ranging from Mexico to the forty-fourth parallel. It appears
with us about the beginning of April, and remains until quite late in the autumn. It breeds
in this State, laying three or four bluish green eggs. It feeds on fish, aquatic reptiles, sea
lettuce ( Viva latissima), grasshoppers and other large insects. Its flesh is generally esteemed.
It is said to undergo three annual changes of plumage, before it reaches its perfect state
for breeding. It is rarely seen except at twilight or during the night.

29*

228 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON.

Ardea violacea.

plate lxxxviii. fig. 199.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Ardea violacea. LinnjEUS, Syst. Nat. p. 238. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 448. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8,

p. 26, pi. 65, fig. 1.
Botaurus id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol 2, p. 305.

White-crowned Heron. Nuttall, Man. Ornith. Vol. 2, p. 52. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 89, pt. 364. Giraud,
Birds of Long island, p. 280.

Characteristics. Ash-colored. Crested. Crown, and oblong spot on each cheek yellowish
white. Several long white occipital feathers : back with long loosely
webbed occipital feathers. Young : Head and hind neck black, streak-
ed with white ; beneath soiled yellowish, with oblong spots of brown.
Length, 21 inches.

Description. Bill stout, straight, compressed, 3' 5 long, and 0*9 deep at the base. Upper
mandible curved gently from the base, notched near the tip ; edges serrate : nasal furrow
deep, and extending to within 1*0 of the tip. Nostrils basal, pervious. A distinct scaly
web between the outer and middle toe, and the rudiments of one between the middle and
inner toe ; hind claw large and much curved. Feathers on the crown ten to twelve, loosely
webbed; two of these are from 3-0 to 4*0 long, with their short compact webs rolled in so
much as to cause the feathers to appear cylindrical : third quill longest. Tail short, nearly
even.

Color. Dorsal feathers black in the centre, margined with white ; or otherwise the webs
become loose and silky, of a slate blue. Crown, oblong dash on the cheeks, and long
occipital feathers white, with a slight tinge of cream. In more southern specimens, where
the plumage is more fully developed, these parts are pale reddish yellow, and the dorsal fea-
thers extend beyond the tail. Primaries black. Sides of the head, cheeks, chin and upper
part of the back of the neck black. Ridge of the wing white. All beneath slate-blue. Naked
part of the tibia and tarsus yellow. Young, brown, streaked with white and rufous ; base
of the bill and feet greenish.
Length, 20-0-23-0.

This is a rare bird in this State, the specimen which furnished the drawing being the only
one that I have seen within our territorial limits. It was killed on Long island near the salt-
marshes, March, 1837. It is no where very abundant, or at least has not been often observed.
This may be partly attributed to its nocturnal habits, which it shares with the preceding
species. Mr. Audubon states that the crown assumes its yellowish tinge only during the
breeding season. Eggs bluish green. Feeds on fish, salamanders, tortoises and other aquatic
reptiles. Its geographical range is supposed to be from the equator to the forty-first parallel.
It never goes far inland.

GRALLiE — ROSTRID.E PLATALEA. 229

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

A.rufescens, Gm. ; pealii, Bonap. (Aud. Vol. 6, p. 139, pi. 371.) Crested. Head, neck and breast
purplish red : rest of the body slate-blue. Dorsal feathers elongated over the tail. Base of the
bill flesh-colored : legs blue. Young, white. Length, 30*0. Florida Keys.

A. occidentalis. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 110, pi. 368.) Crested. White: bill, lores and feet
yellow. Length, 54-0. Florida Keys.

FAMILY ROSTRIDjE.
With many of the characteristics of the preceding species. Bill robust, longer than the head, enlarged
at the tip, or knobbed, and deflected downward. Toes four ; in some, the hind, toe very small, and
articulated high up. Neck and feet long. Nostrils basal, linear. Naked space of the tibia longer
than the middle toe. Feet partially webbed.

Genus Platalea, Linmzus. Bill very long, much depressed, and spread out into a broad orbicular
form at the tip.

P. ajaja, Spoonbill. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 72, pi. 362.) Rose-red. Whole head and chin bald.
Head yellowish green. Young, white; dark chesnut when hatched. Length, 30-0. South-
Carolina, Florida.

Genus Phosnicopterus, Linneus. Bill more than double the length of the head, straight, and higher
than broad for half its length ; then suddenly Lent down, and ending in an obtuse point. Tibia
bare for more than half its length.

P. ruber, Lin. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 169, pi. 375.) Red: quills black. Young, greyish white.
Length, 45 • 0 - 50 ■ 0. Florida Keys.

FAMILY TANTALIDM.

Bill very long, robust at the base, curved downward towards the tip. Face naked. Throat dilatable.
Hind toe resting on the ground.

Obs. This family contains between twenty and thirty species, distributed over the globe. Of these,
four are found within the limits of the United States, and two only occasionally ascend as far north
as this State.

Genus Tantalus, Linnaus. Bill stout, as wide as the face at its base, compressed, curving only at

the point. Upper mandible notched, not furrowed. Nostrils not covered by a membrane.

First and second quills subequal, longest.

T. loculator, Lin. (Aud. lb. Vol. 6, p. 64, pi. 361.) White: face and head greenish blue; quills

and tail black, with colored reflections ; legs green, toes yellow. Young, dusky grey j quills and

tail brownish. Length, 44*0. North Carolina to Texas.

230 NEW- YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

GENUS IBIS. Cuvier.

Bill very long, stout at the base, slender and curved throughout its length. Upper mandible
deeply furrowed in its whole length. Nostrils basal, linear, half closed by a membrane.
Tibia bare to a large extent. Anterior toes connected by membranes at the base. Second
quill longest.

THE WHITE IBIS.

Ibis alba. ^

Tantalus alius. LiNN-raus, Syst. p. 241. Pennant, Arct. Zoology, Vol. 2, p. 459.

Ibis alba. Vieillot, Nouv. Diet. Wilson, Am. Ornithology Vol. 8, p. 43, pi. 66, fig. 3. Bonaparte, Ann.
Lye. Vol. 2, p. 312 ; Geog. and Comp. List, p. 4">. NuttALL, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 86. Audobon,
Birds of America, Vol. 6, p. 54, pi. 360. Peabody, B. of Moss. p. 365. Gieaud, Birds of Long
island, p. 275.

Characteristics. White : outer five primaries blue-black at the tips. Bill and feet reddish.
Female : four outer quills black at the tips. Young, dull brownish ;
rump whitish. Length, 24" 0.

Description. Bill rather subquadrate at the base, carinate above, 5*0 long; the point
obtuse. Face bare and wrinkled. Nostrils basal : dorsal linear. Tibia bare for half its
length, and covered with hexagonal scales. Anterior toes webbed to the first joint. Tail
short, slightly emarginate.

Color. Bill red, dusky towards the tip. Plumage white, excepting the tips of the quills.
Young, dull brownish ; feet bluish ; rump dull white ; tail tinged with grey.

Length, 23" 0 -24-0.

The White Ibis appears at long intervals on the coast of this State, and has also been seen as
far north as Massachusetts. Mr. Giraud has recorded two instances in 1836 and 1843, when
it was obtained on Long island. Its present known geographical range is from 24° south to
41° north, but its habitual range is more restricted. It breeds from Florida southwardly.
Eggs whitish, blotched with yellowish and spotted with reddish brown. Food crayfish
{Astacus), aquatic insects and small fishes.

GRALL.E — TANTAUDiE — IBIS. 231

THE GLOSSY IBIS.

Ibis mexicanus.

Tantahis mexicanus. Ord, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 1, p. 53.

Ibis falciriellus. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 312 ; OIjs. Nomen. Wils. ; Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 23, pi. 23, fig. 1.

J. id. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 88. Audubon, Birds of America, Vol. 6, p. 50, pi. 358.

I. ordi. Bonaparte, Geograph. and Comp. List, p. 49. Linsley, B. of Connecticut, pi 18.

Characteristics. Purplish red. Crown, middle of the back, wings and tail glossy metallic
green. Young : Head and neck striped with blackish. Length, 24*0.

Description. Bill arched, and 5" 0 long : feathers of the head and neck long and lanceolate.
Tibia bare for half its length ; middle toe dilated on its inner side, and toothed. First quill
shorter than the second, and sinuate on the inner web near the end.

Color. Bill and feet black. The other markings sufficiently detailed in the specific
phrase. Young : Back and scapulars brownish ash ; beneath blackish ash. Wings and tail
duller.

Length, 23-0-25'0.

This is a bird still more rare in this State than the preceding. I have introduced it here
partly on the authority of a specimen in the American Museum, said to have been killed in
the vicinity of New- York. Mr. Say received specimens from New-Jersey, and Mr. Nuttall
informs us that a single specimen is sometimes offered for sale in the markets of Boston.
The Itev. Mr. Linsley of Stratford, Connecticut, states that five individuals of this species
were killed in that lovvn about six years since. Breeds in Florida, Texas and Mexico. A
rare visitor to the Middle States. Closely allied to, and for a long time considered identical
with, the I. falcinellus of Europe. Its greatest known geographical range is from the equator
to the forty-sixth parallel of north latitude.

{EXTRALIM1TAL.)

I. rubra, Linn., Vieill. (Aud. B. of Am. Vol. 6, p. 53, pi. 359.) Scarlet: outer quills glossy
blue-black towards their tips ; face, bill and feet reddish. Young, ash-color, tinged with reddish ;
rump and beneath white. Length, 29*0. Louisiana.

232 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

FAMILY SCOLOPACIDJE.

Bill generally long, slender, feeble, soft, cylindrical, mostly obtuse at the point. Face
feathered. Legs long, or moderately so. Toes four, except in the genus Calidris.
Hind toe short, scarcely touching the ground. Anterior toes entirely divided, or united by
a small membrane. Tibia partly naked.

Obs. This family contains at present upwards of one hundred species, distributed over the
globe. About twenty-eight are found in the United States, and of these we have to enumerate
twenty-five observed in the State of New- York.

GENUS NUMENIUS. Latham.

Bill very long, slender, arched, rounded. Upper mandible longest, and furrowed throughout
three-fourths of its length. Nostrils basal, oblong-linear, placed in the lateral groove.
Toes connected at the base ; hind toe bearing on the ground. Tibia moderately denuded.
Tail short, rounded, and of twelve feathers.

THE LONG-BILLED CURLEW.

* NUMENIUS LONGIROSTRIS.

PLATE XCVI. FIG. 216.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Numenius Itmgirostris. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 23, pi. 64, fig. 4. Bonap. Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 314.
Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 376. Nuttall, Man. Ornithology U. S. Vol. 2, p.
95. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 6, p. 35, pi. 355. Gibaud, Birds of Long island, p. 271.

Characteristics. Crown blackish, with whitish streaks, and no medial line. Rump uniform
in color with the rest of the plumage : long axillary feathers, rusty,
without bars. Bill 6" 0-8" 0, much arched. Length, 26 "0.

Description. Bill long, slender, somewhat dilated at the tip, and curving most towards
the extremity. Nail of the middle toe dilated at the base, slightly incurved, and pointed at
the tip. First quill longest, acute. Tail much rounded.

Color. Above blackish brown (deepest on the back), spotted with grey and reddish.
Chin, line over and round the eye soiled white. Bill deep brown. Legs bluish. Neck
finely streaked with blackish brown. Beneath reddish buff, unspotted. Axillary feathers
salmon-colored. Tail barred with pale rufous and brown.

Length, 25- 0-27-0.

GRALLJ5 — SCOLOPACID^E — NUMENITJS. 233

This Curlew is well known to our sportsmen along the coast, under the names of Big
Curlew and Sickle-bill. It appears on the coast of this State, on its way to the north, about
the middle of May, and again in August and September on its return. It does not confine
itself exclusively to the seaboard, for it has been observed by Dr. Kirtland in Ohio, and by
others in Kentucky and Missouri. There appears to be a great discrepancy of opinion as to
its usual geographical range ; for whilst some consider it as a straggler beyond South Caro-
lina, others state that it extends to the 68th parallel. It is certain that they are abundant on
the shores of this State daring the season, and occasionally are seen here as late as the
middle of November. Its food consists of small shells, insects, berrks, worms and small
crab? The flesh with us is considered indifferent eating. Breeds in Texas, South-Carolina,
and, as we suspect, much farther north.

THE JACK CURLEW.

NuMENIUS HUDSONICUS.

PLATE XCVI. FIG. 215.
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Numenius hudsonicvs. Latham, Ind. Om. Vol. 2, p. 712.

Scolopax borealis. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 22, pi. 56, fig. 1.

N. hudsonicus. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hiat. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 3M. Nbttale, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 97.

N, id. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 6, p. 42, pi. 35C. Giraub, Birds of Long island, p. 272.

Characteristics. Crown deep brown, with a whitish medial line. Rump uniform with the
rest. Axillary feathers barred with dark brown and reddish. Bill
much arched. Length, 17*0.

Description. Bill shorter than in the preceding species, and much more regularly arched
throughout. Tibia reticulated on the upper portion of the naked space, scutellate in front
beneath. Tail short, slightly rounded.

Color. Above dull brown, with a few marginal whitish spots ; the shafts of the feathers
being of a deeper hue. An obscure whitish stripe over the eye : line from the base of the
bill, through the eye, dark brown. Chin, belly, thighs and under tail-coverts white ; the
latter barred with brown on the sides : tail barred with dark brown and grey. Neck, breast
and flanks streaked with brown and grey. Quills blackish brown, barred on their inner webs
with dilated reddish white bars ; the shaft of the first quill white ; the others becoming
gradually tinged with reddkh. After the sixth, the quills become barred on both webs. Bill
brownish black, flesh-colored at the base beneath.

Length, 16-0-18-0.

The Jack Curlew, or Short-billed Curlew, appears on the seacoast of this State at the
same seasons, and migrates apparently through the same geographical range with the pre-
ceding. Like that species, too, it occurs far in the interior ; for it has been noticed by Dr.

[Fauna — Part 2.1 30

234 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

Kirtland in Ohio. It is very closely allied to the Whimbrel of Europe, with which it has
been confounded. Its eggs are bluish grey, with black spots. Its food, berries, worms,
aquatic insects, small marine mollusca, and the, seeds of aquatic plants. It is not quite as
abundant on our shores as the preceding species. Breeds in the northern regions.

THE SMALL ESQUIMAUX CURLEW.

NUMENITJS BOREALIS.

i fir, i

PLATE XCV. FIG. 214.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Scolopax borealis. Foester, Phil. Tr. Lond. Vol. 62, p. 411.

Niuntnius id. Latham, Ind. Om. Vol. 2, p. 712. Bonapakte, Ann. Lyo. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 314. Id. Am. Om.

Vol. 4, p. 118, pi. 26, fig. 3. Ncttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 101. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 6,

p. 45, pi. 357. Gikaud, Birds of Long Island, p. 274.

Characteristics. Crown blackish, with an indistinct medial line. Rump uniform with the
back : axillary feathers banded with black and reddish. Tail nearly
_ • even ; the feathers edged with white and barred with brown. Length,
15-0.

Description. Bill comparatively short and slender, slightly arched. First quill longest :
some of the inner secondaries much elongated. Tail short, nearly even.

Color. Above blackish brown, mottled with rufous and grey. Upper part of the head
dark brownish, streaked with yellowish brown : a faint medial line of greyish white on the
crown. Chin and band over the eye white. Neck and breast yellowish grey, with dark
brown streaks becoming arrow-headed beneath. Quills blackish brown, unspotted ; the first
white, except at the tip. Bill dusky : feet bluish.

Length, 13-5- 16'0.

This species, which is known to our sportsmen under the names of Little Curlew, Futes,
and Dough-bird, is much esteemed by epicures. Its appearance in this State in the spring
has not been noted, and it is probable that its vernal migration is rapid and nocturnal, occur-
ring possibly far inland. All that we know with certainty on the subject, is that it appears
along our coast from the north about the end of August, and remains with us until November,
when it proceeds southwardly. It is known to breed in high northern latitudes, laying 3-4
greenish eggs blotched with brown. According to Mr. Nuttall, this species has a wide
•geographical range, extending from Paraguay to the 70th degree of north latitude.

GRALUE — SCOLOPACIL^E — HEMIPALMA. 235

GENUS HEMIPALMA. Bonaparte.

Bill much longer than the head, and partly arched, dilated and studded with numerous
tubercles at the tip. Tarsus very long, and the three anterior toes connected by a mem-
brane as far as the first joint.

Obs. This small group, with the following, forms a passage from Ntjmenius to the large
genus Tringa. ' ;>

THE LONG-LEGGED SANDPIPER.

Hemipalma himantopus.

plate lxxxvi. *p"iu. 1s6.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Tringa (Hemipalma) himantopns. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 316.

T. id. Id. American Ornithology, Vol. 4, p. 89, pi. 25, fig. 3.

T. douglasii. Richardson, Northern Zoology, Vol. 2, p. 379, pi. 66.

T. himantopus. Id. ib. Vol. 2, p. 380.

T. id. et douglassii. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, pp. 139, 141.

T. id. Audobon, Birds of Am. Vol. 5, p. 271, pi. 334. GlRAUD, Birds of Long island, p. 232.

•

Characteristics. Tarsus and bill subequal. Rump white, barred with dusky. Above-
brownish black, edged with white ; beneath reddish barred with dusky.
Length, 8 '5-.

Description. Bill very long, slender, slightly arched: nasal groove extending nearly to
the tip. Nostrils basal, linear, pervious. Tibia bare for an inch : tarsus long, slender,
compressed; hind toe very small. Tail nearly even; the two middle feathers slightly
longest.

Color. Above dusky ; the feathers edged with reddish white : a whitish line over the eye.
Ear-feathers reddish. Lores dusky. Quills brownish black ; the shaft of the outer white.
Rump and tail-feathers white, barred with blackish. Tail greyish ash ; the feathers edged
with dusky. Beneath, on the sides of the breast and belly, reddish barred with black. Bill,
black. Feet yellowish green. Autumn and winter, the plumage more greyish ; the fore
part of the neck whitish, streaked with grey : lores grey. Beneath soiled grey.

The discovery of this species is due to Messrs. Bonaparte and Cooper, and it is still
exceedingly rare. Its history is yet incomplete. It is known to breed in high northern
latitudes. In the spring, it is very abundant in Texas. In this State, a single specimen has
been obtained in May ; others have been procured here in July, August and September,
probably then on their way south. Their vernal migration is presumed to be rapid. Their
habits allied to those of the Sandpipers.

30*

236 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

GENUS HETEROPODA. Nuttall.

■

Bill straight, rather enlarged, and punctate at the extremity. Tarsus moderate : the three
anterior toes united at base by a membrane ; the outer to the middle toe, as far as the first
joint.
Obs. A small artificial group, connected with the following genus.

THE SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER.

Heteropoda semipalmata.

plate lxxxvi. fig. 195.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Tringa semipalmata. Wilson, Am. OraitNliogy, Vol 7, p. 131, pi. €3, fig. 4.

T. ( Hemipalma) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lyo. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 316.

T. id. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 381.

T. (Heteropoda) id. NuttalJ., Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 136.

Heteropoda id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 49. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 5, p. 277, pi. 336.

T. id. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, pvH55. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 230.

Characteristics. Bill somewhat shorter than the head, straight. Rump blackish : middle
tail-feathers longest ; beneath white. Winter, dark ash above. Sum-
mer, mixed grey and rufous ahove. Length, 6'0.

Description. Bill enlarged and flattened towards the end, rugose and acutely pointed at
the tip. Tibia naked for about a fourth of its length : tarsus moderately long, compressed ;
hind toe short. First quill longest. Tail with its feathers pointed, short ; the middle feathers
longest.

Color. Bill black ; the legs dusky olive approaching to black. Upper part of the head,
cheeks, and back and sides of the neck greyish ash streaked with dusky ; the remaining
upper parts dusky brown ; the feathers edged with greyish and rufous. Frontlet, and line
over the eye light grey. Quills dusky, rather lighter oo their inner vanes. Beneath entirely
white, except the breast and front of the neck, which are ash-grey with darker streaks.

Length, 5'5-6-5.

This little Sandpiper, for a bird of its small size, varies greatly in its dimensions : the
females are largest. It ranges from the Antilles to the borders of the Artie circle, breeding
from Labrador northwardly. It appears in this State in May, and many remain with us
during the whole summer and late in the autumn. I have shot them in the early part of
August, on the seacoast of Long island ; from which I infer that some at least breed there.
It is not only common along the seaboard, but in the interior on our great lakes, and has been
observed on the Columbia river. Eggs white, spotted with brown. Its incubation, according
to Mr. Audubon, takes place in Labrador, from the middle to the end of August. It resem-
bles very much the T. pusilla, but is easily distinguished by its feet and bill.

GRALL.fi — SCOLOPACIDJS — TRINGA. 237

GENUS TRINGA. Brisson.

Bill moderate, equal to the head or slightly longer, straight or very slightly curved, soft and
flexible for its whole length, compressed at the base, somewhat dilated and flattened at the
tip : both mandibles furrowed on each side to their tips. Nostrils basal, linear, pervious,
covered by a membrane. Hind toe very short, scarcely touching the ground ; fore toes
slender, divided.

THE PURPLE SANDPIPER.

. - Tringa maritima.

plate lxxxv1i.--fig. 198.
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Tringa maritima. Brunnich, Orn. Boreal. No. 182.

Striated and Selninger Sandpiper. Pennant, AjcU Zool. Vol. 2, pp. 472, 480.

T. maritima. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 318. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 382. Ncttall, Man.

Orn. Vol. 2, p. 115. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 261, pi. 330. Giraud, Birds of Long

island, p. 236.

*

Characteristics. Bill longer than the head, scarcely curved at the point, compressed and
orange -yellow at the base ; rump black : feet yellow. Middle tail-
feathers loDgest. Tibia feathered low down. Length, 9*0.

Description. Bill slender, slightly curved. Only a small space of the tibia above the
joint bare ; tarsus shorter than the bill. Tail short and rounded.

Color. Above purplish black, varied with white and rufous. Head and neck uniform in
color, without spots or stripes. Quills brownish black ; their shafts white. Breast, sides and
belly whitish, with blackish spots and streaks. Winter, beneath grey ; the purple tints above
not so distinct.

I know little of this species, except from a specimen which I obtained on Long island in
June. It is, I believe, exceedingly rare on our coast. It is a. northern species, breeding at
Hudson's Bay ; the eggs are yellowish grey, with crowded brown spots at the larger end.
It occasionally extends its southwardly migration to the shores of this State.

238 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER.

Tringa rufescens.
plate lxxxvii. fig. 197.
(STATE COLLECTION.)

T. rufuscens. Vieil. Gal. Ois. de l'Am. Vol. 2, p. 105, pi. 238. Id. Nouv. Diet. 2d Ed. Vol. 34, p. 470. Yarxeix,.
Linn. Tr. Vol. 16, p. 109, pi. 11. Selby, Must. Vol. 2, p. 142, pi. 27, fig. 1. Ndttall,
Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 113. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 5. p. 264, pi. 331. Giraud, Birds of
Long island, p. 230.

Characteristics. Bill small, slender, shorter than the head. Tail cuneate ; the outer fea-
thers light brown edged with white. Rump blackish above, varied with
black and rufous ; beneath buff. Length, 8" 5.

Description. Bill nearly straight, 0'9 long, slightly curved, attenuated towards the tip,
which is slightly enlarged, polished and depressed : lower mandible feathered beneath for
nearly one half its length. Naked space of tibia 0' 6. Middle toe with its nail, and the bill,
subequal : hind toe very small.

Color, in a specimen shot on Long island, September 24. Frontlet, sides of the head,
neck, breast, belly, vent and under tail-coverts light buff ; very little paler on the belly and
vent. Crown dusky, streaked with greyish rufous ; the centre of the feathers being black,
and the margins rufous. Nape rufous, minutely and sparsely streaked with brown. Uppei
tail-coverts, and the two central tail-feathers, black bordered with rufous ; lateral tail-feathers
light brown, bordered with dusky and tipped with white. Secondaries mottled in undulating
lines, in the same manner with the primaries.

Length, 8-0 -9*0.

This is a northern species, rarely seen south of New- York, although its first describer ob-
tained his specimen from Louisiana. It is not common here, although occasionally found in
the markets of New-York for sale. It has been seen in Ohio. It has been accidentally found
in Europe. Its history is incomplete.

GRALL^I — SCOLOPACHXE — TRINGA. • 239

THE CURLEW SANDPIPER.

Tringa subarquata.

plate xcv. fig. 213.

(STATE COLLECTION. CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Tringa subarquata. Temminck, Vol. 2, p. 609. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 317.
T. id. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 104. ATOnBON, B. of Am. Vol. 5, p- 269, pi. 333. Giraud, Birds of
Long island, p. 236.

Characteristics. Bill much longer than the head or taTsus, and somewhat curved. Rump
white : middle tail-feathers longest, acuminate. Naked space of tibia
0*75. Summer, bright bay. Length, 8*0.

Description. Bill slender, subcylindrical, slightly arched, scarcely enlarged towards the
tip, and 1 • 6 long. Tarsus compressed, 1 • 1 : hind toe very small.

Color. Winter, cinereous. Forehead, streak over the eye, upper tail-coverts, and all be-
neath white ; this is also nearly the plumage of the young, in which we notice the light buff
on the sides of the neck and breast. Summer, general color bright bay. Crown and back
blackish, streaked and margined with rufous. Nape pale reddish, with a few obscure dusky
streaks. The female represented in the figure, killed in July, has the face, line over the eye
and chin light grey ; beneath, the neck, breast and belly chesnut-red, varied with white, and
with faint curved darkish bars.

Length, 7-5 -8" 5.

This is another rare northern species, and common to Europe and America. It breeds in
high northern latitudes, and descends in small numbers as low as New-York, although it has
been seen in Florida. Mr. Bell informs me that he has seen it occasionally exposed for sale
in the market at New- York. * The two specimens in the State Collection were obtained in the
months of July and September. The Prince of Canino, in his Geographical List, arranges
this and the following four species under the genus Pelidna of Cuvier.

240 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE BLACK-BREASTED SANDPIPER.
Tringa cinclus.

PLATE LXXXIV. FIG. 192 (B, adult, maimer ; A, YOOHO).

Tringa cinclus, LlNNiEUS. Dunlin, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 476.

T. alpina. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 25, pi. 56, fig. 2 (summer). T. cinclus, Id. lb. p. 39, pi. 57, flg. £

( winter).
T. alpina. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 3.17. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 383.
T. id. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 106. Addubon, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 266, pi. 332 (summer and winter}*
Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 228.

Characteristics. Bill black, slightly curved, longer than the head : rump blackish ; tarsus
1 • 0. Two middle tail-feathers longest. Summer, black and rufous above -y
black and dull whitish beneath. Winter, blackish brown above ; white
beneath. Length, 8*0. ,

Description. Bill l'& long, slender, slightly arched towards the point. Tibia bare for
some distance above the joint. Tail short, almost even, but the two middle feathers longest.

Color. Winter : Above dark brownish ; throat, breast and beneath white, streaked with
dusky. Summer : Upper part of the head, back and scapulars chesnut red ; the feathers
darkest in the centre. Tail brownish ; the two central feathers darker. Forehead, sides,
and front and sides of the neck grey, tinged with rusty, and streaked with brown. A con-
spicuous large patch of black on the breast: belly white. Young: Greyish above, varied
with dusky and slightly tinged with rufous. Sides of the head and neck streaked with dark

grey.

Length, T-S-S'S. -J&

This species is common on the coast of New- York, which it reaches in April, and is then
called Black-breast. It migrates northwardly to breed, and returns to us in the autumn,
when its plumage is so changed that it obtains another name, and is then called Winter Snipe.
It remains with us all winter, and is much esteemed by epicures. It extends southwardly to
Texas. Breeds in the north of Europe and America. I have followed Bonaparte in adopt-
ing the specific name of cinclus.

GRALLiE — SCOLOPACIDiE — TRINGA. 241

SCHINZ'S SANDPIPER.

Tringa schinzi.
plate lxxxiv. fig. 191.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Tringa schinzi. Brehm, Lehr. Eur. Vogel, Vol. 2, p. 571.

Pelidna cinclns, var. Say, Long's Expedition. Vol. 1, p. 172.

T. schinzi. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol 2, p. 317. Id. Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 69, pi. 24, fig. 2 (winter).

T. id. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 384. Nuttall, Man. Om. Vol. 2, p. 109.

T. id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 275, pi. 335. Gikaud, Birds of Long island, p. . . .

Characteristics. Bill 1 • 0, nearly straight, entirely black. Rump blackish. Tarsus 0' 7.
Middle tail-feathers longest. Summer, blackish varied with rufous ;
beneath black and white. Winter, ashy brown ; beneath white. Length,
7 inches.

Description. Bill slender, compressed at the base, slightly enlarged near the end, and
obsoletely pitted. Tibia bare for one third of its length. Hind toe very small. Wings very
long ; secondaries reaching nearly to their tips. Tail nearly even.

Color, of a specimen shot May 10. Brownish black mixed with rufous. Head striate
with black and rufous. Nape grey, finely streaked with brown. Back, scapulars and wing-
coverts blackish, margined with grey and rufous: primaries blackish brown. Upper tail-
coverts pure white ; a few of the outer ones brownish on their outer webs near the tips. Chin
and throat yellowish white ; a faint greyish stripe over the eye. Ear-feathers light rusty.
Breast all round marked with interrupted longitudinal fine brown lines ; flanks with larger
brown spots ; the remaining parts beneath whitish. In some individuals, according to Audu-
bon, six of the middle tail coverts are black ; the lateral ones barred with dusky and white.

Length, 6-5-7-5.

This little Sandpiper is not very abundant in this State. It breeds in high northern lati-
tudes, and descends to the United States in the autumn, extending itself to Florida, and
found in the interior. Returns to the north in the spring, to breed. Eggs yellowish grey,
spotted with chesnut brown. It occurs in various parts of the State, near lakes and the
smaller streams. Its geographical range is stated to be between the 25th and 55th parallels,
and perhaps still farther north.

[Fauna — Part 2.] 31

242 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE PECTORAL SANDPIPER.

Tringa pectoralis.
plate lxxxv. fig. 193.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Pelidna pectoralis. Say, App. Long's Expedition, Vol. 1, p. 171. Eohaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 318.
T. id. BoHArAETE, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 43, pi. 23, fig. 2. Ndttali,, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 111.
T. id. Aodubon, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 259, pi. 329. Giraod, Birds of Long island, p. 233.

Characteristics. Bill compressed and dull yellowish at the base, 1*1 long, and subequal
with the tarsus. Rump black : middle tail-feathers longest. ""Feet olive.
Summer, black and rufous ; beneath white ; breast ash tinged with
reddish, and streaked with dusky. Winter, brownish ash ; beneath
white. Length, 9-0.

Description. Bill slender, straight ; the point obtuse. Nostrils basal, linear, pervious.
Tibia bare for about one-third of its length. Neck short. Middle tail-feathers pointed and
elongated ; the others rounded.

Color. Head reddish brown ; the central pAt of each feather dusky brown. Lores dusky:
an obsolete whitish stripe over the eye. All the upper parts blackish brown ; the feathers
edged with reddish : quills dusky. Middle tail-feathers colored and edged like those of the
back ; the others grey, edged and tipped with white. Breast and sides of the neck dusky
brown, marked with interrupted series of darker brown lines. Chin and all beneath white.
In winter, the reddish hue above is not so distinct, and all beneath white.

Length, 8*5 -9-5.

The history of this little sandpiper is far from being complete. It is supposed to breed at
the north, but the precise facts connected with its incubation are unknown. It has hitherto
been observed from Maine to Maryland, but its geographical range is doubtless more extended.
A few are seen on our coast in the spring, but the greatest number appear from August to
November, when they are very fat and well-flavored. It passes under the various names of
Meadow Snipe, Jack Snipe, Short-neck, and according to Mr. Giraud it is called Fat-bird on
the coast of New-Jersey. Occasionally it occurs in great numbers along the coast of this
State, but in some years it is very scarce. It has been accidentally found in Europe. ,

GRALLE — SCOLOPACID^E — TRINGA. 243

THE RED-BREASTED SANDPIPER.

Tringa cantjtus.

I*
PLATE LXXXV. FIG. 194. — PLATE XCVIL FIG. 218.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Tringa canuhis, Linn.ecs. Gm. Syst. Nat. p. 679. Pendant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 476. -

T. cinerea. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 36, pi. 57, fig. 2 (young).

T. rufa. Id. Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 43, pi. 57, fig. 5 (summer).

T. islandica. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 320.

Knot. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 387.

T. cinerea. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 125.

T. canutus. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 49.

T. islandica. Addcbon, Birds of Am. Vol. 5, p. 254, pi. 328 (summer and winter).

T. id. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 224.

Characteristics. Bill straight, 1 ' 5 long. Rump white, barred with black : tail even.
Summer, black, ash and reddish ; beneath bright chesnut or bay.
Winter, pale ash; beneath white. Young, ash varied with black
and white ; beneath white. Length, 10-0.

Description. Bill slender, straight, slightly enlarged and depressed near the blunt point.
Tibia bare for one-third of its length, or 0'6. Toes with a narrow membrane. Tail nearly
even. <

Color. Summer : Bill and feet black. Crown grey, streaked with black ; nape tinged
with reddish : above ash-colored, mottled with black, white, and rufous. Quills blackish
brown, with white shafts. Axillary feathers white, barred with brown. Chin, throat and all
beneath bright chesnut red ; stripe over the eye somewhat paler. Tail ash-brown, bounded
by dusky brown and tipped with white. Middle of the abdomen, vent and under tail-coverts
white, tinged with chesnut. Winter : Bill and feet greenish black or yellowish : upper parts
ash-grey ; each feather bordered with lighter grey. Stripe over the eye, throat and middle
of abdomen white. Beneath white, streaked with brown, and with transverse brownish bars.
Young, dark ash above ; a tinge of reddish or buff on the throat and breast, and a dark band
from the bill to the eye.

Length, 9-5-10-5.

This bird presents such varieties in its plumage, dependant upon age and season, as to
have received several different names. We follow Bonaparte in restoring its primitive linnean
name. It is common to Europe and America. The Robin Snipe, as it is called by our
sportsmen, appears on the shores of this State in May, on its way to the high northern
latitudes to breed. Eggs four, dun-colored, thickly marked with reddish spots. On its re-

31*

244 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

turn southwardly, it appears in large flocks along our coast from the middle of August until
the beginning of October. At this period the red plumage beneath disappears, giving place
to a white plumage spotted with dusky, ash-colored above ; when it is called White Robin
Snipe, and Grey-bach. Farther south, in its spring dress, it is called May-bird. Many pass
the winter in Florida, but its ascertained geographical range is from the tropics to 75° north
latitude. This much esteemed bird feeds on worms and minute shellfish.

WILSON'S SANDPIPER.

Tringa pusilla.
plate xc1i. figs. 207, 208.

Tringa pusilla. Wilson, Am. Om. Vol. 5, p. 32, pi. 37, fig. 4.

T. (Palidm) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 319. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 386.

T. wilsoni. Nut-tall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 121. ArjDOBOS, B. of A. Vol.5, p. 280, pi. 337.

T. id. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 240.

Characteristics. Small. Bill 0*7, straight, and subequal with the tarsus. Rump and
upper tail-coverts black : secondaries nearly as long as the quills.
Summer, blackish and rufous ; beneath white. Winter, ash : beneath
whitish spotted with dusky. Length, 5*5.

Description. Bill slender, compressed, tapering, depressed at tip. Neck short. Tibia
bare for one-fourth of its length. Hind toe very small. Tail doubly emarginate.

Color. Summer : Bill dusky green. Above dark brownish black ; the feathers margined
with reddish : neck ash with dark spots. Wings dusky black ; the coverts tipped and edged
with black. Lores dusky ; chin and stripe over the eye whitish. Cheeks and sides of the
neck reddish ash, streaked obscurely with dusky. Beneath white or soiled white, occa-
sionally spotted with brown. Fig. 208 represents an individual in the State Collection, larger,
and with a proportionately longer bill ; the upper parts are of an ashen hue ; the breast and
sides of the neck spotted with brown. It came into my possession without any memorandum
as to its sex or season, but I suppose it to be a female in its winter dress.

Length, 4"5-5'5.

This little sandpiper, commonly known as the Peep, from its usual note, and as the Ox-
eye, from the size and brilliancy of its eye, is one of our most abundant species. Tt pervades
the whole of North America from Mexico to 68° north latitude ; occurring equally on the
coast, and through the interior to Columbia river. It breeds from Labrador to the Arctic
circle. Except during its short breeding season, it is a resident on the coast of this State.
In September and October, it is in good order ; and though small, is exceedingly savory.
Eggs three to four, cream-yellow, blotched and dotted with reddish brown. Food, larvae,
minute shellfish, and insects on the salt-marshes.

GRALL.E — SCOLOPACID^E — CALIDRIS. 245

GENUS CALIDRIS. Illiger.

Characters of the preceding genus, but with three toes only, all divided to the base. Bill
straight, short.

THE SANDERLING.

Calidris arenaria.
plate xci. fig. 205. . .

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Tringa arenaria, Lin. 12 ed. p. 251. Charadrius calidris, Gm. (young).

Sanderling, and Ruddy Plover. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 480.

Calidris arenaria. Illiger, Prodromus System. Mamm. et Avium, p. 249. Id. Temminck.

Charadrius calidris. Wilson, Am. Ofn. Vol. 7, p. 68, pi. 59, fig. 4 (winter) ; rubidus, Id. Vol. 7, p. 129, pi. 63,

fig. 3 (summer).
T. (Calidris) arenaria. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N Y. Vol. 2, p. 320.
Sanderling Plover. NuttaLL, Man. Ora. Vol. 2, p. 4.

C. id. Addobon, B. of Am, Vol. 5, p. 287, pi. 338. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 336. Giraud, Birds of
Long island, p. 242.

Characteristics. Bill straight, shorter than the head. Winter, ash grey above ; beneath
white. Summer, reddish mixed with white and black above ; beneath
white. Length, 7 inches.

Description. Bill short, straight, higher than broad at the base, attenuated in the middle
and again dilated towards the tip, 1 ' 0 long. Tail short ; the middle and outer feathers
longest. Toes with a warty membrane on each side.

Color. Summer : Bill and feet black. Above black ; the feathers bordered with rusty,
and margined with white. Head grey, striate with black and rufous; nape paler. Quills
dark brown on the outer webs, with their shafts white. Central tail-feathers acuminate,
dark ; the others soiled brown, whitish at their bases. Winter : Above light ash ; . head
streaked faintly with brown. Central tail-feathers margined with white. Quills brownish
black. All beneath white. Bill and feet black.

This is another of the Beach-birds, which changes its upper reddish summer plumage for
the grey livery of winter. It is said to occur all over the globe. In this country, it has been
traced as high as 60° north. Jt occurs on the coast in small numbers in May, on its way to
its breeding places in high northern latitudes ; and again in large flocks about the middle of
August, on its return south. There is, in fact, but few months in the year in which it may
not be met with. I have obtained them from March to November. The Sanderling is
chiefly found on the coast near the surf, feeding on small marine worms, and the smaller shell
fish and Crustacea. Its eggs are dusky, spotted with black. Although small, it is very fat
in the autumn, and much esteemed by epicures.*

• Here would naturally come the M. pugnax, or Ruffot Europe, which has recently been introduced into our ornithology. I had
introduced it in a previous report on the Fauna of this State, and described and figured the identical specimen noted by Messrs.
Nuttall and Cooper. (See fig. 217, plate 97, which was inadvertently admitted into this volume.) I have, however, every reason
to believe that its supposed occurrence on Long island originated in an unworthy trick played off by a collector now deceased.

246 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

GENUS TOTANUS. Bechstein.

Bill straight, longer than the head, subcylindrical, flexible at base. Upper mandible chan-
nelled through half its length, slightly exceeding the lower in length. Nostrils in the
furrow, basal, linear, pervious. Legs long and slender : tibia bare for half its length.
Feet four-toed ; the anterior or the outer only connected at base by a membrane : hind toe
small, touching at the tip.

Obs. This genus has been subdivided by ornithologists into groups, which have been
elevated by European writers into the rank of genera. The first species is arranged under
the genus Actitis of Boie.

THE SPOTTED SAND^LARK.

TOTANUS MACULARIUS.
i PLATE XCI. FIG. 206. „••'"•

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Tringa mftcularia. Linnaeus, Syst. p. 249. Pennant, Arct. Zoology, Vol. 2, p. 473.
T. id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 60, pi. 59,- fig. 1.
Totanus id. Ord's Reprint, p. 64.

Tringa id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 325. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 162.
T. (Actitis) id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 51. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 5, p. 303, pi. 342.
Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 257.

Characteristics. Glossy olive brown, waved with blackish. Rump and tail similar ; spotted

beneath. Three outer tail-feathers white, barred with black. Quills

dark olive brown, with a white spot on most of the inner webs. Length
8-0.

Description. Bill straight, about as long as the tarsus, slightly arched at the tip, 0-9 long.
Tail rounded ; the middle feathers longest. Tibia bare for half its length. The web between
the outer and middle toe largest.

Color. Bill greenish olive above ; yellowish beneath. Crown with obscure dusky stripes.
Lores dusky. Stripe over the eye and the eyelids whitish. Ear-feathers dusky ;- axillary
feathers pure white. Quills slightly tipped with white ; secondaries tipped with white, and
forming a broad band over the wings. Legs greenish yellow. Middle tail-feathers glossy
olive, obsoletely barred. Chin, throat and all beneath white, thickly spotted or almost striated
with brown on the neck. Abdomen, vent and sides with distant round dark spots.

Length, 7-9-8-3.

GRALLjE — SC0L0PACIDJ3 — TOTANUS. 247

This is a familiar bird, found in small families along every stream, and the borders of
ponds and lakes throughout the Union. It is known in the books under the names of Spotted
Sandpiper and Tattler, but is better known among the people by the name of Peet-weet, in
allusion to its notes ; or of Teeter and Tiltup, from its often repeated grotesque jerking
motions. It appears with us in April from its southern winter quarters, and disappears about
the beginning of November. It breeds in this. State and farther north, laying pale yellowish
eSSs> which are spotted with dark brown. Food, insects and worms. It ranges from Mexico
to the 57th parallel, and has been accidentally found in Europe,

THE GREY PLOVER.

TOTANUS BARTRAMIUS.

PLATE XCIII. FIG. 209.
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Tringa bartramia. Wjlson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 63, pi. 59, fig. 2.

Totamuid. Ord's reprint, p. 67. Bonaparte, Ann. l.yc. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 325. Rich. F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 391.

Tringa id. AriDOBON, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 248, pi. 327.

Totanus (Evliga) id. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 168.

Actiturus id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 51. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 226.

Characteristics. Bill short, somewhat curving from near the middle. Wings much shorter
than the tapering tail : first quill barred on the inner web. Length, 12 "5.

Description. Bill scarcely longer than the head, slender, straight, curving near the tip,
1 • 1 long, and subequal with the tarsus. Tibia bare for nearly half its length. Inner toe
cleft to the base. Tail much rounded, exceeding the tips of the wings.

Color. Bill yellowish at the base, dusky at the tip ; legs yellowish green. Crown dark
brown, with a central yellowish brown line. Upper parts greyish, more or less tinged with
rufous. Axillaries and lower wing-coverts white, banded with dusky. Eye with a light space
around it. Throat whitish, unspotted : throat and breast yellowish, with dusky lines ; arrow-
headed spots beneath. Shaft of the first quill white ; the others dusky. Two middle tail-
feathers dark olive brown, barred with black ; edges cream-colored ; the outer white : all
barred with black.

Length, 12'0-13*0.

This much esteemed game bird is very shy, and requires great caution and skill on the
part of the sportsman. It is known under the various names of Grey Plover, Grass Plover,
Upland Plover and Field Plover. In the books it is described under the names of Bartram,s
Tatler, and Sandpiper. It ranges from Texas to the Arctic circle, and breeds from Mary-
land northwardly. It is not a coast bird, but roams and breeds freely through the interior.
The eggs are dull yellow, with brownish spots. Feeds on grasshoppers. In July and August
it appears in large flocks on its way to the south. It leaves us in September,

248 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE YELLOW-LEGS.

TOTANUS FLAVIPES.

PLATE XC1V. FIG. 212.

Scolopax flavipes, Gmelin. Yelleui-slianks Snipe, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 468.

S. id. Wilson, Am. Ora. Vol. 7, p. 55, pi. 58, fig. 1.

Totanus id. Ord's reprint, p. 59. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 324. Sabine, Franklin's Journey.

T. id. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol.2, p. 390. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 152.

T. id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 313, pi. 344. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 250.

Characteristics. Dusky, spotted with black and white. Tail dull white, barred with
brown. Bill black, straight: feet yellow, and longer than the bill.
Length, 10-0.

Description. Bill slender, straight, 1 ' 5 long, and turning down at the tip. Feet very
long. Tibia bare for half its length. Tail short, rounded.

Color. Crown streaked and spotted with brown and grey. Neck grey, streaked with
brownish. Above blackish brown, varied with white, grey and rufous. Quills dark brown ;
the shaft of the first quill white. Space round the eye, and a line from the bill to the eye,
white. Chin, throat and beneath white, streaked on the neck with dark grey', and barred
with the same on the sides. Axillaries barred with brown. Rump white ; tail-feathers white,
with six to eight brown bars towards the tips.

Length, 9* 5 -10- 5.

This small species, which is described under the name of Yellow-shank Tatler, appears
in this State in the early part of May, on its way north to breed. Many, however, breed in
this State ; but the greater number go farther north. During the months of August and
September, they appear again in large flocks on their southern migration. During both mi-
grations, they spread in every direction through the interior. Its food consists of insects,
worms, and small aquatic animals. It ranges from Mexico, where it was seen by Lichten-
stein, to the sixty-eighth parallel of north latitude. Its history is yet incomplete.

GRALLiE — SCOLOPACID.E — TOTANUS. 249

THE SOLITARY TATLER.

TOTANUS CHLOROPYGIUS.
PLATE XCIII. FIG. 210.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Tetanus chloropygius, Vieillot.

Tringa soli/aria. Wilson, Am. Ora. Vol. 7, p. 53, pi. 58, fig. 3.

T. glareolus. Ord, reprint, p. 57.

T. chloropygiut. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 325. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 393.

T. id. Nottall, Manual Ornith. Vol. 2, p. 159.

T. tolitaria. Auddbon, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 309, pi. 343. GiRAtfD, Birds of Long island, p. 256.

Characteristics., Olive brown, with light green reflections, and spotted with whitish.
Rump and middle tail-feathers brown. Tail white, broadly barred
with blackish. Quills and their shafts brownish black. Length, 8 ' 0.

Description. Bill slender, straight, flexible, the tip slightly turned over, 1*25 long. Tibia
bare for half its length. Outer web largest. First and second quills nearly equal. Tail
short, slightly founded. • .

Color. Bill black, tinged with green : feet light greenish. A line of dull white from the
mandible over the eye. General color above is deep brown, with greenish reflections ; the
feathers tipped and edged with small white spots. Head and neck greyish brown. Chin
and throat greyish ; the sides streaked with brown. Beneath light grey, occasionally obscurely
undulated with darker. Axillaries barred with dusky: middle tail-feathers, on their edges,
slightly spotted with white.

Length, 7-5-8-5. • r

This little bird is, as its name indicates, a solitary and shy species. It is called the Green-
rump Taller, Wood Tatler, and the Jack Snipe, in various places in the interior. Its breed-
ing is almost coextensive with its geographical range, having been observed from Louisiana
to the Fur countries. It appears in this State in May, and leaves us in September. The
eggs are greenish yellow, with umber spots more numerous in a circle about the larger end.
Ranges from Mexico to the sixty-first parallel.

(Fauna — Part 2.] 32

250 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE VARIED TATLER.

TOTANUS MELANOLEUCUS.
PLATE XCIV. FIG. 212.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Scolopax melanoleuca, Gmklin. Spotted Snipe, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 467.
<S. vocifera, Telltale Godwit. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 57, fig. 5.

To(amisme(ano&Mcus,-ViEiLLOT. Ord, reprint of Wilson, p. 61. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 324W
' T. vociferus. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol, 2, p. 389. Nuttall, Manual Orn. Vol. 2, p. 148. .,

T. id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 316, pi. 345. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 252.

Characteristics. Ashy brown, spotted with black and white : rump white. Tail white,
barred with brown : legs yellow. Bill entirely blackish. Length, 14*0.

Description. Bill slender, straight, flexible, drooping at the tip, and 2*1 long. Tibia
bare for half its length. Tail irregularly even. Hind toe considerably elevated : a short
sinuate web between the outer and middle toes. Tertiaries emarginate.

Color. Above blackish brown, margined with grey. Head and neck streaked with brown
and grey. Quills plain brownish black ; the shaft of the first white. Tail white, with from
six to eight angular brown bars. Beneath, the chin and upper part of the throat soiled white :
neck streaked with dusky brown. Abdomen white, with distant brown spots. Flanks, axil-
laries and under tail-coverts with angular brown bars. Winter, ash brown above ; breast
minutely mottled with zigzag brown lines. Bill black : legs bright yellow.

Length, 13-5-14-5.

This bird is the Big Yellow-leg, or Winter Yellow-leg of our sportsmen. It appears
with us about tire middle of May, and breeds from New-Jersey northwardly. Its principal
food consists of marsh insects, small shrimps, etc. It breeds chiefly in high latitudes, and
returns to this State about the end of August, where many remain (if the season is open)
until December. It extends through the interior to the plains of Missouri. Its geographical
range is from the Antilles to 60° north.

GRALL^E — SCOLOPACIDjE — TOTANUS. . 251

THE WILLET.

TOTANUS SEMIPALMATUS.

PLATE XCVIII. FIG. 819.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Scolapax semipalmata, Gmelin. Semipalmated Snipe. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 469.

S. id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 27, pi. 56, fig. 3 (summer). T. crassirostris, Vieillot.

T. ( Caloptrophorta ) semipalmatus. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N.Y. Vol. 2, p. 323.

T. id. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 388, pi. 67 (summer). Nuttall, Man. Ornith. Vol. 2, p. 145.

T. id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 324, pi. 347. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 254.

Characteristics. Bill straight, solid : fore toes united at the base by a membrane. Sum-
mer, brown, ash and rufous ; beneath whitish, spotted with brown.
Winter, ashen ; beneath while. Length, 15*0.

Description. Bill compressed, tapering, 2' 2 long, and equal with the tarsus. Upper
mandible curved towards the tip, and bent over the lower one. Nasal furrow deep, and half
the length of the bill : nostrils pervious, near the base. Tibia naked half its length nearly ;
the web between the toes rather largest between the outer and middle toes. Tail moderate,
rounded ; the two central feathers slightly longest.

Color. Summer: Bill and feet bluish. Head blackish brown, varied with yellowish or
greyish white. Back varied with greenish black, rufous and greyish. Neck grey, striate
with brown. Middle tail-feathers white at base, then brown, with five or six dusky angular
bars ; outer ones whiter, sprinkled with brown. Flanks with a tinge of rufous, and waved
with brown bars, pointed in the middle. Winter, the spots above not as distinct, and the
brown waved bars beneath wanting.

Length, 14-0-15-5.

The Willet, Semipalmated Snipe, or Stone Curlew, reaches this State about the beginning
of May, and breeds from Louisiana to Massachusetts. The eggs are olive, blotched with
reddish brown, particularly towards the larger end. Many remain along the shores of this
State to breed, and loiter with us until November. Its food consists of small shellfish, aquatic
insects and their larvae. Its flesh is much esteemed by epicures. Ranges through the inte-
rior, and has been observed on the Columbia river, the plains of Missouri, and (according to
Dr. Kirtland) in Ohio. Its latitudinal range along the coast is from the 23d to the 56th pa-
rallel. Resident in the Southern States in winter. Has been found accidentally in Europe.

32*

252 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL. )

T.fioridanus, Bonap. (T. glottis, Aud. Vol. 5, p. 321, pi. 346.) Bill and feet greenish ; the former
2*2 long. Band over the eye, back and beneath white. Scapulars and all above dusky browD,
edged with soiled white. Tail dark grey, barred with brown ; the two central feathers longest
Length, 11*0. Florida Keys.

GENUS LIMOSA. Brisson.

Bill very long, slender, soft and flexible throughout, recurved from the middle ; somewhat
dilated, flat and obtuse at the point. Both mandibles deeply furrowed throughout nearly
their whole length. Legs long and slender. Tibia bare for about a third of its length.
Toes four ; the anterior connected at base by a membrane ; that between the outer and
middle largest. Hind toe small, and touching the ground at the tip. Tail short, even.

THE MARLIN.

LlMOSA FEDOA.

PLATE CII. FIG. 228 (Variety).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Scolopax fedoa, LiNN.ffi08, p. 244. Great Godwit, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 465 ; suppl. p. 68.
S. id. Wilson, Am. Ora. Vol. 7, p. 30, pi. 56, fig. 4. Limosa id. Vieillot, Ord's reprint.
Limosa id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 328. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 395.
L. id. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 173. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 331, pi. 348.
L. id- Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 259.

Characteristics. Rump uniform in color with the rest. Tail rufous, banded with black :
axillaries salmon-colored. Summer, dusky brown varied with rufous ;
beneath pale rusty. Winter, ash-colored ; beneath whitish. Male :
breast with waved dusky bars. Length, 17' 0.

Description. Bill subcylindrical, recurved, tapering, higher than broad at the base, 4*0
long.

Color. Bill dark brown at the tip, yellowish towards the base : feet bluish. Above dark
brown, varied with rufous and grey. Head darker, tinged with reddish and streaked with
grey. Scapulars and tertiaries barred on their margins with rufous and grey. Quills blackish

GRALL^E — SCOI.OPACID.E — LIMOSA. 253

i
brown ; on the inner webs, buff sprinkled with black. Chin and line from the upper mandi-
ble above the eye, white. Beneath pale reddish brown or buff, with small dusky spots on
the neck. Upper tail-coverts and tail with many alternate bars of reddish and brown. In
the Cabinet of the Lyceum, is a specimen with an unusual variety of plumage, which I have
thought proper to figure, rather than the ordinary plumage of this well known species. The
breast, belly and flanks with broad and narrow brownish bars ; the ordinary deep buff of the
lower parts is here of a faint cream-color : the bill was 4-7 in length.

Length, 16-5- 19-0.

The female of this species is much larger than the male. It is described in the books as
the Great Marbled Godioit, a name entirely unknown to the people of the country. With
us it is generally called the Martin, and less frequently Red Curlew, Straight-billed Curlew
and Dough-bird. Its flesh is tender and much esteemed. They arrive on the coast of this
State in May, and the greater part proceed north to breed. They return in large flocks in
August, and remain until November, when they proceed to their winter quarters south of the
United States. They have been observed by Dr. Kirtland in Ohio. Their geographical
range extends from 21 to 68° north. Feed on aquatic insects, leeches, small marine mol-
lusca, crabs and worms.

THE RING-TAILED MARLIN.

LlMOSA HUDSONICA.
PLATE CIH. FIG. 230 (Winter).

(CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Hudstmian Godwil. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Suppl. p. C8.

Scolopax hudsonica. Latham, Ind. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 396.

Limosa hwlsonica. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol.2, p. 396,

L. igocephala. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol 2, p. 327. Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 175.

L. hudsonica. Addubon, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 335, pi. 349. Giraod, Birds of Long Island, p. 260.

Characteristics. Rump white. Tail doubly forked, white at base, the black tipped with
white : axillaries black. Summer, dusky brown varied with reddish ;
beneath chesnut, spotted and barred with dusky. Winter, ash brown ;
beneath on the breast grey ; below whitish. Length, 16 "0.

Description. Bill nearly straight, 3' 5 long. Color. Above light brown, varied with
grey and a few white spots. Line over the eye, and chin, light grey : beneath chesnut.
Under wing-coverts black. Under tail-coverts dark brown, barred with rusty ; upper tail-
coverts and tail brownish black, white at the base, and narrowly tipped with soiled white.
Female, beneath dark clay-color. A specimen in the Cabinet of the Lyceum, and which is
figured above, presents the following variations from the normal distribution of colors : Bill

254 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

3*7, corrugated towards the tip. Tail broadly emarginate ; the worn shafts of the middle
pair projecting beyond the others. Color : Crown brown, obscurely streaked with dusky ;
back of the neck paler. Back shining olive, with occasional dark spots. Lores dusky ; a
broad band on the rump, white. Upper tail-coverts beyond this band, black : tail tipped
with white ; the white on the base of the tail-feathers extends farthest on the outer web of
the lateral pair. Beneath, chin and upper part of the throat white ; remainder of the throat
and upper part of the breast light brownish drab, with a few of the feathers rufous at their
tips and bordered with black ; remainder of the breast, belly and vent white, with a few
rufous marked with zigzag black bars. On the flanks the barred rufous feathers predomi-
nate : lateral tail-coverts white, barred, with black. Inner wing-coverts and axillaries white,
barred with black.

Length, 15-5- 16'5. *

This is not as common along our coast as the preceding species. In Boston it is called the
Goose-bird. It appears to breed in high northern latitudes, descending in the spring along
the coast as far south as New-York, and probably still farther through the interior. It has
been observed in Ohio. I suppose the L. edwardsi, or White Snipe, noticed by Linsley in
his Catalogue of the Birds of Connecticut, to be probably a variety still farther removed,
from the ordinary distribution of colors and markings. It is often found associated with the
preceding. Its history is incomplete.

GENUS SCOLOPAX. Linn^us.

Bill very long, slender, straight, flexible, soft ; the tip depressed and dilated : both mandibles
furrowed to the middle ; upper terminated by an internal knob, and slightly longer than
the lower. Legs moderate or long, slender : four- toed.

Obs. The first described species has been arranged under the genus Macroramphus of
Leach, chiefly characterized by the presence of a membrane between the outer and middle
membranes extending to the first joint. The others have been arranged under the genus
Gallinago, chiefly characterized by its divided feet, and tail of more than twelve feathers.
We prefer to retain the old genus Scolopax,. which gives its name to the family.

GRALL.E — SCOLOPACID^E — SCOLOPAX. 255

i

THE DOWITCHEE.

ScOLOPAX NOVEBORACENSIS.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Scolopax grisea et noveboracensis, Gm. Brown and Red-breasted Snipe. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 464

(winter and summer).
S. noveboracensis. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 45, pi. 58, fig. 1. S. grisea, Ord's Reprint, p. 49.
Limosa scolopacea. Say, Long's Exped. Vol. 2, p. 170 (winter).
Totanus noveboracensis. Sabine, Frank. Journey (autumn).
S. (Macroramphus) grisea. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 330. Id. Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 51, pi. 23,

fig. 3 (winter).
S. noveboracensis, New-York Godwit. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 398. Nutt. Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 181.
S. id., Red-breasted Snipe. Audcbon, B. of Am. Vol. 6, p. 10, pi. 351. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 263.

Characteristics. Rump and tail white ; the former spotted ; the latter banded with black :
shaft of the first quill white. Summer, black, ash and reddish above ;
beneath reddish. Winter, ash-colored above ; beneath white. Young :
neck and breast ash, margined with reddish ; beneath white tinged with
reddish. Length, 10*0.

Description. Bill straight, compressed for more than half its length, 2*0 long, as long
again as the tarsus : inner secondaries much elongated. , Tail moderate, nearly even, of
twelve feathers.

Color. Bill and feet dark olive. Spring: Above brownish black, varied and barred with
brownish red ; beneath dull chesnut, with distant narrow bars of black. Tail white or light
clay-color, barred with black. Summer, above dark, obliquely barred with brownish red.
7-9 blackish bars across the tail ; the tip white. A dull light reddish band round the eye.
All beneath orange red, with streaks and spots of black. Winter, brownish grey above,
barred with dusky ; neck ash-grey, streaked with dusky ; throat and lower parts white.

Length, 9-5-10-5.

The Dowitchee, Red-breasted Snipe, Quail Snipe, or Brown-back, arrives on the coast of
New-York towards the latter part of April, and, after a few weeks delay, pursues its course
northwardly to breed. Its breeding places have not yet been ascertained. About the middle
of July, it returns in great numbers to our coast, and is also distributed through the interior
to the River Columbia. Its flesh is good, but not as much esteemed as that of the following
species. It ranges from 65° north to Mexico. Its history is still incomplete.

256 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

%
THE COMMON AMERICAN SNIPE.

SCOLOPAX WILSONI.

PLATE XCVIII. FIG. SSO.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Scolopax gallinago. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol 6, p. 18, pi. 47, fig. 1. iS. brehmii, Kaop, Bonaparte, Obs.
B. wilsoni, Temminck. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y> Vol. 2, p. 330. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 401.
' Audcbon, B. of Am. Vol. 5, p. 339, pi. 350. Ncttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 185. Giraud, Birds
of Long island, p. 263.

Characteristics. Tail much rounded, of sixteen feathers, with black subternynal bars ;
outer feathers half as broad as the middle ones. Brown and reddish
above ; buff on the sides of the head and neck ; belly and vent white.
Length, 10 '0. '

Description. Bill straight, compressed from the base, depressed towards the tip, where it
is enlarged, and 25 long. Second quill longest. Tail much rounded, almost graduated : all
the toes cleft to the base.

Color. Crown dark-colored, mottled with rufous, and an irregular rufous medial line.
Lores, and an oblique streak beneath the eyes, black. On the back, the brownish black
feathers are edged with cream-color, and minutely barred with reddish brown. Wings plain
dusky ; the outer 'web of the first quill white; outer spurious feather very acute, and mar-
gined and tipped with white. Outer tail-feathers dusky white, with four or five brown bars,
and tipped (in the male) with pure .white ; middle feathers jet black at the base, broadly
banded with bright bay, margined with black and tipped with yellowish white beneath. Chin
brownish white. Throat and breast buff, spotted with brown and grey. Flanks barred with
grey and brown, , Axillary feathers pure white, with numerous angular brown bars.

Length, 11 -0-12-0.

The Common Snipe, or English Snipe as it is ignorantly called from its resemblance to the
S. gallinago or Common Snipe of Europe, reaches this State about the latter end of April or
the beginning of March. It breeds from Virginia northwardly, and ranges- between the 28th
and 55th parallels. It breeds in this State, particularly in wet swampy places. The Drowned
lands, as they are called, of Orange county, are particularly remarkable as a locality for
breeding ; but this occurs in every part of the State. The eggs are yellowish, with spots
and blotches which form a crowded circle round the larger end. Early in the spring, it soars
high in the air, making a booming sound difficult to describe. In Kentucky, and the Southern
States, it is a resident during the winter. In this State, it remains with us until winter, or
until the ground is so much frozen as to deprive them of their usual food. Its flesh is much
esteemed.

GRALLJ5 — SCOLOPACIOE — SCOLOPAX. 257

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

S. drummondi. (Rich. F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 400.) Brownish black above, striped on the neck and
back with rufous. Rump and tail-coverts greenish barred with black, tipped with white. Beneath
dull brown, with central spots of dark brown. Length, 11*5; bill, 2*5. Northern regions.

Sleucurus. (Id. ib. p. 501.) Tail of sixteen feathers ; the lateral ones pure white : three basal black
bands on the outer web. Belly transversely banded. Northern regions.

GENUS RUSTICOLA. Vieillot.

Bill robust, straight, nearly double the length of the tarsus, deeply grooved on each side of
the upper mandible, slightly depressed towards the end (which is blunt), and longer than
the lower one. Head large. Eyes large. Tibia entirely feathered : legs short. Toes
cleft to the base. Hind nail obtuse, not projecting beyond the claw. Wings short ; the
first three quills very narrow ; the fourth and fifth longest, subequal.

Obs. This group, which was first separated from Scolopax by Vieillot, and subsequently
by Nuttall under the name of Micropteea, differs essentially from any of the species
belonging to the first named genus. It contains at present but one American authenticated
species.

THE AMERICAN WOODCOCK. ■

RtfSTICOLA MINOR.

PLATE CIH. FIG. 231.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Scolopax minor, Gmelin. Little Woodcock, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 463, pi. 19.
S. id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 6, p. 40, pi. 48, fig. 2.
S. (Rttsticola) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 331.

8. id. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 6, p. 15, pi. 352. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 195. Gibaud, Birds of
Long island, p. 269.

Characteristics. Hind head black, with three narrow pale rufous bars ; beneath pale buff
or chesnut, not barred. Quills plain brown. Length, 11 '0.

Description. Bill straight, knobbed and slightly drooping at the tip, 2*9 long. Feathers
of the flanks loosely webbed. Tail short, wedge-shaped. Eyes large, and near the summit
of the head.

Color. Fore part of the head brownish ash ; all above black, varied with reddish and grey.
Wing-coverts rufous, barred obscurely with brown. Tail above black, bordered narrowly
[Fauna — Part 2.] 33

258 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

with chesnut, and broadly tipped with brown. A narrow interrupted line of black extends
from the base of the bill to the eye. Beneath, the chin and sides of the face bluish grey.
Middle of the abdomen pale rufous ; flanks of a deeper color : axillaries salmon-colored.

Length, 10-5-11-5.

This well known and highly prized bird appears in this State from the south early in
March, and remains with us until January, although many pass on to higher latitudes. My
venerable friend Mr. I. Cozzens informs me, that as late as 1814, it was abundant in many
places on the island of Manhattan, which are now entirely covered with houses. It breeds
in every part of the State ; the eggs are usually four in number, dull yellowish irregularly
blotched with reddish brown. Its food consists chiefly of earth-worms and aquatic insects.
In some parts of the State, it is known under the name of Blind Snipe ; but for what reason,
I have not been able to discover. It habitually inhabits swamps and miry places, .but in wet
seasons it may be found on high grounds. It resembles considerably the European Wood-
cock, but is smaller, and the lower parts are plain, without the black bars. It is unfortu-
nately one of the very few birds protected by law : they are not allowed to be exposed for
sale until after the first of July. Distributed through the interior, and ranges from 26° to
52° north latitude. A winter resident in the Southern States.

FAMILY R ALLIUM.

Bill short or moderate, hard, thick at the base, curved at the point ; in some, very stout and
much compressed. Head small. Body slender, much compressed. Legs moderate; a
small portion of the tibia naked. Toes four, very long, divided, edged by a membrane.
Third or fourth quill longest. Tail short, of twelve feathers.

Obs. This family, which corresponds with the Macrodactyli of Vieillot, Cuvier and others,
comprises about sixty species, distributed over the globe. Of these, ten are known in North
America, and seven are found in this State.

GENUS RALLUS. Linnaeus. Illiger. ,

Bill longer than the head, slender, nearly straight, subequal throughout, compressed at the
base, cylindrical and obtuse at the point : upper mandible furrowed beyond the middle.
Nostrils sub-basal, linear. Tail short, somewhat pointed, upturned, concealed beneath
the tail-coverts.

GRALL.E — RALLID^E — RALLUS. 259

0 '

THE SALTWATER MEADOW-HEN.

Rallus crepitans,
plate xclx. tig. 222.
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Rallus crepitans, Gm. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 112.

Clapper Rail. Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 201.

R. crepitans. Acddbon, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 165, pi. 310. Gikaud, Birds of Long island, p. 206.

Characteristics. Bluish grey, margined with olive-brown ; beneath rufous or ash. Wing-
coverts and quills brown. Young, ash; beneath whitish. Length, 14*0.

Description. Bill compressed, acute at tip, slightly curved from the middle, 2-2 long
measured from above ; the upper mandible at the base almost continuous with the outline of
the head : a slight notch near the tip. The first and eighth quills nearly equal in length. Tarsus
1*8 long ; naked space on the tibia 0'5. Tail rounded, with rather acuminate feathers.

Color. Above brownish, intermixed with ash and rufous. Quills plain rufous brown :
ridge of the wings white. Sides of the face varying from slate to dark olive-green : line over
and around the eye, chin, and upper part of the throat white or dull grey. Sides of the neck
tinged with reddish ; breast rufous and grey. Axillaries, under wing-coverts, flanks, thighs
and lateral lower tail-coverts olive-brown barred with white. Bill and feet yellowish brown.

Length, 13-5-15-0.
ft The Clapper Rail, Mud-ken, or Meadow-hen, appears along the shores of this State about
the latter end of April, and, after raising its brood, departs for the South in October. It lays
from 8-15 dull whitish eggs, sparingly spotted with reddish brown towards the larger end.
These eggs are highly prized, and are sought for with great avidity. The Mud-hen is very
abundant during the season, and, according to Mr. Linsley, breeds extensively along the
shores of Connecticut. They are not found in the interior, and are winter residents from
Carolina southwardly. Its hitherto ascertained geographical range is from 24° tp 41° "10
north.

Two very distinct species have been for a long time given by Wilson under the name of
crepitans. In his Ornithology, he has given a faithful description of this species, but his
plate represents another. We are indebted to Messrs. Bachman and Audubon for having
pointed out the differences between them. >

33*

260 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE FRESHWATER MEADOW-HEN.

Ralltjs elegans.

plate xcix. fig. 221.

(CABINET OF W. COOPER.)

Clapper Rail. Wilsok, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, pi. 62, fig. 2.

Great Red-breasted Rail, or Freshwater Marsh-hen, R. elegans. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 160, pi. 309k
R. elegans. Linsley, Cab. Birds of Conn. p. 19. Gieaud, Birds of Long island, p: 209.

Characteristics. Blackish varied with rufous ; beneath bright bay or dull chesnut. Wing-
coverts bright chesnut. Quills deep brownish black. Length, 18 "0.

Description. Bill somewhat more robust than the preceding, compressed, very slightly
curved, 2#6 long ; the upper mandible notched at the tip. The naked shafts of the feathers
on the forehead and crown black, polished, and more conspicuous. The first and seventh
quills subequal ; the shafts sinuous. Spur on the ridge of the wing prominent, incurved.
Naked space of tibia 0*8 ; tarsus 2 "4.

Color. Above blackish or deep olive ; the feathers edged with rufous. Ridge of the wing
white. Summit of the head brownish black. A grey line passes from the base of the upper
mandible, above the eye, and round it, becoming effaced behind the eye ; beneath the eye,
ash-grey, bordered by the rufous color of the sides of the neck. Chin and upper part of the
throat white ; lower part of the neck, with the breast, bright chesnut. Flanks, axillaries,
thighs, and lateral under tail-coverts blackish brown barred with white.

Length, 17*0- 19'0.

This species is very rare, or at least has not often been observed in this State. Mr. Linsley
found it in Connecticut, and is inclined to think that it even breeds there. He describes the
eggs as larger and darker than those of the preceding species. Unlike the preceding, it is
only found in swamps and meadows, and along freshwater streams. Its shy and retired habits
may probably account for the very few that have been observed. Its utmost geographical
range, that has been hitherto observed, is from 28° to 41° north latitude; but it is most
abundant from Carolina southwardly. Its history is incomplete.

GRALLJS — RALLID.E RALLUS. 261

THE MUD-HEN.

Rallus virginianus.

plate c. fig. 223.
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Rallus virginiamts, Lih. Gmelin, Vol. 1, p. 716.
R. pensylvanicus. Brisson, At. p. 138.

R limicola, Vieillot. R. virginianus, Wilson, Am. Ornithology, Vol. 7, p. 109, pi. 62, fig. 2.
R. virginianus. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 334. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 205. Addubon,
Birds of Am. Vol. 5, p. 174, pi. 311. Gikaud, Birds of Long island, p. 208.

Characteristics. Black, skirted with brown ; beneath rufous. Throat white. Wing-coverts
chesnut; first quill entirely black. Length, 10' 0.

Description. Bill deep at the base, slightly curved, slender, compressed, 1 • 7 long. The
first and sixth quills subequal. Tarsus 1 ' 3 long, compressed. Feathers of the forehead
with the shaft elongated beyond the web.

Color. Deep brownish black above ; the feathers streaked with olive brown. A whitish
line extending from the base of the bill over the eye ; lores and space behind the eye bluish
grey. Wings blackish brown ; the coverts reddish brown or chesnut. Throat white ; neck
and breast reddish brown. Vent and under tail-coverts dusky brown, barred with white ;
feathers of the tibia lightest in front.

Length, 9-5-10-5.

This little Mud-hen, or Virginian Rail, is found throughout the State. The eggs are
dusky white, with brownish specks chiefly about the largest end. It occurs with us from May
to September, living chiefly along the course of fresh water streams and morasses, but has
also been observed along the coast. Feeds on worms, aquatic insects, freshwater shells, and
the seeds of grasses. It ranges from 24° to 58° north latitude, and is a winter resident from
Carolina southwardly.

* / . -

GENUS ORTYGOMETRA. Aldrovandus. Leach.

With most of the characters of the preceding genus. Bill shorter than the head, compressed,
tapering, acute at the point, much higher than wide at the base. Upper mandible furrowed
at the base only, slightly curved at the tip. Nostrils medial, linear.

Obs. This corresponds with the genus Crex of Illiger, Bechstein and Bonaparte, and
embraces two small species in this State.

262 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE SORA RAIL.

OrTYGOMETRA CAROLINA.
. PLATE C. FIG. 224.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Rallus carolinus, Lin. p. 263. Soree gallimde, Pennant, Arctic Zoology, Vol. 2, p. 491.
R. virginianus. Wilson, (misprint) Am. Orn. Vol. 6, p. 27, pi. 48, fig. 1 ; carolinus in the Index.
R, stolidus, Vieillot. R. (Crex) carolinus, Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 334.
R, carolinus. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 209. Addobon, Birds of Am. Vol. 5, p. 145, pi. 306. Giraud,
Birds of Long Island, p. 201.

Characteristics. Olive brown and black. Feathers with white margins. ""Breast and
flanks mostly slate ; the latter waved with white. Edge of first quill
white. Male, centre of the throat black. Female and young, throat
white, or obscurely barred. Length, 9*0.

Description. Bill straight, compressed, 0' 8 long and 0*3 deep at the base : upper mandi-
ble slightly notched at the tip. First and fifth quills subequal ; the second longest. Nails
compressed, straight. Tail almost pointed.

Color. Bill yellow, dusky towards the tip. Lores, centre of the crown, (and stripe down
the throat in the male,) black. Line over the eye, cheeks and breast bluish ash. Above
olive brown ; the centre of the feathers dark brown, and the margins bordered with white.
Tail dusky brown, darker in the centre. Beneath with obscure light bars on the breast :
centre of the abdomen whitish. Sides, flanks and axillaries dark, with angular bars of
white. Female and young : Breast reddish brown ; throat white or obscurely barred ;
chin and abdomen greyish white ; the dark medial line on the crown sometimes scarcely
apparent. Above, the bright reddish tint is more apparent, and the white margins of the
feathers are interrupted, forming white spots.

Length, 8*5 -9-5.

The Sora or Soree, English Rail or Coot of the Southern States, although numerous in
the adjoining State of New-Jersey, where it is much sought after as game, appears but
sparingly within our borders. It nevertheless breeds in this State. It occurs in fresh and
salt-water marshes ; appearing with us in the spring, and disappearing with the first frost.
Its presumed geographical range extends from the 25th to the 62d parallel. A winter resi-
dent of Florida and Louisiana. Its history is yet incomplete.

GRALL^: — RALLID.E — ORTYGOMETRA. 263

THE NEW-YORK RAIL.

Ortygometra noveboracensis.

plate ci. fig. 225.
(CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Fulica noveboracensis, Gmelin. Yellow-breasted Gallinule, Pennant, Arot. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 491.

Rallus ruficollis. Vieillot, Gal. Ois. de l'Am. Vol. 2, pi. 206.

R. (Crex) noveboracensis. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 335.

Yellow-breasted Rail. Id. Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 136, pi. 27, fig. 2 (young ?). Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 402.

Audobon, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 152, pi. 307. Ndttall, Man, Orn. Vol. 2, p. 215. Giraud,

Birds of Long island, p. 204.

Characteristics. Black, varied with rusty, and with numerous narrow transverse white
bars : beneath bright reddish brown, with dusky bars. Female and
young, duller ; the legs lineated. Length, 5*5.

Description. Bill short, robust, compressed, 0-6 long : edge of the lower mandible entire.
Tarsus 0-9 : middle toe and nail 1*8. The naked space of the tibia very small, and covered
by the feathers to the joint. Hind nail much incurved ; the others straight. Second quill
longest. Tail compressed. Spur on the wing inconspicuous or absent.

Color. Above, the crown dusky, faintly streaked with rufous. Feathers on the upper
parts dark brown in their centres, light chesnut on their borders, and crossed with one or two
narrow white bars, one of them subterminal : these bars appear on the scapulars, tertials,
lateral tail-coverts and flanks. Quills plain olive-brown. Lores and auriculars dusky brown.
Line over the eye, and sides of the neck cinnamon-brown. Chin rufous white. Throat and
breast bright reddish brown, with obscure dusky bars on the sides. Thigh-feathers blackish.

Length, 5-0-6-0.

This diminutive Rail has been so little observed, that it has received no popular name. It
is distributed through the United States in the interior to the Rocky mountains, and along
the seaboard. It ranges from Louisiana to Hudson's Bay, breeding in most of the interme-
diate places. The eggs are pure white, and vary in number from ten to sixteen. Its general
resemblance to the European Quail is such that Latham describes it under the name of Hud-
sonian Quail. Its food consists of aquatic insects and seeds. It is a shy solitary bird, never
appearing in flocks like the preceding species.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

O jamaicensis, Briss. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 157, pi. 308.) Black: hind part of the back barred
with white. Beneath, hinder parts and thighs barred with black. Bill black. Legs yellowish
green. Length, 6 • 0. New-Jersey to Louisiana. ' ■

Genus Aramtjs, Vieillot. Bill much longer than the head, compressed, curved, and somewhat turgid
at the tip. Upper mandible slightly furrowed ; lower, turgid about the middle. Nostrils
wide, linear, pervious. Head wholly feathered. Lores naked. Naked space on the tibia

264 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

extensive. Third quill longest. Hind toe bearing on the ground with several joints. Toes

entirely divided.
A. scolopaceus, Vieilx. (Bon. Am. Orn. VoL 4, pi. 26. Aud.B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 181, pi. 312.)
Brown, glossed with green. Feathers of the head and neck longitudinally marked in their centres
•with white. Rump, quills and tail chocolate-brown, unspotted. Length, 24*0. Florida, and
Tropical America. Accidental in New-Jersey.

GENUS GALLINULA. Brisson.

Bill shorter than the head, straight, compressed, convex above : base of the upper mandible
spreading out into a naked space advancing on the forehead. Nostrils lateral, medial, oblong-
linear. Toes four ; the anterior very long and cleft, to the base, bordered by a narrow
entire membrane. First quill shorter than the fifth ; second and third longest.

THE FLORIDA GALLINULE.

Gallinula galeata.

plate cv. fig.s34.

(COLLECTION OF H. C. DE RHAM.)

Gallinula chloropus. Bonaparte, Aid. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 128, pi. 27, fig. 1 (adult).

G. galeata, Lichtenstein. Temminck, Vol. 2, p. 696 (note). Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 52.

G. chloropus. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 132, pi. 304. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 197.

Characteristics. Frontal cere very long, quadrate. Middle toe 2 ■ 8. A red circle round
the tibia. Central under tail-coverts brown. Adult, dark reddish brown.
Young, brownish olive ; beneath whitish. Length, 14* 0.

Description. General color dark sooty brown. Head and neck darker : shoulder and ex-
ternal edge of the wing white. Beneath bluish ash. Lateral under tail-coverts pure white :
shafts of the quills black ; outer web of the first quill white. Bill and naked space on the
forehead red ; the former yellow towards the tip. Young : chin and upper part of the throat
white, mottled below with dusky. Length, 14 '0.

This is a rare visitor from the South to our shores. It has hitherto been confounded with
the chloropus of Europe, to which it is closely allied. It ranges from Mexico to Massachu-
setts, and is a winter resident from Carolina southwardly. It has been observed in Ohio.

(EXTRA-LIM1TAL )

G. martinica, Gm. (Atjd. B. of A. Vol.5, p. 128, pi. 303.) Lower wing-coverts blue. All the
under tail-coverts pure white. No colored circle round the tibia. Adult, purple ; back and tail
green; sides of the neck and wings blue. Young, varied with dull purplish and dusky ; beneath
with black and white. Length, 13" 0. Mexico to Carolina. Accidental in Massachusetts.

GRALLiE — KECURVIROSTRID^E — HIMANTOPUS. 2G5

FAMILY RECURVIROSTRIDJE.

Neck, bill and feet much elongated. The bill twice the length of the head, more or less re-
curved from the tip. Nostrils in the furrow, basal, linear, pervious. Toes three or four.
Hind toe, when present, very short, articulated high up, and not touching the ground.
Anterior toes connected by a web more or less extensive. Tibia mostly naked. Tail short,
of twelve feathers. Wings long and pointed.

Obs. This family comprises about seven species, whose anomalous forms render it difficult
to arrange in a natural series. In some respects they are closely allied to some of the genera
of the family Scolopacidce, whilst in others they appear to form a natural passage between this
and the following order.

GENUS HIMANTOPUS. Brisson,

Bill much longer than the head, very slender, smooth, cylindrical, tapering and slightly re-
curved from the middle, not as long as the tarsus. Mandibles channelled laterally for half
their length. Legs unusually long and slender. Tibia very long and almost entirely naked.
Toes three ; the outer and middle connected by a broad membrane ; a smaller membrane
between the middle and inner toe.

THE LAWYER.

HlMANTOPUS NIGRICOLLIS.
PLATE LXXXVIH. FIG. 200.

(CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Recurvirostra himantopus. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 48, pi. 58, fig. 2.

Himantopus mexkanus, Ord's reprint, p. 52. H. nigricollis, Vieillot. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2,

p. 322. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 8.
H. id., Black-necked Still. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 31, pi. 354. Giraod, Birds of Long island, p. 270.

Characteristics. White. Head, neck, back and wings above, black. Length, 14 inches.

Description. Bill slender, slightly upturned, 3"0 long, and drooping at the tip. Tibia
bare for more than half its length, and, together with the tarsus, 7' 5 long.

Color. Forehead, spot over and round the eye, cheeks, sides of the neck and all beneath
white. Line before and round the eye, crown, back of the neck, scapulars and wings above
greenish black. The stripe on the back of the neck dilated near its junction with the body.
Bill black. Feet red. Female and young, dark brown above.

Length, 13-5-14-5.

[Fauna — Part 2.J 34

266 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

This is not a very common visitor to our shores. It is known under the various popular
names of Tilt, Stilt, Longshanks and Lawyer. The origin of this last popular name (which
is most in use), I have not been able to discover : there appears to be nothing unusual in the
length of its bill. It ranges from the equator to the 41st degree of north latitude, its extreme
northern range terminating in this State. It breeds in the adjacent State of New-Jersey, and
possibly here, although I have no positive evidence on the subject. The eggs are yellowish,
blotched and lined with black. It is a shore bird, living upon small fishes, crabs, insects and
worms. Many are winter residents in Florida and Louisiana. It appears every where to be
a rare species.

GENUS RECURVIROSTRA. Linn^us.

Bill long, very slender, depressed, turned upwards from the middle to the tip, and much
longer than the tarsus. Mandibles subequal, and furrowed on each side at the base. Hind
toe very short, articulated high up, and not touching the ground. Anterior toes webbed to
the second joint.

THE AMERICAN AVOSET.

ReCURVIROSTRA AMERICANA.

PLATE C1I. FIGS. 227, 229 (Summer ahd winter).

(STATE COLLECTION. CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Recurvirostra americana. Linnjecs, Syst. Nat. p. 256.

American Avoset. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 502.

R. id. Leach, Zool. Misc. Vol. 3, p. 113, pi. 101. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 126, pi. 63, fig. 2.

R.id. Rich. F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 345. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 345.

R. id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 24, pi. 353. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 269.

Characteristics. White: tail tinged with pale ash; back and wings black. Summer;
Head and neck pale rufous. Winter, these parts white. Length, 18' 0.

Description. Bill slender, flattened, tapering to a delicate point, recurved, longer than
the tarsus. Upper mandible turned down at the tip. Tibia half naked. Tarsus compressed,
3-7 long.

Color. Summer and autumn : Head, neck and breast light reddish buff, deeper on the
back of the neck. Face, space round the eye, ridge of the wings, outer scapulars, tips of
the greater coverts, inner webs and outer margins of the secondaries, back, abdomen, vent
and thighs white. Interior scapulars, coverts and quills brownish black. Upper tail-coverts
dark at their base. Bill black. Legs blue. In this State it is represented by figure 229.
In the Cabinet of the Lyceum is a specimen labelled " Male Avoset, shot October 29, on

GRALLiE — PHALAROPODID.E — PHALAROPUS. 267

Long island," which I was at first disposed to regard either as new or identical with the R.
avocetta of Europe. It, however, resembles that just described, in dimensions and in the
distribution of the markings, but the colors themselves are different. Instead of the reddish
head, neck and breast, these are in some lights apparently white, but, upon a careful exami-
nation, are found to be of a light ash-grey. Supposing it to be the winter plumage, and in
this state not hitherto described, I have figured it at 227. This is possibly the White Avoset
of Nuttall, taken on the Missouri.

Length, 18-0- 19'0.

The American Avoset, or Blue-stocking as it is called in New-Jersey, is a scarce bird on
the shores of this State. It breeds in New-Jersey, and probably in this State, which it
reaches in May, and occurs sparingly until November. It ranges from the tropics to the 68th
parallel, and is abundant in the fur countries, appearing through Ohio, Indiana (where it
breeds), and Missouri to the Rocky mountains. The eggs are dull olive, with large blotches
of dark brown. Its food varies with its place of resort, consisting of insects, crabs, fishes,
marine worms, paludinas and other shells.

FAMILY PHALAROPODID^E.

Bill moderate, straight : both mandibles furrowed to their base ; upper one somewhat curved
at the point. Nostrils in the furrow, basal, half covered by a membrane, oval or linear.
Feet moderate, four-toed. Tibia partly naked. Toes four, moderate, slender, bordered
by a lobed membrane ; the outer connected at the base to the middle one by a membrane.
Wings long and pointed. Tail moderate or short.

Obs. This family, forming the Hygrobatce, Pinnatipedes, Phalaropodidce and Lobipedes
of Bonaparte, Uliger and others, forms a natural passage to the next order. It comprises at
present not more than three specific forms, but varies so much with sex and season as to
have given rise to many more nominal species.

GENUS PHALAROPUS. Cuvier. Bonaparte.

Bill moderate, robust, much depressed throughout, trigonal at base, dilated towards the
pointed extremity. Nostrils basal, oval, surrounded by a membrane. Tarsi short and
stout, scarcely compressed. Middle toe united with the outer by a membrane, to the
second, and with the inner to the first joint. Hind toe short, scarcely touching the ground.
Tail rather long.

34*

268 NEW- YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

THE RED PHALAROPE.

Phalaropus fulicarius.
' plate civ. fig. 232.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Tringa fulicaria. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 494.

P. hyperboreus. WiLSON^Am. Orn. Vol. 9, p. 75, pi. 73, fig. 4.

P. platyrhincus. Temminck, Orn. Vol. 2, p. 712.

P. fulicarius. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 341. Nutt. Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 230. Richardsok,

F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 407. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol.5, p. 291, pi. 339. Giraud, Birds of

Long island, p. 245.

Characteristics. Blackish varied with rufous ; beneath rufous. Winter, ash ; beneath
white. Length, 7*0.

Description. Bill straight, much depressed and enlarged towards the tip, which is tapering,
acute, and turned down over the lower mandible ; measured from above, l'O long. Tarsus
0-9.

Color, of a female in the summer plumage : Head and hind head blackish, with a few
obscure whitish spots. Back black, bordered with rufous. Some of the scapulars jet black,
with a distinct rufous border. Wing-coverts dusky brown, tipped with white, forming an
oblique band across the wings. Rump white, covered with reddish. A greyish line ovei
the eye ; and on the side of the head beneath the eye, greyish. Stripe passing through the
eye, dusky. Chin and middle of the abdomen soiled white ; the former minutely mottled
with ashy brown. Neck and sides of the neck extending nearly around it, breast, flanks, vent
and under tail-coverts dull chesnut-red. Under wing-coverts white tinged with yellowish red.
In winter, the summit of the head, occiput and nape said to be pure ash. Front, sides of the
neck, middle of the breast and all other parts beneath pure white. Young, semilunar patch
of black on the occiput, and a band of the same color over the eyes ; quills fringed with
white. Mr. Giraud describes a specimen shot in the autumn, as follows : " Forehead, throat,
a line behind the eye, fore part of the breast, abdomen and lower tail-coverts white ; fore
neck pale brown ; a line beneath the eye extending the whole length of the head, crown,
fore part of the back, tertials, wings, rump, upper tail-coverts and tail blackish brown, the
feathers edged with dull yellowish ; middle of the back and sides of the upper part of the
breast greyish blue ; flanks streaked with the same ; bill black ; legs and feet yellowish."

Length, 7-0-8-0.

This little arctic species is common to the north of both continents. It appears sparingly
on our coast in June, and disappears in September. It breeds only in high northern lati-
tudes. Has been seen in Kentucky. Supposed to extend its winter migration to Mexico.

GRALL.E PHALAROPODID^E LOBIPES. 269

GENUS LOBIPES. Cuvier. Bonaparte.

Bill moderate, slender, subulate to its acute tip. Upper mandible slightly curved upon the
lower at the tip. Nostrils sub-basal, linear. Tarsus elongated. Membranous margin of
the toes broad and deeply scolloped, connected by webs at the base. Hind toe short.
Tail short.

THE HYPERBOREAN LOBEFOOT.

LOBIPES HYPERBOREUS.

PLATE XC FIGS. S03, 204.

(STATE COLLECTION. Cabinet op the Lyceum.)

Tringa hyperborea. Lin. p. 249.

Lobipes id. Cuv. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 406.

P. (Lobipes) hyperboreus. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 342.

Lobipes id. Id. Geog. and Comp. List.

P. id. Bonaparte, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 82, pi. 25, fig. 2. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 239.

Hyperborean Phalarope, Lobipes id. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 5, p. 295, pi. 340.

Characteristics. Black varied with rufous; beneath white; sides of the neck and breast
bright rufous and ash. Winter, cinereous ; beneath white. Young,
brownish varied with rusty ; front and beneath white. Length, 7-0.

Description. Bill very slender, acute, turned down at the tip, 0'9 long. Tarsus 0" 7:
tibia bare for some distance above the joint. Tail short, much rounded.

Color. Winter plumage (fig. 204) : Front, sides of the neck, chin, throat and all beneath
white ; summit of the head, a patch behind the eye, and all above blackish varied with slate,
rufous and grey. In a male in change, in the State Collection, from Long island (fig. 203) :
Breast ash-grey ; a spot before the eye, and the lower eyelid white ; a tinge of deep rufous
on the sides of the neck, and over the upper plumage ; upper tail-coverts barred with rufous
and black, and tipped with white. Adult female in spring: Sides and front of the neck
bright orange ; front, crown, sides of the head and back slate ; scapulars and interscapulars
ashy brown varied with yellowish rufous, and minutely tipped with white ; wing-coverls and
quills dusky, the former broadly tipped with white, so as to form an oblique band across the
wings ; breast grey, tinged with rufous ; chin, sides of the neck and all beneath pure white ;
sides of the breast mottled with ash ; lateral tail-feathers white, bordered with dusky.

Length, 6-5-7"5.

This is an exceedingly rare species in this State, or at least has been little noticed. It
occurs abundantly in Maine (where they are termed Sea Geese), and farther north. Its pre-
sent ascertained geographical range is from the 19th to the 75th parallels. Has not been
observed in the interior. Common to the northern regions of both continents. The history
of its migrations not yet fully developed.

270 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

GENUS HOLOPODIUS. Bonaparte.

Bill long, very slender, flexible, cylindrical and of equal breadth throughout ; the point nar-
row and slightly curved. Nostrils basal, long and linear ; the grooves nearly obsolete.
Tarsus long, acutely compressed. Toes elongated ; the hind toe long, and resting on the
ground. A slight web between the middle and outer toes to the first joint, scarcely per-
ceptible between the middle and inner toe. Edging membrane of the toes narrow, and
almost wholly entire. . +

WILSON'S HOLOPODE.

HOLOPODIUS WILSONI.
PLATE LXXXIX. JIGS. 201, 202.

(STATE COLLECTION. Cabinet or G. N. Lawbence.)

Phalaropus lobatus, Wilson. Oed, Vol. 9, pp. 72, 232, pi. 73, fig. 2.

P. wilscmi. Sabine, Franklin's Exped.

P. (Holopodius) wihoni. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 342. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 405,

pi. 69 (summer) . Bonaparte, Am. Ornith. Vol. 4, p. 59, pi. 24, fig. 1 (adult) ;

pi. 25, fig. 1 (young). Audobon, Birds of Am. Vol.5, p. 299, pi. 341 (male and

female). Giraod, Birds of Long island, p. 246.

Characteristics. Bluish grey ; beneath white. A long chesnut stripe on the sides of the
neck, confluent on the back ; and a black curving band through the eye
on each side of the neck. Female and young, dusky brown; beneath
white. Sides of the neck tinged with rufous, but without the dark
band. Length, 10-0.

Description. Tibia 0-7 in its naked part: bill 1*3. Membrane lining the toes continuous,
not lobed.

Color. Crown of the head and lores ash-grey. Above brown. A streak over the eye,
the chin, sides of the rump, tips and edges of the lateral tail-feathers, and all beneath white.
A black band passes through the eyes, becomes dilated, and ends on the sides of the neck.
Young or male in change, in the State Collection (fig. 202), present some differences from
that described by Bonaparte (op. cit.). The crown darker, mixed with rufous ; frontlet, sides
of the head, chin, throat and all beneath soiled white ; back of the neck ash-grey ; above
black varied with rufous ; rump white ; central tail-feathers brownish, bordered with white ;

GRALL/E — PHALOROPODIDjE HOLOPODIUS. 271

lateral tail-feathers light brown on their outer webs, mottled with brown on their white inner
vanes, and both bordered with white ; sides of the body and flanks slightly tinged with rufous.
Adult male, killed at Moriches, Long island, June 1 (fig. 201) : Crown and lores ashen grey ;
chin, sides of the neck, occipital stripe, flanks, abdomen and under side of the tail white ;
a black band passes through the eyes on each side of the neck, and terminates in a dilated
dark chocolate-brown spot over the shoulders ; upper part of the foreneck light rufous brown ;
back slate-grey varied with chesnut-brown. Communicated by Mr. G. N. Lawrence.

Length, 9* 5 -10- 5.

This little species is also very rare in the State of New-York. They have, however, been
found near Buffalo, and on Long island. Breeds abundantly in high latitudes, in New-Jersey,
and probably in this State. Ranges across the continent to the Rocky mountains. Its geo-
graphical limits, now known, extend from Mexico to 55° north.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

H. glacialis. (Rich. F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 409.) Bill slender, dilated at the end; crown dusky and
dull yellow ; cheeks and fore part of the neck yellowish ; legs yellowish. An var. praced. ?
Northern Regions.

272 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

ORDER V. LOBIPEDES,

Bill robust, straight, compressed ; the upper mandible straight or curved at the
point. Feet moderate. Tarsus short. Toes four, all broadly margined with
a membrane. Essentially aquatic.

Obs. This highly artificial order comprises a few water-birds, which can scarcely retain
their places among the Grall^e, and form an easy transition to the succeeding order.

FAMILY PODICIPIDjE.

Bill robust, higher than broad at the base ; the upper mandible straight or curved at the
point. Feet moderate, placed far back. Tarsus short, compressed. Hind toe articulated
high up and internally on the tarsus. Tail short or entirely wanting.

GENUS FULICA. Gmeun.

Bill about the length of the head, robust, curved at the point, much compressed, conical,
very high at the base, which spreads out into a naked disk on the forehead. Nostrils
medial, pervious, oblong, somewhat oblique. Toes four, with a scolloped membrane.
Middle toe longer than the tarsus. Tibia partially naked. Second and third quills longest.
Tail short, of 12- 14 feathers. • ■

THE AMERICAN COOT. -

- FuLICA AMERICANA.
PLATE CIV. FIG. 233.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Fulica americana, Gmelin. F. fioridana, Bartram, p. 296.

F. atra. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 9, p. 61, pi. 73, fig. 1.

F. americana. Say, Long's Expedition. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 338. Richardson, F. B. A.

Vol. 2, p. 401. Nut. Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 229. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 5, p. 138, pi. 305.

Leib, Ac. Sc. Vol. 8, p. 203. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 200.

Characteristics. Dark slate : under tail-coverts and exterior lining of the wings white.
Tail of 14 feathers. Adult: head and neck deep black ; membrane
on the forehead white. Female, greyish beneath. Young, head and
neck brownish black ; beneath paler. Length, 14*0.

LOBIPEDES — PODICIPIDiE — FULICA. 273

Description. Bill 1 ' 2, or about half the length of the tarsus, with a slight notch at the
tip of the upper mandible. Tail short, subacute.

Color. Back, scapulars, rump and tail-coverts brown, tinged with green. Head and
neck jet black. Quills brown, occasionally tipped with white : first quill white on its outer
web ; tips of the secondaries, ridge of the wing and under tail-coverts white. Legs yellowish
green. Bill greyish, tipped with dusky. Naked space on the head white, changing to red-
dish after death.

Length, 13' 5 -16-0.

This bird, which has also received the popular names of Mud-hen, White-bill and Hen-bill,
is found in this State from the latter part of March to the middle of November. According
to Mr. Leib, it breeds in June on the borders of Lake Erie, Michigan. It lays 10-15 oval
greenish yellow eggs sprinkled with small dark brown spots. It frequents low marshy spots
near the coast, and swims with great ease on the water. It ranges from Mexico to the 56th
parallel, breeding from Massachusetts and probably from this State northwardly. Resident
during winter in Florida and Louisiana, and extends to Columbia river.

GENUS PODICEPS. Latham.

Bill moderate, straight, robust, moderately compressed, hard, pointed. Nostrils basal, per-
vious, oblong, posteriorly half closed by a membrane. Neck long and slender. Feet
placed very far back. Tibia short, feathered to the joint, almost hidden in the belly. In-
ner and middle toes connected by a web to the first joint. Tarsus much compressed. Claws
flattened. Tail none ; in its place a tuft of downy feathers. Wings short.

[Fauna — Part 2.] 35

274 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE HORNED GREBE.

PODICEPS CORNUTUS.
PLATE CXL. FIG. 305 (Immature).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Colynibua cornulus, Gmelin* Podiceps id. Latham.

Horned Grebe. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 247. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 417.
Horned Grebe, or Dobchick. Nuttah,, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 254. GlEAUD, Birds of Long island, p. 281.
p. cornulus. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 7, p- 316, pi. 481.

Characteristics. Bill shorter than the head, compressed throughout. Secondaries white ;
12 outer quills entirely brown. Adult, dusky; beneath white ; a tuft of
rufous feathers above and beneath each eye ; neck and breast rufous :
a broad black ruff round the neck. Young, pure white beneath, except
the neck ; the white nearly meeting on the nape : no ornamental tufts.
Length, 15 •■0.

Description. Bill straight, uniformly attenuated to the straight tip, 1 "0 long. Crest and
ruff as noted in the specific phrase. In the young, the crest is apparent, but not conspicuous,
and the place of the ruff is marked by somewhat longer feathers. Tarsus 1*7, much com-
pressed, serrate behind, smoother in front : middle toe pectinate.

Color. Head, nape and throat greenish black ; a broad buff orange eye-stripe ; reddish
before the eye, and on the sides of the nape ; above, blackish brown. Under surface and
sides of the neck and breast, the flanks and thighs, reddish orange : vent greyish ; beneath
shining yellow. Orbits and rictus red. Legs brownish. Immature or in change, from a
specimen shot November 1, in the neighborhood of New- York : Summit of the head and
back of the neck blackish with a slight gloss of green ; space before the eye grey ; cheeks,
chin and throat white, with a few obsolete rufous spots ; lower part of the neck in front
mixed with brown ; sides of the rump varied with white ; beneath glossy white ; back and
wings varied with reddish brown, dark brown and a slight tinge of slate ; secondaries white,
the posterior ones tipped with brown.

Length, 14-5 -15'5.

This little aquatic bird, which is known under the various names of Dipper, Water-witch,
and Hell-diver, appears in this State in June, and remains with us until November. It oc-
curs also in the interior from 26° to 68° north. It breeds in this State, laying three or four
white eggs spotted with brown. Feeds on insects, fishes, crabs, and fresh and salt-water
shells. It is common to Europe and America*

LOBIPEDES — PODICIPID.<E — PODICEPS. 275

THE CRESTED GREBE.

PODICEPS CRISTATUS.
PLATE CXL. FIG. 306 (Immatube).
(STATE COLLECTION.) •

Colymbus criatatus. Linnaeus, p. 222.

Podiceps id. Latham. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 417. Richardson, F. . A. Vol. 2, p. 410.

Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 250. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 7, p. 308, pi. 479. Giraue,

Birds of Long island, p. 383.

Characteristics. Crested : a broad ruff round the neck. Sides of the head and of the
body tinged with reddish. Female, no ruff ; brownish grey ; beneath
white. Length, 19 "0.

Description. Bill straight, compressed, tapering, 2*5 long. Nostrils oval. Tibia wholly
feathered : tarsus much compressed. Two tufts of feathers on the head, and a large ruff or
frill on the sides and fore part of the neck above. Second quill longest.

Color. Adult male : Brownish black, tinged with rufous above ; occipital tufts and the
ruff black, tinged with green ; upper portion of the ruff reddish brown ; chin and fore neck
white. Immature : Bill blackish, reddish brown at the base ; feet yellowish green ; chin,
neck, breast and abdomen greyish white, obscurely spotted with dusky ; ruff dull brown be-
neath, somewhat lighter above ; loral space dusky.

Length, 18' 0-20-0.

The Crested Grebe, or Dipper, is commonly found in secluded ponds and lakes in the in-
terior, although it is not unusual along the coast. Breeds in the higher latitudes. Eggs four,
of a uniform yellowish white. Ranges from Mexico to the 68th parallel. Common to Eu-
rope and America.

35*

276 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE RED-NECKED GREBE.

PoDICEPS RUBRICOLUS.
PLATE CXLI. FIG. 307.

(STATE COLLECTION. Cabinet of the Ltcettm.)

Colymbus rubricoliis et subcristatus, Gmelin.

Todiceps id. Latham, Ind. Om. Vol. 2, p. 783. Id. Gen. Hist. Vol. 10, p. 27, pi. 166. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye.

N. Y. p. 417. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 411. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 253.

Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 7, p. 312, pi. 480. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 384.

Characteristics. Crested. Bill short; neck reddish beneath ; front black. Adult: Cheeks
and throat ash ; crown and neck behind black : no ruff. Young, dull
colored and spotted : cheeks and throat white ; the former spotted with
dusky. Length, 18*5,

Description. Bill stout, tapering from the base, 2*0 long and 0"6 high : a series of
short parallel oblique ridges in the furrow anterior to the nostrils. Tufts on each side of the
occiput disposed in a curved line, truncated behind, and composed of loosely webbed feathers.
Tarsus much compressed, carinate on both edges, and 2' 3 long.

Color. Bill black, yellow at base : feet yellow. Front, crown, crest and line down the
back of the neck black tinged with green. Back and parts above brownish black. Cheeks,
chin and throat ash-grey passing into white, spotted with brown under the eye. A bright
chesnut-colored spot on each side of the neck, and in the full plumage this is dilated over the
whole neck and breast. Secondaries white along their centres. The specimen (fig. 307),
shot September 28, in the neighborhood of the city, is in a state of plumage I have no where
seen described. It was a mate. Chin white, passing into light ash-grey on the sides of the
face and throat,. Frontlet, crown and middle of the neck brown, with the slightest tinge of
. rufous. Above deep blackish brown ; the feathers margined with greyish. Secondaries
white ; shafts black, tipped gradually with more black. Sides of the rump black, striate
with white ; beneath soiled greenish glossy white.

Length, 1,7' 0-18-0.

The Red-necked Grebe is a northern species which occurs rarely on the coast of this State
in winter, and has scarcely been seen farther south. Dr. Kirlland has observed them in Ohio.
It is a rare species. Its food and habits resemble those of the preceding. It ranges from.
40° to 68° north. Common to Europe and America.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

P. auritus, Lath. (Nutt. Vol. 2, p. 256.) Crested. Black: secondaries white ; inner quills white
on the inner vanes; neck and breast black; crest and ruff very short, black: a long slender tuft of
reddish feathers behind and beneath each eye. Young, white beneath. Length, 12-0.

LOBIPEDES — PODICIPIDiE — HYDROKA. 277

GENUS HYDROKA. Nuttall.

Bill very stout, short, compressed, and strongly curved at the point. Nostrils somewhat
rounded. Tarsus robust, shorter than the inner toe. Inner and middle toe united by a
membrane extending beyond the first joint ; the outer and middle one equal in length.
With the other characters of the preceding genus.

THE DIPPER.

Hydeoka carolinensis.
plate cxli. fig. 308.

Podiceps carolinensis. Lath. Pied-bill Grebe, Pennant, Arct. Zoology, Vol. 2, p. 497.

P. id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 418. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 412. Aud. fol. pi. 248.

P. (Hydroka) id. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 259.

Sylbeocyclus id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 64. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 382.

Podiceps id. Audobon, B. of Am. Vol. 7, p. 324, pi. 483.

Characteristics. Feathers on the nape rather long. Bill with a black band. Chin and
throat black. Young: Bill plain ; chin white. Length, 14*0.

Description. Bill 0*5 high at the base. Nostrils oval, sub-basal. Tarsus 1*6, much
compressed. Tail rudimentary; its place marked by a few hair-like feathers.

Color. Above dusky brown ; back of the neck and rump darker. Wings reddish brown.
An oblong black patch, an inch and a half or two inches long, on the chin and throat. Base
of the neck and sides of the body brown, intermixed with black, grey and rufous ; beneath
silky yellowish white. An individual shot September 4 (fig. 308), exhibits some variations.
Sides of the head and neck brownish, with obsolete black spots, and streaked with white ;
chin and throat with a few spots of reddish brown ; flanks more tinged with rufous.

Length, 13' 5 -14-5.

The Dipper, or Pied Dobchick, is common in the ponds and lakes of this State, reaches us
about August, and ranges southwardly during the winter. It breeds in high northern latitudes,
and is very common in this State late in the summer and autumn. Its geographical range
is between the 26th and the 68th parallels. Peculiar to America, but closely allied to the
European species.

278 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

ORDER VI. NATATORES.

Bill of various forms. Legs for the most part placed far behind. Lower part
of the tibia more or less naked. Tarsus compressed. Toes most usually
four ; the three anterior united by a membrane. Hind toe sometimes wanting.
Nails short, depressed, not retractile. Plumage unusually compact, with
shorter feathers beneath.

FAMILY ALC1BM

Bill much compressed, generally high at the base. Legs placed at the extremity of the body.
Tibia partly naked. Feet three-toed, entirely palmated. Neck short. Wings very short,
sometimes wholly unfit for flight. Tail very short.

GENUS UEJA. Brisson.

Bill moderate, strong, straight, compressed, sharp-pointed, smooth. Upper mandible slightly
deflected at the tip. Nostrils basal, pervious, sublinear, half concealed by a feathered
membrane. Tarsus short and robust. First and second quills longest. Tail short, rounded,
of twelve or more feathers.

THE BLACK GUILLEMOT.

Uria grylle.

plate cxxxix. fig. 303.

(COLLECTION OF H. C. DE RHAM.)

Colymbus grylle, hlUNXVs, p. 220. Undid. Latham, Vol.2, p. 797.

Black Guillenwt. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 516. Sabine, App. Parry. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y.

Vol. 2, p. 423.
U. grylle. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 478. Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 523. Audubon, B. of A.
Vol. 7, p. 272, pi. 474. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 377.

Characteristics. Feet red : a large white spot on the middle of the wings. Summer, black ;
wing-coverts white. Winter, varied with black and white. Length,
13 inches.

NATATORES — ALCID/E — URIA. 279

Description. Bill compressed, straight, 1 ■ 5 long measured from the corner of the mouth.
Nostrils placed near the edge. Tarsus 1 ■ 2, slightly shorter than the middle toe. Tail short,
rounded, of twelve feathers.

Color. Summer: General hue deep black, varied more or less with the season, with minute
bars of whitish. Inside of the mouth and feet red. Secondary wing-coverts and the lower
wing-coverts white. Winter : Wings and tail brownish black ; the wings marked with the
large white patch so conspicuous in summer. Back blackish, minutely barred with white.
All the remaining parts of the head and body white, more or less barred with brown.

Length, 13*5- 14-5.

The Black Guillemot, as it appears occasionally on our coast during severe winters, is
subject to great variations in the quantity of white or black in its plumage. It is an arctic
species, common to Europe and America. On this continent, it breeds from the Bay of
Fundy northwardly. Eggs white, thickly spotted with dark brown especially around the
larger end. Food, fishes, Crustacea and other marine animals. It ranges from 75° to 40°
north latitude.

THE FOOLISH GUILLEMOT.
Uria troile.

Colymbus troile, Lin. p. 220. Foolish Guillemot, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 51, and Suppl. p. 69.

V. id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 424. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 477. Nuttall, Man.

Om. Vol. 2, p. 526. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 7, p. 267, pi. 473. Peabody, B. of Mass. p. 399.

Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 376.

Characteristics. Blackish; beneath white; secondaries white at tip; feet dusky. Bill
nearly two inches long, compressed throughout. Adult, a white stripe
behind the eye. Young, without this white stripe. Length, 17*0.

Description. Bill longer than the head ; the upper mandible gently curved, and acutely
notched at the tip. Tarsus 1 ■ 2. Tail of twelve feathers.

Color. Head and neck blackish brown ; the remaining upper parts greyish black. Tips
of the secondaries, circle round the eye and a narrow line behind it, and all beneath white,
the white beneath rising into a rounded projection on the base of the neck above. Young, in
which state it occurs most frequently on the coast of this Slate : Bill cinereous and yellowish
at the base ; the black above shaded with ash-brown. The narrow white streak behind the
eye scarcely distinct, and blending in ashy spots with the white of the sides of the occiput.
Tarsus and toes livid yellowish : webs brown.

Length, 16*0- 18*0.

The Foolish Guillemot, or Murre, is a northern species, only occasionally visiting the
coast of this State : it is more common on that of Massachusetts. They breed from the
Gulf of St. Lawrence northwardly. Eggs 1-3, very large, varying in color from white to

280 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

green and blue, blotched and splashed with dark brown. Large numbers of the eggs of this
and the preceding species are annually brought to Boston for sale. Its habits are similar to
those of the preceding species. Ranges from 61° to 40° north. Common to Europe and
America.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

U. brunnichi, Sab. (Aud. B. of Am. Vol. 7, pi. 472.) Bill large and stout : upper mandible three times
as long as broad. Sooty black ; beneath white ; secondaries white at tip ; feet dusky, tinged with
red. Summer, whole head black. Length, 18-5. Northern regions of Europe and America.

U. townsendi. (Aud. lb. Vol. 7, pi. 475.) Brown or rufous above, barred with black. Bill straight,
slender, acute, notched at tip. Beneath white. Bill black: feet yellow. Length, 9*0. North'
west coast of America.

GENUS MERGULUS. Ray.

Bill very short, rather thick, convex, conical, slightly compressed, nearly as broad as high,
covered at the base with downy feathers. Both mandibles notched at the tip. Nostrils
basal, oval, partly concealed by a feathered membrane. First and second quills subequal,
longest. Tail of twelve feathers.

THE SEA DOVE.

Mergulus alle.
plate cxxxvi1i. fig. 302.

(COLLECTIONS OF H. C. DE RHAM AND G. N. LAWRENCE.)

Aim alle. LINN.E0S, p. 210.

IMtU Auk. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 512. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 9, p. 94, pi. 74, fig. 5.

Uria (Mergulut) alle. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 425. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 479.
Nuttall, Manual Ornith. Vol. 2, p. 531.

Mergulus id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 65. Audubon, B. of A Vol. 7, p. 257, pi. 469.

M. id., Pigeon Diver. Peabody, Birds of Mass. p. 400. Giraud, Birds of Long Island, p. 375.

Characteristics. Black ; tips of secondaries and beneath white ; under the wings black ;
bill and feet dusky. Bill 0" 5. Summer, whole head black. Length,
6 inches.

Description. Tarsus compressed, partially concealed, 0*8 long: middle toe slightly longest.
Length of wing 4/7. Tail very short, nearly even.

NATATORES — ALCID^E — PHALERIS. 281

Color. Summer : Summit of the head, plumage of the back, wings and tail velvet-black ;
under surface of the head, throat, upper part of the breast, and thighs pitch-black. Winter,
as they appear on our coast : Summit of the head, back, wing-coverts, rump and tail black
glossed with greenish ; quills brownish black ; upper eyelid, edges of the scapulars and tips
of secondaries white ; chin and throat, extending nearly round on the sides of the throat, finely
sprinkled behind and on the sides with brown ; upper, part of the breast obsoletely barred
with dusky. All beneath white ; the feathers black at their bases. Tarsus and toes yel-
lowish ; webs and feet black.

Length, 5-0-7-5.

This little Sea Dove, Sea Pigeon, Greenland Dove, Pigeon-diver, or Ice-bird, is but rarely
seen on our coast. The specimen represented in the plate was shot on Long island. It
ranges from 39° north to the north pole, but its more usual limits extend from Labrador
northwardly. It occurs on the northwest coast near the mouth of the Columbia river, and is
common to America and Europe.

[EXTRA-LJMITAL.)

M. antiquus, Bonap. (Vria id. Aud. B, of A. Vol 7, p. 263, pi. 470.) Bill and feet yellow; base of
the former white. Chin black. On each side of the neck, long narrow white feathers, meeting
below, and forming a crescent. Young, yellowish, spotted and barred with black. Tail broadly
tipped with white. Length, 10*5.

Genus Ceratoryncha, Bonaparte. Bill short, longer than high, much compressed, smooth ; the

base not much feathered, but covered by a long obtuse bony process. First quill slightly

longest. Tail very short, composed of fourteen rounded feathers.

C. occidentalis, Bonap. (Vria id. Aud. Vol. 7, p. 264, pi. 471.) Brownish black; beneath whitish:

a few slender elongated whitish feathers at the corners of the mouth and behind the eyes. Bill and

feet yellow. Length, 15-5. Northwest Coast.

Genus Phaleris, Temminck. Bill shorter than the head, dilated on the margins, almost quadrangular,
notched near the tip: lower mandible truncated at the tip. Tibia almost entirely retracted into
the belly. Tarsus acutely compressed. Tail short, of fourteen feathers.

P. nodirostra, Bonap. (Aud. Vol. 7, p. 255, pi. 468.) Bill with a rounded knob over the nostrils.
Brownish black ; beneath white mottled with dusky. Sides and front of the head with linear-
elongate white feathers. Bill red : feet dull grey. Length, 6-0. Northwest coast of America.

P. superciliosa, Bonap. (P. cristatella, Aud. lb. p. 253, pi. 467.) Dusky. A triangular horny
plate at the base of the upper mandible. A tuft on the forehead of about twenty recurved linear
feathers, 2*5 long. A few long white feathers behind the eye. Bill orange. Length, 10-0.
Northwest coast of America.

P. psiliacula. (Nuttall, Vol.2, p. 534.) Black: belly white. A line behind the eyes, and a
spot above, white. Ridge of the bill compressed. Adult : bill red. Young : bill dusky yellow.
Length, 11 -0. Northwest coast of America.
[Fauna — Part 2.] 36

282 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

s GENUS MORMON. Illiger.

Bill shorter than the head, very much compressed, as high as the head at the base, trans-
versely and obliquely grooved on the sides, covered at the base by a wrinkled callous
membrane : both mandibles much curved and notched. Nostrils margined, linear, narrow,
almost entirely closed by a naked membrane. Nails much curved, acute. Tail of sixteen
feathers.

THE ARCTIC PUFFIN.

Mormon arcticus.

i.

PLATE CXXXVIII. FIG. 301 (Young).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Alcaarctka, Lis. p. 211. Puffin, Pennant, Arct. Zoology, Vol. 2, p. 511.

Mormon arctictu. Illiger, Prod. p. 283. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 430. Ncttall, Man. Om.

Vol. 2, p. 542. Auddbon, Birds of Am. Vol. 7, p. 238, pi. 454. Giracd, Birds of Long

island, p. 373.

Characteristics. Black ; beneath white. A broad black collar round the neck. Bill red,
much compressed : both mandibles with at least three lateral grooves
before the nostrils ; lower mandible but little curved. Young, yellowish
dusky, smooth. Length, 12'0.

Description. Half of the bill adjoining the head, leaden blue ; the remaining part red :
upper mandible with four furrows ; the lower with three. Irides hazel ; orbits red. A
triangular callous protuberance above the eye ; an oblong one beneath. Top of the head and
all above black, passing round the neck in a broad collar. Sides of the head and all the under
parts pure white. Chin greyish or white. Legs and feet orange. From a fresh specimen
shot December 12, on Long island : Bill, measured from above, 1 "5 long, notched near the
tip. Indistinct traces of the lateral grooves ; the first in front of the nostrils most prominent :
depth of the bill at base 0-9 : lower mandible with a conspicuous angle, obliquely truncated
at the tip : commissure sinuous. Tarsus 1 ' 2, not as long as the middle or outer toe. Tail
short, slightly rounded.

Color. Eyes dark hazel. Bill horn-color in front, darker towards the base. Inside of the
mouth orange : no wrinkles at the corners of the mouth. Tarsus light greenish before, dark
brown or blackish behind. Toes flesh-colored : webs light orange. Front and summit of
the head blackish brown, composed of feathers forming an imperfect hood. A deeper hue of
black commences on the middle of the neck, forms a collar around it, and covers all above.
A disk of clear ash on each side of the head, including the eyes and the chin beneath, and

NATATORES — ALCIDiE — ALCA. 283

partly encircling the neck behind. A darker tint of brownish black within the ashen disk,
including the eyes, and extending to ihe angle of the mouth and the base of the bill. Re-
maining parts beneath pure white. Sides and thigh-feathers brown.

Length, 12-0-13-5.

The Arctic Puffin visits the coast of this State almost every winter, but in inconsiderable
numbers. Breeds from the coast of Labrador northwardly. Feeds on fish. Egg single,
white. Ranges from 32° to 58° north latitude, and is common to the northern parts of
Europe and America.

[EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

M. glacialis, Leach. (Aud. 1. c. Vol. 7, p. 236, pi. 463.) Bill inordinately large and higher than
the head, moderately compressed : both mandibles with at least two grooves before the nostrils ;
lower mandible much curved. Bill and feet yellow; crown and wings blackish brown; back and
collar bluish black ; beneath white. Length, 13*0. Maine and northwardly.

M. cirrhatus, Tem. (Aud. 1. c. Vol. 7, p. 234, pi. 472.) Bluish black; beneath purplish brown;
face white. A tuft of long slender pale yellow feathers from over and behind the eyes. Bill with
a horny sheath at base, orange: feet red. Length, 15 #0, Maine and northwardly.

GENUS ALCA. Cuvier.

Bill robust, compressed, broad at the base, higher in the middle, feathered to the nostrils,
tumid, grooved and plaited on the sides, hooked at the point. Nostrils medial, half closed
by the feathered membrane, and scarcely perceptible. Wings short ; in one species,
totally unfit for flight. Tail of twelve or sixteen acute feathers>

THE RAZORBILL.

Alca torda.

plate cxxxix. fig. 304.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Alca torda (adult), pica (young). Linnaeus, Syst. Nat. 12 ed. p. 210.

Razorbill Auk. Peknant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 509.

A. torda. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 509.

Vtamama torda. Leach. Bohaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 66. Aud. Birds of Am. Vol. 7, p. 247, pi. 466.

A. id. PEABODy, Orn. Mass. p. 401. GtRAUD, Birds of Long island, p. 374.

Characteristics. Black ; beneath white. Wings, when folded, reaching to the rump. Tail
wedge-shaped, of twelve feathers. Adult : bill with three or four lateral
grooves. Summer, whole head black ; a white line from the bill to the
eye. Young: bill smooth. Length, 16" 5.
36*

284 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

Description. Adult: Bill much compressed, high and rounded ; the profile of the upper
mandible almost vertical at the tip; its depth at the angle of the upper mandible 0*8, and
exceeding somewhat the distance between the nostrils and the tip of the bill. A narrow
oblique slit along the base of the upper mandible ; next to this, a white sinuous ridge
extending across both mandibles ; to this succeed two other ridges concentric with the pre-
ceding, and the rudiments of a third, all crossing the lower mandible. Tail graduated, of
twelve acuminated feathers ; the central pair more acute and longer than the others.

Color. Head, neck and all the upper parts deep reddish brown or black ; the chin and
fore part of the neck being somewhat more rufous. A narrow line of white runs from the
base of the upper mandible, near the front, to the eyes. Secondaries tipped with white,
forming a narrow band across the wings.

Young, shot November 3 : Bill comparatively smooth ; its height at the angle of the lower
mandible 0P6 : there are traces of a furrow along, the base of the upper mandible, but the
remainder is smooth : tail as in the adult. Color, black above ; traces of the white stripe to
the eyes, and of the white tips of the secondaries ; chin, throat, sides of the head behind the
eyes, and all beneath white. The white on the sides of the head extends over on the nape,
and the black on the nape beneath extends around nearly to the middle of the neck in front i
occasionally this is united by a band of speckled brown.

Length, 16-0- 17' 0.

The Razorbill appears along the coast of this State, in small numbers, every autumn and
winter. Breeds from the Gulf of St. Lawrence along the coast of Labrador. Eggs one or
two, very large, white blotched with brown chiefly about the larger end. Its geographical
range on our coast, as far as yet ascertained, is between the 40th and 57th parallels. Com-
mon to America and Europe.

The following species presents so many variations from the normal type of the group, that
it has been very properly erected into a distinct genus.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

A. impennis, Linn. (Nutt. Vol. 2, p. 552.) Black; beneath white. Wings short, and unfit for
flight. Tail short, rounded, of sixteen feathers. Bill grooved. A large white spot around the
eye. Young : bill smooth, and no white spot. Length, 36-0. Newfoundland and northwardly.

NATATORES — COLYMBIOE — COLYMBUS. 285

FAMILY COLYMBIDM.

Bill longer than the head, straight, robust, sharp-pointed. Nostrils basal, linear, pervious.
Feet short and stout. Toes four; the anterior wholly palmated : hind toe short, lobated.

GENUS COLYMBUS. Linn^us.

Bill straight, compressed, nearly cylindrical, tapering to the tip. Tarsus compressed, with
acute edges. Anterior toes wholly palmated ; the outer longest. Lores feathered. First
and second quills longest. Tail short, rounded, of 18 to 20 feathers.

THE GREAT LOON OR DIVER.

COLYMBUS GLACIALIS.

PLATE CXXXVII. FIG. 899.

Colymbus glacialis, Linn. p. 221. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 518 (mature) ; No. 440 (young). Wilson,
Am. Om. Vol. 9, p. 84, pi. 74, fig. 3. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 420. Not.
Man. Om. Vol. 2, p. 513. Aoddbon, B. of A. Vol. 7, p. 286, pi. 476. Gikaud, Bird* of

Long island, p. 378.

Characteristics. Bill 4'0 long : rictus straight ; lower mandible channelled beneath, widest
in the middle. Adult, black, speckled with white ; beneath white.
Head and neck glossy black, with a white interrupted collar and gular
band. Young, brownish. Length, 32 -0.

Description. Edges of the bill inflected : nasal groove short. Tarsus sharp, and covered
with reticulated scales. Hind toe with a small membrane. Tail of twenty feathers.

Color. Bill black. Head and neck dark greenish black. Across the throat, a band of
white, longitudinally streaked with dusky ; beneath this, another broad collar of the same
color, and streaked in the same manner. Back black, with white quadrate spots forming
bars. Beneath glossy white : a dusky band across the vent. Tail brownish black, fading
into paler towards the tip. Young, brown above, obsoletely barred with dusky ; sides of
the neck streaked with dusky ; beneath white.

Length, 31 0- 33 0.

The Great Diver, or Big Loon, may be regarded as a perpetual resident in this State. It
is mostly found in the interior of the State, breeding in the neighborhoods of our many beau-
tiful sheets of water during the summer, and occurring on our seacoast in winter. In a nest
near the banks of Marion river, emptying into Lake Raquet, I found two large drab-colored
eggs, which presented remarkable discrepancies in shape ; the one being acutely pointed at
one end, and the other more globular. This species occurs throughout the Union from Texas
to Maine, and throughout the interior to the Columbia river. It breeds from Maryland north-
wardly. Its geographical range is from 28° to 70° north latitude, and is common to Europe
and America.

286 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE RED-THROATED LOON.

CoLYMBTJS SEPTENTRIONALIS.

PLATE CXXXVII. FIG. 300.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Colymbua septentrionalu. LiNNius, p. 220.Pennast, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 520. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y.
Vol. 2, p. 421. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 476. Ndttall, Man. Orn. Vol.
2, p. 519. Aodubon, B. of A. Vol. 7, p. 299, pi, 478. Girahd, Birds of Long
island, p. 380.

Characteristics. Bill 2 • 0 - 3 • 0 long, slightly upturned : lower mandible channelled. Adult:
Head and neck glossy ash-color ; front of the neck deep reddish brown ;
hind part of the head and the neck streaked with black and white.
Young, ashy brown, with minute marginal spots on the dorsal plumage.
Tail of twenty feathers. Length, 25 ■ 0.

Description. Bill black, slender, slightly recurved, tapering to a point. Tail very short,
rounded, of twenty rounded feathers. Tarsus compressed, 2*8 long, shorter than the outer
toe. Hind toe with a small lobe, and connected to the inner one by a web.

Color. Adult : Summit of the head, chin and sides of the neck of a deep ash ; centre of
the neck with a stripe of deep orange or reddish brown, widening beneath ; occiput, back of
the neck, upper part of the back and sides of the breast black, streaked with white, the white
streaks becoming fewer beneath ; back and wing-coverts brownish black, with distant minute
white spots ; wings, rump and tail black, the rump slightly glossed with green ; beneath
white ; lower tail-coverts greyish, tipped with white. Young ; Head and back of the neck
ash, finely streaked with white ; brownish black above, each feather having an oblong spot
on either margin near the tip ; neck beneath white, varied with light brown ; white beneath ;
an obsolete dusky band across the vent ; rump and upper tail-feathers bimaculate with white.

Length, 23-5-26*0,

The Red-throated Loon, or Scape-^grace, as it is occasionally called, is comparatively a
rare bird in this State, and the young are most usually found here. It breeds from New-
foundland northwardly. Eggs olive-brown, spotted with darker brown. It ranges on this
coast from 36° to 74° north latitude, and is common to Europe and America.

(EXTRALIMITAL.)

C. arcticus, Linn. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 7, pi. 477.) Bill 3-5; the upper mandible slightly curved;
the lower not wider in the middle than at the base, and without groove beneath. Tail with 18
feathers. Adult : occiput and nape ash brown ; front of the neck violet-black. Young, ashy
brown above: occasionally a blackish band on the sides of the neck. Length, 29*0. Northern
Regions. Columbia river.

NATATORES — PROCELLARID^ — PUFFINUS. 287

FAMILY PROCELLARIDjE.

Bill composed of several pieces, hooked at the tip. Nostrils tubular. Feet three-toed ; or
in place of the hind toe, only a sharp nail, which is itself sometimes wanting.

Obs. A family comprising about eight American species.

GENUS PUFFINUS. Brisson.

Bill longer than the head, sharply curved at the tip. Lower mandible pointed, deflected at
the tip, following the curvation of the upper, with a seam on each side : mental angle
obsolete. Nostrils in a double tube, extending one-fourth of the length of the bill. Tarsus
equal to the middle toe in length. Webs full, entire. Tail rounded.

THE LARGE SHEARWATER.

PUFFINUS CINEREUS.
PLATE CXXXVI. FIGS. 297, 29&

(CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Procellaria puffimu. LlNRfUS, p. 213.

P. ctnerms, Covier. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 370.

Pufuna cmereus. Ntttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 334. Aodcbon, B. of A. Vol. 7, p. 212, pi. 456 (male).

Characteristics. Bill 1 "7 -2*0 long. Tarsus 2 -0. Tail conical. Adult, nearly entirely
a uniform sooty brown. Tail shorter than the wings. Young? pure
white beneath. Length, 19 inches.

Description. Adult : Nostrils concealed under the same vaulted tube. Tarsi much com-
pressed, acute on both edges, 2-0 long. Hind nail 0-3, situated high up : middle nail dilated
on its inner edge. First quill longest. Tail graduated, of twelve feathers. Tips of the
wings extending about an inch beyond the tail.

Color. Head and all above blackish brown, with the tips of the scapulars lighter. Quills
and tail brownish black. Throat and all beneath dark ashen grey ; the tips of the feathers
somewhat darker. Outer sides of the tarsi dusky : inner and the webs yellowish ; the latter
somewhat darker towards their margins. Young ? tubes of the nostrils distinct. Color :
head and all above chocolate-brown ; all the feathers bordered with lighter ; inner webs of
the quills white at the base ; chin, sides of the neck, and all beneath pure white ; under tail-
coverts tipped with dusky ; quills and tail black.

Length, 18'0-20-0,

288 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

This large Puffin, or Wandering Shearwater, occurs all over the ocean, but is most
abundant on the banks of Newfoundland, and is occasionally captured on the coast of this
State. It has been observed from Mexico to Newfoundland, and is common to Europe and
America. Its history is incomplete.

THE LITTLE SHEARWATER.

PtJFFINUS OBSCURUS.
PLATE OXXXIV. FIG. 894.

(CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

ProceUaria obscura.' Temminck, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 808.

Puffimu obscwus. Griffith, Cuv. IUgne An. Vol. 8, p. 569. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol 2, p. 371.

P. id., Dusky Petrel. Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 336. Adduboh, B. of A. Vol. 7, p. 216, pi. 458 (male).

Characteristics. Brown; beneath white. Wings shorter than the tail. Tarsus 1*5.
Length, 11/0.

Description. Bill slender, with the nasal tubes distinct, 1*2 long. Tarsus acutely com-
pressed, robust. Hind nail small, conical, inserted 0-3 above the lower end of the tarsus.
Wings curved towards their tips. Tail graduated; the outer feather being 0-8 shorter than
the central pair.

Color. Uniform dusky brown above. Cheeks, eyelids, sides of the neck, and beneath
white : a dusky patch on the sides of the breast. Under tail-coverts and lateral rump-feathers
dusky ; posterior edge of the tarsus and outer toe dusky ; remaining parts yellowish.

Length, 10-0- 11*0.

This little Shearwater resembles so entirely the young of the preceding in miniature, that
with the exception of the dimensions and the uniform color of the back, the same description
would nearly apply to both. Found from the coast of Mexico northwardly to New-York.
Common to Europe and America. Its history incomplete.

NATATORES — PROCELLARIDiE — DIOMEDEA. 289

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

P. anglorum, Ray. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 7, p. 214, pi. 457.) Bill very slender, much incurved
at the tip, 1 -6 long. Tarsus 1 -8. Tail rounded, of 12 feathers. Brownish black ; beneath white.
Length, 15-0. Sable Island. Coast of Maine.

Genus Diomedea, Linnaeus. Bill longer than the head, very robust and hard, deeply seamed on each

side, strongly hooked at the point. Lower mandible smooth : palate with serrated processes.

Nostrils in distinct tubes on the sides of the bill. Feet stout, short. Tarsus a fourth shorter

than the middle toe : no rudiment of hind toe or nail.

D.fusca, Bonap. (Albatross, Aud. B. of A. Vol. 7, p. 200, pi. 454.) Uniform dusky: bill black; feet

yellow. Ridge of the bill carinate, entering the forehead in an acute angle. Length, 34-0.

Columbia river.

D. nigripes. (Aud. lb. p. 198.) Sooty-brown; beneath grey: feet black. Ridge of the bill broad

and convex. Length, 36*0. California.
D. chlororhyncos, Gmel. (Aud. lb. p. 196.) Bill compressed, convex above, black above, yellow
beneath; feet yellow; head and neck ash-grey ; beneath white. Length, 37-0. California.

Genus Procellaria, Linnaus, Bonaparte. Bill as long as the head, stout, broad and hard ; lower
mandible straight, somewhat truncated at the tip : mental angle projecting. Nostrils in a single
tube. First quill longest. Hind toe merely a thick and obtuse nail.

P. glacialis, Linn. (Aud. I.e. Vol. 7, p. 204, pi. 455.) White; back and wing-coverts bluish grey ;
bill and feet yellow. Tail conical. Summer, a dusky spot before the eye. Young, pale cine-
reous, varied with brown. Length, 17*0. Northern regions. Oceanic. Occasionally on the
coast of the United States-

P. pacifica. (Aud. 1. c. Vol. 7, p. 208.) Head, neck and beneath white. Nasal tube straight ; its
ridge distinctly carinate. Length, 18* 0. Northwest coast.

P. tenuirostris (Aud. 1. c. p. 210.) Bill more elongated and slender than the preceding; 2-0 long.
Color of the preceding. Length, 18*5. An. var. ? Columbia river.

[Fauna — Part 2. J 37

21)0 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

GENUS THALASSIDROMA. Vigors.

Bill shorter than the head, slender, feeble ; the upper mandible hooked ; lower pointed, de-
flected at the tip, following the curvature of the upper : mental angle obsolete. Nostrils
in a single tube. Feet long and slender. Tarsus longer than the middle toe. Hind nail
acute, sometimes obsolete. Tail square or forked".

WILSON'S PETREL,

Thala.ssidb.oma wilsoni.
plate cxxiii. fig. 271.

(CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.>

Procellaria pelagica. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 90, pi. 60.
P. wilsoni. Bonaparte, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 5, p. 229, pi. 9.

ThaXassidroma id. Id. Ann. Ljr*. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 367. Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 322. Audubon, B. of
A. Vol. 7, p. 223, pi. 460. GlKABD, Birds of Long island, p. 370.

Characteristics. Sooty black, with a reddish tinge. Nasal tube recurved. Tarsus 1*5.
Wings extending beyond the slightly emarginated tail. Webs of the
feet yellow, ending in black. Length, 6 ' 0.

Description. Upper mandible much hooked at the tip, 0*5 long measured from above.
First and third quills subequal, longer than the fourth ; second longest. Tarsus slender,
smooth, 1 • 4 long. Naked space on the tibia 0 ' 7. Tail as if doubly emarginate ; the cen-
tral pair, and external one on each side (0 • 2) longest. No vestige of hind toe or nail.

Color. Upper and lateral tail-coverts and sides of the vent pure white; some of the seconda-
ries tipped with white ; remaining parts sooty black. Webs of the feet yellow in their centres.

Length, 6"5 -7'5.

This little Petrel, or Mother Carey's Chicken, occurs commonly along our coast from
Mexico to high northern latitudes. Breeds along the coast from Maine northwardly. One or
two white eggs. Mr. Nuttall observed slight rudiments of a hind toe. Bonaparte is silent on
the subject ; but in those which I have examined, there was not the slightest vestige of toe or
nail. Audubon describes the hind toe as conical, and so minute as scarcely to be perceptible.
Geographical range between the 30th and 70th parallels.

NATATORES — PROCELLARIDiE — THALASSIDROMA. 291

THE FORK-TAILED PETREL.

Thalassidroma leachi.

plate cxxxv. fig. 295.

(CABINET OF H. C. DE RHAM.)

Procellaria leachi. Tkmminck, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 812. Bonapakte, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 6, p. 229, pi. 9.
TTialassidroma id. Id. Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 367. Not. Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 326. Acddbon, Birds of Am.
Vol. 7, p. 219, pi. 459. Giraod, Birds of Long island, p. 372.

Characteristics. Sooty greyish black. Tail deeply forked, subequal with the wings.
Upper tail-coverts white, with dusky shafts. Tarsus 1-0. Length,
8 inches.

Description. Bill robust, 0*8 long, as broad as high at the base, much compressed at
the tip. Nasal tube slightly turned upwards, and obliquely truncated. Tail deeply forked,
and of twelve feathers. Hind toe minute, with a conical claw.

Color. Wings and tail black. Wing-coverts greyish at their tips, forming a broad band.
Scapulars slightly tipped with light greyish. Vent on each side, and upper tail-coverts white.
Chin and sides of the body light ash. Bill and feet, with the webs of the latter, black.

Length, 8-0-8-5.

The Fork-tailed Petrel is a northern species, but occasionally descends as low as the
coast of this State. During violent gales, it is sometimes blown far inland, and has been
seen in th« interior of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Breeds from the coast of Maine north-
wardly. Its geographical range along the coast of America extends from 40° to 55° north
latitude. Occurs on both sides of the Atlantic.

(EXTRA-LIM1TAL )

T. pelagica, L,isx. (Bonap. Ac. Sc. Vol. 6, pi. 8. Aud. B. of A. Vol. 7, p. 228, pi. 461.) Mother
Carey's Chicken. Tail even or slightly rounded ; the wings extending a little beyond it. Bill
and feet black. Tarsus 0-9. Rump and upper tail-coverts white; the shafts black. Hind toe
obsolete, with a minute claw. Length, 5 • 5. Coast of Newfoundland. Breeds in the Shetland
islands.

37*

292 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

FAMILY PELECANID^E.

Bill generally longer than the head, strong, sometimes compressed : mandibles dentate.
Nostrils linear, often inconspicuous. Ski?i of the throat often naked, dilatable. Wings
long and powerful. Feet short, robust. Toes four, long, all united by a continuous mem-
brane. Tail of 12, 14 or 20 feathers.

Obs. This family corresponds with the Steganopodes of Illiger. It contains few North
American species.

GENUS PHALACRACORAX. Brisson.

Bill somewhat longer than the head, straight, compressed. Upper mandible with a long
furrow on each side, rounded above, with the ridge distinct, and strongly hooked at the
tip : lower mandible with a small naked membrane produced on the throat. Nostrils basal,
linear, concealed. Tibia feathered. Tarsus compressed. Middle claw with the margin
dentated. Webs broad and full. Tail much rounded, of 12- 14 rigid feathers.

THE CORMORANT.
Phalacracorax carbo.

Pelecanus carbo, Linnjeus, p. 216. Phal. id. ? Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 402.?
Phatucorax id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 412, pi. 415. Gieaub, Birds of Long island, p. 313.

Characteristics. Blackish. Tail of 14 feathers. Summer, a bluish black crest on the
occiput and nape ; throat white, coming up to a point in front. Winter,
no crest ; throat dusky varied with whitish. Length, 38 '0.

Description. Bill strong, 3" 5 long. Space round the eyes, and between these and the
bill, naked.

Color. Bill blackish, greenish yellow at the tip and base. Crown, neck, breast and all
beneath black, with blue and green metallic reflections. Back and scapulars ashen brown,
glossed with purple and bronze. All the feathers edged with black. Summer, a broad band
of white on the throat, rising into a point in front. Crown and upper part of the neck with
long slender silky white feathers : several elongated white feathers on the thighs. Tail greyish
black; the shafts black. Young of the year: Crown, nape and back deep brown; with a
slight gloss of green ; gular band greyish ; front of the neck and all the under parts greyish
brown, with whitish spots intermixed ; above ash-grey, the feathers edged with deep brown.

Length, 37-0-39-0.

The Cormorant appears but rarely on the coast of this State, although it breeds, according
to Mr. Nuttall, from the coast of Massachusetts northwardly. The eggs, varying from 3 to
4, are of a uniform pale bluish green. It ranges on this coast from 35° to 53° north lati-
tude, and occurs on both sides of the Atlantic.

NATATORES — PELECANID.E — PHALACRACORAX. 293

THE DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT.

Phalacracorax dilophus.
plate cxxi. figs. 267, 208.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Pelecanus (Carbo) dilophus. Richardsoic, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 473.

Phalacracorax id. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 483. Aodubon, B. of Am. Vol. 6, p. 423, pi. 416.

Characteristics. A small tuft of curved feathers on each side of the head. Bill 2' 5 long.
Tail wedge-shaped, of twelve feathers. Length, 33 ' 0.

Description. Adult male in spring plumage. " Head, neck and all beneath greenish
black ; remaining parts black, more or less tinged with brown ; bare space on the head, mar-
gin of the eyes, and gular pouch rich orange" {Audubon). A specimen shot on Long island,
May 12 (fig. 267), presented the following characters : Bill stout, subquadrate, with crescent-
shaped furrows on the sides like scales ; depth of the bill at base, 0-8 ; width at base, 0*5 ;
distance between the tip of the lower mandible and the edge of the membrane on the fore part
of the throat, 3*9 ; length of the bill above, 2" 6. Naked space from the base of the upper
mandible, encircling the eye ; thence, after making an angle, it passes downward under the
throat. The tufts are composed of linear loosely webbed feathers, some of which are 0*9
long, becoming shorter as they approach the eye. Tarsus robust, compressed behind, 2" 5
long. Nails much hooked, acute: outer toe and nail 4'0 long. Color: Quills and tail
brownish black. Bill above black ; lower mandible and naked space yellow. Legs and
feet deep black. Remainder of head, neck and body greenish black. Above, the upper
part of the back, wing-coverts and tertials bronze-brown ; the margin of each feather deep
black, and thus presenting a reticulated appearance. Length, 32 inches.

The specimen, fig. 268, killed October 23, I suppose to be the same species in its imma-
ture plumage. Summit of the head, back and sides of the neck, and all above dark brown.
Upper part of the back and the wing-coverts, with the margins of the feathers, deeper brown :
tertials with a slight tinge of green. Quills and lateral tail-coverts with the same gloss.
Thigh-feathers dark greenish. Throat and upper part of the neck light reddish brown, paler
near the membrane of the throat ; lower part of the neck whitish, and all beneath light ash,
streaked with rufous, becoming darker towards the vent. Same size with the preceding.

Length, 32-0-33'0.

This Cormorant appears more frequently on the coast of this State than the preceding,
with which it has been frequently confounded. Its habits and geographical range the same
with the preceding, but it is peculiar to the shores of America.

294 NEW- YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

P. brasiliensis , Bonap. (P. Jloridanus, Aud. B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 430, pL 417.) Black: neck and
all beneath glossy green ; gular sac bright orange ; bill black above, blue beneath. Tail wedge-
shaped, with acutely pointed feathers. Length, 29*0. Mississippi and Florida southwardly.

P. townsendi. (Atjd. 1. c p. 438, pi. 418.) Greenish black above; sides of the head and beneath
yellowish brown ; bill yellow ; gular sac orange : a few white hair-like feathers on the sides of the
neck and body. Length, 35 • 0. Columbia river.

P. resplendent. (Aud. lb. p. 440, pi. 419.) Bright glossy violet green. Quill and tail-feathers
brownish black, and less glossy. Length, 27-0. An var. praeced.? Columbia river.

GENUS PELECANUS.

Bill very long, broad, straight, much depressed. Lower mandible formed of two branches,
supporting a naked membrane, dilated into a large pouch. Nostrils scarcely visible. Face
and cheeks naked. Tibia naked below. Tail rounded, of twenty or twenty-four feathers.

THE BROWN PELICAN.

Pelecantjs FUSCTT8.

PLATE CI. FIG. 226.

Pelecanus fuscus, Lin. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol.2, p. 401. Nottall, Man. Om.. Vol. 2, p. 476.
Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 7, p. 32, pL 423 and 424.

Characteristics. Middle nail serrated internally. Primaries black ; shafts white ; first
and fifth equal. Adult, blackish ash ; back and wings hoary ; crown
yellowish ; neck deep chesnut, margined on each side with white.
Young, wholly brownish. Length, 54 "0.

Description. Bill straight, depressed towards the end, 13*5 long. Naked part of the
tibia with small scales. Tail rounded, and of twenty-two feathers.

Color. Whitish, and varied with brown and reddish. Space between the bill and eye
blue. The hair-like feathers on the crown yellow. Back and sides of the neck deep chesnut
brown, meeting in front on the lower part of the neck. Upper part of the neck white.
General color of the remaining parts of the body dusky brown, streaked with white. Young,
uniform dusky ; bill and feet bluish.

Length, 52-0-54'0.

The Brown Pelican is only an occasional visitor to the coast of this Slate. One was shot
six years since off Sandyhook. Its range is from North-Carolina southwardly. The Great
White Pelican (P. trachyrhyncus) was formerly numerous on the Hudson, and other rivers
and lakes of this State. At the present day it has entirely disappeared, and I do not know
of its existence here even as an accidental visitor.

NATATORES — PELECANHLE — SULA. 295

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

P. trachyrhyncus, Lath. (P. americanus, White Pelican. Aud. lb. Vol. 7, p. 20, pi. 422.)
Quills black ; the first longer than the fifth. Adult, white : crest, bill, pouch and feet yellow :
a bony process on the end of the bilL Young, whitish grey; back and wings dark ash. Length,
64*0. From Carolina to Texas. Ohio, Missouri, Columbia river.

GENUS SULA. Brisson.

Bill somewhat longer than the head, robust and straight, large at the base, compressed and
attenuated towards the tip. Upper mandible furrowed laterally ; the tip slightly hooked :
gape extending beyond the eyes ; face naked ; nostrils concealed. Tibia naked beneath.
Middle claw serrated on its inner edge. Tail graduated, of twelve rigid feathers.

THE AMERICAN GANNET.

SlJLA AMERICANA.

?LATE CXXII. FIG. 269 (Immature).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Sula bassana. BoKArARTE, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 408. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 495.
S. anurkana. Bonapakte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 60. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 7, p. 44, pi. 425.

Characteristics. White. Crown yellowish : primaries black ; shafts below whitish : face
bluish. Young, mottled with black and grey. Length, 37 »0.

Description. Chin and space round the eyes naked. Near the base of the upper mandi-
ble, a sharp process and suture, which the bird is enabled to move in a small degree in swal-
lowing a large fish. Bill slightly curved above at the point, 6 ' 0 long.

Color. White : crown of the head buff; legs dusky ; in front bluish yellow ; quills black.
Yearling, blackish brown unspotted. Second moult, from a specimen shot near Sandyhook
(fig. 269) : Bill 3*8 measured from above. Head and neck dark brown, with minute inter-
rupted streaks of white, more numerous and pointed on the throat. Base of the neck and
breast, and wing-coverts, with larger and more distant arrow-headed spots. Back, rump,
wings and tail deep brownish black, with a few spots of the same shape on the back and
rump. Upper tail-coverts white, with rounded spots of black. Axillaries brown, paler near
the shafts, and (with the lateral tail-feathers) tipped with white. Shafts of the tail-feathers
white ; black towards the tips. Beneath white ; the tips of all the feathers brownish. Under
tail-coverts pale towards the shafts, brown on the edges, and an obsolete bar of the same
towards the tips, which are white. Length, 36*0. After this moult, the plumage becomes
gradually whiter until the fourth year.

Length, 36* 0-37-0.

296 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

The American Gannet has, until recently, been considered as identical with the European
species. I have had no apportunity of making a direct comparison between these two closely
allied species. I supposed them indeed to be identical when I visited the Bass-rock in the
Frith of Forth in 1818, and rely for the separation upon Charles Bonaparte.

Our Gannet breeds from the Gulf of St. Lawrence northwardly, and ranges along the
coast to the Gulf of Mexico.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

S.fusca, Briss. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 7, p. 57, pi. 426.) Booby. Head, neck and all above dusky
brown ; abdomen white ; face, bill and feet yellow. Tail long, wedge-shaped. Length, 31 inches.
Georgia and southwardly. Occasionally farther north.

Genus Tachypetes, Vieillot. Bill longer than the head, strong, entire, with a suture close by the

ridge. Both mandibles bent downwards ; the upper with a notch near the tip. Nostrils basal,

linear, elongated, and placed in the groove. Tarsus half feathered. Toes connected by deeply

emarginated webs. Wings very long and pointed. Tail long, deeply forked.

T. aquilus, Lin. (Aud. lb. Vol. 7, p. 9, pi. 421.) Frigate-bird. Man-of-war-bird. Brownish purple,

iridescent, reflecting green and golden bronze. Tail brown; shafts white. Throat orange. Length,

41 inches. Breeds from Florida Keys southwardly.

Genus Plotus, Linnceus. Bill longer than the head, slender, pointed, finely serrated obliquely at the

point. Nostrils basal, and concealed in the groove. Tarsus partly feathered above. Neck

very long. All the toes united by a full membrane. Tail long, spreading and much rounded.

P. anhinga, Lin. (Aud. lb. Vol. 6, p. 443, pi. 420.) Snake-bird. Darter. Male: neck and back

greenish black ; quills and tail brownish black ; sides of the neck, secondaries and wing-coverts

marked with white. Female : head, neck and breast reddish brown ; belly brownish black.

Length, 35*0. North Carolina southwardly.

Genus Photon, Linncms. Bill as long as the head, stout, compressed, curved above; margins

obliquely serrated. Nostrils basal, concave, pervious, half closed by a membrane. Head

and throat wholly feathered. Feet short. Tibia partly feathered. Tarsus naked, shorter

than the second toe. Tail wedge-shaped ; the two middle feathers excessively elongated.

P. cethereus, Lin. (Aud. lb. Vol. 7, p. 64, pi. 427.) White varied with black: bill and feet yellow;

webs black. Central tail-feathers white with a roseate tinge, 19-0 long ; their shafts black. Total

length, 30*0. Florida southwardly.

NATATORES — LORIDiE — RHYNCHOP8. 297

FAMILY LAR1DJE. .

Bill rather longer than the head, hard, straight or only curved at the point, compressed,
rarely cylindrical, acute ; margin without denticulations. Wings very long, Legs in
or near the equilibrium. The three anterior toes united. Hind toe small, free, sometimes
represented by a nail only or altogether wanting.

GENUS RHYNCHOPS. Linnaeus.

Bill flattened on the sides, and truncated at the point in the form of a blade ; the edges of
the upper mandible approaching, and hollowed in the form of a gutter : upper mandible
shortest. Nostrils pervious, placed on the lower edge of the upper mandible. Webs of
the toes emarginate. Hind toe touching the ground at the tip. Wings much longer than
the forked tail, which is composed of twelve feathers.

THE BLACK SKIMMER.
Rhynchops nigra.

PLATE CXXin. FIG. 278.
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Rhynchopt nigra, LinNjECS, p. 228. Cutwater Skimmer, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 522.
R. id., Black Skimmer. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 85, pi. 60, fig. 4. Bonap. Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 352.
R. id. Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 264. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 7, p. 67, pi. 428. Gikaud, Birds of Long
island, p. 346.

Characteristics. Black; beneath white tinged with roseate. Bill and feet red : the former
dusky at the point. Female : tail-feathers white. Young : a broad
mottled greyish band on the back of the neck. Length, 18 -0.

Description. Lower mandible with numerous parallel oblique elevated lines on its sides,
becoming obsolete towards the tip ; at the base, an obtuse angle, and from this angle to the
tip (in the female) 3-5 inches : depth of both mandibles near the base, 1#2. Claws acute
and curved. Tarsus longer than the middle toe. Wings 13"*)- 15 "0 long. Tail forked.

Color. Upper part of the head, neck, back, scapulars and wings glossy brownish black.
Secondaries white on their inner vanes, and tipped with the same. Tail-coverts black, bor-
dered with white. Tail-feathers white ; brownish along their shafts. Forehead, chin, sides
of the head, neck and all beneath white. In the recent specimens in full plumage, these
white under parts have a roseate hue, which disappears in the cabinet. Length, 16*0 -20-0.

The Shearwater, Razor-bill, Cutwater, Skimmer, Flood Gull, and Skippang, for it is
known under all these names, reaches our coast from tropical America in May. It breeds
[Fauna — Part 2.] 38

298 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

from Texas to New-Jersey ; and although common enough with us, I have not ascertained
whether it breeds on the coast of New- York. Feeds on fish, crabs and small shells. Eggs
3-4, white, with brown blotches of two shades. It ranges from the equator to 40° north
latitude.

GENUS STERNA. Linnaeus.

Bill as long or slightly longer than the head, almost straight, rather compressed, subulate and
acute at the point, not hooked ; the mandibles subequal : lower mandible with an angle
near the base. Nostrils sub-basal, longitudinal, linear. Feet weak, small, four-toed; the
web connecting the three anterior toes deeply concave on their edges. Hind toe and its

• nail very short, touching the ground merely at the tip. First quill longest. Tail of 12.
feathers, long and generally forked.

THE COMMON TERN.

Sterna hirundo..
plate cxxv. figs. 275, 276.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Sterna hirundo, LlNNJEUs, p. 227. Great Tern, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 524.

S. id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 76, pi. 60, fig. 1. Bonaparte, Ann. Lyo. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 354. Nuttall,

Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 271.
S. wilsoni. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 61. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 7, p. 97, pi. 433.

Characteristics. Bill rather robust, red, tipped with black. Crown black. Quill-shafts

white : outer web of the first quill, and a stripe on the inner web near

the shaft, bluish gray or black. Tail deeply forked. Tarsus red, nearly

an inch long. Young : hind head greyish, more or less black ; above

greyish, varied with rufous. Length, 15' 5.

Description. Bill tapering to an acute point, two inches long from the angle of the mouth ;

the lower mandible slightly shortest. Tibia partly denuded. Outer tail-feathers tapering ;

the inner rounded.

Color. Adult (fig. 275) : Front, crown and hind head jet black. Bill and feet bright red;
the former black towards the tip. Back, scapulars and wings pearl-grey. Chin, sides of the
face, ridge of the wings, tips of wing-coverts and secondaries, rump and under tail-coverts
white. Beneath light pearl-grey. Outer web of the long lateral tail-feathers brownish grey ;
outer webs of the remainder light grey ; inner webs of all white : the inner webs of all the
primaries, except the first, darker than the outer, with an oblong white spot becoming larger
towards the longest quills. Young (fig. 276) : forehead and sides of the neck greyish white.
All above pearl-grey, tinged with rufous. Crown irregularly marked with black. Bill and
feet greenish yellow. Length, 14'0 - I6'0.

NATATORES — LARID.E — RHYNCHOPS. 299

The Big or Common Tern appears in great numbers along our coast, and on the inland
lakes, about the middle of April, and soon after begins \o breed. The nest is a mere cavity
scooped in the sand, containing 3-5 greenish brown eggs blotched with blackish brown. It
leaves us in the autumn for the south, and hence is generally known here as the Summer
Gull. In Massachusetts it is called Mackerel Gull, from its simultaneous appearance with
that fish. This or a closely allied species has recently been separated from S. hirundo, by
the Prince of Canino, but the specific differences are not very obvious. It is very widely
distributed throughout Europe and America. With us it ranges from the tropics to the arctic
circle.

THE CAYENNE TERN.

Sterna cayana.

plate cxxvi. fig. 277.

(COLLECTION OP H. C. DE RHAM.)

Sterna cayana. Latham, Ind. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 804. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 353. Ncttall,

Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 268.
Thalnsseus id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 61.
Sterna cayana. Auddbon, B. of A. Vol. 7, p. 76, pi. 429. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 355.

Characteristics. Bill long and very robust, red. Tail moderately forked. Tarsus 1 ' 5
long, black: webs entire. Crown black. Young, brownish above,
varied with yellowish brown and black. Length, 19 -0.

Description. Adult : Head and hind head black ; above greyish blue. Quills bluish
grey on their outer webs, white on the inner webs, and darker towards their edges. Young
(fig. 277): Bill 3'0 along the gape : angle towards the tip of the lower mandible distinct.
Tarsus stout and rather rounded : naked portion of the tibia 0 ' 7. Tail forked to the depth
of one inch.

Color. Bill bright reddish. Legs and feet dusky, tinged with reddish. Front, summit of
the head and occiput black, minutely streaked with white ; this extends down the nape.
Space on the side of the head, anterior to the eye, and on the auriculars, deep blackish.
Back and wing-coverts pearl-grey, slightly tinged with rufous ; the feathers with angular
brown bars, and tipped with light ochreous. Tail feathers pearl-grey, with spots or obsolete
bars of brown near their ends, and tipped and margined with white. Quills hoary brown on
their outer webs, darker on the margins of their inner webs. Rump and all beneath pure
white ; the white forming a collar round the neck. Length, 16*0.

Length, 16-0- 19-0.

This species occurs sparingly on the seacoast of New-York. It resembles in size, and in
its robust tarsi, the smaller Gulls. Breeds from Florida southwardly. Ranges from the in-
tertropical regions to 55° north latitude.

38*

300 NEW- YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

THE BLACK TERN.

Sterna nigra.

PLATE CXXVI. FIGS. 278 and 278 A.

' (STATE COLLECTION.)

Sterna nigra, Lin. p. 227. Pennant, Arctic Zoology, Vol. 2, p. 525 (adult).

S. plumiea. Wilson, Am. Om. Vol. 7, p. 83, pi. CO, 6g. 3 (young).

S. nigra. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 355. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 415.

Hydrochelidon id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 7, p. 116, pi. 438.

Characteristics. Bill black. Tail moderately forked. Tarsus and middle toe subequal:

webs deeply concave. Summer, nearly all blackish. Winter, head

and neck deep black ; front, throat and vent white. Young, forehead

and all beneath white ; hind head blackish ; back varied with rusty.

> ' Length, 8*5.

Description. Bill slender, acute, somewhat curved above, 1*0 long: mental angle nearly
medial. Tibia partly bare : webs very concave on the margin, scarcely extending beyond the
middle of the toes. Tail slightly forked ; the outer feathers 0*8 longer than the middle pair.
Color. Adult in full plumage : Lower tail-coverts white. Bill black: feet reddish
brown. Wings and tail bluish black. All the remaining parts black. From specimens shot
in July and August : Head, neck and all beneath, except the white vent and under tail-
coverts, deep brownish black ; back, wing-coverts, rump and tail dark slate ; quills blackish
brown ; forehead, chin and cheeks whitish, spotted and streaked with brown (fig. 278). In
some individuals, tbe throat and breast are mottled in the same manner, showing that the
birds were changing to their winter dress. The young (278 a), killed at the same time,
correspond in their markings with that described and figured by Wilson, being reddish brown
above and white beneath.
Length, 8-0- 9' 0.

The Black Tern is not very abundant on the coast of this State. It appears to prefer the
marshes of the interior, where it will probably be found to breed. It occurs through the
Western States and along the great lakes. It has a wide geographical range, occurring from
the tropics to the 69th parallel. Is found equally in Europe and America. The genus
Hydrochelidon of Boie appears to include a few species distinguished by the tenuity and
acuteness of the bill, and the concavity of the webs of the feet.

NATATORES — LARIDjE — STERNA. 301

THE MARSH TERN.

< Sterna anglica.

plate cxxvii. fig. 279.

(CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.) ,

I ' '

Sterna anglica. Montagu, Omithol. Dictionary, supplement and figure.

S. aranea. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 143, pi. 72, fig. 6. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 354.

8. anglica. Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 269.

Gelochelidon aranea. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List.

S. anglica. Aodhbon, B. of Am. Vol. 7, p. 81, pi. 430. GlRAUD, Birds of Long island, p. 353.

Characteristics. Bill short, black, stout and very deep. Quill-shafts white. Tail broadly
and deeply emarginate. Tarsus 1 • 2, and slightly longer than the mid-
dle toe and its nail. Webs deeply concave. Hind nail nearly straight.
Summer, crown jet black. Winter, crown white : a black spot on
each side of the eye. Length, 13*5.

Description. Bill remarkably robust, broadly curved above, and much compressed; men-
tal angle nearest the tip, prominent, and from thence straight to the base : length 2 • 0 ; depth
0*5. Tail broad ; the outer feathers l-5 longer than the medial pair.

Color. Crown and hind head jet black. Bill and feet uniform black. Above, the back,
scapulars and wing-coverts pearl-grey. Upper surface of the tail very light pearl-grey. Line
from the nostril beneath the eyes, sides of the neck, rump, chin and all beneath pure white.
Ends of the quills deep brownish grey. Young : crown varied with grey and white.

Length, 12*5- 14' 0.

The Marsh Tern appears but rarely along the coast of this State, and, like the preceding,
is more frequently observed in the interior along the shores of the great lakes. Mr. Audubon
states that it breeds from the mouths of the Mississippi to Connecticut : from 3-4 greenish
olive eggs spotted with brown. It ranges from 44° north latitude to the tropics. Common
to Europe and America.

302 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

THE ARCTIC TERN.
Sterna arctica.

Sterna arctica. Temminck, Vol. 2, p. 472. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 354. Sabine, Parry's
Voyage. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 414. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 275.
Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 7, p. 107, pi. 436.

Characteristics. Bill moderate, slender, and with the feet red. Crown black : outer web
of the first quill black. Tail greatly forked, and just exceeding the
wings. Tarsus 0'7. Young, with the nape only darker. Length,
14-5.

Description. Bill compressed, straight, acute, 2"0 along the gape. Tail deeply forked ;
the outer feathers four inches longer than the middle pair.

Color. Bill and feet red ; nails black. Above deep pearl-grey ; beneath of the same
color, except the lower tail-coverts, which are whitish. Crown and elongated occipital
feathers black, tinged with greenish. Outer quill, and occasionally the next, with the outer
webs black.

Length, 14-0-15-0.

I have never met with this very distinct northern species in this State, but I have been
credibly informed that it occasionally appears here, and the Prince of Canino states that it is
not rare in the autumn on the seacoast of the adjoining State of New-Jersey. Breeds from
the polar seas to Maine, and occasionally migrates farther south. Ranges from the seventy-
fifth to the thirty-eighth parallels, and occurs on both shores of the Atlantic,

NATATORES — LARIDiE — STERNA. 30 3

THE SANDWICH TERN.

Sterna cantiaca.

plate cxxiv. fig. 274.

(CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Sterna cantiaca, Gmelin. S. boysii if Montagu, Orn. Diet. Suppl. Temminck, Vol. 2, p. 735.
S. cantiaca. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 7, p. 87, pi. 431. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 276.

Characteristics. Bill long, black ; the point yellow. Feet short and black. Quill-shafts
white. Tail deeply forked. Summer, crown black. Winter, hind
head only marked with black. Length, 1 5 • 0.

Description. Bill robust, nearly straight, compressed, 2*0 long and 0'4 deep at the base :
mental angle slight, nearly medial. Tail deeply forked ; the outer feathers acute, 1 ■ 3 longer
than the adjoining ones and 3 • 0 longer than the middle pair. Tarsus 1 ' 0. Naked portion of
the tibia 0*5. Nail of the middle toe incurved, dilated on its inner edge: hind nail short.
Webs deeply concave.

Color. Crown, occiput, and hind neck deep bluish black. Back, scapulars and wing-
coverts light pearl-grey. Back of the neck, a line from the nostrils beneath the eyes, rump,
tail, chin, sides of the neck and all beneath pure white. Quills deep grey-brown, approach-
ing to black at the tips : inner webs bordered with white. Legs black, tinged with reddish.
Bill black ; its point yellow.

Length, 15*5 -16-0.

The Sandwich Tern has been little noticed on our coast, probably on account of its strong
resemblance to other species, particularly to the Common Tern and the Roseate Tern. Mr.
Audubon observed them breeding in Florida. Eggs yellowish grey, spotted and blotched with
pale blue and reddish. It is at present known to occur in Texas, Florida and New- York,
but its geographical range is yet unknown. It is found on both sides of the Atlantic.

304 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS,

t.

THE ROSEATE TERN,

Sterna dougalli.

plate cxxvii. fig. 280.

(CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Stoma dougalli. Montagit, Orn. Diet. Suppl. (figure). Temminck, Vol. 2, p. 738. Adddbon, B. of A. Vol. 7,
p. 112, pi. 437. Nuttaix, Manual Ornith. Vol. 2, p. 278. Kirtlahd, Zool. Ohio, p. 166.
Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 351.

Characteristics. Bill long, slender, black, orange at the base. Crown and hind part of the
neck black. Quill-shafts black. Tail deeply forked, longer than the
tips of the folded wings. Tarsus 0*9. Length, 14'5.

Description. Bill nearly straight, very slender towards the tip ; the upper mandible some-
what longest, 2 ' 0 in length, 0 ' 3 deep at the base. Tail deeply forked ; outer feathers very
acute, 1 ■ 8 longer than the adjoining one and 3 " 3 longer than the middle pair, and extending
1*3 beyond the tips of the closed wings. Hind toe exceedingly small, and barely touching
the ground.

Color. Bill brownish black, deep reddish at the base. Feet dark reddish. Crown and
elongated occipital feathers black ; this extends low down on the back of the neck, where it
becomes dilated. Upper parts pearl-grey. Outer webs of the three first quills brownish
black, margined with the same along the shafts on the inner webs. Under parts white, more
or less tinged with faint roseate. Tail white.

Length, 14-0-15-0. •-J

The roseate hue on this Tern is not always obvious, and soon becomes lost in cabinet spe-
cimens. It is not common on this coast, or at least has- been little observed. Mr. Nuttall
has found it on the coast of Massachusetts, and Mr. Audubon discovered it breeding on the
Florida Keys. It is probably a tropical species, extending its northern migrations through
the interior. Dr. Kirtland has observed it in Ohio. It is common to Europe and America.

NATATORES — LARIDiE — STERNA. 305

THE SILVERY TERN.

Sterna argentea.

plate cxxiv. fig. 273.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Sterna minvta, Wilsoh, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 80, pi. 60, fig. 2. Bonapabte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol 2, p. 355.
S. argentea. Max. de Neuwiid, Voy. Vol. 1, p. 67. Temmisck, Man. d'Orn. Vol. 2, p. 754.
iS. id., Silvery Tern. Ndttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 280.
S. minuta. Aodubob, B. of A. Vol. 7, p. 119, pi. 439.

Characteristics. Bill moderate, yellow, black at tip : crown black ; forehead white. First
two quills and their shafts black, except a broad white stripe on their
inner webs. Tarsus yellow, 0" 5 long. Tail moderately forked. Webs
entire : nails long and acute. Young : crown and upper parts varied
with soiled white and dusky. Length, 9*5.
Description. Bill compressed, acute, somewhat curved above. Tail shorter than the
wings ; the outer feather 1 • 5 longer than the middle pair.

Color. Forehead, and a short line extending to or above the eye, pure white : a black
stripe extending from behind the nostrils through the eye, and uniting with the black on the
crown. Back, wing-coverts, quills (except the first two or three), and the tail above deep
pearl-grey. All beneath silvery white. In the color of the quills there appear to be some
variations, and more extended observations are necessary. In a male adult (shot in July),
the two first quills with their shafts were black on the upper surface, bordered with white
on the inner web, which border gradually narrowed and became lost towards the tips ; be-
neath, the shaft, outer web and border of the inner web of the first quill white, becoming
dusky at the tip. In an adult female obtained at the same time, the upper surface of the
three first quills, except the margins of the inner webs, are greyish brown, and the shafts
black. Young : Crown white, streaked or spotted with brown. Hind head and all above
varied with white, brown and grey. Quills deep brownish grey. A dusky stripe through the
eye. Length, 9-0-10 0.

This species has recently been separated from the S. minuta of Europe, with which it
appears indeed very closely allied. The chief differences appear to be that the Silvery Tern
or Little Tern is larger, and the whole upper parts (with the tail) lighter than in the Euro-
pean species. Temminck, however, in speaking of the S. minuta of Europe, observes that
" cette espece est absolument la meme dans PAmerique septentrionale." We may then pro-
bably have two species, which have been confounded under one name. The Silvery Tern
breeds from Texas to Labrador. It penetrates into the interior along the great lakes, and
probably passes the winter within the tropics. On this coast, it is sometimes called the Little
Sheepshead Gull, from its supposed simultaneous appearance with the Sargus ovis. I have
not found its nest, but the eggs are light yellowish white with irregular dark brown spots and
blotches.

[Fauna— Part 2.] 39

306 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

(EXTRALIMJTAL.)

S. stolida, Lin. (Aud. Vol. 7, p. 123, pi. 440.) Noddy. Sooty brown. Bill black ; crown white.

Tail wedge-shaped, long. Length, 16*0. Florida southwardly.
S. fuliginosa, Gm. (Aud. Vol. 7, p. 90, pi. 432.) Sooty Tern. Forehead, outer tail-feathers and all

beneath pure white. Bill, feet, stripe to the eye, and all above blue-black. Outer tail-feathers 4 • 0

longer than the middle pair. Length, 16*0. Florida southwardly.
S. havelli. (Aud. Vol. 7, p. 103, pi. 434.) Bill, patch through the eye, and ends of five primaries

black ; dusky grey above. Bill yellowish at tip. Feet orange-yellow. Beneath white. Length,

15 '5. Florida, Mississippi, Texas.
S. trudeauii. (Aud. Vol. 7, p. 105, pi. 435.) Bill yellow at base and tip; the remainder black. Feet

orange-yellow. Stripe through the eye blackish grey. Fore part of the head, cheeks and upper

part of the throat white. All else above and beneath, greyish blue. Length, 16-0. Coast of

New-Jersey. An var. S. anglica, ?

GENUS LARUS. Linnaeus. Auctorum.

Bill moderate, of one piece, robust, hard, straight, compressed. Upper mandible rounded
above, rather sharp, and curved at the point. Mental angle distinct. Nostrils medial, longitu-
dinal, linear, open, pervious. Hind toe very small, articulated high up on the tarsus, so
as not to touch the ground ; in one species, entirely wanting. Tail usually even, rarely
forked.

THE WINTER GULL.
Larus argentatus.

PLATE CXXII. FIG. 270 (summer). — PLATE CXXIX. FIG. 284 (wihteb). PLATE CXXX. FIG. 288 (variety).

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Larus argentatus, Brunn. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 533. Temminck, Vol. 2, p. 764. Nuttall, Man.
Om. Vol. 2, p. 304. Addhbon, B. of A. Vol. 7, p. 163, pi. 448.

Characteristics. Pearl-grey. Tail and all beneath white. Bill yellow ; the mental angle
orange. First 5 or 6 quills gradually black, and spotted and tipped
with white. Length, 25 • 0.

Description. Bill 2*0 long, 0'8 deep at the mental angle. Nostrils sublinear, dilated
somewhat in front. Tarsus varying in length from 2 ' 4 to 3 ' 0. Tail broad, even or very

NATATORES — LARIDJS — LARUS. 307

slightly rounded. Summer, from apparently a young specimen, 24 '0 long. Color: Secon-
daries, base of primaries, tertials and back pearl-grey. Upper part of the head and neck
faintly tinged with greyish. Chin, ridges of the wings, lower part of the back, rump, tail
and all beneath pure white. Bill yellow, with an orange spot on the mental angle : legs
yellowish brown. Winter, from a recent specimen, shot on the coast in December : Upper
mandible bright yellow at the tip, dark brown at the base including the nostrils ; beneath
bright orange on the mental angle. Eyes yellow. Head and neck white, streaked with a
few light brownish feathers producing a faint ashen hue. Mantle and wing-coverts pearl-grey:
the six first quills marked with black towards their extremities, and tipped with white ; the
first broadly marked, and the succeeding gradually less to the sixth, where it becomes a nar-
row black band. In addition to this, there is on the first quill a broad white spot on the inner
web, and an adjacent long white dash on the outer vane near the tip: the second quill has a
round white spot on the inner vane alone. Remaining portion of the quills pearl-grey ; the
shafts brown. Legs pale slate. All the remaining part of the body pure white. Length,
28 inches.

Length, 24*0-28-0. \ >

I have not been able to satisfy myself of the specific identity of these two specimens, and yet
they nearly coincide with the descriptions of authors. The detailed account of argentatoides,
as given by Richardson, agrees in the main with our bird in its winter plumage, but differs
chiefly in the length of the tarsus. The young of the Winter Gull, in winter, are greyish
brown mottled with yellowish above, greyish beneath ; quills and tail brownish black, tipped
with white. In this state of plumage, they are called the Grey Winter Gull.

In the Cabinet of the Lyceum, there is a specimen of a large gull which is labelled L.
glaucus, but which does not coincide with the descriptions of that species, unless it is sup-
posed to be in an immature state. Mr. Audubon regards it as a large variety of the Winter
Gull, and considers the true glaucus as not having been ever seen by him on the coast of the
United States. The bill (Plate 130, fig. 286) is robust, 2' 1 long measured from above, 0*9
deep at the mental angle ; tarsus 2 ' 8, and subequal with the middle toe and its nail ; naked
space on the tibia 0"7. Color, universally of a dingy white, streaked and mottled with very
light brown ; head and neck finely streaked with brown ; sides of the vent and under tail-
coverts barred ; the wing-coverts with zigzag marks ; tail-feathers spotted, margined and
tipped with dingy white. Length, 25-0.

This species breeds from Maine to the arctic circle ; and ranges, during the autumn, winter
and spring, along the coast and the great lakes to Mexico. Mr. Audubon describes them as
breeding on trees. The eggs are dull yellowish, blotched and spotted with dark umber.
Common on both sides of the Atlantic. ,

39*

308 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL.

Larus marinus.

plate cxx1x. fig. 283.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Larut marinus, Lin. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 527. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 362.
Nuttall, Man. Om. Vol. 2, p. 308. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 7, p. 172, pi. 450. Giraud,
Birds of Long island, p. 361. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 166.

Characteristics. Back and wings deep bluish black ; quills with black shafts, tipped at
the point with white. Tarsus 3*3. Summer: head and neck pure
white. Winter, same parts with brownish streaks. Young, mottled
with dull grey and brown. Length, 28 '5.

Description. Bill robust, compressed, 3'0 long, and 1*1 deep at the mental angle. Tail
moderate, even.

Color. Winter : Bill yellow or yellowish green, with an orange spot on the mental angle.
Eyelids red. Feet yellow ; the nails black. Head, neck, rump, tail, and all the lower parts
pure white. Head, face and nape, in specimens obtained early in the autumn, lightly streaked
with brown. The first four or five quills tipped with white ; the second, third and fourth with
a broad black band towards the end of the tips.

Length, 28*0 -30-0.

This is the largest gull that appears on our coast, and is represented as exceedingly bold
and predacious in its habits. It ranges also along the great lakes, and has been observed in
Ohio. On the coast, it breeds from Labrador northwardly. In the winter, it ranges com-
monly to New-York, but extends its migration to Florida. Has been noticed on the North-
west coast. Common to Europe and America.

THE COMMON AMERICAN GULL.

j Larus zonorhynchus.

PLATE CXXVUI. FIG. 282 (Youmo). — PLATE CXXX. FIG. 285 (Adult).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Larus zonorhynchus el canus. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, pp. 420 and 421. Nuttall, Man. Om. Vol. 2,

pp. 299 and 300.
L. zonorhynchus. Audubon, B. of America, Vol. 7, p. 152, pi. 446. Giraud, B. of Long island, p. 360.

Characteristics. Mantle bluish grey. Head, tail and all beneath white. Feet and bill
yellow ; the latter usually with a dark ring. Tarsus 2*0. Outer quills
black, tipped with white. Young, mottled with grey, brown and dusky.
Tail with a black sub terminal band. Length, 19*0.

NATATORES — LARID^E '■ — LARUS. 309

Description. Bill straight, compressed, 1*4 measured from above, 0'7 from the anterior
part of the nostrils, and 0-5 deep at the mental angle.

Color. Bill yellow at the tip ; then blackish to the nostrils ; beyond which, on the upper
mandible, it is dark yellowish ; on the lower, dark green. Mantle, secondaries, back and
inner webs of the quills towards the base, pearl or bluish grey ; the black on the quills
becoming a mere bar on the fifth. The white spot on the first quill 0'5 long ; on the second
smaller, and confined to the inner web alone : the first five tipped with white ; the succeeding
ones slate-blue, fading into while at the tips. Legs dark greenish or bluish. Length, 18'5.

The Brown Winter Gull, of which we have five specimens before us, presents the
following : Summit and sides of the head white, streaked with brown. Mantle pearl-grey,
varying in intensity and extent. Quills black, slightly tipped with white : secondaries pearl-
grey on their outer webs, passing into brown, and tipped with white. Above rusty brown ;
the feathers tipped and margined with whitish. Rump white with irregular brown spots ;
beneath brown and white, the white apparently enlarging with age. Under tail-coverts white,
with 4-6 angular brownish bars, tipped with white, and becoming obsolete with age. Axil-
laries white, faintly bordered with brown. Tail white, with a broad black subterminal band,
tipped with white. Lateral tail-feathers white for two-thirds of their length, sprinked with
dusky on their outer webs ; and in some specimens, this color appears to be more intense
with age on the outer edge of the web. Occasionally a white spot on the band of the outer
web (sometimes on both) of the outer tail-feathers. Bill yellowish at the base, dark colored
beyond ; and in the most aged, yellow at the extreme tip. Feet yellowish. Length,
15-0-18-0.

In another specimen (Plate 128, fig. 282), obtained in March, which I was for a long time
disposed to regard as the fuscus of Temminck, the bill and legs are yellow ; the former with
a dark subterminal band. Head and beneath the eyes with abbreviated streaks of brown.
Mantle pearl-grey ; the feathers beneath with a large dark brown spot towards the tip, bor-
dered with white. Coverts brown, margined with white and yellowish. Three first quills
totally black above, passing into blackish brown at the tips ; the shafts white beneath ; the
inner webs of the succeeding quills lighter : faint traces of white on the tips of all the quills.
Rump and tail-coverts with brown arrowheaded marks. A black band 1'7 broad on the end
of the tail, which is slightly tipped with white ; the lateral feathers greyish sprinkled with
brown, and the outer has in addition a white spot on the outer web near the tip. Beneath
white, sparsely spotted and barred on the sides with brown. Axillaries white, faintly edged
with brown. Length, 18*5.

Length of the species, 1 8 • 0 - 20 • 0.

The changes of plumage in the quills with age and season, render it exceedingly difficult
to identify species ; and we have probably much to learn yet, before our knowledge shall be
complete on this subject. The common gull above described, although called the Ring-
billed Gull in the books, has received no other popular name than Brown Winter Gull;
although, as we have seen above, the adult has a white plumage. This would lead us to
infer that the young, or at least the immature birds, are most numerous. The ring on the

310 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

bill is not always found. It breeds from Maine to the arctic circle, and ranges to Mexico
during the winter. It occurs also along the shores of the Pacific. Allied to the L. canus
of Europe, with which it has been frequently confounded.

(
i

THE LAUGHING GULL.

Larus atricilla.

PLATE CXXXU. FIGS. 289, 290 (Maj.kadolt). — PLATE CXXXV. FIG. 29« (First tear).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Larus atricilla, Lin. p. 225. L. ridibundus, Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 9, p. 89, pi. 74, fig. 4.
L. id. Ord's reprint, p. 257. Bonaparte, Obs. No. 246; Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 359. Ndttall, Man. Orn.
Vol. 2, p. 291. Abeobon, B. of Am. Vol 7, p. 136, pi. 443. GlRAUD, B. of Long island, p. 358.

Characteristics. Adult: Bill robust, and (with the feet) dark red. Mantle slate-bluish
ash. A black hood on the head, descending in front. Tarsus 2'0.
Young, no hood ; brown varied with rusty ; a black subterminal band.
Length, 16-0.

Description. Bill rather shorter than the head, freely curved from the base, 1*4 to 1*8
in length measured along the ridge. Mental angle with concave lines towards the tip and
base. Tail nearly even, slightly double, forked, the middle and lateral feathers being longest ;
first and second quills subequal, longest.

Color. Adult in summer : Head, and a part of the neck all round, descending lower in
front, bluish black. Eyelids with a narrow white band above and below. Bill and feet deep
carmine red. Back and wings bluish grey. Ends of the secondaries and tips of the quills
white. First five quills black towards the tips, grey at the base ; the black gradually
decreasing in extent. Sixth quill with one or two small black spots near the tip. Lower
part of the neck, the tail and all beneath pure white : a rosy tint pervades this white, but is
only apparent in recently killed specimens. Winter, and in change: Summit of the head,
occiput, nape, space before the eyes, and an obsolete broad band across the breast uniform
deep greyish brown. Upper part of the back brown, with narrow greyish crescents formed
by the tips of the feathers. Quills and their shafts deep black, faintly tipped with whitish.
Feathers of the tail pearl-grey at their base above, white beneath ; the grey on the outer
web of the external tail-feather reaching nearly to the tip : a broad black subterminal band,
tipped with white on the sides, and rufous in the centre. Length, 15-0-17'0.

The Laughing or Black-headed Gull reaches the shores of this State from the south
about the beginning of May, and rarely goes farther north along the coast, although it occurs
in the interior and along the great lakes. It breeds from New- York to Florida. The eggs
are drab, blotched and spotted with reddish brown, more numerous towards the larger end.
Its extreme geographical range may be included between the twenty-sixth and forty-fourth
parallels. Peculiar to America. Accidental in Europe.

NATATORES — LARIDJE — LARUS. 311

BONAPARTE'S GULL.
Larus bonapartii.

PLATE CXXXI. FIG. 287 (summeb), 288 (winter).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Larus bonapartii. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 425, pi. 72 (summer). Nuttall, Man. Ora. Vol. 2, p. 294.

Auddbon, B. of A. Vol. 7, p. 131, pi. 442 (male, female and young).
Xema id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 62. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio.
X. id. Giradd, Birds of Long island, p. 259.

Characteristics. Bill slender, black. Wings edged with white. Above pearl-grey. First
quill black on the upper surface of its outer web. Summer, with a
greyish black or brownish hood. Winter and young, without the hood.
Length, 14*5.

Description. Bill slender, straight, notched at the tip; length along the ridge 1*3, and
0*3 deep at the very slight mental angle. Tail nearly even, slightly rounded. First quill
longest.

Color. Summer: Bill black: feet reddish or orange-yellow. Back and wings above
pearl-grey. The hood extending down the nape and throat, but not so far as in the preceding
species : it is greyish black in the male, and reddish brown in the female. A small white
spot partly surrounds the eye behind. First quill on its inner web, second on both webs, and
inner webs of the third, fourth and fifth white ; both webs of all ending in black, but tipped
with white. Neck, breast, tail and tail-coverts above and all beneath pure white, occasionally
with a faint rosaceous tint. Winter : Head and neck white, with a dark spot before the
eyes and on the auriculars : nape pearl-grey. Chin, sides of the neck, rump, tail and all
beneath white. First quill black on its outer web, except a small spot near the tip ; both
webs of the following, white, inclining to pearl-grey on the inner webs, black at their ends,
and tipped with white ; fifth quill pearl-grey on both webs, the black mark extending along
the margin of the inner web, and, with the three following, tipped with grey, the black be-
coming subsequently obsolete. Mantle pearl-grey.

Length, 14-0-15-0.

This is a northern species, breeding from Maine to the arctic circle. In the winter it de-
scends along the coast to Florida, and in the interior along the great lakes. It is one of the
most common species on our coast. I am indebted to Professor James Hall for a beautiful
specimen in its summer dress, shot April 29, in Schoharie creek, about thirty miles from
Albany.

312 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE FORK-TAILED GULL.

Larus sabini.

plate cxxviii. fig. 281.

(COLLECTION OF H. C. DE RHAM.)

Larus sabini. Sabine, Linn. Tr. Vol. 12, p. 520, pi. 29. Richardson, F.B. A. Vol. 2, p. 428.
Xemaid. Leach, Ross's Voyage, App. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 7. p. 127, pi. 441(male).
Larus id. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 296. Gieaud, Birds of Long island, p. 362.

Characteristics. Tail forked. Bill black, yellow at tip. First five quills bordered with
white on their inner webs nearly to the tips. Summer, adult with a dark
grey hood, margined beneath with black. Length, 13 "0.

Description, from a specimen shot on the coast of New-York. Bill slender, 1 ' 0 long,
curved above, broadly notched near the tip, and the mental angle conspicuous. First and
second quills subequal, longest. Tarsus compressed, 1*4 long: tibia with a small naked
space below. Tail broadly forked or emarginate, of fourteen feathers.

Color. Bill and feet black, the former for more than half its length, and tipped with yel-
low, with a slight orange tint on the mental angle. Head and neck dark slate, margined
beneath with black. Mantle pearl-grey. Anterior border of the wings, primary coverts, and
the first five quills black : external covert immaculate ; the succeeding ones tipped with white,
and the concealed webs of the posterior feathers white. Primaries broadly margined on their
inner webs with white nearly to their tips ; the remaining quills, most of the secondary coverts,
tips of the secondaries, tertials and scapulars, with the tail, neck and all beneath, pure white,
tinted with rosaceous.

Length, 13" 0.

The Fork-tailed Gull is but an occasional visiter to our shores, or at least has been but
rarely observed. It breeds from Newfoundland to the Arctic seas. The eggs are olive-colored,
blotched with brown. Found on both sides of the Atlantic.

NATATORES — LARIME — LARUS. 313

THE KITTIWAKE, OR THREE-TOED GULL.
Larus tridactylus.

Lotus tridactylus, Lin. Bonapaete, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 359. Richahdson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 423.

Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 7, p. 146, pi. 444.
Rissa id. Leach. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 62. Gibaud, Birds of Long island, p. 361.

Characteristics. Hind toe obsolete, and without nail. Mantle blue-grey. Quills mostly
black at the point. Summer adult : head and neck pure white ; bill
yellow. Young, varied with greyish ; bill black. Tail with a black
subterminal band. Length, 17*0.

Description. Bill moderate, robust, decurved above, 1*5 long measured from above.
Tibia bare beneath. A mere rudimentary knob occupies the place of the hind toe. First
quill longest. Tail even, longer than the wings. Summer : Mantle bluish grey ; bill greenish
yellow ; eyelids red ; feet black ; head, neck, rump, tail and all beneath pure white. Winter
and young, darker above ; the head and neck grey, with minute dark streaks, and darkish
before the eyes and auriculars. In the young, the bill is black.

Length, 16-0 -18*0.

This species is more abundant on the shores of Rhode-Island and Massachusetts than on
this coast. It is a northern species, breeding from Maine towards the arctic circle. Eggs
light olive-green, with numerous irregular spots of dark brown. It rarely occurs south of
New- York. Common to both sides of the Atlantic.

(EXTRA-LIM1TAL)

L. eburneus. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 7, p. 150, pi. 445.) Pure white; bill yellow; feet black. Tarsus
1*6. Young: head and wings faintly streaked with brown; tips of the quills and tail dusky.
Length, 19*0. Newfoundland northwardly.

L. leucoplerus, Bonap. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 7, p. 159, pi. 447.) Back, wings and upper surface of
the quills bluish grey ; all the remainder of the plumage pure white. Bill yellow-orange on the
angle beneath. Young: bill yellow, tipped with black; brown streaks on the head, and short
bars of the same on the back, wings and tail. Length, 26*0. From New-York northwardly.

L. occidentalis. (Atjd. lb. Vol.7, p. 161.) Bill yellow. Back and wings greyish blue. Head,
tail and all beneath white. Ends of the quills white ; the remainder parts of the quills greyish black.
Tarsus 3-0. Young, mottled with brown and greyish brown. Length, 27*0. Allied to ar gen-
talus. Northwest coast of America.

L. glaucus, Brunn. (Aud. lb. Vol. 7, p. 170, pi. 449.) Mantle, wings and tail greyish blue. Head
and all beneath white. Bill yellow : feet flesh-colored. Tarsus 3*0. Young : bill black at tip.
Color yellowish brown, spotted and barred above with dusky brown. Length, 30 *0. Labrador
northwardly.

L. franlclinii. (Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 424.) Bill and feet vermilion. Mantle pearl-grey.
Five outer quills broadly barred with black ; the first tipped with an inch of white. Hood black.
All beneath white, tinged with rose-color. Length, 17*0. *

[Fauna — Part 2.] 40

314 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

L. minutus, Pall. (Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2. p. 289.) Mantle pearl-grey. Quills white at the
point ; shafts blackish. Hind toe very small, with nail straight and scarcely apparent. Summer, a
black hood. Young, spotted with grey and blackish. Tail somewhat forked, with a black sub-
terminal band. Length, 10-5. Rare in the northern regions. Common in Europe.

GENUS LESTRIS. Illiger.
Bill moderate, cylindrical, hooked at the tip : ridge and tip in separate pieces. Nostrils
towards the tip, oblique, narrow, pervious, closed behind by the cere. Feet slender. Hind
toe small, on a level with the others. Nails strong, much incurved and very acute. Tail
even or rounded ; the central pair much elongated.

THE ARCTIC HAWK-GULL.

Lestris buffoni?
plate cxxxui. fig. 291.

(COLLECTION OF W. COOPER.)

Description. Bill straight, abruptly curved and notched at the tip, 0 ' 9 long, as broad as
high at the base : lower mandible obliquely truncate and scolloped : mental angle prominent.
Wings 1 1 • 0 ; the first quill longest. Tail somewhat rounded, of twelve feathers ; the round-
ed lateral ones truncated, especially on their inner webs. Beside the long and wide central
pair, there is an additional pair still longer and filamentous. The shortest central pair 0*7
longer than the lateral ones, broad, very slightly tapering, and truncated at the tips. The
filiform pair are 2 • 0 longer than the preceding, 0 ' 2 broad in the widest part, and tapering
into narrow thread-like filaments, with a total length of 7-5. Tarsus apparently light greenish,
0*6 long, with smooth plates in front and small rough scales behind. Toes and webs with
jet black minute scales.

Color. Base of the bill apparently greenish ; the tip black : lower mandible with a red-
dish tinge towards the base. There appear^ to have been also a difference in the color of the
hind toe and nail of each foot ; one being reddish and the other jet black. Frontlet, crown,
occiput, and a space before and beneath the eyes to the rictus, deep blackish brown. Chin
and upper part of the throat white. Sides of the head, and around the neck, white with a
tinge of yellow. Back and all above dark slate. Quills, secondaries and tail brownish black :
upper and under tail-coverts broadly barred with white and brown. Upper part of the breast
varied with white and brown. Flanks, axillaries and vent barred with white and brown :
centre of abdomen dull brown. Length, 15 -0.

I refer this with much doubt to L. buffoni, which is said to be only accidental in America ;
and, indeed, in my previous report, had indicated it under the name of dubius. It is very
distinct from that and all other species, by the comparative shortness of Its bill, and the
presence of four elongated tail-feathers. It would be improper, however, in the present
imperfect state of our knowledge, to erect it into a new species.

NATATORES — LARID.E — LESTRIS. 315

RICHARDSON'S HAWK-GULL.

Lestris richardsonii.

plate cxxxiv. fio.s93.

(STATE COLLECTION. Cabinet of H. C. De Rham.)

Lestris richardsonii. Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 433. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 7, p. 190, pi. 452.
S. id. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 319. Gikaud, Birds of Long island, p. 367.

Characteristics. Blackish brown. Neck straw-yellow. Bill broad at the base. Tarsus
1 • 6. Beneath light colored. Central tail-feathers gradually tapering
to a point. Length, 16'0.

Description. Bill straight, 1*2 long measured from above, 0' 5 broad at the base. Tips
of the tail-feathers as if truncated ; the shafts slightly projecting beyond the webs. Adult
male : Bill bluish black : legs black. Sooty brown above. Summit of the head dusky.
Quills and tail brownish black : shafts of the quills white. Young : Bill and feet bluish ;
outer portion of the webs blackish. Sooty brown above ; the feathers tipped with whitish.
Breast, sides, under wing and tail-coverts barred with dusky brown. There are, we suspect,
many variations in the plumage, which it may be well to describe, in order to elucidate the
history of this species. In the four specimens before me, from the Cabinet of the Lyceum,
of H. C. De Rham, and the State Collection, all of which I suppose, from the tarsus, the
conformation of the bill and tail, to be referable to this species, I note the following variations :

No. 1, from Mr. De Rham's Collection : Of a nearly uniform sooty brown. Head beneath
the plane of the eyes, neck above and below, straw-yellow : frontlet light colored. Tarsus
black. Central pair of tail-feathers 8 ' 0 long.

No. 2, State Collection : Crown, back, rump and all above brown : tips of quills and tail-
feathers darker ; the long subulate feathers on the nape and sides of the neck yellow. Throat
and upper part of the breast with an obscure brownish band, darkest on the sides. Flanks
distantly barred with" brown. Axillaries barred with white and rufous. Lateral and under
tail-coverts barred with brown and rufous. Tarsi black : on one of them a broad yellowish
band (as in pomarinus) below the tibia.

No. 3, Coll. De Rham. : Resembles generally the preceding, but the broad belt across the
breast darker and more distinct. Centre of the abdomen pure white. Traces of the yellow
band on one of the tarsi.

No. 4, same collection : The straw-yellow on the sides of the head brighter. Axillaries,
vent, upper and under tail-coverts plain brown. Frontlet with a tinge of yellow.

I cite no history of this species, and I am unacquainted with its habits. They appear on
the coast of this State in winter. They are northern birds, breeding in the interior near the
arctic circle.

40#

316 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE POMARINE HAWK-GULL
Lestris pomarintjs.

PLATE CXXXIII. FIG. 892 (Immatcek).

Lestris pomarinus. Temminck, Man. d'Om. Vol. 2, p. 793i Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 364.
L. id. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 315. Audcbon, Birds of Am. Vol. 7, p. 186, pi. 451 (female).

Characteristics. Tarsus 2-0. A broad dusky band, more or less distinct, over the breast.
Central tail-feathers wide to the tips, where they are rounded. Length,
18-0.

Description. Adult : " Front, crown and occiput, back and wings uniform dark brown ;
feathers of the neck long and yellowish ; throat, fore part of the neck and belly white : on the
breast a wide collar, formed by broad spots. Length, I5-0— 16"0" {Temminck).

A yearling in the State Collection: Bill 1*1 measured from above, 0*3 wide at base.
Tarsus 1 * 8. Tail nearly even ; the outer feather somewhat longer than the adjacent one ;
the central pair broad, subacuminate, 0"7 longer than the others. Color: Crown brown
varied with rufous ; the occiput darker : a deep crescent-shaped black spot before the eyes :
corners of the mouth dark brown. Back and wing-coverts dark brown ; the feathers tipped
with rufous. Outer webs of the quills deep black, and tipped with rufous : in some lights, the
outer web of the first quill appears to be slate-colored. Shafts white, except at the tips ; the
base of all the quills white, more or less tinged with reddish. Upper tail-coverts with broad
angular bars of rufous, tipped with brown : lateral tail-feathers tipped with whitish. Chin
rusty white. Throat whitish, streaked with brown ; lower part of the throat dusky, barred
with brown and reddish : sides and vent barred with the same, the rufous tint becoming more
pronounced. Underside of the wings, and the long axillary feathers light rufous, with angular
brown bars. Legs and feet yellowish ; outer part of the web dark colored or black. Length,
17-5.

In the collection of my friend W. Cooper, is a specimen younger I think than the one just
described, and presenting the following variations : The whole head and neck light rufous,
faintly striped with brown. Quills and secondaries tipped with reddish, passing into white.
A broad bar of reddish or cream on the outer webs of the first six quills : inner webs white
to within a short distance from the tips. The same black crescent-shaped eye-mark, bill,
feet, etc.

In the Cabinet of the Lyceum is another, with the crown brown, streaked with greyish ;
occiput, nape and sides of the neck light straw-yellow, finely streaked with brown ; chin and
abdomen white, immaculate ; throat with interrupted pointed brown dots or streaks, slightly
tinged with rufous ; breast and sides barred with brown ; rump and upper and under tail-
coverts with interrupted brown bars, which are bordered with rufous ; quills and tail-feathers

NATATORES — ANATIDjE — MERGUS. 317

white at base, then reddish, passing into brown ; tarsus uniform black. In the Collection of
H. C. De Rham is another, with more of a rufous tinge about the neck, and distinct brown
arrowheaded marks on the fore part and sides of the neck ; breast deep brown, with still
deeper brown bars ; beneath densely barred with brown ; tarsi apparently black, varied with
yellow.

The difficulty of capturing these birds, and their consequent rarity for the purpose of
examination and comparison, has hitherto prevented us from being fully acquainted with their
history. It is not clear to me that the characters upon which specific distinctions have been
attempted to be founded among the birds of this genus are always to be relied on. Among
nine individuals now lying before me, belonging to two if not to three species, I do not
detect more than 0 • 2 of an inch difference in the length of the tarsi. The length and per-
haps the shape of the central tail-feathers must vary with age.

This species is not uncommon on our coast in winter. Mr. Audubon, however, states that
he has never seen this species along the shores of the United States, although some of the
genus go as far south in winter as the Gulf of Mexico. The Prince of Canino asserts of
another (L. buffoni, Boie ; L. parasiticus, Linnaeus), that it is only accidental in North
America ; so that possibly all the Gull-hawks or Yagers on the coast of the United States
may eventually be referred to one and the same species.

FAMILY ANATIDM.

Bill straight, stout, more or less depressed, covered with a thin membranous skin ; its edges
furnished with lamellar teeth, or with small denticulations ; the tip rounded and obtuse,
furnished with a nail. Wings moderate. Legs placed in or near the equilibrium. Feet
four-toed, palmated : hind toe free, placed high on the tarsus. Tibia almost entirely fea-
thered. Tail various, usually short, composed of from twelve to twenty feathers. Plumage
dense. *

GENUS MERGUS. Linnaeus.

Bill moderate, depressed, straight, slender, nearly cylindrical, tapering, armed at the tip with
a strong hooked nail ; the edges furnished with oblique acute teeth directed backwards.
Nostrils nearly medial, lateral, very small and pervious. Tarsi compressed. Hind toe
furnished with a broad membrane. Head crested. Tail short, rounded, of sixteen or
eighteen feathers.

318 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE BUFF-BREASTED SHELDRAKE.

Mergus merganser,
plate cx1x. fig. 264.

Mergus merganser, LlNN/EUS, p. 208 (male) ; caster, p. 209 (female).

Goosander. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 537.

Jlf. merganser. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 68, pi. 68, fig. 1 (male) ; fig. 2 (female). Richardson, F. B. A.

Vol. 2, p. 461. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 397. AOdobon, B. x>{ A. Vol. 6, p. 387,

pi. 411. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 339.

Characteristics. Mirror white uninterrupted ; bill and feet red ; nostrils medial. Male,
black ; neck and beneath white ; head tufted, purplish green. Female,
cinereous; beneath white ; head rufous, tufted. Length, 26 "0.

Description. Upper surface of the bill somewhat flattened ; height and breadth at base
subequal. Teeth triangular, acute, pointed backwards. Bill, measured from the frontlet,
2*2. Feathers on the neck and head elongated, about 1*0 long. Tarsus compressed, 1*8
long. Inner secondaries elongated, tapering. Tail short, much rounded, of eighteen feathers :
upper tail-coverts long.

Color. Male : Head and half the neck black, with glossy green reflections, more parti-
cularly on the nape. Lower part of the neck, ends of the greater coverts, external scapulars,
and all beneath of a beautiful cream-yellow or buff, which fades to white in cabinet speci-
mens. Back, scapulars, humeral wing-coverts, spurious wing, narrow borders of the ter-
tials and quills black. Lower part of the back, rump, upper tail-coverts and tail ash : sides
of the rump white, waved with grey. Female : Crest more developed than in the male,
brownish red. Chin and throat pure white : lower part of the throat in front, sides of the
breast and flanks barred with grey and white. Beneath yellowish white. Above deep ash.
Outer webs of six of the secondaries, and tips of the coverts white, forming a large mirror.
Young of the year, resembling the female. Young male of the second year (fig. 264) : The
white throat and rufous neck becomes spotted with black : a streak of the same appears over
the eye. All above bluish ash ; the feathers darker in their centres. Quills and anterior se-
condaries black ; the coverts overlying the secondaries, black, broadly barred with white -and
tipped with black, forming a dusky bar across the mirror. Beneath salmon or buff; the
flanks slate margined with whitish. Length, 26" 0-28 "0.

This large species is known on our coast under the names of Sheldrake, Sawbill, and Dun
Diver. In Europe it is called the Goosander. It breeds throughout the interior from Penn-
sylvania northwardly. It appears along the coast in the autumn, and remains until late in
the winter, and some may be seen throughout the winter. The female is thought by our
sportsmen to be a distinct species, and is called Weaser, or Swamp Sheldrake. The eggs
are pale olive-white, tinged with buff. Its food consists of fish, aquatic reptiles, shells, cray-
fish, etc. Its geographical range extends from Mexico to 68° north latitude. Common on
both sides of the Atlantic.

NATATORES — ANATID.dE MERGUS. 319

THE RED-BREASTED SHELDRAKE.

Mergus serkator.

PLATJS Uii. FIG. 260.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Mergus senator, Linnjeus, p. 109. Red-breasted Merganser, Pennant, Arct. Zopl. Vol. 2,p. 537.

M. id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 91, pi. 69, fig. 1 (male). Bonapartjs, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 397.

Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 395, pi. 412 (male and female). Richardson, F. B. A. Vol.2, p. 462.

Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 463.

Characteristics. Mirror white, crossed by one or more black bars ; bill and feet red ; nos-
trils sub-basal : a long slender pendant crest. Male, black ; lower part
of neck and beneath white ; head and crest purplish green. Female,
ash brown ; head and crest reddish brown. Length, 24 ' 0.

Description. Bill toothed as in the preceding, slender, 2*0 long measured from above the
tip, very abruptly curved down : nostrils near the base, linear, pervious. Occipital crest
composed of linear elongated feathers, some of which are 2' 5 long. Tarsus robust, com-
pressed, 1 ' 8 in length : margins of the webs deeply concave, that of the hind toe extending
beyond the nail. Tail short, rounded, and composed of eighteen slightly pointed feathers.
Male : Sides of the head and neck glossy green. Remainder of the head, the chin, half of
the throat, line on the back of the neck, the back shoulders, scapulars and edges of the tertials
black. Lower part of the neck, coverts of scapulars, ends of greater coverts, secondaries,
tertials and all beneath white. Breast and sides of the neck reddish varied with black.
Flanks, rump, and upper tail-coverts white, minutely waved with black. Bill and feet red.
Female : Head, neck and crest dull rusty or reddish brown : throat white ; fore part of the
neck and breast varied with white and ash grey ; above dark ash ; mirror with one bar. This,
and the form of the line of junction of the feathers with the bill, are the chief distinctive
marks between this and the female of the preceding species. Young of the year : Head
deep brown ; throat greyish white ; bill pale red.

Length, 23-0-25-0.

This species is also called the Sawbill, Whistler, and Pied Sheldrake, in this State. It
breeds in the interior of the State, and generally throughout the Union. The eggs vary from
six to eight, of a uniform dull yellowish color. It occurs on the Columbia river, and has
the same geographical range with the preceding. It is found in Europe and .America.

320 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

THE HOODED SHELDRAKE.
Mergus ctjcullatus.

PLATE CiJL. VUi. -JOS.

Mergus cucullatus, LlNNSUS, p. 207. Hooded Merganser, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 538.

M, id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 79, pi. 69, fig. 1. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 397. Audubon,

B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 402, pi. 413. Nottall, Man. Om. Vol.2, p. 465. Giracd, Birds of Long

island, p. 341.

Characteristics. Bill blackish red ; feet dusky; a large circular compressed crest. Male,
black ; beneath white ; crest black; white on each side behind. Female,
sooty brown ; beneath white ; crest rusty ash, without the white.
Length, 18-0.

Description. Bill short, deeper than broad at the base ; the teeth about twenty-five, not
conical : transverse furrows on the palate. Crest large, erect, compressed, semicircular, ex-
tending from the forehead to the occiput. Tarsus 1 • 2 in length. Tail short, subacute, of
sixteen feathers.

Color. Male, a triangular white patch extending from the eye to near the edge of the
crest on each side : remainder of the crest, including the tips of all the feathers, greenish
black. Bill blackish : feet greenish yellow. Sides and summit of the head, neck, bars on
the shoulders, back, scapulars and tertials greenish black ; tips of the greater coverts, outer
edges of the secondaries and all beneath white ; flanks reddish, minutely waved with black.
Female : Forehead, sides of the head and all the neck dark ash. Crest shorter, and of a
uniform reddish brown. All above dark brown, with a tinge of ash, and minutely barred
with black. Young, no black bars on the shoulders, nor white on the scarcely visible crest.
Head, neck and breast pale brown, edged with paler.

Length, 17-5-19-0.

The Hairy-head, or Whistler, or Water Pheasant, as this species is called in this State, is
not as common on the seacoast as either of the two preceding, but is more confined to the
interior. It breeds from Carolina, through the interior along the great lakes, to high northern
latitudes. It is said to range from 24° to 68° north latitude, and to occur only accidentally
in Europe. Its eggs, food and habits, like the preceding.

' (EXTRA LIMITAL.)

M. albellus, Lin. (Aud. lb. Vol. 6, p. 408.) Mirror black crossed with white. Bill and feet bluish.
Tail of sixteen feathers. Male, white varied with black ; crown white : a short band on each side
of the hind neck bordering the crest, deep green. Female, cinereous ; beneath white; crest reddish
brown. Length, 17.5. Accidental in America.

NATATORES — ANATIDjE — FULIGULA. 321

GENUS FULIGULA. Ray. Stephens.

Bill broad, depressed, not of equal breadth throughout, somewhat dilated, curved and un-
guiculated towards the tip. Head large and thick. Tarsus robust, much compressed,
shorter than the middle toe. Hind toe with a lobed membrane.

Obs. This genus comprises the Sea Ducks, as they are called (although they are occa-
sionally seen in the interior), in order to distinguish them from the fresh-water ducks. The
Duck family proper forms a very natural group, which at first sight it would appear very
difficult to separate. We have, however, the twenty-six ducks found in America arranged
under sixteen or eighteen genera, according to the views of systematists. We shall con-
tent ourselves with indicating some of these divisions, without elevating them to the rank of
genera.

(1.) Bill long, broad and flat, dilated at the end. Tail short, of fourteen feathers. Fcligula.

THE CANVASS-BACK.

FULIGULA VALISNERIA.
PLATE CXV. FIG. 256.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

A. valisneria. Wilbon, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 103, pi. 70, fig. 1. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 392.
Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 451, Nuttall, Man. Omith. Vol. 2, p. 430. Sharpless,
Cab. of Nat. History, Vol. 1, p. 41. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 299, pi. 395 (male and
female). Giracd, Birds of Long island, p. 318.

Characteristics. Mirror grey. Bill straight, nearly 2*5 long; its sides parallel. Irides
red. Male, white waved with black ; head tinged with black before,
and with the neck glossy chesnut : a black pectoral belt. Female, dull
whitish waved with brown ; head, neck and breast brownish. Length,
21 inches.

Description. Bill deeper than broad at the base, where it is very high. Nostrils subme-
dial, large, near the ridge, and placed in a furrow covered with a membrane. Tarsus scarcely
half the length of the middle toe. Tail-feathers pointed.

Color. Male : Irides red. Bill greenish black. Forehead and throat dusky. Head and
neck glossy chesnut red. A broad band of brownish black occupies the lower part of the
neck and breast. Above greyish white, with numerous minute undulating bars of black.
[Fatjna — Part 2. J 41

NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

Rump and upper tail-coverts blackish. Quills and secondaries slate-grey. Beneath white ;
the sides tinged with dusky. Vent and lower tail-coverts blackish brown. Feet bluish.
Female : Head, neck and breast dull reddish brown ; upper parts dark greyish brown ; sides
and abdomen the same. Rather smaller than the male.

Length, 20-0-22-0.

The Canvass-back Duck breeds on the Rocky mountains and in high northern latitudes,
but its history is as yet incomplete. It appears on the seacoast of the United States about
the beginning of November, and at that season extends from the 29th to the 40th degree of
north latitude, or between the shores of Long island and the mouth of the Mississippi. They
occur but sparingly in the Hudson river, and along the shores of this State. Their chief
food consists of the Zostera valisneria, an aquatic plant growing in brackish water ; and
when the supply is abundant, their flesh is justly prized by epicures as superior in flavor to
every other water-fowl. It is a species worthy to be domesticated, and I am informed that
attempts are now being made to effect this desirable object.

THE RED-HEAD.

FlJLIGULA ERYTHROCEPHALA.

Pochard Duck. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 560.

A.ferijm. Wilson, Am. Orn.Vol. 8, p. 110, pi. 70, fig. 6.

Fuligula ferina. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 392. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 6, p. 311, pi. 396

(male and female). Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 434.
Aythya erylhrocephala. Bohapakte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 58.

Characteristics. Mirror grey ; Bill and feet bluish ; irides yellow. Male, ash, thickly
waved with black lines ; head and upper part only of the neck wholly
chesnut : a broad black pectoral band. Female, wholly brown ; fore-
head and cheeks tinged with red. Length, 19 -0.

Description. Bill about 2'4, slightly dilated at the tip, concave along its upper ridge.
The middle toe nearly double the length of the tarsus.

Color. Male : Irides orange-yellow. Bill and feet bluish ; the former blackish at the
tip. Head and neck brownish red or chesnut. Lower part of the neck, and anterior portion
of the body, brownish black, extending on the fore part of the back. Back greyish brown,
barred with minute white lines. Quills brownish grey : secondaries ash-grey, narrowly tipped
with white. Tail-feathers greyish brown, lighter at the base. Beneath, abdomen white ;
darker towards the vent, where it is barred with undulating dusky lines. Female, smaller.
Head and upper part of the neck dull brown, tinged with red, which is more obvious on the
forehead, cheeks, and a streak behind the eye. Upper parts dull greyish brown. Flanks
and fore part of the neck dull reddish brown, obscurely mottled with darker. Abdomen white.

Length, 18" 0-20*0.

NATATORES — ANATHXE — FULIGULA. 323

The Red-head, as it is usually called, breeds in high northern latitudes. It reaches the
coast of this State in November, and may be seen here during the whole winter. It is not as
common as the preceding, which it closely resembles, and with which it is frequently con-
founded even by epicures. In flavor it is scarcely inferior to the Canvass-back, from which
it may be at once distinguished by the shape of its bill and the color of its eyes. It ranges
from Massachusetts (according to Dr. Brewer) to the Mississippi. It has hitherto been con-
founded also with a closely allied species, the Pochard (F.ferina) of Europe. From this it
has lately been separated by the Prince of Canino, as a distinct American species.

THE BROADBILL.

FuLIGULA MARILA.
PLATE CXIV. FIG. 252.

Anas marila, Lin. p. 196. Scaup Duct, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 565.
A. id. Wilson, Am. Oro. Vol. S, p. 84, pi. 69, fig. 3.

Fuligula id. Bonapakte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 392. Nottall, Man. Ornith. Vol. 2, p. 437. Giracd,
Birds of Long island, p. 321.

Characteristics. Mirror white, on the quills and secondaries. Bill very broad. No crest.
Male, glossy black ; scapulars minutely waved with white. Female,
brown; near the bill, whitish. Length, 190.

Description. Bill broad, enlarged and flattened towards the end, 2" 3 long.

Color. Male : Head, neck, breast and fore part of the back black, glossed with green on
the sides of the head and neck, and tinged with purple. Beneath white, undulated with black
towards the vent. Rump and upper tail-coverts dusky brown. Back varied with undulating
bars of white. The white mirror crosses the secondaries and inner primaries. Bill greyish
blue, blackish at the tip. Wings brownish grey. Female : Head, neck and fore part of
the breast reddish brown : a broad white patch on the forehead. Upper parts brownish
black ; lower part of the breast and the abdomen white ; the middle of the back and the
scapulars obscurely undulated with whitish.

Length, 19-0-19-5.

This species breeds in high northern latitudes, and appears on our coast about the begin-
ning of October in large flocks. It remains here late in the winter, and returns again in the
spring on its northwardly migration. It is only known on this coast under the name of
Broad-bill, and more rarely Blue-bill. On the Chesapeake, according to Mr. Giraud, it is
called Black-head, and' in Virginia Raft-duck. It is highly prized by epicures on this coast ;
and indeed, when in good condition, is scarcely inferior to the Canvass-back. It is common
to Europe and America.

41*

324 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE CREEK BROADBILL.

FuLIGULA MINOR.

Fuiigida marila. AUDOBON, Birds of America, Vol. 6, p. 316, pi. 397 (male and female).
F. minor. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 323.

Characteristics. Closely allied to the preceding. Mirror white, and restricted to the
secondaries alone. Head subcrested. Length, 17' 0.

Description. Bill broad and flattened as in the preceding, 2'0 long. Tarsus 1 • 13.
Head with its feathers more elongated.

Color. Head and neck deeply tinged with purple. In all other respects, the markings in
both sexes are so nearly identical with the preceding as scarcely to be distinguished.

Length, 17-0.

The sportsmen on the seacoast of New- York have long been accustomed to consider as
distinct two kinds of Broadbill, which they term the Black-headed or Big Broadbill, and the
Green-headed or Little Creek Broadbill. It is this latter which has been well described by
Mr. Audubon, but referred to the larger species.

Several eminent ornithologists have been struck by the great discrepancy in the dimensions
assigned to the Broadbill, varying no less than from 16*5 to 20 inches ; but, until recently,
no one has suspected that they might possibly be two closely allied species. Mr. Audubon,
who is very familiar with these birds, appears to entertain the opinion that this is but a mere
variety of the preceding ; at least he will not pronounce it to be specifically distinct*

I have received, through the attention of Mr. Bell, many specimens of this Creek Broadbill,
and agree with him and Mr. Giraud in considering it as distinct from the F. marila. It is
very common on the coast of this State, appearing simultaneously with the larger broadbill ;
and it appears to prefer the creeks and smaller streams of the interior, while the large broad-
bill is usually seen in the open bays. Mr. Audubon describes this species (F. minor) as
abundant during autumn on the Ohio and its tributaries, as well as those of the Missouri and
Mississippi. Its history is yet incomplete.

' * Whilst these pages are passing through the press, I perceive that Mr. Andubon has found a species identical with the above,
described by Mr. Vigors in the appendix or illustrations of Beechy's Voyage, a work which I regret not being able to find in any
of our libraries. Mr. Vigors has described it under the name of mariloides, and Mr. Audubon no longer hesitates to adopt it as
a new species.

NATATORES — ANATID.E — FULIGULA. 325

THE BASTARD BROADBILL.

FULIGULA RUFITORQUES.
PLATE CXV. FIG. 255.

Anas fuligula. Wilson, Am, Om. Vol. 8, p. 60, pi. 67, fig. 5 (male).

Fuligula rufitorques. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 393. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 439.
F. id., Ring-neck Duck. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol.6, p. 320, pi. 398 (male and female), Giraud, Birds of
Long island, p. 324.

Characteristics. Mirror bluish ash ; chin white : a bluish white band across the bill.
Male, black ; belly whitish ; sides waved with grey : a chesnut collar.
Female, glossy brownish ; face and belly white : very similar to female
of preceding. Length, 17' 0.

Description. Bill broad, subequal in depth and breadth at the base, shorter than the head,
about 2" 0 long ; sides of the tip linear ; the end in front of the band, pitted ; the descending
central part of the frontlet rounded, not pointed. Feathers of the head narrow, 1 ' 0 long, and
capable of erection into a subcrest. Tarsus short, rather rounded, 1*3 long, somewhat
exceeded in length by the middle toe. Tail very short, broad, and of sixteen feathers.

Color. Male : Bill black ; at the base, its margin, and a band over the tip light blue.
Head and upper part of the neck black, with deep purple reflections ; a broad brownish red
ring surrounding the neck. Breast, back-coverts, tertials, vent and under tail-coverts black
glossed with green : lesser coverts, quills and tail dark brown. Secondaries slate, narrowly
tipped with white. Beneath whitish, finely sprinkled and waved with brown, becoming white
as it ascends before the wings, and gradually more dusky towards the vent. A triangular
white spot at the base of the lower mandible. Female, with the band across the tip of the
bill, and the neck-collar, indistinct : resembling the female of F. marila, but the flat triangular
space near the base of the bill larger : breast brownish white ; back blackish brown.

Length, 16-0 -18*0.

We are indebted to the Prince of Canino for our first positive knowledge of this as a dis-
tinct species. It had previously been confounded by Wilson with the cristata (A. fuligula,
Linnajus) of Europe. The complete history of its incubation and migrations is yet to be
learned. It is said to breed in high northern latitudes. On the coast of this State, it appears
in the autumn and spring, and in the interior is noticed during the whole winter. It extends
along the coast in its winter migration southwardly from Massachusetts to Mexico. Peculiar
to America.

326 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE PIED DUCK.

FtlLIGULA LABRADORA.
PLATE CXVI. FIG. 258.

(STATE COLLECTION. Cabinet of the Lyceum.)

Anas labradora, Gm. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 559. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 91, pi. 69, fig. 6 (male).
Fuligula id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 391. Aodobon, B. of Am. Vol. 6, p. 329, pi. 400 (male
and female). Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 428. Camptorhynchut, Bonaparte, Comp. List,
F. grisea. Leib, Ac. So. Vol. 8, p. 170 (young).

Characteristics. Mirror white and broad. Bill membranous at tip ; the cere-like base and
posterior margins orange. Male : head, neck, breast, scapulars, wing-
coverts and secondaries white ; crown, collar, and all the remaining
parts black. Female, slate grey ; sides of the forehead white. Length,
19-0.

Description. Bill broad, robust, rather wider than broad at the base, 1 • 6 in length, and
not as long as the head : edges of the upper mandible soft, and turned over ; the tip finely
denticulate : lamellar teeth of the lower mandible largest. A distinct furrow surrounds the
nostrils, and terminates in a point in the centre of the upper mandible. Tarsus 1 ' 5 long ;
nails acute and recurved. Tail pointed, of sixteen acuminated feathers. Sides of the face
and auriculars with yellowish bristly feathers.

Color. Male : Base of the bill pale orange ; the remainder black. Irides hazel. Feet
light bluish, with darker webs. An elongated black stripe on the crown and hind head.
Rump and upper tail-coverts black, finely sprinkled with grey. Beneath brown, passing into
black with age. On the lower part of the neck is a black ring, dilated behind, and uniting
below with the black of the back : the black of the lower parts rises high up on the breast.
Upper wing-coverts and secondaries white : quills brownish black. Tail-feathers, with the
shafts, brownish black. Female: Head, chin and neck ashy grey ; above slate blue : secon-
daries only white. Young, a crescent-like band of cream-color beneath and behind the eye ;
plumage grey, inclining to fuscous.

Length, 18-0 - 20 '0.

This Duck, well known on this coast under the name of Skurik-head, and Sand-shoal Duck
on the coast of New-Jersey, is not, however, very abundant. It presents characters which
unquestionably form the type of a new group, and which has been furnished with an appro-
priate name by the Prince of Canino. It may possibly breed in high northern latitudes on
the western shores of America, but this has not yet been confirmed. On the Atlantic coast, it
has been noticed from Labrador to the Chesapeake bay. Its history incomplete, but as far
as known, it is peculiar to America.

NATATORES — ANATID.E — FULIGULA. 327

(2.) Tail long, pointed, of eighteen feathers : no evident tail-coverts. Gymnura.

THE RUDDY DUCK.

FtJLIGULA RUBIDA.
PLATE CXVIII. FIG. 261.

(STATE COLLECTION. Cabinet op the lycettm.)

Anas rubida. Wilson, Am. Om. Vol. 8, p. 125, pi. 71, figs. 5 and 6.

Oxyura id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. 'V. Vol. 2, p. 390.

Gymnura id. Nottall, Man. Ora. Vol. 2, p. 425. Aodubon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 324, pi. 399.

Erismatura id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List.

F. id. Sabine, Franklin's Journey. Rich. F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 455. Giradd, Birds of Long island, p. 327.

Characteristics. Mirror none : nostrils linear, small. Tail-feathers concave above. Male,
reddish brown ; crown, front and nape bluish black ; sides of the head
and chin white- Female, blackish, minutely sprinkled with whitish ;
crown darker; sides of the head dusky and whitish. Length, 15 ■ 5.

Description. Bill large, broad, 1 ' 6 long, and dilated towards the end to 0' 9 ; the feathers
of the frontlet descending lowest in the centre : tip minutely serrate on its margin. Nostrils
small, medial, contiguous. Wings very short, 5-5. Tarsus 1*4. Tail short, graduated, of
eighteen pointed feathers ; the shafts extending beyond the webs.

Color. Male, shot April 2 : Crown deeply intermixed with rufous ; chin and sides of the
head white ; throat dark ashy brown ; anterior part of the breast of a scorched chesnut-color ;
abdomen yellowish white ; all the parts beneath polished, the feathers setaceous. Sides of
the body barred with reddish brown and dusky. Back and wing-coverts brown, intermixed
with bright chesnut (sometimes of a uniform bright chesnut). Tail dusky yellowish on the
outer webs, darker on the inner : axillary feathers white, brown at the base. Length, 16 '0.
Female, shot November 7 : Crown and nape rufous, minutely barred with black ; beneath
glossy yellowish white ; above brown, barred and sprinkled with rufous and grey ; tail dark
brown; chin and throat greyish white. Young, barred with reddish brown and black: a
light grey streak from the base of the bill, passing under and behind the eye.

Length, 15-0- 16'0.

The Dun-bird, Looby or Dun Diver, is rather rare on the coast of this State. It is a boreal
species, breeding in high northern latitudes, descending along the whole coast of the United
States in the winter, and penetrating into the interior. It is frequently called the Saltwater
Teal. Its food consists of marine and freshwater plants and seeds, and its flesh is said to be
very savory. Its history yet incomplete.

328 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

(3.) Tail very long and tapering, of fourteen feathers : bill short and high at the base, suddenly con-
tracting towards the tip ; nostrils large. Hareld a.

THE OLD-WIFE.

FULIGULA GLACIALIS.

PLATE CXIX. FIG. 263. ,

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Anas glacialis, Li.nn.sus, p. 203. Long-tailed Duck, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 566.

A. id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 93, pi. 70, fig. 1 (winter male) ; fig. 2 (female). Nottall, Man. Orn,

Vol. 2, p. 453.
F. (Clangvla) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 395. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 379, pi. 410

(male, female and young).
Harelda id. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 460. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 339.

Characteristics. Mirror brown : a greyish space around the eye. Male, varied with black
and white ; middle tail-feathers excessively long : winter, head and neck
white ; scapulars pearl-grey. Female, dusky brown ; throat and collar
ash grey ; crown blackish : winter, beneath white. Length, 19 inches,
excluding the tail-feathers.

Description. Bill short, compressed, 1 " 5 long, higher than broad at the base, depressed
towards the end : feathers of the frontlet but slightly advanced ; tip short, robust, rounded :
teeth above and below subequal. Nostrils broad, basal. Central pair of tail-feathers in the
male 7 ' 0 - 8 ' 5 long, linear for two-thirds of their length ; the lateral ones very acute. Tarsus
1*4 : web of the hind toe passing beyond the nail.

Color, varying with age, sex and season. Male in winter : Bill black, with a broad band
of yellowish ; the tip dark grey or dusky. Frontlet and cheeks, including the eye, brownish
drab, passing into a large blackish patch on each side of the neck, which is itself bordered
beneath with reddish drab. Summit of the head pale yellowish. Chin, the back and front
of the neck, abdomen, vent and under tail-coverts white ; upper part of the back, scapulars,
tertials and flanks pearl-grey. A triangular space on the back, together with the rump, upper
tail-coverts and wing-coverts, black : secondaries reddish brown. Breast and quills brownish
black. Summer, a space on the base of the neck above, and broad margins of the scapulars
and tertials, bright chesnut ; neck black, mottled in front with white ; sides of the face soiled
drab ; centre of the rump black. Female in summer ; Sides of the face, and spot on the
throat, soiled white ; summit of the head, and a large space on the sides of the neck, dark
ash ; nape, front and lower part of the neck, the vent and abdomen pure white. Winter,
centre of the crown, and a spot on the neck, blackish ; beneath pure white ; above, the back,
scapulars and lesser wing-coverts bright rusty ; inner vanes of all but the two middle feathers
white. Young, resembling the female in summer plumage.

Length, 1 8 • 0 - 20 • 0, excluding the tail.

NATATORES — ANATID.E — FULIGULA. 329

The Old-wife, or Old-squaw, is one- of the most common and least valued of the genus.
They appear on our coast in the autumn in immense flocks, and almost cover the surface of
our bays in the coldest and severest weather during the winter. They breed from Labrador
to the Polar sea. In the autumn they descend along the Atlantic coast, and are resident
during the winter from Maine to Mississippi. It occurs also along the coast of the Pacific,
and is common to America and Europe-

(4.) Bill short, narrow, elevated at the base : tail long, usually composed of sixteen feathers.

Clangula.

THE BUFFLE-HEADED DUCK.

FULIGULA ALBEOLA.
PLATE CXVIII. FIG. 862.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Anas albeola, LiKNaws, p. 199. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 558. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 51, pi. 67,

fig. 2 and 3 (male and female).
Fuligula (Clangula) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 394. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol.2, p. 458.

Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 445.
F. id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 309, pi. 408 (mule and female). Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 335.

Characteristics. Mirror and under wing-coverts white : tail rounded. Male, black and
white ; head tumid, purplish green : a large white patch passing over
the head to each eye. Female, sooty black, with a white spot on each
side of the head ; beneath white. Length, 13' 5.

Description. Bill short, narrow, compressed on each side, pitted above near the tip,
which is very small ; length from above 1 • 1 : a suture along the margin of the upper man-
dible. Tarsus 1 3 : middle and outer toes subequal, 2*2. Feathers on the head of the male
linear and elongated, forming a subcrest.

Color. Male : Front, space before the eyes, chin and upper part of the throat, and occi-
put glossy green ; neck and crown purple ; sides of the neck brassy green. A broad band
of white over the head, extending from one eve to the other. Lower part of the neck, shoul-
ders, exterior scapulars, coverts, outer webs of secondaries, and all beneath white. Back,
the long scapulars and tertiaries velvet-black. Quills deep black. Bill bluish black : legs
yellowish. Female : Head and all above dark blackish brown ; beneath white ; greyish
brown on the flanks. A small short white band beneath the eye. Six of the secondary quills
white on the outer web.

Length, 13-0-14/CV

This little duck is known under the various popular names of Little Dipper, Diedipper,
Butter-bill, Butter-box, and Spirit Duck. The male and female vary so much in their
[Fauna— Part 2.] 42

330 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

markings, as to have given rise to the popular belief that they belong to distinct species. It
occurs throughout the United States in the autumn, winter and spring, proceeding to high
northern latitudes in the summer to breed. Feeds on aquatic vegetables and insects. Its flesh
is generally unsavory. The history of its incubation is incomplete. Its geographical range is
between the 24th and 68th parallels of latitude, and it occurs equally along the shores of the
Pacific.

THE WHISTLER.

FuLIGULA CLANGULA.
PLATE CXVI FIG. S57.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Anas clangula. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol.8, p. 62, pi. 67, fig. 6 (male.)

Clangula id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 393.

Clangula vulgaris et barrmii. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 441 and 453. Nuttall, Man. Om. Vol. 2, p. 441.

F. clangula. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 362, pi. 406.

Clangula americana. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 58.

Characteristics. Mirror white ; under wing-coverts black. Male, white ; back, wings and
tail black ; head glossy purplish green : a white spot on each side of
the head. Female, cinereous ; beneath white ; head and part of the
neck drab : no white spot. Length, 18-5.

Description. Bill nearly straight above along its upper ridge, slightly concave behind the
tip, where it is slightly flattened : a pendant subcrest on the occiput. Nostrils medial, linear,
and near the ridge. Tarsus stout, compressed, 1 ' 5 long. Tail short, and graduated with
subacuminated feathers ; the middle feathers 3" 5 long, the outer 2-5: feathers of the flanks
very long.

Color. Male : Bill black : feet yellow ; the webs dusky. Head and upper part of the
neck deep purplish green. Back, long inner scapulars, shoulders of the wing, primary
coverts and quills black. Neck, shoulder, outer scapulars, coverts, secondaries and all be-
neath white. An elliptical patch of white on the cheek ; beneath the eye, white. Tail hoary
brown. Female, much smaller ; head and upper part of the neck dull reddish brown ; above
greyish brown ; wing-coverts, except at their bases, white ; body beneath white : bill dusky
yellowish towards the tip.

Length, 17' 0-20-0.

The Brass-eye, Whistler or Great-head, as it is variously termed in different parts of the
country, is another northern species, which appears on the coast of this State in November,
and extends its southwardly migration to Mexico. Mr. Audubon has observed its nest near
Green Bay : the eggs were nine in number, of a greenish color. Its common popular
name with us is derived from the whistling sound of its wings when in motion. It ranges

NATATORES — ANATID2E FULIGULA. 331

from 26° to 68° north, and is abundant along the northwest coast of America. It has recently-
been separated from its closely allied species the Golden-eye (F. glaucion) of Europe. It is
not confined to the seacoast, but is common along the rivers of the interior, where its flesh
(probably from change of food) is considered to be unsavory. On the seacoast, its flesh is
much esteemed.

THE HARLEQUIN DUCK.

FuLIGULA HISTRIONICA.

PLATE CXVII. FIG. 259 (mature), 260 (immature).

(CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Anas histrionica, LiNK^Os, p. 204. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 560.
A. id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 139, pi. 72, fig. 1.
F. id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 394.

Clangula id. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 459. Addobon, Birds of Am, Vol. 6, p. 374, pi. 409. NuTTALt,
Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 448. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 336.

Characteristics. Mirror blue-black, nearly uniform with the wing : space before the eyes
and auriculars white. Tail wedge-shaped. Bill narrow, scarcely hooked
at the end. Male, bluish slate, varied with black and white ; flanks
and line over the eye rufous. Female, uniform grey-brown, barred
with dull brown ; auricular spot, and a small one near the front, white.
Length, 17*0.

Description. Bill shorter than the head, higher than broad at the base, 1 -2 long and nar-
row, the tip turned down ; the feathered frontlet descending low down, corrugated near the
base ; a small flap of naked skin over the angle of the mandibles. Tarsus short, compressed,
1 • 5 long : webs extending nearly to the tips of the nails, and pectinated on their margins.
Second quills slightly longest.

Color. Male adult (fig. 259) : Bill tinged with yellowish : feet blue. Frontlet bluish
black, and from thence a band of the same color passing over the crown to the occiput,
margined on each side with chesnut-red ; neck and sides of the head bluish. A spot on the
auriculars, another larger and triangular on the side of the head to the base of the bill, a
narrow vertical stripe on the side of the neck, a ring round the base of the neck, another
band over the breast, and a band across the wings, white. Sides light reddish ; beneath
brownish grey. In change (fig. 260), a round spot on the ears, a short vertical stripe on
the sides of the neck, two crescent-shaped marks on the side of the neck and breast, a stripe
on the scapulars and another on the coverts, more or less distinctly margined with black :
breast reddish brown, barred with grey. Beneath whitish, spotted with brown : flanks and
sides of the vent olive-brown, the former varied with chesnut, the latter with black. Back

42*

332 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

olive-brown mixed with slate-blue. Mirror occasionally brownish, with a faint purple gloss.
Female, a small spot behind the ear, and one on the forehead, white. Above, brown ; be-
neath greyish white, with bars of reddish brown.

Length, 16-5-17-5.

This singularly marked duck varies so much in its markings, that scarcely any two indi-
viduals can be found precisely alike. According to Mr. Audubon, whose opportunities for
examining this species have been very ample, the female (except in size) varies little in its
markings from the male ; whilst, what we in common with others have considered as the
female, he describes as the young.

The Harlequin Duck, or the Lord, as it was named by the early English colonists from its
showy appearance, is but a rare and occasional visiter to the shores of New-York, which
forms its extreme southern range. It breeds from the Bay of Fundy northwardly, laying 12
— 14 greenish yellow eggs. Its geographical range is comprised between the 40th and 74th
parallels, and it was observed by Mr. Townsend on the Northwest coast. It occurs equally in
Europe and America.

. (5.) Bill small, extending up the forehead, and divided by a triangular projection of feathers ;
nostrils medial : tail of 14 - 16 feathers. Somateria.

THE EIDER DUCK.

FULIGULA MOLLISSIMA.
PLATE CXUI. FIG. 250 (Male).
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Anas moUissima, L1NN.8EUS, p. 198. Eider Duck, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 553.
A. id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 122, pi. 71, fig. 2 and 3.
F. (Somateria) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 388.

Somateria id. Leadh. Richaedson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 448. Adddbon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 349, pi. 405.
Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 331.

Characteristics. Branches of the bill above, narrow, pointed : no mirrow. Male, black ;
head and back white ; front and sides of the crown black. Female,
reddish brown, barred with black : two indistinct white bars across the
wings. Length, 24 "5.

Description. Bill elevated at the base, and ascending on the forehead in two narrow
lobes: dorsal line nearly straight, slightly concave, 2' 7 long. Nostrils large, oblong, per-
vious. Tarsus short, compressed, 1 ■ 7 long. Tail short, pointed, of sixteen acuminated
feathers.

Color. Male adult : Bill flesh-color : feet dusky greenish. Summit of the head dark glossy

NATATORES — ANATIDiE — FULIGULA. 333

blue, with a white medial line on the crown, passing into light green and white on the
hind head and sides of the neck. Upper part of the breast pale buff. Upper tail-coverts,
rump, tail and all beneath brownish black. Remainder of the back, scapulars, lesser coverts,
inner curved secondary quills, sides of the rump, and under wing-coverts white. A young
male, shot February 4, on Long island : Head light grey ferruginous or drab, extending half
way down the neck ; cheeks and sides of the neck darker ; an indistinct line half way down
the neck from the crown, with a few violet black feathers intermixed : eye-stripe lightish.
Chin, throat, upper part of the breast and sides of the rump white ; some of the feathers
tipped with brownish. Back, rump and wing-coverts dusky brown ; the feathers tipped with
greyish and dull ferruginous. Scapulars dusky, largely mixed with white. Primaries edged
with greyish. Upper and under tail-coverts black ; beneath dusky brown ; the feathers lightly
tipped with greyish and ferruginous. Bill and feet as in the old male. Female : Head and
neck reddish brown, minutely streaked with brownish black. Body reddish brown, barred
with black. Quills brownish black : greater coverts and secondaries tipped with white.

Length, 24'0-25-0.

The Eider Duck, so celebrated for the softness of its down, is an arctic bird, which, in
very severe winters, makes its appearance along the shores of this State. It is known on
Long island under the names of Black and White Coot, Big Sea Duck, and Shoal Duck.
On the shores of Maine, it is called Squaw Duck. During the winter of 1842, they were
abundant in the markets of New- York at $1 .25 per pair ; their flesh is, however, not highly
prized. Mr. Audubon suggests that they might be domesticated without much difficulty, and
it is highly desirable that the attempt should be made. It breeds from Maine northwardly,
and ranges from 39° to 81° north, although this State may now be considered as the limits
of its extreme southern range. Its eggs are from 6-10, of a pale olive-green. The Eider
Duck is common to Europe and America.

334 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE KING DUCK.

FULIGULA SPECTABILIS.
PLATE CXIH. FIG. 251.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Anas spectabilis, LllJ. p. 195. King Duck, Pennant, Arct. Zoology, Vol. 2, p. 534.

A. id. Sabine, Greenland Birds, Suppl. Parry's Voy. S. id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 389.
F. id. Aodcbon, B. of Am. Vol. 6, p. 347, pi. 401. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 447. Giraud, Birds of
Long island, p. 333.

Characteristics. Branches of the bill dilated, rounded : no mirror. Male : neck and back
white ; crown and nape bluish grey ; an arrow-shaped black mark on
the throat. Female, reddish drab, with abbreviated bars of black.
Length, 24 '0.

Description. Bill shorter than the head ; the point abruptly turned down ; the ascending
branches nearly vertical. Frontlet nearly perpendicular to the bill. Tarsus short, robust,
I • 6 long, compressed. Inner secondaries elongated, curved outwards, and overlapping the
primaries. Tail short, much rounded, and composed of fourteen stiff and rather pointed
feathers. Male : Bill reddish ; the ascending portion verging to orange. Feet dusky orange :
webs black. Frontlet, margin of the dilated base of the upper mandible, a slight dash on
the upper, and a larger patch on the lower eyelid, jet black : cheeks pale green. Crown and
nape bluish grey, edged on the sides with yellowish, and this again bordered with green ;
edged below with black. Breast dingy buff. Hind neck, upper part of the back, lesser
wing-coverts and sides of the rump white ; remaining part of the plumage black : an oblique
black streak on the throat. Female : Bill pale greyish ; feet dull brownish red : general
color of the rest of the body reddish brown ; the ends of the feathers dusky brown. Young:
Head and neck dull yellowish grey, with numerous black spots ; breast and flanks barred
and spotted with black. Length, 21 • 0 - 25 • 0.

The King Duck, like the preceding, is an inhabitant of high northern latitudes, very rarely
descending as low as the shores of this State. It is equally valued for its down with the
preceding. It breeds from Labrador northwardly ; the eggs are 5 or 6, uniform dull greenish.
Its extreme geographical range extends from 40° to 81° north on this continent. It also
occurs in the high northern latitudes of Europe.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

(6.) Bill as high as the head: body and feet robust : nostrils basal. Tail wedge-shaped, -of 12 feathers.

Macropus. Stellaria.
F. dispar, Pall. (Aud. B. of Am. Vol. 6, p. 368, pi. 407.) Mirror black, margined with white:

bill and feet bluish. Male, bright reddish beneath ; forehead and band on the occiput greenish ;

head white ; a broad band round the neck, and the back, velvet-black. Female, reddish brown

varied with ash. Length, 16-0. Northwest coast.

NATATORES — ANATIDJE — FULIGULA. 335

(7.) Bill broad, gibbous above the nostrils, the edges dilated; teeth coarse: nostrils large and elevated.

Tail of 14 or 16 feathers. Oidemia.

THE SURF DUCK OR COOT.

FULIGULA PERSPICILLATA.
PLATE CXIV. FIGS. 253, 254.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Anas perspicillata, Lin. p. 201 , Black Duck, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 556.
A. id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 49, pi. 67, fig. 1.
F. (Oidemia) id. Bonaparte. Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 3S9.
Jp". id. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 6, p. 337, pi. 402.

Surf Duck. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 449. Nuttall, Man. Om, Vol. 2, p. 416. Giraud, Birds of
Long island, p. 329.

Characteristics. No mirror : feet red. Male, glossy black ; crown and nape marked with
white. Female, sooty brown; near the bill, and auriculars, whitish.
Length, 19*5.

Description. Bill broad, short, as deep as wide at the base, flattened towards the tip,
which is rounded ; the edges turned outwards ; the lateral prominences black and naked ;
the central prominence feathered above. Nortrils submedial, pervious, and near the ridge.
Tarsus 1*6, compressed. Tail wedge-shaped, of fourteen stiff pointed feathers.

Color. Male : Bill yellow, verging to orange towards the tip : a square black patch near
the base. Legs and feet yellow ; the webs dusky. A white heart-shaped spot on the crown,
beneath the eyes, and an oblong patch of the same on the nape. Remainder of the plumage
bluish black. Young male in change (fig. 254), sooty brown ; back and wing-coverts edged
with grey ; bill black ; two rounded ash-grey spots beneath the eye ; nape mixed with greyish
and black. Female, brownish black, darkest above ; the feathers on the breast and sides
edged with light greyish. m

Length, 19-0-20'0.

The Box Coot, Spectacle Duck, Black Sea Duck or Butterboat-bill, is very common on
the coast of New-York during the winter, extending its migrations to the Gulf of Mexico, and
returning to the North in the spring. It breeds from Labrador northwardly ; the eggs are
cream-colored, and five or six in number. It occurs along the shores of the Arctic sea and
Northwest coast. Its flesh is coarse and fishy. The latitudinal range of this species is
included between the 24th and 72d parallels. Accidental in Europe.

336 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS,

THE BROAD-BILLED COOT,

FuLIGULA AMERICANA.
PLATE CIX. FIG. 242.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Anas nigra. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 135, pi. 72, fig. 2.

Oidemia id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 390.

Oidemia americana. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 450.

F. id. Aoddbon, B. of Am. Vol. 6, p. 343, pi. 403 (male and female).

American Scoter Duck, F. id. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 423. Giradd, Birds of Long island, p. 331.

Characteristics. Entirely black : no mirror. Protuberance on the black bill orange yel-
low, including and not extending beyond the nostrils. Female, dusky
brown; bill uniform dusky. Length, 18*0.

Description. Greatest breadth of the bill 0*9, and equal to the height of the central pro-
tuberance. Nostrils oblong-*>val, medial : end of lower mandible enlarged. Tarsus 1 ' 8, and
much compressed: middle and outer toe subequal, 3'0 long. Tail short, pointed, of sixteen
acute feathers ; the central pair 1*5 longer than the outer ones.

Color. Male, uniform black ; underneath the wings glossy light ash. Iris brown.
Female : protuberance on the bill scarcely evident ; whole bill uniform brownish black.
Uniform color dusky brown ; lighter beneath.

Length, 17-0- 19 "0.

This duck, which is known on this coast under the name of Broad-billed Coot, and farther
east by the name of Butter-bill, is described in the books under the name of American Scoter
Buck. It is by no means as common as the preceding, although in some seasons it is very
abundant. Until recently, it has been confounded with the F. nigra of Europe. Food,
fishes and marine shells. It breeds from Labrador northwardly. Its geographical range
similar to the preceding. Confined..

NATATORES — ANATIDjE — FULIGULA. 337

THE WHITE-WINGED COOT.

FuLIGULA FUSCA.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Anas fusca. Lis. p. 196. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 555. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 137, pi. 72, fig. 3.
F. (Oidemia) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 390. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 449.
F. id. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 419. Acdubon, B. of Am. Vol. 6, p. 332, pi. 401 (male and female).
Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 328.

Characteristics. A white mirror : feet red. Male, black ; a white spot under the eye.
Female, blackish brown. Length, 22 ' 0.

Description. Bill very broad, 1 ■ 6 long measured from the feathers above ; the central
prominence ridged in the middle. Nostrils very large, sub-basal, oval, pervious. Tarsus
short, compressed, 1*8 long: outer and middle toes subequal, 3" 5 long. Inner secondaries
overlapping obliquely the primaries. Tail wedge-shaped, of fourteen stiff feathers.

Color. Male : Bill black at the base above, yellowish in the middle, verging to orange
on the sides. A spot under the eye, and outer secondary quills white. Rest of the plumage
brownish black, with purple and green reflections on the head and neck. Female : Bill
dusky, and smaller than in the male. Iris yellow. Mirror white. The remaining part of
the plumage sooty brown, with the exception of two light grey spots on the sides of the head :
one near the base of the bill ; the other behind the eye.

Length, 22-0-23-0.

This duck, which is described in the books under the name of Velvet Duck, is better known
here as the White-winged Coot, to distinguish it from its kindred species, the Broad-billed
Coot. It is much prized for the quantity and quality of its down, but is held in little estima-
tion for food. It appears on this coast about the middle of October in large flocks, and many
remain until the beginning of April. Breeds from the coast of Maine northwardly: the eggs
are of a uniform pale cream-color. It ranges during the winter to the coast of Georgia in
31° north latitude, and extends from thence to the 72d parallel. Found on both sides of the
Atlantic.

[Fauna— Part 2.] 43

338 NEW- YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

GENUS ANAS. Linn^us.

Bill as long or slightly longer than the head, broad and depressed generally throughout its
whole length, widening towards the tip : upper mandible with a small nail at the tip.
Tarsus rounded ; hind toe very small, simple, or with a narrow membrane. Tail variously
shaped, of 14- 18 feathers.

Obs. This genus comprises about twelve American species, which are chiefly confined to
freshwater streams, although some are found on the seacoast.

THE WOOD DUCK.

Anas sponsa.

plate cxi. fig. 247.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Anus sponsa, Lin. p. 207. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, 562. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 97, pi. 70, fig. 3.
A. (Anas) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 385. Audubon, Birds of Am, Vol. 6, p. 271, pi. 391.

Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 391.
Dendronessa id. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 446.
Aix id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 57. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 312.

Characteristics. A pendant crest : throat white ; mirror purplish blue, tipped with white ;
under wing-coverts white, spotted with black. Male : head and crest
golden green, with two whitish stripes. Female : head and crest
brownish, and a white space round the eye. Length, 20' 0.

Description. Bill shorter than the head, the feathers in front descending low ; tip of the
bill much hooked ; sides of the bill strongly toothed. Tarsus 1 '4, slightly compressed. Tail
broad and rounded, of sixteen feathers. Feathers of the middle of the head, and behind,
elongated.

Color. Male: Head deep glossy green. A narrow white line passes from the base of
the bill over the eye ; another from behind the eye, curving down the neck. The white of
the chin and throat dilated, and nearly meeting on the sides of the neck : lower part of the
neck and shoulders purplish red, with numerous white arrowheaded spots beneath. Flanks
yellowish grey, finely waved with black ; broader black and white bars behind ; glossy
reddish purple on each side of the rump. Tips of the inner webs of the quills glossy
green. Tail and upper tail-coverts greenish black. Female, smaller. Crest not so much
developed : head dusky ; dorsal plumage brown, with purple and green metallic reflections ; a
white patch around and behind the eye ; throat white ; breast yellowish brown, streaked with
darker brown ; under tail-coverts grey, minutely speckled with brown.

Length, 19'0-20-5.

NATATORES — ANATID.E — ANAS. 339

This is the most beautiful of all the ducks known ; the only one approaching it being the
A. galericulata, or Mandarin Duck of China, which indeed it strongly resembles. Its popular
name of Wood Duck is derived from the fact that it makes its nest in hollow trees. During
the summer only is it seen in this State, migrating southwardly with the cold weather. It is
easily domesticated, and one of my neighbors raises numbers of them annually. Its food
consists of acorns, seeds of aquatic plants, and insects. It breeds from Mexico to the
Columbia river, and eastwardly to Nova-Scotia : its eggs yellowish white. It has been
found from 19° south to 54° north latitude. Peculiar to America.

THE BLUE-WINGED TEAL.

Anas discors.
plate cxi. fig. 346.

Anas discors. Linn.eus, Syst. Nat. p. 205.
White-faced Teal. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 568.
A. id., Blue-winged Teal. Wilson, Am. Om. Vol. 8, p. 74, pi. 68, fig. 4.
A. (Anas) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 385.,

Boschas id. Richabdson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 444. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 307.
A. id. Audubon B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 287, pi. 393.
Cynnopierus id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 57. Giraud, Birds o( Long island, p. 315.

Characteristics. Mirrror green, bordered with white ; wing-coverts light blue ; quill-shafts
dusky. Male : head and neck purple-green ; crown black, with a white
crescent on each side of the head before the eyes. Female : head and
neck dusky ; light-colored on the sides of the head near the bill.
Length, 15 • 5.

Description. Bill linear, equal in length to the head ; the tip turned down : teeth project-
ing below the margin. Nostrils sub-basal, rather small, oblong-oval, pervious. Hind toe
small, with a narrow membrane beneath. Tarsus 1'2, somewhat compressed. Tail short,
acute, with fourteen pointed feathers.

Color. Male : Bill bluish black ; feet yellowish ; upper part of the head black ; a
crescent-shaped spot of while before the eyes ; hind part of the head, and remainder of neck
bluish purple ; base of neck, and upper part of back and wing-coverts minutely barred and
spotted with black and brown. Beneath pale chesnut, thickly marked with small round spots;
sides of the rump, tips of the greater coverts and long axillaries white ; smaller wing-coverts
bright blue ; outer webs of secondaries dark green. Female, general dusky hue, tinged with
reddish brown ; lesser wing-coverts blue as in the male ; chin and sides of the base of the
bill greyish white.

Length, 15-0- 16-0.

The history of the migrations of this species is incomplete. It breeds in Texas, according
to Mr. Audubon, and on Long island according to Mr. Giraud. The eggs were found by Mr.

43*

340 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

Leib (Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 8, p. 203) on the borders of Lake Erie in Michigan : he
describes them as 15 to 18, of a delicate cream-color. It appears with us in September,
when it is abundant on the Hudson, and soon leaves for the South. Its geographical range
through the interior extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and along the coast from Mexico
to 58° north latitude.

THE GREEN- WINGED TEAL.

Anas carolinensis.

plate cxii. fig. 249.

(STATE COLLECTION. Cabinet of the Lyceum.)

Anas carolinensis, Gmelin, p. 533. American Teal, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 569.

A. crecca. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 101, pi. 60, fig. 4.

A. sylvatica, Vieillot. Nijttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 400.

A- (Anas) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 443.

A. carolinensis. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 281, pi. 392.

A. (Boschas) crecca. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol.2, p. 443.

Querquedula carolinensis. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 314.

Characteristics. Mirror bright green : black on the sides, margined with white and rufous.
Male : head and neck chesnut ; a green band on each side of the head,
through the eyes. Female, wholly dusky varied with white ; throat
white; bill and feet bluish. Length, 14 "0.

Description. Head subcrested, with rather elongated feathers. Bill scarcely as long as
the head, somewhat enlarged towards the tip ; the lamellar teeth projecting on the sides.
Nostrils small, sub-basal, pervious, oblong-oval. Tail rather pointed, of sixteen feathers ; the
central pair 0-4 longer than the outer, and filiform at their tips.

Color. Male : The green band on the sides of the head ends in bluish black on the back
part of the neck. A brownish black patch on the chin and the throat. Head and neck bright
chesnut. Breast reddish brown, with round dark-colored spots. A broad white or yellowish
white oblique stripe, or slightly curved, 1 ' 3 in length, on each shoulder. Female : Chin and
belly white. Crest wanting. Head and neck greyishy streaked with dark brown : sides
barred with brown.

Length, 13'5-14'5.

The Green-winged Teal is common on all our freshwater lakes and ponds, during the
autumn and winter. Its flesh is very savory. It breeds along the great lakes and northwardly.
Observed by Mr. Townsend on the shores of the Pacific. Eggs dull yellowish white. On
the Atlantic, it ranges from 23° to 70° north.

NATATOBES — ANATID^ — ANAS. 341

THE PIN-TAIL DUCK.

Anas acuta.

plate cx. fig. 844.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Anas acuta, LiNNiEtfs, p. 202. Pin-tail Duck, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 566.

A. id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 72, pi. 69, fig. 3. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 383. Richardson,

F. B. A. Vol. 2. p. 441. Audhbon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 266, pi. 390. DaJUa, Leach.
A. id. Ncttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 386. Giradd, Birds of Long island, p 310.

Characteristics. Mirror green, with purple reflections, bordered by rufous and white.
Tail long. Bill long, linear, nearly black. Male, light ash ; a white
stripe on each side of the neck ; two middle tail-coverts very long and
tapering ; vent black. Female, smaller, yellowish brown : mirror and
vent uniform with the rest. Length, 24*0 excluding tail-coverts.

Description. Bill as long as the head ; the plates scarcely projecting beyond the sides.
Tarsus compressed, 1 ' 5 and shorter than the middle toe. Outer web of the second quill
sinuated. Tail of fourteen feathers, long, pointed. Two middle upper tail-coverts much
elongated, pointed, and from 2*0 to 2" 7 in length.

Color. Male : Head brown glossed with purple : bill and feet bluish black : nape metallic
green passing into brown. Back with minute angular bars of brownish black and yellowish,
giving a greyish hue to those parts ; flanks barred with the same ; scapulars and tertiaries
bordered with white. Upper tail-coverts whitish on the inner webs, dark-colored on the outer,
and glossed with green : long upper tail-coverts black glossed with green. Tail brown, mar-
gined with soiled whitish. Beneath yellowish white ; lower part of the abdomen grey : vent
and under tail-coverts black, with slight glossy reflections ; the outer margins white. Female,
smaller ; the mirror dull, without the green gloss, bordered before and behind with reddish :
head and neck yellowish brown speckled and streaked with dusky. Above reddish brown,
margined with blackish : beneath yellowish brown, spotted and barred with dusky ; the
middle tail-coverts slightly exceeding the tail-feathers.

Length, 22-0-25'0.

The Pin-tail, Sprig-tail or Winter Duck, is more common in the interior than along the
coast. It is particularly abundant along the shores of Lake Ontario, breeding in high north-
ern latitudes. It ranges during the winter and spring across the continent, and has been
observed from Mexico to 70° north latitude. It is also found on both sides of the Atlantic.
The eggs are said to be greenish white, tinged with buff. Its food is similar to that of the
preceding species.

342 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

THE SHOVELLER, OR SPOONBILL.

Anas clypeata.

plate cx. fig. 248.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Anas clypeata, LlNH^DS, p. 200. Pen. Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 557. Wilson, Am. Orn.Vol. 8, p. 65, pi. 67,fig. 7.
Rkyncaspis id. Leach. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol.2, p. 382. Richardson, f. B. A. Vol. 2. p. 439,
A. id. Audubon, B. of Am. VoL 6, p. 293, pi. 394. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol.2, p. 375. Giraud, Birds of
Long island, p. 317.

Characteristics. Mirror green bordered with white. Male, brown : head and neck dark
green ; wing-coverts blue. Female, yellowish brown, spotted with
black. Length, 19' 0.

Description. Bill longer than the head, very broad, and much dilated and bent down at
the base : teeth at the sides in long and slender plates. Tarsus 1#2— 1*4, moderately com-
pressed : hind toe with a narrow membrane. Tail short, rounded, of fourteen pointed fea-
thers.

Color, quite variable. Male : Head and half the neck, middle of the back, quills and
tail brown ; the hind neck tinged with bright green. Upper part of the breast, sides of the
lower portion of the neck, some of the scapulars and sides of the rump, white. Abdomen
and flanks deep orange-brown. Vent and under tail-coverts black, glossed with green. Five
or six of the outer secondaries bright green on their outer webs. Female, brown above ;
beneath yellowish brown, with numerous dusky angular bars : mirror less vivid. Young,
resembling the female.

Length, 17-5-20-0.

The Shoveller, or Spoonbill, is not an abundant species in this State, and is more fre-
quently obtained along the rivers and lakes than on the coast. It usually appears in the winter
and spring : the specimen described above was shot April 10. It breeds in Texas westward
to Columbia, and through the fur countries : the eggs are from 12-14, pale greenish yellow.
Its food consists of small fishes, insects, and the smaller shells. Is not known to breed within
the limits of the United States. It is highly prized as affording delicate eating, and ranges
from Mexico to 70° north latitude. Common to Europe and America.

NATATORES — ANATID^E — ANAS. 343

THE GREY DUCK, OR GADWALL.

Anas strepera.
plate cix. fig. 248.

(CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Anns strepera, Lin. p. 200. Gadwall, Pennant, Arct. Zoology, Vol. 2, p. 575.

A. id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 120, pi. 61, fig. 1. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 383. Audubon,

B. of Am. Vol 6, p. 254, pi. 388.
Chauliodus, Richardson, F. B. B. Vol. 2, p. 440. Chauletasmus, Gray.
A. id. Ndttall, Man. Ornith. Vol. 2, p. 383. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 304.
(

Characteristics. Mirror white, bordered by black and chesnut : feet orange ; webs blackish.
Male, blackish waved with white. Female, reddish brown ; rump uni-
form with the rest. Length, 20 • 0.

Description. Bill nearly as long as the head, straight, sublinear ; the teeth or plates long
and delicate. Nostrils sub-basal, moderate, oblong. Tibia bare for some distance. Tail
short, rounded, composed of sixteen stiff acuminated feathers, of which the central pair project
somewhat beyond the others.

Color. Male : Head and neck greyish white, speckled with brown.: bill bluish black ;
summit of the head tinged with chesnut-brown. Middle wing-coverts chesnut-brown. Lower
part of the neck, back and breast, exterior flanks and scapulars dark brown, with numerous
white crescents originating from the lips of the feathers. Throat and chin (in an adult in
full plumage) of a uniform buff; greater coverts, rump, upper and under tail-coverts jet
black ; interior scapulars and tertiaries greyish brown ; wings and tail grey-brown, the former
rufous on the inner webs. Mirror white, bordered in front by black. Under parts minutely
waved with grey. Female, smaller. Bill yellowish : feet pale yellowish. Head above
greyish brown ; neck, breast, and all the upper parts light yellowish red spotted with dusky :
a dull light-colored streak over the eyes. Young; uniform rusty brown above : each feather
marked in the centre with black.

Length, 19*0-20-0.

This beautiful species is rather rare in this State. It was first discovered by Wilson on
the Seneca lake, and has since been seen in other places, even along the seacoast. In New-
Jersey, it is called the Welsh or German Duck. According to Dr. Bachman, it has been
successfully domesticated. It breeds from Texas westwardly to the Columbia river.; in the
States of New-York, Massachusetts, Maine and northwardly : the eggs are greenish grey.
Food, small fish, shells, insects and aquatic plants. Its geographical range extends from
Mexico to 68° north latitude. Common to Europe and America.

344 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE BLACK DUCK.

Anas obscura. "

plate cv1ii. fig. 241.
(STATE COLLECTION.)

Anas obscura, Gmelin. Pennant, Arct. Zoo]. Vol. 2, p. 564. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 141, pi. 72, fig. 5.
Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 384. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 244, pi. 386
(male and female). Ndttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 392. Peabody, Birds of Mass. p. 388.
Gikaud, Birds of Long Island, p. 301.

Characteristics. Mirror violet-blue, with greenish reflections, bordered with black : under
wing-coverts and long axillaries pure white. Male, blackish brown,
margined on the edges of the feathers with paler. Female and young,
darker. Length, 23 '0.

Description. Bill about the length of the head, flattened, and rounded at the tip. Nostrils
sub-basal, oblong-oval, and placed near the ridge. Hind toe very small. Tail short, rounded,
of eighteen pointed feathers.

Color. Male : Upper part of the head deep dusky brown, with light streaks of drab.
Cheeks, and streaks over the eye, dull cream-color. Neck dull yellowish white ; each fea-
ther with a central line of blackish brown. Mirror greenish blue, with purple reflections,
bordered with black : some of the secondaries tipped with whitish. Bill yellowish green :
feet reddish orange. Beneath brownish black. Under surface of the wing and the axillaries
white. Female, smaller and browner ; the mirror without the posterior white margined line.

Length, 22-0-24'0.

The Black Duck, as it is universally called except in the books, is very abundant in this
State, not only in the interior, but on the seacoast. It breeds from Texas to Labrador, a
range quite remarkable : the eggs are from 8-10, of a dull white color. They appear in
this State in the spring, and remain during the summer ; many, of course, proceeding far-
ther north. In October, they again appear on the seacoast in large flocks, and then proceed
southwardly as far as Texas. They were seen by Mr. Townsend on the northwest coast.
Few ducks are more highly prized than these; and from the experiments which have already
been made, it appears that they might be readily domesticated.

NATATORES — ANATID^E ANAS. 345

THE AMERICAN WIDGEON, OR BALD-PATE.

Anas americana.

plate cxii. fig. 248.

(STATE COLLECTION.)

Alias anurkarutf Gmelin. American Widgeon, Pennant, Arct. Zoology, Vol. 2, p. 567.

A id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 86, pi. 69, fig. 4. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 384.

Mareca id. Richardson, F. B..A. Vol. 8, p. 445. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol.-6, p. 259, pi. 389 (male and female).

A. id. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 389, fig. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 306i

Characteristics. Mirror green, surrounded by black : wing-coverts white. Tail wedge-
shaped. Male, black waved with reddish ; head and neck yellowish
white ; crown white or yellowish white ; a green band on each side of
the neck ; breast light ehesnut ;. throat whitish. Female, whole head
and neck yellowish white sprinkled with black. Length, 195.

Description. Bill shorter than the head, and abruptly curved at the tip : nostrils oblong,,
sub-basal, pervious. Tibia bare for a short distance beneath. Tarsus 1 ' 5 long, compressed.
Feathers of the crown and occiput slightly elongated. Tail short, pointed, of sixteen feathers -r
the central pair acute.

Color. Male :. Bill and feet greyish blue ;. the former black at the tip. Crown white or
light cream, spotted with dusky on the sides : a broad green band extends from the eyes
behind to the nape. Breast brownish red, glossed with grey, and varying to light ehesnut
or vinaceous. Back minutely waved with brownish red and black. Lesser wing-coverts,
quills and tail brown or brownish grey : greater coverts, sides of the rump, breast and belly
pure while ;. sides of the body barred or minutely waved with white and brownish. Female,
smaller ; above dark brown, edged with pale brown and white. Head and neck whitish ;
the former barred, and the latter streaked with dusky. No green stripe on the head. Breast
blackish, barred with brownish red. Beneath white : under tail-coverts dusky barred with
reddish brown.

Length, 18' 5 -20" 5.

The American Widgeon, or Bald-pate, appears in this State in the spring, and late in the
autumn. It is distributed very generally throughout the Republic, and was observed by Mr.
Townsend on the shores of the Pacific. It breeds in Mexico, probably in this and the
adjoining States, and certainly in high northern latitudes. It is not a common species in this
State, but is more abundant at the South and West in winter. Its food consists chiefly of
aquatic vegetables, and is valued for its delicate flavor. It ranges from 68° north to the
equator.

[Fauna — Part %.\ 44

346 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

' THE EUROPEAN WIDGEON.

Anas penelope.

Altai penelope, Lin. p. 202. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 307.

Characteristics. Mirror green, surrounded by black ; wing-coverts white. Male, black
waved with white : head and neck reddish chesnut ; crown cream-color ;
no green band ; breast vinaceous ; throat black. Female, dark brown :
whole head and neck reddish, sprinkled with black. Length, 20 -0.

Description. " Bill narrow, bluish lead-color, tipped with black ; top of the head, from
the bill and chin, yellowish cream-color ; rest of the head, and upper part of the neck, bay
speckled with black ; breast vinaceous ; belly white ; upper and under tail-coverts black, edged
with rufous above and with white beneath ; back, scapulars, and sides under the wings black
and white in fine undulated lines ; coverts of the wings dusky brown, with pale edges ; quills
dusky ; secondaries green on the outer webs, tipped with black : those next the body have
the margins of the outer webs more or less white. Tail cuneiform ; the two middle tail-
feathers pointed, and considerably longer than the rest : these are dusky, dashed with cine-
reous ; the rest cinereous, edged with rufous brown. Legs and feet dusky lead-color ; the
latter small. Length, 20 inches" (Montagu).

Col. Montagu farther observes, that this species is subject to great variety : in some the
forehead is almost white, and the feathers on the back and sides mottled with brown ; the
wing-coverts mixed with white : female brown ; the middle of each feather darkest ; fore
part of the neck and breast pale brown ; wings and belly like the male.

Mr. G. N. Lawrence of New-York has noticed, in the work of Mr. Giraud cited above, a
specimen shot on Long island, and in an imperfect condition, which appears to be undoubtedly
the Widgeon of the eastern continent. He notices the following distinctive marks : " The
head rises gradually from the bill, not abruptly as in the American species, and without the
black line where it joins the head. The frontal feathers extend on the bill a quarter of an
inch, forming an acute angle. Crown reddish cream : other parts of the head and neck
bright rufous, plainly sprinkled with small black spots, more numerous adjoining the bill.
Throat of a dark rich vinous color, almost black. Crest small, and the green color on the
sides of the head confined to the immediate vicinity of the eye. Under wing-coverts ash-
grey ; those of ours being white."

Mr. Audubon seems inclined to the opinion that there is no difference between the American
and the European and Asiatic widgeons ; although from " not having traced them through all
their gradations," he can not positively assert their identity. . I learn subsequently from Mr.
Giraud, that two or three others have been shot on Long island.

NATATORES — ANATIDiE — ANAS. 347

THE MALLARD.

Anas boschas.
plate cviii. fig. 340.

Anas boschas, Lin. p. 205. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 563. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p, 112, pi. 60, fig. 7.

Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 383.
Boschas domeslica. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 442. Aoddbon, Birds of Am. Vol. 6, p. 236, pi. 385.
Nottall, Man. Ore. Vol. 2, p. 378.

Characteristics. Mirror violet, bounded by black and white ; rump blackish. Male : head
and neck green ; a white collar ; four middle tail-coverts recurved.
Female and young, wholly brownish, varied with yellowish and blackish.
Length, 23-0.

Description. Bill subequal with the head, flattened, and somewhat dilated towards the
end. Tibia bare a short distance from the joint. Tail rounded, of sixteen feathers.

Color. Male : Bill yellowish : feet orange red. Head and neck deep green, with a white
ring beneath ; neck and breast dark chesnut ; upper part of back, wing-coverts and quills
ash-brown of different shades ; rump and upper tail-coverts blackish green ; some of the outer
scapulars chesnut, with darker transverse lines. Mirror with purple and green reflections.
Sides of the rump, and interior of the wings, white. Female, reddish brown, spotted with
dusky ; beneath yellowish grey, obscurely spotted with brownish black.

Length, 24-0-25-0.

This is the well known original on both continents of our common domestic Duck, of which
we have now so many varieties. Messrs. Cooper and Nuttall have noticed a large wild
variety ? measuring 30 inches. In these the primaries are white, and the tail-feathers grey.

The Mallard is common about most of the lakes in the interior of the State, and also on
the seacoast. It leaves us in the autumn for the South, and has been observed from Mexicp
to the 68th parallel.

{EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

A. breweri. (Aud. B. of Am. Vol. 6, p. 252, pi. 387.) Mirror green. Head and neck green ; pale
yellowish on the sides ; rump and upper and under tail-coverts black : a light yellowish collar
round the neck. General hue dusky, finely waved with grey. Length, 23-0. Louisiana.

A. moschata, Lin. Glossy black: a papillary naked red skin surrounding the eyes, on the cheeks,
and base of the bill. Length, 25 *0. Brazil. A few observed on the coast of the Southern States.
Domesticated.

44.

348 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS.

GENUS ANSER. Brisson.

Bill as long as, or shorter than the head, somewhat higher than broad, subcylindrical, flattened
towards the tip, and deflected : nostrils a little behind the middle. Neck moderately long.
Teeth short, conic, acute. Lores feathered. Wings moderate, acute, sometimes spurred.
Tarsus moderate.

THE WILD GOOSE.

Anser canadensis,
plate cvi. fig. 237.

Anser canadensis. Willcghby, Ora. p. 276, pi. 70.

■Canada Goose. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 544.

A. id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 53, pi. 67, fig. 4. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. VoL 2, p. 377. Aon.

B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 178, pi. 376. Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 348. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol.

2, p. «8.

Characteristics. Dark ash : head, neck and tail black ; cheeks and throat white ; bill and
feet black. Tail of 18 feathers. Length, 41* 0.

Description. Bill shorter than the head, subcorneal, depressed at the tip. Tibia bare for
a short distance. Tarsus 3 "5, slightly compressed. Wings with a slight protuberance:
second quill longest. Tail very short, rounded, with 18 pointed feathers.

Color. Head, the largest portion of the neck, quills, rump and tail black. Wings and
back dark brown, with paler edges. Sides of the rump, upper and under tail-coverts pure
white. Beneath yellowish grey or dusky white. Female, similarly marked, but the colors
not so vivid.

Length, 40- 0-42 -0.

The Wild Goose observes the usual migrations of its tribe, but breeds through a very
extensive range of country. It was noticed breeding in Missouri by Mr. Nuttall. It breeds
sparingly from Mississippi to Nova-Scotia, according to Mr. Audubon, and abundantly in
Labrador and between the 60th and 70th parallels of latitude. It appears with us in large
flocks late in the autumn from the North, and remains until the bays are frozen over, affording
much amusement to the sportsmen, and profit to the gunners who pursue it as a business.
They return in the earliest spring, and soon migrate again to the North. The eggs are dull
yellowish green. It is frequently kept in a state of domestication, and mates with the common
grey goose, producing hybrids which are much esteemed. It ranges across the continent,
and from 26° to 70° north latitude.

■NATATORES — AKATIDiE — ANSER. 349

THE WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE.

Anser albifrons.

plate cvi. fig. 236.

(CABINET OP THE LYCEUM.)

Anas albifrons, GmeliN. While-fronted Goose, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 548.

Anser id. Bechst. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 376. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 466. Aud.

B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 209, pi. 380. Nuttall, Man. Ornith. Vol. 2, p. 346. Giraud, Birds of

Long island, p. 297.

Characteristics. Brownish ; beneath whitish varied with black ; frontlet and throat white,
margined with blackish: bill and feet carmine. Length, 27-0.

Description. Bill, at the base, equal to more than half its length. Teeth of the upper
mandible triangular, distinct : five or six ranges of teeth on the palate. First quill shorter
than the third. Tail short, rounded, of sixteen feathers.

Color, from the specimen in the Lyceum of Natural History : Frontlet and base of the
lower mandible whitish or yellowish white, margined with blackish ; the white beneath only
apparent on the sides of the lower mandible. Head and neck brown : dorsal plumage lighter
brown ; the feathers edged with whitish. Secondaries tipped with white. Vent, upper and
under tail-coverts white : wings and tail deep blackish brown ; the latter tipped with white.
Breast and belly with the sides whitish, blotched with deep black. Bill and feet carmine red-;
the latter tinged with yellowish. "In winter, beneath pure white" (Temminck).

Length, 27-0-28-0.

This is a very rare species in this State. The specimen described above was shot, May
9, at Babylon, Suffolk county. It ranges through the interior across the continent, and is
found in the Western and Southern States during the winter. It ranges northwardly to the
67th parallel, and is more abundant on the eastern shores of this continent. Occurs in
Europe and America.

350 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

THE SNOW GOOSE.

Anser hyperboreus.
plate cvii. fig. 238.
(CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.)

Anas ceruleseens, Linnjeus, p. 198. Snow Goose, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 549.

A. hyperborea. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 76, pi. 69, fig. 3, and fig. 5 (young).

Anser hyperboreus. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol.2, p. 376. Aoddbon, B. of A. Vol.6, p. 212, pi. 381.
Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 467. Ndttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 344. Giraud,
Birds of Long island, p. 297. Chen, Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List.

Characteristics. Bill rising high on the forehead ; sides of the bill with longitudinal fur-
rows and indentations. Adult, white ; quills black at the point ; bill
and feet red. Young, purplish brown ; wing-coverts and rump bluish
ash, more or less white with age. Length, 28*0.

Description. Bill almost conical, shorter than the head ; the line of the gape curved.
Tarsus 3*0. Tail short, rounded, of sixteen rounded feathers.

Color. Adult, white : quills, and their shafts toward the tips, black. Head (and occa-
sionally the neck) light yellowish. Bill and feet red. Young : Head and neck white, with a
few darker feathers on the nape. Upper part of the back dark brown ; the feathers narrowly
edged with light brown. Rump white, more or less barred and speckled with brown. Tail
dark brown ; the lateral tail-feathers bordered with pure white. Wing-coverts with a slaty
hue : sides of the abdomen brown, tipped with white. Bill brownish : feet reddish.

Length, 27' 0-31-0. "~ "" "

The Snow Goose, or White Brant and Blue-winged Goose, as it is occasionally called, is
not very abundant on the coast of this State. It appears with us on its way south in the first
week in November, and is again seen in February and March. Like the preceding, it ranges
across the continent, and is found in the Western and Southern States in autumn and winter.
It breeds in high northern latitudes, and ranges between the 26th and 75th parallels. Common
to Europe and America.

NATATORES — ANATID^E — ANSER. 351

THE BRANT.

Anser bernicla.
plate cvii. fig. 239.

Anas btmicla, Linnjecs, p. 198. Brent Goose, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 551.

The Brant. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 131, pi. 72, fig. 1. Bonap. Ann. Lye. N. V. Vol. 2, p. 387. Rich-

F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 469.
Anser id. Aodubon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 203, pi. 379. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 359. Gieaod, Birds of

Long island, p. 293.

Characteristics. Blackish ash : head, neck and breast black ; a white patch on each side
of the neck ; beneath whitish ; bill and feet black. Length, 23 * 0.

Description. Bill small, much shorter than the head, subconical, turned down at the tip :
nasal groove elongated ; nostrils sub-basal, elliptical. Tibia bare for a short distance. Tarsus
2'0, compressed, and longer than the middle toe. Tail very short, much rounded.

Color. Head, neck, shoulders and upper part of the breast blackish. Bill and feet black .
Lower eyelid, spot on the chin, and a few tips of feathers on the sides of the neck, white.
Dorsal plumage brown, margined with greyish. Quills, tertiaries, rump and tail greenish
black. Sides of the rump, and the vent, and of the upper and under tail-coverts white.
Flanks barred with white and grey. Female, slightly smaller, but in no respect different.
Young, no white patch on the side of the neck ; plumage above and beneath barred with
reddish brown.

Length, 22-0-25'0.

The Brant is considered as one of our most savory birds. In its transit from its breeding
places near the Arctic sea, it appears in great numbers on the coast of New- York in the
first or second week in October, and continues passing on to the south until December. Some
few have been observed to remain all winter. They are again seen with us in April and May,
on their way north, when they are in the best condition. Feed exclusively on Zostera marina,
or eel-grass, and other marine plants. The history of its migrations is not yet complete.
On the Atlantic coast, it has been observed from 73° to 38° north- On the Pacific, it appears
to range from Columbia river, where it was seen by Mr. Townsend, to the 26th parallel,
The Brant is capable of domestication, and is found on both continents.

352 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS.

HUTCHINS'S GOOSE.
Anser hutchinsi.

Anser hutcfitTisi. Ricijardson, F. B. A. Vot. 2, p. 470. Ahdcbon, Orn. Biog. Vol. 3, p. 526. Nuttall, Man.
Orn. Vol. 2, p. 362. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 6, p. 198, pi. 377. Giraud, Birds of Long
island, p. 292. Linsley, B. of Conn.

Characteristics. Bill black, 1 ■• 5 in length. Head and neck deep black. A white kidney-
shaped patch on., the throat. Length, 26 -0.

Description. Bill short, and very high at the base. Tail short, rounded, of sixteen
feathers (" 14," Richardson).

Color. Adult: Bill, feet and claws black. Head and upper two-thirds of the neck glossy
black : a large subtriangular patch of white on each side of the head and neck. General color
above brownish grey; the feathers edged with paler. Abdomen and lower tail-coverts white.
Quills and tail-feathers deep brown.

Length, 25-0- 27-0.,

This species is usually taken for a dwarf variety of the Wild' Goose, and was at first sup-
posed by Dr. Richardson to be a. variety of the Brant. It breeds along the shores of the
Arctic sea. At some seasons, according to Mr. Giraud, it is quite abundant on the shores of
Massachusetts, and has been shot in the Chesapeake. According to the same authority, it is
not uncommon on the eastern part of Long island, in company with the Wild Goose, and is
known under the name of Mud Gooset Mr. Linsley, in his Catalogue of the Birds of Con-
necticut, states that " it is not unfrequently taken there in the spring, and is called the
Southern Goose, because it does not winter there." Some have supposed it to be the hybrid
of the Brant and Wild Goose. It has been observed by Mr..Townsend on the Northwest
coast. s k.

{EXTR A-LIMITAL >

JC leucopsis, Bechstein. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 200, pi. 378.) Barnacle Goose. Dark ash:
neck, upper part of the breast, and tail bluish black; face and beneath white ; bill and feet black.
Length, 23 ■ 0 - 27 • 0. Northern regions.

A. cinereus, Meyer. Common Goose. Light ash; beneath whitish; rump ash. Bill stout, orange :
nail whitish. Introduced from Europe, and domesticated,

NATATORES ANATID.E — CYGNUS. 353

GENUS CYGNUS. Meyer. -

Bill moderate, of nearly equaF breadth throughout, subcylindric above, furnished at its base
with a knob or fleshy tumor, convex above. Upper mandible unguiculated, and curved at
the tip ; the lower fiat. Nostrils medial. Neck very long. Lores naked. Tarsus shorter
than the middle toe. Tail short, graduated.

THE AMERICAN SWAN.

Cygnus americanus.
> plate cv. fig. 235.

Cygnus fortu. Sn.iiiri.Ess, Cabinet of Natural Nistory, Vol. 1, p. 181, pi. 16.

C. americanus. Id. Am. Jour. Sc. Vol. 22. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 226, pi. 384.

Characteristics. White : bill and feet black ; top of the head tinged with brownish red.
An orange patch, more or less distinct, from the anterior angle of the
eye. Length, 56*0.

Description. Bill rather longer than the head. Tibia bare for an inch and a half. Second
quill longest. Tail short, much rounded, and of twenty broad rounded feathers.

Color, as in specific phrase. The young light bluish grey ; fore and upper parts of the
head tinged with red ; the bill reddish flesh-color. The nak:d space between the eye and
bill of the adult, feathered in the young.

Length, 53-0-60-0.

This species was first shown to be specifically distinct from those of Europe by Dr. Sharp-
less. It breeds in high northern latitudes, and enters the United States through the interior,
a few only appearing along the coast. In the uninhabited regions of Hamilton and Herkimer
counties in this State, this species, as I was informed by trustworthy hunters, remains during
the whole year, where it must necessarily breed. The outlet of Lake Paskungameh, or
Tupper's lake, was specified as a spot to which they were particularly attached. The eggs
are from five to seven in number, greenish. It is very common on the Chesapeake bay during
the winter. Abundant also on the Pacific coast of America.

(EXTRA-LIMITAL.)

C. buccinator, Richardson. (Aud. B. of Am. Vol. 6, p. 219, pi. 382 and 383.) White: bill and
feet black. Tail graduated, of 24 feathers. Head brownish red or white. Young, greyish white,
tinged with yellow; head reddish brown ; throat and lower eyelid white. Length, 53*0 -68 '9.
Ohio and South-Carolina. Northern regions. Northwest coast of America.
[Fauna — Part 2.] 45

ADDENDA.

The following two extra-limital species were noticed too late for insertion in the proper
place :

Page 33, under Caprimulgus carolinensis, add

C. nuttalli. (Am. B. of Am. Vol. 7, p. 350, pi. 495.) A band of white across the breast. The
three lateral tail-feathers merely tipped with white. Length, 7*2. Western Missouri <$• Northern
territories.

Page 138, add at the bottom

S. neglecta. (Aud. B. of Am. VoL 7, pi. 489.) Colors as in S. ludoviciana. Tail even : central
tail-feathers narrowly barred. Bill curved, and not as broad. Length, 10-0. Upper Missouri.

INDEX

TO THE

POPULAR NAMES OF THE BIRDS.

PAGE.

Albatross, 289

Avoset, American, 266

Auk,.._. 283

Bald Eagle, 5

Baldpate, 345

Bastard Broadbill, 325

Beach-bird,. __ _. 210

Beach-flea,. ._ 210

Belted Kingfisher, 45

Bittern, American, 226

— Small, 225

Blackhead, 323

Black Hawk, 7

Blackbird, Common Crow, 136

— Cow, 143

— Red-winged, . 141

— Rusty Crow, . 137

— Skunk, 144

Black Vulture, 3

Bluebird, 65

Bluebill, 323

Blue Jay, 129

Blue Robin, 65

Blue-stocking, 267

Boblink, 144

[Fauna — Part 2.]

Page.

Brant, 351

— White, 350

Brant-bird, 216

Brass-eye, 330

Broadbill, 323

Brownback, 253

Brown Creeper, 50

Brown Thrasher, 68

Brown Thrush,. __ 68

Butterbill, 329, 336

Butter-bird,.. _ 144

Bulfinch, Pine, 181

Bunting, Black-throated,. 155

— Blue-striped, 162

— Chipping, 159

— Field,.. 158

— Indigo, 173

— Lapland, 177

— Savannah, 161

— Tree,... 160

— Varied, 157

— Yellow-winged, 156
Butcher-bird, Northern,.. 127
Buzzard, Broad- winged, . 11

— Red-shouldered, 10

46

Page.

Buzzard, Red-tailed, 9

— Rough-legged,. 7

— Turkey, 2

Canvass-back, 321

Cat-bird, 69

Cedar-bird, . 44

Chalkline, 224

Chat, Yellow-breasted, . . 126

Cherry-bird, 44

Chewink, 172

Chickadee, 60

Chipping-bird, 159

Clape, 192

Cock, Common, 201

Coot, 262

— American, 272

— Black and White, . 333

— Box, 333

— Broad-billed, 336

— Surf, 335

— White-winged, 337

Cormorant, Common, 292

— Double-crested, 293

Corn-thief, 141

Cow Bunting, 143

358

PiOE.

Crane, American, 218

— Hooping, 218

— Large Brown, 218

Creek Brcadbill, 324

Creeper, Brown, 50

— Finch, 97

Crossbill, American, 182

— White-winged,. 183
Crow, Common, 132

— Fish, 135

Cuckoo, Black-billed, ... 195

— Yellow-billed,.. 194
Curlew, Big, 233

— Jack, 233

— Long-billed, 232

— Little, 234

— Red, 253

— Small Esquimaux, 234

— Stone, « 251

— Short-billed, 233

— Straight-billed,.. 253

— Sickle-billed, ... 232

Cutwater, 297

Diedipper, 329

Dipper, 275

Diver, Great, 285

Dobchick, Pied, 277

Dough-bird, ...... 232, 253

Dove, Greenland, 280

— Carolina Turtle, . 197

— Sea, 280

Duck Hawk, l3

Duck, Ba3tard Broadbill, . 325

— Black, 344

— Big Sea, 333

— Black Sea, 335

— B road-bill, 323

— Buffle-head, 329

— Canvass-back, 322

— Eider, 332

— German, 343

— Grey, 343

— Harlequin,. 331

— King, 334

— Little Broadbill,. . 324

ENGLISH INDEX.

Page.

Duck, Mallard, 347

— Oldwife, 328

— Old Squaw, 328

— Pied, 326

— Pin-tail, 341

— Raft, 323

— Redhead, 322

— Ruddy, 327

— Sand-shoal, 327

— Shoal,.. 333

— Spirit, 329

— Squaw, 333

— Spectacle, 335

— Scoter, 336

— Surf, 335

— Velvet, 337

— Welsh, 343

— Winter, 341

— Wood, 338

Dun-bird, 327

Dundiver, 318, 327

Eagle, Bald, 5

— Golden, 4

— Ring-tailed, 4

Fat-bird, 242

Field Martin, 117

Finch Creeper, 97

Finch, American Gold,. . 166

— (Vsted Purple,.. 169

— Ferruginous, 149

— Pine, 167

— Pine Bull, 181

— Seaside, 163

— Swamp, 165

— White-crowned,. . 153

Fire-bird,.. 139

Fish Hawk, 60

Flicker, 192

Flood Gull,.. 217, 297

Fly-up-the-creek, 224

Flycatcher, Small Green-
crested, 112

— Great-crested, .. 119

— Yellow-bellied, . 113
Forktail, 12

PiSK.

French Mocking-bird, . . 68

Frost-bird, 213

Futes, 232

Gadwall, 343

Gallinule, Florida, 264

Gannet, American, 295

Gnatcatcher, Blue-grey,. . 109

Godwit, 253

Golden-eye,

Golden Eagle, -.. 4

Golden Oreole, 139

Goosander, 318

Goose, Blue-winged, 350

— Cinada, 348

— Common, 352

— Brant, 351

— Hutchins's, 352

— Mud, 352

— Snow, 350

— Southern, 352

— White-fronted,... 349

— Wild, 348

Goose-bird, 254

Goshawk, . 19

Grakle, 136

Grass-bird, 151, 165

Greathead, _ 330

Grebe, Crested, 275

— Horned, 274

— Red-necked, 276

Greenback, 213

Greenlet, Red-eyed, 124

— Solitary, 121

— Warbling, 123

— White-eyed, 122

— Yellow-throated, 120

Greyback, 244

Grey-bird, 151

Grosbeak, Blue, 145

— Cardinal, 171

— Pine, 181

— Rose-breasfed, .. 146
Grouse, Pinnated, 205

— Ruffed, 204

— Spruce, 206

Pise.

Guillemot, Black, 278

— Foolish, 279

Guinea-fowl, 201

Gull, Black-headed, 310

— B mapartc's, 311

— Brown Win'er, ... 309

— Common American, 308

— Flood, 297

— Great Black-backed, 308

— Kittiwake, 313

— Laughinsr, 310

— Mackerel,.... 299

— Ring-billed, 309

— Little Sheepshead, . 305

— Three-toed, 313

— Winter, 306

Hawk, Black, — 7

— Bullet, 15

— Cooper's, 18

— Duck, 13

— Fish, 6

— Fork-tailed, 12

— Goss, 19

— Great-footed, 7

— Hen, 14

— Marsh, 20

— Pigeon,.. 14

— Red-shouldered,.. 10

— Red-tailed, 9

— Rough-legged, ... 8

— Sharp-shinned, — 17

— Slate-colored, 17

— Sparrow,. 16

Hawk-gull. Arctic, 314

— Richardson's, 315

— Pomarine, .. 316

Hawk Owl, 21

Hairy-head, 320

Harrier, Hen, 9

Hang-nest, Baltimore, — 139

— Orchard, 140

Heart-bird, 216

Heath Hen, 205

Helldiver, 274

Hen Harrier, 9

ENGLISH INDEX.

FiOE.

Henbill, 273

Hen, Indian, 216

Heron, Black-crowned

Night, 227

— Blue, 222

— Great Blue, 219

— Green, 224

— Great White, 220

— Louisiana, 223

— White-crested,... 221

— Yellow-crowned, . 228

High-hole, 192

Holopode, Wilson's, 270

Horsefoot Snipe, 216

Hummingbird, 46

Ibis, Glossy, 231

— White, 230

Ice-bird, 281

Indian Hen, 216

Indigo-bird, 173

Jay, Blue, 129

— Canada, 130

Killdeer, 212

Kingbird, 115

— Great-crested,. 119

— Olive-sided, .. 118

King Duck,.. 334

Kingfisher, 45

Kinglet, Golden-crested, . 62

— Ruby-crowned, . 64

Kittiwake, 313

Lark, Horned, 179

— Old-field, 138

— Meadow, 138

— Spotted Sand, 246

— Tit, 76

Lapland Longspur, 177

Lawyer, 265

Lobefoot, Hyperborean, . 269

— Wilson's, 270

Log-cock, 185

Looby, 327

Look-up, 226

Loon, Great, 285

— Red-throated, 286

359

Page.

Longshanks, 266

Lord, 332

Mallard, 347

Magpie, 131

Marlin, 252

— Ring-tailed, 253

Marsh Harrier, 20

Marsh Hawk, 20

Marsh-hen, Freshwater, . 260

— Saltwater, . . . 259

Martin, Purple, 37

Maybird, 144, 244

Maryland Yellowthroat, . 80

Meadow-hen, 259

Meadow Lark, 138

Merganser, Buff-breasted, 318

— Hooded, 320

— Red-breasted, 319

Mocking-bird, 67

Mother Carey's Chicken, 290

Mud-hen, 259, 261, 273

Mud goose, 352

Murre, 279

Myrtle-bird, 88

Nighthawk, 34

Nine-killer, 128

Nuthatch, Red-bellied,.. . 49

— White-breasted, 48

Oldwife, 328

Old-squaw, 328

Oriole, Baltimore, 1 39

— Golden, 139

— Orchard, 140

— Red-winged, 141

Ortolan, American, 144

Osprey, 6

Oven-bird, 78

Owl, Acadian, 30

— Barn, 31

— Barred, 29

— Cat, 24

— Great Grey, 26

— Great Horned, 24

— Hawk, 21

— Long-eared, 27

r7

360

PiOK

Owl, Little Screech, 25

— Snowy, 22

— Short-eared, 28

— White, 31

Oyster-catcher, American, 217

Parakeet, 183

Partridge, American, 202

— Ruffed, 204

— Spruce, 206

Peacock, 201

Peep, 244

Peetweet, 247

Pelican, Brown, 294

— White, 295

Petrel, Forktailed, 291

— Wilson's, 290

Pewee, Wood, . 114

Phalarope, Hyperborean, 269

— Red, 268

— Wilson's, ... 269

Pheasant, Water, 320

Phoebe-bird, ._ 115

Pigeon-driver, 280

Pigeon, Common, 196

— Wild, 198

Plover, Beetle-headed, 215

— Black-bellied,... 214

— Bull-headed, 215

— American Ring, . 208

— Field, 247

— Golden, 213

— Grass, 247

— Grey, 147

— Killdeer, 212

— Piping, 209

— Ring, ..- 209

— Upland, 247

— Whistling, 214

— Wilson's, 211

Poke, Little, 225

— Schyte, 224

— White, 221

Politician, 122

Prairie-hen, 205

Puffin, Arctic, 282

ENGLISH INDEX.

Paok.

Pullet, Indian, 226

aua-bird, 227

Quail, American, 202

Quail Snipe, 255

Quail-head, 164

Quok-korr-ee, 33

Quawk, 227

Rail, Carolina, 262

— Clapper, 259

— English, 262

— New- York, 263

— Red-breasted, 262

— Sora, 262

— Virginian, 26 1

— Yellow-breasted, 263

Raven, 134

Razorbill,. 283, 297

Redpoll, Lesser, 168

— Mealy, 169

Redstart, American, Ill

Redbird, 171

— Black-winged, . . 176

— Summer, '. 175

Redhead, 185, 323

Reed-bird, 144

Rice-bird, 144

Ringneck, 209

Ring Plover, 208

Ring-tailed Eagle, 4

Robin, Canada, 44

— Golden, 139

— Ground, 71, 172

— Red-breasted, 70

— Swamp, 172

— Wood, 71

Saltwater Teal, 327

Sander ling, 245

Sand-lark, Spotted, 246

Sandpiper, Bartram's, 247

— Black-breasted,. 240

— Buff-breasted,.. 238

— Curlew, 239

— Long-legged, . . 235

— Pectoral, 242

— Purple, 237

Page.

Sandpiper, Red-breasted, . 243

— Schinz's, 241

— Semipalmated, . 236

— Spotted, 246

— Wilson's, 244

Sapsucker, 187

Saw-whet, 30

Sawbill,.._ 318, 319

Scapegrace, 286

Sea Dove, 280

— Goose, 269

— Parrot, 282

— Pigeon, 281

Shearwater, 297

— Large, 287

— Little, 288

— Wandering, . 287
Sheldrake, Buff-breasted,. 318

„— Hooded, 320

.— Pied, 319

Shoveller, 342

Shortneck, 242

Shrike, American, 127

Skimmer, Black, ... 297

Skippang, 297

Skunkhead, 326

Snipe, Black-breasted, . . . 240

— Blind, 258

— Brownback, 253

— English, 256

— Horsefoot, 216

— Jack, 242, 249

— Meadow,. 242

— New- York, 255

— Oxeye, 244

— Quail, 255

— Red-breasted, 255

— Robin, 243

— Sand, 244

— Semipalmated, 251

— Short-necked, 242

— White Robin, 244

— White, 254

— Willet, 251

— Wilson's, 244

PiOE.

Snipe, Yellowshanks, 250

Snowbird, Common, 147

— Lapland, 177

— White, 178

Snow Goose, 350

SoraRail, 262

Sparrow, Bay-winged, .. 151

— Chipping, 159

— Field, 158

— Fox-colored, 149

— Savannah, 161

— Song, 150

— Swamp, 165

— Tree, 160

— White-throated,. 152

— White-crowned, 153

— Yellow-winged, 156

Spoonbill, 342

Sprigtail Duck, . 341

Stake-driver, 226

Starling, Meadow, 138

— Red-winged, . . 141

Suit, 266

Swallow, Bank, 39

— Barn, 40

— Cliff, 41

— Chimney, 35

— White-bellied,.. 38
Swan, American, 353

— Trumpeter, 353

Swift, American, 35

Tanager, Scarlet, 176

Tatler, Bartram's, 247

— Green-rump, 249

— Semipalmate, 251

— Solitary,.. 249

— Spotted, 247

— Telltale, 250

— Varied, 250

— Wood, 249

— Yellow-shank, .. 248
Teal, Blue- winged, 339

— Green-winged, 340

— Saltwater, 327

Tern, Arctic, 302

[Fauna — Part 2.]

ENGLISH INDEX.

Page.

Tern, Big, 298

— Black, 300

— Cayenne, 299

— Common, 298

— Marsh, 301

— Roseate,... - 304

— Sandwich, 303

— Silvery, 305

Thrasher, 68

Thrush, Black-capped, . . 69

— Brown, 68

— Ferruginous, 74

— Golden-crowned, 79

— Hermit,.. 72

— Olive-backed,... 73

— Red-breasted, ... 70

— Tawny, 74

— Water, 78

— Wilson's, 74

— Wood, 71

Tilt, 266

Tilt-up, 247

Tit, Blackcap, 60

— Carolina, 61

— Crested, 59

Titlark, American, 76

Turkey, 199

Turkey Buzzard, 2

Turnstone, 216

Turtle Dove, 197

Vireo, Red-eyed, 124

— Solitary, 121

— Warbling, 123

— White-eyed, 122

— Yellow-throated,.. 120
Warbler, Bay-breasted, . . 94

— Blackburnian, 93

— Black-poll, 95

— Black-throated Blue, 98

— — Green, 100

— Blue-headed

Yellow-rump, 90

— Blue-grey, 92

— Blue- winged, 83

— Blue Yellow-backed, 97

47

361

Paoi.

Warbler, Canada, 91

— Cape-May, 104

— Chesnut-sided, ... 102

— Golden-winged, . . 84

— Green Blackcapped, 108

— Hemlock, 103

— Hooded, 107

— Kentucky, 105

— Maryland, 80

— Mourning, 81

— Nashville, 86

. — Orange-crowned, . 87A.

— Pine, 101

— Prairie, 96

— Red-poll, 89

— Small Green-crested, 112

— Spotted Canada, . « 91

— Tennessee, 85

— Varied Creeping, . 52

— Whistling, 83

_ White-poll, 52

— Wormeating, 82

— Yellow- crowned, . 88

— Yellow-poll, 99

— Yellow Red-poll. 89

— Yellow-rump, 90

Water Pheasant, 320

Water Thrush, 78

Water-witch, 274

Waxwing, Black-throated, 43

— Cedar, 44

Weaser, 318

Whitebill, 273

White-bird, 178

White Brant, 350

White-breasted Hawk, . . 9

White-headed Eagle, 5

Whippoorwill, 32

Whistler, 319, 320, 330

Widgeon, American, 345

— European, 346

Winter Hawk, 10

Willet, 251

Woodcock, American, .. 185
Woodpecker, Arctic, 190

362

PiOE

Woodpecker, Banded, — 191

— Canadian, 186

— Crested, 184

— Downy, 187

— Golden-winged, 192

— Hairy, 186

— Red-bellied, -.189

— Red-headed,.. 185

ENGLISH INDEX.

PlQE.

Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied, 188

Wren, Carolina, 55

— Golden-crested, .. 62

— House, 53

— Marsh, 56

— Mocking;, 55

— Short-billed, 58

— Winter, 57

Page.

Wren, Wood, 54

Yager, 314

Yellow-bird, Common, . . 166

— Summer, 99

Yellowhammer, ... 192

Yellowleg, Big, ... 248, 250

— Winter, 250

Yellow-throat, 80

LATIN INDEX.

[ Synonimes and extra-Iimital species are italicized.]

PiOE.

ACCIPITRES, 1

Alauda cornuta, 179

— alpestris, 179

— minor, 180

— rufa, . 180

— spraguei, 180

Alcatorda, _ 283

— impennis, 284

Alcedinice, 45

Alcedo alcyon, 45

AlcidjE, 278

Ammodramus caudacutus, 164

— maritimus, . 163

— palustris, 165

— bachmani, .. 165

— leconti, 165

— macgillivrayi, 165

AMPELID.2E, 42

Ampelis americana, . 44

— garrulus, 43

Anatidje, 317

Anas acuta, 341

— americana, 345

— boschas, 347

— carolinensis, 340

Page.

Anas clypeata, 342

— discors, 339

— obscura, 344

— penelope, 346

— sponsa, .. 338

— strepera, 343

— albeola, 329

— barrovi, 330

— bernicla, 351

— breweri, ■. 347

— canadensis, 348

— caudacuta, 341

— clangula, 330

— crecca, 340

— domeslica, 347

— ferina, 322

— fuligula, 325

— fusca, 337

— glacialis, 328

— histrionica, 331

— hyperborea, 350

• — labradora, - 326

— marila, 323

— mollissima, 336

• — moschata, . . 347

PjiSI.

Anas nigra, — 336

— perspicillata, 335

— rubida, 327

— rufitorques, 325

— valisneria, 321

Anser albifrons, 349

— bernicla, 351

— canadensis, 348

— hutchinsi, 352

— hyperboreus, 350

— leucopsis, 352

Anthus ludo vicianus, 76

Antroslomus vociferus, .. 32
Aquila chrysaetos, 3

— leucocephala, 5

Aramus scolopaceus, 264

Ardea candidissima, 221

— cerulea, 222

— exilis, 225

— herodias, 219

— leuce, .__ 220

— ludoviciana, 223

— minor, 226

— violacea, 228

— virescens, 224

364

Paob.

Ardea discors, 227

— egretta, 220

— nycticorax, 227

— occidentals, 229

— rufescens, 229

Astur atricapillus, 19

— cooperi, 18

— fuscus, 17

— palumbarius, 19

Bombycilla carolinensis, . 44

— garrula, 43

— americana, . . 44
Bubo asio, 25

— virginianus, 24

Buteo borealis, 9

— cyaneus, 20

— hyemalis, 10

— pensylvanicus, 11

— sancti-joannis, 7

— harlani, 11

— harrisi, 11

— lagopus, 7

— latissimus, 11

— lineatus, 10

— vulgaris, 11

Calidris arenaria, 245

CAPRIMULGIDiE, 32

Caprimulgus vociferus, . . 32

— carolinensis, . 33

— nuttalli, 354

— virginianus,. 34
Cardu elispinus, 167

— tristis, 166

— magellanicus, . 167

— mexicanus, 167

— psaltria, 167

— stanleyi, 167

Cathartes aura, 2

— alratus, 2

— californianus, . 2
Ceratorhynca occidentalis, 28 1
Certhia americana, 50

— albifrons, 51

— familiaris, 50

Chffitura pelasgia, 35

LATIN INDEX.

Paoi.

Chodura vauxi, 36

CharadridjE, 208

Charadrius semipalmatus, 208

— virginiacus, 213

— vociferus, 212

— wilsonius, 211

— helveticus, 214

— hiaticula, 210

— marmoratus, .. 218

— melodus, 210

— pluvialis, 213

Chordeiles americanus, . . 34

— virginianus,. . 34

Cinclus americanus, 75

Circus uliginosus, 20

— cyaneus, 20

Clangula albeola, 329

— histrionica, 331

— vulgaris, 330

Coccoborus ceruleus, 145

— ludovicianus, .. 146

— melanocephalus, 147
Coccothraustes vespertina, 1 47
Coccyzus americanus, 194

— erythrophthalmus, 195
■ — dominicus, 195

Columbidje, 196

Columba carolinensis, 197

— cyanocephala,. . 198

— fasciata, 198

— leucocephala, . . 198

— livia, 198

— migratoria, 197

— montana, 198

— passerina, 198

— trudeaui, 198

COLYMBIDJS, 285

Colymbus glacialis, 285

— septentrionalis,. 286

— arcticus, 287

Conurus carolinensis, 183

CoRVlDiE, 129

Cor vus americanus, 132

— corax, 134

— ossifragus, 135

PiOI.

Corvus cor one, 132

Corythus enucleator, 181

CuculidjE, 194

Culicivora cerulea, 109

— townsendi, 110

Curvirostra americana, . 182

Cygnus americanus, 353

— buccinator, 353

Cypselus pelasgius, 35

Dendronessa sponsa, 338

Dolichonyxoryzivoius,. . 144

Ectopistes carolinensis, . . 197

— migratoria, 196

Erythrospiza purpurea, . . 1 69

— frontalis, 170

— tephrocotis,. . 170
Falco anatum, 13

— columbarius, 15

— sparverius, 16

— atricapillus, 19

— borealis, 9, 10

— carolinensis, 6

— chrysaetos, 4

— cooperi, 18

— cyaneus, 20

— fulvus, 4

— furcatus, 12

— fuscus, 17

— gyfalco, 16

— haliaelos, 6

— hyemalis, 10

— lagopus, 7

— leucocephalus, 5

— leucurus, 13

— lineatus, 10

— palumbarius, 19

— pensylvanicus,. 11, 17

— peregrinus, 13

— stanlei, 18

— uliginosus, 20

— velox, 17

— washingtoni, 6

Fringilla americana, 155

— atricapilla, 154

— canadensis, 160

PiOB

Fringilla graminea, 151

— iliaca, 149

— leucophrys, 153

— melodia, 150

— passerina, 156

— pensylvanica, .. 152

— pusilla, 158

— savanna, 161

— socialis, 159

— bicolor, 154

— cerulea, 145

— cinerea, 154

— erylhrophthalma , 172

— grammaca, 162

— harrisi, 154

— henslowi, 162

— hudsonia, -- 147

— hy emalis, 147

— lincolni, 162

— mortoni, 154

— pallida, 162

— purpurea, 169

— texensis, 154

— townsendi, 154

Fringillid-e, 145

Fulica americana, 272

— atra, 272

Fuligula albeola, 329

— americana, 345

— clangula, 330

— erythrocephala, . 322

— ferina, 322

— fusca, .- 337

— glacialis, 328

— histrionica, 331

— labradora, 326

— marila, 323

— minor, 324

— mollissima, 333

— perspicillata, 335

— rubida, 327

— rufitorqucs, 325

— spectabilis, 334

— valisneria, 321

GALLING, 200

[Fauna — Part 2.]

LATIN INDEX.

Pad*.

Gallus domesticus, 20 1

Gallinula galeata, 264

— chloropus, 264

Gracula ferruginea, 137

— quiscala, 136

GRALLiE, 208

Garrulus cristatus, 129

— canadensis, 130

— bullocki, 131

— floridanus, 130

— stelleri, 130

— ultramarinus,- . 131

Gruidjs, 218

Grus americanus, _ 218

Gymnura rubida, 327

Haliaetos leucocephalus, . 5

— washingtoni, . . 6

Harelda glacialis, 328

Haematopus palliatus, 217

— bachmani, 217

— ostralegus, 217

— townsendi, 217

Hemipalma himantopus, . 235

Heteropoiia semipalmata,- 236

Himantopus nigricollis, . _ 264

HiRUNDiNip.a:, 35

Hirundo bicolor, 38

— fulva, 41

— purpurea, 37

— riparia, 39

— rufa, 40

— americana, 40

— lunifrons, 41

— pelasgia, 35

— rustica, 40

— serripennis, 42

— thalassina, 42

— viridis, 38

Holopodius wilsoni, 279

— glacialis, 279

Hydroka carolinensis, 277

Ibis alba, 230

— mexicanus, 231

— falcinellus, 231

— rubra, 231

48

365

Paqi.

Icteria viridis, 1 26

Icterus baltimore, 139

— phoeniceus, 141

— spurius, 140

— auduboni, 142

— bullocki, 142

— gubernator, 142

— mutatus, 140

— pecoris, 143

— tricolor, 142

— vulgaris, 142

— xanthocephalus, L . 1 42

Laniid-e, 127

Lanius septentrionalis, . _ 127

— borealis, 127

— elegans, 128

— excubitor, 127

— excubilorides, 128

— ludovicianus, 128

LaridjT., 297

Larus argentatus, 306

— atricilla, 310

— bonaparti, 311

— marinus, 308

— sabini, 312

— tridactylus, 313

— zonorhyncus, 308

— canus, 308

— eburneus, 313

— franklini, 313

— glaucus, 313

— leucopterus, 313

— minutus, ... 313

— occidentalis, 313

— ridibundus, 310

Lagopus albus, 207

— leucurus, 207

— mutus, 207

— rupestris, 207

Lestris buffoni,.. 314

— pomarinus, 316

— richardsoni, 315

Limosa fedoa, 252

— hudsonica, 253

— scolopacea, 255

366

PiOE.

Linaria borealis, 169

— minor, 168

LOBIPEDES, 272

Lobipes hyperboreus, 269

— wilsoni, 270

Loxia americana, 182

— leucoptera, 183

— cardinalis, 171

— curviroslra, 182

Melanerpes erythrocepha-

lus, 1 85

Mergulus alle, 280

— antiquus, 28 1

Meleagris gallopavo, 199

Mergus cucullatus, 320

— merganser, 318

— serrator, 319

— albellus, 320

Merulidje, 68

Merula migratoria, 70

— mustelina, 71

— olivacea, 73

— solitaria, 72

— wilsoni, 74

— minor, 72

— nana, 75

— nana, 75

— silens, 75

Milvulus tyrannus, 119

— forficalus, 1 19

Mniotilta varia, 52

Molothrus pecoris, 143

Mormon arcticus, 282

— cirrhatus, 283

— glacialis, 283

MoTACILLID-E, 76

Muscicapa acadica, 112

— flaviventris, 113

— fusca, 115

— ruticilla, Ill

— virens, 114

— belli, 116

— brasieri, 116

— cantatrix, 122

— cerulea .' 107

LATIN INDEX.

Page.

Muscicapa crinita, 118

— derhami, 116

— fulvifrons, 116

— gilva, 123

— inornala, 118

— laurenti, 116

— leucomus, 116

— melodia, 123

— nigricans, 123

• — nunciola, 115

— olivacea, 124

— pusilla, 116

— phabe, 116

— rapax, 114

— rubrifrons, 116

— saya, 116

— solitaria, 121

— sylvicola, 120

— texensis, 116

— trailli, 116

— tyrannus, 117

— virens,.. 114

NATATORES, 278

Nauclerus furcatus, 12

Niphcea hyemalis, 147

Nucifraga columbiana,. . 135

Numida meleagris, 20 1

Numenius borealis, 234

— hudsonicus, . . 233

— longirostris, - . 232
Oidemia americana, 336

— fusca, 337

— perspicillata, . . 835
Orpheus carolinensis, 69

— polyglottus, 66

— rufus, 68

— felivox, 69

— montanus, 69

Ortygometra Carolina, 262

— noveboracensis,. 263

— jamaicensis, 263

Ortyx virginiana, 202

— calif ornica, 203

— neoxenus, 203

Otus americanus, 27

Pace.
Otus palustris, 28

— brachyotus, 28

— vulgaris, 27

Oxyura rubida, 327

Pandion carolinensis, 6

— haliaetos, 6

Paridje, 59

Parus atricapillus, 60

— bicolor, 59

— carolinensis, 61

PASSERES, 32

Pavo cristatus, 201

Phalacracorax carbo, 292

— dilophus, 293

— brasiliensis, . . 294

— resplendens, . . 294

— townsendi, 294

Phaeton sethereus, 296

Phalaropodid^e, . . 199

Phalaropus fulicarius, 268

— hyperboreus,. . 268
Phaleris nodirostra, 281

— psittacula, 281

— super ciliosa, 281

Phasianid*:, 119

Pica caudata, 131

— nuttalli, 132

Picid.e, 184

Picus arcticus, 190

— auratus, 192

— carolinus, 189

— erythrocephalus, . . 185

— hirsutus, 191

— pubescens, 187

— pileatus, 184

— varius, 188

— villosus, 186

— auduboni, 193

— ayresi, 193

— harrisi, 193

— imperialis, 193

— lineaius, 193

— martini, 193

— medianus, 193

— mexicanus, 193

LATIN INDEX.

367

Page.
Picus principalis, 193

— querulus, ! 193

— ruber, 193

— torqualus, 193

Phenicopterus ruber, 229

Pipilo erythrophthalmus,. 172

— arcticus, 173

Pity lus card inalis, 171

Platalea ajaja, 229

Plectrophanes Iapponicus, 177

— nivalis, 178

— ornatus, . . 1 79

— pictus, 179

— smithi, 1 79

Plotus anhinga, 296

Podiceps cornutus, 274

— cristatus, 275

— rubricollis, 276

— auriius, 276

— earolinensis, 277

Podocipice, 272

Polyborus brasiliensis, . . 3

Procellaridjs, 287

Procellaria glacialis, — 289

— pacifica, 289

— tenuirostris, . 289

PSITTACID.*, 183

Puffinus cinereus, 287

— obscurus, 288

— anglorum, 289

Pyranga sestiva, 175

— rubra, 175

— ludoviciana,... 176

Pyrhula enucleator, 181

Q,uiscai.id.s:, 136

Quiscalus ferrugineus, — 137

— versicolor, 136

— breweri, 136

— major, 136

Rai.lidvE, 258

Rallus crepitans, 259

— elegans, 260

— virginianus, 261

— carolinus, 262

— limicola, 261

Page.

Rallus noveboracensis, . . 263

— pensylvanicus, 261

Recurvirostra americana,. 266
Regulus calendu la, 64

— satrapa, 62

— cristatus, 64

— cuvieri, 62

— tricolor, 62

— trochilus, 64

Rhynchops nigra, 297

Rostrid.2e, 229

Rusticola minor, 257

Saxicola sialis, 65

Scoi,opacid.£:, 232

Scolopax noveboracensis,. 255

— wilsoni, 256

— borealis, 234

— drummondi, 257

— flavipes, 248

— gallinago, 256

— grisea, 255

— leucurus, 257

— minor, 257

— semipaimata, . . 25 1

Scops asio, 25

Seiurus aurocapillus, 79

— noveboracensis, . 78
Sialia wilsoni, 65

— arctica, 66

— occidentalis, 66

Sitta canadensis, . 49

— earolinensis, 48

— pusilla, 50

— pygmcea, 50

— varia, 49

Somaleria mollissima, . . 332

— spectabilis, 334

Spiza cyanea, ! 174

— amcena, 174

— ciris, 174

Sterna anglica, 301

— arctica, 302

— argentea, 305

— cantiaca, 303

— cayana, 299

Page.

Sterna dougalli, 304

— hirundo, 298

— nigra, 300

— aranea, 301

— fuliginosa, .. 306

— havelli, 306

— minuta, 305

— plumbea, 300

— slolida, 306

— trudeaui, 306

Strepsilas interpres, 216

Squatarola helvetica, 214

— townsendi, 215

Slrigiceps uliginosus, 20

Strigid.*:, 21

Strix pratincola, 31

— acadica, 30

— americana, 31

— asio, 25

— brachyotus, 28

— Candida, 23

— jlammea, 31

— funerea, 21

— hudsonica, 21

— navia, 25

— nebulosa, 26

— nyctea, 22

— palustris, 28

— virginiana, 24

— vulgaris, 27

Struthus hyemalis, 1 47

— oreganus, 148

Sturnella ludoviciana, 138

— neglecta, 354

Sula americana, 295

— fusca, 296

Surnia funerea, 21

# — nyctea, 22

— cunicularia, 23

— passerinoides, 23

Sylbeocyclus earolinensis, 277

Sylviad.e, 62

Sylvia cestiva, 99

— americana, 97

— aurocapilla, 79

368

Page.

Sylvia azurea, 92

. — blackburnia, 93

— castanea, 94

— chrysoptera, 84

— citrinella, 99

— coerulea, 92

— coronata, 88

— discolor, 96

— formosa, 105

— icterocephala, .. 102

— magnolia, .- 90

— maritima 104

— minuta, 96

— mitrata, 106

— palmarum, 89

— pardalina, 91

— parus, 103

— pensilis, 106

— pensylvanica, 1 02

— petechia, 89

— pinus, 101

— rara, 92

— striata, 95

— tigrina, 106

— virens, 100

. — wilsoni, 108

Sylvicolid^;, 80

Sylvicola sestiva, 99

— americana, 97

— blackburnia, — 93

— canadensis, 98

— castanea, 94

— coerulea, 91

— coronata, 88

— discolor, 96

— formosa, 105

. — icterocephala, . _ 1 02

— maculosa, 90

— maritima, 104

— pardalina, 91

— parus, 103

— pinus, 101

— rara, 92

— ruficapilla, 89

— striata, 95

LATIN INDEX.

Pagi.

Sylvicola virens, 100

— auduboni, 106

— autumnalis, — 103

— halseii, 106

— occidentalis, 106

— olivacea, 106

— palmarum, 89

— pensilis, 106

— petechia, 89

— rathbonia, 106

— tigrina, 106

— townsendi, 106

Syrnium cinereum, 26

Tachypetes aquilus, 296

Tanagra asliva, 175

— rubra, 175

Tantalidje,--- 229

Tantalus albus, 230

— loculator, 229

Tetraonid^:, 202

Tetrao canadensis, 206

— cupido, 205

— umbellus, 204

— obscurus, 207

— phasianellus, 207

• — urophasianus, . . 207

Thalassidroma leachi, — 291

_ wilsoni, 290

— pelagica, . . 29 1

Totanus bartramius, 247

— chloropygius, . . 249

— flavipes, 248

— macularius, 246

— melanoleucus, 250

— semipalmatus, 251

— floridanus, 252

— solitarius, 249

— vociferus, 250

Trichas marilandica, 80

— Philadelphia, 81

— agilis, 81

— delafieldi, 82

— tolmmi, 82

Tringa canutus, 243

Faoi.

Tringa cinclus, 240

— maritima, 237

— pectoralis, 242

— pusilla, 244

— rufescens, 238

— schinzi, 241

— subarquata, 239

— alpina, 240

— arenaria, 245

— bartramia, 247

— cinerea, .. 243

— himantopus, 235

— interpres, 216

— islandica, 243

— macularia, 246

— rufa, 243

— semipalmata, . . 236

— solitaria, 249

— wilsoni, 244

TROCHILID.E, 46

Trochilus colubris, 46

— anna, „ 47

— mango, 47

— rufus, 47

Troglodytes sedon, 53

— americanus, . . 54

— brevirostris, .. 58

— hyemalis, 57

— ludovicianus, . 55

— palustris, 56

— bachmani, 58

— caroliniana,. . 55

— domesticus, . . 53

— obsoletus, 58

parkmani, 58

Tyrannus cooperi, 118

— crinitus, 119

— intrepidus, 117

— borealis, 118

— dominicensis, . 119

— verlicalis, 119

Ulula acadica, 30

— nebulosa, 29

— richardsoni, 30

LATIN INDEX.

369

Page.

Uriagrylle, 278

— troile, 279

— brunnichi, 280

— townse?idi, 280

Vireonid.e, 120

Vireo fla vifrons, 120

— gilvus, 123

— noveboracensis, 122

— olivaceus, 124

— solitarius, 121

— bartrami, 125

PiOE.

Vireo belli, 125

— longirostris, 125

— musicus, 122

Vermivora celata, 87

— chrysoptera, . . 84

— pensylvanica, . 82

— peregrina, 85

— rubricapilla, . . 86

— solitaria, 82

— s wainsoni, 83

— bachmani, 87

Pao«.

Vermivora carbonata, . . 87

— nigrescent, 87

VuLTURIDJE, 1

Vultur aura, 2

Wilsonia mitrata, 1 07

— pusilla, 108

— bonaparti, 1 08

— minuta, 108

Xema bonaparti, 311

— sabini, 312

r>

[Fauna— Part 2.]

49

LIST

OF

PLATES OF THE BIRDS.

Plate I.
Fig. 1. The Bald Eagle (Haliaetos leucocephalus).
2. The Slate-colored Hawk (Astur fuscus).

Plate II.
Fig. 3. The Rough-legged Buzzard (Buteo sancti-joannis).
4, 5. The American Goshawk (Astur atricapillus).

Plate III.
Figs. 6, 7. The Marsh Harrier (Circus uliginosus).
8. The Duck Hawk (Falco anatum).

Plate IV.
Fig. 9. The Pigeon Hawk (Falco columbarius).
10. Cooper's Hawk (Astur cooperi).

Plate V.
Fig. 11. The Broad-winged Buzzard (Buteo pensylvanicus).
12. The Turkey Buzzard (Cathartes aura).

Plate VI.
Fig. 13. The Red-shouldered Buzzard (Buteo hyemalis).
14. The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos).

Plate VII.
Fig. 15. The Swallow-tailed Hawk (Nauclerus furcatus).
16. The American Sparrow Hawk (Falco sparverius).

Plate VIII.
Fig. 17. The Red-tailed Buzzard (Buteo borealis).
18. The Fish Hawk (Pandion carolinensis).

Plate IX.
Fig. 19. The Hawk Owl (Surnia funerea).
20. The Snow Owl (Surnia nyctea).

LIST OF PLATES. 371

Plate X.
Fig. 21. The Barred Owl (Ulula nebulosa).

22. The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus).

Plate XI.
Fig. 23. The Acadian Owl (Ulula acadica).

24. The Long-eared Owl (Otus americanus).

Plate XII.
Figs. 25, 26. The Little Screech Owl (Bubo asio).
27. The Short-eared Owl (Otus palustris).

Plate XIII.
The American Barn Owl (Strix pratincola).
The Great Grey Owl (Syrnium cinereum).

Plate XIV.

The Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus).
The Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus erythrophthalmus).

Plate XV.
The Hairy Woodpecker (Picus villosus).
The Golden-winged Woodpecker (Picus auratus).

Plate XVI.
The Red-headed Woodpecker (Picus erythrocephalus).
The Downy Woodpecker (Picus pubescens).

Plate XVII.
The Arctic Woodpecker (Picus arcticus).
The Red-bellied Woodpecker (Picus carolinus).

Plate XVIII.
The Yellow-bellied Woodpecker (Picus varius).
The Crested Woodpecker (Picus pileatus).

Plate XIX.
Figs. 40, 41. The Belted Kingfisher (Alcedo alcyon).
42. The Meadow Lark (Sturnella ludoviciana).

Plate XX.
Fig. 43. The Golden Oriole (Icterus baltimore).
44. Ditto, female.

Plate XXI.
Fig. 45. The Cow Bunting (Molothrus pecoris).
46. The Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius).

Plate XXII.
Fig. 47. The Red-winged Oriole (Icterus phceniceus).
48. The Boblink (Dolichonyx oryzivora).

Plate XXIII.
Fig. 49. The Common Crow Blackbird (Quiscalus versicolor).
50. The Rusty Crow Blackbird (Quiscalus ferrugineus).

Fig.

28.
29.

Fig.

30.
31.

Fig-

32.
33.

Fig.

34.
35.

Fig.

36.
37.

Fig.

38.
39.

372 LIST OF PLATES.

Plate XXIV.
Fig. 51. The Raven (Corvus corax).

52. The Common Crow (Corvus americanus).

53. The Magpie (Pica caudata).

Plate XXV.
Fig. 54. The Blue Jay (Garrulus cristatus).

55. The Canada Jay (Garrulus canadensis).

Plate XXVI.
Fig. 56. The Cedar-bird (Bombycilla carolinensis).

57. The Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrula).

Plate XXVII.

Fig. 58. The Chimney Swallow (Chaetura pelasgia).

59. The Whippoorwill (Caprimulgus vociferus).

60. The Nighthawk (Chordeiles americanus).

Plate XXVTII.
Fig. 61. The Purple Martin (Hirundo purpurea).
62. The Bank Swallow (Hirundo riparia).

Plate XXIX.
Fig. 63. The White-bellied Swallow (Hirundo bicolor).
64. The Barn Swallow (Hirundo rufa).

Plate XXX.
Fig. 65. The Cliff Swallow (Hirundo fulva).

66. The Small Green-crested Flycatcher (Muscicapa acadica).

67. The Phcebe-bird (Muscicapa fusca).

Plate XXXI.
Fig. 68. The American Redstart (Muscicapa ruticilla).
69. The Wood Pewee (Muscicapa virens).

Plate XXXII.
Fig. 70. The Great-crested Kingbird (Tyrannus crinitus).
71. The Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria viridis).

Plate XXXIII.
Fig. 72. The Kingbird (Tyrannus intrepidus).

73. The Olive-sided Kingbird (Tyrannus cooperi).

Plate XXXIV.
Fig. 74. The Warbling Greenlet (Vireo gilvus).

75. The Red-eyed Greenlet, var. (Vireo olivaceus).

Plate XXXV.
Fig. 76. The Solitary Greenlet (Vireo solitarius).

77. The Yellow-throated Greenlet (Vireo flavifrons).

Plate XXXVI.

Fig. 78. The White-eyed Greenlet (Vireo noveboracensis).
79. The Red-eyed Greenlet (Vireo olivaceus).

Plate XXXVII.
Fig. 80. The Hermit Thrush (Merula solitaria).

81. The Northern Butcher-bird (Lanius septentrionalis).

LIST OF PLATES. 373

Plate XXXVIII.
Fig. 82. The Brown Thrush (Orpheus rufus).

83. The American Robin (Merula migratoria).

Plate XXXIX.
Fig. 84. The Mocking-bird (Orpheus polyglottus).

85. The Cat-bird (Orpheus carolinensis).

86. The Wood Thrush (Merula mustelina).

Plate XL.
Fig. 87. The Red-throated Hummingbird, male and female (Trochilus colubris).
88. The Red-bellied Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis).

Plate XLI.
Fig. 89. The Varied Creeping Warbler (Mniotilta varia).

90. The Brown Creeper (Certhia americana).

91. The White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis).

Plate XLIL

Fig. 92. The Marsh Wren (Troglodytes palustris).

93. The Short-billed Wren (Troglodytes brevirostris).

94. The Mocking Wren (Troglodytes ludovicianus).

Plate XLIII.
Fig. 95. The Golden-crested Kinglet (Regulus satrapa).

96. The Winter Wren (Troglodytes hyemalis).

97. The House Wren (Troglodytes asdon).

Plate XLIV.
Fig. 98. The Bluebird (Sialia wilsoni)

99. The American Titlark (Anthus ludovicianus).

Plate XLV.
Fig. 100. The Blackcap Tit (Parus atricapillus).
101. The Crested Tit (Parus bicolor).

Plate XLVI.
Fig. 102. The Oven-bird (Seiurus aurocapillus).
103. The Myrtle-bird (Sylvicola coronata).

Plate XLVII.
Fig. 104. The Red-poll Warbler (Sylvicola rubricapilla).
4 05. The Tennessee Warbler (Vermivora peregrina).
106. The New-York Water Thrush (Seiurus noveboracensis).

Plate XLVI 1 1.
Fig. 107. The Blue-grey Warbler (Sylvicola casrulea).

108. The Blue Yellow-backed Warbler (Sylvicola americana).

109. The Black-throated Blue Warbler (Sylvicola canadensis).

Plate XLTX.
Fig. 110. The Prairie Warbler (Sylvicola discolor).

111. The Black-throated Bunting (Emberiza americana).

Plate L.
Fig. 112. The Spotted Warbler (Sylvicola maculosa).

113. The Blackburnian Warbler (Sylvicola blackburnias).

114. The Black-throated Green Warbler (Sylvicola virens).
[Fauna — Part 2.] 5P

374 UST OF PLATES.

Plate LI.
Fig. 115. The Spotted Canada Warbler (Sylvicola pardalina).
116. The Bay-breasted Warbler (Sylvicola castanea).

Plate LII.
Fig. 117. The Green Black-capped Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla).
118. The Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera).

Plate LIII.
Fig. 119. The Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula).
120. The Pine Warbler (Sylvicola pinus).

Plate LIV.
Fig. 121. The Carolina Tit (Parus carolinensis).

122. The Mourning Warbler (Trichas Philadelphia).

123. The Yellow-throat (Trichas marilandica).

Plate LV.
The Wormeating Warbler (Vermivora pensylvanica).
The Blue-winged Warbler (Vermivora solitaria).

Plate LVI.
The Blue-grey Gnatcatcher (Culicivora cerulea).
The Kentucky Warbler (Sylvicola formosa).

Plate LVII.
The Hooded Warbler (Wilsonia mitrata).
The Blackpoll Warbler (Sylvicola striata).
The Summer Yellowbird (Sylvicola aestiva).

Plate LVIII.
The Black-throated Blue Warbler (Sylvicola canadensis).
The Cape-May Warbler (Sylvicola maritima).
The Nashville Warbler (Sylvicola ruficapilla).

Plate LIX.
The Chesnut-sided Warbler (Sylvicola icterocephala).
The Hemlock Warbler (Sylvicola parus).
The Pine Finch (Carduelis pinus).

Plate LX.
The White-crowned Sparrow (Fringilla leucophrys).
The Snowbird (Struthus hyemalis).
The White-crowned Sparrow (Fringilla leucophrys).

Plate LXI.
The Bay-winged Sparrow (Fringilla graminea).
The White-throated Sparrow (Fringilla pensylvanica).

Plate LXII.
The Pine Bulfinch (Corythus enucleator).
The Cardinal Grosbeak (Pitylus cardinalis).

Plate LXIII.
The American Crossbill (Loxia americana).
The White-winged Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera).

Fig.

124.
125.

Fig.

126.
127.

Fig.

128.
129.

130.

Fig.

131.
132

133.

Fig.

134.
135.

136.

Fig.

137.
138.

139.

Fig,

, 140.
141.

Fig

. 142.
143.

Fig

. 144.
145.

Fig,

146.
147.

Fig.

148.
149.

Fig.

150.
151.

152.

Fig-

153.
154.

155.

Fig.

156.
157.

Fig.

158.
159.

Fig.

160.
161.

Fig.

161.
162.

Fig.

163.
164.

Fig.

165.
166.

Fig.

166.
167.

Fig.

168.
169.

Fig.

172.
173.

Fig.

174.
175.

LIST OF PLATE9. 375

Plate LXIV.
The Blue Grosbeak (Coccoborus ceruleus).
The Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Coccoborus ludovicianus).

Plate LXV.
The Redbird (Pyranga aestiva).
The Black-winged Redbird (Pyranga rubra).

Plate LXVI.
The Yellow-winged Bunting (Emberiza passerina).
The Yellowbird (Carduelis tristis).
The Field Bunting (Emberiza pusilla).

Plate LXVII.
The Seaside Finch (Ammodramus maritimus).
The Quail-head (Ammodramus caudacutus).
The Savannah Bunting (Emberiza savana).

Plate LXVIII.
The Song Sparrow (Fringilla melodia).
The Indigo-bird (Spiza cyanea).

Plate LXIX.
The White Snowbird (Plectrophanes nivalis).
The Lapland Snowbird* (Plectrophanes lapponica).

• Plate LXX.
The Chip-bird (Fringilla socialis).
The Lesser Redpoll (Linaria minor).

Plate LXXI.
The Swamp Finch (Ammodramus palustris).
The Chewink (Pipilo erythrophthalmus).

Plate LXXII.
The Crested Purple Finch (Erythrospiza purpurea).
The Tree Bunting (Emberiza canadensis).

Plate LXXIII.
The Horned Lark (Alauda cornuta).
The Fox-colored Sparrow (Fringilla iliaca).

Plate LXXIV.
The Carolina Turtle Dove (Ectopistes carolinensis).
The Wild Pigeon (Ectopistes migratoria).

Plate LXXV.

The American Quail (Ortyx virginiana).
Ditto, female.

Plate LXXVI.

The Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo).
The Spruce Grouse (Tetrao canadensis).

Plate LXXVII.
The Common Partridge (Tetrao umbellus).
The Pinnated Grouse (Tetrao cupido).

376 LIST OF PLATES.

Plate LXXVIII.
Fig. 176. Wilson's Plover (Charadrius wilsonius).

177. The Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus).

178. The Golden Plover (Charadrius virginiacus).

Plate LXXIX.
Fig. 179. The American Ring Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus).

180. The Black-breasted Snipe (Charadrius helveticus).

181. The Kildeer (Charadrius vociferus).

Plate LXXX.
Fig. 182. The Turnstone (Strepsilas interpres).

183. The Mantled Oyster-catcher (Haematopus palliatus).

Plate LXXXI.
Fig. 184. The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias).

185. The Black-crowned Night Heron (Ardea discors).

186. The Great White Heron (Ardea leuce).

Plate LXXXII.
Fig. 187. The White-crested Heron (Ardea candidissima).
188. The Green Heron or Poke (Ardea virescens).

Plate LXXXIIL
Fig. 189. The American Bittern (Ardea aiinor).
190. The Small Bittern (Ardea exilis).

Plate LXXXIV.
Fig. 191. Schinz's Sandpiper (Tringa schinzi).

' 192, a & b. The Black-breasted Sandpiper (Tringa cinclus)

Plate LXXXV.
Fig. 193. The Pectoral Sandpiper (Tringa pectoralis).
194. The Red-breasted Sandpiper (Tringa canutus).

Peate LXXXVI.
Fig. 195. The Semipalmated Sandpiper (Heteropoda semipalmata).
196. The Long-legged Sandpiper (Hemipalma himantopus).

Plate LXXXVII.
Fig. 197. The Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Tringa rufescens).
198. The Purple Sandpiper (Tringa maritima).

Plate LXXXVIII.
Fig. 199. The Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Ardea violacea).
200. The Lawyer (Himantopus nigricollis).

Plate LXXXIX.
Figs. 201, 202. Wilson's Holopode (Holopodius wilsoni).

Plate XC.
Figs. 203, 204. The Hyperborean Lobefoot (Lobipes hyperboreus).

Plate XCI.
Fig. 205. The Sanderling (Calidris arenaria).

' 206. The Spotted Sandlark (Totanus macularius).

LIST OF PLATES. 377

Plate XCII.
Figs 207, 208. Wilson's Sandpiper (Tringa pusilla).

Plate XCIII.
Fig. 209. The Grey Plover (Totanus bartrami).

210. The Solitary Taller (Totanus chloropygius).

Plate XCIV.
Fig. 211. The Varied Tatler (Totanus melanoleucus).
212. The Yellowlegs (Totanus flavipes).

Plate XCV.
Fig. 213. The Curlew Sandpiper (Tringa subarquata).

214. The Small Esquimaux Curlew (Numenius borealis).

Plate XCVI.
Fig. 215. The Jack Curlew (Numenius hudsonius).

216. The Long-billed Curlew (Numenius longirostris).

Plate XCVII.
Fig. 217. The Ruff (Tringa pugnax).

218. The Red-breasted Sandpiper (Tringa canutus).

Plate XCVIII.
Fig. 219. The Willet (Totanus semipalmatus).
220. The American Snipe (Scolopax wilsoni).

Plate XCIX.
Fig. 221. The Saltwater Meadow-hen (Rallus elegans).
222. The Freshwater Meadow-hen (Rallus crepitans).

Plate C
Fig. 223. The Mud-hen (Rallus virginianus).
224. The Sora Rail (Ortygometra Carolina).

Plate CI.
Fig. 225. The New-York Rail (Ortygometra noveboracensis).
226. The Brown Pelican (Pelecanus fuscus).

Plate CII.
Fig. 227. The American Avoset (Recurvirostra americana).

228. The Marlin (Limosa fedoa).

229. The American Avoset (Recurvirostra americana).

Plate CIII.
Fig. 230. The Ring-tailed Marlin (Limosa hudsonica).
231. The American Woodcock (Rusticola minor).

Plate CIV.
Fig. 232. The Red Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius).
233. The American Coot (Fulica americana).

Plate CV.
Fig. 234. The Florida Gallinule (Gallinula galeata).
235. The American Swan (Cygnus americanus).
[Fauna — Part 2.] 51

378 LIST OF PLATES.

Plate CVI.

The White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons).
The Wild Goose (Anser canadensis).

Plate CVII.
The Snow Goose (Anser hyperboreas).
The Brant (Anser bernicla).

Plate CVIII.
The Mallard (Anas boschas).
The Black Duck (Anas obscura).

Plate CIX.
The Broad-billed Coot (Fuligula americana).
The Grey Buck (Anas strepera).

Plate CX.
The Pintail Duck (Anas acuta).
The Shoveller or Spoonbill (Anas clypeata).

Plate CXI.
The Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors).
The Wood Duck (Anas sponsa).

Plate CXII.
The Baldpate or Widgeon (Anas americana).
The Green-winged Teal (Anas carolinensis).

Plate CXIII.
The Eider Duck (Fuligula mollissima).
The King Duck (Fuligula spectabilis).

Plate CXIV.
The Broadbill (Fuligula marila).
The Surf Duck or Coot (Fuligula perspicillata).
Ditto, immature.

Plate CXV.

The Bastard Broadbill (Fuligula rufitorques).
The Canvass-back (Fuligula valisneria).

Plate CXVI.
The Whistler (Fuligula clangula).
The Pied Duck (Fuligula labradora).

Plate CXVII.
The Harlequin Duck (Fuligula histrionica).
Ditto, immature.

Plate CXVIII.
The Ruddy Duck (Fuligula rubida).
The Buffle-headed Duck (Fuligula albeola).

Plate CXIX.
The Oldwife (Fuligula glacialis).
The Buff-breasted Sheldrake (Mergus merganser).

Fig-

236.

237.

Fig.

238.
239.

Fig.

240.

241.

Fig.

242.
243.

Fig.

244.
245.

Fig.

246.
247.

Fig.

248.
249.

Fig.

250.
251.

Fig.

252.
253.

254.

Fig.

255.
256.

Fig

, 257.
258.

Fig

. 259.
260.

Fig

. 261.
262.

Fig

.263.
264.

LIST OF PLATES. 379

Plate CXX.
Fig. 265. The Hooded Sheldrake (Mergus cucullatus).

266. The Red-breasted Sheldrake (Merganser serrator).

Plate CXXI.
Fig. 267. The Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacracorax dilophus).
268. Ditto, immature.

Plate CXXII.
Fig. 269. The American Gannet, young (Sula americana).
270. The Winter Gull (Larus argentatus).

Plate CXXIII.
Fig. 271. Wilson's Petrel (Thalassidroma wilsoni).
272. The Black Skimmer (Rhynchops nigra).

Plate CXXIV.
Fig. 273. The Silvery Tern (Sterna argentea).
274. The Sandwich Tern (Sterna cantiaca).

Plate CXXV.
Fig. 275. The Common Tern (Sterna hirundo).
276. Ditto, young.

Plate CXXVI.
Fig. 277. The Cayenne Tern (Sterna cayana).
278. The Black Tern (Sterna nigra).

Plate CXXVII.
Fig. 279. The Marsh Tern (Sterna anglica).
280. The Roseate Tern (Sterna dougalli).

Plate CXXVIII.

Fig. 281. Sabine's Gull (Larus sabini). ,

282. The Common American Gull (Larus zonorhyncus).

Plate CXXIX.
Fig. 283. The Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus).
284. The Winter Gull (Larus argentatus).

Plate CXXX.
Fig. 285. The Common American Gull (Larus zonorhyncus).
286. The Winter Gull, var. (Larus argentatus).

Plate CXXXI.

Figs. 287, 288. Bonaparte's Gull (Larus bonaparti).

Plate CXXXII.
Figs. 289, 290. The Laughing Gull, young (Larus atricilla).

Plate CXXXIII.

Fig. 291. The Arctic Hawk Gull (Lestris buffoni).

292. The Pomarine Hawk Gull (Lestris pomarinus).

- Plate CXXXIV.
Fig. 293. Richardson's Hawk Gull (Lestris richardsoni).
294. The Little Shearwater (Puffinus cinereus).

380 LIST OF PLATES.

Plate CXXXV.
Fig. 295. The Fork-tailed Petrel (Thalassidroma leachi).
296. The Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla).

Plate CXXXVI.
Fig. 297. The Large Shearwater, young (Puffinus obscurus).
298. Ditto, adult.

Plate CXXXVII.
Fig. 299. The Great Loon (Colymbus glacialis).

300. The Red-throated Loon (Colymbus septentrionalis).

Plate CXXXVIII.
Fig. 301. The Arctic Puffin (Mormon arcticus).
302. The Sea Dove (Mergulus alle).

Plate CXXXIX.
Fig. 303. The Black Guillemot (Uria grylle).
304. The Razorbill (Alca torda).

Plate CXL.
Fig. 305. The Horned Grebe (Podiceps cornutus).
306. The Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus).

Plate CXLI.
Fig. 307. The Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps rubricollis).
308. The Dipper (Hydroka carolinensis).

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