^ . I » » , LIBRARY - i-.<' ;.> On Y i-i np i'Ti 'PLETO t At"^> BOSTO)'1 ULD.« KENDALL-& L^i CARROLL&COOK PRINTERS TO TME ASSEMBLY. ZOOLOGY OF NEW-YORK, OR THE NEW-YORK FAUNA; COMPRISING DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF ALL THE ANIMALS HITHERTO OBSERVED WITHIN THE STATE OF NEW-YORK, WITH BRIEF NOTICES OF THOSE OCCASIONALLY FOUND NEAR ITS BORDERS, AND ACCOMPANIED BY APPROPRIATE ILLUSTRATIONS. BY JAMES E. DE KAY. PART II. BIRDS. ALBANY : PRINTED BY CARROLL AND COOK, PRINTERS TO THE ASSEMBLY. "1844." 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-YORK. 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. LIST OF BOOKS ON ORNITHOLOGY, REFERRED TO IN THE FOLLOWING PAGES. Audubon, J. J. American Ornithological Biography. 5 vols. 8vo. London. " Birds of America. 4 vols, folio. " Note on the Hirundo fulva. (Ann. Lye. ], p. 1C3.) Facts and Observations on the permanent residence of the Swallow in the United States. (lb. p. 1GG.) Synopsis of the Birds of JNorth 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 animale 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 comphted 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 Filadelfla. 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 mcrican 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. 74(5. 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.) [Fatjna — Part 2.] c A7L<>S X LIST OF BOOKS. Cuvieb, G. 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. 10 vols. 8vo. London. Vols. 6, 7 & 8. De Kay, J. E. Catalogue of the Animals of the State of New- York. Albany, 1840. Doughty, 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. Forster, J. R. A Catalogue of the Animals of North America (plate). 8vo. pp.34. London, 1771. Giraud, J. P. Descriptions of sixteen new species of North American Birds collected in Texas in 1838. 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. Jariiine, 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. Linn.£:us, C. Systema Natura. 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 Ornitholcgy 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. Peabody, W. B. O. 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. Sharfless, 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, rown 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. 2* 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.) Falco furcatus. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 6, p. 70, pi. 51, fig. 2 (Adult male). F. (Elanus) id. Bonap. Am. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 31. Nauclerus furcatus. Vigors, Zool. Jour. Vol. 2, p. 386. F. furcatus. AtJD. Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 3G8 ; and Vol. 5, p. 371. Kite. Nuttall, Manual, Vol. 1, p. 94, figure. Swallow-tailed Hawk. Aud. B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 78, pi. 18 (male). Swallow-tailed Hawk. Giraod, 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 Swallmo-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. ACCIP1TRES — 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. leucunis, Bonap. (E. 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, Vicillot. Bill angularly lobed 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. plumbed. (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. Linn^us. 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. Wils. Om. Vol. 9, p. 120i The Wandering Falcon. Nottall, Manual, Vol. 1, p. 53. Richardson, F. B, A. Vol. 2, p. 23. Falco peregnnus. Aud. B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 84, pi. 20 (male and female). F. anatum. Bonap. Comparative List, p. 4. F. peregrinus. GiRAOD, 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 — FALCONID^E FALCO. 15 THE PIGEON HAWK. Falco columbarius. PLATE IV. FIG. 9 (Male). (STATE COLLECTION. Male & Female.) Falco columbarius. Lin. 12 ed. p. 128. Pigeon Hawk. Wils. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 107, pi. 15. fig. 3 (male). Little Corporal Hawk. Audubon, folio, pi. 92 (young); pi. 75 (young). Nutt.ul, Manual, Vol.1, p, CO. Pigeon Hawk. ArjD. Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 466 and 331 ; Vol. 5, p. 368. Id. B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 88, pi. 21 (male and female). Falco columbarius. Giracd, 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 ths 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 aver 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 & Fkmale.) 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. 58. Little Rusty-crowned Falcon. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol.2, p. 31, pi. 24 (male). Sparrow Falcon. Aup. B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 90, pi. 22 (male and female). Cerchneis 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 manjtbanded. 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-LIMIT AL.) F. gyrfalco. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 81, pi. 19.) White, with arrow-head black spots; bill and feet yellow. Length, 24 inches. Labrador. ACC1PITRES — FALCONIDjE — ASTUR. 17 GENUS ASTUR. Bechstein. Edge of the upper mandible with an obtuse lobe, succeeded by abroad 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 (YouNO MALE). v (STATE COLLECTION. Old female and young.) Falcofuscus. Gmelin. 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. Gcog. ami Comp. List, p. 5. Sharp-shmned Hawk. Aud. 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. AsTUR COOPERI. PLATE IV. FIG. 5 (Adult male). (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. stanlci, Stanley's Hawk. Audubon, folio, pi. 36, 141 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 189 ; and Vol. 2, p. 265. Falco stanlei. 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. Astur cooperi. Giraud, 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 rust-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, 18-0-22-0. 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 — FALCONID^E • • ASTUR. 19 THE AMERICAN GOSHAWK. ASTUR ATRICAPILLUS. PLATE II. FIG. 4 (Adult). FIG. 5 (Yodno male). (STATE COLLECTION. Collection of Mr. Giracd.) Falco atricapillus. Wils. Orn. Vol. 6, p. 80, pi. 52, fig. 3, Goshawk. Aud. Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 211 ; folio, plate 141. F ( Aslur) palumharius. Bonap. Am. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 28. Ac. ( Astur ) palumharius. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 39, pi. 26. American Goshawk. Nuttau,, Manual, Vol. 1, p. 85. Astur atricapillus. Bonap. Comp. List, p. 5. Astur id. Aud. B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 95, pi. 23 (adult male and young). Aslur palumharius. 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 NuttalPs 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 tjliginosus. PLATE III. FIG. 6 (Male), FIG. 7 (Female). (STATE COLLECTION.) F. uliginosus. Wils. Orn. Vol. 6, p. G7, pi. 51, fig. 3 (female). F. (Circus) cyanms. Bonap Ann, Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 33. F. id. Id. Am Orn. Vol. 2, p. 31, pi. 12 (male). Hen Harrier. Ncttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 109. Buteo (Circus) cyaneus. 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. Giraud, 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 — STRIGIDiE — SURNIA. 21 FAMILY STRIGIDJE. 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 FTJNEREA. PLATE IX. FIG. 19. (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.) Hawk Owl. Penn. Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 234. Strix hudsonica. Wils. Om. Vol. 6, p 64, pi. 50, fig. 6. S. 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. Add. folio, pi. 378; B. of A. Vol. 1, 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- ftiers. 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-lS'O. 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 6Sth parallel, and is common to the northern parts of both continents. THE SNOWY OWL. SuRNIA NYCTEA. PLATE IX. FIG. 20 (Female). (STATE COLLECTION.) Strix nyctea. Wilson, Urn. Vol. 4, p. 53, pi. 32, fig. 1 (male). Surnia nyctea. Bonap. Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 36. Snowy Owl. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 116. Great Snowy Owl. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 88. Strix 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. Surnia nyctea. Gieaud, 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 throal 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 — STRIGIDJE — SCRNIA. 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-ajDertures ; 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. (EXTRALIMITAL.) S.? cunicularia. (Aud B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 119, pi. 31.) Brown, spotted with white. Tail short. Facial disk greyish white. Foot long, slender, with very short feathers. Length, 10 inches. Trans-Mississippi. S.'f 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 virginianus. PLATE X. FIG. 22 (Female). (STATE COLLECTION.) Strix virginiana. Gmelin. Great Horned Owl. Wils. Orn. Vol. 6, p. 52, pi. 50, fig. 1. iS. ( Ulula) virginiana. Bonap. Ann. Lye. N. York, Vol. 2, p. 37. Great Horned Owl. Audubon, folio, pi. 61; Omilh. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 313; Vol. 5, p. 393. Ncttall, Man. Orniihol. Vol. 1, p. 124, figures. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 82. Add. B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 143, pi. 39 (male and female). Bubo virginianus. Gibaud, 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. ACC1PITRES STRIGID^E BUBO. 25 THE LITTLE SCREECH OWL. Bubo asio. PLATE XII. FIG. 25 (Adult) ; FIG. 26 (Youuo). (STATE COLLECTION.) Strix noma, Mottled Owl. Was. Am. Ornith. Vol. 3, p. 17, pi. 19, fig. 1 (adult). *'. asio, Red Owl. Id. lb. Vol. 5, p. 83, pi. 42, fig. 1 (young). S. (Syrnia) asio. Bonap. 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 cf 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. Syrnit/m cinereum. plate xiii. fig. 29. (STATE COLLECTION.) Strix cinerea, Gmelin. Bonapahte, Am. Ornith. Vol. 2, pi. 23, fig. 2. Id. Ann. Lye. N. York, Vol. 2, p. 436. Nottall, Man. Ornith. 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 STRIGIDyE OTUS. 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, Orn. Vol. 6, p. 73, pi 51, fig 1. S. ( Vhtla) otus. Bonap. Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 37. Long-eared Owl. Aodcbon, folio, pi. 383; Orn. Biog. Vol. 4. p. 573. Nottall, Manual Orn. Vol. 1, p. 130. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 72. Otus vulgaris. Aud. B. of A. Vol. 1. p. 13G, pi. 37 (male). Otus americanus. Bonap. Comp. List, p. 7. Otus vulgaris, Long-eared Owl. Giracd, 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. 4* 28 NEW- YORK FAUNA BIRDS. THE SHORT-EARED OWL. Otus palustris. plate xii. fig. 27. (STATE COLLECTION.) Strix brachyotus. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 64, pi: 33, fig. 3 (male). S. (Ulula) id. Bonap. Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 37. Short-eared Owl. Audubon, folio, pi. 372; Orn. Biog. Vol. 5, p. 273. NrjTTALL, Manual Orn. Vol. 1. p. 132. S. (Bubo) brachyota. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 75. Otus brachyotus. Auddbon, B. of A. Vol. 1. p. 140, pi. 38 (male). Brachyotus palustris. Bonap. Comp. List. Otus brachyotus. Gikaud, 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 STRIGIO.E 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. 21. (STATE COLLECTION.) Strix nebulosa, L. 12 ed. Barred Owl. Penn. Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 231, pi. 11, fig. 120. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 61, pi. 33, fig. 2. S. nebulosa. Acddb. folio, pi. 46 (male). Om. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 242; Vol. 5, p. 386. Ndttall, Manual Orn. Vol. 1, p. 133. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 81. Syrnium nebulosum. Aud. B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 132, pi. 36 (male). Syrnium nebulosa. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p: 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 but 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, Gmelin. Limit Owl, S.passemna. Wils. Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 60, pi. 34, fig. 1. S. acadica. Aud. folio, pi. 191, m. and f. Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 5G7 ; Vol. 5, 397. Acadian Owl. Ntjttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 137. American Sparrow Owl. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 97. Nyctale acadica. Bonap. Geog. and Comp. List. p. 6- Little or Acadian Owl. Aud. B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 123, pi. 33 (male and female). Ulula acadica. Giraup, 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, 18-0-20-0. 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 of interrupted spots ; margin white. Length, 12 inches. Maine and Arctic regions. ACCIPITRES — STRlGIDiE — STRIX. 31 GENUS STRIX. 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 scutellc-e at the end. Wings long, ample ; first quill with the filaments recurved. Tail moderate, nearly even. THE AMERICAN BARN OWL. Strix pratincola. tla.te xiii. fig. 28. White or Barn Owl. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 6, p. 57, pi. 50, fig. 2. Strix flammea. Bonap. Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 38. Barn Owl. Nuttall, Manual Orn. Vol. 1. p. 139. Add. folio pi. 171 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 403 ; Vol. 5, p. 388. Strix pratincola. Bonap. Conip. and Geog. List, p. 6. S. americana. Audubon, 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.) Caprimulgus vociferus. Wilson, Orn. Vol. 5, p. 71, pi. 41, figs. 1, 2, 3. C. id., WMppoorwill. Audubon, fol. pi. 82 (male und female) ; Orn. Biug. Vol. 1, p. 422, and Vol.5, p. 406. Nuttall, Manual Orn. Vol.1, p. G14. Richakdson, F. B. A. Vol.2, p. 33G. Auddbon, B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 155, pi. 42 (male and female). Antrostomus id. Bonaparte, Comp. and Geographical List, p. 8. Whippoorwilt. Gikaud, Buds 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 — CAPRIMUI.GIDiE — CAPRIMUJ.GUS. 33 Description. Month 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 with 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" bv 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 oC wail and woe." They are strictly nocturnal in their habits, and feed exclusively on winged insects. (EXTRALIMITAL) C. carolinensis. (Aud. B of A. Vol. I, 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 americantis. plate xxvii. fig. 60. Long-ioinged Goatsucker. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 436. Caprimulgus americanus. Wilson, Orn. Vol. 5, p. 65, pi. 40, figs. 1, 2 (male and female). C. popelue. Bonaparte, Obs. on Wils. Orn. No. 177. C. virginianus, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 62. Night Hawk. AUBHBON, fol. pi. 147 ; Orn. 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 virginiamis. Auddbon, B. of Am. Vol 1, p. 159, pi. 43 (male and female). GlRAtJD, 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 iarge, 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 denned until examined by Vieillot and Wilson. Bonaparte, in the work above cited, observes that the name of popetue, 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. FAMILY HIRUNDINID&. 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. Ch^etura pelasgia. plate xxvii. fig. 58. (STATE COLLECTION. Male and Female.) Hirundo pelasgia, Linn. Chimney Swallow, Wilson, Orn. Am. Vol. 5, p. 48, pi. 39, fig. 1. Cypselus pelasgius. Bonapahte, Obs. No. 175 ; Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 63. Chimney Swift or Swallow. Nut/tall, 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. Giraud, 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, 4-0-5-0. 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 of its food. It ranges as far north as the 50th parallel, and westward to the Pacific ocean. Peculiar to America. (EXTRA LIMITAL.) 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, Scinches. Columbia River. PASSERES HIRUNDINIDJE HIRUNDO. 37 GENUS HIUUNDO. Linnaeus. Bill with a few scattering bristles at the base. Edge of upper mandible with a distinct notch. Tarsus scutellate in front ; the toes sculellaie. Mid..!Ie 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. 01. (STATE COLLECTION. Female.) Hirundo purpurea. Linx., Gmli.in. Purpl- Murliu. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 5. p. 38, pi. 39, figs. 1 and 2. H purpurea. Bonaparte. Ann. Lye. Vol. 2. |> M. Purple Martin. Nuttai.l, Wan. Om. Vol. I. p 538. AunuBON, fol. pi. 22; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 115, and Vol.5, p. 408. Id. I! of A Vol 1, p. HO, pi. 45 (male and female). Progne purpurea Bonapahte. Coinp. and Grog List, p. 8. H. purpurea, Purple Martin. Giraid, Birds of Long Island, p. 3t. Characteristics. Dark bluish purple and glossy. Wings and forked tail brownish black. Female and young, bluish brown ; belly pale. Length, 7^ inches. Description. Bill rather robust. Wings ralher longer than the tail, which is forked. Plumage compact, glossy. Color. Quills, greater coverls and tail black. General color purplish black, with blue metallic reflections. Lores velvet black. Legs of a dark soiled purple. Femule, paler above and lighter beneath, where we observe longiludinal ochreous streaks, intermixed fre- quently with d irker 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 while 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 lalitude. 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 ihe genus Progne from tins bird, but I am not informed what characters he has assigned to it. 38 NEW- YORK FAUNA — BIRDS. THE WHITE-BELLIED SWALLOW. HlRTJNDO BICOLOR. PLATE XXIX. FIG. 63. (STATE COLLECTION. Male and female.) Hirundo bicolor. Vieillot, pi. 31. H. virides. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 5, p. 44, pi. 38, fig. 3. H. bicolor. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 65. White-bellied Swallow. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 605. H. bicolor. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 328. Audubon, folio, pi. 98; 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. bicolor, While-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 — HIRUNDINiD/E — 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. Nuttall, M;in. Omith. Vol. 1, p. 607. H. id. Aodubon, folio, pi. 385 ; Ornith. Biog. Vol. 4, p. 584. Sand Martin. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 333. Cotyle, Boie. Bank Swallow. Aodubon, B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 187, pi. 50 (male, female and young). H. riparia, Bank Swallow. Giraod, 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 RTJFA. PLATE XXIX. FIG. 64. (STATE COLLECTION. Male and female.) Hirundo nifa. Gmelin. Chimney Swallow. Pennant, Arct. Zoology, Vol. 2, p. 429. H. ameriama. Wilson, Arn. Ornilh. Vol. 5, p. 34. pi. 38. figs. 1 and 2. H nifa. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2. p. M. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. C01, figure. H.rtislica. Audubon, fol.pl. 173; Orn liiog. Vol.2, p. 413, and Vol. 4, p. 411. H. amerkana. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol.2, p. 32!). H nutica. Aududon, B of A. Vol. I, p. 181, pi. 48 (male and female). H. rustka, Barn Swallow. Giraud, Birds of Long Uland, 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 Stale the latter end of March or beginning of April. This year, it did not appear here until the lbih 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 — HIRUNDINHLE — HIRUNDO. 41 THE CLIFF SWALLOW. KlRTJNDO FTJLVA. PLATE XXX. FIG. 67. (CABINET LYCEUM.) Hinmdo fulva. Vieillot, Vol. 1, p. 62, pi. 32. H lurufions. Say, Long's Expedition, Vol. 2, p. 47. H fulva. Clinton, Ann Lye. N. Y. Vol I, p. 156. Bonaparte, Am. Ornith. Vol. I, p. 63, pi. 7, fig. 1. Republican or Cliff Swallow. Aububon, 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. H. luni/rons. Richardson, F. B A. Vol. 2, p. 331. H. fulva. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 177, pi. 47. Giraud, Birds of LoDg Island, p. 38. Characteristics. Blue-black above; beneath brownish white. Throat and rump rust- colored. Front with a pale semilunar band. Tail even. Length, b\ inches. Description. Bill rather short. Tail very slightly emarginate, not longer than the wii.gs. Color. Bill and feet dusky. Irides 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 luni/rons. 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 Dennis ville, Maine, in 1795, but the authority is not remembered ; and it is scarcely probable that so distinct a species, with such remarkable habits, should not have attracted the attention of naturalists. [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-LI31ITAL.) H. thalassina. (Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 18G, pi. 49) Above violet green; p line over the eyes, cheeks and all beneath white. Tail emarginate, much shorter than the \vi jgs. Female : Head and rump brown. Length, A\ 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 filament:? curved into hooks. Closely allied to riparia. Length, 5£ inches. Southern States. FAMILY AMFEUBM. Bill short, triangular, dccuri :d 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 reversgd 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 scutellas. 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 — BOMBYCILLA. 43 THE BLACK-THROATED WAXWING. BOMBYCILLA GARRULA. PLATE XXVI. FIG. 57 (Female). (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.) Ampelis garrulus. L1NN.EUS, Syst. Bombycilta garrula. Bonaparte, Am. Orn. Vol.3, p. 7,pl.lG, fig. 2 : Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol.2, p. 438. Rich- ardson, F. B. A Vol.2, p 237. Ncttall, Vol. 1, p. 246. Aodubon, B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 165, pi. 49. Black-throated JVaxwing. Giractd, 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 ljngth. 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-feathers 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-fealhers 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 NET-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS. THE CEDAR-BIRD. BOMBYCILLA CAROLINENSIS. PLATE XXVI. FIG. 56. (STATE COLLECTION. Male, female and young). Ampclis amtricana. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 107, pi. 7, fig. 1. Bomb-cilia carolinensis. Bonaparte, Obs. No. 78 ; Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 59. Audubon, fol. pi. 43 ; Orn. Blog Vol. 1, p. 227. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 248, figure. B. americana. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 239. B. carolinensis. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 4, p. Cedar Waxwing, 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 tail-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 Robin ; 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 Broiun-bird. The Cedar-bird appears in flocks, and lives chiefly upon whortleberries ( V actinium fron- dootim), 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 usual'y four in number, white, tinged with purple and spotted with black. The Cede -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 50th degree of north latitude. PASSERES — ALCEDINIDjE — ALCEDO. 45 FAMILY ALCEDINID^E. 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. Linn^us. Bill robust, tetragonal, pointed ; the ridge above distinct, somewhat flattened ; the edges nearly straight, without 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 (Young). (STATE COLLECTION. Male and young). Alcedo alcyon. Linn^us, 12 ed. p. 180. Belled Kingfisher. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 279. A. alcyon. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol 3, p. 59, pi. 23. fig. 1. Auddbon, folio, pi. 97 (m. and f. ) ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 394. Nut-tall, Man. Ornith. Vol. 1, p. 594, figure. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 339. A. id., Belted Kingfisher. Giraud, 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 white 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 TROCKIUDM. 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- lated, 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 thai 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). (bTATE COLLECTION.) Troclnhts colubris, I. inn. 12 r>d. p. 191. Red- throated Honeysucker, Penn. Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 286. Humming-bird. Wilson, Am Orn. Vol. 2. p. £6. pi. 10, fiss. 3 and 4. T. colubris. Audubon, folio, pi. 17; Oin. Biog. Vol. I, p. 218, and Vol. 5, p. 514. Nuttall, Manual Ornilhol. Vol. I. p. 583, figure. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 323. Jiuhy-throated Humming-bird Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 190. T. colubris. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 169. Characteristics. Golden green ; throat ruby-coloied. Tail notched, black ; its three outer feathers rusty white at the tips. Female: throat white. Length, 3^ inches. PASSERES — TROCHILIDiE — 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, 3'2-35. 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 nest, 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 rufl 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. Linn^us. 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.) Sitta carolinensis, Brisson. While-breasted Black-capped Nuthatch, Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 40, pi. 2, fig. 3. While-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.) Silta canadensis. LlNNiECS, Syst. Nat. 12 cd. p. 177 (young). Silta 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. Audubon, fol. pi. 105; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 24, and Vol. 5, p. 474. Red-bellied Nuthatch. Ngttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 583. Addobon, Birds of Am. Vol. 4, p. 179, pi. 248. SUta 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-LIMITAL .) S. pusilla. (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 Slates. 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, 3i 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. Ncttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 585. Audubon, fol. pi. 415 ; Orn, Biog. Vol. 5, p. 458. C. americana. Bonapakte, Geog. and Comp List, p. J 1. C. familiaris. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 109, pi. 115. Gieaud, Birds of Long island, p. 71. Characteristics. Dark grey, varied with light brown and dusky ; beneath white ; rump and tail dusky brown. Length, 5i 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 while, tinged with brown on the sides. Wings deep brown. Tail brown, with obsolete dusky undulations. Length, 5-0 -5- 5. PASSERES CERTHID/E MNIOTILTA. 51 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 desrree 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. Mniotilta varia. PLATE XLI. FIG. 89 (Male.) (STATE COLLECTION. Male and female.) Molacilla varia. Linn.eus, Syst. Nat. 12 ed. Vol. I, p. 333. White-poll Warbler. Pennant, Aret. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 402. Certhia maculala. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p. 23, pi. 19, fig. 3 (male). Sylvia varia. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 81. Cerlhia varia. Audubon, fol. pi. 90 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, pi -152, and Vol. 5, p. 471. Black and White Warbler, or Creeper. Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 384. Creeping Warbler. Aodubon, B. of A. Vol. 1, p. 105, pi. 114. Giraud, 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-strips 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 — CERTHIDjE — 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 scutellse. 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 ^edon. plate xliii. fig. 97. (STATE COLLECTION. Male and female.) Troglodytes cedon. Vieillot, pi. 107. Sylvia domestica. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 129, pi. 8, fig. 3. T. mdon et 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. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 2, p. 125, pi. 120. Giraud, 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. americana. Aod. Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 452, and Vol. 5, p. 463. 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 declinate at the tip. Tarsus com- pressed, with seven scutella? in front. Wings short ; 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-coverts 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 — CERTHID^ — TROGLODYTES. 55 THE MOCKING WREN. Troglodytes ludovicianus. plate xlii. fig. 94. (STATE COLLECTION. Male and female.) Sylvia ludoviciana. Latham, Index Oraith. sp. 150. Certhia caroliniana. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 61, pi. 12, fig. 5. T. ( Tkryothorus) ludovicianus. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 93. The Grreat Carolina Wren. Audubon, folio, pi. 78; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 399. Mocking Wren. Ndttall, Manual Ornith. Vol.1, p. 429, figure. Great Carolina Wren. Acdub'on, Birds of Am. Vol. 2, p. 116, pi. 117 (male and female). Gieaud, Birds of Long island, p. 75. Characteristics. Chesnut brown above. Wings and tail barred witli 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, 5-5-6-0. 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 xl1i. fig. 93. (STATE COLLECTION. Male.) Certhia palustris. Wilson, Am. Om. Vol. 2, p. 58, pi. 12, fig. 4. Troglodytes palustris. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 93. Marsh Wren. Audubon, fol.pl. 100; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 500, and Vol. 5, p. 467. Nutt. Man. Om. Vol. 1, p. 439. T. palustris. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 319. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 135, pi. 123 (male and female). Giraud, 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.4E — TR0GL0DVTE8. 57 THE WINTER WREN. Troglodytes hyemalis. plate xlii1. fig. 96. (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.) Sylvia troglodytes. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 130, pi. 8, fig. 6. Troglodytes hyemalis. Vieillot, Not;v. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. T. europeus. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol, 2, p. 93. Winter Wren AauBBON, fol. pi. 360; Orn. Biog. Vol. 4, p. 430. Nutt.u.l, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 427. Am,. B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 128, pi. 121 Cmale 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, 3i 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 longtime 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. [FAnwA— Part 2] 8 58: NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS. THE SHORT-BILLED WREN. Troglodytes brevirostris. tlate lxii. fig. 93. (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.) T. brevirostris. Nuttall, Trans. Am. Philos. Soc. Vol. 5. p. 98 (figure). The Short-billed Marsh Wren. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 436 (figure). T. id. Audubon, fol. pi. 175 ; Orn. Biug. Vol. % p. 427, aBd 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 W;ith 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. (EXTR A-LIMITA L. ) T. obsoletus. (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 Slates. 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 — PARIDjE PARUS. 59 FAMILY PARIDsE. Bill short, straight, robust. Upper mandible slightly curved above, waved on its edges : notches obsolete. Nostrils basal, rounded, concealed by incumbent feather s . Tarsus ivith 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 Turdid^, including Regultjs, 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.) Parus bicolor. Lixkjevs, Syst. Nat. 12 ed. p. 340. The Crested Titmouse. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 137, pi. 8. fig. 5. Audubon, folio, pi. 39; Orn. Biof. Vol. l,p. 199, and Vol. 5, p. 472. The Tufted Titmouse. Ncttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 236, figure. The Crested Titmouse. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 143, pi. 125. The Crested Titmouse, P. bicolor. Gibaud, 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 larva;. 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 em regions of Europe and America. THE BLACK-CAP TIT. Parus atricapillus. PLATE XLV. FIG. 100 (Male). (STATE COLLECTION.) Jarw atricapillus. L.1NN/EUS, Syst. Nat. 12 ed. p. 341. Black-capped Titmouse. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 134, pi. 8, fig. !. AoDoueN, folio, [>!. 3S3 , Orn. Cpor. Vol. 4, p. 3?4. Chicadc. 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 an '. female] Id., P. atricapillus. Gikaud, Birds of Long island, p. 77. Characteristics. 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, jubequal ; 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 paluslris 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 ire 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 ef winter, when the whole country was buried under a deep snow. It feeds on seeds and nuts, ijii) also on spiders, canker-worms, and other injurious insects. It has been observed as far PASSERES — PARIDJs — PARUS. 6 1 north as the 65th parallel, and, according to Audubon, has been seen as far south as Mary- land. Et 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. THE CAROLINA TIT. Parus carolinensis. plate l1v. fig. 123. (STATE COLLECTION.) Parus carolinensis; Audubon, folio, pi. 100 ; Ornilh. Bio;;. Vol. 2, p. 311, and Vol. 5, p. 474. Bonaparte, Com. ami Gcog. List, p. 20. Audubon, 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, A\ 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-LIMITAL.) 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, 41 inches. Columbia river. P. leucolis. (Giu aud, B. of Texas, plate.) Red; cheeks satin white Tail long, graduated. Length. 4-9. Texas. 62 NEW- YORK FAUNA BIRDS. FAMILY SYLVIA D^. 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 scutellas 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 THE GOLDEN-CRESTED KINGLET. Regulus satrapa. plate xlh1. fig. 95. (STATE COLLECTION. Male and female.) Sylvia regulus. Wilson, Ornith. Vol. 1, p. 12G, 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. salrapa, Lichtenstein. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 2, p 165, pi. 132 (m. and {). R. reguloides. Jakdixe, Ed. of W'ils. and Bonap. Vol. 1, p. 127. R. salrapa. Giraud, Birds of Long Island, p. 60. 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 — SYLVIAD.E — REGULUS. 63 Description. 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 scutellas 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. 04 NEW- YOKE FAUNA BIRDS. THE RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET. Regulus calendula. PLATE Lftl. FIG. 119. (STATE COLLECTION. Male and female.) MotaciUa calendula, LlNNiEUs, Gmelin. Ruby-crowned Warbler. Pennant, Arct. Zonl. Vol. 2, p. 413. Sylvia calendula. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 83, pi. 5, fig. 3 Regulus calendulus. Stephens, Shaw's Zool. Vol. 10, p. 7G0. Ruby-crowned Regulus. Audubon, fol.pl. 195; Orn. Biog. Vol.2, p 516. Ruby-crowned Wren. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p 415. Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 1G8, pi. 133 (male and female). Regulus calendula. Giraud, Birds of Long Island, p. 79. Characteristics. Olivaceous. Crown vermilion, not margined with black. Sexes similar. Length, 4^ inches. Description. Bill slender, notched near the tip, which is slightly bent. Tail moderate, emarginate. Color. Greenish olive above. Wings and tail dusky brown, edged with greenish-yellow. Secondaries, and the first row of wing-coverts edged and tipped with whitish. Head, crown and hind head vermilion. A ring of yellowish white around the eye. Beneath greyish white. Bill black, yellow along the edge. Legs and toes dusky brown. Female : the markings similar, but the tints less bright. Young : crown of the head wanting the vermilion spot. Length, 4-5. Alar extent, 6'0. This active little crested bird is a northern species, and reaches this State from the north in November, frequently staying with us the whole winter. The greater number, however, appear about the middle of April from the South ; but after a very short stay, pursue their journey northward. Nothing is known of its incubation, and little of its habits, except that it feeds on small seeds, on insects which infest trees, and their lurking larva;. Geographical range between 24° and 70° north latitude. (EXTRA-LIMITAL.) R. cuvieri. (Aud. B. of A. pi. 131.) Greyish olive above; beneath grey. Crown vermilion: a black band from the frontlet, passing through the eye. Length, 4} inches. Philadelphia. Rests on the authority of a single specimen. An var. satrapa ? R. trochilus. (Temm. pi. 651.) Pale olive. A line of yellow above the eye. Beneath yellowish white. Wings and tail grey-brown, edged with olive. Tail an inch longer than the wings. Length. 5 inches. Southern States and Europe. PASSERES SYLVIADjE SIALIA. 65 GENUS SIALIA. Swainson. Bill short, nearly straight, subulate, wider than high at the base, cleft nearly to the eyes, furnished with bristly feathers at the base. Upper mandible carinated, somewhat abruptly curved, and convex at the tip, where it is distinctly notched. Nostrils basal, partly closed by a membrane. Tongue cartilaginous, with the point slit. Tarsus shorter than the middle toe and claw ; its lower scutella only distinct. Hind nail stoutest, arcuated, shorter than the toe. Wings rather long, pointed : second and third quills longest. THE BLUEBIRD. SlALIA WILSONI. PLATE LXIV. FIG. 98 (STATE COLLECTION. Male and femaxe.) Matacilla sialis. Linnjeus, Syst. Nat. p. 336. The Bluebird. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 56, pi. 3, fig. 3 (adult male). Saxicola sialis. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 89. Sylvia sialis. Audubon, fol. pi. 113 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 84, and Vol. 5. p. 452. Sialia wilsoni. Swainson, Zool. Journal, Vol.3, p. 173. Ampelis sialis. Nuttall, Manual Orn. Vol.1, p. 444, figure. Erythraca ( Sialia) wilsoni. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol.2, p. 210. Sialia wilsoni. Aodubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 171, pi. 134 (male, female and young). Bluebird, S. wilsoni. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 81. Characteristics. Blue. Beneath bright reddish; belly and vent white. Young, dusky spotted with white. Length, 7 inches. Description. Wings full and broad. Eyes large. Tail long, broad, slightly emarginate, even ; its feathers broad and rounded. Plumage slightly glossy. Color. Above a rich azure blue ; the inner vanes of the quills, and their shafts, dusky ; the outer blue. Throat and upper part of the breast bright reddish brown. Belly and vent white. Bill and legs black. Inside of mouth and soles of the feet yellow. Iris golden. Female : Head and back, excepting the wings, dull leaden, with faint tints of blue. Young, brownish above ; beneath greyish, tinged with brown. Length, 6-5-7-0. Alar extent, 9-5- 10-0. The Bluebird, or Blue Robin as it is often called in the western counties, resembles very much in its manners and habits the Saxicola rubicola, or Robin Redbreast of Europe, and is hailed with us as the first harbinger of spring. A few individuals contrive, by seeking out some warm sunny spot, to linger out the winter with us ; but this is a rare occurrence. They appear in the southern counties about the middle of March, and sometimes even earlier. In [Fauna — Part 2.) 9 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 Molacilla, and then successively a Sylvia, Saxicola, Parus, (Enanthe, Vitiftora, 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. (EXTRALIMITAL.) S. decide ntalis. (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. arclica. (lD.pl. 136.) Light azure blue; beneath light greenish blue, Quills and larger coverts dusky. Female : breast greyish brown. Length. 7{ inches. Columbia river, Northern regions. and (according to Mr. Giraud) Texas. FAMIL Y MER ULIDM. 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 ond 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 Turdinm of Audubon, comprises a portion of the section Saxicolina 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.) Tardus polyglottus, LiNNiEOS. Wilson, Am .Orn. Vol. 2, p. 13, pi. 10, fig. 1. The Common Mocking-bird. Aodubon. pi. 21 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. I, p. 108, and Vol. 5, p. 438. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1. p. 320, figure. Mimus polyglottus. Bonaparte, Geographical and Comparative List, p. 17. Orpheus polyglottus. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 187, pi. 138. O. id., Grey Mocking-bird. Gikaod, 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 xxxviii. fig. 82. (STATE COLLECTION. Male and female.) Ferruginous Thrush. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 83, pi. 14, fig. 1. Turdus rufus. Bonapaete, 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-colored Mocking-bird. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 189. Ferruginous Mocking-bird. Aodoeon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 9, pi. Ill (male and female). Ferruginous Thrush. Gikaud, Birds of Long Island, p. 85. Characteristics. Reddish brown ; beneath whitish, spot'.sd 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. Lowrer 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 lowards 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. LiNNiEUS, Syst. Nat. Turdus lividus, Cat-bird. Wilson, Am. Om. Vol. 2, p. 90, pi. 14, fig. 3, T.felioox, Vieillot. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. \ ol. .', p. 75. Aucubon, folio, pi. 128; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 171, and Vol. 5, p. 410. Nottall, Manual Om. Vol. 1, p. 332, figure. Orpheus felivox. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 192. The Cat-bird. Aodueon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 195, pi. MO (male and female). Black-capped Thrush, O. carolinensis. Girau^», Birds of Long island, p. 65. 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-LIMITAL.) O. montanus. (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. Mertjla migratoria. plate xxxviii. fig. 83. (STATE COLLECTION.) T. migratorius, LinNjEUS. Wilson, Am. Orn, Vol. 1 p. 35, pi. 2, fig. 2. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N.Y. Vol. 2, p. 75. American Robin, or Migratory Thrush. Nuttall, Man. Orn. 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 flfigralory Thrush. GlRAUD, Birds of Long island, p. 86. Characteristics. Dark greyish ; beneath reddish. Head and tail 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 — MERULID.E — MERULA. 71 THE WOOD THRUSH. Mertjla mustelina. plate xxxix. fig. 80. (STATE COLLECTION.; Turdus melodus, Wood Thrush. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 29, pi. 2, fig. 1. T. muslelinus, Gmehn. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 75. Auddbon, folio, pi. 73 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. I , p. 372, and Vol. 5, p. 446. Wood Tlirush. Ncttall, Manual of the Ornithology of U. S. Vol. 1, p. 343. Auddbon, Birds of Am. Vol. 3, p. 24, pi. 144. Giraud, 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 - ' varied song. It is shy and retired in its habits ; and its eggs, except in size, do not ' ->m those of the Robin. It ranges from Mexico to the 50th degree of north latitude, ' ^uring the whole winter in Louisiana. 72 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS. THE HERMIT THRUSH. Merula solitaria. plate xxxvii. fig. 80. (STATE COLLECTION.) Tardus soliturius. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol.5, p. Co, 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. Ncttall, Man. Ormth. Vol. 1, p. 31G. Merula solitaria. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 184, pi. 35. T. solitarius. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 3, p. 29, pi. 146. 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 MERULIDJE MERULA. 73 THE OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH. Merula olivacea. Turdus olivaceus. 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 inclining 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 third and fourth subequal. Mr. Audubon cites the minor of Rich- ardson merely as a synonime of ivilsoni, 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.] 10 74 NEW- YORK FAUNA BIRDS. had been sent to me 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 WILS0N1. (STATE COLLECTION.) F. mustelinus. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 5. p. 58, pi. 43, fig. 3. T.wilsonii. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol.2, p. 76. Audubon, folio, pi. 104, Orn. Biog. Vol.2, p. 164. and Vol. 5, 446. Veery, or Wilson's Thrush. Nuttall, Manual Orn. Vol. 1, p. 349. Tawny Thrush. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3. p. 27, pi. 145 (male). Characteristics. Tawny brown. Beneath white, with brown pomled 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, G-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 ■he 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 and 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. nmvia. (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, tut inferior in size. Length, six inches. Columbia river. (ienus Cincxus, 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 scutellee, 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. €. americanus. (Bonap. Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 173, pi. 16.) Dark cinereous. Head, neck and breast chocolate-brown. Length, 7 inches. Oregon, Rocky mountains. W 76 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS. FAMILY MOTAC1LUDM. 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 bent at 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.) Alauda liuiorkiana. LiNNiEUS. Gmelin. Alauda ru/a. Wilson. Am. Orn. Vol. 5, p. 89, pi. 42, tig. 4. Anthus spinoletta. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. V. Vol. ?, p. 90. A.aqwiticus et pipiens. Audubon, folio, pi- 10 and 60; Om Biog. Vol. 1, p. 49 (adult) ; Vol. 1, p. 408 (young) ; Vol. 5, p. 449. Brown or Red Lark. Nijttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 450. A. aquations. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 231, pi. 44. American Pipit or Titlark. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 40, pi. liO A. ludovicianus, American Pipit. Giraud, 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 SE1URUS. 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. Seiurus noveboracensis. PLATE XLV1I. FIG. 106 (Sprino PLUMAGE). (STATE COLLECTION.) Motacilla noveboracensis, Gm. Water Thrush, Wilson, Orn. Vol. 3, p. C6, pi. 23, fig. 5. Sylvia id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. York, Vol. 2, p. 77. T. aquations. Audubon, folio, pi. 19; Vol. 5. p. 284; 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. novmboracensis. 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 SEIURUS. 70 THE OVEN-BIRD. Seiurus aurocapillus, plate xlvi. fig. 102. (STATE COLLECTION.) T. aurocapillus, Lifi. Golden-crowned Thrush, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 3OT. T. id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 88, pi. 14, fig. 2. Sylvia aurocapilla. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 77. T. id Aududon, folio, ]il. 113 i Orn. Blag. Vol. 2, p. S53. and Vol. 5, p. 447. Oven-bird. NuttAll, Man. Ornith. Vol. 1, p. 355. Golden-crowned Accentor. Rii-iiardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 227. Golden-crowned Wagtail. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol.3, p. 35, pi. US. Goldeu-croicutd Wood Wa'gt&l. Giraud, Birds of Long Island, p. 'J2. Charactekistics. 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 Slates, 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, SO 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 lont:, 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 i.iv. fig. 123. (STATE COLLECTION.) Turdus trichas, Linn.£US. Yelloiv-breaslcd Warbler, Pennant, Arct. Zoology, Vol. 2, p. 399. Sylvia marilandica. Wilson, Am. Ornilh. 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. Audubon, fol. pi. 23 and 24; Ora.Biog. Vol. 1, p. 124 (young) ; trichas, Id. Vol. 1, 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. 01. 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. TlUCHAS 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 ct Philadelphia. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, pp. 84 and 85. S. agilis. Audobon, fol. pi. 138 (young); Orn.Biog. Vol. 2, p. 227; Philadelphia, pi. 399; Orn. Biog. Vol. 5, p. 79. S. agilis et Philadelphia. Nut-tall, Manual, Vol. 1, pp. 399 and 404. Trichas Philadelphia. AunuBON, B. of A. Vol.2, p. 76, pi. 101 (male). Sylvicola agilis, Id. Vol.3, p. 71, pi. 99. Mourning Ground Warbler. Gikaud, 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. tolmai. (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.) Motacilla vermivora, Gm. Worm-eater, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 406. Sylvia vermivora. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p. 74, pi. 24, fig. 4. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 86. Audubon, 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. pensylvanica. Swainson. Helinaia vermivora. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 2, p. 86, pi. 105. H. id.t Worm-eating Sicamp Warbler. Giraud, 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. Helinaiaid. 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. Partis aureus, BaRtrAM, p. 292. Sylvia solitaria. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol 2, p. 109, pi. 15, fig. 4. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 87. Am). 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. Intcrscapulary 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, 5-0-5'5. 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.) Motaeilla 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. Om, Vol. 2, p. 12, p!. 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. Audl'BON, 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 — SYVICOLID.E — VERM1V0RA. THE TENNESSEE WARBLER. Vermivora peregrina. PLATE XL VII. PIG. 105 (Female). (STATE COLLECTION.) Sylvia peregrina. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p. 97, pi. 25, fig. 2 (male). Bonapakte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 87. Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 412. Audubon, folio, pi. 154 (male) ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 412. S. (Vermivora) peregrina. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol.2, p. 221, pi. 42 (male). Helinaiaid. 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 XLVII. FIG. 104 (Male). (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, foil, pi, 89; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 450. Sylvicola (Vermivora) rubricapilla. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 220, pi. 42 (male). Hehnaia id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 103, pi. 113 (male and female). H. id., Nashville Warbler. Gieaud, 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 : Head dull olive ; 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 — SYLVICOLID.E — VERMIVORA. 87 THE ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER. Vermivora celata. Sylvia cclata. Say, Long's Expedition, Vol. 1, p. 169. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 88; Am. Orn. 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. 113 (male and female). Characteristics. Greenish olive ; beneath olivaceous yellow. Crown with a bay spot. Length, 5i 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 Slates. 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, 4i 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 coronata. plate lxvi. fig. 103. (STATE COLLECTION.) Motacilla coronata, LlNN^Us, p. 333. Yellow-rump Warbler. Pennant, Arct. Zoo]. Vol. 2, p. 400, and p. 403. Sylvia coronata. Wilson, Om. Vol. 2, p. 138, pi. 17, fig. 4 (summer dress; ; Vol. 5, p. 121, pi. 45, fig. 3 (winter dress ) . &. id. Aububon, 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. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol 2, p. 23, pi. 76 (male and young). iS. id., Yellow-crowned Wood-warbler. GiRAun, 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 obsoletelv 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 — SYLVICOLIDiE — 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 rtjficapilla. PLATE LVIII. FIG. 133 (Adult male). (STATE COLLECTION.) Sylvia ruficapitia, Latham. Red-poll Warbler, Pennant, Arr.t, Zool. Vol. 2, p. 401. S. petechia. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 19, pi. 28, fig. 4 (adult). S. palmarum. Bonapahte, 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. Audubon, fol. pi. 163 (adult); petechia, pi. 145 (young) ; Ornith. Biog. Vol. 2, pp. 259 and 368. Yellow Red-poll Warbler. Ndttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 304. Sylvicola petechia. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 215, pi. 41. S. petechia. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 55, pi. 90 (males and young). Yclloiu Red-poll Warbler. Giraud, 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 oubequal 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 BIRDS, 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. Auddbon, fol. pi. 123 (adult), pi. 50 (young); Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 260, where it is named sivainsoni ; Vol. 2, p. 145, and Vol. 5, p. 458. Spotted Warbler. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 370. Yelloiv-rump Warbler. Richardson, E. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 212, pi. 40. Black and Yellow Wood Warbler. Aodubon, B. of A. Vol. 2, p. 65, pi. 96. Blue-headed Yellow-rumpcd Wood-warbler. Giraud, Btrds 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, ih 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. This 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- hird. The complete history of its migration is yet a desideratum. PASSERES — SYLVICOLID.E — SYLVICOLA. 01 THE SPOTTED CANADA WARBLER. Sylvicola pardalina. PLATE LI. FIG. 115 (Female.) . Birds of Am. Vol. 4, p. 146, pi. 240 (male). Gikaud, 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 VIREONIDJS VIREO. 123 THE WARBLING GREENLET. ViREO GILVUS. PLATE XXXIV. FIG. 74. (STATE COLLECTION.) STuscicapa gilva. Vieillot, Ois. de 1'Amerique, pi. 34. S. gilva, Id. Nouv. Diet. ST. melodia. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 5, p. 85, pi. 42, fig. 2. Vireo gilvus. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 70. Acdcbon, folio, pi. 118 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2. p. 114, and Vol. 5, p. 433. Warbling Vireo. Ncttall, Man. Ornith. Vol. 1, p. 309. Audobon, Birds of Am. Vol. 4, p. 149, pi. 241 (male and female). Warbling Greenlet. Girahd, 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 NET.-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS. THE RED-EYED GREENLET, VlREO OLIVACEUS. PLATE 36. FIG. 79. — PLATE 34. FIG. 75 (Variety). (STATE COLLECTION.) Muscicapa olivacea, LiNNJECs. Red-eyed Flycatcher, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 387. Sylvia olivacea. Wilson, Ara.Orn. Vol.2, p. 55, pi. 12, fig. 2. M. olivacea. Vieillot, Ois. de PAm. pi. 38 ; Sylvia altiloqua, Nouv. Diet. Vireo olivaceus. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 71. Aubdbon, fol. pi. 150 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 287, and Vol. 5, p. 430. Red-eyed Grecnlet. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 233. Nottall, Vol. 1, p. 312, figure. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 155, pi. 242. Vireosylvia id. Bonaparte, List. Red-eyed Grecnlet. Giracd, Birds of Long island, p. 157. Characteristics. Olive green. . Crown ash, with a dark marginal line ; line over the eye, and all beneath whitish. Iiides red. First quill longer than the fifth. Length, 5\ 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. 125 (EXTRA-LIMITAL. ) V. bartrami. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 4, pi. 242.) Yellowish ob've. 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, 51 inches. Antilles. V. belli. (Aud. 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 Merula and Vireo. Its most natural position would seem to be in the abnormal group of Conirostres, comprising Pyrrhtjla, Loxia, &c. 126 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS. THE YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT. IcTERIA VIRIDIS. PLATE XXXII. FIG. 71. (STATE COLLECTION.) Muscicapa viridis, Gmelin. Chattering Flycatcher, Pennant, Aret. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 385. Garrulus australis, Bartram, p. 290. Jcteria dumicola, Vieillot, Ois. de l'Ara. 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. Audubon, fol.pl. 137; Orn. Biog. Vol.2, p. 223, and Vol. 5, p. 433. Yellow-breasted Icteria. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 299. I, polyglotta. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 157. Yellow-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 — • lANHDiE — 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 scutella? ; shorter than the middle toe. First quill very short ; third and fourth longest. THE NORTHERN BUTCHER-BIRD, Lanius septentrionalis. PLATE XXXVII. FIG. 81 (Male). (STATE COLLECTION.) Lanius septentrionalis, Gmelin. L. borealis, VlEII.LOT, Vol.1, p. 80, pi. 50. It. excubitoT. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 74, pi. 5, fig. 1 (male). L. borealis. Bonaparte, Obs. No. 33. L. septentrionalis. Id. Ann. Lye. N. V. Vol. ?, p. 72. L. excubitor. Audubon, folio, pi. 192. i. semptentrionalis. Nuttall, 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. Peabody, 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. (EXTRALIMITAL.) ludovicianus. (Aim. 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, excubitorides. (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, elegans. (Id. lb. p. M22.) Clear bluish grey ; beneath unspotted white. Frontlet of the same color with the head. 1ft. 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 scutellce. 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. Garrtjlus cristatus. plate xxv. fig. 54. (STATE COLLECTION.) Cotvus cristatus, LiNNius. Pennant, Arct. Zoology, Vol. 2, p. 249. Wilson, Am, Orn. Vol. 1, p. 11, pi. I, fig. 1. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2. p. 58. Ndttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 224, figure. Auddbon, 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. Giraud, 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 feeds 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 the 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.] 17 130 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS. THE CANADA JAY. Garrtjlus canadensis. PLATE XXV. FIG. 55 (Young). (STATE COLLECTION.) Corvus canadensis. LiNNiEUS. 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. pi. 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. Perisoreus, Bona- parte, Geog. and Comp. 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, 10-0-11-0. 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 6Sth parallel. (EXTRALIMITAL.) G. stclhri. (Aud. 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. floridanus. (Aud. Vol.4, pi. 233 ) Not crested. Back light yellowish brown. Head, wings and tail bright azure blue j beneath greyish. Tail wedge-shaped. Length, 1 1 - 12 inches. Florida, Western States, PASSERES CORVIDjE 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 cat/data, plate xxiv. fig. 53. (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.) Corvus pica, Linnjeus. Pica caudata, Ray. Magpie. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 247. Corvuspica, 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. hudsonius. Sabine, Frank. Journey. C. pica. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 292. Audubon, fol. pi. 357. C. melanoleuca. 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 scapulars 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. nuttalli. (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. Linn^us. 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. CoRVUS AMERICANUS. 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. Nuttall, 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. Gieaud, 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. CoRVUS CORAX. PLATE XXIV. FIG. 51. Cotvus cotax, Lin. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 9, p. 113, pi. 75, fig. 3. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol.2, p. 56i Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. I, p. 102. Audubon, folio, pi. 101. Emmons, Cat. Mass. p. 9» Doughty, Cab. Nat. Hist. Vol. 1, p. 278, pi. 21. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 3, p. 290. C. catototl. Bonaparte, Comp. List, p. 28. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 4, p. 78, pi. 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 preceding. 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 — CORVIDjE — CORVTJS. 135 THE FISH CROW. CoRVUS OSSIFRAGUS. Corvus cssifragus. 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. Aud. 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 QUISCALW^E. 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. 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. QtTISCALUS VERSICOLOR. PLATE XXIII. FIG. 49. (STATE COLLECTION.) Gracuta guiscala, Linn.eus, p. 1C5. Purple Gralrte, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, pp. 263 and 265. G. quiscalu. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p. 44, pi. 21, fig. 4. G. barita. 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). Audubon, folio, pi. 7. Nuttall, 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, Birds of Mass. p. 285. Q. id., Purple Grakle. Giraud, 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 QUISCALID.E 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 57lh parallel of north latitude. They are constant residents in the Southern States. THE RUSTY CROW BLACKBIRD. QUISCALUS FERRUGINEUS. PLATE XXIII. FIG. 50. (STATE COLLECTION.) Rusty Oriole. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 260. Gracula ferruginea. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p. 41, pi. 21, fig. 3. Pendulinus ater, Vieillot. Q. ferrugineus. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 55. Addobon, folio, pi. 147. Rusty Blackbird. Ndttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 199. Scolicophagus, Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 286. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol 4, p. 65, pi. 222. Peabody, Birds of Mass. p. 286. Q. ferrugineus, Rusty Grakle. Giraud, 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, 9^ 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 distinct, 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.) Sturnus ludovicianus, Lin. Crescent Stare, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 230. Alauda magna. Bartram, p. 290 (Ms). Meadow Lark. Wilson, Am. Om. Vol. 3, p. 20, pi. 10, fig. 2 (male). Sturnella ludoviciana. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 50. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 147. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 4, p. 70, pi. 223. Tlie Crescent Meadow Starling. Giraud, 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 — QUISCALID^E — 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 baltimore, Linn.£us, p. 162. Icterus, Bkisson. Baltimore Oriole. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 257, pi. 19. Yphantes baltimore. Vieillot, Gal. Qis. pi. 87. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 23, pi. 1, fig. 3 (male) ; Vol. G, p. 88, pi. 53, fig. 4 (female). Icterus baltimore. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 51. Audobon, fol.pl. 12. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 152. Richakdson, Vol. 2, p. 284. Addubon, B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 37, pi. 217. Baltimore Hungriest. Gikaud, 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 140 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 (Male). (STATE COLLECTION.) Oriolus spurius. Linnaeus, Syst. Nat. lSed. p. 102. O. mutalus. Wilson, Am. Ornith. Vol. 1, p. CI, pi. 4, fig. 1 (female) ; fig. 2 (male of two years) ; fig. 3 (male of three years) ; fig. 4 (adult male). Yphantes solitaria. Vieillot, Gal des Ois. Pcudulinus nigricollis, Id. lb. Icterus spurius. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 51. Audubon, fol. pi. 42. Orchard Oriole. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 165. Kiktland, Zool. Ohio, p. 162. Orchard Hangnest. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 144. 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. Nostrils 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 ; beneath olive mixed with bay. Length, 6-5-.7-0. 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, larva? of insects, and occasionally on juicy fruits and berries. PASSERES QUISCALID^E ICTERUS. 141 THE RED-WINGED ORIOLE. Icterus phceniceus. PLATE XXII. FIG. 47 (Male). (STATE COLLECTION.) Oriolus phainicciis, Linn»eus, p. 161. Red-winged Oriole, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 225. Slurnus predatorius. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 30, pi. 30, fig. 1 and 2. Agelaius phamceus. Vieillot, Ency. Methoditpre, 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. 109. 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 pkeniceus. 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 upper 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 Sivamp 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. {EXTRA-L1MITAL.) I. xanthocephalus. (Bonap. Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 27. Giraud.) 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. I. 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. 2 IS.) Black: back, rump and 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 ; tbroat 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 — QUISCALID.E — MOLOTHRUS. 143 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, Gmklib. Brown-headed Oriole, Pennant, Arct. Zoo]. Vol. 2, p. 259? Id. lb. Vol. 2, p, 371. Sturnus stercorarius. BaRTRAm, p. 291. Emberiza pecoris. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 145, pi. 18, figs. 1, 2, 3. Icterus ( Embrrizoides ) pecoris. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 53. Icterus id. Temminck. Auddbon, folio, pi. 99. Ndttall, 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. 102. Addubon, B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 10, 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, ll-O-H'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.) Embcriza oryzivora, Linnjeus, 12 ed. p. 311. Rice Bunting. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 3G0. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 48, pi. 12, figs. 1 and 2 (male and femsle). Passcrina id. Vieillot. Icterus ( Embcrizoides ) agripinnis. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 53. Bob-o'link. Nottall, Manual Orn. Vol. 1, p. 185. Audubon, 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. Giraup, 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-bi?-d, 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 FRINGILLID^. 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 iliort 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 ivhich 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 LX1V. FIG. 146. (STATE COLLECTION.) Lvxia.cerv.ha. LlNNJEUS, p. 306. Blue Grosbeak. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 351. Wilson, Am. Om. Vol.3, p. 78, pi. 24, fig. 6 (male), Fringillu ( Coccoihraustes ) cerulca. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 114. F. id. Nuttall, Man. Om. Vol. 1, p. 529. Audubon, folio, pi. 122. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 134. Peabody, Zool. Mass. p. 330. Audubon, 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- 11 -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 15ih May, 1838, on Manhattan island, a few miles from the city. Its food consists of rice and seeds, and kernels of ihe hardest kinds. It breeds from Texas to New-York, and has been observed on the Rocky mountains. THE ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. CoCCOBORTJS LUDOVICIANUS. PLATE LX1V. FIG. 147. (STATE COLLECTION.) Loxia ludoviciana. LlNNJEUS, p. 306. Red-breasted Grosbeik. Pennant, Arc!. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 350. Spoiled do. Id. Vol. 2, p. 3.00 (female), and p. 372. Loxia rosea (ludnviciana). Wll.sON, Am Orn. Vol. 2, p. 135, pi. 17, fig. 2 (male). Frmgilla ( Coccothraustes ) ludovicmna. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 113. Pyrrhulaid. 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. 1, p 527. Coccothraustes (Giuraca) id. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2. p. 271. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 184. Pea- body, Birds of Mass. p. 329. Coccoborus id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 209, pi. 205. C. id. j Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 133. Characteristics. Black. Breast and under wing-coverts rosaceous. Abdomen, rump, bands on the wings, and part of three outer tail-feathers while. 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 FRIN01LLID.E STRUTHUS. 147 {EXTRA-LIMIT AL) C. melanocephalus. (Aud. B. of A. Vol. 3, p 214, pi. 10G. 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 Coccotiiraustes, 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: front and 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 hyemalis. plate lx. fig. 138. (STATE COLLECTION.) Fringilla hyemalis, Lin. Syst. Nat. F. nivalis (hudsonia). Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 129, pi. 16, fig. 6. F. ( Spiza) hyemalis. 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 hyemalis. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 3, p. 88, pi. 147. N id., Common Snotc'bird. Giraud, 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. (Aud. 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 JE — FRINGILLA. 1 49 GENUS FRINGILLA. Linnaeus. 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. 112. Ferruginous Finch. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 514. Audubon, folio, pi. 108. F. (Zonolrichia) id. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 25? (figure of ihe head). Kirtland, ZooI. Ohio, p. 1C1. Peabody, Birds of Mass. p. 32S. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 3, p. 130, pi. 186. Fox-colored Finch. Gikaud, 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, 7\ 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 6Sth 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 LXVIII. FIG. 156. (STATE COLLECTION.) Fringilla melodia. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 125, fig. 4. F. ( Spiza) id. Bonatarte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 108. Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 486. Audubon, folio, pi. 25. Emberizaid. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol.2, p. 252. Kirtlakd, Zool. Ohio, p. 164. Peabody, Birds of Mass. p. 323. Auddbon, Birds of Am. Vol. 3, p. 147, pi. 189. Song Finch. Giraud, Buds 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 above 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 hr.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. tlate lxi. fig. 140. (STATE COLLECTION.) Fringilla graminea, Gmelin. Grass Fivh, Pennant, 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. Audubon, folio, pi. 90. F. ( Zonotrichia } id. Rich. &. Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 254. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 164. Peabody, Buds 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, 5j 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 wilh 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 nest 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 PENNSYLVANIA. PLATE LXI. FIG. 141. (STATE COLLECTION.) Passer pennsylvanicus, BrissON. White-throated Finch. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 372. F. albiccllis. Wilson, Am. Ora, Vol. 3, p. 51, pi. 5, fig. 2 (male). F. ( Spiza ) pennsylvanica. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 108. Acdobon, fol. pi, 8. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p.4M. F. (Zonotrkhia) id. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 250 (bill). Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 104. Pea- body, Birds of Mass. 321. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 153, pi. 191. White-throated Finch. Giraud, Birds of 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 wjth 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 — FRINGILLIDJS — FRINGILLA. 153 THE WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. Fringilla leucophrys. PLATE LX. FIG. 137 (Male). FIG. 139 (Female). (STATE COLLECTION.) Emberiza leucophrys, Gmelin. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol.2, p. 355, pi. 16 (male). Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 49, pi. 31, fig. 4. F. (Spiza) id. Bonapakte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 107. Aububon, fol. pi. 114. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 479; amhigua? Id. (winter plumage?). F. (Zonotrichia) leucophrys. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 255. KirtlaND, Zool. Ohio, p. 183. F. id. Peabody, Mass. Rep. p. 321. Auddeon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 157, pi. 192. While-crowned Finch. Gikaud, 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- '.etely 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 Coryialina 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. toicnscndi. (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, 5i inches. History incomplete. California. F. lezensis. (Giraud, 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, emarginate. PASSERES FRINGILLIDjE EMBERIZA. 155 THE BLACK-THROATED BUNTING. . EMBERIZA AMERICANA. PLATE XLIX. FIG. 3 (Male). (STATE COLLECTION.) Emberiza amerkana, Gmelin. Black-throated Bunting, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 363, pi. 17 (male). Calandra pratensis, May-bird. BaRTRAM, p. 291. E. americana. Wilson, Orn. Vol. 1, p. 51, pi. 3, fig. 2 (male). F. (SpizaJ id. Bonaparte, Annals Lyceum N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 107. Nuttall, Manual Ornith. Vol. 1, p. 461. Audubon, folio, pi. 384. E. id. Kirtland, 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, 65 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, 10'0-11'0. 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* 156 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS. THE YELLOW-WINGED BUNTING. Emberiza passerina. plate lxvi. fig. 150. (STATE COLLECTION.) Fringilla passerina. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p. 76, pi. 24, fig. 5. F. (Spiza) passerina. Bonapakte, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. New-York, Vol. 2, p. 109. Fringilla id. Audubon, fol. pi. 130 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 180, and Vol. 5, p. 497. Savatmak Finch, or Yellow-shouldered Sparrow. Nuttall, Man. Ornith. Vol. 1, p. 494. Coturnicuhts id. Bonaparte, Geog. List, p. 32. ^ B. id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 73, pi. 162 (male). Giraup, Birds of Long island, p. 103. Characteristics. Line over the eyes, lesser wing-coverts and shoulder, yellow. Breas; 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, emarginate and rounded, extending 1 ' 0 beyond the tips 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 — FRINGILLID^E — EMBERIZA. 157 THE VARIED BUNTING. Emberiza henslowi. Emberiza henslowi- Auddbon, folio, pi. 70 ; Orn. Biog. Vol. 1, p. 3C0, and Vol. 5, p. 499. Coturiiiculns id. Bonaparte, Geographical List, p. 32. E. id. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol.3, p. 75, pi. 163 (male). E. id., He/islow's Bunting. Gieaud, 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. 152. (STATE COLLECTION.) Passer agrestis. Bartram, Travels, p. 291. Fringilla pusilla. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 121, pi. 16, fig. 2. Passerijm id. Vieillot, Diet. Sc. Nat. F. ( Spiza) pusilla. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 110. Audubon, folio, pi. 139. F. juncorum. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 499. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 164. Peabody, 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. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 105. Characteristics. Crown 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 J2 — EMBERIZA. 1 59 THE CHIP-BIRD. Emberiza socialis. plate lxx. fig. 160. Passer domestieus. Bartram, Travels, p. 291. Fringilla socialis. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 127, pi. 16, fig. 5. Passerina id. Vieillot, Diet. Sc. F. (Spiza) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol.2, p. 103. Chipping Sparroic. Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 497. Adddbon, folio, pi. 104. Emberiza socialis. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol.2, p. 251. Kirtland, Ohio Rep. p. 164. Peabody, Mass. Rep. p. 325. Addubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 3, p. 80, pi. 165. E. id., Chipping Bunting. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 106. Characteristics. Bill short, entirely black. Frontlet black. Crown chesnut, undivided. Chin and line over the eye white. Length, 5j 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, 5' 0-5' 5. 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. Embekiza canadensis. plate lxxii. fig. 1c4. (STATE COLLECTION.) Passer canadensis, Brisson. Fringilla id. Latham. Tree Sparrow. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 273. F. arborea. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 123, pi. 16, fig. 3. F. ( Spiza) canadensis. Bonapahte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 109. E. id. Audubon, folio, pi. 188. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 495. Emberiza id. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 252. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 164. Peabody, Mass. Report, p. 324. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 3, p. 83, pi. 166. Gikaud, Birds of Long island, p. 107. Characteristics. Crown bright bay. Stripe over the eye, sides of the neck, chin and 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 longer 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. PASSERES — FRINGILLID.E — EMBER1ZA. 161 THE SAVANNAH BUNTING. Emberiza savanna. tlate lxvii. fig. 155. (STATE COLLECTION.) Water Finch 1 Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 376 (young?). Fri/igilla savanna. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 72, pi, 34, fig. 4 (male); Vol. 3, p. 55, pi. 22, fig. 3 (female). F. (Spiza) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 108. Savannah Sparrow. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 489. AUDUBON, folio pi. 109. F. savannarum, Peabodv, Mass. Rep. p. 324. Emberiza savanna. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 3, p. G8, pi. 1G0. 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. t 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, 5-5-6-0. 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 beeUes 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 lincolnii. Acdubon, Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 539 ; fol. pi. 1 93. Passerculus id. Bonaparte, Comp. List, p. 33. Pencaca id. Aoddbon, 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. Orn. 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, 51 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 buff; Tail long, emarginate. Length, 5 inches. Missouri, and Northern regions. PASSERES — FRlNGILLUhE — AMMODRAMUS. 163 GENUS AMMODRAMUS. Swainson. Bill rather slender, somewhat compressed, with a slight notch near the tip, which is deflected. Nostrils small, elliptical, hasal, 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. Ammodramus maritimtjs. plate lxvii. fig. 153. (STATE COLLECTION.) Fringilla maritima. Wilson, Am. Orn, Vol. 4. p. 68, pi. 34, fig. 2. Passeri?ia 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. Peabodt, Mass. Rep. p. 326. Ammodramus id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 103, pi. 172. A. id., Grey Shore Finch. Giraud, 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. Alar extent, 10-0-11-0. 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.) Fringilla caudacula. Latham, Ind. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 459. Sliarp-laited Orkle. Pennant. Arot. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 2C1 ? Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 70, pi. 34, fig. 3 (male). F. (Sjiizn) id. Bonaparte, Ann. I.yc Vol. 2, p. 110. Audubon, folio pi. 149. Nut. Man. Orn. Vol. 1. p. 505. Ammodramus id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 103, pi. 174. A. id., Btiff-breaslcd Shore Fmch. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p; 113. Characteristics. A stripe of reddish brown above and beneath the eye. Tail graduated, 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, 5-0-5- 5. 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 palustius. plate lxxi. fig. 101. (STATE COLLECTION.) Frin»:,lla paluslris. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol.3, p. 49, pi. 22, fig. ], F (Spiza) id. Bonapaktf, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 110. F.jimcorum. NuttalL, Manual Orn. Vol. 1 , p. 502. AUDUBON, folio pi. G4. Zoiiolrihia, Swains. & Richardson. Kirtland, p. 1G2. Peabody, Mass. Rep. p. 326. Ammodramus id.. Swamp Sparrow. AUDUBON, B. of A. Vol. 3. p. 1 10, pi. 175. A. id., Marsh-shore Finch. Gikaud, 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. (EXTRALIMITAL.) 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, 5i 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. hcontii. (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.) Fringilla tristis, Lin. 12 eJ. p. 320. Golden Finch, Pennani, 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, 4-5-5-0. 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^ — CARDUELIS. 167 THE PINE FINCH. Carduelis pinus. plate lix. fig. 136. (STATE COLLECTION.) Fringilla pinus. Wilson, Am. Om. 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. Peabod-y, Mass. Rep. p. 327. Linaria pinus. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 125, pi. 180. Chrysometris id. Bonaparte, Geog. anil Comp. List, p. 33. i. 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, 4^ 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, 4-5-50. 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. (EXTRALI3IITAL. \ C. magell aniens. (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. psaltria. (Id. lb. pi. 183.) Greenish olive; beneath wholly yellow. Crown, wings and tail black : three outer tail-feathers white in the middle. Length, 41 inches. Arkansa, Louisiana. C. mezicanus. (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. 101. (STATE COLLECTION.) Fringilla linaria. Linnaeus, 12 e<\. p. 322. Lesser Red-poll Finch. Pennant, Arct, Zool. Vol.2, p. 379. Wu pon, Am. Om. Vol.4, p. 42, pi. 30, fig. 4 (male) ; Vol. 9 (Old's reprint), p. 294. F. (Cardurlis) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol.2, p. 112. Aodubon, fol. pi. 375. Linota id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 34. Nuttali., Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 512. Linaria minor. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 2C7. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. ! 33. Pf.abody, 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 — FRINGILLID.E — LINARIA. 169 THE MEALY RED-POLL. LlNARIA BOREALIS. Fringilla borcalis, Savi. Temminck, Manual Ornith. Vol. 3, p. 264. Audubon, fol. pi. 42. Id. Birds of Am. Vol. 3, p. 120, pi. 17S. Linola id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 34. Characteristics. Frontlet, loral space and throat black ; beneath whitish. Crown, cheeks, flank and rump red. Length, 5j 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, Pennant, 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, BreHM. Erythrospiza id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 34. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 264, var. ? 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. Tt has a good flavor. Its geographical range is from Mexico to 55° north latitude. It occurs on the Columbia river. (EXTRA-LIM1TAL) 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 — FRINGILLID.E — PITYLUS. 171 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. PlTYLITS CARDINALIS. PLATE LXII. FIG. 143 (Male, -winter dress). (STATE COLLECTION.) Loxia cardinalis. Linnius, 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). Pityius id. Cuvier, Regne Animal. F. (Coccothraustes) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol 2, p. 113. Audubon, fol.pl. 159. Red-bird. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 519. Cardinalis virginianus. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 35. Kirtland, Ohio Rep. p. 184. Peabody, Mass. Rep. p. 329. Pityius id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 198, pi. 203. Giracd, 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 1 • 0 - 1 1 ■ 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 CHEWINK, OR GROUND ROBIN. PlPILO ERYTHROPHTHALMUS. PLATE LXXI. FIG 102 (Male). (STATE COLLECTION.) Fringilla erythrophlhalma. LiNNiEUs, Syst. Nat. p. 318. Towhee Bunting. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 359. Pipilo ater. Vieillot, Diet. Sc. Emberiza 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. Bonapakte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 112. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 515. Pipilo id. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 261. Kiktlanp, Ohio Rep. p. 164. Peabody, Mass. Rep. p. 328. Audubon, Birds of America, Vol. 3, p. 167, pi. 195. P. id., Towhee Ground-finch. Gikaud, 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 — FRINGILLIDJS — 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. (Aud. 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 LXVni. FIG. 157. (STATE COLLECTION.) Tanagra cyanea. LlNNiEOS, Syst. Nat. p. 315. Indigo Bunting. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 365 (bhie do., moulting male). Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 100, pi. 6, fig. 5 (male). Bonaparte, Am. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 91, pi. 15, fig. 4 (female). Acddbon, fol. pi. 74. Ndttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 473. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 183. Spiza cyanea. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 3, p. 06, pi. 170. S. id., Indigo-painted Bunting. 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. (Aim. 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, pi. 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 — FRINGILLIOE — 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 (Male). (STATE COLLECTION.) Tanagra cestiva et mississippiensis, G.melin. Summer Tanager. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 369. Morula flammula. Bartkam, Travels, p. 290 (Lis). Pyranga cestiva, Vieillot. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 95, pi. 6, fig. 3 and 4. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 105. Aud. fol. pi. 44. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 409. Kiktland, Zool. Ohio, p. 183. Acdubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 222, pi. 209. 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, 1\ 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, LinnjEUS. Canada Tanager, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 369 (male, olive do. female). Merula marilandica, Bartram, Travels, p. 290 (bis). Pyrangra rubra, Vieillot. Tanagraid. 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. 405. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 273. Peabody, Zool. of Mass. p. 319. Pyranga id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 220, pi. 209. P. id., Scarlet Tanager. Giraud, Birds of Longjsland, 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- 1 1 • 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. PASSERES — 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.) Fringilla lapponica. Linnjeus, Syst. Nat. 12 ed. p. 317. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 377. Pleclrophqnes calcaratus, Meyer. E. id. Rich. Parry's Second Voyage. E. ( PUclrophanes) 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. 3G5. INuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. I, p. 403. Brewer, Synopsis, p. 706. Plcctrophanes id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 3, p. 50, pi. 152. P. id., Lapland Lark Bunting. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 99. 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 light 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. Linnxus, Syst. Nat. 12 ed. p. 308. Snow Bunting. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 355. Wilson, Am. Om. Vol. 3, p. 36, pi. 21, fig. 2 (female), E. (Plectrophanes) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 103. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 246. Audubon, folio, pi. 189. Nuttall, Man. Om. Vol. 1, p. 458. Selby, Am. Orn. Brewer's ed. p. 212. Kiktland, Zool. Ohio, p. Ib3. Peabouy, 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. Fcn\ale and young, white, tinged with rufous. Length, 1\ 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 — FRINGILLIDiE — 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. /(ffiXti GENUS ALAUDA. Linnaeus. 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. Alatjda corntjta. ♦late lxxiii. fig. 165. (STATE COLLECTION.) Alauda alpestris, Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 289. Shore Lark. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 392. A. campestris, 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. 102. Auddbon, folio, pi. 200. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 450. 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, Geograph. and Comp. List, p. 37. A. alpestris, Shore Lark. Giraud, 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, ~t\ 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 — FRINGILLID.E — 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. CoRYTHTJS ENUCLEATOR. PLATE LXI1. FIG. 142 (Young male). (STATE COLLECTION.) hoxia enucUator. Linnaeus, Syst. Nat. p. 299. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 348. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. l,p. 80, p], 5, fig. 2. Pyrrhula id. Temmihck, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 333. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 115. Audubon, fol, pi. 358. Nuttall, Man. Om. Vol. 1, p. 535. Corythus id. Rich. & Svvainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 262, pi. 53 (female). Aueubon, B. of Am. Vol. 3, p. 178, pi. 199. C id., Pine Grosbeak. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 128. Characteristics. Red. Wings and tail dark brown. Female, olive green ; brighter on the head 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 Bulfincb. ranges from the highest northern latitude to the 40th parallel. It is found in the northern parts of both continents. 1 82 NEW- YORK FAUNA BIRDS. GENUS LOXIA. Linn^us. 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 LXIII. FIG. 144 (Youno male). (STATE COLLECTION.) Curvirostra americana. Wilson, Am. Om. Vol. 4, p. 44, pi. 31, figs. 1 and 2 (young and adult male). Loxia id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 117. Audubon, fol. pi. 197. Nut-tall, Man. Om. Vol. 1, p. 538. Kiktland, Zool. Ohio, p. 184. Peabody, Zool. Mass. p. 331. L. curvirostra. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 3, p. 186, pi. 200. L. americana. Bonaparte, Geographical and Comparative List, p. 38. L. curvirostra. Giraud, 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. Color. 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 FRINGILLID.E LOXIA. 183 THE WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL. LOXIA LEUCOPTERA. PLATE LXI1I. FIG. 145 (Young male). (STATE COLLECTION.) Loxia leucoptera, Gmelin. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 347. Curviroslra id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 48, pi. 31, fig. 3 (young male). Loxia id. Bonafarte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol.2, p. 117. Id. Am. Orn. Vol.2, p. 84, pi. 15, fig. 3 (female). Nuttall, Manual Orn. Vol. 1, p. 510. Audubon, 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, 6^ 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 PSITTACID^:. 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 Conurtjs, 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- carolhiensis, Parrakeet. (Add. B. of A. Vol. 3, pi. 278.) Green. Cheeks red ; remainder of the bead, neck and throat yellow. Young, uniform green. Length, 14 inches. Southern Stales. 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 PICIBM. 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. PlCUS PILEATUS. PLATE XVIII. FIG. 39. (STATE COLLECTION.) Pkus pileatus. L.INN.EUS, Syst. Nat. p. 173. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 269. Wilson, Am. Om. Vol. 4, p. 27, pi. 29, fig. 2 (male). Bonapakte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 44. Audubon, folio pi. 111. Ncttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 567. P. (Dryotovms) id. Ricn. & Svvainson, 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 carina; 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 — PICID^E PICUS. 1 85 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, 18-0-20-0. 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 larva? of insects, which it obtains from beneath the bark of trees, and on indian corn, chesnuts, acorns 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 (Male). (STATE COLLECTION.) Pirns erythrccephalus. Linn.eus, 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. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 45. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 569. Mdanerpes id. Rich. &. Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 316. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 162. Peabody, Mass. Rep. p. 335. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 274, pi. 271. P. id. Giraud, Birds of Long Island, p. 180. 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 spots 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.] 24 186 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS. THE HAIRY WOODPECKER. PlCUS VILLOSUS. PLATE XV. FIG. 32 (Male). (STATE COLLECTION.) Picvs villosus, LiNNiEUS. 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. Aueubon, fol. pi. 416. P. ( Dendrocopus ) id. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 305. Kirtla.nd, Zool. Ohio, p. 162. Peabody,. Mass. Rep. p. 337. Audubon, B. of A. Vol.4, p. 244, pi. 262; and canadensis, Id. Vol. 4, p. 235, pi. 258. P. villosus et canadensis. Giraud, Birds of Lon^ 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 — picid^: PICUS. 187 THE DOWNY WOODPECKER. PlCUS PCBESCENS. PLATE XVI. FIG. 35. (STATE COLLECTION.) Picvs pubescens. Linn-el's, 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. G5, pi. 121 (male). Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p 46. Audubon, fol. pi. 112. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p 576. P. (Dendrocopus) 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 ? Id. p. 252. P. f Dendrocopus ) pubescens. 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 benealh, 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 VARIUS. PLATE XVIII. FIG. 38. (STATE COLLECTION.) Picus varius. Linn.^us, Syst. Nat. p. 176. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 275. Wilson. Am. Om. Vol. t, 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). Audubon, fol. pi. 190. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 574. P. ( Dendrocopus) id. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 3U9. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 179. Peabodt, 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, 8^ 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 PICID^E — PICUS. 189 THE RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER. PlCUS CAROLINUS. PLATE XVII. FIG. 37. (STATE COLLECTION.) Picus carotinus. Linnsus, Syst. Nat. p. 174. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 272. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 113, pi. 7, fig. 2 (male). Addubon, folio, pi. 415. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 45. Nuttall, Man. Ornith. Vol. 1, p. 572. Peabody, Birds of Mass. p. 336, Aod. 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. TLATE XVII. FIG. 36 (Male). (STATE COLLECTION.) Pints tridactylus. Bonaparte, 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. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 4, p. 266, pi. 268. Apternus arcticus. Bonaparte, 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, 105 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 Stale, 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. tridactylus, 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. PASSERES — PICWJE — PICUS. 191 THE BANDED WOODPECKER. PlCUS HIRSUTUS. Pirns hirsutus. Vieillot, Ois. de l'Am. Vol. 2, p. 68, pi. 124 (adult male). P. tridaclylus. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 311, pi. 56 (young). Audubon, fol. pi. 417. In. 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 State. 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 — BIRDS. THE CLAPE, OR GOLDEN-WINGED WOODPECKER. PlCUS AURATUS. PLATE XV. FIG. 33. (STATE COLLECTION.) Pirns auratus. Linn^ds, 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 PAm. pi. 100. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 44. Audubon, fol. pi. 37. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 561. Colaptes id. Rich. & Swainson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 314. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 162. Peabody, Mass. Eep. p. 333. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 282, pi. 273. Colaptes auratus. Bonaparte, Gcog. 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 parts 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, YucJcer, 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- hois jaune. 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 PICID.E 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 black. 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, 84- 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 pubc- 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, 1 1 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 t:ie mouth. Female, no red patch. Allied to auratus. Length, I3J 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 States. P. ayresi. (Aud. 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. Uppe r Missouri. [Fauna — Part 2.] 25 194 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS. FAMILY CUCVLIDM. Bill long or moderate, slightly curved at the tip. Tongue short, simple, lacerated at the tip. Feet short or moderate. Tarsus with broad scutellcz. 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. COCCYZUS AMERICANUS. PLATE XIV. FIG. 30. (STATE COLLECTION.) Cnculus americanus. Linn^hs, Syst. Nat. p. 170. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 2G5. C. carolinensis. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 13, pi 28, fig. 1. Coccyzus americanus, Vieillot. Bonapai:te, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2. p. 42. Audubon, folio pi. 2. Nut. Man. Orn. Vol. 1. p. 551. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 1G2. Peaeody, Mass. Rep. p. 332. Aud. B. of A. Vol. 4, p. 203, [.1. 275. Erylhrophrys id. Bonapakte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 40. Coccyzus 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 Slates, 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 arc 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 crythrophthalmiis. 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. dominicus. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 550. Kiktland, Zool. Ohio, p. 162. Peabody, Mass. Rep. p. 333. Enjthrophrys id. Sw. Bonaparte, Geog. List, p. 40. Acdubon, 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, H'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. (EXTRA-LIMITAL.) 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 COLUMBIDJB. 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 LXX1V. FIG. 107. (STATE COLLECTION.) Columba migratoria. LiN!».a:as, Syst. Nat. p. 285; canadensis, p. 284 (female). Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol; 2, p. 322, pi. 14, No. 187. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 5, p. 102, pi. 44, fig. 1. Audubon, fol. pi. 62. Dewitt Clinton, Med. and Phil. Reg. Vol. 2, p. 210. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 628. Ectopistes 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 COLUMBID.E 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. 106. (STATE COLLECTION.) Columba carolinensis. Linnjeos, Syst. Nat. p. 28G. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 326, pi. 14. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 5, p. 91, pi. 43, fig. 1. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 119. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 626. Aodobon, fol. pi. 17. Ectopistes id. Swains. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 161. Peabody, Mass. Rep. p. 350. Aodobon, B. of Am. Vol. 5, p. 36, pi. 286. Giraod, BirJs 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. l5ill 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 Register, 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, 1.1'*5- lfc'O. 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, Linnaus. 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. fasciaia. (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. moniana. (Aud. lb. Vol. 5, pi. 2S2.) 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- passcrina. (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 ; a black spot on the sides of the neck. Length, 10 • 5. Texas* GALLING — PHASfANID.E — MELEAGEIS. 199 ORDER III. GALLI2LE. 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 PHASIANIDM. 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. Linn^us. 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 carunculated 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. LiNNiEUS, Syst. Nat. p. 268. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 29). M. americanus. Bartram, p. 290. M. gallopavo. Temminck, Pig. et Gall. Vol. 2, p. 371, and Vol.3, p. 677. Bonaparte, Am. Orn. Vol. l,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, 3£-4feet. 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 Turkey feeds 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 arc 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, 1G5G. {JV. Y. Hist, Soc. Collections, Vol. 1, new series.) GALLING — PHASIANID^E PAVO. 201 ♦INTRODUCED AND DOMESTICATED. Genus Pavo, Linnaus. 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 Numida, Linnaus. 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 united 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 Gallus, 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. domesticus. 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.) Tclrao virginianus. LlNN-Sos, Syst. Nat. p. 277 (female) ; 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, Nouv. 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. Giraud, 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 - lO'O. 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 GALLING — TETR AONID.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. (EXTRA-LIMITAL.) O. californica. (Lath. Ind. Orn. Supp. p. 62. Atjd. 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—11 -0. Columbia river. O. neoxenus, 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. Linn^us. 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. tlate lxxvii. fig. 174. Tetrao umbelhis. Linn^us, Syst. Wilson, Am. Ornithology, Vol.6, p. 45, pi. 49 (male). T. (Bonasia) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Nat. History, Vol.2, p. 12G. Ruffed Grouse. Nuttall, Manual of U. S. Ornilh. Vol. 1, p. 057. 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 312. Audubon, 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 subtenninal 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 reddisli : all sprinkled with black. Eye-stripe yellowish while. 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 subtenninal 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 Stale. It makes an exceedingly inartificial nest of dried leaves, usually by the side of a decayed log or the root of a tree, in GALLING — TETRAONID.E — 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 PINxNATED GROUSE. Tetrao cupido. plate lxxvii. fig. 175. (STATE COLLECTION.) Tetrao cupido. Linnaeus, Syst. Nat. Vol. ], 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. 1, p. 062. T. id. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 5, p. 93, pi. 290 (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, but 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 Schooiey'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. Tetrao canadensis, plate lxxvi. fig. 173. (STATE COLLECTION.) Tetrao canadensis. LinNjEUS, Syst. Nat. Vol. 1, p. 274. Pennant, Arct. Zool. 182 sp. Bonapakte, 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. 340, 34S. T. id., Spotted Grouse. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 1, p. 007. T. id., Spotted or Canada Grouse. Audubon, 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. GALLINJE — 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 — BIRDS. ORDER IV. GRALUE. 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. Toe3 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 CHARADRID^. 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 lung. Tail moderate. GENUS CHARADRIUS. Linn^us. 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 hiaticula. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 65, pi. 59, fig. C (adult in spring). C. semipalmatus. Bonatarte, Ann. Lye. N. V. Vol. 2, p. 290. Id. Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 92, pi. 25, fig. 4 (young). C. id.. Semipalmated Ring Plover. Nuttam., Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 24. C. id. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 3G7. Audubon, E. of A. Vol. 5, p. 218, pi. 320. Egialitcs id. Bonaparte, Gcog. and Couip. List, p. 45. C. id. Giraud, 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. GRALL.E — CHARADRID.E — 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.] 27 210 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS. THE PIPING PLOVER. Charadrius melodus. PLATE LXXVIII. FIG. 177 (Young). (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. Audcbon, 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 white 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 while 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 — CHAR ADRID.E — CHARADRIUS. 211 WILSON'S PLOVER. Charadrius wilsonius. PLATE LXXVIII. FIG. 176 (Male). (STATE COLLECTION.) Charadrius wilsonius. Ord, Supplement to Wilson's Ornith. Vol. 9, p. 242, pi. 73, fig. 5. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. Vol. 2, p. 296. C. id., Wilson's Plover. Nottall, 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 die 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 ferru- 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 noithern 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 jesident 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 vociferus. LiNNiEOS, Syst. 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., Kildeer Plover. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 22. C. id. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 368. Egialites id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 45. C. id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 207, pi. 317 (male and female). 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, 10 ■ 0 - 1 1 • 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. It 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. GRALLJE — CHARADRID.E — CH ARADRIUS. 213 THE GOLDEN PLOVER. Charadrius virginiacus. plate lxxviii. fig. 178. (STATE COLLECTION.) Golden Plover. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 483. No. 308 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, BoKKHEIM. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 45. C. marmoralus. Wagler, 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. marmoralus. Giradd, 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. monlanus. (Towns. Tr. Ac. Sc. Vol. 7, p. 192. Aud. 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 (Spkino plumage). (STATE COLLECTION.) Trviga helvetica. Linn^its, 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 melanogasler. Temminck, Vol. 2, p. 547. Richakdson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 370. Nuttall, Man. Oriv. Vol. 2, p. 26. Charadrius helveticus. Addobon, 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, 11 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 GRALLjE — CHARADRIDJS — 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-LIM1TAL.) S. townsendi, 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 interpres. plate lxxx. fig. 182. (STATE COLLECTION.) Triiiga interpres, Lin. p. 248. Ilebridal Sandpiper. Pennant, Arct. Zoology, Vol. 2, p. 17:;. Strepsilas id. Illigee, Prodromus Syst. S. collaris. Temjiinck, Man. Vol. 2, p. 553. Trin ga 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. Richaedson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 371. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 5, p. 231, pi. 323. Gikaud, 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. Linnaeus. 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 first joint : all the toes bordered with a narrow membrane. THE AMERICAN OYSTER-CATCHER. H.EMATOPUS palliatus. PLATE LXXX. FIG. 183. (STATE COLLECTION.) Pied Oyst'vcatcher. Pennant, Arrt. Znol. Vo'. 2, p. 489. //. osti-alegus. Wilson, Am. Oraiihology, Vol. 8, pi G4, fig. 2. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 300. Nuttali., Man. Oin. Vol. 2, pp. 12 and 15. H. palliatus. Temminck, Man Orn. Vol. 2. p. 532. //. id, HonaPakte, Oss. snlla scconda eriirione del Rpgno Animalf. p. 94. Id. Grog, and Comp. List, p. 46. //. id Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol.5, p. 23G, pi. 324. Oiraud, Birds of Long island, p. 222. Characteristics. Head, neck and throat brownish black. Back, scapnlaries and wings ash- brown. The first three primaries of a uniform color. Length, 18' 0. Description. Bib 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 covcrls, outer secondaries, and breast and all beneath pure white. Irides yellow. Base of the tail-feathers while; beyond this, ashy brown. Length, 170- 19 0. The Oyster-catcher, or as it is better known among our gunners by (he name of Flood Gull, is not very common on ihe coast of ibis Slate. Jls eggs are cream-colored, spotted with brownish black. It feeds on oysters and oihcr 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 LIMIT AL.) H. bachmani. (Am. Birds of Am Vol.5, p. 243, pi. 325.) Bill and ecLcs of the eyelids vermilion. General color uniform brownish black. Feet whitish. Length, 17*5. Northwest Coast. H. iownsendi. (In. 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. [Facna — Part 2.] 28 218 NEW-YORK FAUNA BIRDS. FAMILY GRUIDM. Bill strong, elongated. Neck and feet elongated. Four toes : tarsus longer than the middle toe ; hind toe usually long, and resting 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, and Brown Crane. Pennant, Aid. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 442, and p. 443. A. americana. Wilson, Am. Ornith. Vol 8, p. 20, pi. C4. fig. 3. A. id. d canadensis. Bonaparte, Ann. Lyc\ Vol. 2, p. 302. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, pp. 372 and 373. A. id. Nuttall, Man. Orri. Vol. 3, pp. 28 and 34. Bonaparte, Comp. List, p. 46. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 5, p. 188, pi. 313 (adult); 314 (young). Characteristics. White. Quills and their shafts black. Crown and cheeks bald. Youn 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 GRUIDiE 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. 1s4. Ardea herodias. L.INN.EUS, 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. id. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 373. Nuttall, Manual Orn. Vol. 2, p. 12. A. id. Audobon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 122, pi. 369 (male). Girabd, 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 seven 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-YOKK FAUNA BIRDS. THE GREAT WHITE HERON. Ardea leuce. tlate lxxxi. fig. 180. Grent White Ihran. Pf.NNANT, Arct. Zool. Vol. 5, p. 110. Ardra egrrlla. Wilson, Am Orn. Vol. 7, p. 106, pi. 61, fig. 4. A leuce, Illiger. A. alba, DonaparTE, Ann. l.yc. N. Y. Vol 2, p. 304. A. egrclta, Bonafak i E. Am. Orn. Vol.4, p 07. Nuttalu, Man. Orn. Vol.2, p 47. A. id. Audubon, 13. of A. Vol. C, p. 132, pi. 370. Cikaud, Birds of Long island, p. 288. Characteristics. Snowy white. Bill yellow ; legs black : no crest. Long pendant plumc3 on the back, extending over the tail. Young, without ihc 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 Air. 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 Jeiscy, and may probably do so in this Slate. 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. GRALUE CRUID.E ARDEA. 221 THE WHITE-CRESTED HERON. Ardea candidissima. plate lxxxii. fig. 187. (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.) Ardta camlidissima, Gmei.in. Wilson, Am. Om. Vol. 7. p. 120, pi. G2, fig. 4 (udull). A. id. Honaparte, Ann. ils Lyceum N. Y. Vol. 2, |>. 305. Nuttau., MwiuhI Ornilh. Vol. 2, p. 49. A. id., Snowy Heron. Aulubo.n, li. uf A. Vol. 0, p. 1GJ, pi. 374. Gieaud, Buds of Long island, p. 283. Characteristics. Crcslcd. 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, 4'0 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, 3G-0-38*0. This southern species extends its migrations as far cast 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 rango is comprised between the tropics and the 43d parallel of latitude. 222 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS. THE BLUE HERON. Ardea cerulea. Ardea cerulea, LiNNiEus. Blue Crane. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol.7, p. 117, pi. 62, fig. 3 (adult). A. id. BoNArARTE, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 306. Egretta id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 47. A. cerulea. Ndttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 58. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 148, pi. 372. A. id. Gieaud, 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. 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. f GRALL.E GRUID^E ARDEA. 223 THE LOUISIANA HERON. Ardea ludoviciana.* Ardea ludoviciana. Wilson, Am. Om. Vol.8, p. 13, pi. 64, fig. 1. A. Imcogaster, Ord's reprint. A. id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 305 ; Obs. on Wilson's Orn. A. id. NriTTALL, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 51. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 156, pi. 372. A. id. Giraud, Birds of Long Island, 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 BIRDS. THE GREEN HERON. 'Ardea virescens. plate lxxx1i. fic. 188. Ardea virrscens, LlNNiEUS, p. 238. Wilson, Am. Oin. Vol. 8, p. 97, pi. Gl, fig. 1. Green Heron. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol- 2, p. 417. A. f Botawus) id. Bonaparte. Ann. Lye. N. V. Vol 2, p. 317. Ureeu Heron. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. C3. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. G, p. 105, pi. 3G7. Giraud, Birds of Lon^ island, p. 284. Characteristics. Crested. Crown and wing-covcrts 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 ercclilc, 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, greeirsh glossy black. Wing-coverts and lerlials green, bordered with brownish or grey. Dorsal feathers hoary preen, with white shafts. Quills blue-black, lighter on their outer webs. Flanks and abdo- men cbesnut or ashy brown. Hind part of the body deep green. Length, 17-0-18-0. Alar extent, 25-0. The Puke, Clialkiine, Fly-vp-the-creek, or Schyte Poke as he was called by our Dutch progenitors, is a southern species, arriving in this State about ihe 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 ils habits, is held in general contempt. Its geographical range extends from Mexico to the forty-louilli parallel. This species is arranged by Bonaparte under the genus Herodias of Boie, GRALL^ GRUID.E ARDEA. 225 THE SMALL BITTERN. Ardea exilis. plate lxxxiii. fig. 190. (STATE COLLECTION.) Ardca exilis, Gmelin. Little Heron, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 453 (exc. syn.) Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 37, pi. C5, fig. 4. A. (Ardeola) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 308. Ardeala id. Bonaparte, Geog. anj Comp. List, p. 49. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 100, pi, 306. Giratjd, Birds of Long island, p. 287. Characteristics. Subcrested. Chesnut ; beneath whitish. Neck, above and sides rufous. Crown, quills and tail black. Length, 11 "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 scutells, 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 ot 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. AitDEA MINOR. PLATE LXXXIII. FiG. K9. (STATE COLLECTION.) Bittern. Pennant, Arr-t. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 451. A. minor. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 3, p. 35, pi. 65, fig. 3. A. ( Botaunis) minor. Bonapakte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 307. Botaurus id. Bonapakte, Geog. anil Comp. List, p, 48. A. lerdiginosa. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 371. Sabine, Frank. Journey. Not. Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. CO. A. id. Audobon, B. of A. Vol. 0, p. 94, pi. 305. Gir.AUD, Birds of Long island, p. 285. Characteristics. Subcrested. 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. GRALL.E GRUIDjE ARDEA. 227 THE BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON. Ardea discors. plate lxxxi. fig. 1s5. Night Heron. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 450. A. nycticorax. Wilson, Am Orn. Vol. 7, p. 101, pi. 51, figs. 2, 3. A. (Botmirus) nycticorax. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 306. A. discors. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 54. Nycticorax atnericanus. Bo.vapakte, Gcog. and Comp. List, p. 48. A. nycticorax. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 6, p. 82, pi. 303. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 279. Nycticorax gardenii. Jaedine, Am. Ornithology, Ed. Anglic. 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. nycti- 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 lxxxvi1i fig. 199. (STATE COLLECTION.) Ardea violacea. Linnjeus, Syst. Nat. p. 233. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 448. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 2G, pi. 05, fig. I. Bolaurus id. Bonapakte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol 2. p. 305. White-crowned Heron. Nuttai.l, Mini Ornilh. Vol. 2, p. 52. Aodubon, B. of A. Vol. C, p. 89, pi. 3G4. 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 slates 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. GRALL^E ROSTRIDjE PLATALEA. 229 (EXTRA LIMITAL.) A.rufescens, Gm ; pealii, Bonap. (Aud. Vol. G, 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. (3, p. 110, pi. 368.) Crested. White: bill, lores and feet yellow. Length, 54*0. Florida Keys. FAMILY ROSTRIDM. With many of the characteristics of the preceding species. Bill robust, longer than the head, enlarged at the tip, or knobbed, and deflected downicard. 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, Linnaus. 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 Phcsnicopterus, 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 TANTALIDJ:. 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, lannaus. 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; 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 albus. Linn.'Eus, Syst. p. 241. Pennant, Arc!. 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. 41. NuttAll, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 86. Addubon, Birds of America, Vol. 6, p. 54, pi. 360. Peabody, B. of Mass. p. 365. Giraud, 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 — TANTAIJD.E — IBIS. 231 THE GLOSSY IBIS. Ibis mexicanus. Tantalus mexicanus. Ord, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sciences. Vol. I, p. 53. Ibis falcinellus. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 312 ; Obs. Nomen. Wils. ; Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 23, pi. 23, fig. 1. /. id. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 88. Audubon, Birds of America, Vol. 6, p. 50, pi. 358. /. 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 Rev. Mr. Linsley of Stratford, Connecticut, states that five individuals of this species were killed in that (own 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. {EXTRA-LIMIT AL.) 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 ; vump 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 jnembrane. 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 longirostris. Wilson, Ann. Orn. Vol. 8, p. 23, pi. 61, fig. i. Bonap. Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 314. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p.37G. Nuttall, Man. Ornithology U. S. Vol. 2. p. 95. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. G, p. 35, pi. 355. Gikaud, 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. Bill6"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. GRALLiE — SCOLOPACIDjE NUMENIUS. 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 during the season, and occasionally are seen here as late as the middle of November. Its food consists of small shells, insects, berries, worms and small crabs. The flesh with us is considered indifferent eating. Breeds in Texas, South-Carolina, and, as we suspect, much farther north. THE JACK CURLEW. NUMENIUS HUDSONICTJS. PLATE XCV1. FIG. 215. (STATE COLLECTION.) Numenius hudsonicus. Latham, Ind. Oro. Vol. 2, p. 712. Scolopax borealis. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 22, pi. 56, fig. 1. N. hudso7iicus. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 3H. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 97. N. id. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 6, p. 42, pi. 356. Giraud, 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 reddish. 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.] 30 234 NEW- YORK FAUNA BIRDS. Kirtland in Ohio. It is very closely allied to the Whimhrel 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. NuMENIUS BOREALIS. PLATE XCV. FIG. 214. (STATE COLLECTION.) Srolopax borealis. Fofstef, Phil. Tr. Lond. Vol. 62, p. 411. Numenius id. Latham, Ind. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 712. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 314. Id. Am. Om. Vol. 4, p. 118, pi. 26, fig. 3. Nottall, Man. Om. Vol. 2, p. 101. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 6, p. 45, pi. 357. Giuaud, 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:'Q. 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. GRALL.E SCOLOPACIDiE 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 Numenius to the large genus Tringa. THE LONG-LEGGED SANDPIPER. Hemipalma himantopus. plate lxxxvi. fig. 196. (STATE COLLECTION.) Tringa (Hemipalma ) liimantopvs. 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. 06. T. himantopus. Id. ib. Vol. 2, p. 380. T. id. et douglassii. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, pp. 139, 141. T. id. Audubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 5, p. 271, pi. 334. Giracd, 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. Ornithology, Vol. 7, p. 131, pi. G3, fig. 4. T. (Hemipalmn) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol.2, p. 316. T. id. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 381. T. (Heteropoda) id. Ndttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 136. Heteropoda id. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 49. Aodubon, B. of Am. Vol. 5, p. 277, pi. 33r>. T. id. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 165. 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 above. 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 on their inner vanes. Beneath entirely while, 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. GRALLiE — SCOLOPACIDiE — 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. 193. (STATE COLLECTION.) Tringa maritima. Brunnich, Orn. Boreal. No. 182. Striated and Selninger Sandpiper. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, pp. 472, 480. T. maritima. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, p. 318. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 382. Nuttall, 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 longest. 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 — EIRDS. THE BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER. Tringa eufescens. plate lxxxvii. fig. 197. (STATE COLLECTION.) T. rufuscens. ViEIL. Gal. Ois. de I'Am. Vol. 2, p. 105, pi. 238. Id. Nouv. Diet. 2(1 Ed. Vol. 34, p. 470. Yarrell, Linn. Tr. Vol. 16, p. 109, pi. 11. Selby, Must. Vol. 2, p. 142, pi. 27, fig. 1. Nuttall, Man. Om. 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. Upper 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. GRALLiE — SCOLOPACID.E — TRINGA. 239 THE CURLEW SANDPIPER. Tringa subarquata. plate xcv. fig. 213. (STATE COLLECTION. CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.) Tringa subarquata. Temminck, Vol. 2, p. GOO. Bonapakte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 317. T. id. Nuttmll, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 104. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 5, p- 260, pi. 333. Gikaud, Birds of Long island, p. 236. Characteristics. Bill much longer than the head or tarsus, 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 rrched, scarcely enlarged towards the lip, 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, T 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, summer ; A, young). Tringa cinclus, LiNN.a:us. Dunlin, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 47C. T. alpina. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 25, pi. 56, fig. 2 (summer). T. cinclus, Id. lb. p. 39, pi. 57, fig. 2 (winter). T. alpina. Bonapakte, Ann. Lye. Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 317. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 383. T. id. Ndttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 106. Audubon, 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 ; black and dull whitish beneath. Winter, blackish brown above ; white beneath. Length, 8*0. Description. Bill 1*5 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, 7' 5- 8'5. 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. GRALLjE — SCOLOPACID.E — TRINGA. 241 SCHINZ'S SANDPIPER. Tringa schinzi. plate lxxxiv. fig. 191. (STATE COLLECTION.) Tringa schinzi. Brefim, Lehr. Eur. Vogel, Vol. 2, p. 571. Ptlidna cinclus, var. Say, Long's Expedilion, Vol. 1, p. 172. T. schinzi. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol 2, p. 317. Jr>. Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 69, pi. 24, fig. 2 (winter). T. ict: Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 384. Nottall, Man. Om. Vol. 2, p. 109. T. id. Auddbon, B. of A. Vol.5, p. 275, pi. 335. Giracd, 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. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 318. T. id. Bonaparte, Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 43, pi. 23, fig. 2. Ndttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 111. T. id. ADDC30N, 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 oae-third of its length. Neck short. Middle tail-feathers pointed and elongated ; the others rounded. Color. Head reddish brown; the central part 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 while. 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 comrjlete. 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. GRALL.E — SCOLOPACIDJE — TRINGA. 243 THE RED-BREASTED SANDPIPER. Tringa canutus. plate lxxxv. fig. 194. — plate xcvii. fig. 218. (STATE COLLECTION.) Tringa canulus, LiNNiEOs. Gm. Syst. Nat. p. C79. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 476. T. cinerea. Wilson, Am. Orn. Rol, 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. Nottall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 125. T. canutus, Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List, p. 49. T. islandica. Aodobon, 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-back. 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. Orn. Vol. 5, p. 32, pi. 37, fig. 4. T. ( Palidna) id. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 319. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 386. T. wilsom. Nuttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p 121. Audubon, 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. 20S 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. It 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 — SCOLOPACIDjE — 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 cd. p. 251. Charadrius calidris, Gm. (young). Sanderling, and Ruddy Plover. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 486. Calidris arenaria. Illiger, Prodromus System. Mamm. et Avium, p. 249. Id. Temminck. Charadrius calidris. Wilson, Am. Om. Vol. 7, p. 08, pi. 59, fig. 4 (winter) ; ruliidus, 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. Om. Vol. 2, p. 4. C. id. Audubon, B. of Am. Vol. 5, p. 287, pi. 338. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 330. Giraod, 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. It 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 Rvffrt Europe, which has recently been introduced into our ornithology. I had introduced it in a previous report on the Fauna of tins 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. PLATE XCI. FIG. 206. (STATE COLLECTION.) Tringa macularia. Linnyecs, 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. Aodubon, Birds of Am. Vol. 5, p. 303, pi. 342. Giratjd, 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 ; axillarv 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. GKALLjE — SCOLOPACID^E — 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 eggs, 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. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 63, pi. 59, fig. 2. Tottmus id. Okd's reprint, p. 67. Bonaparte, Ann. I.yc. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 325. Rich. F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 391. Tringa id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 248, pi. 327. Totanus (Euliga) 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, l'l 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 BartranCs 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 fiavipes, Gmelis. Yeltowshanks Snipe, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 468. 8. id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 55, pi. 58, fig. 1. Totanus id. Oed'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.) Totanus chloropygius, Vieillot. Tringn solitaria. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 53, pi. 58, fig. 3. T. glareolus. Ord, reprint, p. 57. T. Moropysius. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 325. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 393. T. id. Nuttall, Manual Ornith. Vol. 2, p. 159. T. solilaria. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 309, pi. 343. Giraud, 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 rounded. 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. This little bird is, as its name indicates, a solitary and shy species. It is called the Green- rump Toiler, 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, Gmelin. Spotted Snipe, Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol.2, p. 467. »S. vocifera, Telltale Godwit. Wilson, Am. Ora. Vol. 7, p. 57, fig. 5. Tolanus mclanoleucus, Vieillot. Ord, reprint of Wilson, p. 61. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 324, 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. Giradd, 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 the 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. GRALLiE — SCOLOPACID^E — TOTANUS. 251 THE WILLET. TOTANUS SEMIPALMATUS. PLATE XCVIII. FIG. 219. (STATE COLLECTION.) Scolapax semipalmata, Gmelin. Semipabnaled Snipe. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 469. S. id. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, p. 27, pl.«5G, fig. 3 (summer). 2'. crassirostris, Vieillot. T. (Caloptrophorus) semipalmatus. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N.Y. Vol. 2, p. 323. T. id. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 388, pi. 67 (summer). Ncttall, Man. Ornith. Vol. 2, p. 145. T. id. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 324, pi. 34*7. 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 white. 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 larvas. 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. (EXTRALIMITAL. T. floridanus, 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 while. Scapulars and all above dusky brown, edged with soiled white. Tail dark grey, barred with brown ; the two central feathers longest. Length, 11*0. Florida Keys. GENUS LIMOSA. JBrisson. 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 MARL1N. LlMOSA FEDOA. PLATE C1I. FIG. 228 (Variety). (STATE COLLECTION.) Scolopax fedoa, LiNNiUs, p. 244. Great Godivit, Pennant, Arct. Zoo]. Vol. 2, p. 4G5 ; suppl. p. 68. £. id. Wilson, Am. Orn. 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. 318. L. id. GlRADD, 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 SCOLOPACID-E — LIMOSA. 253 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, 16-5-19-0v The female of this species is much larger than the male. It is described in the books as the Great Marbled Godtvit, a name entirely unknown to the people of the country. With us it is generally called the Marlin, and less frequently Red Curlew, Straight-hilled 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 CHI. FIG. 230 (Winter). (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.) Hudsonian Godwit. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Suppl. p. G8. Scolopax hudsonica. Latham, Ind. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 396. Limosa hudsonica. Richardson, F. B. A. Vol. 2, p. 39G, L. egocephala. Bonapakte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 327. Ndttall, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p. 175. L. hudsonica. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. 335, pi. 349. Gieaud, 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. Colo?- : 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^ — SCOLOPACID.E — SCOLOPAX. 255 THE DOWITCHEE. SCOLOPAX NOVEBORACENSIS. (STATE COLLECTION.) Scolopax grisea et novboracensis, 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'3 Reprint, p. 49. Limosa scolopacea. Say, Long's Exped. Vol. 2, p. 170 (winter). Totanus noveboracensis. Sabine, Frank. Journey (autumn). 8. ( Macroramphus ) grisea. Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 2, p. 330. Id. Am. Orn. Vol. 4, p. 51, pi. 23, fig. 3 (winter).