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POPULAR EDITION OF
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"OUR LIVING WORLD,"
A NATURAL HISTORY
BY'
THE REV. J. G. WOOD.
REVISED AND ADAPTED TO
ZOOLO&Y,
BY
JOSEPH B. HOLDER, M.D.,
Fellow of the }Jew York Academy of Sciences ; Jtfember of the Society of JVaturalists, E. U. B. ; Jtfember
of the American Ornithologists' Union; Curator of Vertebrate Zoology, American
^Museum of Jfatural History, Central (Park, Jfew York.
FULLY ILLUSTRATED WITH SCIENTIFIC ACCURACY.
VOL,. II.
NEW YORK:
SELMAR HESS
COPYRIGHT,
1S85,
Bf SELMAR HEiJS.
PEEFATOEY NOTE.
Is OUR supervision relates to the species found in North America, we have
adopted the classification which has the approval of American Ornithologists,
that embraced by the Bulletin of the Smithsonian Institution, prepared by Mr.
Ridgway, and entitled : "Nomenclature of North American Birds."
We would here return sincere thanks for the courtesy often in past years
extended to us by the honored Chief of the Smithsonian Institution, and especially now for
the privilege of presenting Mr. Ridgway' s valuable paper.
The names of Audubon, Wilson, Nuttall, as well as of several ornithologists of the
present time, will appear frequently in our pages, as their works are for all time. The
descriptive text of Audubon and AVilson is classic to the lovers of Nature.
Since these pioneers in American ornithology ranged the woodlands and sea shores of
North America, many birds have been added to our Avifauna. Without naming individ-
uals, we may express the opinion that some of the later literature touching newly dis-
covered birds on the Western plains and mountains quite equals the charming productions
that have given those early writers such prominence.
J. B. H.
111
CONTENTS.
MM
INTRODUCTION. 1
Order ACCIPITRES ; OR BIRDS OP PREY. 11
Sub-Order ACCIPITRES DIURNI ; OR DIURNAL BIRDS OF PRET.
Family VULTURID/E ; Sub-Family GYPMTOSX :
Lammergeyer (rypaelus barbatus ................. 11
Sub-lamily SARCORHAMPHIN*: ; FLESH-BEAKED VULTURES 12
Condor Sarcorhamphus gryphus ................... 12
Black Vulture Catharista iota, or atrata .......... 17
Sub-Family VULTURINJC ; TRUE VULTURES ................. 21
Arabian Vulture Vultur monachus ................ 21
Sociable Vulture Otogyps auricularis .............. 22
Fulvous, or Griffin Vulture Gyps fulvus ........... 24
Egyptian Vulture Neophron perenopterus .......... 26
Family FALCONID^E; Sub-Family AQDALIX^G.; EAQLES ____ 27
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos .................. 28
Martial Eagle Spizaetus bellicosus ................. 33
Laughing Falcon Herpetotlieres cochinnons ........ 33
Jean Le Blanc Eagle Circoetus gollicus ........... 34
Crested, or Harpy Eagle Throsoetus liarpyda ...... 34
Brazilian Eagle, or Urubitinga Morphnus urubitinga 36
Osprey Pandian haliaetus ......................... 36
Cinereous, or Sea Eagle Haliaetus albicilla ........ 39
Sub-Family POLYBORIN'^E .................................. 44
Red-Throated Falcon Ibycter americanus ......... 44
Southern Caracara Milvago australis .............. 45
Brazilian Kite Polyborus braziUensis .............. 45
Sub-Family BUTEOXIN^E :
Buzzard liuteo vulgaris ......................... 46
Rough-Legged Falcon Archibuteo lagopus ......... 47
Sub-Family MILVIN^E:
Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus .................. 48
Kite Milvus regaUs ............................... 48
Swallow-Tailed Kite Elanoides furcatus .......... 49
Black-Winged Falcon HXanus melanoplerus ....... 51
Crook-Billed Falcon Cymindis uncinatus .......... 52
Mississippi Kite Ictmia mississippiensis ............ 52
Sub-Family FALCONI^ ; TRUE FALCONS ................... 55
Jerfalcon Falco gyrfalco ......................... 55
Hobby Hypotriarchis (or Falco) subbuteo ........... 60
Cream-Bellied Falcon Jeracidea berigora ......... 62
Kestrel Tinnuneulus alandarius, or Falco tinnunculus 62
Notched Falcon Harpagus bidentatus ............. 64
Sub-Family ACCIPITRIN.* :
Goshawk Astur palumbarius ...................... 64
Sparrow Hawk Accipiter (or Astur) nisus .......... 67
Chanting Falcon Melierax musicus ................ 70
Sub-Family ClRClNjE :
Secretary Bird Serpentarius (or Gypogeranus) secre-
larius .......................................... 70
Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus ...................... 73
Sub-Order ACCIPITRES NOCTURNI ; OR NOCTURNAL BIRDS OF
PREY .......................................... 75
Family STRIGID.H ; Sub-Family
Canada Owl Surnia ulula ........................ 75
Snowy Owl Nyctea nmea ......................... 77
Burrowing Owl Athene (or Speotyto) cunicularia. . . 78
Sub-Family BUBONIN/E:
Tengmalm's Owl Nyctale funerea ................ 80
Scops Eared Owl Ephialtes'seops, or Scops carnioliaca SO
Great Owl Bubo ignavus ......................... 82
Sub-Family BURNING :
Brown Owl Si/rnium alum ....................... 85
Long Eared Owl Otu> vulgaris ................... 86
VOL. II.
MM
Sub-Family STRIDING :
Barred Owl Strix nebulosa 89
Order PASSERES ; OR PERCHERS 93
Tribe FISSIROSTRES ; OR CLEFT-BEAKED BIRDS.
Sub-Tribe FISSIROSTRES NOCTURNE; OR NOCTURNAL CLEFT-
BEAKED BIRDS.
Family CAPRIMULOID^E ; GOAT-SUCKERS 93
Trinidad Goat-Sucker Steatornis caripensis 93
Tawny-Shouldered Podargus Podargus numerous. 93
New Holland Goat-Sucker jEgothetes novas AoJ-
landicB 95
Great-Eared Goat-Sucker Batrachostomus auritus. . 97
European Goat-Sucker Caprimulgus eurqpceus 98
Long-Tailed Goat-Sucker Scotornis cUmacurus. . . . 100
Leona Nightjar Maarodipteryx longipennis 101
Virginian Goat-Sucker Chordeiles virginianus 108
Nacunda Goat-Sucker Podager nacunda 103
Sub-Tribe FISSIROSTRES DIURNI; OR DIURNAL CLEFT-
BEAKED BIRDS 104
Family HIRUXDINID^: ; SWALLOWS; Sub-Family CYPSE-
LiNjE ; SWIFTS 104
Australian Needle-Tailed Swallow Acanthylis cau-
dacuta 104
Klecho Swallow Macropteryx klecho, or Vendrocheli-
don longipennis 105
White-Bellied Swift Cypselus melba 106
Esculent Swallow CoUocalia nid\ftca Ill
Sub-Family HIRUNDIXIN^E :
White-Breasted Swallow Atticora leucosternon 113
Swallow Hirundo rustica 118
Purple Swallow Progne sufiis 116
Sand Martin Cotyle riparia 118
House Martin Chelidon urbica 118
Family CORACIAD.*: ; Suit-Family CORACIAN.F. ; ROLLERS. . . 120
Oriental Roller Eurystomus orientalis 120
Garrulous Roller Coracias garrula 121
Brachypteracias Brachypteracias leptosomus 121
Sub-Family TODIN^E ; TODIES 121
Green Tody Todus viridis 121
Sub-Family EURYLAIMIN/B:
Javan Tody Eurylaimus jananicus 122
Great-Billed Tody Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchus.. 123
Sub-Family MOMOTIN^::
Brazilian Motmot ifomotus braziUensis 124
Family TROOONID^E ; TROGONS 125
Massena's Trogon Trogon massena 125
Narina Trogon Apaloderma (or Trogon) narina. . . . 126
Cuba Trogon Priotelus temnurus 127
Malabar Trogon Harpactes malabaricus 127
Beautiful Trogon Calurus antisianus 128
Family ALCEDINID^: ; Sub-Family BUCCONIN.E ; BARRETS. . 129
Collared Barbet Bucco coUaris 129
White- Faced Barbet Monasa leucops 130
White-Backed Barbet Chelidoptera tenebrosa 130
Sub-Family HALCYONIX^! ; KINGFISHERS 130
Laughing Jackass Dacela (or Paralcyon) gigas 131
Australian Kingfisher Halcyon sancta 132
Ternatc Kingfisher Tanysiptera dea 133
Tridactylous Kingfisher Ceyx tridactyla 134
Sub-Family ALCKDININ.AC :
Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon 136
Common Kingfisher Alcedo ispida 135
Tiny Kingfisher Alcyone pualla 137
CONTENTS.
Sub-Family GALBULIN^E ; JACAMARS 137
Paradise Jacamar Galbula paradisea 137
Great Jacamar Jacamerops graudis 139
Family MEKOPIU^: ; BEE-EATERS 139
Bee-Eater Merops apiaster 140
Azure-Throated Bee-Eater Nyctiorras atherkmi 140
Bullock's Bee-Eater Meliltophagus buUackii 141
Trite TENUIROSTRES ; OR SLENDER-BILLED BIRDS 142
Family UPUPID^K ; Sub-Family EPIMACIIIN.K :
Rifle Bird Xeomorpka paradisea 142
Superb Plume Bird Epimachus magnug 145
Hull- Family UPUPIX.K :
Hoopoe I'pupa epops 148
Family PROMEROPID-E :
Fiery-Tailed Sun-Bird Nectarinia metallica 151
Dicseum Dicceum luruiulinaceum 154
Azure Caereba Ccereba cyanea 155
Scarlet Drepanis Drepards coccinea 156
Family MELIPHAGID^E ; HONEY EATERS 157
New Holland Honey - Eater Meliphaga rumce AoJ-
landice 157
Poe Bird Prosthemadera nome zeelandice 158
Friar Bird Tropidorlu/itchus corniculatus 160
Brush Wattle Bird Anthochaera carunculata 160
Family TROCHILID^E ; HUMMIXG-BIRDS 161
Ruby-Throated Humming-Bird Trochilus colubris. 162
Sword-Bill Hummiug-Bird Docima-ftes ensifer 165
Slender Shear-Tail Tltaumastura enicura 167
Copper-Bellied Puff-Leg Eriocnemvs cupreiventris . . 167
Fiery Topaz Topazapyra, or pvtta 168
Racket- Tail Humming-Bird Discura longicauda. . . 169
White-Booted Racket-Tail Spatlmra undericoodii . 169
Columbian Thornbill Khompliomicron heteropogon. . 170
Popelaire's Thorntail Oouldia popelarii 171
Rufous Flame-Bearer Selaspkarus rufus 171
Salle's Hermit Phauthornis auguxti 172
Jacobin Huutming-Bird Florisuga mcllimra 173
Linden's Helmet-Crest Oxypogon lindenii 173
Angela Star-Throat Heliomaster angelae 174
Sickle-Bill Humming-Bird Eulaieres aquila 175
Mars Sun-Angel Heliangdus manors 175
Spangled Coquette Lopliurnis regime 176
Bolivia Violet- Ear Petasophora ioUita 178
Sparkling-Tail Trypliana dupontii 178
Sappho Comet Cometes spargaiaarus, or Sparganura
sapplio 178
Yarrell's Woodstar Calalharax yarrelki 180
Blue-Tailed Sylph Cynantltus cyanurus 181
Cayenne Fairy Hdiothrix auritits 181
Avocet Humming-Bird Awcetta recurvirostris 182
Chimborazinn Hill-Stir OreotrochiliLS chimbvrazo . .. 183
Gilt-Crested Humming-Bird Orthorhynchus exilis. . 185
Vervain Humming-Bird MuUisuga minima 185
Family CERTHID.E ; CREEPERS; Sub-Family FURNARIN^E. . . 187
Oven-Bird Furnarius rufus 188
Sub-family DENDROCOLAPTINX:
Curved-Billed Creeper Sendrocohiptes procurvus. . . 189
Sub-Family CERTHIN^E ; TRUE CREEPERS 189
Common Tree Creeper Cerlhia familiaris 189
Wall Creeper Tichodrama murarius 191
Sub-Family SITTING :
Nuthatch Silla caesia 191
Sub-Family MENURIX.E :
Lyre-Bird Menura superba 193
Wren Troglodytes vulgaris 197
Tribe DENTIROSTRES ; OR TOOTHED-BILL BIRDS 198
Family LCSCIXID^E ; Su.b-Fam.Uu MALURIN^E ; SOFT-TAILED
WARBLERS 198
Tailor-Bird Orthotamus bennettti 198
Pine-Pine Drymoica textrix 199
Emen Wren Stipiturus malachurus 200
VOL. II.
PAOS
Sub-Family LUSCININ.B ; SONG WARBLERS ................ 202
W Mtethroat Sylvia utiduta ....................... 202
Nightingale Lusvinia pkilomela ................... 207
(irasshopper Warbler Calamudyta locustelia. ....... 209
Sub-Family ERYTUACINA; ; REDBREAST VARIETY ........... 211
\Vliratear Naxii-ijla miundke ...................... 211
Stonechat Pratuu.vla rudwola ..................... 212
Redstart liutidlla pluenimra ...................... 214
Redbreast Erytliams rubecula .................... 215
Blue-Throated Warbler Cyanecula suecioa ........ 218
Dayal Cojisi/vhiis sautaris ......................... 219
Blue Bird Sialia sialis ............................ 220
Sub-Family ACCENTORIN.H ; ACCENTORS ................... 222
Hedge Sparrow Accentor nujdularis ............... 222
Sub-Family PARING ; TITMICE ........................... 223
Great Titmouse Parus major ..................... 223
Bearded Titmouse Paroides biarmicus ............. 227
Sub-Family MNIOTILTIN.E ; BUSH-CREEPERS ............... 227
Bush-Creeper Zosterops palpebrosus ............... 227
Sub-Family MOTACILLIN.*: ; WAGTAILS .................... 228
Pied Wagtail Motacilla yarrdlii .................. 228
White-Faced Ephthianura Ejihthiatutra albifrons.. 230
Meadow Pipit Anthus pratcufis ................... 230
Family TURDID^:, THRUSHES ; Sub-Family FORMICARIN.E. . 233
Black-Headed Pitta Pitta melanoct.'phala .......... 233
Dipper Hydrobales cinctus ........................ 234
Sub-Family TURDIX.E:
Mocking-Bird Mimus polygtottus .................. 235
Missel Thrush Turdus msdoorus .................. 238
Sub-Family TIMALIX.E ; BABBLERS ....................... 249
Chestnut-Capped Timalia Timalia ptteata ......... 249
Spotted Ground-Thrush Cinclosoma panctalum .... 249
Black-faced Thrush GarrtUax c/imensis ........... 250
Sub-Family ORIOLIX^: ; ORIOLES ......................... 250
Golden Oriole Oriolus galbula ..................... 250
Family MUSCICAPID^E : FLY-CATCHERS; Sub-Family ALEC-
COCK-TAILED BIRDS ................. 252
-Si'.i
254
254
257
-2^1
257
258
259
262
262
263
'203
it!3
204
265
265
265
268
269
269
270
270
271
Family LANIID.F. ; SHRIKES ; Sub-Family LANIIN^E ........ 272
Great Gray Shrike Lanius excubitor ............. 272
Red-Backed Shrike Enneoctonus (or Lanius) oollurio 274
Sub-Family THAMNOPHILIX.K ; Brsn-SuRiKEs .............. 277
Vigors' Bush-Shrike ThamnophUus mgoraii ........ 277
Yellow-Breasted Chat Icteria viridis ..............
Cunningham's Bush Shrike (fuberneles yelapa .....
Sub-Family TYKANNIX/E:
King Bird Tyrannus carolinensis ..................
Fork-Tailed Flycatcher Mitotdus lyrannus ........
Sub-Family MUSCICAPIX^E ; TYPICAL FLY-CATCHERS .......
White-Shafted Fan Tail Kkipidura albiscapa .....
Paradise Flycatcher Tcliitrea paradisea ...........
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa grisola .............
King Tody Musi-ivora reyia ..................... . .
Family AMPEI.ID^: ; CHATTERERS ; Sub-Family PACHYCEPH-
ALIN.B .........................................
Diamond Bird Pardulotus punctatus ..............
Sub-Family PIPRIX*' ; THE MAXAKINS ....................
Golden-Winged Manakin Pipra chrysoptera ......
Cock of the Rock Rupicola aurantia ..............
Green Calyptomena Calyptomena viriilis ...........
Sub-Family AMPELIK^B ; WAXEX .........................
Bohemian Waxwing Ampelis garrulus ...... .
Bell Bird Arapunga alba
Sub-Family CAMPEPHAOIN.E ; THE CATERPILLAR-EATERS. .
Great Pericrocotus Pericromtus spectosus
Sub-Family DICRURIN^: ; DOUBLE-TAILED BIRDS
Wood Swallow Artamus sordidus
Great Dicrurus Dicrurus grandis
CONTENTS.
vn
PAOK
Trilm COXIROSTRES ; OB CONE-BlLUU) Bums 277
Family Couvio.K ; Sub-Family PHONOGAMIN.K ; PIPING
Ci)ws 277
Piping Crow Shrike Gymitarkina tibicen 278
Pied Crow Shrike Slrepera graculina 279
Hull- Family GARRULIN^K ; TALKATIVE BIRDS 279
Jay Garrulus glaudarius 279
American Blue Jay C'yanocorax crislatus, or Cyano-
citta tristata 281
limiting Cissa Cisati sinensis 284
Hub-Family CALLEATINJC ; TREE CROWS 285
Benteot Crypsirhi-na varia 285
Wandering Pie Tumnurus vagabundus, or Dendro-
citta rufa 286
Sub-Family CORVINE: ; TRUE CROWS 287
Raven Corvus corax 287
Bald Crow Picatluirtes gymnocephalus 300
Nutcracker Nunifraga caryocalacles 300
Magpie Pica caudata 302
Sub-Family GYMNODERIN^: ; FRUIT CROWS 305
Bare-Necked Fruit Crow Gymnoderus fvelidus 306
Umbrella Bird Cephalopterus omatus 307
Sub-Family PYRRUOCORACIN.*: ; SCARLET CROWS 308
Chough Carai-ia gracula, or Frcgilus graculus 308
Family PARADISEID.K ; BIRDS OK PARADISE 310
King-Bird of Paradise Paradisea regia 310
Family STURXID.K; STARLINGS; full-Family PTILONORHYN-
CUI.K; GLOSSY STARLINGS 314
Satin Bower Bird Ptiluiiorhyiu;hus holoseiiceus 314
Spotted Bower Bird Cklamydera maculala 315
Sub-Family GRACULIN^: ; GRAKLES .... 316
Mino Bird Gracula musica 316
Sub-Family BUPHAGINMC ; BEEF-EATERS 318
African Beef-Eater Buphaga erythrorhyticha 318
Sub-Family STURNIN/K ; TRUE STARLINGS 319
Kose-Colored Pastor Pastor roseus 319
Common Starling filurnus vulgaris 320
Sub-Family Quisc VI.IN* ; BOAT-TAILED BIRDS 321
Great Boat-Tail Qni.;alus major 321
Huh- Family IcTKiux.K ; HANO-NKST BIRDS 322
Orchard Oriole A'anthuriiis vnrius 322
Baltimore Oriole l'/</iii/r's Itatlimorv, or Icterus gal-
bula ",![
Crested Oriole Cacicus cristatiis, or Ostituips cristata 325
Sub-Family AMJEL.UX.K :
Cow-Bird Molollirus pecaris 326
Red-Winged Starling Agclaius phamiveus 328
Buljolink IMwlwnyx oryzivorus 331
Family FRINOII.LID.K; FINCHES; Salt-Family FLOCKING. . . 332
Sociable Weaver Bird Pliilelaerus socitts 3o3
Paradise Widali Bird Vidua paradisea 336
Sub-Family COCCOTHRAUKTIX.K ; HAWFINCHES 336
Cardinal Grosbeak C'ardinalis virginianus 336
Suit-Family TANAORIX.U ; TANAORINK BIRDS 339
Scarlet Tanager Pyranga rulira 339
Suit-Family FRINGILLIN.*: ; TRUE FINCHES 341
Gonldian Finch Amadina gmUdii 341
Goldfinch Frinyilla carduelis 341
Sparrow Passer dameslicus 346
White-Throated Sparrow Zonolrichia aWicollis 347
Sharp-Tailed Finch Ammodromus caudacutus 348
Sub-Family EMBERIZIX.-K ; BUNTINGS 348
Yellow Bunting Emberiza citrinetta 348
Black-Throated Bunting Euspiza americana 351
Snow Bunting Plectmphanes nivalis 352
Sub-Family ALAUDIX.*: ; LARKS 354
Sky-Lark Alauda anensis 354
Pencilled Lark Olocoris pencillalus 356
Sub-Family PYRRUULIN^B :
Bullfinch Pyrrhula rubicttla 358
Sub-Family LOXIAN/K ; CROSSBILLS 361
Crossbill Lozia curvirostris 361
Suit-Family PHYTOTOMIN.K ; PLANT-CUTTERS 363
Chilian Plant-Cutter P/iytotoma rara 363
VOL. II.
Family COLID<K:
Senegal-Coly CoKus macrourus. :i64
Family Mi soiMiAOiDyK ; Sub-Family MUSOPHAOIN.*:; PLAN-
TAIN-EATEKS U(M
Violet Plantain-Eater Musopliaga violacea 36,">
White-Crested Touraco Turacus aUiocrislatus 366
Blue Plantain-Eater Scliizt/rliis giganlea 366
Sub-Family OPISTHOCOMIN.K:
Hoatziii Opisthotvmtis crislatus 367
Family BUCEROTID.K ; HOUXHILLS ::i.7
Kbinoceros Horubill liuceros rhinoceros ::ii-<
Order SCANSORES ; OR CLIMBING BIRDS 371
Family RHAMPHASTID.H :
Toco llluimpkastos toco 37 1
Family PSITTACID.K ; PARROTS ; Sub-Family PEZOPORIN.K ;
GROUND PARRAKKETS 374
Parrakeet Cockatoo iVi/t;</i/r.-- /n.r; iHillaiuKas. . . . 374
Yellow-Bellied Parrakeet Platycercus caledonicus. . 376
Ground Parrakeet Pczoplurrus formosus 377
Ringed Parrakeet Palacornis lorqualus 378
Warbling Grass Parrakeet MclcrpMtacus undulatus 381
Blue-Banded Grass Parrakeet Eiijthenia chrysostoma 383
Scaly-Breasted Lorrikeet Trichoghssus chlorolcpi-
dotus 383
Sub-Family ARA IN.*: ; MACAWS 384
Blue and Yellow Macaw Ara ararauna 384
Carolina Parrot Conurus carolinensis 386
Sub-Family LORIN jK ; LORIES 389
Papuan Lory Charmogyna papua 389
Purple-Capped Lory Lorius domicellus, or DomiceUa
atricapula 390
Sub-Family PSITTACIN^K ; TRUE PARROTS 391
Gray Parrot Psitlacus erylhacus 391
Festive Green Parrot C'lirysolis fcslivus 394
Swindern's Love-Bird Psillacula stvinderniana 396
Sub-Family C ACUTUIN M ; COCKATOOS 396
Goliath Aratoo Microglossus aterrimus 396
Great White Cockatoo -I'ai-atna crialala, or Plictolo-
plius moluccerisis 398
Philip Island Parrot Nestor pnxbictus 400
Helmet Cockatoo Calyi'/nri-lii/ni /i.-- //,-//i'ti/ii.< 4(1.'!
Owl Parrot ->'/n'w/o/js lialinijililns 405
Pes<iuet's lasy]itilus /'i/.--i/y''/> l'rt:-:/m'lii 405
Family PICID.K; WODDPEI'KERS ; Suli-Family CAPITONIN*;
BARBETS.. ' 406
Hair-Breasted Barbct Luinutlon hirfnlus 406
Sub-Family PICUMNIN.K ; PICULETS 407
Pigmy Piculet Picumnus minutus 407
Sub-Family PICIN>: ; TRUE WOODPECKERS 408
Great Spotted Woodpecker Picus major 408
Ivory-Billed Woodpecker Campephilus principals. . 411
Sub-Family GECIXIN.K ; (JREEN WOODPECKERS 415
Green Woodpecker Gecinus (or Picus) Hindis 415
Sub-Family MALANERPIX.K ; BLACK WOODPECKERS :
Red-Headed Woodpecker Melarierpes (or Picus)
crylhrocephalus 418
Sub-Family COLAPTIX.*: ; GROUND WOODPECKERS 419
Gold-Winged Woodpecker Colaples auralus 419
Sub-Family YUNCIN^E:
Wryneck Jyrac torquilla 421
Family CUCULID.E; CUCKOOS; Suit-Family INDICATORIN.K. 423
Great Honey Guide /uZioator major 423
Sub-Family SAUROTHERIN.B ; GROUND CUCKOOS 425
Rain-Bird Saurothcra velula 425
Sub-Family COCCYZIN^E ; LARK-HEELED CUCKOOS 426
Pheasant Cuckoo Centropus phasianus 426
Yellow-Billed American Cuckoo Coccygus ameri-
canus 427
Sub-Family CROTOPHAGIN^E:
Savannah Blackbird Crolophaga ani 428
Channel-Bill Scythrops name hollandue 430
Sub-Family CUCUI.IN^B ; TRUE CUCKOOS 431
Cuckoo Cuculus canorus 431
Order COLUMB^E ; DOVES AND PIGEONS 435
Vlll
CONTENTS.
Family COLUJJBID/E ; Suit-Family COLUMBINE : PAGE
Oceanic Fruit Pigeon Carpophaga ucearuca 435
Passenger Pigeon Ectopistes miyratvrius 436
Stock Dove Cuiumba aenas 442
Top-Knot Pigeon Lojiltolaimus anlarcticus 446
Turtle-Dove Turtur viugaris 446
Sub-Family GOURIN^E:
Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps (or PAops) lophotes 448
Bronze-\V ing Pigeon Pluips clialMyitera 449
Wanga-Wonga Pigeon Leucosarcia picata 450
Nicobar Pigeon Calasnas nicobarica 450
Crowned Pigeon Gaura (or Columba) coronata 451
Bub-Family DIDUNCULIN.* :
Tooth-Billed Pigeon Didunculus strigirostris 452
Sub-Family DIDIN,E : 453
Dodo Didus ineptus 453
Order GALLING ; THE POULTRY 455
Family CRACID^E ; Sub-Family GRACING:
Crested Curassow Crax aleclor 455
Family MEGAPODID^E ; Sub-Family MKOAPODIN^E :
Australian Jungle Fowl Megapodius tumulus 457
Leipoa Leipoa oceUata 458
Sub-Family TALLEOALLIN^E:
Brush Turkey TaUegaiLa lathami 459
Family PHASIANID/K ; Sub-Family PAVONINE ; PEACOCKS... 462
Peacock Pavo crislatus 462
Crested Peacock Pheasant Polyplectron napoleanis. 464
Sub-Family PHASIANIN^E ; PHEASANTS 464
Argus Pheasant -Argus giganteus 464
Pheasant Phasianus colchicus 465
Sub-Family GA^LIN/B :
Golden Pheasant Gallophasis (or Thaumalea) picta. 467
Bank! va Jungle Fowl Gattus Bankiva 471
Horned Trapogan Ceriamis salyra 473
Sub-Family MELEAGRIN.K ; TURKEYS 473
Turkey Meleagris gallopavo 473
Guinea Fowl Numida pucherani 477
Sub-Family LOPHOPHORIN/E :
Impeyan Pheasant Lophophorus impeyanus 478
Family TETRAONID^: ; Sub-Family PERDICIN^B 479
Partridge Perdix cinereus 479
Ked-Legged Partridge Oaccabis rufa 481
Sanguine Francolin Ithaginis cruentus 482
Quail Coturnix communis 482
Sub-Family ODONTOPHORIN.* :
Virginian Quail Ortijx virginiana 484
Sub-Family PETRAOMN.*::
Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus 487
Willow Grouse Lagopus albus 495
Sub-Family PTEROCLIN/E:
Sand Grouse Pterocles cxustus 498
Family CHIOMD^E; Sub-Family CHIUNIDIN.; SHEATH-BILLS. 499
White Sheath-Bill Chtonis alba 499
Family TINAMID/E ; TINAMOUS 499
Elegant Tinamou Tinamotis elcgans 499
Order STRUTHIONES ; OR RUNNING BIRDS 501
Family STRUTHIONID* ; Sub-Family STRUTHIONTN^E :
Ostrich Struthio camelus 501
Emeu Dramaius novae hollandice 504
Rhea Rhea americana 505
Cassowary Casuarius galeatus 507
Sub-Family APTERYGIN/K :
Apteryx Apteryx australis 511
Sub-Family OTINID^E :
Great Bustard Otis tarda 514
Order GRALL.E ; OR LONG-LEGGED BIRDS 514
Family CHARADRIAD^S ; Sub-Family ffiDiCNEMiN^E :
Great Plover (Edicnemus crepitans 517
Sub-Family GLAREOLIN* :
Pratincole Glareola pratincola 518
Sub-Family CURSORIN^E:
Cream-Colored Courser Cursorius gallicus, or ffyas
cegt/plia 519
Sub-Family CHARADRIN^E :
Lapwing Vanclliis crislatus 519
Golden Plover Charadrius pluvialis 52l
Sub-Family H^SMATOPODIN^E :
Oyster-Catcher Haematopus ostralegus 529
Sub-Family CINCLIN.* :
Turnstone Cinclus interpret 631
Family ARDEID/E ; Sub-Family PSOPHIN^;:
Golden- Breasted Trumpeter Psophia crepitans 532
Qariama Cariama cristata, or Mcholophus cristatus.. 533
Sub-Family GROINS:
Crane Grus cinerea 533
Demoiselle Crane Scops (or Anthropaides) Virgo. . . . 535
Crowned Crane Jialearica pavonina 536
Sub-Family ARDEIN^ :
American Egret fit-radios alba egretta, or Ardea
cgretta 537
Bittern liotaurus stdlaris 546
Nankeen Night-Heron NifHicarax caledonicus 549
Boat-Bill Vancroma cocfilearna 5">0
Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia 551
voi. n.
Sub-Family Cicomnja ; STORKS : PAOB
Stork Ciconia alba 552
Adjutant Leptoptilus crumenifer 553
Jabirus Mycteria seiwgaUxisix 555
W hale-Headed Stork Malcenweps rex 057
Sub-Family TANTALIN^K ; IBIS 559
Sacred Ibis Iljis aethiopica 559
Straw-Necked Ibis Geronticus spinicollis 560
Family SCOLOPACID^: ; Sub-Family LIMOSIN/E 562
Curlew Numenius arquulus 562
Black-Tailed Godwit Limosa aegocephala 565
Sub-Family TOTANIN/K ; SANDPIPERS 568
Green Sandpiper -Totanusochropus 568
Common Sandpiper Tringoides hypoleuca 669
Sub-Family RECURTIROKTRIXJ*: :
Avocet Itecurvirostra awcetta 569
Stilt Plover Uimaniopus candidus 570
Sub-Family TRINOIN^:
Ruff Philomachus (or Machetes) pugnax 571
Knot Tringa canutus 571
Sub-Family SCOLOPACIN*::
Great Snipe Gallinago major 575
Woodcock Scolopax rusticola 577
Sub-Family PHALAROPODIN^::
Gray Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius 578
Family PALAMEDEID.K ; Sub-Family PARRIN^E:
Mexican Jacana Parra gymnostoma 578
Chinese Jacana Hydraphasianus chinensis 579
Sub-Family PALAMEUEIN/K ; SCREAMERS 680
Horned Screamer Palameddea mrnuta 580
Crested Screamer (Jhauna cristatus 681
Family RALLIU.E ; RAILS; Suit-Family RALLIN^E 581
Water Rail JKallus aquaticus 581
Corncrake Orlygometra crex 585
Sub-Family GALLINULIN/K:
Hvacinthine Gallinule Porphijrio veierum 586
Water Hen Gallinula chloropus 587
Coot Fulica atra 589
Order ANSERES ; THE GOOSE, SWAN, DUCK, ETC.. . . 590
Family ANATID.*; ; Sub-Family PuffiMCopTERlN* :
Flamingo Pliomicopterus ruber 590
Sub-Fannly PLECTROPTERIN^: :
Spur- Winged Goose Plectrophanes gambensis 592
Cape Barren Goose-G'ereqpsis (orAnser> iwme IwUaiidice 593
Bernicle Goose Jiernicla leuvopsis 594
Snb-Family CYONIN^::
Mute Swan Cygnus olar 597
Sub-Family ANATIN.* ; TRUE DUCKS 601
Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata Kill
Widgeon Mareca penelope 601
Mallard Anas Ijosc/ias 603
Teal Querquedula crecca 603
Shoveller Duck Spatula clypeata On")
Sub-Fumily FULIGULIN.* 606
Pochard Dun-Bird Nyroca terina 6H6
Common Duck Somateria moUissima 610
Sub-Family MERGING 612
Goosander Mcrgus merganser 612
Smew Mergellus albellus 612
Family CoLTlCBIDvE; DIVERS; Sub-Family COI.YMBIK^E.. . . 613
Great Northern Diver Golymbus glaiialis 613
Sub-Family PODICEPINA: ; GREBES 614
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus 614
Family ALCID^: ; Sub-Family ALCIN^K ; AUKS 615
Great Auk Alca (or Plantusi impenras 615
Puffin Fratercula arvtica 616
Sub-Famili/ SPHEMSCIN^E ; PENGUINS 617
K'ing Penguin Aptenodytes pennantii (117
Sub-Family URIN^E 618
Guillemot Uria troile U18
Family PROCELLARID^, ; Sub-Family PROCEI.LARIN* ; PET-
BELH 618
Stormy Petrel - Thalassidroma pelagica 618
Fulmar Petrel Procellaria glacialis (U9
Sub-Familii DIOMEDEIN.K 620
Wandering Albatross Diomedca exulans 620
Family LARIB.K ; Sub-Family LARIN^: ; GUM.S 621
Skua Gull- Sterarrariuscatarrhactes, orMegalestrisskua 621
Common Gull Larus canus 623
Kittiwake Gull Rissa trydactyla 623
Sub-Family RHYNCOPIN*:
Scissor-Bill lihi/ncops nigra 624
Sub-Family STERNIN/K ; TKRNS 624
Tern Sterna hirumlo 624
Noddy Ajious stolidus 624
Family PEI.ECANID*: ; PELICANS; Sub-Family PH&TOXKM. 626
Tropic Bird Phaeton aethereus 626
Sub-Family PLOTIN/E ; DARTERS 627
Darter Plotus anhinga 627
Sub-Family PELECANIN^: :
Gannet, or Solan Goose Sula bassanea 628
Cormorant Graculus carbo 629
Pelican Pelec<inns viwcrotalits 630
Frigate Bird Tai.iiypetes aquilus 631
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
ILLUSTRATIONS PRINTED IN COLORS.
Lammergeyer 12
Resplendent Trogon 128
Titmice 224
Dipper, Wagtails and Wrens 228
Paradise Flycatchers 258
Weaver Birds 332
Group of Pinches '. 342
Partridge 480
Woodcock 576
Mallard Duck... . 603
FULL-PAGE WOOD ENGRAVINGS.
First Lessons in Plight 6
Golden Eagle 28
Osprey 36
Cinereous, White-Tailed, or Sea-
Eagle 40
Kites 48
Jerfalcon 56
PAGE
Harriers 74
Trinidad Goat-Sucker 92
Group of Song- Warblers 202
The Finishing Touch 206
Redstarts 214
Conjugal Tenderness 240
Starlings and Magpie 302
Birds of Paradise 310
Early Breakfast 344
Marauding Sparrows 346
Group of Buntings 348
Crossbills . 362
Nestor-Parrots 402
Woodpeckers 406
ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE TEXT.
PAGE
Frontispiece 1
Title-Page (Birds) 9
VULTURES.
Condor 13
King Vulture 16
Black Vulture 18
Turkey Buzzard 20
Common Arabian Vulture 21
Group of True Vultures 22
Pondichery Vulture 23
Fulvous, or Griffin Vulture 24
Egyptian Vulture 26
EAGLES.
Imperial Eagle 31
Booted Eagle 32
Martini Eagle 33
Jean Le Blanc Eagle 31
Crested, or Harpy Eagle 35
Bald, or White-Headed Eagle 41
FALCONS AND HAWKS.
Red-Throated Falcon 44
Brazilian Kite 45
Buzzard 46
Rough-Legged Falcon 47
Honey-Buzzard 48
Kites 49
Arabian Kite 50
Black-Winged Falcon 51
Mississippi Kite, and Swallow-Tailed
Falcon 53
Peregrine Falcon 58
Liinmrr 59
Hobby 60
Merlin 61
Kestrel 62
Red-Footed Falcon 63
Bengal Falcon 64
Goshawk 65
Sparrow Hawk 67
Chanting Falcon, and Serpent Falcon 71
Secretary Bird 72
VOL. II. ANIMATE CREATION.
OWLS.
PAGE
Hawk Owl 76
Snowy Owl and Bearded Owl 77
Coquimbo, or Burrowing Owl 78
Little Owl 80
Long-Eared Owl and Scops Eared
Owl 81
Great Owl 82
Brown Owl 86
Ural Owl 87
Short-Eared Owl 89
GOAT-SUCKERS.
Tawny-Shouldered Podargus 94
New Holland Goat-Sucker 95
Great-Eared Goat-Sucker 96
Great Ibigau 97
European Goat-Sucker 98
Lyre-Tailed Goat-Sucker 99
Carolina Goat-Sucker 100
Long-Winged Goat-Sucker 101
Virginian Goat-Sucker 102
SWALLOWS.
Klecho Swallow 106
White-Bellied Swift and Swift 107
Esculent Swallows 112
Sand Martin and Purple Swallow. . . 117
Swallow and House Martin 119
ROLLERS.
Oriental Roller 120
Garrulous Roller 121
TODIES.
Green Tody 122
Javan Tody 123
MOTMOT, TROGON, AND BARBET.
Brazilian Motmot 124
Trogon 127
Collared Barbet 130
KINGFISHERS.
Laughing Jackass 131
Australian Kingfisher 133
Kingfisher 136
iz
JACAMAR, AND BEE-EATERS.
PAGB
Green Jacamar , 138
Nubian Bee-Eater 140
Azure-Throated Bee-Eater 141
NEOMORPHA, AND PLUME-BIRDS.
Gould's Neomorpha 144
Superb Plume Bird 145
Twelve-Thread Epimachus 147
HOOPOE, AND SUN-BIRDS.
Hoopo3 148
Fiery-Tailed Sun-Bird 151
Collared Sun-Bird 152
C^EREBA, AND POE BIRD.
Azure Csereba 156
Poe Bird 159
HUMMING-BIRDS.
Sword-Bill Humming-Bird 166
Fiery Topaz Humming-Bird 168
White-Booted Racket-Tail 170
Sickle-Bill Humming-Bird 175
Tufted Coquette 177
Sappho Comet 179
Cayenne Fairy 182
Sun-Gem 183
Chimborazian Hill-Star 184
CREEPERS, WRENS, WARBLERS,
REDBREAST, ETC.
Oven-Bird 188
Common Tree-Creeper 190
Nuthatch 192
Lyre-Bird 194
Tailor-Bird 199
Emeu Wren 200
Golden Crested Wren and Fire-
Crested Wren 201
Garden Whitethroat and Black-Cap
Warbler 203
Chiff-Chaff, or Lesser Pettichaps 204
Nightingales 208
Grasshopper Warblers 209
Sedge Warbler 210
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE
Wheatear, Whinchat, and Stonechat 212
Redbreast and Redstart 216
Blue-Throated Warbler and Calliope 218
Black-Throated Green Warbler 220
Hedge Sparrow, and Alpine Accentor 222
WAGTAILS, AND PIPITS.
White Wagtail 228
Gray Wagtail and Meadow Pipit 229
Tree Pipit 231
Richard's and Rock Pipit 232
THRUSHES.
Short-Tailed Ant-Thrush 234
Mocking-Bird 236
Thrushes 239
Ring Ouzel and Song-Thrush 241
Cat-Bird 243
ORIOLE, KING BIRDS, FLY-
CATCHERS, AND MANAKIN.
Golden Oriole 251
King Birds 255
Spotted, and Pied Fly-Catcher 260
Cock of the Rock 264
CHATTERER AND SHRIKES.
Bohemian Wax -Wing, or Waxen
Chatterer 266
Great Gray Shrike and Red-Backed
Shrike 274
Woodchat Shrike 276
CROWS AND JAYS.
Piping Crow 218
Jay 280
American Blue Jay 282
Hunting Cissa 284
Wandering Pie " 286
Great-Billed Crow 297
Nut-Cracker, and European Jay. . . . 301
Bald Fruit Crow 306
. Umbrella Bird 307
Chough, and Alpine Crow 308
BIRDS OF PARADISE.
Incomparable Bird of Paradise 311
Red Bird of Paradise 313
STARLINGS, BOAT-TAILED BIRDS,
HANG-NEST BIRDS, ETC.
Satin Bower Bird 314
Spotted Bower Bird 316
Mino Bird 317
African Beef-Eater 318
Rose-Colored Pastor 319
Common Starling, and Unicolored
Starling 320
Great Boat-Tail 321
Crested Oriole 326
Cow Troopial 327
Red-Winged Starling 329
Rice Troopial, or Bobolink 331
WEAVER BIRDS.
Sociable Weaver Bird 333
Gold, and Rufous - Necked Wearer
Bird 334
Red-Billed, and Alecto Weaver Bird.. 335
HAWFINCHES, SPARROWS, BUNT-
INGS, AND LARKS.
Cardinal Grosbeak, and Hawfinch. . . 337
Wild Canary 345
Common English Sparrow and Tree
Sparrow 346
White-Throated Sparrow 347
Yellow Bunting, or Yellow Ammer. . 349
Ortolan 351
Snow Bunting 353
Lapland Longspur 353
Wood-Lark, Sky Lark, and Bonnet-
Lark 355
Pencilled Lark 357
VOL. ir.
PLANT CUTTERS, AND COLYS.
PAGE
Chilian Plant-Cutter 364
Senegal Coly 364
Violet Plantain-Eater 366
HORNBILLS.
Two-Horned Hornbill 368
Toco 371
PARROTS.
Group of Parrakeets 375
Rose-Hill Parrakeet 377
Ground Parrakeet ; 378
Ringed Parrakeet 379
Warbling Grass Parrakeet 381
Scaly- Breasted Lorrikeet 383
Blue and Yellow Macaw 385
Carolina Parrot 388
Purple-Capped Lory 390
Gray Parrot 391
Amazon Green Parrot 395
Goliath Aratoo 397
Great White Cockatoo 398
Leadbeater's Cockatoo 401
Long-Billed Parrot and Black Cock-
atoo 402
Helmet Cockatoo 403
Owl Parrot 405
WOODPECKERS.
Pigmy Piculet 407
Head of Woodpecker '. 408
Woodpeckers 409
Ivory-Billed Woodpecker 413
Green Woodpecker 416
Three-Toed Woodpecker 417
Red-Headed Woodpecker 418
Gold-Winged Woodpecker 420
Wryneck 422
CUCKOOS.
Great Honey Guide 424
Ground Cuckoo 425
Pheasant Cuckoo 426
Yellow-Billed Cuckoo 427
Savannah Blackbird 429
Channel-Bill 430
Cuckoo 431
DOVES AND PIGEONS.
Passenger Pigeon 436
Bl uc- Headed Pigeon 441
Ring-Dove and Stock-Dove 443
Blue Rock-Pigeon 444
Turtle Dove 447
Crested Pigeon and Bronze-Wing
Pigeon 448
Nicobar Pigeon 450
Crowned Pigeon 451
Tooth-Billed Pigeon 452
CURASSOW, PHEASANTS, TUR-
KEYS, ETC.
Crested Curassow 455
Brush Turkey 460
Reeve's Pheasant 466
Golden Pheasant 468
Amberst's Pheasant 469
Silver Pheasant 470
Horned Tragopan 472
Honduras Turkey 476
Guinea Fowl 478
PARTRIDGES, QUAILS, GROUSE,
AND VARIETIES.
Red-Legged Partridge 481
Quail.... 483
California Quail 486
Capercaillie 487
Black Grouse 490
Pinnated Grouse 491
Willow Grouse (Summer Plumage). . 494
Willow Grouse (Winter Plumage). . . 495
Ptarmigan 497
Sand Grouse 498
RUNNING BIRDS.
Ostrich 501
Rhea 506
Apteryx, or Kiwi-Kiwi 512
BUSTARDS.
Great Bustard 514
Little Bustard 515
PLOVERS, AND VARIETIES.
Great Plover, or Thick-Knee 517
Pratincole 518
Cream-Colored Courser 519
Lapwing 520
Dotterel, and Golden Plover 521
Oyster-Catcher 629
Turnstone 531
CRANES, HERONS, ETC.
Golden-Breasted Trumpeter 533
puiuAa 534
Demoiselle Crane and CrownedCrane 535
American Egret 538
Bittern r>46
Day and Night Herons 548
Boat-Bill 550
Spoonbill 651
STORKS, IBIS, AND VARIETIES.
Adjutant 554
Whale-Headed Stork 558
Sacred Ibis 559
Curlew 563
Avocet 569
Ruff 571
Sanderling 574
lacana 579
Horned Screamer 580
Hyacinthine Gnlliuule 587
GEESE, SWANS, AND DUCKS.
Flamingo 590
Spur-Winged Goose 591
Cape Barron Goose 592
Gray-Lag Goose 593
Bernicle Goose 594
Egyptian Goose 595
Whistling Swan 598
Black Swan 599
Wood Duck 604
Shoveller Duck 606
Eider Duck 610
Goosander 612
GREBES, AND AUKS.
Great Crested Grebe 614
Great Auk 615
King Penguin 617
Guillemot 618
PETRELS, GULLS, AND TERNS.
St.inny Petrel 619
Fulmar Petrel 020
Giant Fulmar 620
Group of Gulls 621
Skua Gull 622
Daption, or Cape Petrel 622
Ross's Gull 624
Caspian Tern 625
PELICANS, ETU.
Tropic Bird 626
Levaill.int's Darter, or Snake Bird.. . 627
Gannet, or Solan Goose 628
Cormorant 629
Pelican 630
Frigate Bird 632
moderate
A similar
INTRODUCTION.
HE most conspicuous external characteristic by which the BIRDS are distinguished
from all other inhabitants of earth, is the feathery robe which invests their bodies,
and which serves the double purpose of clothing and progression. For the first
of these two objects it is admirably adapted, as the long, slender filaments of the
feathers are not only in themselves indifferent conductors of heat, but entangle
among their multitudinous fibres a considerable amount of air, which resists the
ingress or the egress of external or internal heat, and thus preserves the bird in a
temperature through the icy blasts of winter or the burning rays of the summer sun.
function is discharged by the furry coats of many mammalia ; but the feathers serve
VOL. II. 1.
2 STRUCTURE OF THE EGG.
another office, which is not possessed by hair or fur. They aid the creature in progression,
and enable it to raise and to sustain itself in the atmosphere. Towards the promotion of this
latter function the entire structure of the body and limbs is obviously subservient, and even in
the comparatively rare instances where the bird such as the penguin, ostrich, or the kiwi-
kiwi is destitute of flying powers, the general idea of a flying creature is still preserved.
The fuller and more technical description of the Birds runs as follows. They are vertebrate
animals, but do not suckle their young, nourishing them in most instances with food which
has been partially macerated in their own digestive organs, and which they are able to disgorge
at will, after a manner somewhat similar to that of the ruminating quadrupeds. The young
are not produced in an actively animated state, but inclosed in the egg, from which they do
not emerge until they have been warmed into independent life by the effects of constant
warmth. Generally, the eggs are hatched by means of the natural warmth which proceeds
from the mother bird ; but in some instances, such as that of the tallegalla of Australia, the
eggs are placed in a vast heap of dead leaves and grass, and developed by means of the heat
which is exhaled from decaying vegetable substances, and which is generated to such an
extent that in some cases, such as a wet haystack, it actually sets the seething mass on fire.
Urged by a like instinct, the common species of snake deposits its eggs in secret spots, such as
dunghills and hotbeds, and there leaves them to be hatched by the constantly generated warmth.
An analogous process has long been in vogue among the Egyptians for the hatching of young
poultry by artificial heat, and has been, in comparatively recent years, introduced into this
country.
When the egg is first produced, the future chicken is merely indicated by a little germ-
spot, barely the size of a single oat-grain, and does not attain the power of breathing atmos-
pheric air, and receiving nourishment into its mouth, until a period of many days has elapsed.
To watch the gradual development of the young chick is a most interesting experiment, and one
which is full of suggestive instruction. There is but little difficulty in the matter, even in the very
earliest stages of incubation, for the structure of the egg is so wonderfully balanced, that in
order to view the little germ-spot it is only necessary to lay the egg on its side and remove
a portion of the shell, when the germ will be seen lying immediately under the aperture. In
whatever way an egg may be turned, the germ-spot invariably presents itself at the highest
point, provided only that the egg be laid on its side, and that the living principle has not been
extinguished, for life, however undeveloped, seems always to aspire. As the chick increases
in size, the manipulation becomes easier, but it is always better to immerse the egg in water or
other transparent liquid before removing the shell, and to keep it submerged during exam-
ination.
There are few objects which will better repay investigation than the young bird in its
various stages of development. It is wonderful to see the manner in which a living creature
is gradually evolved from the apparently lifeless substances that are contained within an egg.
The being seems to grow under our very gaze, and we arise from the wondrous spectacle with
an involuntary feeling that we have been present at a veritable act of creation. To describe
fully the beautiful process in which a chick is elaborated out of the germ-spot would occupy
very many pages, and cannot be attempted within the compass of the present work. Briefly,
however, the order of events is as follows :
When a newly laid egg is opened, it is found to contain a mass of substance which is
popularly divided simply into "white" and '"yolk," but when examined more closely, by
placing it under water and carefully removing the shell, its contents are found to be very
elaborately disposed, so as to meet the object for which it was formed. Immediately within
the shell lies a semi-transparent and tolerably strong membrane, composed of two distinct
layers, pressed closely to each other for the greater portion of its extent, but separated at the
widest end of the egg, and containing between the layers a supply of atmospheric air to satisfy
the requirements of the young chick. This space gradually increases as the young bird
becomes more developed. Within this membrane lies the "white," a liquid albuminous sub-
stance, which is also disposed in two distinct layers, that which is nearest to the shell being
rather thin and fluid, while the inner layer is comparatively thick, tenacious, and very
DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHICK. 3
transparent. Within the white lies the yolk, surrounded by a slight membrane, which serves
to guard it from mixing with the white. In order to prevent the yolk from shifting its place at
every change of position in the egg, it is anchored, so to speak, in its proper place by two
curious ligaments fastened to the yolk membrane. Upon the yolk, and immediately under
the membrane, lies the little germ which in the space of three weeks will be developed into a
bird.
After a few hours of warmth, the first idea of the chick is seen in a little whitish streak,
barely one-tenth of an inch long, rather wider at one end, and always lying across the egg. By
degrees, this streak enlarges, and forms a groove between two little ridges, and in a few hours
later, a delicate thread is seen lying in the groove, being the first indication of the spinal cord.
Presently a number of the tiniest imaginable square white plates make their appearance on
each side of the thread, and are the commencement of the vertebrae. It is most curious to see
these gradual changes, for the different parts come into view as though they were crystallized
from the substance of the egg. By the end of the first day the germ takes a curve, and looks
something like a little maggot as it lies in the yolk. The little heart is just perceptible on the
second day, and on the third a series of blood-vessels have been formed, and are supplied with
blood by a very curious system of arteries and veins. By similar processes the various organs of
the body are built up, the feathers beginning to make their appearance about the twelfth day,
and on the nineteenth or twentieth day the chick pierces with its beak the air-sac which lies
at the blunt end of the egg, and by means of the air which it thus obtains is often able to
chirp before it chips the shell.
During this period of its existence the young bird is nourished by the yolk, which is con-
nected with its abdomen, and which is not separated from the body until the chick has broken
the shell, and is able to respire freely. When leaving the egg-shell, the chicken pecks in a
circle, which nearly corresponds with the shape of the air vesicle, so that when it emerges it
walks out of a circular trap-door which it has cut for itself, and which often remains suspended
by a hinge formed from an uncut portion of the lining membrane. It is possible that the
shell may be softened in this spot by the presence of internal air, and may therefore afford an
easier passage to the inclosed chick. In order to enable the tender-billed little creature to
penetrate so hard a substance as the egg-shell, the tip of its beak is furnished with a strong,
horny excrescence, which falls off shortly after the chicken has emerged from the egg, thus
carrying out the principle that nature abhors a superfluity.
Having watched the little bird through its life-development, we will now proceed to a
short examination of the bird-skeleton, and will take for an example that of the eagle. Even
in the inammalia the skeleton presents an appearance very different from that of the living
creature, and in many instances the external structure and its bony framework are so unlike
each other that an inexperienced observer would probably refer them to different animals.
But in the birds the contrast is still more strongly marked, for the skeleton is not only
deprived of its fleshy covering, but also of the feathery coat which surrounds the bird so
thickly, and which in many cases, such as the owl, entirely masks the general outline of the
bird. Taking the skeleton of the eagle as a good example of the bony scaffolding which
supports the vital and locomotive organs of birds, we will begin with the head and proceed
gradually to the tail.
The chief and most obvious distinctive feature in the skull of a bird and of a mammal
lies in the jaw-bones, which in the bird are entirely toothless, and are covered at their extrem-
ities with a peculiar horny incrustment, termed the beak or bill. This bill is of very different
shape in the various tribes of birds ; being in some cases strong, sharp, and curved, as in the
birds of prey ; in others long, slender, and delicate, as in the creepers and humming-birds ;
and in others flat, spoon-like, soft, and sensitive, as in the ducks. The movement of a bird's
jaw is not precisely similar to that of a mammal, owing to the manner in which a certain
little bone, termed from its squared shape the quadrate bone, is articulated to the bones of
the skull.
Passing from the head to the neck, we find a marked distinction from the mammals. In
them, the vertebrae of the neck are never more than seven in number ; the long neck of the
4 SKELETON OF THE BIRD.
giraffe and the short one of the elephant being obtained by the prolongation of the seven ver-
tebrge in the former and their compression in the latter. In the birds, however, there are never
less than nine vertebrae in the neck, and in some cases the number is considerably greater ; the
swan, for example, possessing no less than twenty -three of these bones. The neck is also
much longer in the birds, being in many instances longer than the remainder of the body.
The vertebrae of the neck are extremely flexible, as is needful for the peculiar habits of birds ;
but those of the back are immovably connected with each other, and in many cases are even
fused together. The seven or eight short vertebrae which form the tail are movable, and are
generally terminated by a single bone of greater length than any of the others.
We now proceed to the breast and body. The ribs are chiefly remarkable for a flat
appendage which starts from the lower portion of the bone, and is directed backwards, so that
it overlaps each succeeding rib. The breast bone is placed lower than might be supposed
from the external aspect of a bird, and is of very great size. Its substance is much flattened,
and it possesses a strong ridge or keel of bone, which varies in its depth according to the powers
of flight possessed by the particular species to which it belongs. * As the eagle is a strong-
winged bird, the keel is very prominent, but in such non-flying birds as the ostrich and the
apteryx, there is no keel at all. Between the breast bone and the neck lie four clavicles, or
collar bones, differing much in size and shape in the various species of birds. One set of them,
technically called the osfurculare, from its forked shape, is sometimes absent, its place being
supplied by a ligament ; but the others, termed the clamculce coracoidce, are invariably
present. These two sets of bones are' familiar to all who have carved a fowl, under the terms
of "merry-thought" and "neck bones."
The limbs now come before our notice, and we cannot but be struck with the curious fact,
that in the birds the bipedal mode of walking again makes its appearance, having disappeared
through all the mammalia with the exception of man. There is, however, this analogy between
the lower mammals and the birds, namely, that in both instances the anterior limbs are intended
for progression, although in the one case these formations belong to earth, and in the other to
the air. The bones of the wing present a considerable resemblance to those of a man's arm, as
may be seen by comparing the skeleton of the eagle with that of the man in Volume I. The
upper arm bone is of various lengths in the different birds, being of wonderful proportions in
such long-winged birds as the albatross, but very short in the penguins, the cassowary, and
many other birds. The two bones of the fore-arm, technically called the ulna and radius,
are also long in the long- winged birds, and serve to carry a large expanse of feathers. Of
these two, the ulna is the larger and more cylindrical. To the end of the ulna and radius are
jointed the two little bones of the wrist, which bear a quasi hand, composed of a thumb and
two fingers. The thumb is very small, consisting of either one or two bones ; and the fingers,
which are only needed for the purpose of bearing feathers, are also small. One of them is
composed of either two or three joints, but the other is a very little one, being but one single
pointed bone.
The bones of the legs are very similar in their arrangement to those of the mammalian
quadrupeds, although they are subject to certain modifications, especially at their extremities.
The thigh-bone is tolerably strong and cylindrical, but of no very great length, in proportion
to the size of the bird or the length of its limbs. Even in the curious stilt-plover, where the
legs are of such extraordinary length, the thigh-bone is comparatively short, and not visible
outside the feathers. The leg-bone, or "tibia," is always the longest bone of the limb, and
is accompanied by a very small and undeveloped "fibula," which is only attached to its upper
extremity, and tapers gradually to a point. The "instep," as we should term it in a human
foot, is merely a single bone, jointed at its upper extremity to the tibia, and its lower to the
bones of the toes. In general, birds are furnished with four toes on each foot, but there are
several exceptions to this rule, among which the ostrich is the most conspicuous.
Not only do the bones of a bird differ in external form from those of a mammal, but they
are also considerably modified in their structure. In the mammals the bones are heavy, solid,
and their centre is filled with marrow ; but in the birds the bones are of a much lighter make,
and many, such as the upper wing bone, the breast bone, and part of the skull, are, moreover,
NAMES OF THE FEATHERS. 6
hollow throughout their centres, so as to combine great strength with the least possible weight.
These hollow bones communicate with the legs through certain curious appendages called air-
sacs, which open into the lungs, and apparently serve as reservoirs of respirable atmosphere,
so that the bird is able to force the hot and rarefied air from its lungs into its bones. In some
very rare instances even the bones of the feet and toes are hollow, and penetrable with air as
far as the insertion of the claws. Some birds, however, especially those of small dimensions,
do not possess these hollow bones, and in all cases the cavity is not developed until the creature
has attained to maturity. In the apteryx, a non-flying bird, the only hollow bone is that of
the lower jaw. So complete is the communication with the lungs through the bones of some
birds, that if the bone should be broken they are enabled to breathe through the open extremity,
even though the throat be compressed, or the head plunged under water.
THIS slight sketch of the skeleton is necessary as a prelude to the description of the
FEATHERS, because several -of the most important of these appendages derive their names from
the portion of the structure on which they are set.
On a general view of a bird it will be seen that the feathers fall naturally into two orders,
namely, those of progression and those of covering. But as in the description of a bird,
especially of one that is unknown to science, and of which no figure is extant, it is needful to
describe the form and color of the different portions of the creature with great accuracy, this
sweeping division of the feathers into two sets will be quite insufficient for the purpose. On
a closer examination, however, it will be seen that the feathers possess a kind of natural
arrangement, which, with a few unimportant and obvious additions, is amply sufficient for
actual scientific purposes. The best mode of learning the name of the different parts of the
plumage is to procure any bird, say a sparrow or pigeon, which may easily be obtained, and
to investigate the formation and arrangement of the feathers from actual inspection. It is an
interesting little study, and will save much time, as a lesson once so learned will never again
be forgotten. We will suppose a dead sparrow to be laid on the table.
Let one of its wings be spread upon the table, and its plumage will be seen to consist of
a row of long, flat, and stiff quill feathers, whose insertion is covered by a great number
of smaller and softer feathers. The quill feathers are technically termed "principals," and
the others are catted from their office, "coverts." Before examining the principals, it needs
that the coverts be first attacked, because they must be removed before the quill feathers can
be properly traced to their sources. Along the upper surface of the wing run two or three
rows of these short feathers, which are termed the " greater coverts," and below these a single
row of "lesser coverts," the latter of which maybe distinguished by their slightly different
shape and manner of lying. The under surface of the wing is clothed with a dense layer of
small feathers termed the " under coverts."
Now let all the upper coverts be removed, and the quill feathers will be visible from their
insertion to their extremity. On spreading out the wing it will be seen that ten of these
feathers spring from that portion of the wing bone which corresponds to the hand and fingers
of man. As these feathers come first in point of order, beginning at the extremity of the
wing, they are termed the "primaries," and indicate by their shape and development, the
mode of flight followed by the bird. If, for instance, they are comparatively short, rounded,
and concave, as is the case with our example, the sparrow, the flight is slow and laborious,
accompanied with much beating of the wing and dipping in the air between each stroke. If
they are long, firm, and flat, as seen in the eagles, vultures, and other similar birds, the flight
is easy and graceful, though capable of exceeding swiftness when needful. If they are large,
concave, and edged with soft fringes, the flight is quiet and noiseless, as is seen in the owls.
Some birds, such as the ostrich, the cassowary, and other running birds, possess short and
pointed primaries, which can hardly be recognized as belonging to so large a bird, and the
flight is in consequence reduced to zero.
Next to the primaries come a second set of quills, called for that reason "secondaries."
They are often undistinguishable externally from the primaries, into which they imperceptibly
merge, but may be at once detected b^^following them to their roots, which are inserted upon
6 REPRODUCTION AND PLUMAGE.
that part of the wing which corresponds to the wrist and elbow of man. They are very varia-
ble in number, shape, and size ; and although they are in some birds hardly distinguishable
from the primaries, are in others very prominent and conspicuous.
Next to the secondaries come the "tertiaries," which take their root in that part of the
wing which corresponds to the elbow and shoulder. In some birds, such as the plovers, the
tertiaries are extremely long, giving a very peciiliar character to the wing. In the crane they
are developed into long, drooping plumes ; but in most birds they are very much shorter than
the primaries, and are merged into the little feathers that cover the upper surface of the wing.
Upon the thumb is a little fan-like wing, quite distinct from the remainder of the feathers,
and distinguished by the name of "winglet."
A second set of quill feathers is to be found upon the tail, where they assume different
shapes and dimensions according to the species of bird, its sex, age, and the nature of its flight.
As these feathers perform the office of a rudder in directing the flight of the bird as it passes
through the atmosphere, they are technically termed "rectrices," or directors. The insertion
of these quill feathers is concealed above and below by certain little feathers, named from their
position the upper and under tail coverts. Generally, these feathers are of very small dimen-
sions, but in some examples they obtain to considerable length, and are very imposing in their
appearance. The magnificent "train " of the peacock is composed, not of the tail quill feathers,
which are short, stiff, and used chiefly for the proper displayal of the train, but of the greatly
developed upper tail coverts ; and from the under tail coverts of the marabout stork are taken
those beautiful plumy ornaments that are so well known as articles of feminine decoration.
Lastly, there are some feathers on either side of the head, which shield the orifice of the
ear from injury, and are therefore named the ear coverts ; and the patch of feathers upon the
shoulders is appropriately known by the name of " scapularies."
This array of plumage is not obtained until the bird has attained to some amount of devel-
opment, and the shape and color of the feathers are so distinct from each other at the different
epochs of a bird's life, that in many instances an adult, a half -grown, and a juvenile specimen
have been taken for individuals of different species, and noted as such in systematic catalogues.
When the young bird is first hatched its feathers are hardly worthy of the name, being
mostly restricted to a kind of soft down. In the course of a week or two the quill feathers
begin to make their appearance, like little yellow or black spikes projecting from the wings,
but it is not until after the lapse of some time that they attain sufficient strength to sustain
the bird in the air. In a few months after the young bird has gained its first plumage, it loses
the feathers with which it has only just been clothed, and by going through the process
technically termed "moulting," induces an entirely new plumage, which is often very different
from the former in its traits and general aspect. In many cases the bird spends three years of
life before it is clothed with the full glory of its adult garments, and during the first and
second years the two sexes are so similar as hardly to be distinguished from each other with-
out dissection. The moult takes place annually even in adult birds, and is highly needful as a
means of giving them a new set of plumes to replace those which have been worn out by the
service of a whole year's wear.
A similar phenomenon is observable in the fur-clad mammalia, who shed the worn and
ragged hairs in the autumn, and obtain a new and warm coat in readiness for the colder
months. Even in the human race the same principle is observed ; but the change of hair is in
them so gradual that it is scarcely perceptible, except to those who watch its progress.
Indeed, a partial moult can be induced at any time upon a bird, and employed to restore a
broken or damaged feather, irrespective of the time of year. If the injured feather be drawn
from its socket an operation which is always attended with some pain and loss of blood it
will soon be replaced by another and a perfect feather, springing from the same socket.
The rapidity of the process is really astonishing, and presents a curious analogy with the
phenomenon of the rapid formation of the stag's horns. A remarkable instance occurred
lately within my own observation, in the person of a long-tailed Australian parrakeet. The
bird contrived to get out of its cage, and in flying along a large room was chased by a man,
who made a successful grasp at its tail, but failed in securing the bird, which flew screaming
STRUCTURE OF THE WING. 7
away, leaving its beautiful long tail in the hands of its would-be captor. At last the bird was
replaced safely in its cage, but presented a very forlorn aspect in consequence of the loss of its
tail. A very few days, however, showed the tips of some new feathers, that had already
grown long enough to pass beyond the tail coverts, and in a month or so the long tail was even
more "beaiitif ul than ever. There seems, indeed, to be a very marked analogy between the
feathers of birds and the tusks or horns of many mammals. Both depend greatly on the sex
and age of the animal to which they belong, and their shape and dimensions are unfailing
indications of the vigor or feebleness of their owners.
The expanse of the outstretched wings of every flying bird is so very great in comparison
with the size of the body, that there is need of very great muscular development in order to
give the powerful strokes by which the body of a bird is urged through the atmosphere. It is
for this purpose that the breast-bone is furnished with the deep keel which has already been
mentioned, for its projecting edge and sides afford attachment to muscles of enormous size,
which are devoted to the purpose of drawing the wing forcibly downwards. Although in the
gallinaceous birds, of which the common barn-door fowl is a familiar example, the pectoral
muscle, as it is called, is not so largely developed as in many of the swift-winged birds, it
attains to considerable dimensions, as may be seen by every one in carving a common fowl,
whether it be boiled or roasted. This muscle forms the solid and delicately-flavored meat
which is attached to the wing when removed, and also constitutes the greater part of the
"breast."
Strength, however, is not the only requisite in a bird's wing. It is evident that if the
stroke were only made upwards and downwards, the bird would never rise in the air, much
less make any progress forwards. On gently moving the wing of a dead bird, we shall see
how beaiitifully its opening and closing is managed, so that on the stroke the feathers beat
the air with their flat sides, but present their sharp edges as they return for another stroke.
This movement is copied by the oarsman as he throws back the blade of his oar for another
stroke, and is called "feathering," on account of the source from which it is derived. The
means by which this object is attained is through a most perfect and beautiful arrangement of
the wing muscles, which are so fashioned as to give the wing a slight and involuntary turn just
as it is thrown backwards after making its stroke.
The reader who desires to understand this curious structure, cannot do better than to
denude the wing of some bird of its feathers, to remove the skin, and lay bare the muscles.
If he then moves the wings as if in flight, he will see, by the play of the different muscles, the
part which they take in the general movement, and the wonderful harmony in which every
individual muscle works with its fellows. Next let him pass a smooth but blunt edge, such
as a small paper-knife, or the flat handle of a scalpel, between the different muscles and sepa-
rate them throughout their entire length. By pulling each muscle in turn with a pair of
forceps, he will see its object, and will be able to form a very good idea of the manner in
which all the muscles act while working simultaneously in moving the wing.
In the generality of birds, the senses of touch and taste seem to be but little developed,
while those of sight, hearing, and smell are decidedly acute.
The sense of touch can be but very slight in a creature that is covered with feathers
over the whole of its body ; whose limbs are either plume-clad or tipped with horn, and whose
mouth is defended by a hard, horny beak. There are exceptions in the case of the ducks,
and many similar birds, whose beaks are soft and evidently possessed of delicate tactile
powers, but in the generality of birds this sense is decidedly dull. Taste, again, can have but
little development, as the tongues of most birds arc devoid of the soft and sensitive sur-
face which is found in the tongue of man and the mammals in general. At the base of the
tongue the nerve-bearing papillae are found in some genera of birds, but even in them these
organs of taste occupy but a small portion of the tongue, and can give but little indication
of savor. In many birds, indeed, such as the woodpecker and the humming-bird, the tongue
is employed in a manner analogous to the same organ in the ant-eaters, being used to pro-
cure food and to draw it into the mouth. This structure will be described more at length
when we come to treat of the birds where it is especially developed.
8 EYE OF BIRDS.
The sight of birds is almost invariably remarkable for its development and its adapta-
tion for near or distant objects. The swallow, for example, when darting through the air
with that swiftness which has become proverbial, is capable of accommodating its sight to
the insect which it pursues even in the short space of time which is occupied by its swoop
at its victim. The same phenomenon may be noticed in the falcon, which is able to per-
ceive a little bird or animal on the ground, and though sweeping downwards with such
wonderful rapidity that it looks merely like a dark streak in the air, is able to calculate
its distance so exactly, that it just avoids dashing itself to pieces on the ground, and
snatches up its prey with the same lightning speed which characterizes its descent.
It is very probable that a curious structure, named from its shape the "pecten," or
comb, which is found in the interior of the bird's eye, may contribute to this peculiarity of
vision. This comb is of a fan-like shape, and is situate upon the spot where the optic
nerve enters the eye, projecting obliquely upwards, and evidently playing some very con-
spicuous part in the economy of the eye. The teeth, or folds of which this fan or comb is
composed, are black in color and very variable in number, being only six or seven in the
owls, and twenty or thirty in the sparrow. There is a plentiful supply of blood-vessels in
the comb, but no muscular tissues, and it is supposed by several anatomists that its expan-
sion or contraction, caused by the greater or less amount of blood which fills the vessels,
may have some effect in the peculiarly delicate adjustment of the eye which has already
been mentioned.
From the contact of external substances, as well as for the purpose of excluding unneces-
sary light, the eye of the bird is furnished with two ordinary eyelids, and a third, or supple-
mentary eyelid, which plays within the others, and is technically called the nictitating mem-
brane. This membrane is elastic, and by its own contractility is kept within the angle of the
eye as long as its services are not needed. When, however, the bird wishes to cleanse its eyes
from dust or other annoyances, it draws the membrane rapidly over the eye, letting it return
to its place by its own powers of contraction. The eye of the bird is further remarkable for a
series of bony plates which surround the eye, and are supposed to have a great influence in
increasing or lessening the convexity of the eyeball. The number of these plates is nearly as
various as the teeth of the comb, but upon an average their number is thirteen or fourteen.
There are many other curious and interesting details in the anatomy and general structure of
the birds, but as this publication is not intended as a work on comparative anatomy, we must
proceed to the histories of the birds themselves.
. n. g.
10
OUR LIVING WORLD.
BIRDS OF PREY,
VULTURES.
N the arrangement of the various species of living creatures which possess a visible
organization, the greater or less perfection of the structure has formed the basis of
systematic classification. In a certain sense, however, the development of all ani-
mals is equally perfect, inasmuch as it is most perfectly adapted to the necessities
of the particular species or individual ; so that the term perfection is necessarily
rather a conventional one, and the systems of zoological arrangement are as various
as their authors. *
All the birds of prey, called scientifically Raptatores, or Accipitres, are readily known
by their compressed and hooked beaks, the powerful talons which arm their toes, and the
twelve or fourteen quill-feathers of the tail. The Vultures are distinguished by the shape of
the beak, which is of moderate size, nearly straight above, curved suddenly and rounded at the
tip, and without any "teeth" in the \ipper mandible. The middle toe of the foot is larger
than the others, and the outer toes are connected with them at their base by a small membrane.
In the greater number of species the head and upper part of the neck are nearly naked, and
the eyes are unshaded by the feathery ridge which overhangs these organs in the eagles. As
a general rule, the Vultures feed on dead carrion, and are therefore most beneficial to the
countries which they inhabit. When pressed by hunger, however, they will make inroads
upon the flocks and herds, and will not disdain to satisfy their wants with rats, mice, small
birds, or insects.
The name of Bearded Vulture has been given to the Lammergeyer on account of the tufts
of long and stiff bristle-like hairs which take their rise at the nostrils and beneath the bill,
and form a very prominent characteristic of the species. The "cere," a soft naked skin
which is placed on the base of the beak, is not very large, and the upper mandible is rather
higher in front of the cere. The feet are not so large as in many of the birds of prey, and are
not very well adapted for seizing or retaining prey. As, however, the Lammergeyer is not a
bird of chase, like the eagle and falcon, but obtains its food by striking chamois, goats, and
other animals over the precipices near which they are standing, the powerful claws of the eagle
would be of little .service to it. The claws are therefore comparatively feeble, short, and are
covered with feathers down to the toes.
The color of the Lammergeyer is a gray-brown, curiously dashed with white upon the
upper surface, in consequence of a white streak which runs along the centre of each feather.
The under surface of the body, together with the neck, are nearly white, tinged with a wash
* Naturalists are now well agreed that the Thrushes are naturally entitled to the first rank among birds, and that
the birds of prey rank near the Pigeons and the Gallinaceous birds. The text of Mr. Wood being almost wholly popular,
not involving any considerable technicality, we do not feel authorized to change its arrangement. There will, however,
be tables of the most recent classification at the end of the volume. T-'uitur.
12 THE CONDOR.
of reddish-brown, which is variable in depth in different individuals. In the earlier stages
of its existence, the Lammergeyer is of a much darker hue, and the white dashes upon the
back are not so purely white nor so cleaTly defined. The head and neck are dark-brown, and
the brown hue of the back is of so deep a tint that the young bird has been classed as a
separate species, under the title of Vuttur niger, or Black Vulture.
Like the true Vultures, the Lammergeyer is invaluable as a scavenger, and if an animal be
killed and left exposed to view, the bird is sure to find out the spot in a very short time, and
to make its appearance as if called by some magic spell from the empty air. But as there is
not a sufficiency of dead animals for the food of this hungry and powerful bird, it makes prey
of lambs, kids, hares, and such like animals, nor disdains to feed even on rats, mice, and other
small quadrupeds. With the larger animals, such as the chamois, the Lammergeyer cannot
successfully cope on level ground, but taking advantage of its wings, it hurls itself suddenly
against some devoted animal which is standing heedlessly near a precipice, and by the force of
its blow strikes the poor creature into the depths below, whither it is immediately followed by
its destroyer. Even mankind is said to be endangered by these sudden attacks of a hungry
Lammergeyer, and more than one chamois-hunter is reported as having been killed by an
assault from one of these birds.
The Lamb-vulture, as is the import of its name, does not restrict itself solely to the
snowy mountains on which it takes up its chief residence, but often makes considerable
journeys into the cultivated portion of the country, for the sake of picking up the lambs and
other valley-inhabiting animals.
The general aspect of the Lammergeyer is more like that of an eagle than a Vulture,
but -its carriage and demeanor are devoid of that fearless, regal grandeur which is so char-
acteristic of the eagles of all lands. When flying, however, its appearance is truly
magnificent, and on account of its great sweep of wing and powerful flight, the size of the
Lammergeyer has been greatly exaggerated. Indeed, it is probable that the celebrated roc,
which plays so important a part in the adventures of Sindbad the Sailor, and in other por-
tions of the Arabian Nights, is merely the Lammergeyer, viewed through the magnifying
medium of Oriental exaggeration.
THE Family of Vultures (Cathartidce) embraces four species in North America. Two
distinct families are recognized among the birds of the world." The Old World Vultures
form the second family. In South America is found the great typical bird of the race,
the Condor. The Vultures of the Old World are regarded as being nearer the falcons in
structure than those of the other family ; they also have somewhat similar habits. They
lack the courage and strength of the falcons, and rarely attack anything capable of vigorous
resistance.
The Vultures are naturally carrion-feeders. Their feet, though large, are not adapted to
clasp and hold with the vise-like grip of the other birds of prey. Their heads and a good
portion of their necks are bare of feathers. It is reasonable to assume that this is a wise pro-
vision of nature ; as such parts are certainly kept more cleanly than would be the case if the
parts were feathered.
Vultures are not naturally gregarious, but when a carcase is scented multitudes of them
are seen gathering from every point. Some species, however, breed in communities. Vultures
have no voice, excepting when disturbed, then they emit a hissing sound.
This family is tropical in habitat, though some species range somewhat beyond ; as in the
case of the California and Turkey Vultures.
ON account of a curious fleshy appendage which decorates the base of the bill and the
neighboring portions of the head, a small group of Vultures has been separated from the
remaining species, and gathered into a family under the appropriate title of Sarcorhamphidse,
or Flesh-beaked Vulture. This family is but a small one, comprising the CONDOR, the King
Vulture, and the well-known American Vultures, or Zopilotes.
Although not exceeding the Lammergeyer in dimensions, the Condor has been long
COLOR OF THE CONDOR.
13
celebrated as a Goliath among birds, the expanse of its wings being set down at eighteen or
twenty feet, and its strength exaggerated in the same proportion. In reality, the expanse of
a large Condor's wing will very seldom reach eleven feet, and the average extent is from eight
to nine feet. In one specimen, where the measurement of the extended wings was only eight
feet one inch, the longest quill feather of the wings was two feet two inches in length ; the
diameter of the body was nine inches, and the total length from the point of the beak to the
extremity of the tail, was three feet two inches.
The general color of the Condor is a grayish-black, variable in depth and glossiness in
different individuals. The upper wing coverts are marked with white, which take a grayer
CONDOR. Sarcorhamphu* gryphut.
tint in the female, and the exterior edges of the secondaries are also white. The adult male
bird may easily be distinguished by the amount of white upon the feathers, so that the wings
are marked with a large white patch. Around the neck is set a beautifully white downy collar
of soft feathers, which does not entirely inclose the neck, but leaves a small naked band in
front. This featherless band is, however, so small, that it is not perceptible except by a
close examination.
The crest of the male Condor is of considerable size, occupying the top of the head and
extending over a fourth of the basal portion of the beak. The nostrils are intersected at the
base of the beak, in a space which is created for them by means of the sudden sloping of the
crest. Although the crest of the Condor presents an apparent analogy with the wattles of
a turkey, it cannot be inflated at pleasure, as is the case with that bird, but is hard of sub-
stance and contains but few blood-vessels. As the Condor, when at rest, is in the habit of
sinking its head upon its shoulders, and concealing the neck within the collar of white down
14 STRENGTH OF THE CONDOR.
by which, it is surrounded, the aspect of the bird is very curious, as it sits with its large hooked
beak and projecting crest lying on the shoulders as if it possessed no neck at all.
There are several curious details in the internal structure of the Condor, among which
may be mentioned the remarkable fact that its "gizzard" is furnished with longitudinal rows
of horny spikes, which are probably intended to aid the creature in the more rapid comminu-
tion and digestion of its food.
The Condor is an inhabitant of the mountain chain of the Andes, and is celebrated not
only for its strength and dimensions, but for its love of elevated localities. When enjoying
the unrestricted advantages of its native home, it is seldom found lower than the line of per-
petual snow, and only seems to seek lower and more temperate regions when driven by hunger
to make a raid on the flocks or the wild quadrupeds of its native country. Although pre-
ferring carrion to the flesh of recently killed animals, the Condor is a terrible pest to the
cattle keeper, for it will frequently make a united attack upon a cow or a bull, and by dint
of constant worrying, force the poor beast to succumb to its winged pursuers. Two of these
birds will attack a vicugna, a deer, or even the formidable puma, and as they direct their
assaults chiefly upon the eyes, they soon succeed in blinding their prey, who rapidly falls
under the terrible blows which are delivered by the beaks of its assailants.
The strength of the Condor is really prodigious, a powerful man being no match even for
a wounded and tethered bird ; and its tenacity of life is such, that a combat of endurance is
nearly certain to end in favor of the Condor. Humboldt relates a curious anecdote of a Con-
dor that resisted a series of efforts that were made in order to deprive it of life. In vain was it
strangled for many minutes, for as soon as the noose was removed from its neck the bird
walked about as composedly as if nothing had happened to it. At last a pistol was brought to
bear upon it, and three bullets were fired from a distance of four paces, all fairly entering the body.
A fourth ball struck against the leg bone and rebounded without doing much apparent harm.
In spite of all the wounds which it had received, this poor bird survived for nearly half
an hour.
The Indians are possessed with a strange prejudice against the Condor, and whenever they
catch one of these birds alive, trey put it to death through the medium of the most cruel tor-
tures. Their mode of capturing so powerful a bird is worthy of notice, as it is based upon the
habits of the Condor. A cow or a horse is killed, and the body thrown negligently on one
side, so as to be exposed to the open air. In a very short time the Condors begin to assemble,
and soon are engaged in feeding voraciously upon the unexpected and welcome banquet. As
soon, however, as they have gorged themselves to the full, the Indians dash in among them,
armed with their lassos, and make easy captives of the finest birds. When they feel the noose
around their necks, the Condors endeavor to eject the huge meal which they have swallowed,
but are made hopeless prisoners before they can rid themselves of the enormous mass of food
which they have contrived to pack into their interiors.
On account of the exquisitely delicate scent of this bird the native Mexicans have dis-
tinguished it by a name which bears allusion to its keen sense of smell, and has been modified
into the more euphonious word Condor.
Although the Condor is not a very social bird, it is generally found in little assemblages
of five or six in number, which are seen either seated motionless upon the summits of the
rocks, their outlines cutting sharply against the sky, or sailing slowly in circles at an enor-
mous elevation above the ground. The flight of these birds is peculiarly grand and beautiful,
and seems to be achieved by the movement of the head and neck rather than by that of the
wings. Mr. Darwin gives the following animated description of the flight of the Condor.
"Except when rising from the ground, I do not recollect ever having seen one of these
birds flap its wings. Near Lima I watched several for nearly half an hour without once
taking off my eyes. They moved in large curves, sweeping in circles, descending and ascend-
ing without once flapping. As they glided close over my head, I intently watched from an
oblique position the outlines of the separate and terminal feathers of the wing : if there had
been the least vibratory movement these would have blended together ; but they were seen
distinctly against the blue sky. The head and neck were moved frequently, and apparently
THE KING VULTURE.
15
with force, and it appeared as if the extended wings formed the fulcrum on which the move-
ments of the neck, body, and tail acted. If the bird wished to descend, the wings were for a
moment collapsed, and then when again expanded with an altered inclination, the momentum
gained by the rapid descent seemed to urge the bird upwards with the even and steady move-
ments of a paper kite.
" In case of any bird soaring, its motion must be sufficiently rapid, so that the action of
the inclined surface of its body on the atmosphere may counterbalance its gravity. The force
to keep up the momentum of a body moving in a horizontal plane in that fluid (in which there
is so little friction) cannot be great, and this force is all that is wanted. The movement of the
neck and body of the Condor we must suppose sufficient for this. However this may be,
it is truly wonderful and beautiful to see so great* a bird, hour after hour, without any
apparent exertion, wheeling and gliding over mountain and river.' '
The Condor deposits its eggs, for it makes no nest whatever, upon a bare shelf of some
lofty rock. The eggs are two in number, grayish-white in color, and are laid about November
or December. When the young Condor is hatched it is nearly naked, but is furnished with
a scanty covering of down, which in a short time becomes very plentiful, enveloping the body
in a complete vestment of soft, black plumage. The deep black gray of the adult bird is not
attained until a lapse of three years, the color of the plumage being a yellowish-brown.
The California Condor (PseudogrypTius californianus) nearly rivals in size the great
South American Condor. Its length is from forty-live to fifty inches, and its wing extent
from nine to ten feet. This is comparatively a new bird. Like many others, it has been
brought to notice since the settlement of California. Though not at all uncommon, it is a rare
bird in collections. It seems to be confined to the warmer portions of California. Dr. New-
berry, of Columbia College, saw much of this bird while engaged in the geological survey of
that region. He says: " It was to me a pleasant portion of every day's experience in my
march through Sacramento Valley, to watch the graceful evolutions of this bird. In its colors
the combination was a pleasing one, while its flight was easy and effortless beyond that of any
other bird. Though a common bird in this region, I found it much more shy and difficult to
shoot than its associate, the turkey buzzard."
This vulture possesses immense muscular powers. Dr. Heerman states that four of them
dragged the body of a young grizzly bear, that weighed over an hundred pounds, the distance
of two hundred yards. Their senses of smell and sight are very acute, especially the latter ;
and when searching for prey they soar to an immense height. If they chance to see a wounded
animal, they chase it until it sinks with exhaustion, when they commence to feed even before
life is extinct.
Their flight is slow, steady, and exceedingly graceful ; they glide along with little or no
perceptible motion of the wings, the tips of which are curved upwards in flying, like those of
the turkey buzzard. The nest is of a few' loose sticks, generally in the crevice of a rock.
Observers of reliability assert that they sight their prey while soaring at considerable height.
THE KING VULTURE has gained its regal title from a supposition which is prevalent
among the natives of the country which it inhabits, that it wields royal sway over the aura,
or zopilote Vultures, and that the latter birds will not venture to touch a dead carcase until
the King Vulture has taken his share. There is some truth for this supposition, for the King
Vulture will not permit any other bird to begin its meal until his own hunger is satisfied.
The same habit may be seen in many other creatures, the more powerful lording it over the
weaker, and leaving them only the remains of the feast instead of permitting them to partake
of it on equal terms. But if the King Vulture should not happen to be present when the dead
animal has reached a state of decomposition which renders it palatable to vulturine tastes, the
subject Vultures would pay but little regard to the privileges of their absent monarch, and
would leave him but a slight prospect of getting a meal on the remains of the feast.
Waterton, who often mentions this species in his interesting works, gives several curious
instances of the sway which the King Vulture exercises over the inferior birds. " When I had
done with the carcase of the large snake, it was conveyed into the forest, as I expected that it
16
THE KING VULTVRE.
would attract the king of the Vultures, as soon as time should have rendered it sufficiently
savory. In a few days it sent forth the odor which a carcase should send forth, and about
twenty of the common Vultures came and perched on the neighboring trees. The king of the
Vultures came too, and I observed that none of the common ones seemed inclined to begin
breakfast until his majesty had finished. When he had consumed as much snake as nature
informed him would do him good, he retired to the top of a high mora-tree, and then all the
common Vultures fell to and made a hearty meal."
The King Vulture is a native of tropical America, and is most common near the equator,
though it is found as far as the thirtieth degree of south latitude, and the thirty-second of
north latitude. Peru, Brazil, Guiana, Paraguay, and Mexico are the chosen residences of this
KING VULTURE. Sarcorhampftvs papa.
fine species. It is a forest-loving bird, caring nothing for the lofty home of the condor, but
taking up its residence upon the low and heavily-wooded regions, in close proximity to
swampy and marshy places, where it is most likely to find abundance of dead and putrefying
animal substances. Its nest, or rather the spot on which it deposits its eggs, is within the
hollow of some decaying tree. The eggs are two in number.
In its adult state the King Vulture is a most gorgeously decorated bird, though its gen-
eral aspect and the whole expression of its demeanor are rather repulsive than otherwise.
The greater part of the feathers upon the back are of a beautiful satiny white, tinged more or
less deeply with fawn, and the abdomen is of a pure white. On account of its color, the bird
is termed the White Crow by the Spaniards of Paraguay. The long pinions of the wing and
tail are deep black, and the base of the neck is surrounded with a thick ruff or collar of downy
gray feathers.
THE BLACK VULTURE. 17
The most brilliant tints are, however, those of the naked skin of the head and neck.
" The throat and back of the neck," says Waterton, "are of a fine lemon color ; both sides of
the neck, from the ears downwards, of a rich scarlet ; behind the corrugated part there is
a white spot. The crown of the head is scarlet, betwixt the lower mandible and the eye, and
close by the ear, there is a part which has a fine silvery -blue appearance. Just above the
white spot a portion of the skin is blue, and the rest scarlet ; the skin which juts out behind
the neck, and appears like an oblong caruncle, is blue in part, and part orange. The bill is
orange and black, the caruncles on the forehead orange, and the cere orange, the orbits scarlet,
and the irides white."
These gorgeous tints belong only to the adult bird of four years old, and in the previous
years of its life the colors are very obscure. In the first year, for example, the general color
is deep blue-gray, the abdomen white, and the crest hardly distinguishable either for its color
or its size. In tlie second year of its age the plumage of the bird is nearly black, diversified
with white spots, and the naked portions of the head and neck are violet-black, interspersed
with a few dashes of yellow. The third year gives the bird a very near approach to the beauti-
ful satin fawn of the adult plumage, the back being nearly of the same hue as that of the four-
year old bird, but marked with many of the blue-black feathers of the second year. When
full grown, the King Vulture is about the size of an ordinary goose.
ALL the Sarcorhamphidee are natives of America, some of them, such as the condor and
the king vulture, being comparatively scarce, while others are so common that they swarm like
sparrows in our streets. One of the commonest of these useful but repulsive birds is the BLACK
VULTURE, ZOPILOTE, or UKUBU, which together with the turkey buzzard and the Californian
Vulture are placed in one genus, termed, characteristically of their habits, Catharista, or
Cleanser.
The Black Vulture bears so close a resemblance to the turkey buzzard that it has often
been confounded with that bird by superficial observers. It may, however, be readily distin-
guished by the shape of the feathers round its neck, which in the turkey blizzard form a cir-
cular ring completely round the throat, while in the Black Vulture they descend from the
back of the head towards the throat in a sloping direction. The shape of the bill is more
slender, and the nostrils not so rounded as in the turkey buzzard. The general color of the
Black Vulture is a dull black ; the primaries are, however, rather white on the inside, and
their shafts are also white. The head and part of the neck are devoid of feathers, and covered
with a black wrinkled skin sparely furnished with short scattered black hairs in front, and
down behind. The throat has. a wash of ocherous yellow. The length of the bird is rather
more than two feet, and the expanse of its wings is about four feet four inches.
It is a high-flying bird, sweeping through the air with a beautifully easy flight, and often
accompanied by the Mississippi kite, which seems to be drawn towards the Zopilote by some
common feeling. After the bird has been gorging itself with the putrid meat which it so loves,
it gives forth a most horrible stench. But after it has fasted for some time, the unpleasant
odor nearly vanishes ; and even when the body of the bird is laid open, the only scent which
it exhales is a rather strong musky perfume.
The predaceous birds are like the predaceous beasts, possessed of most powerful appetites,
being capable of eating and digesting an amount of food which is perfectly astonishing. As,
however, they cannot hope for a constant supply of nourishment, they are gifted with the
capability of enduring hunger for a very long time without appearing to suffer very severely
from their protracted fast. When in search of food, the Zopilote ascends to a vast height in the
air, rising indeed to so great an elevation, that it can hardly be distinguished as a black speck,
even when the attention of a spectator is drawn towards the bird, and is entirely invisible
to those who are not intent upon distinguishing the gnat-like object as it floats about in the
upper air.
Every one of these birds is, notwithstanding the enormous height at which it is poised,
intently watching the ground in hopes of marking out some dying animal on which it may
swoop, and hasten its death by the injuries which it inflicts upon the unresisting creature.
VOL. II 8.
18
THE BLACK VULTURE.
The movements of the hunters are carefully watched by the Black Vulture, which follows
their course with eagerness, knowing how often they may wound an animal which may be able
to escape them for a time, but is sure at last to fall a prey to its relentless winged pursuer.
Oftentimes the hunters will kill a bison or a deer merely for the sake of the skin, the marrow-
bones, or the hump, leaving the remainder on the ground for the benefit of the Zopilotes and
the wolves, who soon strip the bones of every particle of the tiesh.
According to Don Ulloa, the Zopilotes deserve the gratitude of mankind for the part which
they play in destroying the eggs of the alligator, and assisting in keeping down the number
of this prolific and dangerous reptile. During the summer, the Zopilote watches the female
alligator as she comes to the sandy river-shore for the purpose of depositing her eggs, and
BLACK VULTURE. Catfiarista atrala.
permits the reptile to complete her task without any interruption. Scarcely, however, is the
alligator fairly out of the way, than the Zopilote issues from its place of concealment, and
throwing the sand aside with its bill, feet and wings, disinters the eggs, breaks the shells, and
swallows their contents.
Of the voracity of these birds, Wilson gives the following graphic account :
*
"A horse had dropped down in the street in convulsions : and dying, it was dragged out
of town and skinned. The ground for a hundred yards around it was black with can-ion
crows ; many sat on the tops of sheds, fences, and houses within sight ; sixty or eighty on the
opposite side of a small river. I counted at one time two hundred and thirty -seven, and I
believe there were more, besides several in the air, over my head and at a distance. I ven-
tured cautiously within thirty yards of the carcase, where three or four dogs and twenty or
thirty Vultures were busy tearing and devouring.
"Seeing them take no notice. I ventured nearer, till I was within ten yards, and sat down
on the bank. Still they paid little attention to me. The dogs, being sometimes accidentally
napped by the wings of the Vultures, would growl and snap at them, which would occasion
them to spring up for a moment, but they immediately gathered in again. I remarked the
Vultures frequently attack each other, fighting with their claws or heels, striking like a cock,
with open wings, and fixing their claws into each other's heads. The females, and I believe
the males likewise, made a hissing sound with open mouth, exactly resembling that produced
THE TURKEY BUZZARD. 19
by thrusting a red-hot poker into water ; and frequently a snuffling, like a dog clearing his
nostrils, as I suppose they were theirs. On observing that they did not heed me, I stole so
close that my feet were within one yard of the horse's legs, and again sat down. They all slid
aloof a few feet ; but seeing me quiet, they soon returned as before. As they were often dis-
turbed by the dogs, I ordered the latter home ; my voice gave no alarm to the Vultures.
' ' As soon as the dogs departed, the Vultures crowded in such numbers that I counted at
one time thirty-seven on and around the carcass, with several within ; so that scarcely an inch
of it was visible. Sometimes one would come out with a large piece of the intestines, which
in a moment was surrounded by several others, who tore it to fragments, and it soon dis-
appeared. They kept up the hissing occasionally. Some of them, having their legs and
heads covered with blood, presented a most savage aspect. Still as the dogs advanced, I would
order them away, which seemed to gratify the Vultures ; and one would pursue another to
within a foot or two of the spot where I was sitting. Sometimes I observed them stretching
their necks along the ground, as if to press the food downwards."
The Zopilote is rather a familiar bird, and may often be seen marching about the streets
in the towns and villages of the Southern States, where it might be easily mistaken for a
domestic turkey by a new arriver in the country. By the inhabitants it is popularly called
the carrion crow, a confusion of nomenclature which has sometimes led to strange misappre-
hension of corvine habits. As the birds, although personally disliked, are so useful to the
community, they are protected by common consent, and permitted to roam the streets .or prowl
among the houses at will.
The Carrion Crow (Catharista atrata), so called, as well as Black Vulture, is a coal black
bird of about the size of the Turkey Buzzard. Only one species of this genus is known, and
this is confined to the tropical portions of North America. It is found most commonly on the
Atlantic sea-board. On the Pacific side it is not known. In the West India Islands this bird
is quite common, having the same habits as the Turkey Buzzard.
In Charleston, S. C., and Savannah, the Carrion Crow is very common, associated with
the Turkey Buzzard. Both are well known for their beneficial habits as scavengers.
ANOTHER species, of the genus Cathartes, is the TURKEY BUZZARD, more rightly termed
the CARRION VULTURE. Its name of Turkey Buzzard is eamed from the strange resemblance
which a Carrion Vulture bears to a turkey, as it walks slowly and with a dignified air, stretch-
ing its long bare neck, and exhibiting the fleshy appendages which bear some likeness to the
wattles of the turkey. Indeed, instances are not wanting, where recent visitors to the country
have actually shot these birds, thinking that they had succeeded in killing a veritable edible
turkey. This bird is chiefly found in North America, but is also an inhabitant of Jamaica,
where it is popularly known as the John crow.
According to Waterton and Darwin, the Turkey Buzzard is not so sociable a bird as the
zopilote ; for although a little flock of twenty or thirty may be seen together in a corn-field
where the refuse stubble has been burned, engaged in feeding on the dead mice, lizards, moles,
and other creatures which have perished in the conflagration, each bird comes separately and
departs separately, no two individuals having any connection with each other.
When gorged with food, an event which always takes place whenever there is the least
opportunity, the Turkey Buzzard leaves reluctantly the scene of the banquet, and gaining with
some difficiilty a branch of a neighboring tree, sits heavy and listless, its head sunk upon its
breast, and its wings hanging half open, as if the bird were too lazy even to keep those mem-
bers closed. The object of this curious attitude seems to be, that the bird may gain as much
air as possible, for these feathered creatures are singularly susceptible to atmospheric influence.
It is not improbable that this air-bath may aid the bird in digesting the food which it has so
ravenously consumed, as well as to cleanse its feathers from the fetid animal substance which
cannot but cling to them after their strong-scented repasts. While engaged in eating they are
not at all particular about soiling their feathers, for they will often tear a hole in the skin of a
dead animal, and deliberately walk into its interior, for the purpose of getting at some favorite
20
THE TURKEY BUZZARD.
morsel. By this mode of proceeding they soon clear away the softer substance, leaving only
the bare ribs standing out, in the midst of which the Vulture continues to move about like a
bird in a cage.
Between the Turkey Buzzard and the zopilote there is a certain external resemblance ; but
these two birds are quite distinct in their movements as well as in their habits. The Turkey
Buzzard does not even walk or fly in the same manner as the zopilote. The latter bird, when
walking, is veiy awkward, and hops along in an awkward and lazy manner, while the former
moves smoothly forward, even when oppressed with a surfeit of food. In the flight the differ-
ence is even more conspicuous: the Turkey Buzzard very seldom flaps its wings, but sails
smoothly through the air, its wings being extended almost horizontally ; the zopilote, on the
contrary, flaps its wings six or seven times in succession, and then sails on for a few hundred
TURKEY BUZZARD. Cat/iartes aura.
yards with its wings raised at a decided angle with the body. The two species never company
with each other, nor is the Turkey Buzzard found so familiarly associated with man and his
habitation as its darker relation.
The nest of the Turkey Buzzard is a very inartistical affair, consisting merely of some
suitable hollow tree or decayed log, in which there may be a depression of sufficient depth to
contain the eggs. In this simple cradle the female deposits from two to four eggs, which are
of a dull cream -white, blotched with irregular chocolate splashes, which seem to congregate
towards the largest end. The young birds are covered with a plentiful supply of white down,
and look clean and inviting to the touch. Their motto may, however, be similar to that of the
Scotch thistle, "Nemo me impune lacesserit," for at the slightest aggressive touch they will
disgorge over the offender the putrid animal substances with which they have been fed, and
work sad woe to his hands and garments. May is usually the month in which the young
Turkey Buzzards are hatched.
The adult Turkey Buzzard is rather a large bird, measuring two feet six inches in length,
and six feet ten inches across the expanded wings. The weight is about five pounds. The
THE ARABIAN VULTURE.
21
general color of the plumage is black, mingled with brown, the secondaries being slightly
tipped with white, and a few of the coverts edged with the same tint. On the neck, the back,
the shoulders, and the scapularies, the black hue is shot with bronze, green and purple. Be-
neath the thick plumage is a light coating of soft white down, which apparently serves to
preserve the creature at a proper temperature. The bare skin of the neck is not as wrinkled
as in the zopilote, and the feathers make a complete ring round the neck. There is but little
difference in the plumage of the two sexes, but the bill of the male is pure white.
. The Turkey Buzzard has a larger range than the other species. Its true habitat seems to
be near the tropical line, but in summer it extends to the British Provinces of North America.
It rarely, however, ventures eastward into the New England States.
COMMON ARABIAN VTJLTUKB. Vultur monadms.
Burrough' s Vulture is the smallest of the tribe.
Pacific side, and Lower California.
Its habitat is on the Mexican Gulf, and
WE now arrive at the true Vultures, the first of which is the common ARABIAN VULTURE,
a bird which is spread over a large portion of the globe, being found in various parts of
Europe, Asia, and Africa.
It is a large bird, measuring nearly four feet in length, and the expansion of its wings
being proportionately wide. The general color of this species is a chocolate brown, the naked
portions of the neck and head are of a bluish hue, and it is specially notable for a tuft of long
soft feathers which spring from the insertion of the wings. In spite of its large size and great
muscular powers, the Arabian Vulture is not a dangerous neighbor even to the farmer, for
unless it is pressed by severe hunger, it seems rather to have a dread of living animals, and
22
THE SOCIABLE VULTURE.
contents itself by feeding on any carrion which may come in its way. Sometimes, however,
after a protracted fast, its fears are overruled by its hunger, and the bird makes a raid upon
the sheepfolds or the goat-flocks, in the hope of carrying oif a tender lamb or kid. In these
illegal excursions the bird often pays the penalty of its transgression with its life, being too
hungry to be watchful, and easily shot. Hares and other small animals also fall victims to
the starving Vulture, and it is said that even deer are slain by the united efforts of a pair of
these birds.
GROUP OP TRUE VULTURES.
The usual haunts of this species are situated on the mountain tops, and the bird does not
descend into the valleys except when pressed by hunger. The specific title of monacTius or
Monk has been given to this species on account of the hood-like ruff around its neck, which is
thought to bear a fanciful resemblance to the hood of a monk.
THE name of SOCIABLE VULTURE, which has been bestowed upon the bird now to be
described, is supposed to be founded upon an error of observation.
Le Vaillant, who has given a somewhat detailed description of this species, found several
of the nests in close proximity, and supposed from that circumstance that this Vulture was a
gregarious bird. It seems, however, from more recent observation, that the proximity of
these nests was merely accidental, and that although several nests may have been found near
each other, they were not all inhabited simultaneously. It is the habit of many birds to build
a new nest close to a deserted one, and such seems to have been the case with the Sociable
Vulture. In their character they are anything but social, for it is but seldom that more than
three or four of these birds can be seen together, and even in that case they are drawn together
THE PONDWUERRY VULTURE.
23
not by any feeling of community, but by the attraction of a dead animal on which they are
glad to feed, whether in company or alone.
The Sociable Vulture is a handsome and a large bird. Its length is about four feet, and
the measurement of its expanded wings is rather more than ten feet. The general color of its
feathers is black-brown, from which circumstance it is called by the colonists the Black Car-
rion Bird. The ruff is nearly black, and the feathers of the chest and abdomen are remark-
able for their length and narrowness. The naked parts of the head and neck are red, and the
skin of the sides of the face droops in folds down the neck. This bird is a native of Southern
PONDICHERKY VULTURE. Yvltur eotaw.
Africa, and by the Hottentots is called T'Ghaip, the "T" representing one of those strange
clicking sounds which play so important a part in the Hottentot language.
A FINE example of the genus Otogyps is also found in the PONDICHERKY VULTURE, a bird
which, as its name implies, is an inhabitant of India.
This is not quite so large a bird as the preceding, its length scarcely exceeding three feet.
The generic term, Otogyps, which is given to this species and to the sociable Vultures, is of
Greek origin, denoting Eared Vulture, and alludes to the folds of skin which arise below the
ears and fall for some inches along the sides of the neck. The word "calvus" is Latin, and
signifies bald, in allusion to the featherless condition of the flat and broad head of the Pondi-
cherry Vulture. It is a tolerably common bird, but is never seen in great numbers together, as
it is not at all sociable in its habits, and associates only in pairs.
The general color of the plumage is a blackish-brown, the naked portions of the head and
neck are flesh-colored, and the chest is remarkable for a bunch or tuft of white downy feathers,
which marks the position of the crop.
24
THE FULVOUS, OR GRIFFIN VULTURE.
THE FULVOUS, or GRIFFIN VULTUEE, is one of the most familiar of these useful birds,
being spread widely over nearly the whole of the Old World, and found in very many portions
of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
It is one of the large Vultures, measuring four feet in length, and its expanse of wing
being exceedingly wide. Like many of its relations, it is a high-roving bird, loving to rise
out of the ken of ordinary eyes, and from that vast elevation to view the panorama which lies
beneath its gaze ; not, however, for the purpose of admiring the beauty of the prospect, but
for the more sensual object of seeking for food. Whenever it has discovered a dead or dying
animal, the Vulture takes its stand on some adjoining tree or rock, and there patiently awaits
FtTLVOOS, OB GRIFFIN VULTURE. Gyps fvivus.
the time when decomposition shall render the skin sufficiently soft to permit the entrance of
the eager beak. As soon as its olfactory organs tell of that desired change, the Vulture
descends upon its prey, and will not retire until it is so gorged with food that it can hardly
stir. If it be suddenly attacked while in this condition, it can easily be overtaken and killed ;
but if a pause of a few minutes only be allowed, the bird ejects by a spasmodic effort the load
of food which it has taken into its interior, and is then ready for flight.
A controversy has long raged concerning the manner in which the Vulture obtains knowl-
edge of the presence of food. Some naturalists assert that the wonderful powers of food-
finding which are possessed by the Vulture are owing wholly to the eyes, while others as
warmly attribute to the nose this curious capability. Others again, desirous of steering a
middle course, believe that the eyes and the nostrils give equal aid in this never-ending duty
of finding food, and many experiments have been made with a view to extracting the real
THE ALPINE, OR EGYPTIAN VULTURE. 25
truth of the matter. The following account has been kindly transmitted to me by Captain
Drayson, who has already contributed much original information to the present work.
"Having shot an ourebi early in the morning, and when about three miles from home, I
.was not desirous of carrying the animal behind my saddle during the day's shooting, and I
therefore sought for some method of concealment by which to preserve the dead quarry from
jackals and Vultures. An ant-bear's hole offered a very convenient hiding-place, into which
the buck was pushed, and the carcase was covered over with some grass cut for the purpose.
As usual in South Africa, there were some Vultures wheeling round at an enormous height
above the horizon ; these I believed would soon come down and push aside the grass and tear
off the most assailable parts of the buck. There was, however, no better means of protection,
so I left the animal and rode away. When at about a quarter of a mile from the ant-bear's
hole, I thought that it might be interesting to watch how the Vultures would approach and
commence operations, so I ' off-saddled,' and kept watch.
u After about half an hour, I saw a Vulture coming down from the sky, followed by two or
three others. They came down to the spot where the buck had been killed, and flew past this.
They then returned, and again overshot the mark. After circling several times within a
radius of four hundred yards, they flew away. Other Vultures then came and performed
similar manoeuvres, but not one appeared to know where the buck was concealed. I then rode
off to a greater distance, but the same results occurred.
" In the evening I returned for my buck, which, however, was totally useless in consequence
of the intense heat of the sun, but which had not been touched by the Vultures."
Whatever may be the general opinion of the scientific world upon this subject, I cannot
but think that we shall not discern the true cause of this food-discovering power in the optic
or nasal nerve, or indeed in any material structure whatever. It appears to be simply due to
that wonderful intuitive teaching which we popularly call instinct, and which, if rightly
examined, will most surely prove a key to many mysteries at present unsolved.
The color of the Fulvous Vulture is a yellowish-brown over the greater part of the
body. The quill feathers of the tail and wings are nearly black, the ruff surrounding the base
of the neck is composed of long and delicately white slender feathers, and the head and neck
are sparingly clothed with short white down.
In its native state the Fulvous Vulture assumes some very curious attitudes, and has the
power of altering the contour of its body so completely that it would hardly be recognized as
the same bird. At one time it sits upon the branch of a tree in a heavy, indolent manner, its
neck hidden in the ruff, and the head just projecting from the feathers. At another time it
will be full of life and animation, pacing round the carcase of some animal, tugging furiously
at the skin, and snapping fiercely at its companions if they should approach too closely. One
remarkable attitude which it is fond of assuming is rather difficult to describe, but has so
strange and weird-like an aspect, that it is deserving of mention. While sitting on the
ground, the Vulture thrusts its legs well to the front, and instead of resting upon the feet,
holds them up in the air and sustains the weight of its body upon the tail and ankle- bones.
Thus supported, it seems quite at its ease, and reclines with half-spread wings, as if thor-
oughly enjoying its repose.
Like others of its tribe, the Fulvous Vulture, when satiated with food, will. retire to a
neighboring tree-branch, and sit listlessly with hanging wings, as if to rid its feathers of the
putrid animal substance on which it has been feeding. It is very probable that the bird may
receive great aid from the yellow feather-dust which is so copiously poured from the short
and open quills that are found so abundantly upon this and other similar birds, and that by
means of quiet repose, aided by the fresh air and a few hearty shakes, the bird may be able to
throw off the powder and the putrefaction together.
THE ALPINE, or EGYPTIAN VULTURE, is, as its name imports, an inhabitant of Egypt
and Southern Europe. It is also found in many parts of Asia.
The general color of the adult bird is nearly white, with the exception of the quill feathers
of the wing, which are dark brown. The face, bill, and legs are bright yellow, so that the
THE ALPINE, OR EGYPTIAN VULTURE.
aspect of the bird is sufficiently curious. The sexes are clothed alike when adult. On
account of the color of its plumage, the Egyptian Vulture is popularly termed the WHITE
CROW by the Dutch colonists, and AKBOBAS, or White Father, by the Turks. It is also
familiarly known by the name of PHARAOH'S CHICKEN, because it is so frequently repre-
sented in the hieroglyphical inscriptions of Egypt. When young, the color of its plumage is
a chocolate brown, the neck and shoulders are covered with gray-tipped feathers, and the
beak and feet are a very dull ochry yellow. The white plumage of the adult state is not
attained until the bird has completed its third year.
As is the case with the Vultures in general, the Egyptian Vulture is protected from injury
by the strictest laws, a heavy
penalty being laid upon any one
who should wilfully destroy one
of these useful birds. Secure
under its human protection, the
bird walks fearlessly about the
streets of its native land, perches
upon the houses, and, in com-
mon with the pariah dogs, soon
clears away any refuse sub-
stances that are thrown into the
open streets in those evil-smell-
ing and undrained localities-.
This bird will eat almost any-
thing which is not too hard for
its beak, and renders great ser-
vice to the husbandman by de-
vouring myriads of lizards, rats,
and mice, which would render
all cultivation useless were not
their numbers kept within limits
by the exertion of this useful
Vulture. It has been also seen
to feed on the nara, a rough,
water-bearing melon, in com-
mon with cats, leopards, mice,
ostriches, and many other crea-
tures. The eggs of the ostrich
are said to be a favorite food
with the Egyptian Vtilture, who
is unable to break their strong
shells with his beak, but attains
his object by carrying a great pebble into the air, and letting it drop upon the eggs.
The wings of this species are extremely long in proportion to the size of the bird, and the
lofty soaring flight is peculiarly graceful. It is but a small bird in comparison with many of
those which have already been mentioned, being not much larger than the common rook of
Europe. The nest of the Egyptian Vulture is made upon the shelf or in the cleft of a lofty
rock, and the gray- white eggs are three or four in number. It is a curious fact, that during
the season of reproduction the male bird slightly changes his aspect, the yellow bill becoming
orange, and retaining that tint until the breeding season is over. Like many rapacious ani-
mals and birds, the Egyptian Vulture does not disdain to feed on insects, and has been
observed in the act of following a ploughman along his furrows, picking up the worms and
grubs after the fashion of the common rook.
i7AHRMM>,CT<f.c
EGYPTIAN VULTURE. Neophron perenopterus.
EAGLES. 27
EAGLES.
NEXT in order to the vultures, are placed the splendid birds which are so familiar to
us under the general title of EAGLES, and which form the first group of the great family
Falconidse, which includes the Eagles, falcons, and hawks. In common with the Vulturidse,
the whole of the Falconidae are diurnal birds, and are therefore classed into one large order,
termed Accipitres Diurni. All the Falconidae possess powerful hooked beaks, not running
straight for some distance, and then suddenly curved, as in the vultures, but nearly always
bent in a curve from the very base. The head and neck are covered with plumage, and above
the eyes the feathers are so thick and projecting, that they form a kind of roof or shade, under
which the eye is situated and effectually sheltered from the bright rays of the noontide sun.
There is often a tooth-like projection in the upper mandible, and the nostrils are placed within
the cere. The females are always larger and more powerful than their mates, and the color of
both sexes is very variable, according to the age of tho individual.
The preceding characteristics are common to the entire family of Falconidae, and the true
Eagles may be distinguished by the following additional particulars : The beak is remarkably
powerful, and for a short distance from the base is nearly straight ; when the mouth is open,
the edges of the upper mandible are seen to be slightly wavy, something like the cut edges
of an indenture. The tail is of no very great length, but strong and rigid, and the legs are
feathered down to the toes. Upwards of forty species have been placed in this genus ; but as
many of them present characteristics which admit of a further subdivision, they have been
grouped together in certain sub-genera, for the purpose of attaining greater perspicuity.
The whole of the Falconidse are eminently destructive birds, gaining their subsistence
chiefly by the chase, seldom feeding on carrion except when pressed by hunger, or when the
dead animal has only recently been killed. Herein they form a complete contrast to the vul-
tures, whose tisual food is putrifying carrion, and fresh meat the exception. Destructive
though they may be, they are by no means cruel, neither do they inflict needless pain on the
object of their pursuit. Like the lion and other carnivorous animals, they certainly carry out
the great principle for which they were made, and which has already been mentioned in
Volume I. They are not cruel birds, for although they deprive many birds and beasts of life,
they effect their purpose with a single blow, sweeping down upon the doomed creature with
such lightning velocity, and striking it so fiercely with the death-dealing talons, that in the
generality of instances the victim must be absolutely unconscious even of danger, and be sud-
denly killed while busily engaged in its ordinary pursuits, without suffering the terrors of
anticipation, or even a single pang of bodily pain. There certainly are some instances where
an animal, such as a lamb, has been carried while still living to the Eagle's nest, and there
slaughtered. But we must not judge the feelings of such a victim by our own, for the lamb
can form no conception of the purpose for which it is conveyed through the air, and doubt-
lessly feels nothing but astonishment at the strange journey which it is making.
When the Eagle perceives a -bird on the wing, the mere shock caused by the stroke of the
Eagle's body is almost invariably sufficient to cause death, and the bird, should it be a large
one, such as a swan, for example, falls dead upon the earth without even a wound. Smaller
birds are carried off in the talons of their pursuers, and are killed by the grip of their tremen-
dous claws, the Eagle in no case making use of its beak for the purpose of killing its prey.
If the bird carries off a lamb or a hare, it grasps the body firmly with its claws, and then by a
sudden exertion of its wonderful strength, drives the sharp talons deep into the vitals of
its prey, and does not loosen its grasp until the breath of life has tied and all movement has
ceased.
The structure by means of which the Eagle is enabled to" use its talons with such terrible
effect is equally beautiful and simple, and as it is closely connected with many of the habits of
birds, deserves separate mention.
Many observant persons have been struck with the curious fact, that a bird can hold its
28 THE GOLDEN EAGLE.
position upon a branch or perch even whilst sleeping, and that in many instances the slumber-
ing bird retains its hold of the perch by a single foot, the other limb being drawn up and buried
in the feathers. As this grasp of the perch is clearly an involuntary one. it is evidently inde-
pendent of the mere will of the bird, and due to some peculiar formation. On removing the
skin from the leg of any bird, and separating the muscles from each other, the structure in
question is easily seen. The muscles which move the leg and foot, and the tendons which
form the attachment of the muscles to the bones, are so arranged, that whenever the bird
bends its leg the foot is forcibly closed, and is relaxed as soon as the leg is straightened. A
bird is totally unable to keep its foot open when its leg is bent, as may be seen by watching a
common fowl as it walks along, closing its toes as it lifts the foot from the ground, and spread-
ing them as they come to the ground again. It will be seen, therefore, that when a bird falls
asleep upon a branch, the legs are not only bent but pressed dowards by the weight of the
body, so that the claws hold the perch with an involuntary grasp, which is necessarily tight-
ened according to the depth of the bird's slumbers. When, therefore, an Eagle desires to
drive his talons into the body of his prey, he needs only to sink downwards with his whole
weight, and the forcible bending of the legs will effect the purpose without the necessity for any
muscular exertion. Exertion, indeed, is never needlessly used by the Eagle, for it is very
chary of exercising its great muscular powers, and unless roused by the sight of prey, or
pressed to fly abroad in search of food, will sit upon a tree or a point of rock for hours
together, as motionless as a stuffed figure.
Voracious though it be, and capable of gorging itself to the full like any vulture, the
Eagle can sustain a prolonged fast from meat or drink ; and on one occasion, when wounded,
made voluntary abstinence for a fortnight before it would touch the food with which it was
liberally provided.
THE first, and one of the finest, of these grand birds is the well-known GOLDEN EAGLE.
This magnificent bird is spread over a large portion of the world, being found in various parts
of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. The color of this bird is a rich blackish-brown on the
greater part of the body, the head and neck being covered with feathers of a rich golden red,
which have earned for the bird its popular name. The legs and sides of the thighs are gray-
brown, and the tail is a deep gray, diversified with several regular, dark-brown bars. The
cere and the feet are yellow. In its immature state the plumage of the Golden Eagle is
differently tinged, the whole of the feathers being reddish-brown, the legs and sides of the
thighs nearly white, and the tail white for the first three-quarters of its length. So different
an aspect does the immature bird present, that it has been often reckoned as a separate species,
and named accordingly. It is a truly magnificent bird in point of size, for an adult female
measures about three feet six inches in length, and the expanse of her wings is nine feet. The
male is less by nearly six inches.
The Golden Eagle is observed to frequent certain favorite haunts, and to breed regularly
in the same spot for a long series of years. Their nest is always made upon some elevated
spot, generally upon a ledge of rock, and is most inartistically constructed of sticks, which are
thrown apparently at random, and rudely arranged for the purpose of containing the eggs and
young. A neighboring ledge of rock is generally reserved for a larder, where the parent
Eagles store up the food which they bring from the plains below. The contents of this larder
are generally of a most miscellaneous description, consisting of hares, partridges, and game of
all kinds, lambs, rabbits, young pigs, fish, and other similar articles of food. An Eagle's nest
might therefore be supposed to be an unpleasant neighbor to the fanners, but it is said that
the birds respect the laws of hospitality, and, provided that they are left unmolested,
will spare the flocks of their immediate neighbors, and forage for food at a considerable
distance.
In hunting for their prey, the Eagle and his mate mutually assist each other. It may
here be mentioned, that the Eagles are all monogamous, keeping themselves to a single mate,
and living together in perfect harmony through their lives. Should, however, one of them
die or be killed, the survivor is not long left in a state of widowhood, but vanishes from the
CLEMENCY OF THE GOLDEN EAGLE. 29
spot for a few days, and then returns with a new mate. As the rabbits and hares are gener-
ally under cover during the day, the Eagle is forced to drive them from their place of conceal-
ment, and manages the matter in a very clever and sportsmanlike manner. One of the Eagles
conceals itself near the cover which is to be beaten, and its companion then dashes among the
bushes, screaming and making such a disturbance that the terrified inmates rush out in hopes
of escape, and are immediately pounced upon by the watchful confederate.
The prey is immediately taken to the nest, and distributed to the young, if there should
be any eaglets in the lofty cradle. It is a rather remarkable fact, that whereas the vultures
feed their young by disgorging the food which they have taken into their crops, the Eagles
carry the prey to their nests, and there tear it to pieces, and feed the eaglets with the morsels.
When in pursuit of its prey it is a most audacious bird, having been seen to carry off a
hare from before the noses of the hounds. It is a keen fisherman, catching and securing
salmon and various sea-fish with singular skill. Sometimes it has met with more than its
match, and has seized upon a fish that was too heavy for its powers, thus falling a victim to
its sporting propensities. Mr. Lloyd mentions several instances where Eagles have been
drowned by pouncing upon large pike, which carried their assailants under water, and fairly
drowned them. In more than one instance the feet of an Eagle have been seen firmly clenched
in the pike' s back, the body of the bird having decayed and fallen away.
It is a terrible fighter when wounded or attacked, as may be seen by the following anec-
dote, which is related by Mr. Watters in his " Natural History of the Birds of Ireland."
" An Eagle was at one time captured in the county Meath by a gamekeeper, who, surpris-
ing the bird sleeping after a surfeit on a dead sheep in the neighborhood, conceived the idea
of taking him alive, and for that purpose approached noiselessly, and clasped the bird in his
arms. The Eagle recovering, and unable to use his wings, clutched with his talons, one of
which entered the man's chest, the hind claw meeting the others underneath the flesh. The
man, unable to disengage the claw, strangled the bird, but the talons were yet too firmly
clutched to open. Taking out his knife, he severed the leg from the body, and walked with
the penetrating member to the village dispensary to have it removed."
The same writer was acquainted with a tame Eagle which displayed a great fondness for
the flesh of cats, a taste which seems inherent in the Eagle nature, and to have been noticed
in every specimen of tame Eagles. In every case, as soon as an irritated cat came within
reach, the Eagle would pounce upon it, seize it in his talons, and with one gripe destroy its
life so effectually that the poor animal never had time even to cry out. The bird indulged
this cat-eating taste to such an extent that he caused sad havoc among the feline tribe, and
was forced at last to go into exile.
Many anecdotes of tame Golden Eagles are on record, but as they are already familiar to
the public, I shall make no mention of them. The following account, however, has never
before been written, and as it displays a curious trait of character in the Eagle, is worthy of
insertion.
A Golden Eagle had been captured in Scotland, and being very tame, always accompanied
the family to which it belonged in all their journeys. For some time it lived near Clifton,
where it passed its existence fastened to a post by a tolerably long chain, that allowed it a
reasonable freedom of motion. Like other tame Eagles, she for it was of the feminine sex
would persist in killing cats if they came within reach, although her ordinary food was fowls,
rabbits, and similar articles of diet. On one occasion, a sickly, pining chicken, which seemed
in a very bad state of health, was given to the Eagle. The royal bird, however, refused to eat
it, but seemed to be struck with pity at its miserable state, and took it under her protection.
She even made it sit under her wing, which she extended as a shield, and once when a man
unkindly endeavored to take her protege away, she attacked him fiercely, injuring his leg
severely, and drove him fairly off her premises. She several times built a rude nest, but never
laid an egg.
There is no doubt but that this beautiful bird might be tamed as readily as the falcon,
and trained in a similar manner to fly at game. Indeed, such instances are not wanting both
in ancient and modern times. The old hawking authorities did not place much value on
30 THE IMPERIAL EAGLE.
the services of the Eagle, for its weight is so great that it could not be conveyed to and from
the field of action without considerable inconvenience. In more modern times the Golden
Eagle has been successfully trained to catch game. A gentleman in Huntingdonshire suc-
ceeded in taming a Golden Eagle, which he taught to chase hares and rabbits ; and several
other examples are on record.
Owing to the expanse of the wings and the great power of the muscles, the flight of this
bird is peculiarly bold, striking, and graceful. It sweeps through the air in a succession of
spiral curves, rising with every spire, and making no perceptible motion with its wings, until
it has attained an altitude at which it is hardly visible. From that post of vantage the Eagle
marks the ground below, and sweeps down with lightning rapidity upon bird or beast that
may happen to take its fancy. It is not, however, so active at rising from the ground as
might be imagined, and can be disabled by a comparatively slight injury on the wing. One
of these birds, that was detected by a young shepherd boy in the act of devouring some dead
sheep, was disabled by a pebble hurled at it from a sling, and was at last ignominiously stoned
to death.
When gorged with food the Eagle dislikes the exertion of flying, and generally runs for-
ward a few paces before taking to flight. The Scotch shepherds have discovered this pro-
pensity, and have invented a very ingenious trap, which is made so as to take advantage of
this habit.
A circular inclosure is built of stone, about four feet in height, without any roof, and
with a small door on one of its sides. A dead sheep is then thrown into the centre of the
inclosure, and a noose adjusted round the door. The Eagle soon discerns the sheep, and after
making a few circles in the air, alights upon the dead animal, and feeds to his heart's content.
After eating until he can eat no more, he thinks of moving, but as he does not choose to take
the trouble of flying perpendicularly in so narrow a space, he prefers to walk out through the
door, and is straightway strangled by the ready noose.
The Eagle is supposed to be a very long-lived bird, and is thought to compass a century of
existence when it is living wild and unrestrained in its native land. Even in captivity it has
been been known to attain a good old age, one of these birds which lived at Vienna being
rather more than a hundred years old when it died.
So splendid and suggestive a bird as the Eagle could not escape the notice of any human
inhabitant of the same land, and we accordingly find that in all nations, even the most civilized
of the present day, an almost superstitious regard has attached itself to this bird. The Eagles
of ancient Borne and of modern monarchies and empires are familiar to all, and it is hardly
possible to pay a higher compliment to a poet or a warrior than to liken him to the royal Eagle.
This genus, which includes the Golden Eagle, is almost peculiar to the Old World, where
about seventeen species are known, America having none exclusively its own ; the single
species found here being identical with the European. The American bird varies somewhat
from the latter, being darker in plumage, and it is rather larger.
Dr. Brewer says it breeds in the mountainous portions of Maine, New Hampshire, and
Vermont. Mr. Ridgeway found it common in the great Basin of the West, where the miners
call it Mountain Eagle.
THE IMPERIAL EAGLE is an inhabitant of Asia and Southern Europe, and bears a rather
close resemblance to the golden Eagle, from which bird, however, it may be readily distin-
guished by several notable peculiarities.
The head and neck of this species are covered with lancet-shaped feathers of a deep fawn
color, each feather being edged with brown. The back and the whole of the upper parts are
black-brown, deeper on the back, and warming towards a chestnut tint on the shoulders.
Several of the scapularies are pure white, and the tail is ash-colored, bordered and tipped
with black. The cere and legs are yellow. The surest mark by which the Imperial may be
distinguished from the golden Eagle, is the white patch on the scapularies. This is most dis-
tinct in the adult bird ; for in the plumage of the young, the scapulary feathers are only
tipped with white, instead of being wholly of that hue.
THE BOLD EAGLE.
31
The Imperial Eagle is seldom seen sweeping over the plains, as it is a forest-loving bird,
preferring the densest woods to the open country. As far as is known, it never builds its nest
on the rocks, but always chooses a spreading and lofty tree for that purpose. In habits
it resembles the preceding species, and in disposition is tierce and destructive. No specimen
of this bird has yet been taken in England, although it is not at all uncommon in the warmer
parts of Europe.
AUSTRALIA possesses a fine example of the aquiline birds in the BOLD EAGLE, so called
from the extreme audacity which it displayed on first coining in contact with mankind.
IMPERIAL EAGLE, Ayutta mogUnit.
This handsome bird is found in the whole of Southern Australia and Van Diemen's Land,
but Mr. Gould believes that it does not inhabit the intertropical regions. The color of the
Bold Eagle is a blackish-brown, becoming paler on the edges of the wings. The back of the
neck takes a decided reddish hue, which forms a very conspicuous charcteristic in the coloring
of the plumage. When young, the edge of each feather is tinged with red, and the tail is
slightly barred. The eyes of this bird are hazel, and the beak is yellowish except at the tip,
which is black.
The food of this bird consists naturally of kangaroos, bustards, and other beasts and birds
of its own country. Since sheep have been so plentifully bred in Australia, the Bold Eagle
has derived considerable advantage from the enterprise of the agriculturists, and has become a
perfect pest to the shepherds, from its fondness for mutton. In consequence of its marauding
propensities, it is hunted and persecuted in every way by the colonists, but without much
apparent result, as the bird is only driven farther inland, and seems in a fair way to hold ita
32
THE BOOTED EAGLE.
own for many years to come. The young cannot be taken, nor tne eggs destroyed, as the bird
always builds its nest on the summit of some lofty tree, which is inaccessible to any human
being except the native Australian. These trees often rise for a hundred feet without a branch,
thus presenting an insurmountable obstacle to the efforts of any white man.
It will not disdain to feed upon carrion, a flock of thirty or forty having been observed by
Mr. Gould seated round the carcass of an ox, and gorged with food like so many vultures.
Like the vultures, it will follow the white kangaroo hunters day after day, in order to avail
itself of the offal which they throw aside. Of the black hunters it takes no heed, knowing well
that the black man has no idea of leaving any portion whatever of his prey for any creature
except himself, and that if any part of the slain animal should be distasteful to his palate it is
handed over to his wives, who wait round him at a respectful distance, receiving humbly any
morsels that he may be pleased to throw to them.
BOOTED EAGLE. (A/pitta pennata.)
A rather amusing account of the discomfiture of a pair of these Eagles is given by
Captain Flinders in his "Voyage to Terra Australis." In company with a friend, he had
landed on an uninhabited island, and had captured a snake, which he was taking to the ship
for the benefit of the naturalist. While so engaged, an Eagle "with fierce aspect and out-
spread wing came bounding towards us, but stopping short at twenty yards off, he flew up into
a tree. Another bird of the same kind discovered himself by making a motion to pounce down
upon us as we passed underneath ; and it seemed evident they took us for kangaroos, having
probably never before seen an upright animal of any other species in the island. These birds
sit watching in the trees, and should a kangaroo come out to feed in the daytime, it is seized
and torn to pieces by these voracious creatures."
THE LAUGHING FALCON.
33
THERE are are many other examples of the genus Aquila, the smallest of which is the
BOOTED EAGLE (Aquila penndta).
This little bird is not larger than an ordinary falcon, for which, indeed, it might be mis-
taken but for the lancet-shaped feathers in the head and neck, which plainly speak of the
Eagle. The general color of this bird is dark brown ; a light yellowish-brown stripe runs
across the wings ; the abdomen is white, and the chest is also white, each feather having a
brown dasli down its centre. The legs are thickly clothed or "booted" with white feathers.
The Booted Eagle is spread over a considerable portion of the world, being found in many
parts of Europe, as well as in Asia, which seems to be its natural residence. It has, however,
been known to build in Hungary, near the Carpathian mountains, and makes annual migra-
tions. It is not a very destructive
bird, its food consisting generally
of small birds, rats and mice, bats,
insects, and similar articles of diet.
OF the genus Spizaetus, the
MARTIAL EAGLE forms an excel-
lent example. This handsome bird
is a native of Southern Africa,
where it was discovered by Le
Vaillant.
The color of this bird is dark
brown, the feathers being paler at
their edges ; the under surface is
whitish, the quills being black ;
the legs are paler and feathered to
the toes. The name Spizaetus sig-
nifies "piping Eagle," and has
been given to this and several other
species on account of their pecu-
liar cry. Mixed with the rough,
barking scream of the ordinary
Eagles, there is a piercingly shrill
cry which can be heard at a very
great distance, even though the
bird be out of sight. The nest of
the Martial Eagle, or GRIFFARD,
as it is sometimes called, is rather
peculiar in its structure, being
composed of three distinct layers
of building materials. The first
layer is made with sticks, as is
usual among Eagles, and is of considerable dimensions. Upon this foundation is placed a
second layer of wood, moss, and roots, to the depth of twenty inches or two feet, and upon
this again is laid a quantity of little dry sticks, on which the eggs are laid. The eggs are two
in number, white, and very globular.
The Martial Eagle is a bold, powerful, and rapacious bird, feeding mostly upon gazelles
and smaller African animals. In the particular locality which it frequents it reigns supreme,
and will not permit any other bird of prey to come Avithin a considerable distance of the tree
or rock whereon its nest is built. Whilst flying, it permits its legs to hang downward.
THE curious bird which is called from its strange cry the LAUGHING FALCON, is a native
of Southern America, where it is found inhabiting the vicinity of marshes and swamps, in
which localities it finds the reptile food on which it chiefly subsists. It is also a keen fisher,
' VOL. II. 5.
MARTIAL EAGLE. (Sfizaitus bdlicosus.)
34
CRESTED, OR HARPY EAGLE.
and haunts rivers and lakes for the sake of the finny prey which they contain. The color of
this bird is nearly white, diversified with a broad band of brown that passes over the back,
wings, and the space around the eyes, and is prolonged into a belt that surrounds the neck, so
that the bird looks as if it had been wrapped in a brown mantle fastened under the throat. The
tail is banded alternately with brown and white. The wings of this species are not very long,
and the beak is short. The tarsus is also short, and is covered iu part with net-like markings.
The head is surmounted with a crest, composed of long, narrow feathers, which pass over the
head and droop gracefully until they reach the back of the neck.
A SMALL number of the Falconidae are remarkable for their long tarsi, feathered below
the heel, their long, even tail, and the union of the outer claws by a membranous skin. The
JEAN LE BLANC EAGLE, so called
on account of the generally white
color of its plumage, is a good
example of this genus, which in-
cludes the bacha, the cheela, and
other so-called Eagles.
The color of the Jean le Blanc
Eagle is white, speckled with
brown spots, and diversified on
the back with brown. The white,
however, predominates largely,
and even in the back and wings,
the bases of the feathers are
white. The tail is darker than
the rest of the plumage, being
of a light gray-brown, barred
with dark brown. The long tarsi
and toes are blue, and the claws
are black. The length of the
bird is about thirty inches, but
the expanse of its wings is not
so proportionally great as in the
osprey. As the birds of this
genus possess several character-
istics of the Eagles, and others
of the ospreys, they are supposed
with justice to form a connecting
link between the genera Aquila
and Pandion. The Jean le Blanc
is spread over considerable por-
tions of Asia and Europe.
The food of this bird con-
sists chiefly of snakes, frogs, rats, mice, and insects, and it is generally found haunting the
low forest lands where such creatures most abound. Its nest is of considerable dimensions,
and is generally built on the summit of some lofty tree. The eggs are either two or three in
number, and are of a pure, spotless gray.
AFTER many attempts to associate the CRESTED, or HARPY EAGLE, with any other bird in
some acknowledged genus, systematic zoologists have at last been obliged to consider it a
family or single genus in itself, under the appropriate title of Thrasaetus, or Courageous
Eagle.
The most obvious external characteristic which serve to distinguish this species is the
manner in which the feathers of the head and neck are arranged, so as to form a bold ruff or
JEAN LE BLANC EAGLE. (Circaltus ffaXlcus.)
CRESTED, Oil HARPY EAGLE,
35
fan-like crest when erect. As long as this crest lies flatly on the head and neck, the bird
might be taken for a common Eagle ; but as soon as the fierce temper is roused, the crest
is raised, and the bird assumes an indescribably bold and courageous aspect. The color of
this noble bird is very variable, differing greatly in the several epochs of an Eagle's life.
When adult, the general color is blackish-slate, the head is gray, and the chest and abdomen
white, with a band of a darker hue across the chest. The tops of the feathers which compose
the crest are black, and the tail is barred alternately with black and gray. The beak and
claws are black.
CRESTED, OK HABPY EAGLE. Thrasatus /tarpyla.
This bird is a native of various parts of Southern America, and prefers the deepest forests
to the plains or the rocks as its place of residence.
The Harpy Eagle is a most powerful bird, exceeding even the golden Eagle in the extent
of its muscular development. The bones of the Harpy are enormously thick in proportion to
the size of the bird, and the claws are nearly twice the size of those which belong to the golden
Eagle. The wings, however, are not largely developed, being rather short and rounded, so that
the bird is not fitted so much for a swift and active flight as for the power of grasping with con-
siderable force, and using its talons with the greatest effect. This formation is easily accounted
for by the fact that the Harpy Eagle is not intended as an aerial hunter, chasing its prey through
the air and overcoming it by means of superior activity and strength, but feeds mostly on vari-
ous mammalia, and is a sad enemy to the sloth. Young deer fall victims to this voracious bird,
which also destroys vast quantities of cavies, opossums, and other animals. Even the large
36 THE OSPREY.
parrots and aras are slain and eaten by the Crested Eagle. As soon as the Harpy Eagle pounces
upon a sloth, a fawn, or an opossum, the fate of its victim is sealed, for the long curved claws
are driven so forcibly into its vitals, that it speedily sinks dead beneath the fatal grasp.
From the thickly wooded nature of the localities in which this Eagle dwells, a lengthened
chase would be impossible, as the dense foliage and tangled boughs would enable the intended
victim to place itself in security if it were only able to receive intimation of its pursuer 1 s
presence. The great object of the Harpy Eagle is, therefore, to steal quietly upon its prey, by
gliding on noiseless wing over the tops of the trees, and to swoop suddenly and unexpectedly
on the unfortunate sloth or fawn that it may chance to discover. When successful in its chase,
and standing exultingly on the body of its quarry, its talons firmly holding the prey which it
has gained by its own quickness and strength, and its fierce eyes looking jealously around lest
any intruder should endeavor to despoil it of the fruits of its victory, the Harpy Eagle
presents a truly magnificent sight. Its crest is raised and continually in motion, and its eyes
seem to flame with mingled fury and triumph.
The Harpy Eagle (Thrascetus harpy ia) is found in Texas occasionally, and is, therefore,
enumerated in the list of North American birds.
THERE is rather a curious bird found in Brazil, Cayenne, and various parts of the West
Indies, named the .BRAZILIAN EAGLE or URUBITINGA.
This bird is a great contrast in dimensions to that which has just been mentioned, being only
about the size of an ordinary raven, whereas the harpy Eagle is among the largest of the diurnal
birds of prey. The color of the Umbitinga is nearly black, diversified with some grayish
marks upon the wings, and the white tail-coverts and base of the tail. The beak is powerfully
made, and very convex above, and the claws are very sharply pointed. The color of the legs
and cere is yellow, and the tarsus is marked in front with a series of shield-like scales. When
young, the plumage of the Urubitinga is very different from that of the adult bird, being largely
mixed with yellow and dark brown. It is always to be found near rivers, lakes and swamps, as
it feeds upon the aquatic reptiles which are found so plentifully in such localities, and also
upon the smaller mammalia which also inhabit wet and marshy situations.
ONE of the most interesting of predaceous birds is the celebrated OSPREY, or FISHING
HAWK.
As the bird is a fish-eater, it is generally observed on the sea-coast or on the banks of
some large river, but has occasionally been observed in some comparatively waterless situation,
where it has probably been driven by stress of weather. The Osprey breeds year after year on
the same spot, generally choosing the summit of an old ruined building or the top of a large
tree for that purpose. The nest is a very large one, composed almost wholly of sticks, and
contains two or three whitish eggs, largely blotched with reddish brown, the dark patches
being collected towards the large end of the egg. As is the case with the Eagles, the Osprey
is monogamous ; but on the death of either of the pair, the survivor soon finds another mate,
and is straightway consoled by a new alliance. From all accounts it is an affectionate and
domestic bird, paying the greatest attention to its mate and home, and displaying a constancy
which is not to be surpassed by that of the turtle-dove, so celebrated for matrimonial felicity.
Wilson, in his well-known work on the birds of America, gives a very interesting account
of the proceedings of a pair of Ospreys. The female had unfortunately lost one of her legs,
and was in consequence disabled from catching fish. Her mate, however, redoubled his efforts
on her behalf, and, leaving her in the nest, used to set himself to work with such perseverance
that he kept the nest well supplied with food by his sole endeavors, so that his mate never
was obliged to leave her charge in search of sustenance. Even after the young had been
fledged, this model husband continued his efforts, and relieved his wife of the necessity for
hunting.
The flight of the Osprey is peculiarly easy and elegant, as might be expected from a bird
the length of whose body is only twenty -two inches, and the expanse of wing nearly five feet
and a half. Living almost wholly on fish, the Osprey sails in wide undulating circles, hovering
HABITS OF THE OSPREY. 37
over the water and intently watching for its prey. No sooner does a fish come into view
than the Osprey shoots through the air like a meteor, descends upon the luckless fish with
such force that it drives a shower of spray in every direction, and soon emerging, flies away to
its nest, bearing its prey in its grasp. In order to enable it to seize and retain so slippery a
creature as a fish, the claws of the Osprey are long, curved, and very sharp, the soles of the
feet are rough, and the outer toe is capable of great versatility. When the bird has settled
upon its nest, or upon any spot where it intends to eat its prey, it does not relinquish its hold,
but, as if fearful that the fish should escape, continues its grasp, and daintily picks away the
flesh from between its toes.
Sometimes in making its swoop it arrests itself for a second or two, as if to watch some
change of position on the part of its intended prey.
The singular beauty of the Osprey' s flight attracted the attention of M. de Quatrefages,
who remarked, that the bird was able with outstretched and immovable wings, not only to
withstand the power of a "squall" that would have flung a man to the ground, but even to
work its way against the wind. How this feat was performed he confesses to be a mystery to
him, and that the so-called scientific theories of "acquired velocity" or "tremulous move-
ment" of the wings could not at all account for the phenomenon which he observed.
When unmolested by human foes, the Osprey is a bold bird, as may be seen from the
following little anecdote, related by Mr. D'Ewes in his " Sporting in both Hemispheres." " I
observed an Osprey, or fishing Eagle, hovering about the river some distance down stream, as
if he w y ere regarding my movements with much curiosity. Having caught a small barbel, per-
haps a little less than a pound in weight, and extricated the hook with some difficulty, some-
thing induced me to throw him back again, as not worth taking, which I did with a sharp
jerk, sending him some distance into the middle of the stream. In the space of a few moments,
and a hundred yards downwards, I saw the Osprey make a sudden swoop, a dive, and soar
aloft with the fish in his mouth no doubt my identical barbel, which, puzzled with his sudden
change of circumstances, and not having regained vigor and instinct sufficient to seek his usual
haunts, had floated down stream, and became an easy victim to his destroyer."
In Southern America it is very common, and has been well described by Wilson, Audu-
bon, and other well-known writers, to whom we can but refer for the present. The bird is
held in great favor, and protected by common consent, so that any one who shot a fish-hawk
would draw down upon himself the anger of the person who constituted himself its protector.
The bird is in the habit of building its nest upon the roofs of houses, and is thought to bring
good luck to the household which it selects as its protectors. There is a good reason for the
love which the fishermen bear towards the Osprey, as it is the harbinger of their best seasons,
and by its headlong sweeps after the bass and other fish intimates that their nets may be
successfully employed.
Harmless though the Osprey be except to the fish it is a most persecuted bird, being
not only annoyed by rooks and crows, but robbed by the more powerful white-headed Eagle.
Mr. Thompson records an instance where an Osprey, which had been fishing in Loch Ruthven,
was greatly harassed by an impertinent Royston crow, which attacked the nobler bird as soon
as it had caught a fish, and, as if knowing that it was incapable of retaliation, actually struck
it while on the wing. The Osprey kept quietly on its way, but was so wearied by the repeated
attacks of the crow, that when pursued and pursuer had vanished out of sight, the poor Osprey
had not been able to commence his repast.
How this species is robbed by the white-headed Eagle, who strikes the Osprey on the
wing, and snatches from the poor bird the results of his morning's labors, is well known
through the graphic descriptions of Wilson and Audubon. The passages in which this
thievish habit is recounted are so familiarly known, and have been so frequently quoted, that
I prefer merely to mention them, and to insert in the present pages another account of the
same proceedings, written also by an eye-witness.
"The bald Eagle, who is a sort of omnipresent predator wherever the primeval nature
holds her own upon the continent, makes his appearance sometimes suddenly on his wide-
38 HABITS OF THE OSPREY.
visiting wings amidst these solitudes, that seem rightly to belong to the fish-hawk alone. His
hoarse bark startles the deep silence from afar, and every natural sound is mute. Wheeling .
grandly amidst the dim blue cliffs, he subsides on slow and royal spread upon some blasted pine
beside the lake-river, and with quick, short screaming while he smooths his ruffled plumes
announces to awed nature that its winged monarch has come down to rest. The friendly
fish-hawks, in silent consternation, dart hither and yon in vexed uncertain flight, the tiny
songsters dive into deep thickets, and the very cricket, underneath dead leaves, pauses for a
moment in its cheerful trill, while the shadow of that drear sound passes over all. But now
the kingly bird grows quiet, and with many a shift of feet and restless lift of wing while
fierce, far-darting eyes are taking in all the capabilities of his new perch he sinks into an
attitude of deep repose, one yellow-heated eye upturned, watching the evolutions of the
startled fish -hawks, whose movement, becoming less and less irregular as they wheel to and
fro, gradually subsides into the measured windings of their habitual flight in seeking prey,
while the buzz, the hum, the chirp, the chatter, and the carol creep up once again, and nature
becomes voiceful in her happy silence.
" Now, to witness, as I have done, from the mountain tops, the Osprey sweep down from
the dizzy height, almost level with my feet, and hear the faint whirr of arrowy -falling plumes,
and see the cloud-spray dimly flash through the blue steep of distance ah, that was a sight !
And then the strong bird's scream of exultation faintly heard, and the far flash of scales glit-
tering as he drags his spoil to sunlight from its dark, slumberous home, and on strong vans
goes beating up towards the clouds ; ah, that too was a sight ! But then to see deep down,
that couchant tyrant deep down below, 'levelling his neck for flight' (as the 'glorious weaver'
has it), his war-crest raised, his wings half-spread, pausing for the moment on his stoop, and
then one clamorous shriek of confident power, and see him vault away, up, up, with a swift
cleave, conquering gravitation, and go lifted on the spell of wings ! Wonderful sight that
upward struggle ! The fish-hawk has taken warning from the exulting cry of his old enemy,
and with yet louder cries, as if for help, goes up and upward, swifter still, with vain beatings
that scatter the fleece-forms of cloud above me, and stir them in whirling gyrations. But no ;
the conqueror with overcoming wings is upon him, with fierce bufferings the stirred chaos can-
not hide from me, and the fisher drops his prey with a despairing shriek, while it goes gleam-
ing headlong towards its ravished home. Now but an instant's poise while the sunlight can
flash off a ray from steadied plumes, and the Eagle goes, dimmed with swiftness, roaring
down to catch the falling prey before it reach the wave.
" But the fish-hawk, although the mildest, the most generous and social of all the Fal-
conidse, still recognizes that point beyond which forbearance is no virtue. When the plun-
dering outrages of the bald Eagle have been at length carried to an intolerable extreme in any
particular locality, the fish-hawks in the neighborhood combine in a common assault upon the
tyrannical robber. I have frequently witnessed such scenes along the coast of the Gulf of
Mexico. They abound in great numbers along the estuaries of its great rivers. I remember
particularly to have noted the greatest collection of them at the mouth of the Brazos Eiver, at
Texas. Twenty or thirty of them are constantly congregated at this place during the spring
months, to feed upon the great shoals of the luscious red fish which then make their appear-
ance here ; though otherwise a barren and uncouth spot, it is constantly enlivened by the
aerial gambols of these powerful and graceful flighted birds, and many's the battle between
them and the bald Eagle that I have witnessed among the clouds at this place. They seemed
to have formed a sort of colony for mutual protection, and the moment their foe, the Eagle,
made his appearance among them, the cry of alarm was raised, and the vigilant colonists,
hurrying from all quarters, attacked the robber without hesitation, and always succeeded in
driving him away.
"There was always a desperate battle first before the savage monarch could be routed,
and I have seen them gathered about him in such numbers, whirling and tumbling amidst
a chaos of floating feathers through the air, that it was impossible for a time to distinguish
which was the Eagle, until, having got enough of it amidst such fearful odds, he would fain
turn tail, and with most undignified acceleration of flight would dart toward the covert of the
THE CINEREOUS, OR SEA EAGLE.
39
heavy forest to hide his baffled royalty, and shake off his pertinacious foes amidst the boughs,
as do the smaller hawks when teased by the little king-birds. I was told by the residents of
Valasco, at the mouth, who from sympathy with the fish-hawks seemed to greatly relish
the scenes, that year after year the Eagles made persevering attempts to obtain a lodg-
ment in the neighborhood of this colony, but were always promptly repulsed and finally
driven off."
There is but one species of Osprey, although it has been thought that the American bird
ought to be reckoned as a different species. The general color of the Osprey is dark brown,
but it is pleasingly variegated with various shades of black, gray, and white. The crown of
the head and the nape of the neck are covered with long, gray-white feathers, streaked with
dark brown. The under surface of the body is white, with the exception of a light brown
band which extends across the chest. The primaries are brown tipped with black, and the
tail is barred above with a light and a deep brown, and below with brown and white. The
legs, toes, and cere are blue, the eyes golden yellow, and the beak and claws black.
The range of the Osprey, or Fish-hawk (Pandion halicetus\ is well-nigh cosmopolitan.
t On the American shores it ranges from Northern Brazil, the West India Islands, through the
whole of North America.
This bird is exceedingly numerous in some parts of our Atlantic coasts. On a small
is] and three hundred nests of the species were found. A singular circumstance is that of the
purpb grackle's association with this hawk. The latter allows the grackle the privilege of
building its nest on the borders of its own. In the interstices of the coarse nest of the hawk
as many as four nests have been seen.
The stout legs and claws of this bird, looking almost a deformity in their great size and
angularity, are well adapted to catch and hold the large fish it frequently takes. This bird is
in striking contrast to the pelican in this respect. The latter depends upon the large, dip-
net-like pouch to hold the prey ; and, large as the bird is, it gets only the small fishes that
swim in shoals near the surface. The Osprey makes a dash at larger game, and rises from the
troubled waters with a fair family meal, while the pelican labors during the day for his pittance
of household provender. We have seen the Osprey s at Seguin Island, near Casco Bay, in Maine,
and the mimerous bald Eagles. Here one may witness the conflicts between them so well
described by Wilson and Audubon. Though the nests of the Osprey are often found in com-
pany, this bird is fond of building its nest on the tops of the iron beacons that are placed at
certain intervals on the coast, and they have a picturesque appearance, attractive to the pass-
ing voyager. Nests of this kind are often old, and exhibit the successive layers of material
added from year to year, until an immense structure is formed.
THE CINEREOUS, or SEA EAGLE, is by far the most common of the larger British Fal-
conidse, being much more frequently seen than the golden Eagle. On account of the peculiar
white rounded tail, the bird is sometimes called the WHITE-TAILED EAGLE.
This species is found in all parts of Europe, but is not known to visit America. As it is a
fish-loving bird, and is nearly as great an adept at angling as the osprey, it is generally found
on the sea-coast. It possesses, however, a very accommodating appetite, and often makes con-
siderable inland journeys in search of food. Young fawns, lambs, hares, and other animals
then fall victims to its hunger, and it is said to watch for disabled or dying deer, and to hasten
their end by the injuries which it inflicts upon them. On the shores, the Sea Eagle seems to
have regular hunting-grounds, and to make its rounds with perfect regularity, appearing at a
certain spot at the same hour daily, keeping an anxious eye on the multitude of sea fowl as
they hover about the rock ledges in attendance upon their mates and families.
One of these birds that was domesticated for some years contrived, on one ocaasion, to eat
a hedgehog that had strayed too near his quarters. It might naturally have been supposed
that the prickly skin of the animal would have caused some discomfort in the Eagle's interior,
Nothing of the kind, however, happened ; for the Eagle, as is universal among rapacious birds,
ejected the skin and indigestible portions of the hedgehog, and seemed to have felt no incon-
40 THE BALD, OR WHITE-HEADED EAGLE.
venience whatever from the array of prickly spines. The same bird used to spend much of its
time in trying to eat a tortoise, a proceeding which the tortoise treated with perfect equa-
nimity. The whole story of this bird is rather a curious one, but would occupy too much space
in a work of this character.
It is a fierce and determined bird, having a strange look of lowering self-will in its eyes.
When wounded, it fights most fiercely ; and even when disabled by a broken wing, it has been
known to strike so sharply with the sound wing, that the utmost exertions of two men were
required before it could be subdued and bound.
As it is rather an unpleasant neighbor to the farmer, the poultry -keeper, or the sheep-
owner, it is much persecuted, and many ingenious traps are constructed for its destruction.
In Norway a small conical hut is built, having the roof open, and a piece of stick, to which is
attached a bait, laid across the aperture. Inside the little hut sits a man, looking out for the
Eagle. As soon as the bird sees the bait, which is generally a rabbit, or some such dead ani-
mal, it sweeps down and alights upon the stick. The moment that it settles, it is grasped by
the concealed inhabitant of the hut, who jerks it through the opening into the little edifice.
Owing to the conical shape of the hut, the bird is iinable to use its wings, which are its best
weapons, and is, therefore, soon mastered and destroyed.
The nest of this species is constructed after the fashion of the Eagle tribe, and is made of
a large mass of sticks, put together in a very inartificial manner. Unlike the generality of the
Eagles, it does not return year after year to the same spot, but is of a more roving nature,
leaving its young in possession of the dwelling-places, and going farther afield in search of
some new hunting-ground. The Golden Eagle acts in a precisely opposite manner ; for as
soon as the young Eagles are able to shift for themselves, their parents drive them from the
locality, and will not permit them to come within a considerable distance of the spot where
they were hatched.
The head of the Sea Eagle is covered with long drooping feathers, each feather being ashy
brown, and darker at its centre than at the edges. The rest of the body is dark brown, with
here and there a lighter spot or streak, the primaries being nearly black. The tail is rounded,
and of a pure white color in the adult Eagle, and brown in the immature bird. The legs, toes,
beak, and cere are yellow, and the claws black. The generic name, Haliaetus, is of Greek
origin, and signifies Sea Eagles.
The Cinereous Sea Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) is common to the northern portions of
both continents. Nine species of this genus are known, two only being common to this coun-
try, the present species and the White-headed Eagle. Since the first edition of "Wood's
Natural History" was published, this bird has been identified as a frequent visitor in North
America. The habits of these Sea Eagles differ from those of the Old World ; they feed
mostly on fish, which is filched from the osprey whenever he is present.
THE noble bird which is represented in the accompanying illustration is celebrated as
being the type which has been chosen by the Americans as the emblem of their nation.
The name of BALD, or WHITE-HEADED EAGLE, has been applied to this bird on account
of the snowy white color of the head and neck, a peculiarity which renders it a most conspic-
uous bird when at large in its native land. The remainder of the body is a deep chocolate
brown, inclining to black along the back. The tail and upper tail coverts are of the same
white hue as the head and neck. In its earlier stages of existence the creature is of more
sombre tints, not obtaining the beautifully white head and tail until it is four full years
of age.
The nest of the Bald Eagle is generally made upon some lofty tree, and in the course of
years becomes of very great size, as the bird is in the habit of laying her eggs year after year
in the same nest, and making additions of fresh building-materials at every fresh breeding-
season. She commences this task at a very early period of the year, depositing her eggs in
January, and hatching her young by the middle of February. This statement is made by
Wilson, and is corroborated by the following incident, which is narrated in a note to Thomp-
son's "Birds of Ireland": "During a tour made by Richard Langtrey, Esq., of Fort
THE BALD, OR WHITE-HEADED EAGLE.
41
William, near Belfast, through the United States, in 1836, he, in the middle of January, observed
a pair of these birds flying about a nest in the top of a gigantic pitch pine, which stood a little
remote from other trees, on the bank of the Fish River, Mobile Bay. On the 6th of February
he returned to the place, in the hope of procuring a young bird alive. The nest being inacces-
sible, the tree was cut down, and with it one young bird (unfortunately killed by the fall)
came to the ground. The eaglet was covered with down, interspersed with a few feathers.
The nest was rather flat, and composed of sticks ; it contained the heads and bones of mullet,
and two heads of the grey pelican. The parent birds were in great consternation during the
felling of the pine, and to the last moment continued flying clamorously about the nest.
BALD, OB WHITE-HEADED EAGLE HalMStuis leucocephalut.
Mr. Langtrey was told that two or three pair of Bald Eagles build annually about Mobile Bay,
and had their nests pointed out to him."
It is always a very affectionate bird, tends its young as long as they are helpless and Tin-
fledged, and will not forsake them, even if the tree on which they rest be enveloped
in flames.
How the Bald Eagle takes advantage of the fishing talents of the osprey has already been
duly related. The Eagle is, in truth, no very great fisher, but is very fond of fish, and finds
that the easiest mode of obtaining the desired dainty is to rob them who are better qualified
than himself for the sport. He is capable of catching fish, it is true, but he does it in a very
awkward manner, wading into the shallows like a heron, and snatching suddenly at any of
the finny tribe that may be passing in his direction. This predatory propensity aroused the
wrath of Benjamin Franklin, who objected strongly to the employment of the Bald Eagle
VOL. II, -
42 HABITS OF THE WHITE-HEADED EAGLE.
as the type of the American nation, urging as his grounds for opposition, that it is "a bird of
bad moral character, and does not get his living honestly."
The Bald Eagle is very accommodating in his appetite, and will eat almost anything that
has ever possessed animal life. He is by no means averse to carrion, and has been seen seated
regally upon a dead horse, keeping at a distance a horde of vultures which were collected
round the carcase, and not permitting them to approach until he had gorged himself to the
full. Another individual was seen by Wilson in a similar state of things. He had taken
possession of a heap of dead squirrels that had been accidentally drowned, and prevented any
other bird or beast of prey, from approaching his treasure. He is especially fond of lambs,
and is more than suspected of aiding the death of many a sickly sheep by the dexterous use of
his beak and claws. Sometimes he pays the penalty of his voracity, as was very recently the
case. A Bald Eagle had caught a wild duck, and carrying it to a large piece of ice, tore his
prey in pieces, and began to eat it. When he had iiuished his repast, he spread his wings for
flight, but found himself unable to stir, his feet having been firmly frozen to the ice. Several
persons who witnessed the scene endeavored to reach the bird, but were unable, owing to the
masses of loose ice that intervened between the Eagle and the land. At last the poor bird
perished, as was supposed, having been seen to flap his useless wings in vain endeavors to
escape until night drew on and darkness hid him from view.
The manner in which the Bald Eagle hunts for, procures, and kills his prey, is so admira-
bly told by Mr. Audubon, that it would be impossible to do justice to the subject without
quoting his own words :
" The Eagle is seen perched, in an erect attitude, on the summit of the tallest tree by the
margin of the broad stream. His glistening, but stern eye, looks over the vast expanse. He
listens attentively to every sound that comes to his quick ear from afar, glancing every now
and then on the earth beneath, lest even the light tread of the fawn may pass unheard. His
mate is perched on the opposite side, and should all be tranquil and quiet, warns him, by a
cry, to continue patient. At this well-known call he partly opens his broad wing, inclines his
body a little downwards, and answers to her voice in tones not unlike the laugh of a maniac.
The next moment he resumes his erect attitude, and again all around is silent. Ducks of
many species the "teal, the widgeon, the mallard, and others are seen passing with great
rapidity, and following the course of the current, but the Eagle heeds them not ; they are at
that time beneath his attention.
" The next moment, however, the wild, trumpet-like sound of a yet distant, but approach-
ing swan is heard. A shriek from the female Eagle comes across the stream, for she is fully as
alert as her mate. The latter suddenly shakes the whole of his body, and, with a few touches
of his bill, aided by the action of his cuticular muscles, arranges his plumes in an instant.
The snow-white bird is now in sight ; her long neck is stretched forward ; her eye is on the
watch, vigilant as that of her enemy ; her large wings seem with difficulty to support the
weight of her body, although they flap incessantly ; so irksome do her exertions seem, that her
very legs are spread beneath her tail to aid her in her flight. She approaches, however. The
Eagle has marked her for his prey.
" As the swan is passing the dreaded pair, starts from his pearch the male bird, in prepara-
tion for the chase, with an awful scream, that to the swan's ears brings more terror than the
report of the large duck-gun. JSTow is the moment to witness the display of the Eagle's pow-
ers. He glides through the air like a falling star, and, like a flash of lightning, comes upon
the timorous quarry, which now, in agony and despair, seeks by various manoeuvres to elude
the grasp of his cruel talons. It mounts, doubles, and willingly would plunge into the stream,
were it not prevented by the Eagle, which, possessed of the knowledge that by such a strata-
gem the swan might escape him, forces it to remain in the air, by attempting to strike it with
his talons from beneath.
' The hope of escape is soon given up by the swan. It has already become much weakened,
and its strength fails at the sight of the courage and swiftness of its antagonist. Its last gasp
is about to escape, when the ferocious Eagle strikes with its talons the underside of its wing,
THE BALD EAGLE, 43
and, with unresisted power, forces the bird to fall in a slanting direction upon the nearest
shore.
" It is then that you may see the cruel spirit of this dreaded enemy of the feathered race,
whilst exulting over his prey, he for the first time breathes at his ease. He presses down his
powerful feet, and drives his sharp claws deep into the heart of the dying swan ; he shrieks
with delight as he feels the last convulsions of his prey, which has now sunk under his efforts
to render death as painful as it possibly can be. The female has watched every movement of
her mate, and, if she did not assist him in capturing the swan, it was not from want of will,
but merely that she felt full of assurance that the power and courage of her lord were quite
sufficient for the deed. She now sails to the spot where he eagerly awaits her, and when she
has arrived, they together turn the breast of the luckless swan upwards, and gorge themselves
with gore."
*
The Bald Eagle is found throughout the whole of North America, and may be seen haunt-
ing the greater part of the sea-coasts, as well as the mouths of the large rivers.
Audubon remarks, that "the figure of this noble bird is well-known throughout the
world. When it is in full adult feather, it is truly a beautiful as well as a powerful-looking
bird. Its white head and tail are not perfected before the age of about ten years. Its brown
plumage, seen in young birds, though they are full-grown, has been regarded as that of
another species, before observers determined that it was only the plumage of immature
birds."
Wilson, the inimitable pen -painter of birds, thus speaks of this grand bird : " Formed by
nature for braving the severest cold, feeding equally on the produce of the sea and of the land,
possessing powers of flight capable of outstripping even the tempest, unawed by anything but
man, and from the etherial heights to which he soars looking abroad, at one glance, on an im-
measurable expanse of forest, fields, lakes, and ocean deep below him he appears indifferent
to the little localities of change of seasons, as in a few minutes he can pass from summer to
winter, from the lower to the higher regions of the atmosphere. He is, therefore, found at all
seasons, in the countries which he inhabits, but prefers such places as have been mentioned
above for the great partiality he has for fish. Elevated on the high dead limb of some gigantic
tree that commands a wide view of the neighboring shore and ocean, he seems calmly to con-
template the motions of the various-feathered tribes that pursue their avocations below. High
over all these hovers one whose action instantly arrests his whole attention. By his wide cur-
vature of wing and sudden suspension in air, he knows him to be the Fish Hawk, settling over
some devoted victim of the deep. His eye kindles at the sight, and, balancing himself, with
half -opened wings, on the branch, he watches the result. Down, rapid as an arrow from
heaven, descends the distant object of his attention, the roar of his wings reaching the ear as
it disappears in the deep, making the surges foam around. At this moment the eager looks
of the Eagle are all ardor, and levelling his neck for flight, he sees the Fish Hawk once more
emerge, struggling with his prey, and mounting in the air with screams of exultation. These
are the signals for our hero, who, launching into the air instantly, gives chase, and soon gains
on the Hawk. Each exerts his utmost to mount above the other, displaying in their rencontre
the most elegant aerial evolutions. The unencumbered Eagle rapidly advances, and is just on
the point of reaching his opponent, when, with a sudden scream, the latter drops his fish.
The Eagle, poising himself for a moment, as if to take a more certain aim, descends like a
whirlwind, snatches it in his grasp ere it reaches the water, and bears his ill-gotten booty
silently to the woods."
The Bald Eagle is very abundant on the Kennebec River, which the osprey frequents to
catch the river fish.
Audubon described and figured an Eagle, which was so large and commanding, that he
called it "the Bird of Washington" (Haliaetus WasMngtoni). No other specimen has been
found which answers to the description, excepting the immaturely plumaged females of the
Bald Eagle species. It is, therefore, pretty well decided that Audubon' s bird was an un-
usually large specimen of a female. The females of all species of the Falcon family are
44
THE RED-THROATED FALCON.
considerably larger than the males. As we have seen, it has been determined by observation
that the Bald Eagle does not attain the white of the head and tail until it has reached the
age of ten years. Before this fact was clearly comprehended, much confusion was the result
of any attempt to distinguish species.
FALCONS AND HAWKS.
THE RED-THROATED FALCON, which affords a good example of the genus Ibycter, is a
native of South America.
The birds comprising this genus are remarkable for the convexity of the upper mandible,
and the semi-blunt, notched lower mandible. The claws are sharp, and the cheeks, the throat,
EKD-THROATED FALCON. Heeler amerlcamo.
and part of the crop are naked. This species is a very handsome one, the general tint of the
plumage being a very deep blue on the back and the upper surface, and reddish-white below.
The neck has a purplish-red hue, from which the bird derives its popular name ; the claws are
black, the feet and cere yellow, and the beak a deep blue. This bird has been known under a
variety of names, such as the Little American Eagle, the Bare-necked Falcon, the White-billed
Ibycter, the Bare-necked Polyborus, together with many similar appellations. The habits of
the bird are not known.
THE BRAZILIAN KITE.
45
CLOSELY related to the preceding bird is the Black CABACARA, also a native of South
America. This is a much darker bird than the Red-throated Falcon, the back and upper parts
being blue-black, and the rounded tail white only at its base. The feet are yellow, the beak
and claws black, the cere a gray-brown, and the space round the eyes devoid of feathers, and
flesh-colored. On account of the short and stout beak, and the large tarsus, this species was
formerly placed in a separate genus, with the title of Daptrius.
i THE CARRION HAWKS, as the CARACARAS are popularly termed, are natives of Southern
America, and from their great numbers, their boldness, and their unpleasant habits, are suf-
ficiently familiar to any one who has had occasion to travel in the country where they teem.
BRAZILIAN KITE. Potyboras tharus.
There are several species of Caracaras, which are placed in one genus, and are very similar in
their habits to the vultures, but on a smaller scale.
THE SOUTHERN CARACARA is not quite so large as some of its brethren, but is quite as
useful and as repulsive a bird. Its length is about eighteen inches, and its color a gray -brown
upon the back and upper surface,, and paler beneath, diversified with reddish bands. The
thighs are of a banded rusty-red, and the tail is yellowish-gray. The cere and feet are yellow,
and the bill blue-gray. It is an omnivorous bird, eating vegetable or animal substances with
equal willingness, and is said to do damage to the potato crop by digging into the cuttings
before they have time to sprout. It may be that the bird is urged by the desire of eating, not
the potatoes, but the grubs which have taken up their residence therein, and so confers a favor
on the planter instead of doing him an injury. This opinion is strengthened by an observation
of Mr. Darwin.
THE BRAZILIAN KITE, CARRANCHA, or BRAZILIAN CARACARA, is also a native of the
southern portions of America, and is found inhabiting the same localities as the Southern
46
THE BUZZARD.
Caracara, to which bird it bears a considerable resemblance in general appearance and in its
general color.
The Brazilian Kite is blackish-brown, deepening to dull black from the top of the head,
and varied across the neck and shoulders with wavy bands of dark brown on a grayish ground.
The tip of the tail is black, and the remainder is grayish-white, traversed by many narrow
wavy bands of dusky brown. The bill is tinged with blue at the base, the claws are black,
and the legs yellow. This bird is essentially a carrion eater, following the line of road in
order to feed on the poor worn-out animals that sink exhausted on the journey, and are left to
perish by their hard-hearted drivers. It will watch the course pursued by hunters, and in
hopes of obtaining the rejected portions of the slain animals, will follow them in their expedi-
tions with as much perseverance and confidence as is exhibited by the American wolf under the
same circumstances.
The Caracara Eagle (Polyborus tharus) is a small falcon-like bird, common to the tropical
BUZZARD. flute) vulgarls.
and subtropical portions of America, and frequently found in Florida. Dr. Coiies saw it
in Arizona. Mr. Boardman found it associating with the vultures in Northern Florida. It is
the only one of its genus, and is strictly an American bird.
This bird is allied to the vultures, and is considerably terrestrial in habit, walking or
running with some degree of grace. It is in some places called King Buzzard.
THE common BUZZARD is one of our handsomest Falconidse. The plumage of this bird is
looser and more downy than is seen in the generality of the hawk-tribe, and bears a certain
resemblance to that of the owl. This peculiarity is explained by the habits of the bird,
which will presently be narrated. The average length of a Buzzard is from twenty to twenty-
two inches, and the tinting of its plumage is extremely variable, even in adult birds.
The usual coloring is as follows : The back and whole of the upper surface is a rich brown,
becoming lighter on the head and neck, and diversified with longitudinal streaks of the darker
hue. The tail is also dark -brown, but is varied with stripes of a lighter color, and the primary
THE ROUGH-LEGGED FALCON. 47
feathers of the wings are nearly black. The under portions of the body are gray-white, marked
on the neck, and chest, and abdomen, with spots and streaks of brown. The claws are black,
the bill is a deep blue-black, and the legs, toes, and ears are yellow.
THE British Islands possess another species of Buzzard, closely allied to the bird which
has just been described. This is the ROUGH-LEGGED FALCON, so called from the manner in
which its legs are covered with feathers as far as the margin of the toes.
BOUGH-LEGGED FALCON ArcMbuteo lagoput.
The Rough -legged Hawk (ArcJiibuteo lagopus), called also Buzzard and Falcon, is repre-
sented by several varieties. A very dark one is called Black Hawk. This bird is regarded as
identical with the European Rough -leg. It inhabits the whole of North America as well as
the Old World, and breeds far in the North. Its habits are more nocturnal than other
Hawks.
Though large and imposing, this bird feeds on mice and small reptiles. It has none of
the noble attitudes common to the Falcons. The editor of this edition of THE LIVING WORLD,
has seen it in flocks of ten to twenty, fluttering like butterflies over a meadow, watching for
small reptiles. These were the lighter varieties, which were readily recognized by the dark
band over the breast, which is conspicuously contrasted with whitish below.
It is rather a larger bird than the common Buzzard, and the coloring of the feathers is
rather different. The beak and upper surface is like that of the Buzzard, but the head and
upper part of the neck are of a pale yellow hue, each feather having a streak of the darker
color down its centre. The chin, throat and breast are of a rusty fawn, and the abdomen
nearly of the same tint as the back. The whole of the plumy legs is light fawn, spotted
48
THE KITE.
with brown, and the pinions of the wings are brownish-black. The beak and claws are black,
and the cere yellow. The habits of this bird are very like those of the common Buzzard,
excepting that it is even more sluggish and lazy in its movements.
IN the HONEY BUZZARD we find a singular instance of a predaceous bird, endowed with
many capabilities of catching and destroying the ordinary kinds of game, yet preferring to
feast upon insect food in preference to the flesh of quadrupeds or birds.
The Honey Buzzard does not, however, restrict itself solely to insect food, for it has often
been observed to catch and devour birds and various quadrupeds. An instance of its preda-'
torial propensities is given by Mr. "VVatters, in Ms "Birds of Ireland." The Honey Buzzard
had been seen for several successive summers haunting the same locality, and killing the coots
HONEY-BUZZAED. Pernlt apiwrus.
that frequented a piece of water. A coot was therefore shot, poisoned with strychnine, and
laid out as a bait for the Honey Buzzard, and on the next day the bird was found dead at
some distance from the spot. When in confiement this bird will eat mice, rats, birds, meat,
and similar articles of diet.
THE KITE may be known, even on the wing, from all other British birds of prey, by its
beautifully easy flight, and the long forked tail. Indeed, while flying, the Kite bears no
small resemblance to a very large swallow, excepting that the flight is more gliding, and the
wings are seldom flapped.
Despite the ill savor into which the name of the Kite has fallen, it is really a magnificent
specimen of the falconidse, and deserves its specific title of "regalis," or regal, quite as much
for its own merits as from the fact that it had once the very great honor to be chased by
royalty. It seems that the later kings of France were in the habit of marking the Kite as the
quarry which was specially suitable to their regal state, and were accustomed to fly their
hawks at Kites, instead of herons, as was usually the mode of procedure in the noble sport of
falconry. The Kite is therefore termed regal, not on account of any innate royalty in the
bird, but simply because royal personages chose to pursue it.
THE SWALLOW-TAILED KITE.
49
THE ARABIAN KITE still plays the same part in Africa as was formerly taken in England
by its European relative.
It is a bold and familiar bird, haunting the habitations of man, and audaciously carrying
off its prey, undeterred by human presence. As it will eat garbage of almost any nature, it is
a valuable ally to the unclean villagers; carrying away the offal which is liberally flung out
of the houses, and scarcely permitting it to rest on the ground before it is seen and devoured.
The bird is strictly protected on account of the services which it continually renders ; and so
utterly fearless does it become through long experience of the ways of man, that it pays visits
to every house in the village, in hopes of finding food of some kind. When Le Vaillant was
employed in preparing his dinner at his wagons, the Kites came and boldly carried off the
meat, heedless of the shots that were, fired and the cries that were raised, and even returned
for a second supply as soon as they had disposed of their former booty.
rr-
Kll'JtS. MUvui migrant and MUvut regallt.
THE beautiful bird which is so well known under the appropriate title of the SWALLOW-
TAILED KITE, is an inhabitant of various parts of America. This species seems to be dis-
tributed over a considerable tract of country, according to the observations of many practical
ornithologists. Mr. Nuttal has the following remarks on the habitat of the Swallow-tailed
Falcon.
"This beautiful bird breeds and passes the summer in the warmer parts of the United
States, and is also probably resident in all tropical and temperate America ; emigrating into
the southern as well as well as the northern hemisphere. In the former, according to Vieillot,
it is found in Peru, and as far as Buenos Ayres ; and though it is extremely rare to meet with
this species as far as the latitude of forty degrees, in the Atlantic States, yet, tempted by the
abundance of the fruitful valley of the Mississippi, individuals have been seen along that river
VOL. II.-7.
50
THE SWALLOW-TAILED KITE.
as far as the falls of St. Anthony, in the forty-fourth degree of north latitude. They appear
in the United States about the close of April or the beginning of May, and are very numerous
in the Mississippi territory, twenty or thirty being sometimes visible at the same time. In the
month of October they begin to return to the south, at which season Mr. Bateman observed
them in great numbers assembled in Florida, soaring steadily at great elevations for several
days in succession, and slowly passing to their winter quarters along the Gulf of Mexico."
Audubon remarks that it has never been seen farther eastward than Pennsylvania, and
that only a few solitary individuals have been discovered in that locality. Towards the south
it becomes more numerous, and in Louisiana and Mississippi it is extremely abundant, arriving
in considerable numbers at the beginning of April, as many as a hundred having been counted
in the space of a single hour, all passing
directly from east to west. On their first
arrival they are so fatigued with their
journey that they are easily approached ;
but owing to their habit of soaring at an
immense height, they are tolerably safe
even from man at all other seasons.
This falcon bears so strong an ex-
ternal resemblance to the swallow, that
it might easily be taken for a common
swallow or swift, as it flies circling in
the air in search of the insect prey on
which it usually feeds. Even the flight
is very much of the same character in
both birds, and the mode of feeding very
similar. The usual food of the Swallow-
tailed Kite consists of the larger insects,
which it either catches on the wing, or
snatches from the leaves as it shoots past
the bushes. Various locusts, cicadse, and
other insects, are captured in this man-
ner. It also follows the honey buzzard
in its fondness for wasps and their larvae,
and has been noticed to excavate a wasp's
nest, and to tear away the comb precisely
like that bird. Reptiles, such as small
snakes, lizards, and frogs, also form part
of the food of this elegant bird. While
it is engaged in the pursuit of such prey,
or in catching the large insects upon the branches, it may be approached and shot without
much difficulty, as it is so intent upon its prey that it fails to notice its human foe.
Audubon found that when he had succeeded in killing one of these birds, he could shoot
as many more as he chose, because they have a habit of circling round the body of their
slaughtered comrade, and sweep round it as if they were endeavoring to carry it away. Taking
advantage of this peculiarity, he was enabled to procure as many specimens as he desired,
shooting them as fast as he could reload his gun.
The Fork-tailed Kite, or Swallow-tail, so called, is peculiarly an American form, the genus
having only one species. It belongs to the tropical and subtropical regions more properly, but
is occasionally seen as far north as Pennsylvania. It is common on the Mississippi Valley as
far as Wisconsin, where it breeds. Few groups of birds vary in their habits more than Hawks
and Kites. The last species noticed was really graceful in its movements on the ground, while
the present bird is awkward in the extreme. This species of Kite is far from awkward in his
proper element, however ; he is there a swallow-like flyer, his long, forked tail sweeping the
air most gracefully. This bird has the singular faculty of also feeding on the wing. He has
ARABIAN ErrE.jnivwif6rekaU.
THE BLACK-WINGED FALCON.
51
been seen to fly through a swarm of bees, clutch them with his talons, and pass them to his
mouth while yet on wing, soaring and wheeling in the most graceful manner.
WILSON'S PHALABOPE (Steganopus wilsoni) inhabits the United States and the British
Provinces generally. It is rare, or seldom seen in New England. It breeds in the Western
States, where, in the Mississippi Valley and westward, it abounds. It is also found in Mexico
and South America. The sexes are alike in color. Of the three Phalaropes, this, in its full
, plumage, is the handsomest and the largest. It may be called, also, one of the handsomest of
the whole group of waders.
Wilson says : " In the grand and wonderful chain of animated nature, the Phalaropes
constitute one of the links between the waders and the web-footed birds, having the form of
the sandpiper, with the habits of some of the ducks. The scalloped membrane on the toes
enables them to swim readily. They do not appear to be fond of the neighborhood of the
ocean, and are generally found in the interior, about the lakes and ponds of fresh water,
where they delight to linger,
and swim near the margin in
search of seeds and insects. They
go in pairs, and we cannot learn
that they are anywhere numer-
ous.
THE NORTHERN PHALAROPE
(Lobipes Jiypoboreas) inhabits
the northern hemisphere and
penetrates to high northern lati-
tudes to breed. It is generally
distributed, but is essentially
maritime. Though generally
distributed,, it is no where as
abundant as Wilson's, though
it appears at times in large
flocks. It winters in the Gulf
States. Dr. Coues saw a nest
among the Cascade mountains.
Ball found it common along the
Yukon river.
THE small but brilliant
BLACK-WINGED FALCON is a
native of Africa, but is found
in nearly all the temperate por-
tions of the Old World. It has
also been seen in New Zealand
and Java.
It is a fierce and daring little
bird, striking so sharply with
beak and claws, that even when
wounded it cannot be approached without considerable precaution. The food of the Black-
winged Falcon consists chiefly of grasshoppers and various insects, from which it is thought
to derive the powerful musky odor which is exhaled from its body, and marks every spot on
which it has recently sat. It is generally to be seen perched on the extreme top of some lofty
tree, and while looking out for prey or engaged in active pursuit, pours forth a succession of
ear-piercing cries, earning thereby from several ornithologists the specific title of " vociferous."
BLACK-WINGED FALCON. Etanue melanopterus.
62 THE MISSISSIPPI KITE.
Besides insects, it also feeds upon snakes and various small reptiles, and will sometimes,
though but rarely, kill small birds or mice.
The wings are remarkably long in this species, and the legs short and feathered, a struc-
ture which gives clear indication that the bird is strong on the wing, and excels more in swift-
ness and activity of flight than in strength of beak or clutch of talons. In many of its habits this
species closely resembles the swallow-tailed falcon, and, like that bird, is capable of chasing
and capturing insects on the wing. The nest of the Black-winged Falcon is rather large, and
is generally built on a convenient forked branch. It is usually lined with moss and feathers,
and contains four or five whitish eggs. Although the bird may often be seen darting at the
crows, shrikes, and other predaceous birds that may pass near its residence, it has no inten-
tion of killing and eating them, but only wishes to drive them away from the vicinity of its
home.
The head and neck of the Black-winged Falcon are silver-gray, the centres of its wings
are black, and the primaries and secondaries are grayish-brown, with gray edges. The
shoulder and the wings, breast, abdomen, and tail are pure white ; the cere and toes are
yellow, and the bill and claws black. When young, the back is brown, each feather being
tipped with white, and the breast is brown spotted with white.
THE BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE (Elanus leucurus], called also the WHITE-TAILED KITE,
has a range of habitat about the same as the preceding, extending, however, into California.
Charles Lucien Bonaparte, the eminent ornithologist, first described this bird from a
specimen he procured from Florida. Like the preceding, it feeds on insects and small reptiles.
It is exceedingly graceful, gaining the name Bailarin in South America, from its buoyant
flight the word signifying to balance.
THE CROOK-BILLED FALCON derives its name from the shape of the beak, which is rather
long and narrow, and is curved over at the point so as to form a rather large and sharp hook.
The distinctive characteristics in this bird, which was placed in the genus Cymindis. are
the short tarsus armed with net-like markings, and half clothed with feathers down their
front, the wings shorter than the tail, and small narrow nostrils, which are so closely con-
tracted as to resemble a mere cleft in the beak. The word Cymindis is Greek, and ought
rather to have been used to designate the night- jar than this Falcon. This species possesses
scales as well as reticulation upon the front of the tarsus. Its color when adult is a leaden-
blue, or gray on the upper portions of the body, and paler beneath. The tail is white at the
base, and deepens into an orange-gray at the extremity. Its quill feathers are edged with a
brownish ash, and the feet and cere are yellow. In its earlier stages of existence, the bird is
of an almost uniform brown, relieved by reddish hues on the cap of each feather, a yellow
stripe runs beneath the eyes, and little patches of the same color appear on the cheeks, and
the front of the neck is grayish-white. All the species that belong to this family live in
America.
So does also a member of the genus Ictinia, which is very familiar to ornithologists under
the name of MISSISSIPPI KITE (Ictinia mississippiensis).
This fine bird is a native of various parts of America, where it may be seen at a vast eleva-
tion in the air, sailing about in strange companionship with the turkey buzzard, and equalling
those birds in the power, grace, and readiness of flight. Why two such dissimilar birds should
thus inhabit the same region of air, and delight in each other's society, is a very perplexing
question, and requires a much clearer knowledge of the species and its habits before it can
be satisfactorily settled. The Mississippi Kite cares not for carrion, and is not absolutely
known to make prey of anything bigger than a locust. Yet, as Wilson well observes, the power-
ful hooked beaked and sharp claws seem as if they were intended by nature for the capture of
prey much more formidable than grasshoppers, locusts, and butterflies. In its flight, the
Mississippi Kite needs not to flap its wing, but sails on its airy course with the same easy grace
and apparent absence of exertion that is so characteristic of the flight of the vultures.
THE MISSISSIPPI KITE.
53
The very great proportionate length of its wings may account for this habit ; the entire
length of the body and tail being only fourteen inches, while the expanse of wing equals three
feet. Being possessed of such power of flight, it emulates the swallow-tailed falcon in many
of its evolutions, and in a similar manner is fond of sweeping rapidly past a branch, and
snatching from the leaves a choice locust or beetle without checking its progress. Like that
bird it also feeds while on the wing, holding its prey in its claws and transferring it to ita
mouth without needing to settle. In character it seems to be a most fierce and courageous
bird, as may be gathered from a short narrative given by Wilson of one of these birds which
he had shot.
"This Hawk, though wounded and precipitated from a vast height, exhibited in his dis-
tress symptoms of great strength, and an almost unconquerable spirit. I no sooner approached
to pick him up, than he instantly gave battle, striking with his claws, wheeling round and
MISSISSIPPI KITE. Ictinia mMssippleruAt.
SWALLOW-TAILED FALCON. Nauderut forjlcatui.
round as he lay partly on his rump, and defending himself with great vigilance and dexterity,
while his dark-red eye sparkled with rage. Notwithstanding all my caution in seizing him to
carry him home, he stuck his hind claw into my hand with such force as to penetrate into the
bone. Anxious to preserve his life, I endeavored gently to disengage it ; but this made him
only contract it the more powerfully, causing such pain that I had no alternative but that of
cutting the sinew of his heel with my penknife.
"The whole time he lived with me, he seemed to watch every movement I made, erecting
the feathers of his broad head, and eyeing me with savage fierceness ; considering me no doubt
as the greater savage of the two. What effect education might have had on this species under
the tutorship of some of the old European professors of falconry, I know not ; but if extent of
wing and energy of character, and ease and rapidity of flight, could have been any recom-
mendation to royal patronage, this species possesses all these in a very eminent degree."
The attention of Mr. Wilson was greatly taken with these birds, and he on several occa-
sions opened the stomachs of those which he had shot, in order to discover the food on whica
54 THE RED-TAILED HAWK.
they had been sustained. On every occasion he found nothing but the legs, wings, and other
indigestible portions of beetles, grasshoppers, and other large insects. He suggests that its
lofty flight is for the purpose of preying upon those insects which choose the highest region of
air for their pleasure trips, and not merely for the better convenience of seizing prey on the
ground, as is the case with so many of the more carnivorous hawks.
The colors with which this bird is decorated are, though simple in themselves, exceedingly
pleasing in their general effect. The head, neck, and part of the secondaries are a grayish-
white, and the whole of the lower parts are a whitish-ash. The back and upper portions of
the body are ashy-black, and the pinions are deep black, as is its deeply forked tail. The legs
are scarlet, and the claws, bill, and cere black. The Mississippi Kite, called also the Black
Kite, has much the same locality as the Black- Shouldered Kite. On the prairies of Illinois it
is said to be exceedingly abundant. On the Atlantic border it does not reach above the
Carolinas. It has the same graceful flight seen in the other Kites.
THE HOOK-BILLED KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis\ called, also, the Everglade Kite, is
known in the West Indies and Florida, breeding in the everglades. It is said to be sociable
in its habits, in this respect differing from others of the order. We have seen, however,
Rough-legged Falcons associated in flocks of a dozen or more, hovering over low lands, and
eagerly scanning the ground for small reptiles. In flight this Hawk resembles the Marsh
Hawk. It feeds on small shell fish, and seems particularly adapted to marine localities.
THE BKOAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo pennsylvanicus) is an inhabitant of the Eastern
Atlantic States as far south as Florida ; occasionally seen in Arizona and Southern California.
Its great breadth of wing, or width of secondaries, and also of its head and body, when com-
pared to its length, seem surprising proportions. It is a " snug-built " bird, and one of hand-
some markings. Audubon gave this bird the character of a coward and sneak, but some of
our later ornithologists agree in crediting it with all the courage possessed by its kindred.
Mr. Boardman, of Calais, Maine, whose observations are very accurate, differs essentially from
Audubon. He gives several instances of dangerous attacks upon individuals who were
attempting to remove eggs from their nests.
SWAINSON'S HAWK (Buteo swainsoni), called also Baird's, is found in the western regions
of America, as far east as the Mississippi River, and north to the Arctic circle. Dr. Linecum,
an excellent observer in Texas, relates an instance of this bird following up a prairie fire to
snatch up the small mammals and insects that are driven out by the heat. When any
one approaches its nest on the prairie it will make a pretty bold attempt to frighten him
away ; failing that, it tries to decoy by alighting near and screeching loudly, as if some great
calamity had happened. On approaching, he moves off with seeming great difficulty, as if
wounded, screeching all the time. Eventually he rises, and sweeps along just above the
tall grass, and settles down as if to indicate the locality of the nest. If he fails to deceive
the intruder and the latter attempts to disturb the nest, the Hawk immediately rises and
gives fight.
THE BAND-TAILED HAWK (Buteo zonocercus) is a native of Mexico and Guatemala, and is
occasionally seen in Arizona and California.
THE RED-SHOULDERED HAWK (Buteo lineatus) is an Eastern bird, extending to Florida.
Another variety is found on the Pacific slope. This bird is excessively noisy. It is very
common, being a resident in New England throughout the year.
RED-TAILED HAWK (Buteo boreatis). This is another very common resident of the New
England States throughout the year. Several distinct varieties of this Hawk are known in as
many different portions of the country. This is a strong and powerful bird, having the
faculty of soaring at great heights and at long intervals. Its habit is to watch for its prey at
THE JERFALCON. 55
some high position, and dart furiously upon it, often killing by the force of the
Audubon says the sexes separate after the breeding season, and are then quite hostile to each
other. Its spread of wing is three feet nine inches.
HARLAN'S HAWK (Buteo Jiarlani), called also Black Warrior, is native to the South-
western States, and Guatemala. It is allied to the preceding, though somewhat smaller. Its
prey is preferably wild fowl. In this there is a singular difference between it and larger
Hawks. Some of the latter feed on beetles and grasshoppers by preference.
COOPER' s HAWK (Buteo cooperi) is a Californian species, named in honor of Dr. Cooper,
the naturalist of California, who obtained one specimen, the only one so far known to science.
It is very closely like an Asiatic and European species, and may be identical.
THE CALIFORNIA SQUIRREL HAWK (Archibuteo ferrugineus) inhabits Western North
America, from California to the Missouri Eiver. Like some others it was discovered since
Audubon' s day.
CLOSELY allied to the Mississippi Kite is the SPOTTED-TAILED HOBBY, or LEADEN ICTINIA,
both names being derived from the coloring of the plumage. It is, in common with the pre-
ceding bird, a native of America, and resembles it closely in many of its habits and manner of
feeding. It is fond of soaring at a very great elevation, and will often remain stationary in a
single spot, hanging as it were self-poised in air. The back and wings of this species are a slate
or leaden blue, and the head and remainder of the plumage of whitish-gray, spotted rather
singularly with brown. The eye is bright red. Specimens of this bird have been found both
in North and South America.
THE TRUE FALCONS.
THE true FALCONS are known by their strong, thick, and curved beak, the upper mandible
having a projecting tooth near the curve, which fits into a corresponding socket in the under
mandible. The talons are strongly curved, sharp pointed, and are either flat or grooved in
their under sides.
AMONG the true Falcons the JERFALCON is the most conspicuous on account of the supe-
rior dimensions of its body and the striking power of its wing.
This splendid bird is a native of Northern Europe, being mostly found in Iceland and Nor-
way, and it also inhabits parts of both Americas. Some naturalists believe that the Norwegian
and Icelandic birds ought to be reckoned as different species, but others think that any differ-
ences between them are occasioned by age and sex. It is said that of the two birds the
Iceland variety is the more powerful, of bolder flight, and greater age, and therefore better
adapted for the purpose of falconry.
The power of flight possessed by this bird is wonderfully great, and has been well
described by Mr. Mudie. "It pays occasional visits to the northern and western isles,
more especially to those places of them that abound with rock doves ; and few sights can
be finer than that of the Jerfalcon driving through a flock of them. When the Jer-
falcon comes within sight of her prey she bounds upwards, every stroke of the wings
producing a perpendicular leap, as if she were climbing those giant stairs with which
nature molds the basaltic rocks ; and when she has ' got the sky ' of her prey to a suf-
ficient height for gaining the necessary impetus, her wings shiver for a moment she
works herself into proper command and poise, and to the full extent of her wings. Then,
prone she dashes, with so much velocity that the impression of her path remains in
the eye in the same manner as that of the shooting meteor or the flashing lightning, and
you fancy that there is a torrent of Falcon rushing for fathoms through the air. The
stroke is as unerring as the motion is fleet. If it takes effect on the body, the bird
56 HABITS OF THE JERFALCON
is trussed and the hunt is over ; but if a wing only is broken, the maimed bird is allowed to
flutter to the earth, and another is marked out for the collision of fleath.
"It sometimes happens that the mountain crow comes in for the wounded game, but in
order to do so it must proceed stealthily along the ground, for woe betide it if it rises on the
wing and meets the glance of the Falcon. The raven himself never scoops out another eye if
he rises to attempt that one ; and it is by no means improbable that in the early season in
those cold northern countries, when the lambs are young and the flock weak, and the crows
and ravens prowl about blinding and torturing, the Jerfalcon may be of considerable service
to the shepherd."
When at liberty in its native land, it seems to prefer birds to any other kind of prey, and
will resolutely attack birds of considerable size, such as the heron or stork. It will also chase
hares and rabbits, and in the pursuit of this swift game is so eager, that after knocking over
one hare, it will leave the maimed animal struggling on the ground while it goes off in chase
of another. Although its home is in the chilly wastes of those northern regions, the bird is in
no want of food, finding ample supply in the sea birds which swarm around the tall cliffs that
jut into the waves, and being able from its great powers of flight to range over a vast extent of
country in search of its daily food.
On account of the singular power, swiftness, and courage of this bird, it was in former
days held in the highest estimation, and could only be purchased at a most extravagant
price. Not only must it be taken at the imminent risk of life, from the almost inaccessible
cliffs on which it builds its nest, but it must also be specially brought from Iceland or
Norway, and trained after its arrival at its new residence. As the bird is a most unruly
and self-willed creature, its instruction was a matter of very great difficulty, and could
only be achieved by the most patient of skilful teachers. So highly, indeed, was this bird
valued, that after the hawking season was over, and the ordinary hawks permitted to fly
at liberty according to custom, the Jerfalcon was retained by its owner, and kept for the next
year. The training of this bird is a long and tedious process, and is managed after the
following manner.
It is allowed that all hawks are fierce and untameable in proportion to the latitude in
which they reside, those which inhabit the northern and colder parts of the earth being much
fiercer and less tameable than those of more southern regions ; so that the course of training
through which a Jerfalcon is forced to pass is much more severe than that which suffices to
render a Peregrine Falcon subservient to its teacher.
The first object which the trainer bears in mind is, to reduce the strength of the bird by
slow degrees, so as to prevent it from injuring itself by the fierce and protracted struggles
with which it would endeavor to resist any advance on the part of the teacher. This object is
obtained by giving the bird only half the usual allowance of food, and by steeping the meat in
water before the Falcon is permitted to touch it. A leathern hood, which answers the double
purpose of blinding the eyes and keeping the beak closed, is placed on the head, and never
removed except at night, so that the bird remains in perpetual darkness for ten days or a
fortnight. If the bird attempts to bite when the hood is removed, cold water is splashed in
its face, and if it is very savage, it is plunged entirely under water. By the end of fifteen or
sixteen days, the Falcon becomes used to the handling to which it is subjected, and will permit
the hood to be removed and replaced, without offering any resistance.
The next part of the instruction is to teach the bird to pounce upon any object that may
be pointed out by the instructor, whether it be a heron moving in the air, or a hare running
on the ground.
The skin of the intended prey is employed for this purpose, and the bird is invariably fed
while standing on this skin. When it is accustomed to associate the idea of the hare or heron
skin with the pleasure of satisfying its hunger, the skin, if it be that of a hare, is drawn along
the ground, and the falcon encouraged to pursue it. As soon as the bird pounces, the teacher
looses his hold of the skin, and permits his pupil to feast on the meat which has been pre-
viously attached to it. Next day the skin is placed at a distance of several yards before it is
started, and the distance is gradually increased, so that the bird learns to search in every
THE PEREGRINE FALCON. 57
direction for its expected prey, as soon as the hood is removed from its eyes. Lastly, the
teacher mounts on horseback, and holding in his hand a long string, the other end of which is
attached to the skin, he darts off at full gallop, so that the Falcon is forced to put out its best
speed before it can overtake the horse or pounce on the skin as it flies leaping and striking
along the ground. On the first two or three days, the Falcon is almost quite breathless when
it has overtaken the horse, and sits panting, with open beak, upon the skin ; but in a week or
so, it becomes much stronger, and is not in the least distressed by its severe chase.
To -teach the bird to pounce upon herons, buzzards, kites, or other winged prey, a stuffed
skin is employed after much the same fashion that is followed with the hare skin. Instead,
however, of being dragged along the ground, the skin is flung into the air, and the bird
encouraged to pounce upon it before it reaches the ground. In all cases the attendants keep
up a great noise and shouting as soon as the Falcon begins to feed, in order to accustom the
bird to the uproar which is the inevitable concomitant of the chase. Horses and dogs are then
brought close to the feeding bird, and the dogs are encouraged to break out in full cry.
When the bird has become sufficiently docile to recognize its keeper and to know his
voice, it is then instructed to come to his hand when called. This accomplishment is taught
by means of a "lure" and a whistle. The lure is a gaudy apparatus of feathers and leather,
on which is placed a small piece of some special dainty. The Falcon is encouraged to jump
on the lure and devour the food, the whistle being blown continually while the bird is eating.
Next day the teacher stands at a few yards' distance from his pupil, blows the whis.tle, exhibits
the lure, and permits the bird to make its little feast. In a very short time the sound of the
whistle attracts the attention of the Falcon, which immediately looks around for the lure and
sets upon it at once. When the huntsman takes the field, the lure is attached to a leathern
strap, and slung to the side of the horse, so that whenever a flying Falcon is to be recalled, the
huntsman whistles sharply in order to attract the bird's attention, and at the same time swings
the lure round his head, so as to render it more visible to the bird.
This process of training, of which a very slight and rapid sketch has been given, occupies
from six weeks to two months, whereas that of the peregrine, goshawk, or merlin only requires
some fifteen or twenty days. Even when the whole series of instructions has been completed, i
its ultimate success is very dubious, for it sometimes happens that when the bird finds itself
wholly at liberty for the first time, it forgets all its teaching, and, heedless of lure or whistle,
flies exultingly to its rocky home.
The color of the adult Jerfalcon is nearly white, being purely white on the under surface
and flecked with narrow transverse bars of grayish-brown upon the upper parts. The sharp
claws are black, the beak of a bluish-tint, and the cere, tarsus, and toes yellow. When young,
however, the bird presents a very different aspect, and would hardly be recognized as belonging
to the same species. In its earlier stages of life it is almost wholly of a grayish-brown tint, the
feathers being slightly marked with a little white upon their edges. As the bird increases in
age the white edges become wider, and by degrees the entire feather is of a snowy whiteness.
The name Jerfalcon is supposed to be a corruption of " Geyer-falcon," or Vultiire Falcon.
The Gerfalcon (Falco gerfalco), a most noble bird, is native in Greenland and the conti-
nent above Hudson's Bay. It breeds in the latter region. It is also found in all other circum-
polar localities.
Two distinct varieties are recognized. One being quite white, much like the snowy owl.
The other has a bluish tinted plumage, with large transverse bands of plumbeous color.
Specimens are occasionally taken in New England. This bird is among a few that are regarded
as destined soon to be reduced well nigh to extinction. It is now very rare, and specimens
are held as valuable acquisitions to cabinets. The Central Park Museum has six superb
specimens, including three varieties. One is the McFarlane bird variety sacer. They usually
build near the breeding places of sea fowl, upon which they prey.
LESS powerful, but more graceful than the Jerfalcon, the PEREGRINE FALCON has ever
held the first place among the hawks that are trained for the chase.
The temper of the latter bird is incomparably more docile than that of the former, the
Vol. II.-8.
58
THE PEREGRINE FALCON.
lessons of the instructor are received with more readiness, occupy far less time, and seem to be
more powerfully impressed upon the memory. For training this bird the process is very
similar to that which is employed in the instruction of the Jerfalcon, but the system is not
nearly so severe, and occupies scarcely one-fourth of the time that is needful to render the
fierce and fearless Jerfalcon subservient to the dominion of man. The whole process is very
simple in its theory, being based on the principle of placing the bird in such situations that it
is absolutely unable to disobey the orders which are given by its trainer, and consequently
imagines that it is equally bound to obey every order which he may afterwards give. In order
PEREGRINE FALCON. Fateo peregnnue.
to obtain this result two qualities are needful in the instructor, namely, patience and gentle-
ness, for without these traits of character no man can hope to be a successful teacher of hawks,
or, indeed, of any other being whatever.
When thoroughly tamed, the Peregrine Falcon displays a very considerable amount of
attachment to its owner, and even while flying at perfect liberty will single him out from a
large company, fly voluntarily towards him, and perch lovingly on his hand or shoulder.
Several of these beautiful birds that had been tamed by Mr. Sinclair were so thoroughly domes-
ticated that they were permitted to range at liberty, and were generally accustomed to perch
on a tree near the house. One of these Falcons was permitted to seek her own iood whenever
she could not find any meat upon the accustomed spot, and would take flights of several miles
in extent. Yet she would immediately recognize her master if he were out shooting, and
would aid him by striking down the grouse as they rose before his dogs. On one occasion the
fearless bird met with an accident which might have proved fatal, but was ultimately found to be
of little consequence. Unaware of the presence of his Falcon, her master fired at a grouse, and
THE LANNER.
59
as the bird was at the same moment making a ' ' stoop ' ' upon the bird, one of the leaden
pellets struck the Falcon, and inflicted a slight wound.
The dash and fury with which this hawk makes its stoop is almost incredible. In a coast
town a part of a greenhouse had been divided off by wire, so as to form an aviary, the roof of
the aviary being the glass tiling of the greenhouse. In this edifice were placed a number of
small birds, which attracted the attention of a Peregine Falcon that was passing overhead.
Totally unmindful of all obstacles, he shot crashing through the glass without injuring himself
in the least, seized one of the terrified birds, and carried it off in safety. Several other birds
were found dead, apparently from fright, or perhaps by the shock of the hawk and glass
which came flying among their number.
It is said that when the Peregrine Falcon takes up its residence near the moors it is a very
mischievous neighbor, slaughtering annually great numbers of grouse. Although very fond
of pigeons and similar game, the Peregrine Falcon seems to have sufficient sporting spirit to
prefer the grouse to the pigeon, and never to trouble itself about the latter bird as long as it
has a chance of obtaining one of the former.
The American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus\ called also Duck Hawk, is one of the
most graceful and powerful of the race. It is found over the entire continent and adjacent
islands. A northern variety is thought to be identical with the European species.
This bird is a resident of New England throughout the year, usually seen on the sea
shore ; its trivial name indicates its favorite prey. It is a very powerful and swift flyer, the
terror of water-fowl, its legiti-
mate prey. It abounds in con-
siderable number in Labrador.
Audubon found them breed-
ing on the same rocks with
cormorants. With the hunter
along our coast this bird has a
reputation for most extraordi-
nary daring. He rushes with
intense impetuosity upon his
prey, and often strikes it dead
before it reaches the ground.
He is known to attack wild
geese and bear them down
from the flock as they pass
over at considerable height.
This is the bird par excel-
lence known in heraldry. It
is graceful and sagacious in
aspect. Two prominent char-
acters distinguish it from other
species : abroad patch of black
below the eye, and very large
feet. Its extent of wing is
three feet eight inches. It is
notable that this bird is con-
siderably smaller than several
of the buzzards that feed on
the insignificant insect food.
THE true LANNER (Falco
lanarius) is a native of north-
ern Europe. It is a rather large bird, considerably exceeding the Peregrine Falcon in its
dimensions, and being little inferior in size to the Jerfalcon itself. This bird was formerly
60
THE MERLIN.
much esteemed for the purpose of falconry, and was specially trained to fly at the kite, a
bird which is too strong to afford the ordinary Peregrine Falcon any possible hope of success.
The male of this species is considerably smaller than his mate, and is therefore called a
Lanneret.
THE PRAIRIE FALCON (Hierofalco mexicanus), called also the American Lanner, is,
according to Prof. Baird, so near the European form that it is difficult to separate them.
Dr. Cooper regards it as the shyest and swiftest of hawks. It frequents prairies, and feeds on
hares, grouse, and even larger game at times.
THE small, but exquisitely shaped HOBBY is found spread over the greater part of the
Old World, specimens having been taken in northern Africa, and in many portions of Asia, as
HOBBY. Fako subbuteo.
well us in Europe, which seems to be its chief residence. From all accounts, it seems to be
rather a local bird, being partially influenced by the nature of the ground and the quantity of
food which it is able to procure.
This bird appears to favor inland and well-wooded lands rather than the sea-shore or the
barren rocks ; thus presenting a strong contrast to the Peregrine Falcon. We may find an
obvious reason for this preference in the fact that a considerable proportion of its food is com-
posed of the larger insects, especially of the fat-bodied beetles, which it seizes on the wing.
ALTHOUGH the smallest of the Falconidfe, being only from ten to thirteen inches in
length, according to the sex of the individual, the MERLIN is one of the most dashing and
brilliant of all the hawks.
THE APLOMADO FALCON.
61
This beautiful little bird is almost invaluable to the young falconer, as it is so docile in
disposition, and so remarkably intelligent in character, that it repays his instructions much
sooner than any of the more showy, but less teachable Falcons. Every movement of this
admirable little hawk is full of life and vivacity ; its head turns sharply from side to side as it
sits on its master's hand, its eyes almost flame with fiery eagerness, and it ever and anon gives
vent to its impatience by a volley of ear-piercing shrieks. There is, however, a singular capri-
ciousness in the character of the
Merlin, for it seems to be so sensi-
tive to certain influences which are
quite imperceptible to human organ-
ization, that the same individual
which on one day or at one hour is
full of fierce energy, chasing large
and powerful birds of its own ac-
cord, following the erratic course
of the snipe with a wing as agile
and far more enduring than its
own, or shooting suddenly through
the tangled branches of the under-
wood in pursuit of some prey that
is fleeing to the leafy abode for
refuge, will at another time become
listless and inanimate, and even if
it be induced to fly at its quarry,
will turn suddenly away as if
alarmed, and return languidly to
its perch.
THE PIGEON HAWK (Aesalon
columbarius). This is a small
bird, but little larger than the
domestic Pigeon. It is bold and
swift of flight. It is a common
visitor in New England during the
spring and autumn. It is found in
every portion of the continent of
North America. Though so small,
it has been used in falconry. Sev-
eral varieties are known in different parts of the country.
MERLIN.- -faleo aesalon.
THE APLOMADO FALCON (Rhynchofalcofusco-casrulescens) is a southern species, inhabiting
all parts of South America, and reaching north as far as New Mexico. It is about the size of
the latter species, and has been trained as a hunting Falcon. The Chilians esteem it highly
as such.
The genus Hypotriorchis is rather rich in interesting birds, among which may be noticed
the Pigeon Hawk of America and the Chicquera Falcon of India.
The former of these birds is found not only on our continent, but also in parts of the West
Indies. Generally, however, it is found in Southern America, where it is rather plentiful, and
may be seen hunting for its prey in the proper localities. It is a spirited and swift-winged
bird, although not a very large one, measuring barely eleven inches in length, and not quite
two feet in the expanse of wing. A rather remarkable peculiarity in its plumage is found in
the feathery covering of the legs, which is singularly long, the tips of the feathers reaching
nearly to the feet.
The usual prey of the Pigeon Hawk consists of mice, small birds, reptiles, and various
THE KESTREL.
insects, and it has a remarkably sharp eye for any unfortunate half-fledged bird that may
have strayed from its nest, or crippled itself in its first endeavors to fly. It is a terrible foe to
the reed birds, grackles, and other similar members of the winged race ; hovering continually
about the crowded flocks, and picking off the stragglers or the weakly at leisure. Sometimes,
however, the Hawk seems to lose patience, and dashing suddenly into the flock, will bear
away an unfortunate bird from the midst of its companions. It has derived the name of
Pigeon Hawk, because it is well known as one of the numerous birds of prey that hover around
the myriad armies of the Passenger Pigeon, as they make their wonderful migrations which
have rendered them so famous.
Further information concerning this bird may be obtained from the pages of Wilson
and Audubon.
THE last member of this genus which can be separately noticed in the present work is the
CHICQUEEA FALCON, of India. This bird is often trained by the native sportsmen, and employed
for the purpose of chasing the bustard and similar game. It is not good at an aerial flight, and
therefore is not used against soaring game ; but when employed in the pursuit of the running
birds, its peculiar low, skimming flight is admirably adapted to the purpose'. In order to
keep the bustard from taking to wing, a Hawk of another species is trained to fly above the
quarry and beat it down whenever it endeavors to raise itself into the air and escape by flight.
THIS fine bird, which is called the BROWN HAWK, or CREAM-BELLIED FALCON, by civilized
men, and the BERIGORA by the natives, is an inhabitant of Van Diemen's Land and New
South Wales.
It is a rather sluggish and slow-moving bird, easily obtaining a sufficiency of food, and
then settling down upon some neighboring tree until the calls of hunger urge it to fresh
exertions. The principal food of the Brown Hawk
consists of insects, although it will also eat carrion,
and kills mice, small birds, lizards, and other crea-
tures. The land-holding colonists think it to be a
great pest, because it sometimes picks up a young
chicken or two ; but in the opinion of Mr. Gould it
is in reality one of the farmer's best friends, on
account of its services in destroying the insect hosts
with which Australia is overrun. Although it is not
a gregarious bird, living only in pairs, it may be
seen assembled in flocks of a hundred or more,
congregated over the localities where the destructive
caterpillars most abound. So plentiful is this bird,
and so sluggish is its character, that they may be
seen seated in the tall eucalypti, thirty or forty
occupying a single tree, and all so ill-disposed to
move that any number of them may be killed with-
out difficulty.
f
THE common KESTREL is one of the most fami-
liar of the European Hawks, being seen in almost
every part of the country where a mouse, a lizard,
or a beetle may be found.
It may be easily distinguished while on the
wing from any other hawk, by the peculiar manner
in which it remains poised in air in a single spot, its
head invariably pointing towards the wind, its tail
spread, and its wings widely extended, almost as if it were a toy kite raised in the air
'
KESTREL. Falm ttnnunaihu.
THE LITTLE FALCON.
6.'5
by artificial means, and preserved in the same spot by the trammels of a string. While
hanging thus strangely suspended in the air, its head is bent downwards, and its keen
eyes glance restlessly in every direction, watching every blade of grass beneath its ken, and
shooting down with unerring certainty of aim upon any unhappy iield-mouse that may be
foolish enough to poke his red face out of his hole while the Kestrel is on the watch. The
marvellous powers of the Kestrel's eye may be easily imagined by any one w r ho has any experi-
ence of the field-mouse and the extreme difficulty of seeing the little creature while it is creep-
ing among the grass straws. Its ruddy coat blends so well with the mold, and the grass
blades bend so slightly under the pressure of its soft fur, that an unpractised eye would fail
to detect the mouse even if its precise locality were pointed out.
The number of field-mice consumed by this hawk is very great, for it is hardly possible
to open the stomach of a Kestrel without finding the remains of one or more of these destructive
little animals. On account of its mouse-eating propensities, the Kestrel is a most useful bird
to the farmer, who in his ignorance confounds all hawks together, and shoots the Kestrel
because the kite steals his chickens.
ANOTHER species, which belongs to the same genus as the kestrel, is the RED-FOOTED
FALCON or INGRI^N FALCON (Tinnunaulus vespertinus), having its usual residence in
Austria, Russia, and Poland.
Specimens have also been taken
in Athens, Nepal, and Tunis,
so that the species seem to have
a very extensive range of coun-
try. It goes through consider-
able changes of tinting before
its plumage attains the adult
colors, but the full-grown bird
may readily be distinguished
from the com man kestrel by
the legs and toes, which are of
a reddish flesh -tint, instead of
the yellow hue which is found
in the former bird. The claws,
too, instead of being black, are
yellowish-white, deepening into
a grayish-brown on the tips.
AMONG other members of
the same genus, we may notice
the LITTLE FALCON (Tlnnun-
culus sparverius) of America,
an interesting account of which
bird may be found in the pages
of "Wilson's American Orni-
thology." Its habits are very
similar to those of the common
kestrel, and, like that bird, it
preys chiefly on mice, lizards,
grasshoppers, and the larger
insects. It will, however, attack and carry off chickens and the young of other birds during
the breeding-season. Its nest is always made o'n some elevated situation, and is generally
found on the top of a lofty tree, although the bird sometimes builds upon rocks, in the crev-
ices of towers, or even in the hollows of trees.
HED-FOOTED FALCON. Falco vespertinue.
64
THE GOSHAWK.
THE NOTCHED FALCON is remarkable for the peculiar form of the beak, which exhibits a
double notch or tooth on each side, and has therefore been distinguished by the specific title
of Mdentatus, or "two-toothed."
This species is a native of southern America, being found most commonly in Brazil and
Guinea. In size it is about equal to the common kestrel, its length being thirteen or fourteen
inches. The general color of the Notched Falcon is a slaty-blue or blue-gray upon the upper
surface of the body, and the tail is dusky-brown, marked with several transverse bars of
grayish-white. The throat and under tail-coverts are white, and the breast and abdomen are
rusty -red, marked with undulating streaks of yellowish-white. Very little is known of the
habits of this species, but on account of the peculiar form of its beak, it cannot be passed over
without notice.
THE members of an allied genus, termed lerax, also possess a similarly formed beak, but
the structure of the wings and arrangement of the feathers are so different as to give reason
for placing the bird in a separate genus. One of the most beautiful examples of this genus is
the little BENGAL FALCON (lerax casrulescens), a native of Java, Borneo, and many parts of
BENGAL FALCON. Faico ccerviescens.
India. This tiny Falcon is barely six inches in length, and is popularly known in India by
the name of "Mooty," a word which signifies "a handful," and is given to the bird because,
when it is flown at game, it is taken in the hand and flung at the quarry as if it were a stone
rather than a living missile. It is a most daring little bird, and has been known to strike in
succession ten or twelve quails before alighting. The general color of this species is bluish-
black above, and rusty- white below. The plumage of the thighs is long and silken, and the
wings are comparatively short.
WE now come to a large and important genus of hawks, which is represented in England
by the GOSHAWK.
This handsome bird is even larger than the jerfalcon, the length of an adult male being
eighteen inches, and that of his mate rather more than two feet. It is not, however, so power-
ful or so swift-winged a bird as the jerfalcon, and its mode of taking prey is entirely different.
THE GOSHAWK.
65
The jerfalcon dashes at every flying creature that may take its fancy, and attacks successfully
the largest winged game. But the Goshawk, although possessed of the most undaunted
courage and of great muscular power, is unable to cope with such opponents, and prefers ter-
restrial to aerial quarry. Owing to the shape of the wing, and comparative shortness of the
feathers, the Goshawk is unable to take long flights, or to urge a lengthened and persevering
chase. Moreover, although its courage is of the most determined character, it soon loses heart
if often baffled by the same quarry, and in such cases will turn sulky and yield the chase.
When trained, the Goshawk is best employed at hares, rabbits, and other furred game,
and in this particular sport is unrivalled. Its mode of hunting is singularly like that of the
chetah, which has already been men-
tioned in the volume on the Mammalia.
Like that animal, it is not nearly so
swift as its prey, and therefore is ob-
liged to steal upon them, and seize its
victim by a sudden and unexpected
pounce. When it has once grasped its
prey, it is rarely found to loose it ;
hold, even by the most violent strug-
gles or the most furious attack. Th;:
gripe is so enormously powerful, th.:l
a Goshawk has often been observed 1 3
pounce upon a large hare, and to main -
tain its hold even though the anim !
sprang high into the air, and then
roiled upon the ground, in the vain
hope of shaking off his feathered an-
tagonist. Only the female bird is ab. j
to cope with so powerful a creature ;:.;
a full-grown hare or rabbit ; for tho
male, although more swift of wing, and
therefore better adapted for chasing
birds than the female, is comparatively
feeble.
It never attempts to follow its
quarry into cover, as is done by the
Peregrine and Merlin, but if its in-
tended prey should seek safety in some
place of refuge, the Goshawk perches
iipon a convenient bough and waits patiently. As the hawk is very endurant of hunger, although
sufficiently ravenous when it meets with a supply of food, it "wins, like Fabius, by delay,"
and pounces upon the unlucky qiiarry, as it steals out in search of food or water. When it
has once seized its prey, it is full of exultation, and being generally rather of a ferocious dis-
position, is apt to turn savagely upon the hand that attempts to remove it from its victim.
Its temper, indeed, is so bad, that if it should happen to escape from its jesses and get among
other Falcons, it will almost certainly attack and kill as many of them as it can reach. For
the same reason it needs to be kept constantly hooded, and is less to be trusted at liberty than
any other Falcon. Its short flights, however, render its recapture a comparatively easy mat-
ter, so that there is but little danger of losing it.
Its constitution is very hardy, and as it will feed on almost any animal nourishment, it
gives very little trouble to its owner.
This species is fcnmd spread over nearly the whole of Europe and Asia, and has also been
seen in Northern Africa. The nest of this bird is generally placed on the topmost boughs
of some lofty tree, and the eggs are of a uniform spotless blue-white. Their number is from
three to four, and the young are hatched about May or the beginning of June.
VOL. n. 9.
GOSHAWK. Astur palumbarva.
66 THE NEW HOLLAND WHITE EAGLE.
In color, the adult birds of both sexes are very similar to each other, the tinting of the
plumage being briefly as follows : The top of the head and the entire upper portions of the
body and wings are gray-brown, and the under portions of the body, together with a band
over the cheeks and the back of the neck, are nearly white, diversified with numerous irregular
spots, splashes, and partial bars of black. The cheeks and ear-coverts are dark grayish-
brown, the upper surface of the tail is the same hu,e as the back, and barred with dark brown ;
the under tail-coverts are white. The cere, legs, and toes are yellow, the claws black, and the
beak blue-black. In the female the gray brown of the back is a more ruddy hue, and in the
young the plumage is curiously diversified with reddish-white, buff and gray.
THE AMERICAN GOSHAWK (Astur atricapillus) Wilson says of this magnificent bird :
"If this be not the celebrated Goshawk, formerly so much esteemed in falconry, it is very
closely allied to it." Audubon says: "His flight is extremely rapid and protracted. He
sweeps along the margin of the fields, through the woods, and by the edges of ponds and i ivers,
with such speed as to enable him to seize his prey by merely deviating a few yards from his
course, assisting himself on siich occasions by his long tail, which, like a rudder, he throws to
the right or the left, upwards or downwards to check his progress, or enable him suddenly
to change his course. At times he passes like a meteor through the underwood, where he
secures hares and squirrels with ease. Should a flock of wild pigeons pass him, he immedi-
ately gives chase, soon overtakes them, and passing into the middle of the flock, scatters them
in confusion, when you may see him emerging with a bird in his talons, and diving towards
the depths of the forests to feed upon his victim. When travelling he flies high, with a
constant beat of wing, seldom moving in large circles like other Hawks."
This Hawk is regarded as the one par excellence as a trained hunter. It is the species
most frequently alluded to in falconry. The female is, as is common to the Hawks, much the
largest. She is able to bear off a hare of considerable size.
The Goshawk is the handsomest of the falcons ; its light-colored plumage and great size
suggest the gerfalcons. The wonderfully erect and noble attitude of this bird is a pleasurable
sight.
THE SHARP SHINNED HAWK (Accipiter fuscus) is a small, slender bird, with exceedingly
delicate and long legs. It is known to the entire continent of North America.
It is one of the most common summer residents in New England. So impetuous is this
little Hawk, Mr. Nuttall says he has been known to dash through two distinct glass doors in his
effort to reach his prey. It is distinguished in its flight by a peculiar manner ; its short wings
and long tail giving it a characteristic aspect. It is a very much like the Goshawk in miniature.
Wilson was greatly impressed with the dash of this delicate little bird. Its long legs
appear no larger than pipe-stems, yet they bear an important part in the action of the little
creature. "It seemed to throw itself from one quarter of the heavens to another, witli pro-
digious velocity ; inclining to the earth, swept suddenly down into a thicket, and instantly
reappeared with a small bird in his talons. The rapidity and seeming violence of these zigzag
excursions were really remarkable, and appeared to be for seizing his prey by siidden surprise and
main force of flight." The female of this species is remarkable for its greater size than the male.
Another species of Nisus is named for Dr. Cooper, of California. It is found in most
parts of North America.
HARRIS' BUZZARD (Antinor unicinctus) is a southern species, with a limited range. Like
most of the Buzzards it feeds on mice and reptiles, and is heavy and sluggish in habit.
GRUBER' s HAWK (OnycTiotes gruberi). This single species of a genus peculiar to this conti-
nent is so rare that only one specimen is known ; that is preserved in the Smithsonian
Institute.
A VERY beautiful species of this genus, the NEW HOLLAND WHITE EAGLE (Astur nova
TiollandidB) is found in Australia, and is remarkable for the frequency with wLich its plumage
THE SPARROW HAWK.
67
assumes a snowy-white hue, the ordinary coloring being gray above and white below. The
eyes of this bird are very curious, for in some specimens they are of a rich brown, in others of
a topaz-yellow, while in others they are ruby-red. The cere, legs, and claws are yellow, and
the bill black. The disproportion between the comparative dimensions of the sexes is remark-
ably great in this species, the male being barely half the size of his mate.
THE well-known SPARROW HAWK is almost as familiar to us as the kestrel, the two birds
being, indeed, often confounded with each other by those who ought to know better. This
fine and active little bird is an inhabitant of many portions of the world, being very common
in nearly all parts of Europe, equally so in Egypt and Northern Africa, and being very fre-
quently found in India and other Asiatic countries. The genus Accipiter finds representatives
in every quarter of the
globe, species being found
in North and South Ameri-
ca, in Madagascar, in West-
ern and Southern Africa, in
Java, and Australia.
The Sparrow Hawk is
not so often seen as might
be imagined, for it is a most
wild, shy, and wary bird,
and never ventures near
human dwellings, or within
a considerable distance of
human beings, unless urged
by hunger or carried away
by the ardor of pursuit. As
a general rule, to get within
ordinary gunshot of a Spar-
row Hawk is no easy mat-
ter ; but if the Hawk be
watched as hj is hovering
about a flock of sparrows
or rather small birds, he
may be approached with-
out much difficulty, his
entire attention being en-
gaged on his expected prey.
Indeed, while engaged in
the chase, the ardor of this
bird is so great, that all
its faculties seem to be
SPARROW
absorbed in the gratifica-
tion of the ruling passion, and it is evidently unmindful of anything but its flying prey. A
Sparrow Hawk has even been known to dash furiously at a man who endeavored to rescue a
small bird which it had attacked.
The courage of the Sparrow Hawk is of the most reckless character, for the bird will fly
unhesitatingly at almost at any other inhabitant of air, no matter what its size may be. Mr.
Thompson relates the following curious instance of the exceeding audacity of this bird :
" Once, at the end of July, when walking along the sides of a river, I was attracted by the
loud screams of herons, which appeared above the trees at the north-west extremity of a park.
A couple of these giants of the air kept flying above the tops of the trees with tremendous up-
roar in consequence of the presence of a single Sparrow Hawk. This bird was circling about,
and the herons awkwardly and quite unavailingly endeavoring to strike Mm. Flying quite
68 THE SPARROW HAWK.
at ease, his tiirns were so short, and at the same time so full of grace, that he seemed to laugh
to scorn their heavy, lumbering movements.
"The herons' savage cries were apparently evidently might almost be said caused by
the Hawk's make-believe attempts to carry off their young, as they were particularly violent
and vociferous whenever he made a swoop as I remarked him to do thrice at the top of
a particular tree. It seemed a mere play or bravado on the part of the Hawk, as he could
easily, in spite of the herons, have borne off the contents of the nest any time, were the prey
not too bulky for his purpose. Mr. R. Langton has not only observed a wild Sparrow Hawk
strike his sea-eagles when perching on their sheds, but when his golden eagle was on the wing,
has seen one of these birds strike it when passing, and once even witnessed the Hawk's turn-
ing back and repeating the impertinence."
The same author also mentions several instances of the extreme audacity of the Sparrow
Hawk when urged by hunger. One of these birds actually snatched up a little white pea-
chick, selecting it from the rest of the brood, while a lady was engaged in feeding it. A
similar circumstance occurred to a gamekeeper who was feeding young pheasants, a Sparrow
Hawk suddenly sweeping down upon them and carrying off one of their number. Next day
it repeated the attempt, but as the keeper had taken the precaution to bring his gun, the
Hawk fell a victim to his own temerity. Again, as some persons were shooting dunlins from a
boat, a Sparrow Hawk suddenly shot through the smoke of the discharged gun, and poising
itself for an instant, swept a wounded dunlin from the surface of the water with such marvel-
lous dexterity, that it did not wet a feather of its wings.
In consequence of the headlong courage possessed by this handsome little Hawk, it is very
valuable to the falconer if properly trained, for it will dash at any quarry which may be
pointed out to it. Unfortunately, however, the Sparrow Hawk is one of the most difficult and
refractory of pupils, being shy to a singular degree, slow at receiving a lesson and quick at for-
getting it. Besides, its temper is of a very crabbed and uncertain nature, and it is so quarrel-
some, that if several of these birds should be fastened to the same perch, or placed in the same
cage, they will certainly fight each other, and, in all probability, the conqueror will eat his
vanquished foe. Such an event has actually occurred, the victrix for it was a female kill-
ing and devouring her intended spouse.
Few birds are so easily startled as the Sparrow Hawk, for even when it is comparatively
tame, the presence of a stranger, or even the shadow of passing bird in the air, will throw it
into a paroxysm of excitement, during which it seems to lose all consciousness of external
objects. This curious trait of character a practical falconer describes most graphically in the
following terms : "The young falconer will naturally be disappointed to find the bird which
came so well to hand yesterday, now on the first day of its being carried, stare wildly with its
mad eyes, and bate violently. It will probably hang down at the end of the jesses and swivel,
and dart off again the moment it is quietly replaced. More than this, the very power of
standing will appear to have left it ; the claws will be clenched and distorted ; the whole
creature will be changed ; instead of a tolerably bold and very handsome bird, the transition of
a few minutes will present you with a terrified, crouching, vicious, abject wretch ; a horrible
mixture of fright and feathers.
" Some people think that the helpless look of the feet and legs arises only from temper,
and that it is a sham. It may arise from temper, but it is not a sham. It appears to me that
this bird's brain is overcharged with electricity or something fearfully subtle ; and that on the
smallest provocation, these fluids shoot through the whole frame, overturning and decaying
everything that is healthy and regular. The Sparrow Hawk's legs are, during these fits of
fright and passion, in a temporary paralysis. Still, they are of short duration, and when the
bird is trained, they pass away altogether." The same writer sums up the character of the
Sparrow Hawk as a pupil in the following energetic language : " The Sparrow Hawk is, in my
opinion, the wildest, in some sense the most intractable, the most ungrateful, the most pro-
voking and temper-trying of all birds or beasts that ever were taken under the care of man
from the beginning of the world."
THE SPARROW HAWK. 69
With this writer's opinion my own experience to a very great measure coincides, though
as I never attempted to train a Sparrow Hawk to falconry, I cannot answer for some of its
deficiencies.
One of these birds afforded an excellent example of the shyness and timidity above men-
tioned. Although he was most kindly treated and liberally fed, he used to scream in the most
ear-piercing manner when approached, even by the person who generally carried his food.
The only companion whose presence he would tolerate, was a little Skye terrier, named Kosy,
and the two strangely matched comrades used to execute the most singular gambols together,
the dog generally taking the initiative, and persecuting the Hawk until she forced him to fly.
The great object of the dog was to catch the Hawk by the wing, while the bird gave his atten-
tion to flying at the dog' s throat, hanging on by his claws and boxing her ears with his wings
until she was fain to shake him off. Once, Rosy caught the Hawk by his tail, and having the
game all her own way, careered round the yard in great exultation, dragging after her the unfor-
tunate Hawk, who could not possibly resist or retaliate, and was reduced to scream abjectly
for succor.
Another Sparrow Hawk which I procured for some time was, curiously enough, a most
arrant coward, and so far from chasing the little birds, as was his duty, and keeping them
from eating the peas and fruit, he allowed them to bully him shamefully, and would run away
from a wagtail. The little birds soon learned his incapacity, and the blue titmice used to
watch the time when he was fed, and run off with the meat before his eyes. The bird was not
a young one when it came into my possession, and had probably been broken in spirit by
cruel treatment.
The credit of the race was, however, better kept up by a Sparrow Hawk that belonged to
a lady friend, but it was not taught any artificial accomplishments. The bird took a great
fancy to its mistress, and would perch on her shoulder or eat from her hand. But it would
permit no other person to touch it, neither would it allow any one to approach its mistress
while it was at hand. In such cases it would fly savagely at the fancied foe, and was so deter-
mined in its attack upon the ankles, that any one who attempted to cross its path was obliged
to fend it off with an umbrella, which it would fight and scold as it was being pushed away.
It was a terrible thief, and crafty to a degree. Once, having made itself acquainted with
the fact that a partridge was hanging in the larder, it hung about until it saw a servant
approaching the spot. As soon as she opened the door, the Hawk shot noiselessly over her
head, and sat quietly until she had retired. It then proceeded to demolish the partridge.
Between this servant and the Hawk there was a deadly feud, owing to a depredation com-
mitted by the bird and resented by the servant. A chicken had just been plucked and was
lying on the kitchen table, when the Hawk glided softly through the door, and perching on
the chicken, had devoured its breast before the theft was discovered. The servant struck it
with a broom, when the bird flew at her head, and pushing its claws into her hair, it buffeted
her face with its wings, and could not be removed until it had torn out no small quantity of
hair. After a while the bird disappeared, perhaps stolen, but very probably killed by its foe.
The propensity of the Sparrow Hawk to attack larger birds of prey has already been
mentioned, and the creature only suffers poetical justice in being made the subject of similar
attacks. The swallows and other swift- winged birds are wonderfully fond of mobbing the
Sparrow Hawk, although in many instances they pay dearly for their audacity. I once saw
a Sparrow Hawk that was being mobbed by a number of sand martins, and was flying about
in a seemingly purposeless and bewildered manner, suddenly turn on its pursuers, seize one of
them in its terrible grasp, and instantly sail away bearing its screaming victim in its talons.
The Hawk was almost within reach when this circumstance occurred.
The general color of the adult male is dark brown upon the upper surface of the head,
body, and wings, softening into gray as the bird increases in years. The entire under surface
is rusty brown, marked with narrow bands of a darker hue ; the long and slender legs and toes
are yellow, as is the cere, but with a tinge of green ; the long, sharp, armed claws are black,
and the beak is a slate-blue, darkening towards the point. The length of the male bird is
about one foot. The female, which is about fifteen inches in length, is colored differently from
TO THE SECRETARY BIRD.
her mate, the upper parts of her body and wings being hardly so rich a tint as in the male
bird, and covered with numerous little white spots, caused by the white hue which is found
on the base of each feather. The primaries and rectrices are of a lighter brown, and colored
with transverse dark bars, and the under surface of the body is gray- white, also barred trans-
versely. These hues are also found in the young male, who has in addition a reddish edging
to the feathers of the back.
The nest of the Sparrow Hawk is placed in some elevated spot, and contains three or four
eggs, rather variable in their marking, but always possessing a certain unmistakable character.
The ground tint of the egg is a grayish-white, slightly tinged with blue, and a number of bold
blotches of a very dark brown are placed upon the surface, sometimes scattered rather irregu-
larly, but generally forming a broad ring round the larger end. The bird seldom troubles itself
to build a new nest, but takes possession of the deserted tenement of a crow or rook.
THE AMERICAN SPARROW H\WK(Tlnnunculus sparverius) is another of similar size, and
of surpassing beauty of form and markings. It is known to every portion of North America.
Several varieties or geographical races are known. A characteristic of the Falcons is a certain
dash and boldness of action. They perch on some eminence, rock or tree, and scan closely the
ground below them. If a bird is discerned, the Falcon drops from his place and fearlessly
pursues his prey ; even diving impetuously into a thicket of tangled boughs and vines ; and
seldom fails of his aim. It is consistent in its character of the bold, highrspirited warrior.
The Sparrow Hawk will not eat food that it has not captured. It resembles closely the
European kestrel. The manner of suspending itself in the air is exactly similar to that of
the "Windover," which movement is considered to be peculiar to the kestrels. The true
Falcons, we have seen, survey the ground leisurely, and lordly, from some eminence, or while
sweeping the air in graceful flight, then stoop upon the prey with something like the velocity
and force of lightning. They are, indeed, the personification of grace and nobility, with
power and courage to match.
As a general rule, the voices of all the rapacious birds are notable for the rough, strident
dissonance of the larger species, or for the piercing shrieks of the smaller birds. There is,
however, an exception to this rule, which is supposed at present to be quite unique, in the
person of the CHANTING FALCON of Africa.
In a certain sense, even the scream of the eagle and the shriek of the Falcon possess a sort
of wild music, which is sufficiently appropriate to the localities in which they dwell, but is
singularly out of place when the bird is seated on a perch or immured within the confines of
wiry walls. The Chanting Falcon, however, possesses a really musical voice, its very peculiar
notes having been compared to the thrilling sounds of musical glasses. Le Vaillant tells us
that it sings in the morning and evening, and that its song lasts for about one minute, being
very frequently repeated in the course of an hour, and with very short intervals. It is at all
other times of the day a very shy and suspicious bird, but while singing is so occupied with
its task, that it can be approached, and, if desired, shot without much difficulty.
It is rather a large and powerful bird, being nearly two feet in length, and somewhat
resembling the jerfalcon in proportion. Its prey consists of hares, rabbits, and similar quad-
rupeds, and it also wages successful war against the larger birds, such as the bustard or
" pauw." The general color of this curious bird is grayish on the upper parts of the body,
and white on the lower parts, barred with brown streaks.
THE very remarkable SECRETARY BIRD derives its name from the curious feathery plumes
which project from each side of its head, and bear a fanciful resemblance to pens carried
behind the ear by human secretaries. In allusion to the same peculiarity, the Arabs term the
bird Selazza Izn, or Thirty-ears.
The Secretary Bird has long been a standing perplexity to systematic zoologists, having
been placed by some writers among the wading birds on account of its long legs, while others
consider its proper place to be among the hawks and other birds of prey. It is an inhabitant
THE SECRETARY BIRD.
71
of Southern Africa, and is most invaluable in destroying the serpent race, on which creatures
it almost exclusively feeds. Undaunted by the deadly teeth of the cobra, the Secretary Bird
comes boldly to the attack, and in spite of all the efforts of the infuriated and desperate
reptile, is sure to come off victorious. Many other creatures fall victims to the ravenous
appetite of the Secretory, and in the stomach of one of these birds which was found by Le
Vaillant, were discovered eleven rather large lizards, eleven small tortoises, a great number of
insects nearly entire, and three snakes as thick as a man's arm. The following description of
the habits and mode of hunting which is employed by this bird has been kindly forwarded to
me by Captain Drayson, to whom I have already been indebted for much curious information
respecting the quadrupeds of Southern Africa.
CHANTING FALCON ( JfeHera viu/dcti*) AND SERPENT FALCON (Polyboroldee typlcus).
"The Secretary Bird is not very common in any part of South Africa, still one or two are
frequently seen during a day's ride on the plains. Sometimes two or three of these birds may
be seen stalking over the ground, with a bold, military, and jaunty stride, which is quite in
character with the nature of the reptile-eating bird, but more frequently a solitary individual
pursues his investigations of newly-burnt grass, or likely and deserted ant-heaps. Frogs and
toads appear the more favored repast of the Secretary Bird, but a snake of even three or four
feet in length is easily disposed of.
" On one or two occasions I have seen a Secretary Bird busily engaged with a snake, and
it appeared that the bird by means of activity escaped from the deadly fangs of its prey. A
Secretary Bird might be seen sailing slowly along at about a hundred yards from the ground ;
suddenly he would stop and descend, attracted evidently by some prey, towards which he
would stalk. The bird would then appear very busy, now striking with his wings and pecking,
as though engaged at thrust and parry ; then, when his adversary made a fierce attack, the
T2 THE SECRETARY B1RL.
bird would rise with a spring in the air, and descend some twenty feet from his foe. Advancing
again to the attack, he seldom failed to dispose of his enemy by eating him at once, or he
would carry him off wriggling vainly in attempts to escape.
"The Secretary has a curious habit of occasionally breaking from his staid military step,
and running in a fussy excited way for about ten or twelve paces, with apparently no object
and again resuming his march. This bird is very wary, and rarely allows of a nearer approach
than one hundred yards. He is rarely if ever shot, for a sportsman values the bird for its
deeds, and there is a fine in the Cape Colony imposed upon those who are known to have
shot one."
SECRETARY BIRD. (Oypogeranui eerpentativt.)
In these combats the wing of the bird is its most important weapon, and answers equally
all the purposes of a shield and a club. As the serpent rises to strike, the Secretary presents
the front of its wing as a buckler, and almost immediately dashes the snake to the ground by
a blow from the same member. It also kicks with considerable force, and almost invariably
concludes the combat by a violent blow on the head from its beak, which lays the skull of the
enemy completely open. Sometimes, when the serpent is very full of vitality, the Secretary
makes a sudden snatch at its neck, soars to a great height in the air, carrying the struggling
THE HARRIERS. 73
foe with it, and then drops it upon the hard ground, a process which effectually expels the
last remnant of life. When domesticated it has been known to go through a similar series of
manoeuvres, by way of gamesomeness ; the snake being represented for the nonce by a straw
or a twig.
One of the most notable peculiarities of this strange bird, is the manner in which it runs
and walks. While young its mode of walking is ungraceful in the extreme, and can but be
characterized as a hobble. When it has attained adult age, however, its gait, although rather
odd, and like a person walking on stilts, is yet easy and constrained, but when the bird puts
forth its speed, it runs with a swiftness so remarkable that the Arab has given it the name of
Ferras Seytan, or devil's horse. This astonishing speed is probably useful in carrying out the
great business of its life, and in attacking or avoiding the onset of its poison-bearing enemies.
The nest of the Secretary is built on the summit of a lofty tree, and contains two or three large
white eggs.
The ordinary length of the adult Secretary bird is about three feet, and its color is almost
wholly a slaty -gray. The peculiar feathers which form the crest are black, as are the prima-
ries and the feathers of the thigh. There is a lighter patch towards the abdomen. The tail is
black with the exception of the two central rectrices, which are gray with a white tip and a
broad black bar towards their extremities.
THE HARRIERS:
WE now arrive at the Harriers, probably so called because they "harry" and persecute
the game. Of the several species of this genus, the most common one is the HEN HARRIER.
The Harrier may be readily distinguished from the other hawks by the manner in which
the feathers radiate around the eyes, forming a kind of funnel-shaped depression, somewhat
similar to but not so perfect as that of the owl. This structure is thought to be serviceable to
the bird in giving it a wide range of vision in its hunting excursions. The flight of the
Harrier is very low, seldom being more than a few yards above the ground, and as the bird
flies along it beats every bush, and pries into every little covert in search of prey. There are
few of the smaller animals that do not fall victims to the Hen Harrier, which is always ready to '
pick up a field-mouse, a lizard, a small snake, a newt, or a bird, and will even pounce upon so
large a bird as a partridge or pheasant. Sometimes it sits on a stone or small hillock, and
from that post keeps up a vigilant watch on the sunxmnding country, sweeping off as soon as
it observes indications of any creature on which it may feed.
The flight of the Hen Harrier, although it is not remarkable for its power, is yet very
swift, easy, and gliding, and as the bird quarters the ground after its prey, is remarkably
graceful. The Harriers prefer to live on moors and similar localities, where they can-pursue
their rather peculiar mode of hunting, and where they may find a secluded spot for a secure
home. Like the kestrel, the Hen Harrier appears to have regular hunting-grounds, and is very
punctual in its visits. The nest of this bird is generally placed under the shadow of some con-
venient furze-bush, and is composed of a few sticks thrown loosely together, in which are
deposited four or five very pale blue eggs. The yoiing are hatched about the middle of June.
The two sexes differ very greatly in color, and until comparatively recent times were
recorded as distinct species. The general color of the adult male is ashen gray from the beak
and upper parts, the only exception being the primaiies, which are black. The throat and
chin are nearly of the same hue as the beak, but the chest and abdomen are white, with a
slight blue tinge which is lost upon the plumage of the thigh. On the under surface of the
tail are several indistinct dark bars, and the hair-like feathers between the eye and the base of
the beak are black. The legs, toes, and cere are yellow, the claws black, and the l>eak nearly
black, witli a blueish tinge. The length of the male bird is about eighteen inches.
The female is a much darker bird, the head being mottled brown, and the back and upper
portions of a deep dusky-brown, the primaries being but a little darker than the plumage
of the back. The feathers of the under parts are lighter brown, with pale margins, so as
VOL. II.-10.
74 THE ASH-COLORED FALCON.
to present a kind of mottled buff and chestnut aspect ; the upper surface of the tail is marked
with partial dark bands and its under surface is very distinctly bound with broad bands of
black and grayish-white. The funnel-shaped depression round the eyes, technically called the
concha, or shell, is brown towards the base of the feathers, but merges into a white eyebrow
above, reaching to the cere, and in a white streak below, edged with brown. The length of
the female is about two inches more than that of the male, and her spread of wing is about
three feet six inches.
V
ANOTHER example of this genus is to be found in the MOOR BUZZARD as the bird has very
wrongly been termed, or the MARSH HARRIER, as it ought more properly to be named. The
bird is also known as the Duck Hawk and Harpy.
This handsome bird is considerably larger than the preceding species, the female being
about two feet in length, and the male about three inches shorter. It is not a very uncommon
bird, being found most extensively upon marshy ground, where it can obtain abundance of
food. It generally preys on water birds, mice, water rats, various reptiles, frogs, rats, and
fish. It is rather partial to young game, and is apt to be a dangerous neighbor to a preserve,
snatching the young partridges and pheasants from their parents. Sometimes it is sufficiently
bold to enter the precincts of the farm, and to carry away a young chicken or a duckling.
Babbits also, both young and old, fall victims to this rapacious bird, which sweeps on noise-
less wing over the common, carefully choosing the morning and evening, when the rabbits are
almost sure to be out of their burrows.
The Marsh Harrier appears never to take up its residence in dry localities, but always to
prefer the fenny district, whether of the coast or inland. The nest of this species is placed on
the ground, and is composed of twigs or stems of coarse grass, and is sheltered from observa-
tion by an overhanging bush, or by a tuft of rushes, fern, or long grass. The eggs are white,
and about three or four in number.
Like the hen harrier, the male Marsh Harrier is of a much grayer tint than his mate, the
gray hues being not fully assumed until the bird has completed his third year, and spreading
more widely on each successive year.
THE MARSH HAWK (Circus Jiudsonius) is the only one in America of numerous species.
It is called American Harrier from its supposed resemblance in habit to the English bird of
that name. It is especially a meadow or marsh bird. It is held in good esteem by the planters
of the Southern States, as it drives away the rice birds while it hunts the fields for its own
prey. It is widely distributed ; in New England it is very common.
THE ASH-COLORED FALCON, sometimes called MONTAGUE'S HARRIER, is frequently found
in Nepal and other parts of Asia, but it is also a resident of Europe.
This species is more slender in its form than either of the two preceding birds, being
hardly more than two-thirds of the weight of the hen harrier, although its length is nearly
the same. In its habits it is very like the hen harrier, skimming over the ground in much
the same manner, but with a more rapid flight. Its food consists chiefly of small birds and
reptiles, to the latter of which creatures the Ash-colored Falcon appears to be especially partial,
no less than five lizards having been found in the stomach of one of these birds. It is not very
uncommon in fenny districts of Europe. Specimens of this bird have also been obtained in
Nepal and other parts of India, and it is also said to be an inhabitant of Southern Africa.
The color of the adult male is bluish-gray on the upper parts of the body, the secondaries
being marked with three bars of dark-gray brown, and the primaries black. The upper
surface of the tail is bluish-gray upon the central feathers, and white upon those at the side,
marked with several bars of orange-red ; their under-surface is grayish-white, with several
transverse bars of grayish-brown. The under parts of the body are nearly white, barred with
numerous transverse streaks of orange-red, like those on the tail. The legs and toes are
yellow, the cere is yellowish-green, and the beak is almost black. The length of the bird is
about seventeen inches.
THE HAWK OWL. 75
THE very remarkable bird which is now known as the JARDINES HARRIER is one of the
myriad strange creatures which are produced by Australia, that land of wonders.
According to Gould, it is generally found in plains, and specially frequents the wide and
luxuriant grass flats that intervene between the mountain ranges. Like all the birds of the
same genus, it is never seen to soar, but sweeps over the surface of the ground at a low eleva-
tion, seeking after the mice, reptiles, small birds, and other creatures on which it feeds. It is
very fond of small snakes and frogs, and in order to obtain them may be seen hovering over
the marshes, or beating the wet ground after the fashion of the hen harrier. It is seldom known
to perch on trees, preferring to take its stand on some large stone or elevated hillock from
which it may survey the surrounding land. The nest of this bird is supposed to be built on
the ground, overshadowed by some brush or tuft of grass, like that of other harriers, and
placed upon the top of one of the numerous "scrub" hills.
The coloring of this bird is quite unique, and would attract attention even if it were not
an anomaly among birds of this genus. The head, cheeks, and ear-coverts are dark streaked
chestnut, the streaky appearance being given by a deep black line down the centre of each
feather. A gray collar or band passes round the neck and the back of the head, the primaries
are buff towards their base, and black for the latter two-thirds of their length. The tail is
barred alternately with dark brown and gray, the extremity being brown. The back and scap-
ularies are dark-gray sprinkled with a number of little white dots, and the entire under
surface is a bright ruddy chestnut, covered profusely with nearly circular white spots of
considerable size. The legs are yellow, and the bill dark slaty-blue, becoming black at the
extremity.
OWLS.
THERE are few groups of birds which are so decidedly marked as the OWLS, and so easy
of recognition. The round, puffy head, the little hooked beak just appearing from the downy
plumage with which it is surrounded, the large, soft, blinking eyes, and the curious disk of
feathers which radiate from the eye and form a funnel-shaped depression, are such character-
istic distinctions, that an Owl, even of the least Owl-like aspect, can at once be detected and
referred to its proper place in the animal kingdom. There is a singular resemblance between
the face of an Owl and that of a cat, which is the more notable as both these creatures have
much the same land of habits, live on the same prey, and are evidently representatives of the
same idea in their different classes. The Owl, in fact, is a winged cat, just as the cat is a
furred Owl.
These birds are, almost without an exception, nocturnal in their habits, and are fitted for
their peculiar life by a most wonderfully adapted form and structure. The eyes are made so
as to take in every ray of light, and are so sensitive to its influence, that they are unable to
endure the glare of daylight, being formed expressly for the dim light of evening or earliest
dawn. An ordinary owl of almost any species, when brought into the full light of day,
becomes quite bewildered with the unwonted glare, and sits blinking uncomfortably, in a
pitiable manner, seemingly as distressed as a human being on whose undefended eyes the
meridian sun is shining. The nictitating membrane, or inner eyelid, with which the Owl, in
common with many other birds and animals, is furnished, stands it in good stead under such
circumstances, and by repeatedly drawing its thin membranous substance over the aching
eyeball, the Owl obtains some relief from the pain which it is suffering.
The eyes of Owls are very curiously formed, as are their ears and plumage, and their
structure will be briefly described in the course of the next few pages.
THE transition from the falcons to the Owls is evidently through the harriers, as may
be seen by comparing the engraving of any harrier with that of the CANADA OWL, or
HAWK OWL, as it is often termed. In the harriers we find the commencement of the peculiar
76
THE HAWK OWL.
facial disk, and in the Hawk Owl this disk, or "concha," is not nearly so large or so well
defined as in the other members of the same group. The eyes, too, are rather differently formed,
as the bird is able to follow its prey by day as well as in the dark, and therefore requires
a character of eye which will not be injured or half blinded by ordinary daylight. The
plumage is closer than that of the generality of Owls, whose feathers are fringed with delicate
downy filaments, for the purpose of enabling them to float noiselessly through the air, for the
Hawk Owl is a swift-winged bird, and obtains its prey by fair chase.
The food of the Canada Owl consists chiefly of rats, mice, and insects, during the summer
months ; but in the winter, while rats and mice keep within their homes, and the insects are as
yet in their pupa state, the Canada Owl turns its attention to birds, and will even chase and
kill so powerful a prey as the ptar-
migan. It is a very bold bird, and
has been known to pounce upon and
carry away wounded game that has
fallen before the sportsman's gun.
While chasing the ptarmigan it fol-
lows the course of their migration,
hanging about the flocks and making
sad havoc in their numbers.
The Hawk Owl is an inhabitant
of the more polar regions, being
most commonly seen in the extreme
north of Asia and America, though
it sometimes pays a visit to North-
ern Europe. Richardson tells us that
it seldom travels farther south than
Pennsylvania, but very few speci-
mens having been noticed in that
locality, and those only when the
winter has been more than usually
severe.
Although so bold and so success-
ful a hunter, the Hawk Owl is by no
means a large bird, being only from
fifteen to seventeen inches in length,
and therefore not equalling the com-
mon hen harrier in dimensions. Its
nest is generally made on the summit
^ a t' ree > contrary to the usual habit
o f Owls, which usually take posses-
sion of a hollow in some dead branch
and lay their eggs on the soft decay-
ing wood, or make their home in a convenient crevice of some old building. The male Hawk
Owl is rather less than the female, as is the case with most predaceous birds.
The general color of this bird is dark spotted brown above and striped white below,
arranged briefly as follows : The top of the head and back is brown, covered with white spots,
the spots disappearing at the insertion of the wings, where a large patch of very dark brown is
placed. The outer edge of the concha is jetty black, and its inner surface is grayish- white.
The throat is also white, and the chest and abdomen are of the same tint, marked with
a number of irregular stripes of ashen-brown. The tail is brown, covered with a few nar-
row intercepted black bands. The legs are feathered as far as the claws, and the bill is
yellow with a few spots of black. These colors are slightly variable in individuals, owing
most probably to the difference of age, and in the female they are not so bright as in her
mate.
HAWK OWL. Surnla ulvla.
THE SNOWY OWL.
77
THE SNOWY OWL Is one of the handsomest of this group, not so much on account of its
dimensions, which are not very considerable, but by reason of the beautiful white mantle with
which it is clothed, and the large orange eyeballs that shine with a lustre as of a living
topaz set among the snowy plumage.
This bird is properly a native of North America and Europe. Like the Hawk Owl, it is a
day-flying bird, and is a terrible foe to the. smaller mammalia, and to various birds. Mr.
V:irrell remarks that "one wounded on the Isle of Balta disgorged a young rabbit whole ; and
that one in my possession had in its stomach a young sandpiper with its plumage entire." It
is rather remarkable that the bird should have thus been swallowed whole, as I have always
SNOWY OWL.-Xyctea nivea.
BEARDED OWL. Syrnium lap/xmicum.
remarked that when an Owl devours a little bird, he tears it to pieces before eating it, though
he always swallows a mouse entire.
In proportion to its size the Snowy Owl is a mighty hnnter, having been detected in
chasing our American hare, and carrying off wounded grouse before the sportsman could secure
his prey. According to Yarrell, the Swedish name of Harfang, which has been given to this
bird, is derived from its habit of feeding on hares. It is also a good fisherman, posting itself
on some convenient spot overhanging the water, and securing its finny prey with a lightning-
like grasp of the claw as it passes beneath the white-clad fisher. Sometimes it will sail over
the surface of the stream, and snatch the fish as they rise for food, but its general mode
of angling is that which has just been mentioned. It is also a great eater of lemmings ; and in
the destruction of these quadrupedal pests, does infinite service to the agriculturist and the
population in general.
78
THE COQUIMBO, 01? B UK ROWING OWL.
The large, round eyes of this bird are very beautiful, and even by daylight are remarkable
for their gem-like sheen, but in the evening they are still more attractive, and glow like two
balls of living fire. There is an amusing anecdote respecting one of these Owls, which settled
on the rigging of a ship by night to rest itself after a long journey. The bird was quietly
seated on one of the yards, when it was suddenly roused by a sailor who was sent aloft upon
some nautical duty. The man, terrified at the two glowing eyes that suddenly opened upon
him, descended precipitately from the rigging, declaring that "Davy, Tones" was sitting on
the main yard. Several instances are known where Snowy Owls have made use of a ship as ;i
temporary resting-place. On one such occasion, the ship was visited by no less than sixty of
these birds, which were so fatigued that they permitted themselves to be captured by the
crew.
The color of an old Snowy Owl is pure white without any markings whatever ; but in the
earlier years of its life, its plumage is covered with numerous dark-brown spots and bars,
caused by a dark tip to each feather. Upon the breast and abdomen, these markings form
short, abrupt curves, but on the back and upper surface they are nearly straight. The beak
and claws are black. The length of the male Snowy Owl is about twenty-two inches, and that
of the female twenty-six or twenty-seven.
The Snowy Owl (Nyctea nivea). This great bird is an attractive creature, particularly in
the depth of winter, when it is seen perching on some snow-clad bough or rock. It is often
driven from the arctic regions in winter, when the prey is scarce. At such times it visits the
sea-shore, and feeds on the refuse of the beaches. It is common to both continents. This
bird is not strictly nocturnal in its habit, as it feeds equally by daylight or dark. Audubon
says it catches fishes by seizing them in its claws.
COQUIMBO, OK BURROWING OWL,.Speotyto cunicularia.
THE quaint, long-legged little Owl which is represented in the accompanying illustration
is a native of many parts of America, where it inhabits the same locality as the prairie dog.
The description of that curious marmot and its peculiar burrow may be found in Volume I.
The prairie dogs and BURROWING OWLS live together very harmoniously ; and this strange
THE LITTLE OWL. 79
society is said also to be augmented by a third member, namely, the rattlesnake. It is now,
however, ascertained with tolerable accuracy that the rattlesnake is nothing but a very unwel-
come intruder upon the marmot, and, as has been shown by experiments, is liable to be
attacked and destroyed by the legal owner of the burrow. If all had their rights, it would
seem that the Owl is nearly as much an intruder as the snake, and that it only takes posses-
sion of the barrow excavated by the prairie dog in order to save itself the trouble of making a
subterranean abode for itself. Indeed, there are some parts of the country where the Owl is
perforce obliged to be its own workman, and in default of convenient "dog" burrows, is fain
to employ its claws and bill in excavating a home for itself.
The tunnel which is made by the Owl is not nearly so deep or so neatly constructed as
that which is dug by the marmot, being only eighteen inches or two feet in depth, and very
rough in the interior. At the bottom of this burrow is placed a tolerably-sized heap of dried
grass, moss, leaves, and other soft substances, upon which are deposited its white-shelled
eggs-
The Burrowing Owl is peculiar to America, where it is distributed over the whole of the
western and southern portion of the continent. It congregates in great numbers, and differs
from any of the other members of the Owl family by breeding under ground.
Dr. Kennedy says : "When molested, they commence bowing and chattering in a some-
what ludicrous manner at the intruder." Mr. Darwin says the South American Owl digs its
own burrow.
THE genus ATHENE is a very large one, and contains many curious and interesting birds
which cannot be described at length except in a monograph of the Owl tribe. Among these
may be mentioned two remarkable birds, the BOOBOOK OWL (Athene boo-book), and the WINK-
ING Owi, (Athene connivens), both natives of Australia.
The former of these birds is popularly called the Australian Cuckoo by the colonists on
account of its cry, which bears no small resemblance to the well-known song of " Spring's har-
binger." As the bird, after the manner of Owls, utters its cry by night, it is often noted as an
instance of the perversity of the Australian climate, which reverses the usual operations of
nature, and forces the cuckoo to take the place of the nightingale, and pour forth its song at
night. This species is diurnal in its habits, and remarkably swift and agile on the wing, being
able to chase successfully the quick-winged insects that are so numerous in Australia. When
roused, it is said by Mr. Gould to resemble the woodcock in the manner of its flight, and to
further carry out the likeness in its habit of rising out of gun-shot, and diving rapidly into
the nearest covert, where it lies safely housed until its enemies have withdrawn from the neigh-
borhood. The quaint title of Boobook is the name by which it is known among the natives.
THE WINKING OWL is also a day flyer, strong and powerful on the wing, though with
flight nearly as noiseless as that of the common barn Owl of England. It is a large and power-
ful bird, delighting to capture the young koala, or native bear, together with other prey of
equal strength and magnitude. Berries have been found in the stomach of one of these Owls ;
but Mr. Gould thinks that they have probably come from the crop of some unfortunate bird
which had fallen a prey to the Winking Owl. The cry of this species is remarkably resonant,
and is said to resemble the lowing of an ox. If wounded it becomes a very dangerous oppo-
nent, flinging itself on its back, striking fierce and rapid blows with its well-armed feet, and
seeking to seize its foe in the terrible clutch of its curved talons.
The general color of this species is a dark clove-brown, diversified by many bars and
stripes.
THIS genus finds another representative in the person of the LITTLE OWL (Athene
passerina).
The name of Little Owl is very appropriate, for it is only eight inches in length including
the plumage, and when stripped of its feathers appears hardly so large as a common starling.
It is properly a native of Germany, Holland, France, and Austria, and has sometimes been
80
THE SCOPS EARED OWL.
LITTLE OWL.AtMhe paiserina.
called the Austrian Rufous Owlet, or the Sparrow Owl. Although so small a creature, its
food is the same as that of any of its larger relatives, consisting of small birds, bats, mice, and
various insects. The general color of this curious little Owl is clove-brown, banded and marked
with yellowish-brown, gray, and white. It may
easily be distinguished from other Owls by the
legs, which are very long in proportion to the
dimensions of the bird, and instead of being feath-
ered down to the toes, are covered with very short
hair-like plumage, becoming very scanty over the
toes. It is easily domesticated, and in a tamed
state is so voracious that, according to Bechstein,
it can swallow five mice at a single meal.
ANOTHER curious little Owl is the TENGMALM'S
OWL, or DEATH BIRD ; the latter name having
been given to it on account of a common super-
stition that reigns among several of the North
American Indian tribes. When an Indian tears
one of these birds uttering its melancholy cry, he
whistles towards the spot from whence the sound
proceeded, and if the bird does not answer him, he
looks for a speedy death.
This species is at first sight not unlike the Little
Owl, but may be at once distinguished from that
bird by the structure of its legs and toes, and the
thick feathery coating with which they are clad.
It is a very common bird over the whole of the
inhabited portions of North America, but is frequently found in Norway, Sweden, Russia,
and even in Northern France and Italy. It is a nocturnal bird, seldom wandering from its
home during the hours of daylight, as it is almost blinded by the unaccustomed glare, and
may be easily captured by hand while thus bewildered. The nest of the Tengmalm's Owl is
generally made of grass, and is placed about half-way up some convenient pine-tree. The
eggs are seldom more than two in number, are pure white in color, and not quite so globular
as is the case with the generality of Owls' eggs.
The color of this bird is more rich and better defined than that of the Little Owl. The
whole of the upper parts of the body are a rich chocolate-brown, dotted and splashed with
many white markings, which are very minute upon the top of the head, and larger upon the
back and wings, some indeed being arranged on the lower portions of the wings so as to form
irregular stripes. Similar white spots are placed on the tail, which is usually of a dark brown.
The eye disk is grayish-white, excepting a bold black-brown ring just round the eye. The
under portions of the body are grayish-white, covered with numerous brown bars and spots,
and the plumage of the legs and toes is also gray- white sprinkled with brown spots. The size
of the Tengmalm's Owl is nearly the same as that of the Little Owl.
*
WE now arrive at a large group of Owls which are remarkable for two tufts of feathers
which rise from the head, and occupy nearly the same relative position as the ears of quad-
rupeds. These "ears," as they are called, have, however, nothing to do with the organs of
hearing, but are simply tufts of feathers, which can be raised or depressed at the will of the
bird, and give a most singular expression to the countenance.
The first of these birds is the SCOPS EARED OWL, a most singular little creature, which
is sometimes, though rarely, taken in England, and has therefore been placed in the catalogue
of British Birds.
The geographical range of this species is very great, specimens now in the nraseums having
been taken in Germany and several parts of Europe, India, Malacca, China, Gambia, and the
THE SCOPS EARED OWL.
81
Cape of Good Hope. It is by no means an uncommon bird in Southern Europe. A very good
description is given of the habits of the Scops Eared Owl by Mr. Spence.
"This Owl, which in summer is very common in Italy, is remarkable for the constancy
and regularity with which it utters its peculiar note or cry. It does not merely ' to the moon
complain,' but keeps repeating its plaintive and monotonous cry of Kew ! Icew! (whence its
Florentine name of Chiu, pronounced almost exactly like the English letter Q) in the regular
intervals of about two seconds the livelong night, and until one is used to it, nothing can well
be more wearisome. Towards the end of April, last year, 1830, one of these Owls established
itself in the large Jardin Anglais, behind the house where we resided at Florence, and until
our departure for Switzerland in the beginning of June, I recollect but one or two instances in
which it was not constantly to be heard, as if in spite to the nightingales, who abounded there
LONG-EARED OWL (page 86) Agio americanu, and SCOPS EARED OWL Scope carnioliaca.
from nightfall to midnight (and probably much later), whenever I chanced to be in the back
part of the house, or took a friend to listen to it, and always with precisely the same unwearied
cry, and the intervals between each as regular as the tickings of a pendulum.
"This species of Owl, according to Professor Savi's excellent Ornitologia Toscana,
Vol. I. p. 74, is the only Italian species which migrates ; passing the winter, in Africa and
Southern Asia, and the summer in the south of France. It feeds wholly upon beetles, grass-
hoppers, and other insects."
The length of this tiny Owl is only seven inches and a half, the female being a little longer
than her mate. The nest is generally placed in a hollow tree or the cleft of a rock, and con-
tains from two to four white eggs. It is a pretty little bird, the general coloring being much
as follows. The head is light brown, marked with several narrow dark-brown streaks ; the
back is variegated brown and chestnut, marked with dark bands and gray mottlings. The wing
is brown, speckled largely with white and gray, and the tail is similarly barred and dashed
with black and pale brown. The facial disk is grayish-white, thickly covered with small
brown spots, and the two feather-tufts of the head are similarly tinted. The under portions
VOL. IL-ll.
82
THE GREAT OWL.
of the body are grayish-white, with several streaks and dashes of dark brown, and the legs
are covered as far as the toes with short speckled feathers. The claws are nearly white at
their base, declining to blackish-brown at the tip ; the toes are brown and the beak black.
ALTHOUGH seemingly exceeding the golden eagle in dimensions, the GREAT OWL is in
reality a very much smaller bird, owing its apparent magnitude to its feathers and not to its
body. In weight it hardly exceeds one quarter of that of the eagle, but in power of muscle it
is little inferior even to that royal bird itself.
The Great Owl, or EAGLE OWL, as it is often called, inhabits the northern parts of Europe,
being especially common in Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, and Russia, and being found even
GREAT OWL. Bubo ignavue.
in some parts of Italy and Turkey. When captured, however, the Eagle Owl is easily recon-
ciled to its habitation, and has frequently been known to hatch and bring up its young while
in captivity. In its wild state it makes a very rude nest upon some convenient ledge of rock
or other similar locality, and lays two or three pure white; rather globular eggs. The young,
when in their first few days of independent life, would hardly be recognized as Owls at all,
being mere shapeless lumps of gray woolly down. The parent birds take great care of their
young, and are so fond of their offspring, that when an Eagle Owl's nest has been harried, and
the young birds removed, the parents have been known to supply them with food for a period
of fourteen days, laying dead partridges and other prey before the bars of the cage in which
the young birds were confined.
The food of this Owl consists generally of grouse, partridges, hares, and other similar
game, and the bird is so powerful that it will successfully chase even larger prey. Mr. Lloyd,
THE VIRGINIAN EARED OWL. 83
in his well-known "Field Sports," gives the following description of the Eagle Owl as it
appears in the Scandinavian forests.
"These Owls, Dr. Mellerborg assured me, will sometimes destroy dogs. Indeed, he him-
self once knew an instance of the kind. He states another circumstance, showing the ferocity
of these birds, which came under his notice. Two men were in the forest for the purpose of
getting berries, when one of them happening to approach near to the nest of the Owl, she
pounced on him while he was in the act of stooping, and fixing her talons in his back, wounded
him very severely. His companion, however, was fortunately near at hand, who, catching up
a stick, lost no time in destroying the furious bird.
"Mr. Nilsson states that these Owls not unfrequently engage in combat with the eagle
himself, and that they often come off victorious. These powerful and voracious birds, that
gentleman remarks, occasionally kill the fawns of the stag, roebuck, and reindeer. The largest
of the birds common to the Scandinavian forests, such as the capercali, often become their
prey. The hooting of these Owls may often be heard during the night-time in the northern
forests ; the sound, which is a most melancholy one, and which has given rise to many super-
stitions, is audible at a long distance." This bird is also most invaluable in destroying the
lemmings.
The cry of the Eagle Owl is a very deep and doleful note, sounding most lugubriously in
the depth of the lonely forests during the hours of night. When angry, the bird utters a
sharp hiss, not unlike the soimd which is produced by the common brown Owl when irritated.
It is generally seen during the twilight hours, although it sometimes continues to search after
prey during the entire night. While engaged in hunting, it flies low over the ground, and
displays great quickness of eye and wing in discerning and pouncing upon everything that has
life and can be eaten. This bird has been employed for the purpose of decoying falcons towards
the snare, by being fastened in a convenient spot where it can be seen by any passing bird.
The falcon cannot possibly resist the pleasure of dashing at the great, solemn, winking bird,
and is accordingly captured in the fowler's ready net as he swoops after the Owl, which runs
for refuge precisely in the direction of the toils.
The length of this fine bird is rather more than two feet, and the aspect of its outstretched
wings is wonderfully magnificent. The general color of the Eagle Owl is brown, mingled with
a yellow tinge, and covered on the upper surface with bars, dashes, and streaks of blackish-
brown. The facial disc is pale brown, decorated with many small spots of black, and the
under surface of the body is nearly yellow, traversed by longitudinal stripes of black upon
the chest, and barred transversely with many bars of dark brown on the abdomen. The legs
and thighs are pale brown, with many narrow bars of a darker hue. The long armed claws
are black, and the beak is also nearly black. The eyes are of a bright radiant orange, and
have a very fierce appearance when the bird looks the spectator in the face. The female is
rather larger than the male, the difference in length being about four inches.
THE VIRGINIAN EAKED OWL holds the same place in America as the eagle Owl in Europe,
and is even now a familiar bird, though it has been extirpated from many localities where it
once reigned supreme.
It is a very large bird, nearly equalling the great Owl in magnitude, and being in no way
its inferior in strength or courage. This species is found spread over the greatest portion of
North America, and in former days did great damage among the poultry of the agriculturists,
being a bold as well as a voracious bird. Now, however, the ever-ready rifle of the farmer has
thinned its numbers greatly, and has inspired the survivors with such awe, that they mostly
keep clear of cultivated lands, and confine themselves to seeking after their legitimate prey.
The Virginian Eared or Homed Owl is a terrible destroyer of game, snatching up grouse,
partridges, hares, ducks, sparrows, squirrels, and many other furred and feathered creatures,
and not unfrequently striving after larger quarry. The wild turkey is a favorite article of diet
with this Owl ; but on account of the extreme wariness of the turkey nature, the depredator
finds an unseen approach to be no easy matter. The usual mode in which the Owl catches the
turkey is, to find out a spot where its intended prey is quietly sleeping at night, and then to
84 THE VIRGINIAN EARED OWL.
swoop down suddenly upon the slumbering bird before it awakes. Sometimes, however, the
Owl is baffled in a very curious manner. When the turkey happens to be roused by the rush
of the winged foe, it instinctively ducks its head and spreads its tail flatly over its back. The
Owl, impinging upon the slippery plane of stiff tail feathers, finds no hold for its claws, and
glides off the back of its intended victim, which immediately dives into the brushwood before
the Owl can recover from the surprise of its unexpected failure.
The following admirable description of the Virginian Eared Owl, as it used to be in the
earlier days of cultivation, is given by Audubon in his well-known History of the Birds of
America.
"It is during the placid serenity of a beautiful night, when the current of the waters
moves silently along, reflecting from its smooth surface the silver radiance of the moon, and
when all else of animated nature seems sunk in repose, that the great Horned Owl, one of the
Nimrods of the feathered tribes of our forests, may be seen sailing silently and yet rapidly on,
intent on the destruction of the object destined to form its food.
"The lone steersman of the descending boat observes the nocturnal hunter gliding on
extended pinions across the river, sailing over one hill and then another, or suddenly sweeping
downwards and again rising in the air like a moving shadow, now distinctly seen, and again
mingling with the sombre shades of the surrounding woods, fading into obscurity.
"The bird has now floated to some distance, and is opposite the newly-cleared patch of
ground, the result of a squatter's first attempt at cultivation in a place lately shaded by the
trees of the forest. The moon shines brightly on his hut, his light fence, the newly-planted
orchard, and a tree which, spared by the axe, serves as a roosting-place for the scanty stock
of poultry which the new-comer has procured from some liberal neighbor. Amongst them
rests a turkey -hen, covering her offspring with extended wings.
"The great Owl, with eyes keen as those of any falcon, is now seen hovering above the
place. He has already espied the quarry, and is sailing in wide circles, meditating his plan
of attack. The turkey -hen, which at another time might be sound asleep, is now, however, so
intent upon the care of her young brood, that she rises on her legs, and purrs so loudly as she
opens her wings and spreads her tail, that she rouses her neighbors, the hens, together with
their protector. The cacklings which they at first emit soon become a general clamor.
" The squatter hears the uproar, and is on his feet in an instant, rifle in hand ; the priming
examined, he gently pushes open the half-closed door and peeps out cautiously, to ascertain
the cause by which his repose has been disturbed. He observes the murderous Owl just
alighting on the dead branch of a tall tree, when, raising his never-failing rifle, he takes aim,
touches the trigger, and the next instant sees the foe falling dead to the ground. The bird is
unworthy of his further attention, and is left a prey to some prowling opossum or other carniv-
orous quadruped. In this manner falls many a Horned Owl on our frontier, where the species
abounds."
The flight of this bird is remarkably powerful, easy, and graceful, as may be gathered
from the enormous expanse of wing, in comparison with the weight and dimensions of the body.
Its voice is of a hollow and weird-like character, and when heard by night from some spot on
which the Owl has silently settled, is apt to cause many a manly but superstitious cheek to
pale. As Wilson well observes, the loud and sudden cry of Waugh O ! Waugh O ! is sufficient
to alarm a whole garrison of soldiers. Probably on account of the peculiar sounds which are
uttered by this bird, the Cree Indians know it by the name of Otowuck-oho !
The Virginian Horned Owl takes up its residence in the deep swampy forests, where it
remains hidden during the day, and comes out at night and morning, heralding its approach
with its loud, unearthly cries, as of an unquiet, wandering spirit. Sometimes, according to
Wilson, "he has other nocturnal solos, one of which very strikingly resembles the half-
suppressed screams of a person suffocating or throttled."
Sir W. Jardine, in his notes to his well-known edition of Wilson's American Ornithology,
gives the following account of a captive Owl, which affords an excellent idea of the peculiar
sounds that can proceed from an Owl's throat.
THE BROWN OWL. 85
"An Eagle Owl in my possession remains quiet during the day, unless he is shown some
prey, when he becomes eager to possess it, and when it is put within his reach, at once
clutches it, and retires to a corner to devour it at leisure. During night he is extremely active,
and sometimes keeps up an incessant bark. It is so similar to that of a cur or terrier, as to
annoy a large Labrador house-dog, who expresses his dissatisfaction by replying to him, and
disturbing the inmates nightly. I at first mistook the cry also for that of a dog, and, without
any recollection of the Owl, sallied forth to destroy the disturber of our repose ; and it was
not until tracing the sound to the cage, that I became satisfied of the author of the annoyance.
I have remarked that he barks more incessantly during a clear winter night than at any other
time, and the thin air at that season makes the cry very distinctly heard to a considerable
distance. This bird also shows a great antipathy to dogs, and will perceive one at a consid-
erable distance, nor is it possible to distract his attention so long as the animal remains in
sight. When first perceived, the feathers are raised, and the wings lowered as when feeding,
and the head moved round, following the object while in sight. If food is thrown, it will be
struck with the foot and held, but no further attention paid to it."
The nest of this bird is extremely large, and consists of a large bundle of sticks, grass,
leaves, and feathers, placed in the fork of some large bough, and containing three or four
white eggs. The color of the Virginian Eared Owl is reddish brown upon the upper surface,
mottled with various splashes of black, and covered with regular bands of the same hue.
The facial disc is brown, edged with black. The under surface is of a -light reddish -brown
color, covered with numerous transverse bars of dusky brown, with a few white lines and
dashes among them. The throat is pure white, the beak and claws are black, and the eyes are
of a bright orange, gleaming out strangely even by day and burning with double radiance ii>
the twilight.
THE GREAT HORNED OWL, or VIRGINIAN EARED OWL (Bubo mrginianus) has a range
of liabitat from Eastern North America, south of Labrador, west to the Missouri, and south
through the Atlantic region to Mexico. Three very marked varieties are known, in as many
different and remote parts of the country.
The two trivial names and the specific term mrginianus are absurdly chosen for this
bird. There are neither horns nor ears showing in the prominent tufts of feathers on the bird's
head. It is by no means especially Virginian.
This bird is a permanent inhabitant in New England. Wilson says of him : " His favorite
residence is in the deep solitude of swamps covered with a growth of gigantic timber ; and here,
as soon as evening draws on, and mankind retires to rest, he sends forth such sounds as seem
scarcely to belong to this world, startling the solitary pilgrim, as he slumbers fey the forest
fire, making night hideous."
THE common BROWN OWL, or TAWNY OWL, as it is often named, is, with the exception of
the Barn Owl, one of the best known of the Owls.
Although rather a small bird, being only about fifteen inches in total length, it is possessed
of a powerful pounce and audacious spirit, and when roused to anger or urged by despair, is a
remarkably unpleasant antagonist.
The following is a curious account of the conduct of a pair of Brown Owls, who built a
nest in the attic of an untenanted house. The writer of this account proceeds to say : " I should
have been a little afraid of molesting them, so ferocious did the old gentleman look when his
wife and children were approached. One morning the cat was missing, and I found, on inquiry,
that some strange sounds had been heard the evening before in the room where the Owls were.
On going up that evening I found poor puss quite dead, one of her eyes actually picked out,
and her antagonist, also killed, lying on the side of the nest. The mamma Owl was absent,
probably in search of food, but she may have been present and have assisted at the death.
I have seen a cat on another occasion cowed by an old Owl that came down ths 1 chimney into
the dining-room."
86
THE LONG-EARED OWL.
There is recorded another anecdote of a pair of Brown Owls that were kept in confine-
ment, and which, when approached by any stranger, would fly at him and fasten their
talons into his head with such angry
violence that they could but be re-
moved by direct force.
i
BROWN OWL.- Syrnlam aluco.
THE fine bird known by the namo
of the URAL OWL (St/rnium uralense)
belongs to the same genus with the
Barn Owl. This bird is nearly two feet
in length, and preys on hares, rabbits,
grouse, and other large quarry, after
the manner of the Eagle Owl. It is a
native of the colder regions of Europe
and Asia. The BEARDED OWL, so called
from a beard-like spot upon its throat,
is a species of the same genus, and
found in the same countries. See p. 77.
WE now come to a familiar exam-
ple of the Owls, a bird that has at-
tracted great notice on account of its
singular aspect. This is the LONG-
EARED OWL, its popular name being
derived from the -great length of the
"ears," or feather-tufts which are
placed upon the head, and erect them-
selves whenever the bird is excited.
It is illustrated on page 81, together
with the Scops-eared Owl.
The Long-eared Owl is found in almost all parts of Europe, and also inhabits portions of
Asia, Africa, and America, so that it possesses a very large geographical range. It is not a
very large bird, being only fourteen or fifteen inches in length, but is a most rapacious being,
preying upon all the smaller mammalia, and capturing the finches and other small birds with
as much success as if it were a hawk rather than an Owl. Even moles fall victims to the
Long -eared Owl, and in the "castings" of this species have been found the remains of mice,
rats, and various birds.
While the young are still in the nest, the parent birds display a singular assiduity in col-
lecting food for their infant charge, and make sad havoc among the half -fledged nestlings of
the neighborhood. The nest of this species seems seldom to be built by the bird itself, as the
Owl prefers to take to the deserted nest of some other bird, and to fit up the premises for its
own use. According to Mr. Yarrell, this Owl has been known to take possession of the nest of
a squirrel, and therein to rear its young. The eggs of the Long-eared Owl are generally four
or five in number, and white, as is the case with nearly all Owls' eggs.
It is a decidedly nocturnal bird, seldom being seen in the light of day, and being always
greatly disturbed if it should chance to issue from its concealment while the sun is above the
horizon. When it can take its choice of locality, it seems always to prefer some spot where the
foliage is thick, dark, and heavy, and if possible will build its nest in the shade of some large
evergreen.
The color of this bird is very handsome, but so complicated that it is not easy to describe.
The color of the back and upper feathers of the body is pale brown, diversified on the neck
and shoulders by sundry longitudinal streaks of black -brown. The upper surface of the wings
is variously splashed with black, fawn, and brown, and the primaries are light chestnut barred
and spotted with dark brown. The facial disc is curiously marked with several shades of
THE LONG-EARED OWL.
87
brown and white, and the "ears" are composed each of seven or eight blackish -brown feathers.
The under surface of the body is grayish-white intermixed with fawn and various longitudinal
brown streaks, and the legs are covered up to the claws with pale-brown plumage. The sharp
curved claws are black, as is the bill, and the eyes are of a light orange.
As the facial disc is very conspicuous in this species, I shall take the opportunity of in-
serting a few remarks upon that portion of the Owl's structure which have already appeared
in "My Feathered Friends."
"It is said that the use of this circle is to collect the rays of light and throw them upon
the eye, a provision necessary in dark nights. This principle is apparently carried out in the
URAL OVfL.Syrnium vralenif.
case of the Barn Owl, where the feathery circle, being of a whitish hue, may be supposed to
act as a reflector of the light. But it must be remembered that in the Brown Owls this circle
is also brown, and therefore would rather absorb than reflect the light. Besides, objects are
seen by the light reflected from them to the eyes, while light reflected upon the eyes from the
sky would rather distract than aid the vision. When, on a bright day, we put our hands to
our eyes in order to view a distant object, we do so not to collect scattered rays and to force
them to converge upon the pupil, but rather to keep these scattered rays from interfering with
those that proceed directly from the object of vision. The same thing may be observed when
people look at a picture through a tube.
"In my own opinion the radiating feathery circle is very simple in its operation, being only
a kind of circular splay window cut through the thick mass of plumage in which the head of
the bird is enveloped, in order to give it a wider sphere of vision, just as architects cut a splay
window in the thick wall of a fort so as to permit a musket-barrel to be pointed in any direc-
tion. And the radiating formation of the feathers is preserved, because the natural elasticity
of their stems presses aside the softer downy plumage of the head, and preserves the circular
88 THE SHORT-EARED OWL.
form complete. If examined, they will be found to be formed in a very peculiar manner, and
quite distinct from those on which their extremities press."
For the following interesting account of the habits of a tame Long-eared Owl, I am in-
debted to the kindness of a correspondent.
" The Horned Owlet has a peculiarly cat-like expression of face, and this I think was the
chief attraction possessed by a downy grayish-white ball, that was thrust into my lap by one
of my boy friends, who at the same time announced its name and nature.
" With great delight I proceeded to introduce him to my other bird pets, but the intense
excitement caused by his appearance compelled me to remove him with all speed. The small
birds were all afraid of him, but the jackdaw and magpie both charged poor ' Blinker ' at once.
It then struck me that the cat-like face and nocturnal mousing-habits of the creature indicated
the deep secret of its nature, and if so, that it would have more sympathy with the feline
establishment than with that of the birds.
"Acting upon this impression, I at once conveyed him to pussy's closet, and introduced
him to its occupants, namely,. Mrs. Fanny and her blind kitten. Pussy regarded him at first
with very suspicious looks ; but the poor bird, feeling pleased with the dim light and pussy's
soft warm coat, soon nestled up to her. This act of confidence on Blinker' s part appeared to
affect Fanny favorably, and she at once purred him a welcome. From this time they were fast
friends, and many mice did she good-naturedly provide Blinker with, in common with her
own kitten. When he grew large enough, he used to sit on the side of her basket, and would
never settle quietly for the night until the two cats were asleep in their bed.
"It was quite beautiful to observe the warm affection which grew up between the Owlet
and the kitten. The only cause of discord that we ever noticed between the two was when the
kitten would play with a living mouse. This evidently hurt Blinker's feelings, for he would
always pounce down and seize the mouse by the back of its neck, and kill it in a moment.
Still he had a sense of justice in his nature ; for when the mouse was dead, he would drop it
down to its rightful owner.
" I had him for a year, and was much attached to him ; but he fell ill, and went the way
of all pets."
The Long-eared Owl (Asio americanus). This bird is pretty evenly distributed over the
continent of North America, and is one of the most familiar Owls in the Northern States. It
is entirely nocturnal in habit ; its large golden irides are a striking feature. It is the most
numerous of all American Owls.
ANOTHER species of Eared Owl is nearly as common as the preceding bird. This is the
SHORT-EARED OWL, or SHORT-HORNED OWL, as it is sometimes called.
The Short-eared Owl (Asio acdpitrinus) is much smaller than the preceding. It is found
on every portion of the continent, but is rare in New England. Though nocturnal properly,
it is often seen in company with the Marsh Hawk, hunting over meadows, in cloudy days.
Mice and small reptiles are its natural prey.
This species is remarkable for the very small size of the head, which is even smaller than
the neck, and gives a very un-Owl-like look to its aspect. In its habits the Short-eared Owl
is very unlike its relations, as it flies much by day, and haunts the heaths and open lands in
preference to the woods. The eggs of this bird are laid upon the bare earth, which is scraped
away by the parent bird until a small hollow is made, and is undefended by the slightest
lining. Richardson, however, says that in North America its nest is formed of dried grasses
and moss laid on the ground. Sometimes the eggs are laid on a depression among sedges or
heather, and there are instances where Owls' eggs, supposed to be of this species, have been
found in rabbit-burrows. The eggs are seldom more than three in number. On account of
its small head and day-hunting propensities, it is sometimes known by the local name of
Hawk Owl.
It does not seem to be very powerful on the wing, seldom flying for more than a hundred
THE WHITE OWL.
89
yards, and at a very low elevation. If observed, it seeks the nearest covert, and dives s<
deeply among the brushwood that it is not easily seen, and cannot be driven out if the covert
SHOOT-EARED OWL. Otus bracliyotu*.
should be of any great extent. Its food consists chiefly of mice and birds ; and Mr. Yarrell
mentions that he has discovered in the stomach of a Short-eared Owl the remains of a bat and
a half -grown rat.
THE GREAT GRAY OWL ( Ulula cinerea). This is ranch the largest of America^! Owls,
indeed of any known species. Its total length is thirty inches ; extent of wing, about forty
inches. This is properly an arctic bird. It has been rarely captured, or seen in New England
or the Northern States. The small size of its eyes indicate its diurnal habit. The feet are
small, also, which naturally point to adaptation for small prey. The head has the appearance
of being unusually large ; the plumage has, however, a large share of the space.
THE BARRED OWL (Strix nebulosa) is quite nearly related to the preceding. It has the
same soft, cinereous plumage. Its habitat is throughout New England, west to Missouri, and
south to the Rio Grande. It is remarkable for its soft, rapid, and noiseless flight ; the great
breadth of wings giving it extraordinary power. In the South it is called the Hoot Owl.
There are twenty-six species of Owls in North America, besides several varieties having
variations of marking, and differing somewhat in size.
THE best known of the Owls is the WHITE, BARN, or SCREECH OWL, by either of which
appellations the bird is familiarly known everywhere.
This delicately colored and soft-plumed bird is always found near human habitations, and
is generally in the vicinity of farm-yards, where it loves to dwell, not for the sake of devouring
the young poultry, but of eating the various mice which make such havoc in the ricks, fields,
and barns. The "feathered cat," as this bird has happily been termed, is a terrible foe to
mice, especially to the common field-mouse, great numbers of which are killed daily by a single
pair of Owls when they are bringing up their young family. In the evening dusk, when the
mice begin to stir abroad in search of a mole, the Owl starts in search of the mice, and with
noiseless flight quarters the ground in a sportsmanlike and systematic manner, watching with
VOL. tt-12.
90 THE WHITE OWL.
its great round eyes every movement of a grass-blade, and catching with its sensitive ears every
sound that issues from behind. Never a field-mouse can come within ken of the bird' s eye, or
make the least rustling among the leaves within hearing of the Owl's ear, that is not detected
and captured. The claws are the instruments by which the Owl seizes its victim, and it does
not employ the beak until it desires to devour the prey.
It is curious that the Owl should have two modes of eating, which, as far as my own expe-
rience goes, are invariably followed. If the bird has caught a mouse and is going to eat it, the
mouse is first bitten smartly across the back so as to destroy all life, and when it hangs motion-
less from the bird's beak, it is thrown up into the air in a most adroit manner, so as to fall
with its head downwards. The Owl then catches the little quadruped in such a manner that
its head falls into the bird's mouth, where it hangs for a few seconds. A sharp toss of the
head then sends the whole of the mouse down the Owl's throat with the exception of the tail,
which hangs out of one side of the beak, generally the left side, and is then rolled about just
as a boy rolls a stick of sweetmeats between his lips. After carrying on this process for two
or three minutes, the Owl again jerks its head, and the mouse vanishes wholly from sight.
But when the Owl has to deal with a bird, it eats it after the manner of the hawks, partially
plucking it, and tearing it to pieces with its beak before swallowing it.
A cat with which I am well acquainted always follows the example of the Owl in its
method of eating prey. If it catches a mouse, she disposes of it without ceremony, beginning
at the head and gradually eating towards the tail ; but if she has captured a bird, she places
her feet upon its body, and with her teeth seizes the feathers and deliberately pulls them out
before she will attempt to eat the carcase. It may be that while the Owl is twisting and turn-
ing the mouse in its mouth, it may be lubricating its skin in order to admit of its easier pass-
age down the throat. The feathers of birds are too stiff and absorbent to admit of this process,
and are therefore removed by the Owl before it swallows its prey.
Some doubts have been raised respecting the bird-killing propensities of the Barn Owl,
many writers having asserted that it never kills adult birds, and that at the worst it only takes
a young finch or so out of the nest. Now, as my own Owl was always delighted with a full-
grown bird, and proceeded to eat it in a very business-like manner, it seemed to me as if the
process were by no means a new one, and these suspicions were confirmed by some "castings "
of a Barn Owl which were sent to me, and which contained, among other matters, the bones
of birds and an entire skull of a full-grown sparrow. Since that time, I have seen several
accounts of similar objects being discovered in the " castings," and it is rather a curious fact
that the skull is always unbroken. Generally, the " castings " are composed of the bones and
skins of mice, together with the hard portions of various beetles, mostly in the specimens
which I have examined belonging to the genera Carabus, Abax, Agonum, and Steropus.
Sometimes the Owl has been detected in robbing the pigeons' nests of their young ; but
such conduct seems to be very exceptional, as there are many instances on record where the
Owl has actually inhabited the same cote with the pigeons without touching their young or
disturbing the peace of the parents. This Owl is also an experienced fisher, and has been seen
to drop quietly upon the water, and return to its nest bearing in its claws a perch which it had
captured.
This bird is easily tamed when taken young, and is a very amusing pet. If properly treated,
and fed with appropriate diet, it will live for a considerable time without requiring very close
attendance. Even if it be set at liberty, and its wings permitted to reach their full growth, it
will voluntarily remain with its owner, whom it recognizes with evident pleasure, evincing its
dislike of strangers by a sharp hiss and an impatient snap of the bill. One of these Owls,
belonging to a friend, was, although ar sufficiently amusing bird to its owner, so incorrigibly
mischievous and spiteful, that it was at last doomed to death.
It seemed to fear nothing, and to care for nothing with one curious exception, in the
person of a free but tame skylark, which was accustomed to sleep in a cage with the door open,
and to forage for food on its own account when it was not satisfied with the quantity or quality
of the diet that was daily furnished. With this lark the Owl contracted a firm alliance, per-
mitting its little friend to sit upon its back and bury itself among the mass of soft plumage
THE WHITE OWL. 91
with which it was clad. This Owl always welcomed the approach of its friend, and when it
perched upon its back, seemed as pleased as a horse when his favorite cat comes to bear him
company. No other bird was so honored, and a pair of goldfinches that were kept in a cage
were constantly persecuted by the Owl, which could never understand that they were not to
be killed, and was in the habit of pushing his feet through the bars, in vain attempts to secure
the inmates.
It was a confirmed murderer of bats, and small birds as well as mice, and was accustomed
to push its prey into a hole in an old wall that had been occasioned by the fall of a brick. In
this odd larder were constantly found a strange variety of slaughtered game. Six to eight
small birds were often counted when the hole was explored in the early morning, and once the
Owl had poked fourteen bats into the aperture. On several occasions, the bird had contrived
to pack a moderately sized eel into its storehouse, having always killed the eel by a bite across
the back of the neck. The Owl was always attracted by bright and glittering objects, and
once was seen to pounce upon a knitting-needle that lay glistening in the moonshine, and to
carry it away to its usual receptacle.
This bird was remarkably fond of half -cooked chicken, and was wonderfully delighted if
its meal were seasoned with a very slight sprinkling of sugar and salt, a fact which is rather
remarkable, because, as a general rule, the predaceous birds do not care for sugar.
The hunting hour of this Owl varied much according to the time of year, and was about
six P. M. in April and May, and eight in June and July. It was a spiteful bird, and very
much giveu to attacking strange men and beasts. His last escapade was of such a serious
nature, that he was summarily handed over to the executioner. He dashed at a pony which
was coming towards the house, and fastening on its nose with its claws, battered the poor
beast with his wings to such an extent that it became quite frantic, and by a powerful toss of
the head flung its assailant violently on the ground and broke one of his legs. Nothing
daunted by this mishap, the Owl returned to the attack, and, grasping the pony's nose with
the sound foot, struck his curved beak into its face and recommenced his buffeting. He was
at last torn away by main force, and paid the penalty of his mischief with his life.
This species is generally considered to be the typical example of the Owl tribe, as it
exhibits in great perfection the different characteristics of the Owls, namely, the thick coat of
downy plumage, the peculiar disc round the eye, the large eye-balls, and the heavily feathered
legs and toes. The feathers are so thickly set upon this bird, that it appears to be of much
greater dimensions than is really the case. When standing on its feet, or while flying over
the fields like a huge bunch of thistle-down blown violently by the night breeze, the Barn
Owl appears to be rather a large bird ; but when the creature is lying on the bird-staffer's
table, after its skin and feathers have been removed, the transformation is really astonishing.
The great round head shrinks into the shape and size of that of a small hawk, the body is
hardly larger than that of a pigeon, and but for the evident power of the firm muscles and
their glistening tendinous sheaths, the bird would appear absolutely insignificant.
Although so small, it is a terrible bird to fight, and when it flings itself defiantly on its
back, ire glancing from its eyes, and its sharp claws drawn up to its breast ready to strike as
soon as its antagonist shall come within their range, it is really a formidable foe, and will test
the nerves of a man to some extent before he can secure the fierce little bird, as I can assert
from experience, having had my hands somewhat torn in such an encounter. So fiercely does
this bird strike, that I knew an instance where a dog was blinded by the stroke of a Barn
Owl's claws. The Owl was a tame one, and the dog a stranger went up to inspect the bird.
As the dog approached the Owl, the bird rolled quietly over on its back, and when the dog
put his head to the prostrate bird, it struck so sharply with its claws that it destroyed both
the eyes of the poor animal, which had to be killed on account of the injury. While its young
are helpless, the White Owl watches over their safety with great vigilance, and if any living
thing, such as a man or a dog, should approach too closely to the domicile, the Owl will dash
fiercely at them, regardless of the consequence to itself.
The nest of this species is placed either in a hollow tree, or in a crevice of some old build-
ing, where it deposits its white, rough-surfaced eggs upon a soft layer of dried "castings."
92 THE SPARROW OWL.
These nests have a most ill-conditioned and penetrating odor, which taints the hand which is
introduced, and cannot be removed without considerable care and several lavations. The young
are curious little puffs of white down, and the Barn Owl is so prolific that it has been known
to be sitting on one brood of eggs while it is feeding the young of a previous hatching.
As may be supposed from its popular title of White Owl, this species is very light in its
coloring. The general color of this bird is buff of different tints, with gray, white, and black
variegations. The head and neck are light buff, speckled slightly with black and white spots,
and the back and wings are of a deeper buff spotted with gray, black, and white. The tail is
also buff, with several broad bars of gray. The facial disc is nearly white, becoming rusty-
brown towards the eye, and a deeper brown round the edge. The under surface of the male
bird is beautifully white, the claws are brown, the beak nearly white, and the eyes blue-black.
The sexes are very similar in their coloring, but the females and young males may be distin-
guished by the under surface of the body, which is fawn instead of white.
THE AMERICAN BARN OWL (Aluco flammens) is common to the more southern portions of
the United States, especially near the sea-coast, in Mexico and California. It is rarely seen
north of Pennsylvania.
THE SAW WHET OWL (Nyctale acadica), called also Acadian Owl. This is rare in New
England. Audubon says : " The sound of its love notes bears a great resemblance to the noise
produced by the filing of the teeth of a large saw. These notes, when coming from the depths
of the forest, produce a very peculiar effect upon the traveller, who, not being aware of their
real nature, expects, as he advances on his route, to meet with shelter under a saw mill at no
great distance." This is also called Kirtland's Owl. It seems to have something like a ven-
triloquial voice. At times its voice is like the tones of a distant bell. Audubon noticed this,
and asserts that he had never heard the like in any other bird. Its voice was as illusive as the
aspect of the "will-o'-the-wisp."
THE LITTLE RED OWL (Scops asio). Several varieties of this little Owl are known. It is
called Screech Owl and Mottled Owl. It is entirely nocturnal in habit. Its flight is wonder-
fully silent, being quite imperceptible.
THE SPARROW OWL (Nyctale ricTiardsoni), named for the Arctic traveller, Dr. Richard-
son, inhabits the Arctic regions, but occasionally is seen in New England. It is regarded
nearly allied to the European (N.funerea). Felner's Owl is a Central American bird.
PERCHERS
GOAT-SUCKERS.
ITH the owls closes the history of those birds which are called predaceous,
although to a considerable extent nearly all birds are somewhat predaceous, even
if they prey upon smaller victims than do the vultures, eagles, falcons, or owls.
Next to the Accipitres come the Passeres, distinguished by their cere-less and
pointed beak, their legs feathered as far as the heel, their tarsus covered in front
with shield-like scales, and their slightly curved and sharply pointed claws.
This order is a very large one, and embraces a vast variety of birds.
First among the Passerine birds are placed the Fissirostres or cleft-beaked birds, so called
from the enormous gape of the mouth, a structure which is intended to aid them in the
capture of the agile prey on which they feed. Some of the birds, such as the goat-suckers,
swallows, bee-eaters, and others, prey upon insects, which they take upon the wing ; while
some, such as the kingfishers, feed upon fish, which they snatch from the water and bear
to their homes in spite of their hard, slippery, scale-covered armor, or the watery element in
which they dwell.
The GOAT-SUCKERS, as they are familiarly termed, from a stupid notion that was formerly
in great vogue among farmers, and is not even yet quite extinct, that these birds were in the
habit of sucking the wild goats, cows, and sheep, are placed first among the Fissirostres on
account of the wonderfully perfect manner in which their structure is adapted to the chasing
and securing of the swift-winged insects on which they feed. The color of all these birds is
sombre ; black, brown, and gray being the prevailing tints. The gape of the mouth is so large
that when the bird opens its beak to its fullest extent, it seems to have been severely wounded
across the mouth, and the plumage is lax and soft like that of the owl.
THE singular bird which is known by the name of the TRINIDAD GOAT-SUCKER, or
GUACHARO, is remarkable for the peculiarity from which it derives its name of Steatornis
or Fat-Bird.
The Guacharos congregate in vast multitudes within the shelter of certain dark caverns,
the greater portions of which remain unexplored owing to the superstitious fear of the natives,
who fancy that the spirits of their ancestors hold their gloomy state in the innermost recesses
of the caverns where the Guacharos reside. So strongly is this idea imprinted in their minds,
that to "join the Guacharos " is, in the native language, an expression which signifies the
death of the person of whom it is said. In these caverns the Guacharos build their nests,
choosing for that purpose certain holes which exist in the roof, some forty or fifty feet in
height.
THE members of the genus Podargus are chiefly remarkable for the great width of their
beaks, which at their base are broader than the forehead of the bird. The tip of the beak is
hooked, and the upper mandible overlaps the lower at its edges. They are all handsome birds,
and many of them are of considerable dimensions.
The TAWNY-SHOULDERED PODARGUS is a native of Australia, and an admirable account
of the bird, as well as good figures, may be found in Gould's magnificent work on the Birds of
Australia.
94 THE TAWNY-SHOULDERED PODARGUS.
This bird is one of the drowsiest of creatures, being less easily roused by day than any
other slumberer of night. All the day long it sits sleeping upon a branch, its body crouched
^-~ ~4? e R^?=*>.-3?i-9 .* e f-
5$Y< ^'OV^^'* ^ ***
TAWNY-SHOULDERED PODARGUS.
closely to the bough, its head buried amid the masses of soft feathers upon the neck and
shoulders, and its whole form as motionless as if it were carved out of the branch on which it
reposes. It is worthy of notice that the Podargi always sit across the branch on which they
rest, whereas the generality of Goat-suckers recline longitudinally upon the bough. This
THE PLUMED POD ARGUS. 9S
bird however, is so quiet, and its sombre color harmonizes so well with the bark of the branch
to which it clings, that even by day it needs a quick and practised eye to discern its form.
These birds almost invariably sit close together in pairs, and they are so incorrigibly
drowsy, that if one of the pair be shot, its mate will not be disturbed even by the report of
the gun or the fall of its companion, but sit quietly in its place, and may either be knocked
down with a stick, shot with a second charge, or taken by hand, as is most convenient. If
pushed off the branch by a long rod, the Podargus can barely summon sufficient energy to
save itself from falling to the ground, and flapping its wings languidly to the nearest bough,
settles, and is almost immediately wrapped in sleep, thus practically carrying out the com-
plaint of Dr. Watts' sluggard, "You have waked me too soon, I must slumber again."
Sometimes, however, it is known to fly by day without being thus violently disturbed, but
such instances of diurnal liveliness are extremely rare, and may be considered exceptional.
As soon, however, as the daylight fades out of the sky, the Podargus awakes from its
stupor, and after a few shakings and plumings of feathers, becomes a most lively and ani-
NEW HOLLAND GOAT-SUCKER. ^gotheles nmce-hoUandto. (See page 96.)
mated bird, quick, light, and active in all its movements, and scarcely to be recognized as the
same being which but a few hours ago seemed hardly able to move a head or limb without
difficulty. At the earliest approach of nightfall the Tawny-shouldered Podargus sets oft
on its travels in search of food, and chases the insects on which it feeds with great agility and
perseverance.
A MITCH smaller but very beautiful example of the Podargi is the MOTH PLUMED PODAR-
GUS (Podargus p7ial(encndes\ so called on account of the exquisitely soft tinting of its feathers,
which bear a. very close resemblance to the velvet plumage of the large moths. The moth-like
hues are most perceptible upon the wing-coverts, which are thickly sown with markings that
closely resemble the "eyes" found upon the wings of so many large moths, and that add so
much to their beauty. These "eyes" are very like those which decorate the wings of the
well-known Emperor moth, but are devoid of the brilliant colors of that insect, and are com-
posed of different shades of gray and brown.
LASTLY, the PLUMED PODARGUS deserves notice on account of the singular development
of the feathers of the nostrils, which rise to a considerable height, and are richly spotted with
black, brown, and white, forming a kind of plume over the forehead. It is a large and hand-
96
THE WHITE-BELLIED NIGHTJAR.
some bird, and is generally found in the deepest bushes upon the banks of rivers of New
South Wales. Its scientific title is Podargus plumiferus.
THE NEW HOLLAND GOAT-SUCKER is a very fine and beautifully marked bird, its plumage
being richly mottled with black and brown upon its upper surface, while the under surface
is rusty gray, curiously variegated with buff. The tail is barred with darker bands.
This bird is very owl-like in its appearance and many of its habits, and has therefrom
received the popular title of OWLET NIGHTJAR. In the shape of its head, and the steady
upright carriage, it bears a great resemblance to the Coquimbo Owl, a likeness which is further
GREAT-EABED GOAT-SVCKER.-Satrachoitomus aurttus.
carried out by the sharp, angry hiss which it emits when irritated. Like the owls, it also
possesses the habit of twisting its head so that the beak is brought on a level with the spine.
The New Holland Goat-sucker resides in the hollow branches of the eucalypti, technically
called "spouts" by the colonists. When the sportsman wishes to know whether a " spout"
is occupied by one of these birds, he has nothing more to do than to administer a sharp tap to
the branch with a stick or axe. Should the bird be at home, it runs quickly to the entrance,
pops out its head, and, after surveying the intruder for a moment, retires into the seclusion of
its domicile. It will repeat this process several times, but at last loses patience at the frequent
interruptions, and fairly takes to flight. In these "spouts" the eggs are laid, being placed
simply Tipon the soft decaying wood. The eggs are white in color, and from three to five in
number. There are generally two broods of young in the year. The bird is nocturnal, and
its principal food consists of insects, mostly of the coleopterous order.
A CLOSELY allied species is worthy of notice on account of the very singular arrangement
of color upon its head.
This is the WHITE-BELLIED NIGHTJAR (MgotJieles leucogaster}, which may be distinguished
from all its relatives by the white hue of the under surface of its body, and the three broad
THE GREAT IBIGAU.
97
dark bands which surround its head and the upper part of its neck. One of these bands is
short, and is placed just above the beak, while the other two sweep in bold curves, being
very wide upon the top of the head, and narrowing rapidly to the corner of the eye, where
they cease. It is extremely shy, but withal a dull bird, and when alarmed flies leisurely to
the nearest tree, and, perching upon a branch, turns round to reconnoitre the cause of its
alarm. When it sits in this manner it has very much the aspect of a common hawk.
ON account of a. difference in the arrangement of the quill feathers of the wing, the birds
which form the genus Batrachostomus have been separated from -the Podargi. The generic
name is of Greek origin, and is very appropriate, as it signifies "frog-mouthed," and is anal-
GREAT IBIGAU. -ffyc(UAu grandlt.
ogous to the French name of Crapaud-volant, or Flying Toad, which is given to all the Goat-
suckers. The birds of this genus are not equal in dimensions to the Podargi, and they are all
inhabitants of the Indian Archipelago, instead of being found in Australasia.
THE GREAT-EARED GOAT-SUCKER is chiefly remarkable for the extreme length of certain
feathers which start horizontally from the upper part of the head, and are evidently analogous
to similar structures in the eared or horned owls. The gape of the bill is wonderfully wide in
this bird, and with its soft plumage, great round eyes, and large head, with its tufts of feathers
at each side, it has a peculiarly owl-like aspect. The color of its plumage is black, gray, buff,
and brown, all curiously mottled and intermixed with each other in a manner almost similar
to the Goat-sucker, and which cannot be described without a needless expenditure of time and
space. It is a nocturnal bird, and seems to be very shy in disposition.
ON E of the largest examples of the Goat-suckers is the GRAND GOAT-SUCKER (Nyctibius
grandis\ sometimes called the GREAT IBIGAU.
Thia fine bird is nearly thirteen inches in length, and in its habit resembles closely the
common Goat-sucker of Europe. It is a nocturnal bird, as may be gathered from its generic
Vol. 11.-13-
98
THE EUROPEAN GOAT-SUCKER.
title of Nyctibius, a word derived from the Greek, and signifying Night-liver. It is stronger
on the wing than the preceding birds, and is capable of chasing its insect prey as they fly
through the air in the dusk of evening, or just before the dawn of morning. In its outward
form there is little to attract notice, and its coloring is the same as that of its allies, excepting
that some dark bars extend across the head, neck, and lower parts. It is a native of South
America, and has been taken in Cayenne.
THERE are many well-known proverbs relating to the power of calumny, and the readiness
with which an evil report is .received and retained, notwithstanding that it has been repeatedly
EUROPEAN GOAT-SUCKER. Caprimulgrus europcaie.
proved to be false and libellous. The common GOAT-SUCKER is a good instance of the truth of
this remark, for it was called Aigotheles or Goat-sucker by Aristotle in the days of old, and
has been religiously supposed to have sucked goats ever afterwards. The Latin word capri-
mulgus bears the same signification. It was even supposed that after the bird had succeeded
in sucking some unfortunate goat, the fount of nature was immediately dried up, and the poor
beast also lost its sight. Starting from this report, all kinds of strange rumors flew about
the world, and the poor Goat-sucker, or NIGHTJAR, as it ought more rightly to be called, has
been invariably hated as a bird of ill omen to man and beast.
As usual, mankind reviles its best benefactors, for there are very few creatures which
do such service to mankind as the Nightjar. Arriving in the north of Europe in the month of
May or June, it reaches the northern shores just in time to catch the cockchaffers, as they fly
about during the night in search of their food, and does not leave us until it has done its
best to eat every chaffer that comes across its path.
THE CAROLINA GOAT-SUCKER.
99
The damage which is done by these brown-backed, white-ribbed, hook-tailed beetles is
almost incredible, for they are not only extremely destructive in their larval states, but are
scarcely less voracious when they have assumed their perfect form. Passing a life of three
years or so below the level of the ground, the larvae
of the cockchaffer shear away the grass-roots and
other subterranean vegetation with their scissor-like
jaws, and are constantly busy in satiating the hunger
of their huge stomachs, which occupy nearly the
whole of the body of the grub. When they have
passed through their earlier changes of form, the
cockchaffers rise from the ground, and, taking to
flight, settle upon the trees and devour the foliage just
as they had previously fed upon the roots. Sometimes
a whole series of trees may be seen, which have been
entirely stripped of their leaves by the chaffers. I
well remember seeing a row of trees that extended
along a country road that had been totally despoiled
of their foliage, and which stretched their naked
branches abroad as if they had been blasted by the
destroying breath of the Simoom.
A VERY remarkable form of plumage is seen in
the LYRE-TAILED GOAT-SUCKER.
This beautiful bird is a native of Columbia, and is
notable for the extraordinary development of the
outer tail-feathers. Although the bird itself is by
no means large, very little exceeding the common
Nightjar in dimensions, the total length of an adult
male Lyre-tailed Goat-sucker is nearly three feet. In-
deed, the general contour of the body and plumage re-
mind the observer strongly of the resplendent Trogon,
a bird which will very shortly be described and
figured.
The general color of this species is the mottled dark
and light brown which is universal among the Goat-
suckers, but is diversified by a band round the neck
of rich chestnut. The primaries are nearly black,
with the exception of a few chestnut spots scattered
irregularly upon their necks. The extremely elon-
gated tail-feathers are deep brown-black, edged with
a warm band of pale brown upon the inner web. The
outer web is hardly a quarter of an inch wide, while
the inner is almost an inch and a half in width. Sev-
eral feathers of the tail project for some distance, and
lie upon the base of the elongated feathers.
THE CAROLINA GOAT-SUCKER is more popularly
known under the title of CHUCK- WILL'S- WIDOW, a
name which it has earned in consequence of its
repeated utterance of a cry that exactly resembles
those words.
This pretty and interesting bird resides in the deepest ravines, swamps, and pine ridges,
where it cannot only obtain shelter and a convenient nesting-place, but is also sure of finding
a plemtiful supply of insect prey. It prefers to roost in the hollows of decayed trees, or other
LYRE-TAILED GOAT-SUCKER.-Caprimu/s'u* lyra.
100
THE LONG-TAILED GOAT-SUCKER.
retired spots, and is not unfrequently found tenanting the same habitation together with a
large company of bats.
The nest is as open and undefended as is the case with most of the Goat-suckers, and the
eggs and young would probably be exposed to considerable danger, were it not for the won-
derful care and ingenuity displayed by the parents when their offspring are in danger. The
following account of the behavior of the bird when it fears that its nesting-place has been
discovered, is given by Audubon :
"When the Chuck- Will's- Widow, either male or female, for each sits alternately, has
discovered that its eggs have been touched, it ruffles its feathers, and appears extremely
dejected for a minute or two, after which it emits a low murmuring cry, scarcely audible
CAROLINA GOAT-SUCKEB. Cajnimvlffus earolinensis.
to me as I have lain concealed at a distance of eighteen or twenty yards. At this time I have
seen the other parent reach the spot, Hying so low over the ground that I thought its little feet
must have touched it as it skimmed along. After a few low notes and some gesticulations, I
have witnessed each take an egg into its large mouth, and both fly off together, skimming
closely over the ground, until they disappeared among the branches and trees. But to what
distance they remove their eggs I have never been able to ascertain, nor have I ever had an
opportunity of witnessing the removal of the young."
M. Audubon proceeds to say that the birds do not carry away the eggs unless they have
been touched, and that if the parent bird be merely frightened from her nest by the sudden
shout of a stranger, she will return to her eggs as soon as the intruder has left the spot.
THE LONG-TAILED GOAT-SUCKER is one of the most conspicuous of this group of birds ;
the long and slightly curved feathers of its tail giving it some resemblance in outline to the
European Cuckoo. The body of this species is by no means large, but the bird appears to be
considerably above its real dimensions on account of the great length of its tail.
In the color of its plumage it is rather a handsomer bird than the generality of Goat-
suckers, owing to tK- nuantity of white which is laid in bold IT-- vMngs on several parts of its
THE LEON A NIGHTJAR.
101
feathers. The chin is white, as is also a streak that passes from the corner of the mouth. A
broad band of white passes across the extremities of the lesser wing coverts, and there is a
smaller band of cream color upon the tips of the greater coverts. Another beautifully white
band is drawn across the middle of the first six primary feathers, and the remaining primaries
have a spot of white on their tips. The rest of the plumage is variegated with black and
brown, wanned here and there with a more ruddy hue. The tail is also white in several parts,
and has a number of very narrow dark bars across the middle pair of feathers. The Long-
tailed Goat-sucker is an inhabitant of Western Africa.
THE LONG-WINGED GOAT-SUCKER is a scarcely less wonderful bird than the Lyre Goat-
sucker which has already been mentioned, the extraordinary development of feather being in
the present case transferred from the tail to the wing.
LONG-WINGED GOAT-SUCKER. Cotmstornti
The color of the Long- winged Goat-sucker is generally of the usual tints of chestnut and
brown, but is diversified by a broad grayish-white irregular band, which passes across the
centre of the secondaries, and part of the base of the primaries. From the white band, a dark-
brown stripe runs towards the back, the feathers composing it being tipped with white. The
elongated feathers of the wing increase the length of the bird to two feet or even more, and
their color is very dark brown on the outer web, and grayish-white on the inner. The Long-
winged Goat-sucker is an inhabitant of Western Africa.
THE LEONA NIGHTJAR affords another example of the singular form which plumage so
often takes without any apparent object.
In the male bird, a pair of very long and very elastic feather shafts rise from the middle
of the wing-coverts, and extend to a length of eight-and-twenty inches, according to the
individual. These shafts are totally destitute of barbs, except at the extremity where they
suddenly give out a broad web of four or five inches in length. The transition from the bare
shaft to the broad web is so abrupt that the bird looks as if it had originally possessed a pair
of very long perfect feathers, which had been stripped with the exception of a few inches at
102
THE VIRGINIAN GOAT-SUCKER.
their extremities. The shafts are very slight indeed, and as the webbed ends are easily acted
upon by the wind, they are continually moving, and float about in the breeze in a most grace-
ful manner. The inner web of these curious feathers is nearly two inches in width at its
broadest part, while the outer web is barely one fourth of that measurement.
The object of these curious appendages is not known. They are only found in the male
bird, and evidently bear an analogy to the train of the peacock and the long tail-feathers of
the pheasant among the birds, as well as to the beards, horns, tusks, manes, and similar
appendages of male quadrupeds. The plumage of the Leona Nightjar is very prettily marked
with spots and bars of rusty-red and black upon the usual brown ground. Every primary
feather possesses nine rusty-red spots, and as many of a black hue, and there are many other
spots and bars scattered over the body and wings. There is a considerable amount of creamy
white upon the scapularies, a few white mottlings upon the throat of the male, and a reddish-
white stripe down the outer web of the two exterior tail-feathers.
The beak of this species is not so powerful as in many of its relatives, but the vibrissse
are long and well developed. The wings are long, overpassing the tip of the tail while the
bird is at rest, and showing that the powers of flight are considerable. The bird is not a
large one, measuring only eight or ten inches in total length. It is a native of Western
Africa.
THE VIRGINIAN GOAT-SUCKER, MOSQUITO HAWK, or NIGHT-HAWK, inhabits the northern
parts of the American continent, and in the summer months is seen even in the Arctic
regions.
It is not so exclusively nocturnal a bird as most of the Goat-suckers, but will voluntarily
leave its home on a cloudy day, and commence its task of hunting after flies, moths, beetles,
VIRGINIAN GOAT-SUCKER.- ChardeUes vlrgitdanus.
and other insects on which it feeds. It is a bird of vigorous and active wing, and follows its
insect prey even into the loftier regions of the air, where it seems as much at its ease as the
swift or the swallow. While chasing the insects, the Night-hawk constantly utters a shrill,
squeaking kind of cry, reminding the spectator of the screaming cries of the common swift.
Jt also has a curious habit of hovering over its mate as she sits on her eggs, darting down upon
her from a considerable elevation, and then suddenly sweeping up again with a loud booming
sound, occasioned either by the wings or by the vocal organs. This strange manreuvre is con-
stantly repeated, and appears to be performed for the purpose of showing a delicate attention
to the sitting bird, and amusing her during her long and tedious task.
THE NACUNDA GOAT-SUCKER. 103
The eggs of this bird are placed on the bare ground, and when a stranger happens to
approach the spot where they are lying, the parent bird immediately flings herself in the way
of the intruder, and by tumbling about in front of him, as if she had broken a wing or other-
wise disabled herself, endeavors to induce him to leave the sacred spot and give chase. If she
succeeds in decoying him from the locality, she darts into cover, and takes the earliest oppor-
tunity of returning quietly to her nest. Many birds pursue this curious contrivance, the com-
mon peewit or lapwing being a very familiar instance among ourselves.
The eggs of this species are generally two in number, grayish-white in color, covered with
a number of streaks and dashes of brown. The young are odd little creatures, clothed with a
quantity of fine, brownish -gray down, and of a very indeterminate shape. The tail of this
bird is forked, and the long wings overpass the tail when they are closed. The bill is rather
small. The color of the Night-hawk is rather different from that of the ordinary caprimul-
gidie, being notable for a gieenish gloss upon the dark -red brown of the general plumage. A
number of yellowish spots occur upon the head, neck, and wing coverts, there is a well-
defined white band across the middle primaries, together with a white patch on the throat,
and an irregular stripe above the eyes. The total length of this bird is between nine and ten
inches.
THE WHIP-POOR-WILL also belongs to this group of birds, and is familiarly known by
the peculiar melancholy cry, which very much resembles the other odd names by which it
is called.
THE birds which belong to the genus Podargus have less of the peculiar Goat-sucker
aspect than any of their relatives, owing to the comparative paucity and scantiness of the
vibrissse, the naked legs, the shortness of the tail, and the comparatively small gape of the
mouth. The wings of these birds are extremely long, and the powers of flight are very
considerable.
The NACUNDA GOAT-SUCKER, one of the best examples of this genus, is a diurnal bird,
like the Virginian Goat-sucker, and excepting on very bright days, may be seen abroad even
at noon, chasing the insects at a great elevation, and wheeling and diving after them with the
activity of the swallow. It also descends close to the ground, and pursues the gnats and other
aquatic flies as they rise from the surface of the water, or attempt to settle for the purpose of
depositing their eggs. It is a handsome bird, possessing a brilliantly variegated plumage.
On the upper parts of the body, the feathers are generally of a grayish-brown variegated with
large spots of black-brown, edged with rusty-red, and mottled here and there with the same
tint. The under parts of the body are nearly white, the chin being tinted with cream-yellow,
and covered with a few grayish bars, and the breast white, striped with gray -brown horizontal
lines. The tail is beautifully mottled with yellow and brownish-black, and crossed by a
number of black bars, sprinkled with dots of brown. The Nacunda Goat-sucker is a native of
Brazil and Paraguay.
THE absurd designation Goat-sucker, Latinized to Caprimulgidce, should be discontinued,
and were it not for the stern law of priority in nomenclature, it would undoubtedly be very
quickly. Yet, there is no other name to distinguish the group.
The Whip-poor- Will (Caprimulgus vociferus) has a very appropriate trivial name, as it
exactly represents the curious note of the bird.
The larger species, called Chuck- Will's- Widow, is well represented in the original text
and figure.
A small species is found in the Rocky Mountains called Poor- Will, as the note is similar
to that of the former, but is cut short.
The Night-hawk (Chordeiles) is much like the preceding forms, but has very different
habits. It is well represented in the figure, where it is called Virginian Goat-sucker. The
former title is the more common. This bird builds its nest on the flat roofs of city houses. In
early May the peep-peep of the male bird is heard overhead, near where its mate is preparing
104 THE AUSTRALIAN NEEDLE-TAILED SWALLOW.
its nest. This curious habit of the Night-hawk is seen in New York City. Its singular
booming sound, alternating with peep-peep, is quite distinct above the noise of the streets.
Two other species of Night-hawks are seen in the Northern States.
These birds are active about the early morning hours and during twilight, while the
Whip -poor- Will is wholly nocturnal in habit, spending the day in sleep, sitting on some limb
lengthwise.
SWALLOWS.
THE SWIFTS.
THE close-set plumage of the SWALLOW TRIBE, their long, sickle-like wings, their stiif,
firm tail, forked in most of the species, and their slight legs and toes, are characteristics which
mark them out as birds which spend the greater part of their existence in the air, and exercise
their wings far more than their feet.
They all feed upon insects, and capture their prey in the air, ascending at one time to
such a height that they are hardly perceptible to the naked eye, and look merely like tiny
dots moving upon the sky, while at other seasons they skim the earth and play for hours
together over the surface of the water, in chase of the gnats that emerge in myriads from the
streams, during the time and season when they assume the perfect form. The gape of the
mouth is therefore exceedingly great in these birds, reaching as far as a point below the eyes.
The bill itself is very short, flattened, pointed, slightly curved downwards, and broad at the
base.
The group, which is scientifically termed the Hirandinidse, is a very large one, and is
divided into two lesser groups, the members of one being classed together under the title of
Swifts, while the others are known by the name of Swallows. With the former birds we have
first to deal.
THE Swifts, technically called the "Cypselinse," or Cypseline birds, are readily distin-
guished from the Swallows by the very great comparative length of the two first primary
feathers of the wing, which are either equal to each other, or have the second feather longer
than the first. The secondaries are remarkably small, being nearly concealed under the coverts.
There are ten primaries in the wing, and the same number of quill feathers in the tail.
The AUSTRALIAN SPINE-TAILED, NEEDLE-TAILED SWALLOW, or SWIFT, as it ought rather
to be called, is the largest of all the Swallow tribe, measuring no less than twenty-eight inches
in total length when the wings are closed, and twenty inches to the extremity of the tail.
The title of NEEDLE-TAIL has been given to this bird on account of the curious formation
of the tail-feathers, which are short and even, and have their extremities devoid of web, so as
to form a row of sharp, short points, as if a number of needles had been thrust through the
shaft of each feather. This species is a native of Australia, and as may be seen from the fol-
lowing extract from Mr. Gould's work on the Birds of Australia, is very interesting and curious
in its habits, and worthy of special attention from any naturalist who may chance to have an
opportunity of watching it.
"The keel or breast-bone of this species is more than ordinarily deep, and the pectoral
muscles more developed than in any other bird of its weight with which I am acquainted. Its
whole form is especially and beautifully adapted for aerial progression, and, as its lengthened
wings would lead us to imagine, its power of flight, both for rapidity and extension, is truly
amazing. Hence it readily passes from one part of the country to another, and if so disposed
may be engaged in hunting for flies on the continent of Australia at one minute, and in half-
an-hour be similarly employed in Van Diemen' s Land.
" So exclusively is this bird a tenant of the air, that I never in any instance saw it perch,
and but rarely sufficiently near the earth to admit of a successful shot ; it is only late in the
evening and during lowery weather that such an object can be accomplished. With the excep-
KLECHO SWALLOW. 105
tion of the crane, it is certainly the most lofty as well as the most vigorous flyer of the Aus-
tralian birds. I have frequently observed in the middle of the hottest days, while lying
prostrate on the ground with my eyes directed upwards, the cloudless blue sky peopled at an
immense elevation by hundreds of these birds, performing extensive curves and sweeping
flights, doubtless attracted thither by the insects that soar aloft during serene weather.
Hence, as I have before stated, few birds are more difficult to obtain, particularly on the con-
tinent of Australia, where long droughts are so prevalent ; on the contrary, the flocks that
visit the more humid climate of Van Diemen's Land, where they necessarily seek their
food nearer the earth, are often greatly diminished by the gun during their stay.
"I regret that I could ascertain no particulars whatever respecting the nidification of
this fine bird, but we may naturally conclude that both rocks and holes in the larger
trees are selected as sites for this purpose, as well as for a roosting-place during the night.
Before retiring to roost, which it does immediately after the sun has gone down, the Spine-
tailed Swallows may f reqiiently be seen either singly or in pairs, sweeping up the gullies or
flying with immense rapidity just above the top of the trees, their never-tiring wings enabling
them to perform their evolutions in the capture of insects, and of sustaining themselves in the
air during the entire day without cessation."
The Australian Needle-tailed Swallow is a most beautiful bird in its coloring, as well as
handsome in size and elegance of shape. The general color of this bird is olive brown, exceed-
ingly dark in the chest and abdomen, and washed with a dark green tinge upon the back of
the head, the wings, and the tail. Before the eyes there is a velvet-black patch, and a large
portion of the under parts of the body is white, including the chin, throat, under tail-coverts,
and the inner web of the secondaries. There is also a white band extending across the
forehead.
A CLOSELY allied species is the Aculeated Swallow (Chcetura pelasgia).
This bird is a native of many parts of America, being found in Louisiana, Carolina, and
even in Pennsylvania. It is chiefly remarkable for the ingenuity which it exhibits in the
construction of its singular nest. Choosing some convenient locality, such as a rocky crevice,
or the unused chimney of a house, the bird commences its labors by putting together a slight
platform of dry twigs, which it cements together with certain vegetable gums. So large is
this platform, that it sometimes causes considerable inconvenience to the inhabitants of the
house where the Swallow has taken up its residence, as it completely stops up the orifice of
the chimney. Upon this platform is formed a kind of cradle nest, also composed of small
twigs, which are woven into a kind of rude basket, and also cemented together.
The eggs of this species are very large in proportion to the dimensions of the parent bird ;
their color is grayish-white, streaked and spotted with black and brown towards the large end.
The general color of the plumage is brown, and the throat is whitish-gray.
THE birds which belong to the genus Macropteryx, or Long-winged Swifts, possess wings
of very great comparative length, owing to the development of the two first primary feathers
of the wings, which are nearly equal to each other in length, the second being slightly the
longer of the two. They may, however, be easily distinguished from the members of the genus
Acanthylis, by the formation of the tail, which, instead of being composed of feathers of
nearly equal length, and tipped with sharp points, is forked after the manner usually observed
in the smaller tribes. The feet are furnished with four toes, the hinder toe being directed
backward.
The KLECHO SWALLOW, or LARGE-WINGED SWIFT, as it is more rightly termed, as it
belongs to the ranks of the Cypseline birds, is considered of great value by ornithologists as
supplying a link in the chain that connects the Swifts with the Swallows. Like the Swifts in
general, its feet are well adapted for climbing, and supplied with firm curved claws ; and like
the Swallows, its hinder toe is directed backwards, and cannot be brought round in a line with
the remaining toes. It is a very handsome bird, in its coloring nearly equalling the Needle-
tailed Swift which has just been described. The color of the upper parts of the body is deep
V -14-
106
THE WHITE-BELLIED SWIFT.
brown, through which runs a strong tinge of green that gives a beautiful glossy aspect to that
part of the plumage. The throat and breast, together with the under tail-coverts, are very
light gray, and the abdomen, part of the scapularies, and a well-defined streak over the eye,
are white.
This bird is a native of many parts of India, and has been taken in Java and Malacca.
The true SWIFTS, of which one is known very
familiarly, while the other is a very rare and
almost unnoticed species, are remarkable for the
^ feathered tarsus, the long wings, and the peculiar
,^. form of the feet. In this member, all the toes are
directed forward, a structure which is admirably
adapted to the purpose which it fulrils. The
Swifts build their nests, or rather lay their eggs,
for the nest is hardly worthy of the name, in
holes under the eaves of houses, or in similar
localities, and would find themselves greatly
inconvenienced when seeking admission into their
domiciles, but for the shape of the feet, which ena-
bles them to cling to the slightest projection, and
to clamber up a perpendicular surface with perfect
ease and safety. In one species, the White
Collared Swift (Cypselus cayenensis), the feet are
clothed with feathers to the base of the claws.
THE WHITE-BELLIED, or ALPINE SWIFT,
which the reader will find illustrated together
with the next bird, is the largest of the Hirundi-
nidse, being rather more than eight inches in total
length. It is common on the continent of Europe,
and in many parts of Africa and Asia.
Unlike the common Swift, which is possessed
of a loud and stridulous note, the Alpine Swift
is sweet of voice ; its cry, although loud, being
musical in its intonation. The popular name of
this bird is given to it on account of the white hue
of the under portions of its body, the only excep-
tion being a broad dusky bar across the breast. The toes are brown with an orange tint, and
the black beak is longer than that of the common Swift. The general color of its plumage is
brown. The nest of this bird is made in crevices of lofty cliffs or buildings,, and is composed
of straw, hay, moss, and other substances, connected firmly together with a glutinous secretion
furnished by certain glands, and rendered very hard and firm when the cement is dry. The
eggs are four or five in number, white, and very long in proportion to the breadth.
The following interesting account of the habits of this bird is given by Mr. Thompson :
" The first place I met with the Alpine Swift was almost ten miles to the north of Naples,
on the 12th of August, 1826, when a great number were observed associated together in flight,
at a high elevation. Their evolutions in the air were similar to .those of a common Swift.
Independently of their superior size, which at once distinguishes them from that bird, the
white color of a portion of the under plumage, from which they have received the name of
White-bellied Swift, is conspicuous, even when the bird is at a considerable altitude.
" When on the Continent, in 1841, with my friend, Professor E. Forbes, this species was
first seen by us on the 9th of April, as we descended the Rhone, from Lyons to Avignon.
About half way between these cities, several appeared flying over the river, and a few at all
suitable places thence to Avignon. On the morning of the 28th of April, as we entered the
KLECHO SWALLOW. DmdnKMidon longipennis.
THE WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT.
107
splendid bay of Navarino, great numbers appeared careering high overhead. When walking
through the pretty town of the same name, later in the day, Alpine Swifts were observed
flying very low over the streets and houses, though the weather was delightfully warm and
fine. On my visiting the island of Sphacteria, the western boundary of the bay, on the 29th,
these birds were very abundant. The attraction here was a range of noble precipitous cliffs
rising directly above the sea, at the western side of the island. These Swifts inhabited the
cliffs, which are similar to those tenanted by the common species in the north of Scotland.
"Although the day was as fine and as warm as our northern summers ever are, these
birds, as I walked along the top of the cliffs, swept about low and in numbers, occasionally
within a few yards of my head. This remark is made from the circumstance of the common
Swift being generally high in the air in fine weather ; we do, however, occasionally observe it
sweeping near the earth at such
times. Though larger, they in
general appearance and flight
strongly resemble the common
Swift : they are very noisy, al-
most constantly uttering a loud
twitter, beside which, they occa-
sionally give a brief scream, no-
wise resembling the long-drawn
and shrill cry of the common
species. Towards the end of
May, I saw a few Alpine Swifts
at Constantinople, wheeling
about the heights of Pera, and
near the high tower of Galata,
in which they probably build.
In the month of June, I met
with this species at the island
of Paros, and about the Acrop-
olis of Athens.
"Throughout this town, the
common Swift was more fre-
quently seen than the Gypselus
alpinus, and at one locality only
did they both appear this was
at Constantinople, where the
former species was abundant,
and a few of the latter were
observed. This seemed rather
remarkable, as in no scene did I
meet with the one species, in
which the other would not have
appeared equally at home. The only difference in their habits which struck me, was, that the
Alpine Swift is apparently more partial to cliffs than buildings, the common Swift more partial
to artificial structures than to rocks."
THE WHITE-COLLAKED SWIFT (Cypselus cayenensis), to which bird a passing reference
has already been made, is a native of the Brazils, and is easily to be distinguished by the
peculiarity of coloring from which it derives its name. The general tint of the plumage is the
deepest violet-blue, so deep, indeed, that except in certain lights it appears to be velvet-black.
Round the neck runs a band or collar of the purest white, the two contrasting tints having a
remarkably fine effect.
The nest of this species is very singular in its form, being a short, truncated cone, the
WHITE-BELLIED SWIFT Cypselus tnelta, ami SWIFT Oypsdm aput.
108 THE SWIFT.
bottom being about five inches in diameter, and the middle about three inches. The material
of which it is built is dog's-bane, and the young are defended from the air by a quantity of
the soft, woolly down that grows on that plant, and it is pressed into the cavity so as to form
a sort of plug. The nest is usually made within houses, after the common fashion of many
swallows.
DEVOID of all pretensions to the brilliantly-tinted plumage which decorates so many of its
relations, and clad only in sober black and gray, the SWIFT is, nevertheless, one of the most
pleasing and interesting birds ; resting its claims to favorable notice upon its graceful form,
and its unrivalled powers of wing.
There are very few birds which are so essentially inhabitants of air as the common Swift,
which cuts the atmosphere with its sabre-like wings with such marvellous ease and rapidity,
that at times its form is hardly discernible as it shoots along, and it leaves the impression of
a dark black streak upon the eyes of the observer. The plumage of this bird is constructed
especially with a view to securing great spread, as may be seen by an inspection of the closely
set and firmly webbed feathers with which the entire body and limbs are clad. The muscles
which move the wings are enormously developed, and in consequence the breast-bone is fur-
nished with a remarkably strong and deep "keel."
The flight of the Swift is quite peculiar to the bird, and cannot be mistaken even for that of
the swallow by any one who has a practical acquaintance with the habits of the two species.
The Swift does not flap its wings so often as the swallow, and has a curious mode of shooting
through the air as if hurled from some invisible bow, and guiding itself in its headlong course
by means of its wings and tail. While flying, the Swift makes very great use of its tail, a
habit which has been admirably described by Mr. Thompson :
"It was highly interesting to watch their motions as they flew noiselessly a few yards
above my head. The tail would at one moment be drawn to a point, the root appear square at
the end ; would then present a 'tender fork,' and the root its full formation ; again, it would
be expanded to the uttermost, with the feathers simply touching at their margins, and the
whole tail appearing so membraneous, that the light shone through it ; lastly, it would be
thrown into the form of an arch, which had a singular effect, and generally, when thus exhibited,
the whole body was like a well-strung bow, an appearance which was several times observed
with very high interest. Within a few seconds of time all these appearances were assumed by
the same bird."
After making some further remarks on the subject, the same writer proceeds to observe
that a similar habit is also found in the common swallow, as seen by himself when looking
down upon the birds from the summit of a hill. "The swallows, as they gently floated on the
bosom of the air a few yards beneath, exhibited the tail expanded to such a degree, that the
beautiful white portion towards its base was quite conspicuous ; presenting in this respect so
great a difference from its ordinary appearance, that I did not feel certain at the moment
of their being our own common bird."
There are few hours of the day when this ever active bird may not be seen on the wing,
employed either in sport with its companions, or in pursuit of the insects on which it feeds, and
of which it carries such numbers to its young. Several authors have said that the Swift prefers
the morning and evening for its aerial evolutions, remaining quietly in the dusky recesses where
it has built its nest during the fierce heat of the summer's noon. The bird is also reported to
retire to the same retreat while rain falls and wind blows, and to rest at home until the weather
changes for the better. As far as my own personal observations go, both these assertions
are too sweeping, if not entirely erroneous. The Swift has a special love for the bright heat
of a July noon, but it must be sought, not near its usual haunts, but far up in the sky, where
it may be seen like a little black mote against the blue heavens, and hardly visible except
to experienced observers.
As to the alleged habit of keeping under cover during a storm, it has been decidedly con-
tradicted by Mr. Thompson, who has observed the Swifts engaged in the pursuit of their prey
during stormy as well as in fine weather. I am able to contradict this assertion from the
THE SWIFT. 109
events of a July day. The whole of the day had been most stormy, the rain falling heavily
and without cessation, and the wind howling furiously in intermittent gusts. While
standing at the window, and watching the black clouds come sweeping over the sky,
I saw numbers of Swifts dashing through the air at a very low elevation, seldom rising
above the roofs of the adjoining houses, and especially affecting some small gardens and the
fruit trees therein planted. The same fact was observable on the two preceding days, but
as an occasional respite from the rain was enjoyed on those days, the presence of Swifts was
not so remarkable.
This indefatigable bird is an early riser, and very late in returning to rest, later indeed
than any of the diurnal birds. Though engaged in flight during the live-long day, the Swift
appears to be proof against fatigue, and will, during the long summer days, remain upon the
wing until after nine in the evening. As the days become shorter, the Swift is found to retire
earlier, but during its stay in the north, it is almost invariably later than other birds, some-
times being on the wing together with the owl. Indeed, the air seems to the Swift even a more
familiar element than the earth, and the bird is able to pass the whole of its life, and to per-
form all the bodily functions except those of sleep and repose, while upborne on the untiring
pinions with which it is furnished. The Swift that has a nest to take care of is forced to
descend at intervals for the purpose of supplying its family with food, but except when urged
by such considerations, it is able to remain in the air for many successive hours without need-
ing to rest.
The Swifts may generally be found near buildings, rocks, and cliffs, for in such localities
they build their nests, and from their homes they seldom wander to any great distance, as long
as they remain in the country. These birds appear to be singularly susceptible to home
influence, and will return year after year to the same nest, attracted by some subtle but most
powerful influence, which guides them across sea and land to the spot in which they had first
settled themselves, and cherished their young families. One of these birds was marked in order
to ascertain its powers of returning to the same spot, and was observed to make its appearance
regularly for seven successive years.
In general, the Swift loves to build its nest in a hole under a roof, whether slated, tiled, or
thatched, preferring, however, the warm, thick straw-thatch to the tile or slate. Sometimes it
makes a hole in the thatch, through which it gains access to the nest, but in most instances
it makes use of some already existing crevice for that purpose. In all cases, the nest is placed
above the entrance, and generally may be found about eighteen inches or two feet from the
orifice. Even by tlie touch, the eggs of the Swift may be discerned from those of any other
bird, as their length is singularly disproportionate to their width.
The activity with which the Swifts enter their holes is really remarkable, and is well
worthy of observation. The bird stoops suddenly from its aerial flight, and with a loud
scream shoots under the eaves of the house in which it has fixed its residence. Turning quickly
aside, it glides towards the orifice of the tunnel, and settling for a moment with closed wings,
runs nimbly into the hole, like a rat or mouse.
When the Swifts have become accustomed to human beings, they become wonderfully
indifferent to their presence, and will permit their movements to be watehed without displaying
any signs of fear. I well remember a certain street which was copiously favored by the Swifts,
who congregated in such great numbers, that they became a positive nuisance on account of
the continual screaming which they kept up. The houses were mostly of a very ancient
fashion, and their eaves were so low, that a man could introduce his hand into the Swifts'
tunnels merely by standing on a chair. Yet the birds cared nothing for their apparent danger,
even though, their nests were several times robbed of their contents. At one time, the small
boys, who abotinded in the neighborhood, took a fancy to manufacture bows and arrows, with
which they kept up a persevering fire upon the Swifts as they went to and fro upon their avo-
cations, or visited and returned from their nests. The birds, however, looked upon these
weapons with supreme contempt, and never troubled themselves in the least about them.
The sound which these birds utter is of the most piercing description, and can be heard at
a very great distance, thus betraying them when they are hawking after the high-flying insects
110 NEST AND EGGS OF THE SWIFT.
at such an altitude that their forms are hardly perceptible to the unassisted eye. Whether the
Swift uttered this cry as a call or serenade to his mate, was once a mooted point, but is now
clearly settled. The bird certainly uses its cry when it is far away from its mate, but it also
employs its voice in giving encouragement to its mate as she sits upon her eggs in tin- dark
recesses of her home. Darting closely by the orifice of the hole, the Swift gives forth a loud
and piercing scream, as a signal of his presence, and is answered by a soft chattering twitter
from the female bird, in acknowledgment of his courtesy. While thus employed, the agility
with which it sweeps along by the loved spot is truly marvellous, and the manner in which it
shoots round any projecting angle is almost incredible to one who has not observed this bird
while performing this feat.
The nest is a very firmly made but yet rude and inartificial structure. The materials of
which it is made are generally straw, hay, and feathers, pieces of rag, or any soft and warm
substance which the bird may find in its rambles, and when woven into a kind of nest, are
firmly cemented together with a kind of glutinous substance secreted by certain glands. In
Norway and Sweden the Swift builds in hollow trees. The eggs are from two to five in
number, not often, however, exceeding three, and in color they are pure white. The shell
is very fragile, and the inexperienced collector will often break the shell in attempting to
remove the contents.
The young of the Swift are rather later in appearing than most young birds, seldom being
hatched until the end of June, and often delaying their advent until the beginning of July.
While in their juvenile plumage, they may be distinguished from the older birds by their
white chins and the yellowish white spots which appear on various parts of the body. Owing
in all probability to the lateness of the hatching time, there is only one brood in the year.
To northern countries the Swift pays but a very short visit, as the bird evidently requires
a very high temperature, and is forced to depart as soon as the weather becomes chilly. Africa
seems to be the true home of this species, and in various parts of that continent the Swifts may
be found throughout three-fourths of the year, forming a curious link between countries so
far removed from each other. Generally the Swifts leave the north by the end of August, but
there are often instances where a solitary bird has delayed its voyage for some good reason.
Sometimes the migrating instinct has conquered the parental feelings, and the old birds have
taken flight in company with their neighbors, leaving their unfortunate young to perish miser-
ably in their nests.
It appears that the cause of a brood being delayed until so late in season, may be found
in the fact, that an accident had occurred to the former brood, and that the reproductive
instinct of the birds forced them to fulfil their destiny, and to rear a pair of living young, in
spite of the bitterness of the season. Such, at all events, was the case with the birds whose
strange behavior was so well recorded by Gilbert White. Even in this instance the male bird
yielded to the migrating impulse, and flew away with or after his companions, leaving his mate
to the hard task of bringing up her young without his aid :
" Our Swifts in general withdrew this year about the first day of August, all save one pair,
which in two or three days was reduced to a single bird. The perseverance of this individual
made me suspect that the strongest of motives, that of an attachment to her young, could alone
occasion so late a stay. I watched, therefore, until the twenty-fourth of August, and then dis-
covered that under the eaves of the church, she attended upon two young, which were fledged,
and now put out their white chins from a crevice. These remained till the twenty-seventh,
looking more alert every day, and seeming to long to be on the wing.
"After this day they were missing at once, nor could I ever observe them with their dam,
coursing round the church in the act of learning to fly, as the first broods generally do. On
the thirty-first I caused the eaves to be searched, but we found only two callow dead Swifts, on
which a second nest had been formed."
As a general fact, Swifts and Swallows hold little communion with each other, though they
inhabit the same localities, and pursue the same description of prey. When, as is often the
case, they make their residence in the same street, it has been observed that the two species
occupied different sides of the street, the Swifts taking the north, and the Swallows preferring
THE ESCULENT SWALLOW. 1H
the s<?ath. Even when upon the wing, the Swallows and Swifts seem to have nothing in com-
mon with each other, but hold aloof in little parties of the same species.
The color of the Swift is remarkably sombre, more so, indeed, than that of almost any
British bird. The whole of the plumage is a dark sooty-black, devoid of the rich green and
purple gloss which is seen upon the rook and other dark-feathered birds, and only relieved
from its dull monotony by a gray patch below the chin. The beak is black in color, and very
small, but the gape of the mouth is remarkably wide. The legs, toes, and claws are of the
same dull black as the beak, and the eyes are brown. The entire length of a full-grown Swift
is about seven inches, the end of the wing reaching more than an inch beyond the tip of the
tail. The second primary is the longest feather in the wing.
THE Swifts are embraced under the family Cypselidce. They were formerly classed with
the swallows, but are found to have nearer affinities with the goat-suckers.
THE CHIMNEY SWIFT (Cypselus pelasgica) is a familiar form in the north, where it is
called the Chimney Swallow. Its short tail and rounded wings give it the appearance of a
bat in flying. Three other species are known to North America in the western and southern
portions.
THE TRUE SWALLOWS.
AMONG the many "travellers' tales" which called forth such repudiation and ridicule
from the skeptical readers of the earlier voyagers, the accounts of the Chinese cuisine were
held to be amongst the most extravagant.
That civilized beings should condescend to eat dogs and rats specially fattened for the
table, was an idea from which their own better sense revolted ; that the same nation should
reckon sharks' fins and sea-slugs among their delicacies, was clearly an invention of the
writer ; but that the Chinese should make soup out of birds' nests, was an absurdity so self-
evident, that it destroyed all possibility of faith in the writers' previous assertions. Very
witty remarks were made on the subject, and many jokes made on the manner of cooking a
bird's nest, so as to convert it into soup, the humorist having no conception of the possibility
that a bird's nest could be made of anything but sticks, moss, feathers, and mud. Yet it is
now a well-known fact, that certain birds have the faculty of producing or discovering a curi-
ous substance with which they make these very singular nests, and which is perfectly capable
of being cooked and eaten.
The birds that make these remarkable nests belong to several species, four of which have
been acknowledged. There are the ESCULENT SWALLOW, the Linchi (Oollocalia fitciphaga),
the White-backed Swallow (Collocalia troglodytes), and the Gray -backed Swallow (Collocalia
francica).
These nests could hardly be recognized as sj iecimens of bird architecture by any one who
had not previously seen them, as they look much more like a set of sponges, corals, or fungi, than
nests of birds. They are most irregular in shape, are adherent to each other, and are so rudely
made, that the hollow in which the eggs and young are intended to live, is barely perceptible.
They are always placed against the face of a perpendicular rock, generally upon the side of
one of the tremendous caverns in Java and other places where these strange birds love to
dwell. The men who procure the nests are lowered by ropes from above, and their occupation
is always considered as perilous in the extreme.
While adherent to the rocks, or when gathered into baskets, the nests are not at all attract-
ive in their aspect, and it is not until they have been carefully washed and cleansed, that they
begin to show their semi-fibrous structure, shining through its partially transparent substance.
The nests are of very different value, those which have been used in rearing a brood of young
being comparatively low in price, while those which are quite new and nearly white, are held
in such esteem, that they are worth their weight in silver. When placed in water and allowed
to remain in soak, the nests, being made of a partially gelatinous substance, begin to soften
112
THE ESCULENT SWALLOW.
and swell, and, when thoroughly dressed, are said to bear some resemblance to rather stiff
turtle fat. To European palates, however, they appear very insipid, and not worthy of the
great value which is set upon them by the Chinese.
It is rather remarkable, that the Esculent Swallows have a habit of building their curious
nests in horizontal layers.
The substance of which these nests are composed is evidently of an animal nature to some
extent, although certain vegetable matters, such as the gelatinous fuel or sea-weeds may be
admixed with it. Whatever may be the basis of the nutriment that forms these nests, it
i
' 1 .v'll~~...t
ESCULENT SWALLOWS. VollocMa
is clear that a very large portion of it is furnished by certain glands, which pour out a
viscid secretion.
The trade in these strange articles of diet is a very large one, and still holds its ground,
the annual weight of nests that is obtained from the various caves in which the Esculent Swal-
lows take up their residence being upwards of fifty thousand pounds, and the value of the
goods more than a million dollars. In the Philippine Islands the bird is called the
Salangana. The tribe of the genus Collocalia approach very nearly to the true Swallows in
their structures, but have many points which are identical with the Swifts. The second
primary feather is the largest, the first three toes point forward, and the fourth toe backward,
and the tail is moderate in length.
The nests are harried about three times in every year, and it is said that the natives who
ire employed in procuring them are careful to destroy the old and deep-colored nests, in order
to force the birds to build new habitations, which command a high price in the market. The
THE SWALLOW. 113
construction of a single nest is a work of considerable time, occupying nearly two months,
and the structure of these wonderful habitations seems to show that the bird forms them by
procuring out of its mouth a viscid secretion, and which hardens into adhesive threads as it
comes in contact with the air. A close examination of the nest shows that it is composed of
a great many layers of irregular net- work, the meshes of which connect them in every direc-
tion. Whatever it may be, it certainly possesses great strengthening and restorative powers
when cooked, and is said to be an excellent specific in cases of indigestion.
The Esculent Swallow is a small bird, and its color is brown on the upper parts of the
body, and white beneath. The extremity of the tail is grayish-white. The British Museum
possesses specimens of all the Swallows which are known to make these curious edible nests,
and have for that reason been somewhat wrongly termed edible Swallows. In point of fact, a
Swallow is not at all an edible bird, possessing a most nauseatingly sweet flavor, as I can testify
from personal experience.
THE elegant little WHITE-BREASTED SWALLOW is the Australian representative of the genus
Atticora.
It is a very small bird, the total length being only about three inches and a half. The
color is chiefly of two sorts, white and black-brown of different depths, according to the indi-
vidual, and the position of the feathers. The crown of the head is light brown, dotted with
darker spots, and succeeded by a white ring. A black band passes from the corner of the
mouth round the back of the head, embracing the eyes in its course. The chin, throat, and
chest are pure white, and the remainder of the plumage is deep black-brown, the line of
demarcation between the two tints being very strongly drawn.
All that is known of the habits of this pretty little bird is contained in the notes of Mr.
Gilbert, quoted in Gould's "Birds of Australia" :
" I only observed this bird in the interior, and, as far as I can learn, it has not been seen to
the westward of York ; I am told it is merely a summer visitor. It is a very wandering species,
never very numerous, and is generally seen in small flocks of from ten to twenty in number,
flying about, sometimes in company with the other Swallows for about ten minutes, and then
flying right away. I noticed this singular habit every time I had an opportunity of observing
the species. It usually flies high, a circumstance which renders it difficult to procure speci-
mens. Its flight more nearly resembles that of the Swift than the Swallow ; its cry also at
times very much resembles that of the former. Its food principally consists of minute black flies.
" This bird chooses for its nest the deserted hole of either the Dalgyte (Perameles lagotis),
or the Boodee (a species of Bettongia), in the sides of which it burrows for about seven or nine
inches in an horizontal direction, making no nest, but merely laying its eggs on the bare sand.
" The White-breasted Swallow is termed by the colonists the Black-and-white Swallow,
in allusion to the bold contrasts of the colors with which its plumage is decorated, and the
natives know it under the title of Boo-de-boo-de."
THE elegantly shaped and beautifully colored SWALLOW, which is illustrated together
with the House Martin, may be readily distinguished from any of its relations by the very
great elongation of the feathers which edge its tail, and which form nearly two-thirds of the
bird's entire length.
It is the most familiar of all the Hirundinida3, and from its great familiarity with man, and
the trustfulness with which it fixes its domicile under the shelter of human habitations, is
generally held as an almost sacred bird, in common with the robin and the wren. In eastern
countries of Europe, the protection of man is extended towards this beautiful little bird even
more extensively than in England, where too often it is killed or wounded by the unfeeling
possessor or hirer of a gun merely by way of practice in "shooting flying."
Independently of any question of humanity or the barbarity of a disposition which can
find amusement in the death and cruel maiming of beings full of life and enjoyment, it is
a matter of very bad policy to shoot a Swallow. There are some birds which afford some
excuse to their destroyers by reason of their fondness for grain and fruit, but the Swallow
114 HABITS OF THE SWALLOW.
is exclusively an insect-eating bird, and plays a most important part in preserving the
balance between the various departments of the animal kingdom. There are many noxious
insects which are most valuable in themselves, and which, until the conditions which cause
their existence be removed or altered, are actual visible providences towards mankind. But
these very creatures are necessarily so extremely prolific, that their increase outgrows their
task, and they would themselves become nuisances, did not the Swallow and other similar
birds keep down their numbers by day, and the goat-suckers and bats by night.
To ascertain the truth of this observation, nothing more is necessary than to open the
mouth of a Swallow that has been shot while flying, and to turn out the mass of small
flies which will be found collected there, and which the bird was intending to take home to
its hungry little family. The extraordinary amount of flies and other insects which a Swallow
can thus pack into its mouth is almost incredible, for when relieved by the constant pressure
to which it is subjected, the black heap begins to swell and enlarge, until it attains nearly
double its former size.
The Swallow wages a never-ceasing war against many species of insects, and seems to
be as capricious in its feeding as are the roach and other river fish. At one time it will
feed almost exclusively upon gnats and other small flies, and will destroy many thousands of
these obnoxious flies in a single day. At another time it will prefer beetles, chasing the
Geotrupidse rather than those of any other order. On another occasion it will confine itself to
May-flies, catching them as they emerge from their pupal envelopes and flutter soft, fat, and
languid on the river bank. Sometimes the Swallow flies at larger prey, and frequenting the
neighborhood of bee-hives, swoops with unerring aim upon their inmates as they enter or leave
their straw-built houses. It is a very remarkable fact, that the working bee is generally
unharmed by the Swallow, which directs its attack chiefly upon the comparatively useless
drone. Perhaps the bird may possess an instinctive knowledge of the poisoned weapon with
which the worker is armed, and may therefore prefer to attack the large but stingless drone.
Owing, in all probability, to this insect diet, the flesh of the Swallow is quite unfit for the
table, and possesses a very disagreeable flavor. Out of curiosity I once cooked and tried to
eat some Swallows that had been shot, and was effectually deterred from the attempt by the
peculiar and nauseous character of the flesh, which has some resemblance to a sweet potato in
its flavor. Like the generality of predaceous birds, the Swallow ejects the legs, wings and other
indigestible portions of its insect prey in little pellets, or "castings."
The flight of this bird is very rapid and graceful, and is readily distinguished from that of
the Swift by certain peculiarities which are not easy to be described, but can be recognized
without difficulty. Unlike the Swift, which never settles except on some elevated spot, the
Swallow is fond of resting a while on the ground, and may often be seen dusting itself after the
fashion of the common sparrow. I have often seen it settle on the patches of sand that are left
among the rocks at low water, and from the busy activity which it displayed on such occa-
sions imagine it to have been engaged in chasing the sand-flies, or perhaps even the sand-
hoppers that swarm so abundantly in such localities.
When taken young, the Swallow is easily tamed, and after having passed the season of
emigration, becomes reconciled to its enforced home and is a very docile and lovable little
pet. The poor bird must suffer greatly during this period when its brothers are voyaging
to warmer climates, for the organization of all birds is sensitive to a high degree, and especially
so in the case of birds of passage. The extreme delicacy of the bird' s nature was well shown
in the time of cholera. In the town of Verviers, while that fell disease was carrying away
twenty inhabitants per diem out of a population of two thousand, the Swallows and all the
singing-birds left the spot, and did not return until the cholera had passed away.
The voice of the Swallow is vastly more agreeable than the shrill scream of the Swift, and
is, although weak and twittering, very musical in its tone and pleasing to the ear.
The nest of the Swallow is always placed in some locality where it is effectually sheltered
from wind and rain. Generally it is constructed under the eaves of houses, but as it is frequently
built within disused chimneys, it has given to the species the popular title of Chimney Swallow.
The bird is probably attracted to the chimney by the warmth of the fire inside.
THE RUFOUS-BELLIED SWALLOW. 115
The nest is composed externally of mud or clay, which is brought by the bird in small
lumps and stuck in irregular rows so as to build up the sides of its little edifice. There is an
attempt at smoothing the surface of the nest, but each lump of clay is easily distinguishable
upon the spot where it has been stuck. While engaged at the commencement of its labors, the
Swallow clings perpendicularly to the wall of the house or chimney, clinging with its sharp little
claws to any small projection, and sticking itself by the pressure of its tail against the wall.
The interior of the nest is lined with grasses and other soft substances, and after it has been
inhabited by a young brood, becomes very offensive to the nostrils and unpleasant to the
touch, in consequence of the large parasitic ticks which are peculiar to the birds of this tribe,
and which swarm in the nest.
Sometimes the Swallow is seized with a fit of eccentricity, and builds its nest in very odd
localities. One of these birds actually made its home in the outspread wings of an owl which
had been nailed against a barn door, and it is not at all unusual to see the nests of the Swallow
built in the shaft of an old mine or wall. Various other localities are recorded by zoological
observers, such as a half-open drawer, an old cap hung upon a peg, and in one curious
instance, which is mentioned and figured by Mr. Yarrell, upon the forked branch of a syca-
more tree which hung over a pond. A brood of young was hatched in this nest, and a second
batch of eggs was laid, but came to nothing.
There are sometimes two broods in the year, and when the second brood has been hatched
at a very late period of the year, the young are frequently deserted and left to starve by their
parents, who are unable to resist the innate impulse that urges them to seek a warmer climate.
It has occasionally, but very rarely, happened that the parents have remained for some time, in
order to bring up their young brood. When fully fledged, and before they are forced to migrate,
the young birds generally roost for the night in oisers and other water-loving trees.
THE two Swallows which next come before our notice are natives of America, and are
high in favor among the lower inhabitants of the land, one species taking up its abode with
civilized men, and the other preferring, at all events at present, the habitations of the indig-
enous savage tribes.
THE RUFOUS- BELLIED SWALLOW is plentifully found in the United States, and is fond of
building its nest in out-houses and barns, and is frequently furnished by the kindness of the
proprietor with' convenient boxes fastened to poles or nailed on trees. It is never known to
build in chimneys, like our own Chimney Swallow.
The nest of this bird is rather peculiar in form, being, according to Wilson, " in the form
of an inverted cone, with a perpendicular section cut off on that side by which it adheres to
the rafters. At the top it has an extension of the nest, or an off-set, for the male or female
to sit on occasionally ; the upper direction is about six inches by five, the height externally
seven inches. This shell is formed with mud mixed with fine hay, as plasterers do mortar
with hair to make it adhere the better ; the mud seems to be placed in regular layers from
side to side ; the shell is about an inch in thickness, and the hollow of the cone is filled in
with fine hay well stuffed in, and above that is laid a handful of downy feathers." The nest of
the Pine-pine (Cisticola tectrix) is also remarkable for possessing a supplementary erection on
which one of the birds sits while the other is engaged in hatching the eggs.
As the nest is rather complicated in its structure, it occupies some time in preparation,
a week generally passing before it is fit to receive the eggs. When the Rufous-bellied Swallow
builds in barns or out-houses, it is very gregarious in its habits, twenty or thirty nests being
often placed in close proximity to each other, and generally within an inch or two ; yet there
is no quarrelling among the birds, and the whole society is remarkably harmonious. While
the female is sitting on the eggs, the male often places himself on the mud perch, and pours
forth his complacent little twitter of a song for her consolation. There are generally two
broods in each season. In size the Rufous-bellied Swallow is not quite equal to the common
Swallow of England, being only about seven inches in length. Its color is not unlike that
of the Swallow, excepting that the under portions of the body are of a ruddy chestnut in th
male, and of a rusty white in the female.
116 THE PURPLE SWALLOW.
THE MARTINS.
AMONG the most ingenious of bird architects, the FAIBY MARTIN holds a very high place
in virtue of the singular nest which it constructs.
The nest of the Fairy Martin has a very close resemblance to a common oil flask, and
reminds the observer of the flask-shaped nests which are constructed by the Pensile Oriole and
similar birds, although made of harder material. The Fairy Martin builds its curious house of
mud and clay, which it kneads thoroughly in its beak before bringing it to the spot where
it will be required. Six or seven birds work amicably at each nest, one remaining in the
interior enacting the part of chief architect, while others act as hodsmen, and bring material
as fast as it is required. Except upon wet days, this bird only works in the evening and early
morning, as the heat of mid-day seems to dry the mud so rapidly that it cannot be rightly
kneaded together. The mouths, or "spouts" of these nests vary from eight to ten inches in
length, and point indifferently in all directions. The diameter of the widest portion of the
nest is very variable, and ranges between four and seven inches.
The exterior of the nest is as rough as that of the common swallow of England, but
the interior is comparatively smooth, and is lined with feathers and fine grass. The eggs are
generally four or five in number, and the bird rears two broods in the course of the year.
The Fairy Martin is very capricious in its choice of locality. Sometimes it will take
a fancy to a house, and will build its nests in regular rows under the shelter of the eaves.
Sometimes it prefers the perpendicular face of a rock, and in that case will build several
hundreds of nests in close proximity to each other, but without the slightest attempt at
regularity or order, and with the parts sticking out in all directions. Now and then, the nest
of this bird is found within the hollow of some decayed tree. In every case, the nest is built
in some place where water is in the near vicinity, but it is a very remarkable fact that it has
never been seen within twenty miles of the sea. The Fairy Martin is spread over the whole of
Southern Australia, arriving in August, and departing in September.
THE WIRE-TAILED SWALLOW is chiefly remarkable on account of the peculiarity from
which it derives its name.
The external feathers of the tail are singularly elongated, and for the greater part of their
length are devoid of web, resembling in some degree the filamentary appendages of the Bird of
Paradise. The general color of this bird is a rich steel-blue, the head being chestnut and the
under portions of the body white, with the exception of a large black patch upon the back of
the thigh. The wiry portion of the tail feathers is black, and the same tint runs across the
edge of the webbed portions, which in the centre are white like the abdomen.
THE handsome PURPLE SWALLOW is a native of the United States of America, where it is
one of the most familiar, and at the same time one of the most generally beloved of the indig-
enous birds.
It instinctively resorts to human habitations, and even finds favor in the eyes of the
American Indian, a being who is little given to mercy, and who makes the possession of a
head but a theme for self -laudation. Yet even the copper-skinned native respects the Purple
Martin, and takes care to prepare a convenient nesting-place for the little bird, by hanging on
a neighboring tree an empty gourd in which a hole has been roughly cut. In this receptacle
the Martin makes its inartificial nest, and cheers the heart of its host by its monotonous
though sweet-toned song. The more civilized inhabitants of farms provide for the roosting of
this bird by fastening nest-boxes against the wall, and some persons even build regular cotes,
of which the sociable birds soon take possession. Sometimes the Purple Martins become rather
presuming in their familiarity, and actually turn the pigeons out of their own nest-boxes
when they do not find sufficient accommodation for themselves. The negro, too, takes pleas-
ure in domesticating this most trustful of birds, and provides for its accommodation by fasten-
ing hollow calabashes to the tops of long bamboo canes, which are stuck in the ground for the
purpose.
THE PURPLE SWALLOW.
117
Like other swallows, the Purple Martin exhibits a great predilection for the spot where it
has once built its nest, and will return year after year to the beloved locality.
As is the case with many familiar birds, such as the robin, the sparrow, and the swallow,
the Purple Martin is a most fearless and withal quarrelsome bird, greatly delighting in annoy-
ing any other bird that may happen to be larger than itself, and trusting to its great command
of wing for impunity. Hawks of all kinds, crows, jays, and similar birds live in constant
terror of the Purple Martin, which no sooner sees the hateful form of a hawk or crow in the
' distance than it flies at him savagely, and makes such rapid and vicious pounces, that the
wretched victim is fain to escape as he best can from the attacks of his small but determined
foe. Even the eagle enjoys no immunity from the persecution of the Purple Martin, which
dashes at the regal bird with as much assurance as if it were only chasing a pigeon. It is
rather remarkable that although the Purple Martin will generally fly at the king-bird, it will
make common cause with that bird against the eagle, and unite in a temporary alliance until
the common enemy is driven off.
The Purple Swallow feeds mostly upon the larger insects, such as wasps, bees, and beetles,
caring little for the gnats, flies, and other small insects which form the food of the generality
SAND MARTIN. CotyU rlparia. PURPLE SWALLOW. Progne mMt.
of swallows. The flight of this species is wonderfully rapid and active, the little bird dashing
to and fro with lightning speed, and wheeling with such remarkable suddenness that it really
has nothing to fear from the larger but less active claws of the eagle or falcon.
When this bird builds in a crevice or other spot which has not been prepared by the hand
of man, the nest is found to consist of a rather large mass of dried grass, leaves, moss, feathers,
and other similar sxibstances, and contains from four to six white eggs. When several birds
are building in proximity to each other, they make an extraordinary noise at the break of
day, which, although very useful in awaking the fanners and their men in time for their daily
work, is by no means agreeable to those whose tastes do not incline them to early rising.
There are generally two broods in each year, and both parents take their fair turn in sitting
upon the eggs.
As might be gathered from the popular name of this bird, the color of this species is a
rich, deep purple, of a very glossy kind. This purple hue is peculiar to the male, and extends
I .
118 THE HOUSE MARTIN.
over the greater part of the body, with the exception of the wings and tail, which are of a deep
blackish-brown. The female and young male birds are brown, with a strong blue tinge upon
the upper parts of the body, and only a grayish-white below.
The Swallows are at present embraced under the family Hirundinidce. Seven species are
known in North America.
THE PURPLE MARTIN (Progne subis) is the largest and finest appearing of this group.
It is a general inhabitant of the United States, reaching as far north as Hudson's Bay. It has
a strong liking to the vicinity of man's habitation.
THE BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo erythrogastra) is the most familiar form in the Northern
States. Wilson says : "We welcome the first appearance of the Swallows with delight, as the
faithful harbingers and companions of flowery spring and ruddy summer ; and when after a
long, frost-bound, and boisterous winter, we hear it announced that the Swallows have come,
what a train of charming ideas are associated with the simple tidings." The Cliff and White-
bellied Swallows are familiar to the country-side.
THE pretty little SAND MARTIN is, in spite of its sober plumage and diminutive form, a
very interesting bird, and one which adds much to the liveliness of any spot where it may take
up its abode.
In size it is less than any of the other Hirundinidse, being less than five inches in total
length. The color of this bird is very simple, the general tint of the entire upper surface of
the head and body being a soft brown, relieved from too great uniformity by the sooty-
black quill feathers of the wings and tail. The under surface is pure white, with the excep-
tion of a band of brown across the upper part of the chest. The young bird possesses a lighter
plumage than the adult, owing to the yellowish-white tips of the back, tertiaries, and upper
coverts. The beak is dark brown, and the eyes hazel.
RESEMBLING the common swallow in habits and general appearance, the HOUSE MARTIN
may easily be distinguished from that bird by the large white patch upon the upper tail-
coverts, a peculiarity which is even more notable when the bird is engaged in flight than when
it is seated on the ground or clinging to its nest. In the dusk of evening the Martins may
often be seen flying about at so late an hour, that their bodies are almost invisible in the dim
and fading twilight, and their presence is only indicated by the white patches upon their
backs, which reflect every fading ray, and bear a singular resemblance to white moths or
butterflies darting through the air.
This beautiful little bird is found in all parts of Europe, and is equally familiar with the
swallow and sand Martin. It places its clay-built nest principally under the shelter afforded
by human habitations, and becomes so trustful and fearless that it will often fix its nest close
to a window, and will rear its young without being dismayed at the near presence of human
beings.
It is rather a curious fact that the Martin should be so apparently capricious in its archi-
tectural taste, as has frequently been observed. The birds will often take a great fancy to one
side of a house, and will place whole rows of their nests under the eaves, totally neglecting
the remaining sides of the house, even though they offer equal or superior accommodation.
Generally the Martins avoid the south side, apparently from a well-grounded fear that the
heat of the midday sun might crack and loosen the mud walls of their domiciles. A north-
eastern aspect is in great favor with the Martins, and I lately observed a very great number of
their nests affixed to the eastern walls of a row of houses, together with several isolated cot-
tages, and, on a careful examination, could not see a single nest upon any other part of the
buildings.
The nest of this species is extremely variable in shape and size, no two being precisely
similar in both respects. Generally the edifice is cup-shaped, with the rim closely pressed
against the eaves of some friendly house, and having a small semicircular aperture cut out of
THE HOUSE MARTIN.
119
the edge in order to permit the ingress and egress of the birds. Sometimes, however, the nest
is supported on a kind of solid pedestal, composed also of mud, and often containing nearly
as much material as would have made an ordinary nest. These pedestals are generally con-
structed in spots where the Martin finds that her nest does not find adequate support from
the wall.
The material of which the nests are built is said to consist principally of the finely pulver-
ized mold which is swallowed by earthworms as they feed, and is ejected at the surface of the
ground in the well-known "casts" that often disfigure our lawns, and excite the wrath of the
gardener. This substance is evidently well moistened and kneaded before it is applied, and
it is very probable that the bird
may supply some viscid secretion
which renders it more tenacious.
The exterior of the nest is very
rough, but has a picturesque ap-
pearance by reason of that very
roughness.
When once they have at-
tached themselves to any locality,
the Martins ai-e thorough conserv-
atives in their feelings, and set
their faces against any alteration
or improvement. One of my
friends, on finding that these lit-
tle birds were beginning to build
their nests under the eaves of his
house, was desirous of attracting
them to his residence and afford-
ing them the best hospitality in
his power. He therefore ordered
a kind of verandah to be erected
along the side of the house, so
that the Martins might find a
better shelter than was afforded
by the shallow eaves. The birds,
however, took a different view of
the matter ; deserted the nests
which had already been built, and
never came back again.
In all cases the House Mar-
tins exhibit a strong dislike to
smooth walls. Stucco they de-
test, and only tolerate new brick when they can find no other resting-place. But their chief
delight is in walls that are covered with rough cast, or that are built of roughened stone.
They also take advantage of any projection, such as a spout or a piece of sculpture, and
employ it as a foundation on which they may rest their domiciles.
Not only is the Martin capricious in choosing certain points of the compass, but also in
fixing upon a locality wherein to build its habitation, it exhibits no small fancif ulness. Gen-
erally it affects human dwellings, and rests safely under the protection of their inmates ; but
it will often fly far from the presence of man, and build its nest in uninhabited spots. Pre-
cipitous rocks of various kinds, whether limestone, sandstone, or chalk, are frequently studded
with the nests of the Martin. The basaltic rocks of the Giant's Causeway are in great favor
with this bird, which has even been known to plant its nests thickly in the arches of a bridge.
SWALLOW. Hirundo rustica.
HOUSE MAETIN. Chettdon urtnca.
120
THE ORIENTAL ROLLER.
ROLLERS.
THE ROLLERS evidently form one of the connecting links between the swallows and the
bee-eaters, as may be seen by the shape of their feet, which have the two hinder toes par-
tially joined together, while those of the bee-eaters are wholly connected, or, as it were,
soldered together. The Rollers, as is evident from their long pointed wings, stiff tail, and
comparatively feeble legs and feet, are to a great extent feeders on the wing, although they
do not depend wholly on their powers of flight for subsistence, but take many insects, worms,
and grubs from the ground.
The birds of the genus Eurystomus, or wide-mouthed birds, may be known by the pecu-
liarity from which they derive their generic name. The beak is remarkably wide at its base,
OKIENTAL ROLLER. Eurystomus orienlatis.
and the gape of the mouth is very large. The point of the beak is flattened, and rather
abruptly curved. There are some bristle-like feathers at the angle of the mouth, and the
wings are extremely long, the second primary feather being the longest. The tail is moderate
in extent and not forked.
The ORIENTAL ROLLER is found spread over a large expanse of country, being a native of
many parts of India, Java, and the Polynesian Islands. It is a very handsome bird, the
greater part of its plumage gleaming with the most brilliant green, which has been compared,
though not very happily, to the peculiar sea-green of the aquamarine. A brilliant azure
colors the throat and the points of the wings, and the primary feathers of the wing are black,
THE GREEN TODY.
121
diversified with a white bar. The tail is deep black. In its habits it is quick, active, and
vigorous, chasing its insect prey through the air, and displaying great command of wing
and powers of endurance.
ALTHOUGH tolerably common on several parts of the Continent, the GARRULOUS ROLLER
is at the present time a very rare visitant to this country. There seems, however, to be reason
GARRULOUS ROLLER.- Coracias garrula.
to believe that in former days, when Europe was less cultivated and more covered with path-
less woods, the Roller was frequently seen in the ancient forests, and that it probably built its
nest in the hollows of trees, as it does in the German forests at the present day.
THERE are many examples of the group which is gathered together under the general title
of Rollers, the last of which is the BEACHYPTERACIAS, a bird which is remarkable, as its name
imports, for the shortness of its wings.
In color it is rather a handsome bird, although it suffers somewhat from the proximity of
its more brilliant relatives. The upper parts are a warm chestnut-brown, with a green gloss
upon the shoulder. The wings are brown also, glossed with sheeny green, and marked with
a number of black spots edged with white. The under parts are grayish-white splashed on
the throat with chestnut, and transversely barred upon the abdomen with the same tint,
leaving a white band across the chest. It is a native of Madagascar.
THE curious little birds which are termed TODIES bear a considerable resemblance to the
kingfisher, from which they may be easily distinguished by the flattened bill. The gape of
the mouth is very wide, and a number of vibrissse are set around its margin. The wings and
tail are short and rounded, and the outer toes are connected as far as the hist joint. The
Todies are natives of tropical America, and are very conspicuous among the brilliant plumaged
and strangely shaped birds of that part of the world.
The GREEN TODY is a very small bird, being hardly larger than the common wren, but yet
very conspicuous on account of the brilliant hues with which its plumage is decorated. The
VOL. n. ia
122
THE JA VAN TODY.
whole of the upper surface is a light green, the flanks are rose-colored, deepening into scarlet
upon the throat and fading into a pale yellow upon the abdomen and under tail-coverts. The
under surface of the wings is bare. These tints may be easily examined, even during the life
of the bird, for the Green Tody is a sluggish creature, and so disinclined to move, that it ma y
be approached quite closely, and watched as it sits with its head sunk beneath its shoulders,
and its bill projecting, as if without life or sensation.
It has but little power of wing, flying always near the ground, and never venturing on a
long aerial journey. Prom this habit of remaining near the earth, it is popularly known by
the name of Ground Parrot. The food of the Green Tody is chiefly of an insect nature, and
the bird is able to secure its prey as they crawl about in the muddy banks of ponds or rivers.
It also searches the grass and herbage for insects, and catches them with much adroitness.
The nest of this bird is placed on the ground, generally in some hole in a river's bank, but
often in a depression made for the purpose, and is built of dried grasses, moss, cotton, feathers,
and similar substances. The eggs are
four or five in number, of a bluish
gray, diversified with bright yellow
spots. The length of this bird is
barely four inches. There is another
species of Tody (Todus mezicdnus),
inhabiting the same country.
THE JAVAN TODY is a truly re-
markable bird, and is so curiously
formed that its proper position in
the kingdom of birds has long been
uncertain.
The extraordinary beak of this
bird is shorter than the head, and at
its base is wider than the portion of
the head to which it is attached.
The centre toes are connected to-
gether as far as the second joint.
This bird is a native of Java and
Sumatra, and in many of its habits
resembles the green Tody. It feeds
mostly on aquatic insects, worms,
and larvae, which it obtains from the
banks of the rivers near which it
loves to dwell. It does not keep so
closely to the earth as the green
Tody, but builds a pendent nest,
hanging to the slender bough of
some tree that grows near the water.
Although not a very rare bird, it is
but seldom seen, owing to its habit
of withdrawing itself to the most inaccessible wooded lands of its native country, and there
taking up its residence near the swampy grounds that are often found within the precincts
of vast forests.
It is rather variable in its plumage ; some specimens having a black bar across the chest.
In all cases it is a striking bird, owing to the forcible contrast between the deep velvet purple
of the back and the bright golden yellow with which it is relieved. Another species, belonging
to the same genus, the Hooded Eurylaitmus (Eurylaimus ochromalus), is still more beautiful,
on account of the delicate rose hue with which its throat is tinted, and the bold black, white,
and yellow marking of the remainder of the plumage.
GREEN TOD?. -Todus viridit.
THE GREAT-BILLED TODY.
Although a very handsome bird, it does not equal the preceding species in the brilliancy
of its plumage. The general color is a deep rich purple, diversified by yellow, black, and
JAVAN TODY. Mtrylatmvs javanlcut.
brown. The yellow is chiefly seen in the coverts and edges of the wing, and the tips of the
tail-coverts. The forehead, tail-coverts, and tail-feathers are black, with the exception of a
white mark upon the quill -feathers of the tail.
THE GKEAT-BILLED TODY has been placed by some authors in the genus Eurylaimus,
together with the Javan Tody, but in some catalogues it is separated into a new genus under
the title of Cymbirhynchus, or Boat-billed, in allusion to the singular form and shape of its
beak. The specific title of Macrorhynchus is also given in allusion to the same peculiarity,
and signifies Long-billed.
It is rather a thickly made bird, possessing a stout, heavy-looking body, which harmo-
nizes well with the great, boat-shaped beak. The curiously-shaped bill is very large, thick,
and strong, very wide at its base, well arched above, and hooked at the point. Both mandi-
bles are about the same length, and the color is blue. The bird is an inhabitant of the Indian
Archipelago, and is most numerously found in the interior of Sumatra, where -it may be seen
haunting the banks of rivers and searching for its food, which consists chiefly of insects,
worms, and various aquatic creatures. Its nest is ingeniously constructed of slender twigs
woven into a nearly globular form, and is fastened to the extremity of some convenient branch
which overhangs the water, so that the young and eggs are safe from the attacks of the many
enemies which assail them in these regions. The eggs are from two to four in number, and of
a pale blue tint.
The coloring of its plumage is rather handsome, although quaint and peculiar. The
general tint of the upper parts of the body is dead black, and that of the abdomen and lower
parts a dark red. Around the throat runs a broad belt of stiff, wiry feathers of a red hue,
which point upward on each side, and are probably intended for the purpose of defending the
eyes. At each side of the bill there are several similar stiff bristly hairs, which also point
124
THE BRAZILIAN MOTMOT.
upward. The scapularies are long and sharp in form, and their color is a beautifully pure white,
contrasting strongly with the deep black of the upper part of the body. At the upper angle
of each wing there is a well-defined orange line, and a white spot on the inside. The
wedge-shaped tail is black, the thigh is blackish-brown, and the legs are brown. The color
of the eyes is blue, which changes to green
soon after death, and then fades wholly into
dullness.
By the natives the bird is called Burong-
palano, or Tam-palano. Several other species
of Eurylaimus are known to science, all of them
being handsome and remarkable birds. The
Great Eurylaimus (Eurylaimus cbrydori), for
example, is notable for the great width of the
beak, its bright rosy hue, its hooked form, and
the very wide gape of the mouth. The plumage,
too, is colored in a very bold and striking man-
ner. The general hue is jet black, relieved by a
large white mark on the middle of the wing,
another at the extremity of the tail, and a small
scarlet patch of elongated feathers in the centre
of the back. As a general rule, the birds of this
group adhere to the above-mentioned colors,
but there is a curious and notable exception in
the person of the Dalhousie's Eurylaimus (Psa-
risbmus dalhousice), whose plumage is tinted
with blue, green, and yellow, after the manner
of many paroquets. Indeed, the general aspect
of the bird irresistibly reminds the observer
of a paroquet, and the semblance is further
increased by its long azure tail feathers.
THE MOTMOTS, so called from their monot-
onous cry, which is thought to resemble the
syllables mot-mot continually repeated, are in-
habitants of tropical America and the adjacent
parts of the world. There are several species
of these curious and beautiful birds ; but as'
their habits and form are very similar, they can
be sufficiently represented by a single example.
The Motmots are among the number of those
creatures which have perplexed the systematic
naturalist, and their position in the kingdom of
birds is even yet subject to doubt. On account
of their large and deeply serrated mandibles,
their long-bearded tongue, and the similarity of
some of their habits, they have been placed close
to the toucans, to which birds they bear no
small resemblance. Their feet, however, are of
entirely different construction ; and instead of
congregating in flocks like the toucans, they lead solitary lives in the forest depths. In these
birds the tail is wedge-shaped, and in several of the species the two central feathers are remark-
able for a naked space before their termination.
THE BRAZILIAN MOTMOT is, like the other species of the same genus, a very solitary bird,
being seldom seen except by those who care to penetrate into the deepest recesses of the
BRAZILIAN MOTMOT. Momotus brazUiensis.
MASSENA'S TROOON. 125
tropical forests. In its habits, it is not at all unlike the common fly-catcher of England, delight-
ing to sit motionless upon a branch that overlooks one of the open spaces that are found in all
forests, or that commands a view of a path made by man or beast. On its perch it remains as
still as if carved in wood, and sits apparently without thought or sensation until a tempting
insect flies within easy reach. It then launches itself upon its prey, catches the insect in its
bill, and returning to its perch, settles down again into its former state of languid tranquillity.
The Motmot is not formed for long or active flight, as its wings are short and rounded, and
the plumage, especially about the head, very loosely set.
Some writers say that the Motmots do not confine themselves to such small prey as
insects, but that they steal young birds out of their nests, and are also in the habit of eat-
ing eggs.
All the Motmots are about the size of the common magpie, and are remarkably handsome
birds, their plumage being tinted with green, blue, scarlet, and other brilliant hues. The
Brazilian Motmot is bright green on the upper parts of the body, excepting a spot of velvety-
black upon the head, edged with green behind. The primary feathers are blue, and the under
portions are green " shot" with crimson, and a black spot is found on the breast.
THE BLTJE-CAPPED-MOTMOT (Momotus cceruleiceps). This is the only species found in
North America. Its habits are much the same as those of the South American species. It
inhabits Central America.
TRO G O NS.
FOB our systematic knowledge of the magnificent tribe of the TROGONS we are almost
wholly indebted to Mr. Gould, who by the most persevering labor and the most careful inves-
tigations has reduced to order this most perplexing group of birds, and brought into one
volume a mass of information that is rarely found in similar compass. There are few groups
of birds which are more attractive to the eye than the Trogons, with all their glowing hues of
carmine, orange, green, and gold ; and few there are which presented greater difficulties to the
ornithologist until their various characteristics were thoroughly sifted and compared together.
The two sexes are so different from each other, both in the color and shape of the feathers,
that they would hardly be recognizable as belonging to a single species, and even the young
bird is very differently colored from his older relatives.
These beautiful birds are found in the Old and the New Worlds, those which inhabit the
latter locality being easily distinguishable by their deeply barred tails. Those of the Old World
are generally found in Ceylon, Sumatra, Java, and Borneo, while only a single species, the
Narina Trogon, is as yet known to inhabit Africa. The Trogons are mostly insect-eaters,
taking their prey easily by means of their widely-opening mouths, and making no use of their
slender feet and claws in the capture of their active enemy. Although gifted with such brill-
iant coloring, they are biit seldom seen, for they prefer the deep forest to the more open
grounds, and remain seated among the dense foliage of some chosen tree as long as the sun
remains above the horizon.
The Trogons are mostly silent birds, the only cry used being that of the male during the
season of pairing. It is not a very agreeable sound, being of a sombre and melancholy cast,
and thought to resemble the word "couroucourou," a continuation of syllables which has
therefore been applied to the entire, tribe. The Trogons have been separated into five genera,
each of which will find an example in the following pages.
THE splendid bird which has been called MASSENA'S TROGON, in complimentary allusion
to the celebrated prince of that name, is an inhabitant of Central America, specimens from
126 THE NARINA TROGON.
Honduras and Mexico being in the collection of the British Museum. In size it is rather large,
measuring fourteen inches in total length.
In the tinting of the plumage the two sexes are very different from each other, and are
colored briefly as follows. In the male, the crown of the head, the back and chest, are a deep
rich green, contrasting well with the jetty, glossy black of the ear-coverts and throat ; the
breast and abdomen are of a rich scarlet. The ground tint of the centre of the wings is a soft
gray, pencilled with exquisitely delicate lines of jetty black. The quill-feathers of the wing
are jetty black, each feather being edged with pure white ; and the quill-feathers of the tail
are also black, with the exception of the two central feathers, which are imbued with change-
able hues of dark green and purple throughout the greater part of their length, and are tipped
with a black patch at the extremity. The bill is light yellow.
The female bird possesses a more sober plumage than her mate. The upper parts of the
body, instead of being richly colored with deep green, are of a dark bluish-gray ; and the
wings, instead of being finely pencilled with black upon gray, are powdered with the same
tints. The abdomen and breast are scarlet, and the bill is rather curiously colored, the upper
mandible being black and the lower yellow.
This diversity of coloring in the sexes, which holds throughout the entire group, is pro-
ductive of very great trouble to the systematic naturalist, as the two sexes are in many cases
so very unlike each other that there is hardly any criterion for settling the species to which
they belong, except by patient and careful observation of their habits when at liberty in their
native haunts. When, moreover, the birds are shy and retiring in their habits, as is the case
with many of the Trogons, the amount of labor which is entailed upon the observer is more
than doubled, and the value of such a work as Mr. Gould's monograph is proportionately
increased.
THE MEXICAN TROGON is, as its name implies, an inhabitant of that country whose name
it bears, being generally found in the northern districts of Mexico. It is worthy of remark
that the Trogons of America are all similar in their coloring ; the upper parts of the adult
malej being green, and the under portions either scarlet or yellow. The young male and the
female birds are not so brilliant in hue. In most instances the outer quill -feathers of the tail
are barred with black and white. The beak of these species is marked with notches along the
tip of the mandibles and pointed with bristly hairs at the base.
THE NARINA TROGON is an inhabitant of Africa, and is generally found in the densest
forests of the southern portions of that continent. Its rather graceful name was given to it by
Le Vaillant, in remembrance of Narina, a young Gonaqua Hottentot girl, whose dusky charms
and savage graces made an instantaneous and most powerful impression on the heart of the
susceptible Frenchman.
This species has many of the habits of the fly -catcher, with the exception of its partially
nocturnal mode of life. During the daytime it seeks the darkest recesses of its native forests,
and, selecting a dead branch as its perch, sits dull and motionless until the evening. It then
sallies from its place of refuge, and settling upon a convenient bough, sweeps upon every
insect that may pass within a convenient distance, and carrying its prey back to the perch,
devours it at leisure.
The general color of this beautiful bird is emerald green, shining with an almost metallic
lustre. This hue is spread over the whole of the upper surface, except the wings and tail, and
also tinges the throat and chest. The abdomen and remainder of the under surface are bright
red. The wings are brown covered with minute dots of gray upon the secondaries and greater
coverts, and the tail is colored with several shades of green above, diversified by the pure
white of the three outer feathers on each side. The beak is yellowish-blue. The female bird
is differently colored, her plumage being of the following hues : The green of the upper sur-
face and throat is not quite so resplendent as in her mate, and a rusty -brown tint is spread
over the throat and round the eyes, warming into a delicate rose upon the chest. The total
length of the bird is nearly one foot.
THE MALABAR TROGON.
127
THE very rare and curiously formed CUBA TROGON is a native of the country from which
it derives its name.
According to Gould, it bears a singular resemblance to the woodpeckers, both in its habits
and in the general formation of its plumage. Like those birds, it runs about the trunks and
branches of trees, peers into the hollows,
and dislodges from under the bark the
insects on which it feeds. The most strik-
ing peculiarity in its form is the shape
of the tail-feathers, which have the web
extending beyond the shaft in such a
manner that they seem to have been
trimmed with scissors. The specific name
"temnurus" signifies "clipped wing,"
and is given to the bird on account of this
remarkable formation.
The back and upper tail-coverts of
the Cuba Trogon are bright grassy-green,
and the head and ear-coverts are steel-
blue. The wings are beautifully barred
with white, green, and black, and the tail
is blue-green in the centre, the feathers
being green with blue edges, those of the
exterior are white, and the rest barred
with white and green. The total length
of this bird is about eleven inches.
THE COPPERY -TAILED TROGON (Tro-
gon ambiguus) is the only species of this genus enumerated in
the list of the birds of North America. Its habitat is through-
out the warmer portions of Central America.
THE MALABAR TROGON is a very local bird, and is thought
never to be seen in any locality except that from which it derives
its name.
It is a somewhat nocturnal bird, and is so totally different
in its habits, according to the time of day, that it would hardly
be recognized for the same creature. During the day the Mala-
bar Trogons sit in pairs on the topmost branch of some tree, and
seldom stir from their post until evening. Sometimes they rouse
themselves sufficiently to pounce upon a passing insect, but
immediately return to the perch, and resume their position. But
when the dusk approaches, the Malabar Trogon shakes off its
drowsiness, and becomes one of the most spirited and active of
birds, flitting from branch to branch, and tree to tree, or traversing the boughs in search of
its prey, with wonderful adroitness, and almost meteoric rapidity.
The head and neck of the adult male bird are deep sooty-black, and the back and upper
surface are brownish-yellow. A white crescent-shaped stripe runs round the chest, and sepa-
rates the black hue of the throat from the brilliant scarlet of the breast and remainder of the
under surface. The primary quill-feathers of the wings are black edged with white, and the
centre of the wings is pencilled with very delicate white lines on a blacker ground. The tail
is boldly marked with chestnut and black, and is decorated with white tips at the extremity
of the feathers. The bill and the space round the eyes are light blue. The female is easily
distinguished from her mate by the duller hue of her plumage, and the absence of the beauti-
ful scarlet which decorates the abdomen of the male bird.
128 THE RESPLENDENT TROOON.
SEVEKAL of the Trogons are distinguished from their relatives by the length and downy
looseness of many of the feathers, more especially the lance-shaped feathers of the shoulders,
and the elongated upper tail-coverts. On account of this structure of the plumage, they are
gathered into a separate genus under the appropriate title of Calurus, or Beautiful-tailed
Trogons.
The first of these birds, the BEAUTIFUL TROGON, is a native of South America, and well
deserves its name, as it is not only richly gorgeous in the colors of its plumage, but is also
elegant in form. On account of the looseness of its feathers it is not able to chase insects in
the air with as much adroitness as is exhibited by the firmer-feathered Trogons, and is found
to make its diet chiefly upon berries, fruits, and the insects which it can pick off the branches
without being forced to pursue them on the wing. While engaged in the search after food, it
is a sufficiently active bird, running about the boughs with great agility, and clinging with its
powerful feet in every attitude, seeming to care little whether it be sitting on a branch, after
the custom of most birds, or hanging with its head downward, like the parrots.
Although so brilliant in coloring, it is not so easily seen as might be supposed, for its
color harmonizes well with the foliage and bark of the trees among which it dwells, and even
the rich carmine of its under surface is not very conspicuous in that land of flowers.
The head is decorated with a curiously-shaped tuft of slight and elastic feathers, which
spring from the forehead, and by their peculiar curve overshadow the nostrils and a consid-
erable portion of the beak. This crest, together with the head, the throat, the back, wing-
coverts, and upper tail-coverts, are of the richest imaginable green glazed with gold, glowing
with a changeable sheen as the breeze plays with the delicate fibres of the plumage. The
quill -feathers of the wing are black, as are the six central feathers of the tail. The upper tail-
coverts are very long, exceeding the tail by two inches, flowing gracefully over the stiffer
feathers by which they are supported, and contrasting beautifully with their glossy black.
The abdomen and remainder of the under surface is rich carmine. The total length of an
adult bird is about fourteen inches.
i
BEFORE entering into any detailed description of the RESPLENDENT TROGON, we must
explain that in order to bring it within the limits of our pages, it has been drawn in smaller
proportions than any of the other Trogons. In size the Resplendent Trogon is larger than the
species which has just been described, so that if it had been drawn to the same scale of pro-
portion, the engraving would have been rather more than sixteen inches in length, being
nearly double the length of the present pages.
Of all the birds of the air there is hardly any which excites so much admiration as the
Resplendent Trogon. Many, such as the humming-bird, are gifted with greater brilliancy
of color ; but for gorgeousness of hue, exquisite blending of tints, elegance of contour and
flowing grace of plumage, there is no worthy rival in all the feathered tribe. This magnifi-
cent bird is a native of Central America, and was in former days one of the most honored
by the ancient Mexican monarchs, who assumed the sole right of wearing the long plumes,
and permitted none but the members of the royal family to decorate themselves with the
flowing feathers of this beautiful bird.
In all the Trogons the skin is very delicate, and the feathers are so loosely attached
that they are always liable to be lost when the bird is handled ; but in the Resplendent
Trogon the skin is so singularly thin that it has not been inaptly compared to wet blotting-
paper, and the plumage has so slight a hold upon the skin, that when the bird is shot, the
feathers are plentifully struck from their sockets by its fall and the blows which it receives
from the branches as it comes to the ground. These peculiarities render the preservation of
the skin no easy task ; and the difficulty of removing the skin without injury is so well known
to the natives, that they almost invariably dry the body without attempting any further
preservation.
This species is fond of inhabiting the densest forests of Southern Mexico, and generally
haunts the topmost branches of the loftiest trees, where it clings to the boughs like a parrot,
and traverses their ramifications with much address. It does not seem to expend much time
THE COLLARED BAREST. 129
on the wing, and to all appearance feeds more on vegetable diet than is the case with its
relatives.
The color of the adult male bird is generally of a rich golden green on the upper parts of
the body, including the graceful rounded crest, the head, neck, throat, chest, and long lancet-
shaped plumes of the shoulders. The breast and under parts are brilliant scarlet, the- central
feathers of the tail are black, and the exterior white with black bars. The wonderful plumes
which hang over the tail are generally about three feet in length, and in particularly fine
specimens have been known to exceed that measurement by four inches, so that the entire
length of the bird may be reckoned at four feet. The bill is light yellow. ,
As is often the case with birds, where the male is remarkable for the beauty of his plumage,
the female is altogether an ordinary and comparatively insignificant bird, at least to human
eyes, although beautiful enough in those of her mate. She possesses only the rudiments of a
crest or elongated plumes, as may be seen by reference to the engraving, where both sexes are
represented. The color of the upper surface is nearly the same as that of the male, although
hardly so vivid, and the head, throat, and chest are of a decidedly dull green. The breast and
abdomen are grayish-brown, and the under tail-coverts are scarlet. The elongated feathers
of the shoulders are not so long as in the male, nor so sharply pointed, nor so vividly colored.
The central feathers of the tail are black, and the exterior are white marked with black bars ;
the bill is black. The young of the first year, whether male or female, assume this dress, and
do not put on their full glory of apparel until they have passed through the moult of the
second year.
BARBETS, OR PUFF-BIRDS.
THE BARBETS evidently form a connecting link between the trogons and the kingfishers,
possessing several of the peculiarities of the former birds, together with some characteristics
of the latter.
In shape they bear a close resemblance to the kingfishers, and none of them are of any
great size. Their food consists chiefly of insects, which they chase much after the manner
of the woodpeckers, prying into the hollows of trees, and striking away the bark in their
endeavors to secure the concealed prey. They can cling to the perpendicular trunk of a tree,
and support themselves by the pressure of their short stiff tails against the bark. They also
possess some of the habits which belong to the fly-catchers, and taking their perch upon a
twig, will wait patiently until an unfortunate insect passes within a short distance, when they
will launch themselves on the devoted creature, and return to the identical twig from which
they started.
To all appearance the Barbets are dull and heavy birds, seeming to pass a very unenviable
kind of existence ; chained as it were to a single spot, and apparently feeling every movement
a source of trouble. But to the Barbet itself, this kind of inactive life constitutes its best hap-
piness ; and we should be as wrong to attribute sadness and melancholy to it, as was Buff on
when he spoke in such forcible and eloquent terms of the miserable existence passed by wood-
peckers. While sitting upon the twig which it has chosen for its perch, the Barbet has a
curioui habit of puffing out its plumage, so as to transform itself into an almost cylindrical
ball of furthers, and has, on account of this odd custom, been termed the Puff Bird.
are many species of Barbet, one of which, the COLLARED BARBET, a native of South
America, is an example of the typical genus Bucco. It is rather a pretty little bird, the head
and neck being of a chestnut-fawn, the chest white, and the under parts of the body the same
hue as the head, but of a lighter tint. A well-defined black collar or band runs across the
chest, and extends over the shoulders, where it merges into the chestnut-brown of the back.
Vol. E.-1T.
130
KINGFISHERS.
The wings and back are darker than the head, and cov-
ered with a number of small black bars. The tail is
chestnut and barred with black.
THE WHITE-FACED BAKBET is not so handsome a
bird, being more sombre in its clothing than the collared
Barbet. The general color of this bird is black, and the
forehead and face are white, together with the chin. In
size it is about equal to our common starling. It is also
a native of Southern America. This bird has been chosen
as a representative of the genus Monasa, a small group
of birds which has been separated from the other Barbets
on account of the form of the beak and the structure of
the wing.
THE last example of these curious birds is the
WHITE-BACKED BARBET, which serves to represent the
genus Chelidoptera. This is a much smaller bird than
either of the preceding examples, but is notable on
account of the curious manner in which its plumage is
diversified with black and white. The general tint of
the body is sooty black, but upon the back there is a
conspicuous patch of white, and a considerable amount
of white is scattered over the middle of the wings, and
upon the under tail-coverts. It is also a native of South-
ern America.
So highly gifted are these birds with that quality which is called "adhesiveness" by
phrenologists, that when they have once selected a twig as a resting-place, they will remain
faithful to their choice, and for month after month may be seen sitting on the identical perch,
lethargic and happy. They are solitary birds, never being seen in flocks, and very seldom in
pairs, residing always in the murkiest recesses of the deep forests, in preference to the open
country, and sitting on their low perch in spots which the foot of man seldom penetrates.
COLLAKED BARBET. Bucco coliaiif.
KINGFISHERS.
THE KINGFISHERS form a tolerably well-marked group of birds, all of which are remark-
able for the length of the bills and the comparative shortness of their bodies, which gives them
a peculiar bearing that is not to be mistaken.
The bills of these birds are all long and sharp, and in most cases are straight. Their front
toes are always joined together more or less, and the number of the toes is very variable in
form and arrangement ; some species possessing them in pfiirs, like those of the parrots, others
having them arranged three in front and one behind, as is usually the case with birds, while a
few species have only three toes altogether, two in front and one behind. The wings are
rounded. As may be gathered from their popular name, they mostly feed upon fish, which
they capture by pouncing upon the finny prey ; although in some instances, such as that with
which we shall commence our history, they make the greatest part of their diet of insects and
crustaceans. In color they are very variable, some being comparatively dull in tint, possessing
no colors but black, brown, and white, while others are decorated with the most brilliant
plumage, which nearly equals that of the trogons in gorgeousness of hue, although the colors
are not distributed in such large masses, nor are the feathers so exquisitely soft and downy.
THE LAUGHING JACKASS.
131
They are to be found in nearly all parts of the world, and Europe boasts of one of the hand-
somest, although one of the smallest, species.
OUR first example of the Kingfishers is the LAUGHING JACKASS, or GIANT KINGFISHER,
its former title being derived from the strange character of its cry.
This bird is an inhabitant of Australia, being found chiefly in the southeastern district of
that country, and in New South Wales. In Van Diemen's Land Mr. Gould believes that it
does not exist. In no place is it found in any great numbers ; for although it is sufficiently
common, it is but thinly dispersed over the country. It is rather a large bird, being eighteen
inches in total length, and is powerful in proportion, being able to wage successful war against
creatures of considerable size.
LAUGHING JACKASS.-Parofcyon gigat.
Although one of the true Kingfishers, it so far departs from the habits of the family as to
be comparatively careless about catching fish, and, indeed, often resides in the vast arid plains
where it can find no streams sufficiently large to harbor fish in their waters. Crabs of various
kinds are a favorite food with this bird, which also eats insects, small mammalia, and reptiles.
Mr. Gould mentions an instance where he shot one of these birds for the sake of possessing a
rare and valuable species of rat which it was carrying off in its bill. It is also known to eat
snakes, catching them with great dexterity by the tail, and crushing their heads with its
powerful beak. Sometimes it is known to pounce upon fish, but it usually adheres to the
above-mentioned diet.
The cry of this bird is a singular, dissonant, abrupt laugh, even more startling than that
of the hyena, and raising strange panics in the heart of the novice, who first hears it while
bivouacking in the "bush." Being of a mightily inquisitive nature, the Laughing Jackass
132 THE AUSTRALIAN KINGFISHER.
seems to find great attraction in the glare of a fire, and in the evening is apt to glide silently
through the branches towards the blaze, and perching upon a neighboring bough, to pour
forth its loud yelling cry. The "old hands" are in nowise disconcerted at the sudden dis-
turbance, but shoot the intruder on the spot, and in a very few minutes convert him into a
savory broil over the fire which he had come to inspect.
At the rising and the setting of the sun the Laughing Jackass becomes very lively, and is
the first to welcome the approach of dawn, and to chant its strange exulting paeans at the
return of darkness. From this peculiarity, it has been called the Settler's Clock. In allusion
to the cry of this bird, which has been compared by Sturt to the yelling chorus of unquiet
demons, the natives call it by the name of Gogobera.
We evidently have in this bird another example of the frequency with which one idea
runs through and intersects the various divisions of the animal kingdom, mystically uniting
by undefinable bonds the various departments and innumerable groups of living beings.
Several of these remarkable facts have already been mentioned, where the question was of
form ; and we have in the Laughing Jackass, and its resemblance in that respect to the laugh-
ing hyena, a similarity of voice in two very opposite beings. In the same manner, the voice
of the harmless ostrich is a roar so precisely resembling that of the fierce and carnivorous lion,
that even the Hottentots have been unable to discriminate between the bird and the quad-
ruped. As a general rule, color is but little developed in the mammalian forms, and very
greatly so among the birds. Yet we have several instances among the mammals such as the
mandril and several other quadrumana where the vivid coloring of the skin is but little
inferior to that which paints the plumage of the tropical birds.
SEVERAL species belonging to the same genus are worthy of a passing notice, among which
we may mention LEACH'S DACELO (Dacelo leacMi), and the BUFF DACELO (Dacelo cermna).
The former of these birds is a remarkably handsome creatiire, and inhabits the northeastern
parts of Australia, where, according to Mr. Gould, it takes the place of the laughing jackass.
It is a little smaller than that bird, and resembles it. greatly in its form and general habits.
Its head and crest are dark brown, and the abdomen is covered with numerous narrow wavy
brown bars. In the male bird the wings and tail are richly colored with deep orange ; but in
the female the tail is chestnut, barred with a bluish black.
The Buff Dacelo inhabits the thickly wooded portions of the northern and northwestern
districts of Australia, where it may be seen and heard sitting on the topmost branches of the
loftiest trees, taking observations of the surrounding country, and yelling in a most unmusical
manner. When three or four pairs of these birds get together upon a single tree, they become
quite excited by mutual noise, and make such a horrid uproar that nothing can be heard
except their deafening outcries. It is a very shy bird, and not easily approached within
range of shot.
The general color of this bird is a pale fawn marked with brown, and with a considerable
amount of rich blue in the wings and tail of the male, the tail-feathers being largely tipped
with white. The tail of the female is chestnut, boldly barred transversely with deep black,
and tipped with buff.
OF the genus Halcyon, the AUSTRALIAN KINGFISHER affords a good example.
This bird is a resident in New South Wales from August to December or January, and
then passes to a warmer climate. Like the preceding birds, it cares little for the presence of
water, making its subsistence chiefly on large insects, such as locusts, caterpillars, grasshop-
pers, and cicadas, which it seizes in its bill, and beats violently against the ground before
eating them. It is also very fond of small crabs and other crustaceans. Mr. Gould mentions
that the stomachs of Australian Kingfishers that had. been shot were found crammed with
these creatures. To obtain them, it is in the habit of frequenting the sea-shore, and pouncing
upon the crabs, shrimps, prawns, and various other creatures as they are thrown on the strand
by the retiring tide, or forced to take refuge in shallow rock-pools, whence they can easily be
extracted by the long bill of this voracious bird.
THE TERN ATE KINGFISHER.
133
On the banks of the Hunter River this Kingfisher resorts to a very curious method of
obtaining food. There is a kind of ant which builds a mud nest upon the dead branches and
stems of the gum-trees, and by the unpractised eye would be taken for fungi or natural excres-
cences. The Kingfisher, however, knows better, and speedily demolishes the walls with his
powerful beak, for the pur-
pose of feeding upon the ants
and their larvae.
Like the preceding bird,
the Australian Kingfisher is
a most noisy creature, and
remarkably fond of exercising
its loud startling cry, which
is said to resemble the shriek
of a human being in distress,
sharp, short, urgent, and fre-
quently repeated. There is
hardly any real nest of this
species, which chooses a con-
venient hollow branch or
"spout" as its domicile, and
there lays its eggs. They are
generally from three to five
in number, and are of a pure
white.
It is rather a fine bird, /"
being nearly the same size as /
the laughing jackass. The /
* top of its head and the back
of the scapularies are tinged
with a dull green, and the
throat, neck, and abdomen
are buff, abundantly flecked
with brown spots. The wings
and the tail are of a rather
peculiar greenish blue, in which the latter hue prevails, and the ear-coverts and a line round
the back of the head are blackish green.
THE genus Tanysiptera is well illustrated by the well-known though somewhat scarce
TERNATE KINGFISHER, a bird which may be easily recognized by the peculiar form of the tail.
The generic name is of Greek origin, and signifies Long-winged, and is rather longer than
needful, the simpler form of the word being Tanyptera, or more properly Tanypteryx. But
when once a systematic naturalist begins to indulge in so-called classical nomenclature, he
seems to be irresistibly attracted by the words in proportion to their length and abstruseness.
The Ternate Kingfisher is one of those species which are decorated with richly colored
plumage, and is a truly handsome and striking bird. The head is of a bright ultramarine
blue, and the upper parts of the body are of a deeper fint of the same color, being of a
"Prussian" "blue, that is almost black in its intensity. The wing-coverts are of the same
ultramarine as the head, as are also the edges of the quill-feathers of the tail. The two central
tail-feathers are much prolonged, considerably exceeding the others in length, and are very
curiously shaped, being webbed at their bases, bare for nearly the whole of their length, and
again webbed at the extremities. Their color throughout is blue, the tips being white, as are
the remaining feathers of the tail with the exception of their blue edges. The whole of the
under parts are white.
The Ternate Kingfisher is a native of New Guinea, and from thence its skin has often been
AUSTRALIAN KINGFISHER. Halcyon sancta.
134 THE BELTED KINGFISHER.
sent to Europe, but in a mutilated state, the natives being in the habit of depriving it of
its legs and wings before parting with the skin. The Paradise birds were long treated in the
same manner, until the sportsmen learned that they could sell the entire bird at a better price
than when it had been mutilated.
IN the birds which form the genus Ceyx there are only three toes, and one of them very
strong, the tail is very short, and the bill straight, like that of the common Kingfisher of
Europe. The reader must note that the word Ceyx is dissyllabic.
THE TRIDACTYLOUS KINGFISHER is a native of Java, Borneo, and the whole of the Indian
Archipelago, and is said to have been discovered even upon the continent itself. Although a
very little bird, it is one of the most brilliantly colored of the entire group, and hardly yields
even to the gem-like humming-bird in the metallic and glittering color of its plumage. Even
the united aid of pencil and brush can give but little idea of the extreme beauty of the coloring
of this bird, for the glowing richness of the tints as they flash and glitter with every move-
ment of the bird and vary momentarily in hue and tone, is far beyond the power of art, and
sets at nought the colors of the most skilful painter.
The head of the Tridactylous Kingfisher, as well as the whole upper surface of the body, is
a deep rich lilac, and the wings are stained with a most beautiful and singular mixture of
deep blue and ultramarine, the centre of each feather being of the former tint, and the edges
of the latter hue. The whole of the under surface is pure white, the feet are red, and the bill
is a pale carmine. In its dimensions it is exceedingly small, being one-third less than the
common Kingfisher of Europe.
THE interesting birds which are gathered into the genus Ceryle may be known by the
thick, compressed, and sharply pointed beak, the comparatively long and rounded tail, and
the length of the front inner toe. To this genus may be referred all the American species
of this group, one of which, the BELTED KINGFISHER, forms the subject of the following
description.
The Belted Kingfisher is an inhabitant of many parts of America, and as it is in the habit
of migrating northward or southward, according to the season of the year and the state of the
temperature, it is a very familiar bird throughout the greater part of America, from Mexico to
Hudson's Bay. So common is it in these regions that, according to Wilson, "mill-dams are
periodically visited by this feathered fisher, and the sound of his pipe is as well known to the
miller as the sound of his own hopper."
The sight of the Belted Kingfisher is singularly keen, and even when passing with its
meteor-like flight over the country, it will suddenly check itself in mid career, hovering over
the spot for a short time, watching the finny inhabitants of the brook as they swim to and fro,
and then with a curious spiral kind of plunge will dart into the water, driving up the spray in
every direction, and after a brief struggle will emerge with a small fish in its mouth, which it
bears to some convenient resting-place, and after battering its prey with a few hearty thumps
against a stump or a stone, swallows it, and returns for another victim. Waterfalls, rapids,
or "lashers" are the favored haunts of the Belted Kingfisher, whose piercing eye is able to
discern the prey even through the turmoil of dirty water, and whose unerring aim fails not to
seize and secure the unsuspecting victims, in spite of their active fins and slippery scale-
covered bodies.
"Rapid streams," says Wilson, "with high perpendicular banks, particularly if they be
of a hard, clayey, or sandy mixture, are also the favorite places of resort for this bird, not
only because in such places the small fish are more exposed to view, but because those steep
and dry banks are the chosen situation of his nest."
In these banks the Belted Kingfisher digs a tunnel, which often extends to the length
of four or five feet, employing both beak and claws in the work. The nest is of a very simple
nature, being composed of a few small twigs and feathers, on which are laid the four or five
pure white eggs. The birds seem to be much attached to their homes, and the same pair will
THE COMMON KINGFISHER. 135
frequent the same hole for many successive years, and rear many broods within the same
habitation. The extremity of the burrow where the eggs are placed is always rather larger
than the tunnel itself, and is expanded into a globular chamber for the purpose of affording a
sufficiency of space for the parents and their young. It is said that when a supposed
enemy approaches the nest, the parent birds employ various artifices to draw his attention
away from the sacred spot, and by fluttering about as if wounded or disabled, will often suc-
ceed in their endeavors. When the young are hatched, the parents are remarkably attentive
to them, as might be supposed from the reckless manner in which they expose themselves
to danger for the sake of their offspring.
The coloring of this spirited little bird is rather complicated and not very easy of descrip-
tion. The head is furnished with a crest of long pointed feathers, which can be raised or
depressed at will, and the whole upper surface of the body is light blue, marked with a great
number of narrow dark streaks caused by the black-blue shaft of each feather. The wings are
blackish-brown, bound with white upon the primaries, and diversified with blue upon the
exterior web of the secondaries. The sides are covered with blue mottlings, a belt of the
same bright hue crosses the chest, and a broad white band encircles the neck, throat, and
chin. The tail is black-brown barred with white, with the exception of the two central
feathers, which are blue. The length of this bird is about one foot.
The voice of the Belted Kingfisher is loud, dissonant, and startling, and has been com-
pared by Wilson to the sound produced by twirling a watchman's rattle.
The Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyori) is a very familiar bird in New England and the
Northern States. It is occasionally seen in Maine during the winter months.
ASIA presents us with a remarkably fine representative of the same genus in the handsome
SPOTTED KINGFISHER, several specimens of which bird are to be found in the British Museum.
This magnificent bird, which is appropriately called by the natives Muchee-bag, i. e., Fish-
Tiger, is an inhabitant of India, where it seems to be confined to the Himalayan district.
In size it is but little inferior to the Great African Kingfisher, being one foot three inches
in length, and bearing a bill three inches long. The chest and sides of the neck of the Fish-
Tiger are of a, beautiful grayish-white, which slightly deepens into a very pale fawn on the
abdomen and the under tail-coverts. The remainder of the body is covered with jetty black
plumage, relieved by numerous spots of pure white, and the head is decorated with a large
noble-looking crest, composed of elongated feathers of the same boldly contrasting hues. A
few black spots form a curved line between the bill and the shoulder, and also are scattered in
an uninterrupted band across the chest. The food of this bird consists mostly of fish, although
it feeds also on aquatic insects. Its nest is made among large stones, and is not composed
only of fish-bones, as is the case with the common European Kingfisher, but is rather elab-
orately constructed of mud lined with grasses, and adheres to the stones after the fashion of
the well-known swallows' nest. The eggs are four in number, and the young birds resemble
the parent bird in their markings.
ANOTHER species of Ceryle, the BLACK AND WHITE KINGFISHER (Ceryle rudis), is remark-
able for the peculiarity of tinting from which it derives its name, which affords a rather
remarkable contrast to the brilliant hues of blue and green which decorate the majority of
these birds. It is a native of many parts of the Old World, being spread over various portions
of Asia and Africa.
THE common KINGFISHER is by far the most gorgeously decorated of all our indigenous
birds, and can bear comparison with many of the gaily decorated inhabitants of tropical climates.
It is a sufficiently common bird, although distributed very thinly over the whole country,
and considering the great number of eggs which it lays, and the large proportion of young
which it rears, is probably more plentiful than is generally supposed to be the case. The
straight, glancing flight of the Kingfisher, as it shoots along the river-bank, its azure back
gleaming in the sunlight with meteoric splendor, is a sight familiar to all those who have been
136
THE COMMON KINGFISHER.
accustomed to wander by the sides of rivers, whether for the purpose of angling, or merely to
study the beauties of nature. So swift is the flight of this bird, and with such wonderful
rapidity does it move its short
wings, that its shape is hardly
perceptible as it passes through
the air, and it leaves upon the
eye of the observer the impres-
sion of a blue streak of light.
This straight, arrow-like course
is that which is generally
adopted by the bird, but on
some occasions the Kingfishers
will become very playful, and
sport with each other in the
air, turning and wheeling with
much adroitness as they mutu-
ally chase or avoid each other
in their game.
The food of this bird con-
sists chiefly, though not exclu-
sively, of fish, which it takes,
kills, and eats in the following
manner :
Seated upon a convenient
bough or rail which overhangs
a stream where .the smaller
fish love to pass, the King-
fisher waits very patiently un-
til he sees an unsuspecting
minnow or stickleback pass be-
low his perch, and then, with
a rapid movement, drops into
the water like a stone and se-
cures his prey. Should it be a
small fish, he swallows it at
once ; but if it should be of rather large dimensions, he carries it to a stone or stump, beats
it two or three times against the hard substance, and then swallows it without any trouble.
The Kingfisher, if unmolested, soon learns to be familiar with man, and has no hesitation
in carrying on the daily affairs of its life without heeding the near presence of a human
observer. I have known a Kingfisher to sit upon a projecting stone that overhung a stream
running at the foot of a garden, and to permit the owners of the garden to watch its proceed-
ings without exhibiting any alarm. If managed properly, this interesting bird will so far
extend its confidence to man as to become partially domesticated, speedily rivalling the robin
or the sparrow in the bold familiarity of its manners. One such bird, that was tamed by a
friend, owed its domestication to the loss of its parents.
Three young Kingfishers were seen sitting in a row upon a branch of a tree close to a
stream, and drew the attention of their future guardian by their constant wailing after food.
Various kinds of food were accordingly procured for the poor desolate birds ; but as the right
sort of diet was not obtained for some days, two of the young birds died. The third, however,
survived, and lived for a considerable time, coming regularly for his food, and receiving it at
the hands of his protector, but never venturing into the house. With process of time he met
with a mate and founded a family after the usual Kingfisher fashion. But he soon discovered
that it was easier to supply his family with food by resorting to his kind friends and asking
them for fish, than by spending time and trouble in capturing fish for himself.
KOIQFISHEB. AtasOo ispida.
THE PARADISE JACAMAR. 137
THE TINY KINGFISHER is found, according to Gould, in Northern Australia and New-
Guinea, and is a remarkably beautiful little creature.
In its habits it is very shy, and seems to prefer the deepest thicket as its place of resi-
dence, so that it cannot easily be approached without taking the alarm, and, indeed, is but
seldom seen at all, even by those who give their attention wholly to the search after objects of
natural history. Its voice, however, will often betray its presence, as it is fond of hearing
itself talk, and frequently utters a shrill piping note, which can be heard at a considerable dis-
tance, and cannot be mistaken for the voice of any other bird. Although it is able to fly with
considerable swiftness, it is not very powerful on the wing, its flight being strangely unsteady.
In its habits it resembles the European Kingfisher, catching and feeding on fish in much ,
the same manner.
The general color of the Tiny Kingfisher is a most intense blue, which, with few excep-
tions, is spread over the whole of the upper surface. Upon the eyes and below the ear-coverts
there is a rather large white patch, the primary feathers of the wings are blackish brown, and
the secondaries blue, edged with shining green. The throat, chest, and abdomen are of a
beautifully pure white, contrasting boldly with the deep blue of the upper parts of the body.
ANOTHER species, the AZIJRE KINGFISHER (Alcyone azurea), is closely allied to the tiny
Kingfisher, and is also a native of Australia, but inhabits a different locality, being found in
New South Wales and Southern Australia.
The nest of this bird is made in holes in the banks, and is simply composed of the dis-
gorged bones, scales, and other indigestible portions of the fishes which have been rejected
after the manner of most carnivorous birds. The number of eggs is rather large, being from
five to seven. The young are remarkably noisy, and whenever the parent birds pass the
entrance of the hole the young Kingfishers immediately think themselves hungry, and set up
a clamorous appeal for food. It is a very remarkable fact that the young birds assume the
plumage of the adult at their first moult, and being always rather precocious, soon manage to
get their own living.
The food of this bird consists chiefly of fish and aquatic insects. It is solitary in its habits,
being never seen assembled in numbers, and appearing to exercise a watchful jurisdiction over
a certain amount of land which it chooses to consider as its own property. The intrusion of
a stranger is instantly resented, and as the temper of the bird is naturally quarrelsome, it is
no uncommon event to see a pair of them engaged in conflict, dashing to and fro like angry
meteors, and whirling through the air in transports of rage. The general color of the Azure
Kingfisher is bright ultramarine blue above, buff upon the neck, chest, and abdomen, and
pure white upon the chin.
J AC AM A RS.
THE curious birds which are popularly known by the name of JACAMARS, are all natives
of the New World, and, as might be imagined from the metallic brilliancy of their plumage,
are denizens of the tropical regions of their native land.
In all these birds the bill is straight, long, rather compressed, pointed, with a decided
keel on the upper mandible, and with the corners of the mouth defended by some bristle-like
hairs. As will be seen, the toes are varied in number, some species possessing only three toes,
while the remainder are furnished with four toes as usual. The two front toes are united only
as far as the claws, and the thumb or "hallux" is either very short or altogether absent.
They are insect-eaters, and greatly resemble the trogons in many of their habits.
THE PARADISE JACAMAR is a striking little bird, on account of the beautiful colors with
which its plumage is decorated, its graceful form, and the long forked tail. It is but a small
bird, being not as large as an ordinary thrush, but its plumage is so beautiful in its coloring
VOL. tt-ffl.
138
THE GREEN J AC A MAR.
and so graceful in the arrangement of its feathers that the spectator entirely forgets its size in
admiration of its beauty. The neck of this species is rather long and mobile, enabling the
bird to dart its long straight bill in every direction with great rapidity. The tail is rather
curiously formed, the feathers being so graduated that the central pair extend far beyond the
others, and form a kind of fork, alterable at the will of the bird. As the Jacamars bear a
very close resemblance to the kingfishers, they were formerly supposed to belong to that group
of birds, and the Paradise Jacamar was termed the Fork-tailed Kingfisher.
The head of the Paradise Jacamar is brown tinged strongly with violet, and the throat,
the neck, and some of the wing-coverts are pure white. The back, wings, and remainder of
the body is a rich golden green, and the bill and feet are black. The feet are feathered nearly
as far as the toes.
<T"&5} .,,-^ife??^
fSISi-^S^
E**.=SS,S_ ,feC- -.-!
<w
-'"^x "'.-"^-rt
$*m^
GREEN JACAMAR Galbula viridis.
In its habits the Paradise Jacamar is not unlike the trogons and fly-catchers, seldom troub-
ling itself to chase its prey through the. air, but preferring to sit upon a bough and catch the
butterflies as they pass unconsciously near the feet of their destroyer, and then pounce_sud-
denly upon them and secure them in his long bill. So persevering are they in their watchful-
ness, and so strong is their attachment to the spot where they have taken up their residence,
that the locality where they feed can readily be discovered on account of the wings, legs, and
other iineatable portions of their prey, which they twist off and throw away before endeavoring
to swallow their victim. The Paradise Jacamar is a native of Surinam.
THE GBEEN JAOAMAE receives its popular name from the slight preponderance which
green holds above the other hues in the coloring of its plumage.
Nearly all the Jacamars present a very similar arrangement of colors, which is by no
means easy to describe, as the feathers are tinted with glowing hues of green, azure, gold, and
metallic red, all of which seem to have been scattered at random over the plumage, and to
have become so intermixed that the eye fails to separate them, or to assign any particulai
locality to any particular color. Indeed, the plumage of the Jacamars is a very Turkey-carpd
of tints, all the colors being very bright, but without any definite arrangement ; so that,
although clad in gorgeous raiment which nearly equals the plumage of the humming-birds is
THE BEE-EATERS. 139
its bright effulgence when examined feather by feather, the Jacamars are by no means con-
spicuous birds, and at a little distance do not appear nearly so handsome as the common
starling.
The color which is most conspicuous in this and among other Jacamars is a bright metallic
coppery-red, which continually changes to a purplish hue, and irresistibly reminds the
observer of a copper tea-kettle that has been subjected to the action of fire. The top of the
head is green, and the breast is marked with the same hue plentifully mixed with the peculiar
coppery tint which has just been mentioned. The chin is grayish white marked with a few
brown spots, the chest is dark green and copper, and the wings are also coppery -green, but
possess a large admixture of blue. The breast is green with a little copper, and the abdomen
chocolate, marked with a few dark longitudinal dashes. The upper surface of the tail is dark
shining green, and its under surface is nearly of the same color as the abdomen. The bird is
quite a little one.
Or the genus Jacamaralcyon we have a good example in the THREE-TOED JACAMAR.
This little bird, which is even smaller than the preceding species, possesses none of the
brilliant hues which decorate the majority of the group, but is clad in colors even more sombre
than those of the sparrow. The whole of the plumage, with very few exceptions, is of a dark,
dull, lustreless, sooty-black, beside which the blackbird would look quite brilliant. On a
closer inspection a dark olive-green reflection is visible on the upper surface of the body and
tail. The top of the head is marked with two or three chocolate streaks, and there is
another stripe of the same color drawn from the comer of the mouth towards the back of the
neck. The flanks are of the same sooty-black as the back, but without the green reflection,
and the white with a slight rusty-red tinge. The under surface of the tail is a gray brown.
THE GREAT JACAMAR, or BROAD-BILLED LAMPROTILA, as it is sometimes called, is so like
the kingfishers in form and general outline of contour, that it might easily be mistaken for
one of those birds by one who had not studied the characteristics of the group with some
attention.
In this bird, which evidently forms a link of transition between the Jacamars and the
Bee-eaters, and whose generic name of Jacamarops has been given to it in allusion to that
fact, the beak is extremely broad when compared with the compressed bills of the other
Jacamars, and the dilated ridge on the upper mandible is distinctly curved. The tail is broad
and moderately long, and the feathers of the head form a partial crest. The short neck,
rounded wings, and long bill of this bird give it a great resemblance to the kingfishers, and in
its attitudes it has a great air of those birds. Like them, it poises itself upon a branch and
darts down to secure its active prey in its bill, but differs from them in the fact that it feeds
almost exclusively upon insects, and knows not how to snatch from the stream the scaly
inhabitants of the waters.
In its coloring this bird very closely resembles the green Jacamar, which has already been
described, but does not possess quite so much of the green hue.
BEE-EATERS.
THE BEE-EATERS may at once be distinguished from the Jacamars by the shape of the bill,
which, although somewhat similar in general shape to the beak of those birds, is curved
instead of straight, and by the formation of the wings, which, instead of being short and
rounded, are long and pointed, and give to their owners a wonderful command of the air,
while engaged in chasing their winged prey. Some short bristles overhang the nostrils, and
the long and broad tail has generally the two outer feathers longer than the others. Their
140
THE AZURE-THROATED BEE-EATER.
plumage is remarkably handsome ; being painted with rich, and at the same time with
extremely delicate, hues of many colors. Green predominates throughout the group, a
verditer-blue seeming to be generally mixed with the green. Some species, such as the Nubian
Bee-eater (Merops nubius), are clothed in bright red ; while others, such as the Rose -breasted
Night-feeder (Nyctiornis amicta), are decorated with a rich rose tint upon the face and
breast.
NUBIAN BEE-EATER. Merops mMcue.
THE common BEE-EATER is very frequently found in many parts of the European Con-
tinent.
Undaunted by the poisoned weapons of the wasp, hornet, or bee, the bird makes many
a meal upon these insects, contriving to swallow them without suffering any inconvenience
from their stings. It is probable that there may be some peculiarity in the structure of this
and several other birds, that renders them indifferent to the poisonous influence of the sting,
for it is difficult to account for their immunity on any other theory. Mr. Yarrell imagines
that the Bee-eater renders its prey harmless by much pinching and biting, and that by
"repeated compression, particularly in the abdomen, the sting is either squeezed out, or its
muscular attachments so deranged, that the sting itself is harmless."
THE truly magnificent AZURE-THROATED BEE-EATER is an inhabitant of India, and is found,
although very rarely, in the interior of that country.
It is a very rare bird, perhaps not so much on account of the actual paucity of its
numbers, as from its extreme shyness, and the nature of the localities where it makes its
residence. The home of this bird is always in the deepest recesses of the vast Indian forests,
and in spite of its glowing colors and noisy tongue, it is so wary and fearful of man that
it is seldom seen. When fairly discovered, however, it often falls an easy prey to the native
hunter on account of the extreme nervousness of its nature. The report of a gun in close
proximity will have such an effect upon its nervous system as to afflict it with a momentary
paralysis, and it sometimes happens that in the great hunting expeditions of the native chiefs,
THE RED-THROATED BEE- EATER.
this Bee-eater is so stupefied by the unwonted turmoil, and repeated explosion of fire-arms,
that it. lies helplessly on the branch, and permits itself to be taken by hand.
AZUKE-THIIOATED BEE-EATEB. Nyctiornii at/iertoni.
THERE is a very beautiful and closely allied species to the above bird, namely, the
ROSE-BREASTED NYCTIORNIS, or RED-FACED NIGHT-FEEDER (Nyetiornis amicta), of which a
passing mention has already been made. This beautiful bird is a native of India, and is sup-
posed to feed chiefly by night, although the fact is not very clearly ascertained. In the beauty
and delicacy of the tints which stain its plumage, it may challenge comparison even with the
trogons themselves. The crown of the head is a fine lilac, and the face part of the throat, and
the upper part of the breast, are a bright rose-carmine. The remainder of the plumage is
golden green. The total length rather exceeds one foot.
THE very handsome bird which is indifferently known by the name of BULLOCK'S BEE-
EATER, and the BLTTE-BELLIED BEE-EATER, is an inhabitant of Western Africa, and has been
taken in Senegal. It is a truly beautiful creature, elegant in form and very brilliant in color.
It is not a very large bird, being considerably smaller than the common Bee-eater of Europe,
and measuring only seven inches in total length, of which the bill occupies one inch.
The upper portions of this species are light green, with the exception of the upper parts
of the neck, which is colored by a reddish crimson hue, the two tints merging gradually into
each other without any definite line of demarcation. From the gape of the mouth a black
stripe runs towards the back of the neck, enveloping the eye in its progress, and a small spot
of the same jetty hue is seen upon the tip of the chin. The throat is of the most brilliant
scarlet, and the breast and upper part of the abdomen are crimson like the neck. The lower
part of the abdomen is clear ultramarine blue, a peculiarity from which the bird derives its
popular name. The wings are green like the back, but the secondaries and tertiaries are
tipped with velvety black, about half an inch in depth. The feathers of the tail are of equal
length, and the bill and legs are black.
THE last example of the BF.E-EATERS which can be mentioned in these pages is the RED-
THEOATED BEE-EATER (Melittophagus guldris). This bird is remarkable for the singular
142 THE PTILORIS, OR RIFLE-BIRD.
coloring of its plumage, and the vivid contrasts presented by a few spots of bright color upon
a dark ground.
The general color of this species is a deep, velvety black, through which a green line
shines in certain lights. Upon the forehead and over the eyes are scattered a few tiny but
most brilliant verditer-green feathers, gleaming with a metallic lustre, and a patch of long
plumy feathers of the same brilliant hue occurs on the end of the back. The throat is deco-
rated with a patch of light chestnut-red, and the remainder of the breast and abdomen are of
the same deep velvety black, over which a number of isolated verditer feathers are very thinly
scattered.
SLENDER-BILLED BIRDS.
HOOPOES, OR UPUPID^E.
THE large group of birds which are termed TENUIROSTBAL, or SLENDER-BILLED, always
possess a long and slender beak, sometimes curved, as in the creepers, hoopoes, and many
humming-birds, and sometimes straight, as in the nuthatch and other hnmming-birds. The
feet are furnished with lengthened toes, and the outer toe is generally connected at the base
with the middle toe.
The first family of the Tenuirostres is called after the hoopoe, and termed Upupidse. In
all these birds the bill is curved throughout its entire length, long, slender, and sharply
pointed. The wings are rounded, showing that the birds are not intended for aerial feats, and
the tail is rather long. The legs are short, and the claws strong and decidedly curved. As
several of the families embrace a great number of species, it has been thought advisable to
separate them into sub-families, for greater convenience of reference and more precision of
arrangement.
The first sub-family is that of the Plume Birds, or Epimachinse, containing some very
beautiful species, all of exotic birth, and inhabiting Australia, New Holland, New Guinea,
and the neighboring islands. In these birds the long and slender bill is cloven as far as the
eyes, the nostrils are placed at its base, and covered with soft, silken plumes, and the thumb-
toe, or "hallux," is of considerable length and very strong, evidently for the purpose of aid-
ing the birds in the pursuit of their prey. The fourth quill-feather of the wing is generally
the longest.
THE PTILOKIS, or RIFLE-BIRD, is, according to Gould, the most gorgeous of all the Aus-
tralian birds, although the full beauty of the creature is not at first sight so striking a.s that of
the parrots or other gaudy -plumaged birds, and needs to be seen by a favorable light before
the full glory of the coloring can be made out.
In size the Rifle-Bird is equal to a large pigeon, and in spite of its beauty it is not very
often seen, as it is retiring in its habits, and seems to be confined to a very limited range of
country. As far as is at present known, it is found only in the thick " bush " of the south-
eastern portions of Australia, and even there appears to be a very local bird. It is no wan-
derer, never flying to any great distance from its home, and procuring its food in the near
vicinity of its nest. For lengthened flight, indeed, it is singularly incapacitated by the short-
ness and rounded form of the wings, which is a never-failing characteristic of weakness
in the flight and want of sustaining power. "While in its native woods it seems never to
make more use of its wings than is needful for the purpose of conveying it from one tree to
another.
The habits of this bird are very like those of the common creeper, for it is generally seen
upon the trunks and large branches of trees, running nimbly round them in a spiral course,
and extracting the insects on which it feeds from the crevices and recesses of the bark.
GOULD'S NEOMORPHA. 143
Although in many instances, some of which have already been mentioned, the two sexes
are clothed in very different plumage, there are few species where the distinction is so great as
is the case with the Rifle-Bird. In the male bird, the upper part of the body is deep velvet-
black, with a tinge of purple in a cross light, and the breast, abdomen, and under parts are of
the same velvety hue, but diversified with a fine olive-green, which stains the edges of each
feather. The crown of the head and the throat are covered with a multitude of remarkably little
patches of the most brilliant emerald-green, glancing with a lustrous metallic sheen that equals
the well-known emerald feathers of the humming-bird, and is in vivid contrast with the velvet-
black of the body. The tail is black, with the exception of the two central feathers, which
are of a rich metallic green, nearly as gorgeous as those of the head and neck. The tail is
black.
The plumage of the female and young male bird is strongly contrasted with these vivid
colors, being as brown and homely as that of the thrush, and giving no indication of the
gorgeous hues that dye the feathers of the adult male. The upper parts of the female and
undeveloped male are an obscure rusty brown, the wings and tail being edged with a reddish
hue. A whitish buff -streak runs through the eye, and the under surface is half -covered with
many spear-headed black marks, something like the arrow-headed characters of Nineveh,
caused by the black hue which tips each feather, and very partially stains their edges.
Van der Hoeven, in his "Handbook of Zoology," places this bird in the genus Epimachus,
together with the two beautiful species which will be next described. It is separated from
them by other systematic zoologists, on account of the formation of the tail, which is com-
paratively short, and the feathers of nearly equal length.
THE very remarkable bird which is depicted in the accompanying illustration has been
very appropriately named NEOMORPHA, or New-form, as it exhibits a peculiarity of formation
which, so far as is at present known, is wholly unique.
When this bird was first discovered, Mr. Gould very naturally considered the specimen
with the straight beak to be of a different species from that which has the curved bill, and
accordingly set them down in his list under different titles. In process of time, however, he
discovered the real state of the matter, as will shortly be seen by his own account. This very
curious anomaly in form is of considerable value to systematic zoologists, against over-esti-
mating the importance of form in a single limb or organ. Any one would be justified in con-
sidering so decided a difference of beak as a mark of distinction between two separate species ;
but it must not be forgotten that there are many genera, not only of birds, but of every class
of living beings, which have been established upon a far slighter foundation than is afforded
by the straight and curved beak of these birds, which have been found to be nothing more
than mere sexual distinctions of the same species.
The locality and habits of the Neomorpha are briefly but graphically described by
Mr. Gould, in the following passage, which is taken from his " Birds of Australia" : " These
birds, which the natives call E. Elia, are confined to the hills in the neighborhood of Port
Nicholson, whence the feathers of the tail, which are in great request among the natives, are
sent as presents to all parts of the island. The natives regard the bird with the straight and
stout beak as the male, and the other as the female. In three specimens which I shot this
was the case, and both birds are always together.
"These fine birds can only be obtained with the help of a native, who calls them with a
shrill and long-continued whistle, resembling the sound of the native name of the species.
After an extensive journey in the hilly forest in search of them, I had at last the pleasure of
seeing four alight on the lower branches of the tree near which the native accompanying me
stood. They came quick as lightning, descending from branch to branch, spreading out the
tail and throwing up the wings. Anxious to obtain them, I fired ; but they generally come
so near, that the natives kill them with sticks. Their food consists of seeds and insects ; of
their mode of nidification, the natives could give no information. The species are apparently
becoming scarce, and will probably be soon exterminated."
In the coloring of its plumage, Gould's Neomorpha is, although rather dark, a really
144
GOULD'S NEOMORPHA.
handsome bird when closely inspected in a good light. The general hue of the feathers is a
very dark green, appearing to be black in some lights, and having a bright glossy surface.
Upon each side of the neck is a fleshy protuberance, or "wattle," analogous to the wattle of
the common turkey, and of a rich'orange color during the life of the bird. After death, how-
ever, the bright color rapidly fades, and the full, round, fleshy form quickly contracts, so that
after a while the only remnants of the wattle are to be found in two flat, shrivelled, dusky
projections, which give no idea of their former shape and beauty, and look as if they had
been cut out of old parchment.
ri^&JQ;
GOULD'S NEOHOBPHA. Ueteralocha acutirmtns.
The same unfortunate result is to be found in every stuffed or dried skin, whenever the
skin itself is not concealed by fur, scales, or feathers. It is very much to be regretted that
some plan cannot be discovered for preserving such portions of the creatures in their original
form and color, as in many cases they are extremely important in affording distinctive marks
of species, and in all are so characteristic in their appearance, that their total absence, or any
change in their shape and hue, entirely alters the whole aspect of the creature. At present,
the only mode of getting over the difficulty is to model the organ in wax, but this is at best
but a kind of charlatanry ; and as it depends entirely on the skill of hand and faculty of
observation possessed by the individual taxidermist, is not sufficiently reliable to be of much
value in a museum.
Moreover, the greater number of rare and new species are obtained when there are no means
of obtaining the wax and other appliances which are needful for this mode of proceeding, and
even if it were otherwise, the skins are seldom set up before they reach their final destination,
on account of the space which they would occupy, and the great risk of injury they would run.
THE SUPERB EPIMACHUS.
145
Until some method has been discovered by which these naked parts can be restored to
their original shape and brilliancy, they will always present that repulsive shrivelled appear-
ance which is too familiar to all who have compared a stuffed skin with the living, or even
with the dead
creature before
decay has fairly
set in. Mr. Wa-
terton's method
is the best that
has as yet been
put forward,
but it is too
tedious to be of
much service
even in the
closet, and in
the field or for-
est would occu-
py so much time
that the collec-
tor would find
his days taken
up with the
never -ending
labor of preserving the skin, and could give no time to
the observation of habits, or the procuring of specimens.
Perhaps some mode of injection might be discovered
which would answer the purpose of preserving the form
and color of these. appendages, as well as it serves the
purpose of the anatomist in preserving the form and
color of the veins and arteries, and which would not
require any cumbrous apparatus beyond the usual outfit
of a hunter-naturalist.
To proceed with the description of the Neomorpha.
The tail is of the same deep black-green as the rest of
the body, but the uniform monotony of the tint is pleas-
ingly interrupted by a broad band of pure white which
is drawn round its edges. The bill is of a rather dark-
brown color, and is rather lighter towards the extremity
than at the base. This bird is a native of New Zealand.
PLUME BIRDS.
WE now come to the true Plume Birds, which have
been placed in various positions by the different zoolo-
gists who have written upon this subject ; some classing
them with the bird of paradise, to which they certainly
bear a great external resemblance, both on account of
the luxuriancy and the peculiar brilliant hues of the
plumage, while others have considered them as nearer
allied to the honey-suckers, and have, in consequence, placed them in close proximity to those
beautiful birds.
The SUPEPVB EPIMACHUS is a native of New Guinea, and is one of the most lovely creatures
VOL. H.-1S,
SUPERB PLUME BIRD. Epimachui specioeus
146 THE TWELVE-THREAD EPIMACHUS.
that inhabit the face of the earth. Although in the size of the body it is by no means large,
its plumage is so wonderfully developed, that the bird measures nearly four feet from the
point of the bill to the extremity of the tail.
"To add to the singularity of this bird," says Lesson, whose description is too vivid and
life-like to be neglected, " Nature has placed above and below its wings feathers of an extraor-
dinary form, and such as one does not see in other birds ; she seems, moreover, to have pleased
herself in painting this being, already so singular, with her most brilliant colors. The head,
the neck, and the belly are glittering green : the feathers which cover these parts possess the
lustre and softness of velvet to the eye and touch ; the back is changeable violet ; the wings are
of the same color, and appear, according to the lights in which they are held, blue, violet, or
deep black ; always, however, imitating velvet. The tail is composed of twelve feathers ; the
two middle feathers are the longest, and the lateral feathers gradually diminish ; it is violet or
changeable blue above, and black beneath. The feathers which compose it are as wide in pro-
portion as they are long, and shine both above and below with the brilliancy of polished metal.
" Above the wings the scapularies are very long and singularly formed ; their points being
very short on one side, and very long on the other. These feathers are of the color of polished
steel, changing into blue, terminated by a large spot of brilliant green, and forming a species
of tuft or appendage at the margin of the wings. Below the wings spring long curved feathers,
directed upwards ; these are black on the inside, and brilliant green on the outside. The bill
and feet are black."
The same author, in referring to the brilliant metallic hues of this and other birds, takes
occasion to notice the iridescent effect which is produced by the different angle at which light
falls on the feathers. The emerald green, for instance, will often fling out rays of its two
constituent primary colors, at one time being blue-green, at another gold-green, while in cer-
tain lights all color vanishes, and a velvet-black is presented to the eye. The ruby feathers of
several birds become orange under certain lights, and darken to a crimson-black at other times.
This change of hue is analogous to the well-known iridescent changeableness of the nacre
which lines various shells, and is owing to the structure of its surface refracting the light in
different rays according to the angle at which it falls upon the feathers.
THE adult male TWELVE-THREAD PLTJME BIRD presents so strong a resemblance to the
birds of paradise that it might easily be mistaken for one of those gorgeous creatures, than
which, indeed, it is scarcely less splendid. Not only does its plumage glow with all the
resplendency of brilliant emerald-green and velvety violet-black, but the bird is also provided
witn a number of long thread-like plumes, which are very similar to those of the paradise
birds. Lake the preceding species, it is a native of New Guinea, and is, if possible, even a
more beautiful creature ; the white floating plumes compensating for the absence of the
extremely lengthened tail.
The general color of the Twelve-thread Plume Bird is rich violet, so intense as to become
black in some lights, and having always a velvet-like depth of tone. Around the neck is
placed a collar of glowing emerald-green feathers, which stand boldly from the neck, and pre-
sent a most brilliant contrast with the deep violet of the back and wings. The tail is short in
comparison with the dimensions of the bird. From the back and the rump spring a number
of long silken plumes of a snowy white color, and a loose downy structure that causes them to
wave gracefully in the air at the slightest breeze. Six of these lower plumes at each side are
furnished with long, black, thread-like prolongations of the shaft, a peculiarity which has
earned for the bird its title of Twelve-thread.
Albino specimens of this bird have been found, in which the entire plumage was of the
same snowy -white as the downy plumes.
In attempting to describe these gorgeously -decorated creatures, it is impossible to avoid a
feeling of dissatisfaction when mentally comparing the wondrous beauty of the beings under
consideration and the imperfect words in which the writer has endeavored to portray their
beauties. Even with the assistance of color, any idea that can be given of these birds would
necessarily be very imperfect, and the most admirable illustrations that ever were drawn, rich
THE TWELVE-THREAD EPIMACHUS.
147
in ultramarine, carmine, and gold, would "pale their ineffectual fires" even before the stiff
and distorted form of the stuffed bird. Yet that very stuffed semblance of the living creature
fails egregiously in reproducing the bird as it was during life, as every one must have observed
who has visited a museum.
Putting aside the inevitable shrinking and darkening of the soft parts about the head,
legs, and claws, which change from their natural forms into dry and shrivelled pieces of dull,
black parchment, the feathers always present an unsightly staring appearance ; and there is
no taxidermist whose hand, be it ever so skilful, can give to the stuffed creature the exquisite
TWELVE-THREAD EPIMACHUS. Selevcidet niger.
swell and rounding of the various parts, and that air and carriage of the body which is so
indicative of the character. Not only is this the case with the stuffed bird, but immediately
after death the plumage loses half its beauty ; for during its lifetime the bird is able, by
smoothing or ruffling its plumage, to give to its form a vast variety of expressions, which sink
in death to one listless aspect, which tells that life lias fled. The very respiration of the bird
keeps the feathers in continual motion, causing them to change their tints with every breath.
Such being the case, even with the recently slain bird or the preserved skin, it may well be
imagined that no artist is sufficiently skilful to delineate, no artificial color sufficiently brill-
iant to reproduce, and no pen sufficiently accomplished to describe, the glowing tints with
any degree of success, when the drawings and the descriptions are compared with the living
originals.
148
THE HOOPOE.
IN the Plume Birds the nostrils are partly covered with a number of velvet-like plumes,
but in the HOOPOES they are protected by a membranous scale. The bill is long, curved,
pointed at the tip, and keeled at the base. The crown of the head is surmounted by a tuft of
feathers which can be raised or depressed at will. The wings are rather long, the first quill
being short, and the fourth the longest, and the tail is composed of ten feathers of nearly
equal length.
The common HOOPOE enjoys a very wide range of country, being found in Northern
Africa, where its principal home is generally stationed, in several parts of Asia, and nearly
the whole of Europe. On account of its very striking and remarkable form, it has attracted
much notice, and has been the subject of innumerable legends and strange tales, nearly all of
which relate to its feathery crest. One of the Oriental legends is worthy of notice inasmuch
as it contains a moral exclusive of the interest of the story.
It is related that Solomon was once journeying across the desert and was fainting with
heat, when a large flock of Hoopoes came to his assistance, and by flying between the sun and
the monarch formed an impenetrable cloud with their wings and bodies. Grateful for their
ready help, Solomon asked the birds what reward they would choose in return for their
HOOPOE. Upupa epopt.
services. After some consultation among themselves, the Hoopoes answered that they would
like each bird to be decorated with a golden crown ; and, in spite of Solomon's advice, they
persisted in their request, and received their crowns accordingly. For a few days they were
justly proud of their golden decoration, and strutted among the less favored birds with great
THE HOOPOE. 149
exultation, and repaired to every stream or puddle in order to admire the reflection of their
crowns in the water.
But before very long, a fowler happened to see one of the promoted birds, and on taking
it in his net discovered the value of its crown. Immediately the whole country was in an
uproar, and from that moment the Hoopoes had no rest. Every fowler spread his nets for
them, every archer lay in wait for them, and every little boy set his springle or laid his rude
trap, in hope of catching one of these valuable birds. At last they were so wearied with per-
secution, that they sent one or two of the survivors to Solomon, full of repentance at their
rejection of his advice, and begging him to rescind the gift which they had so unwisely
demanded. Solomon granted their request, and removed the golden crown from their heads ;
but, being unwilling that the birds should be left without a mark by which they might be dis-
tinguished from their fellows, he substituted a crown of feathers for that of gold, and dis-
missed them rejoicing.
The Turks call the Hoopoe Tir-Chaous, or Courier Bird, because its feathery crown bears
some resemblance to the plume of feathers which the chaous or courier wears as a token of his
office. The Swedes are rather fearful of the Hoopoe, and dread its presence, which is rare in
their country, as a presage of war, considering the plume as analogous to a helmet. Even in
England the uneducated rustics think it an unlucky bird, most probably on account of some
old legend which, although forgotten, has not entirely lost its powers of exciting prejudice.
The food of the Hoopoe is almost entirely of an insect nature, although the bird will
frequently vary its diet with tadpoles and other small creatures. Beetles and their larvae,
caterpillars and grubs of all kinds, are a favorite food with the Hoopoe, which displays much
ingenuity in digging them out of the decayed wood in which they are often found. The
jetant (Formica fuliginosd), which greatly haunts the centre of decaying trees, is also eaten
by this bird.
The nest is made in hollow trees, and consists of dried grass stems, feathers, and other
soft substances. The eggs are of a, light gray color, and in number vary from four to seven.
They are laid in May, and the young make their appearance in June. It is worthy of notice
that the beak of the young Hoopoe is short and quite straight, not attaining its long curved
form until the bird has attained its full growth. The nest of the Hoopoe has a very pungent
and disgusting odor, which was long thought to be caused by putrid food brought by the
parent birds to their young, and the Hoopoe was therefore supposed to enact a part analogous
to that of the vulture, and to perform the office of a scavenger. But, as the reader will doubt-
lessly have observed, the food of the Hoopoe consists chiefly of living insects, and could have
no such ill effects. The real reason of the evil odor is that the tail-glands of these birds
secrete a substance that is extremely offensive to human nostrils, although it is unheeded by
the birds themselves.
The name Hoopoe is doubly appropriate to this bird, as it may be either derived from the
crest (huppe), or from the peculiar sound which the bird is fond of uttering, and which
resembles the syllable hoop ! hoop ! which, as Mr. Yarrell observes, " is breathed out so softly,
yet rapidly, as to remind the hearer of the note of the dove." The pace of the Hoopoe is a
tripping kind of walk, which is at times very quick and vivacious, and sometimes is slow and
stately as if the bird were mightily proud of its crested head. When at liberty it is generally
found in sequestered spots, preferring low, marshy grounds, and the vicinity of woods, because
in these places it is certain to find plenty of food.
The Hoopoe is a hardy bird in captivity, and from all accounts seems to be very interest-
ing in its habits. From the many histories of caged or domesticated Hoopoes, I select the
following, as they give a very good idea of the bird and its peculiarities. The first account is
written by Mr. Blyth, in a contribution to the Magazine of Natural History :
" On beholding six of these birds confined in a very roomy cage, I was particularly struck
with their vivacity and quick and expressive physiognomy ; and a scene not a little amusing
was exhibited on holding to them a morsel of meat. In a moment they all crowded eagerly to
seize it, uttering a wheezing cry, and following my hand with rapidity about the cage, one or
two of them sometimes clinging to the wires ; and when at length two or three pieces were
150 SUN-BIRDS.
given to them, the scramble, though they could not have been very hungry, and the subse-
quent struggle for possession, was maintained with a pertinacity that was truly surprising.
Two might be seen tugging with might and main at the same morsel, till wearied with
repeated efforts they would give over for awhile, still retaining, however, their hold, to
resume the contest after an interval of rest ; and it was not unusual on such occasions for
a third individual, generally a smaller and weaker bird, to quietly watch the issue of the con-
test, when it would endeavor to deprive the victor of its prize. Certainly, I never saw birds
struggle so vigorously before, nor pull with such determined force and energy, tumbling over
not unfrequently from the violence of their efforts."
SUN-BIRDS.
THE beautiful and glittering SUN -BIRDS evidently represent in the Old World the humming-
birds of the New. In their dimensions, color, general form, and habits, they are very similar
to their brilliant representatives in the western hemisphere, although not quite so gorgeous in
plumage, nor so powerful and enduring of wing. They are termed Sun-birds, because the
hues with which their feathers are so lavishly embellished gleam out with peculiar brilliancy
in the sunlight. The common sun-beetles, that run about the ground in the hot weather, their
glittering surface flashing rainbow-tinted light in every direction, have earned their popular
and expressive name in a similar manner.
These exquisite little birds feed on the juice of flowers and the minute insects that are
found in their interior, but are not in the habit of feeding while on the wing, hovering over a
flower and sweeping up its nectar with the tongue, as is the case among the humming-birds.
The Sun-birds generally, if not always, perch before they attempt to feed, and flit restlessly
from flower to flower, picking the blossoms in rapid succession, and uttering continually a
sharp, eager cry, that indicates the earnestness of their occupation. In accordance with their
peculiar habits, the feet and legs are very much stronger than those of the humming-birds ;
their wings are shorter, rounder, and less powerful, and their plumage is not so closely set.
Moreover, the feathers, although bedecked with the most brilliant of hues, lack, except in
certain spots, such as the crown of the head and the throat, the scintillating radiance of the
humming-bird, and do not possess in an equal degree the property of changing their hues
with every movement.
The brilliant colors of the Sun-birds belong, as a general rule, only to the male sex, the
female being comparatively sober in her plumage, possessing neither the beauty of form nor
color which is so conspicuous in the other sex. Even in the male bird, the gorgeous plumage
has Taut a temporary existence, becoming developed at the commencement of the breeding season,
and being lost at the moult which always follows the rearing of the young. At all other
seasons of the year, the male birds are nearly as simply clothed as their mates, and even the
glittering, scaly feathers of the head and throat are replaced by a dull brown plumage, hardly
distinguishable, except by difference of structure, from the surrounding feathers of the neck.
The change of color and form is so great in these birds, that many zoologists have described
the immature male, the adult male, and the female as three distinct species, and have conse-
quently wrought great confusion among their ranks.
The young male birds are not unlike the female, but may be known by one or two feather
structures, which will be presently mentioned ; and it is a rather curious fact that the adult male
always returns after the breeding season to the plumage of immaturity. Some writers have
questioned the truth of this statement, but without sufficient reason. As soon as the time
arrives when the birds begin to choose their mates, and the brilliant feathers have fully
developed themselves, the male Sun-bird becomes very animated, and makes the most of
his gorgeous plumage, puffing up the feathers of the neck and head, so as to make them flash
THE FIERY-TAILED SUN-BIRD.
151
in the sun's rays, as if conscious of the fascination which his brilliant costume must exert
upon the susceptible hearts of the gentler sex.
The Sun-birds usually make their nests in the hollows of decaying trees, or within the
centre of thick brushwood. In many cases the nest is concealed with great care ; and in some
instances is constructed with consummate art. The material of the nest is generally composed
of very fine fibres, interwoven and lined with the soft cottony down that is found in the seed
vessels of many plants, and ingeniously set round with various lichens, so as to give it a close
resemblance to the tree in which it is placed. One species has even been known to make
a thick spider's web the foundation of its nest, and to cover it so completely with little bits of
moss, lichens, paper, cloth, and all kinds of miscellaneous substances, as to destroy its nest-
like appearance, and make it look like a chance bundle of scraps entangled in the branches.
When taken young, the Sun-birds are very susceptible to human influence, rapidly
becoming tame, and learning to fly about the room and take their food from the hand of their
owners with charming familiarity.
It has already been mentioned that
the Sun-bird utters a shrill, sharp
whistle, while engaged in seeking
food. This, however, is not their
only cry, as many of them possess
considerable musical powers, their
cry, although feeble, being sweet
and agreeably undulated. It is
thought by many observers that
the Sun-birds, while flitting from
flower to flower, aid in the work
which is so efficiently carried out
by bees and similar insects, and
help to carry the fructifying pollen
from one blossom to another.
AMONG these birds the FIERY-
TAILED SUN-BIRD, although not the
largest, is yet one of the most
striking and beautiful in form and
color.
This most lovely little creature
is an inhabitant of India, being
found near the foot of the Hima-
laya mountains, and most plenti-
fully near Nepal. In dimensions
it is extremely small, owing to the
great difference which exists, even
in adult males, in the length of the
central feathers of the tail, the
disparity often amounting to two inches, so that the length of the bird may be from three to
five and a half inches. The forehead and the top of the head are brilliant steel-blue, and the
neck, the back, and the upper tail-coverts are the most beautiful scarlet vermillion, diversified
by a broad patch of bright yellow upon the bend of the back. The two long central feathers
of the tail are also bright vermillion and "the side feathers are brown, edged with the same
brilliant hue. The upper surface of the wings is olive-brown, each feather being brown and edged
with olive ; the under surface of the wing is grayish white, worked here and there with very pale
brown. The breast is beautiful gold-yellow, with a wash of crimson in the centre ; and the abdo-
men, and remainder of the under parts, are rather pale olive-green. The bill is blackish-brown
Before and after the breeding season the Fiery-tailed Sun-bird assumes a more sober
FIEBY-TAILBD SON-BIRD. Nectarinla melalllca.
152
THE COLLARED SUN-BIRD.
plumage, the general color being olive, with a slight murk of pale scarlet upon the back. The
crimson patch on the breast vanishes, and the tail-feathers are all of equal length. The female
is olive-green above and greenish-yellow below, and there is a slight mark of red upon tlie base
of the tail.
THE COLLARED SUN-BIBD is an inhabitant of many parts of Africa, stretching from the
northern portions of that continent as far as the western coasts. It is extremely plentiful in
the larger forests of the Cape and the interior, but there is very little information . concerning
COLLARED
chalytea.
its habits, saving that they resemble those of its relations. The nidification of this species
differs according to the locality, for it places its nest in the interior of hollow trees wherein it
resides in the forests, and is content with the shelter of a thick bough when there are no decay-
ing trees within reach.
The male Collared Sun-bird is a most beautiful little creature, bedecked with glowing
tints of wonderful intensity. The general color of the upper parts of the body and breast is a
rich golden-green, the upper surface of the wings and tail being blackish-brown with green
reflections. Across the breast are drawn several colored bands, which have earned for the
bird its popular and expressive name, as all names should be. A narrow band of bright steel-
blue runs across the upper part of the breast, being rather wide in the centre and narrowing
rapidly towards the sides of the neck. Below this blue band runs a broad belt of rich car-
mine, and immediately below the carmine is a tlrird narrow band of bright golden-yellow.
From the sides of the breast proceed several small feathery plumes of the same golden hue.
The remainder of the abdomen is grayish-brown, and the upper tail-coverts are violet-purple.
The female is rather less in dimensions than her mate, and is very sober in her attire,
wearing a suit of uniform olrve-brown, darker upon the wings and tail, and very pale behind.
The total length of this species is rather more than four and a half inches.
THE BLUE-HEADED HONEY-SUCKER. 153
THERE is another species of Sun-bird which closely resembles the last-mentioned bird in
its coloring, and is often mistaken for it. This is the GREATER COLLARED SUN-BIRD (Necta-
rinia afro), a rather larger bird, measuring at least one inch more in total length than the
preceding species. It is also an inhabitant of Africa, but is seldom seen in the extreme south
of that country, preferring the deep forests of the interior, and rarely descending to the plains.
Its nest is made in some hollow tree, and the eggs are four or live in number and white in
color, plentifully variegated with tawny markings. It may be distinguished from the common
Collared Sun-bird by the greater amount of the bronze-green hue, and by the shortness of the
blue collar.
THE JAVANESE SUN-BIRD is a native of the country from which it derives its name. It is
a very pretty little creature, although its colors are not so resplendent as in several of the
species. The upper parts of the body are shining steely-purple, and the under surface is
olive-yellow. The throat is chestnut, and a bright violet streak runs from the angle of the
mouth to the breast.
THE GOALPORAH SUN-BIRD (Nectarinia goalpariensis) is also worthy of a passing notice.
This beautiful species is an inhabitant of several parts of Asia, and is rather plentiful in
and about Nepal. In dimensions it is equal to the preceding species, the adult male measur-
ing about live and a half inches in length. The nest is beautifully constructed, and is of the
pendulous order. The food of this bird consists chiefly of minute insects, spiders, and various
larvae, chiefly those of flies. It lives mostly in the depths of the densest forests, where it may
be found in tolerable numbers by those who choose to take the trouble to search after it.
In the plumage of this pretty bird, red is the prevailing color. The crown of the head is
rich golden-green, and the nape of the neck, the breast, and scapulse are of a dazzlingly brill-
iant scarlet. The long central tail-feathers are of a rich green, and when closed, as is the case
while the bird is at rest, completely conceal the bright yellow tint of the feathers below. The
remainder of the tail is brownish black, and all the plumage of the lower part of the back is
loose and downy in its structure.
Some of the tribes of the Sun-birds, and their behavior when in captivity, are well recorded
in the following description of some tame Sun-birds, by Captain Boys, quoted in Gould's
"Birds of Asia." The species which is described is another Indian species, the Asiatic Sun-
bird (Nectarinia asidtica), called by the natives " Shukurkhor," or sugar-eater:
"In 1829 I slightly wounded a male in the bastard wing, secured and brought it home.
By some neglect it was unthought of for four days, when, on looking into the bag in which it
had been placed, I found that it was not only alive, but that the wing had completely cicatrized.
I should observe, however, that the broken part of the wing had been taken off with a pair of
scissors immediately after the bird was brought home. I placed it in a cage, and succeeded in
keeping it alive for several weeks by feeding it on sugar and water, of which it took great
quantities, but, owing perhaps to a want of variety in its food, it became thinner and thinner
until it died. During its captivity it was very sprightly, and from the first day readily fed
itself by dipping its tongue into the dish of syrup with which it was supplied."
It is probable that the poor little bird died, as was supposed, from the effects of its diet.
A similar story is told of some of the humming-birds, by Webber, where the little creatures
pined after long feeding upon syrup alone, but, on being permitted to fly at liberty, imme-
diately set to work upon the little garden spiders, and soon recovered their health and brill-
iancy. This need of animal food seemed to be periodical and irresistible.
In the same account, a portion of which has just been extracted, Captain Boys asserts
that the nest of the Asiatic Sun-bird is very rudely made, whereas Mr. Layard tells us that
it is constructed in a remarkably neat manner, and that it is often suspended from a twig in
such a manner that the spiders cover it with their webs, and make it almost invisible.
THE BLUE-HEADED HONEY-SUCKER is a beautiful bird and a good specimen of its genus.
It is an inhabitant of Brazil, where it is extremely common, and by the bright gorgeousness
VOL. n.-ao.
154 THE AUSTRALIAN DICTUM.
of its plumage, and the restless activity of its movements, adds much to the beauty of the
wondrous scenery among which it dwells. It is found spread over the whole of Brazil,
and may always be found haunting the blossoming trees and plants, dashing to and fro
with its glancing flight, hovering with tremulous wing over the flowers while undetermined
in its choice, and plunging its long beak eagerly into their newly-opened blossoms, where
it finds its food. It is not known to feed while on the wing, as is the case with the humming-
birds, but perches near or upon the flower, and clings with its strong little feet while taking
its meal.
The Blue-headed Honey-sucker derives its name from the azure-blue which decorates its
head, and which is very changeable in different lights. The throat, the back, the tail, and
the wings are black, except that the quill-feathers are edged with blue. The female bird does
not possess the beautiful tints of her mate, the greater part of her plumage being green, tinged
with blue upon the head and the scapularies ; the throat is gray. This bird is known by
several other titles, such as the Cayenne Warbler, the Blue-headed Warbler, and the Blue-
headed Creeper.
LARGEST of all the group, the MALACHITE SUN-BIRD has long attracted the attention of
ornithologists, on account of its great comparative size and its beautiful plumage.
It is one of the African species, being an inhabitant of the Cape of Good Hope, where it
remains throughout the entire year, and is in the habit of frequenting the gardens, and soon
becomes familiar with the proprietors, provided that it be not disturbed. Sometimes the
Malachite Sun-birds take a violent fancy to some particular shrub or tree, and may be seen in
flocks of forty or fifty in number congregating upon its branches and amusing themselves
among its blossoms. Day after day these birds may be seen in the same spot, attracted by
some irresistible though obscure charm resident in the tree which they favor. The nest of
this species is composed of very tiny twigs covered with moss, and contains four or five
green eggs.
The title of Malachite Sun-bird has been given to this creature on account of the brilliant
malachite green of its plumage.
The male bird when dressed in full nuptial costume is a remarkably handsome bird, and
is nearly double the length of any other species, often exceeding nine inches in total length.
The whole of the upper surface is rich golden-green marked with a reddish bronze. The
feathers of the throat and forehead are of the same hue, but of so deep a tone that they
ap] ear to be velvety -black at first sight, and are so constructed that they have a velvet-like
feel to the touch as well as to the sight. Whenever the bird moves, even by the act of respira-
tion, waves of bright hues seem to ripple upon its surface, caused by the peculiar coloring of
the feathers, which are black at their bases and colored at their extremities. The wings and
tail are black, and the secondaries and wing-coverts are edged with green and violet. There
is a tuft of bright yellow feathers under each shoulder.
The female is much smaller than her mate, and is of a dull olive-brown, except the exte-
rior feathers of the tail, which are edged with white.
Among other long-tailed Sun-birds may be mentioned Nectarinia pt/lchella, which may
be known by its green-edged black tail-feathers and the bright double collar of carmine and
golden-yellow that runs across the chest. Another species, also long-tailed, Nectarinia
platura, is remarkable for the brilliant golden-yellow of the breast and abdomen, and the rich
violet-purple of the upper tail-coverts.
THE beautiful little DIC^EUM, although very common throughout the whole of Australia,
and a remarkably interesting little bird, was, when Mr. Gould wrote his animated description,
so little known among the colonists that there was no popular name for the bright little
creature.
This tiny bird is fond of inhabiting the extreme summits of the tallest trees, and habitually
dwells at so great an elevation that its minute form is hardly perceptible, and not even th
bright scarlet hue of the throat and breast can betray its position to the unaccustomed eye of
THE AZURE CdlREBA. 165
a passenger below. The song of the Dicseum, although very sweet and flowing, is very soft
and faint, and seems to be an inward warbling rather than the brilliant melody which is flnng
so energetically from the vocal organs of many singing-birds. The little bird, however,. is pos-
sessed of considerable endurance, for its strain, although weak, is long continued. The Dicseum
is mostly found among the thick foliage of the Casuarinse, and Mr. Gould relates that he fre-
quently saw it flitting about the branches of a remarkably beautiful parasitic plant termed
scientifically the Loranthus, which it seems to visit either to eat the soft viscid berries, or for
the purpose of preying upon the little insects that come to feed on the flowers. Mr. Gould
prefers the latter supposition.
The flight of the Dicseum is very quick and darting, and it makes more use of its wings
and less of its feet than any of the insect-hunting birds. The nest is remarkably pretty, being
woven as it were out of white cotton cloth, and suspended from a branch as if the twigs had
been pushed through its substance. The peculiar purse-like shape of the nest attracts atten-
tion. The material of which it is woven is the soft cottony down which is found in the seed-
vessels of many plants. The eggs are four or five in number, and their color is a dull grayish-
white profusely covered with minute speckles of brown.
The two sexes differ considerably in the coloring of their plumage, the male bird being
much more brilliant than his mate. The head, back, and upper parts of the adult male are
deep black with a beautiful steely-blue gloss, the sides are brownish-gray, and the throat,
breast, and under tail-coverts are a bright glaring scarlet. The abdomen is snowy-white, with
the exception of a tolerably large black patch on its centre. The female is more sombre in her
apparel, the head and back being of a dull sooty-black, and the steel-blue reflection only
appearing on the upper surface of the wings and tail. The throat and centre of the abdomen
are buff, the sides are pale grayish-brown, and the under tail-coverts scarlet, of a less brilliant
hue than in the male. In its dimensions the Dicseum is hardly so large as our common
wren.
ANOTHER species belonging to the same genus, but an inhabitant of a different part of the
world, is equally remarkable for its minute form and the bold richness of its colors. This is
the RED-BACKED DICSEUM (Dicceum cruentatum) of Asia.
This beautiful wee bird is plentiful in India, extending over a wide range of country, and
being found in the vast tracts which reach from Calcutta to Assam on the east, and as far as
Malacca on the north. Like the Australian Dicseum, it resides on the summits of the loftiest
trees, and on account of its quite small size is not very often seen, and even if seen is so hard
to shoot that it is but seldom killed, except by those who make it their business to collect
specimens. The male bird is remarkable for a broad line of the brightest scarlet which extends
from the top of the head along the back, and reaches nearly to the extremity of the tail. The
remainder of the upper surface is black, marked with green upon the wing-coverts, and the
lower parts are of a light buff.
NEARLY allied to the preceding species is the FIRE-BREASTED MYZANTHE (Myzanthe
ignipectus), a bird which is remarkable as being the smallest bird of India. So very small is
this beautiful little bird, that an adult specimen is hardly two and a half inches in total length,
and weighs only three and a half drachms. In its habits it is very like the Dicseum, frequent-
ing the tops of trees, and keeping itself well out of sight. The general color of this bird is a
dark glossy green above and buff below. Upon the chest there is a bold patch of bright crim-
son, and immediately below is a curious little black mark something like a frond of seaweed
in shape. It is an inhabitant of Nepal.
THE two following species of birds are of small size, but are remarkable for the extreme
beauty of the plumage, which glows with the most brilliant hues, but is not endowed with
the peculiar changing tint of the Epimachi and humming-birds.
The first of these creatures, the AZURE C^EREBA, is a most glowing little bird, its feathers
being deeply and gorgeously dyed with azure, verditer, and velvet-black, arranged in the
156
THE SCARLET DREPANI8.
following bold and striking manner. The crest is of a brilliant verditer-blue, possessing a metal-
lic splendor, and almost flashing with emerald rays when placed in a strong light. A black
velvet-like patch of feathers is placed on the back of the head and neck, affording the most
decided contrast with the light plumage of the crest. Another but larger patch of the same
deep hue occurs upon the shoulder, the wings are also black, and a black streak is drawn from
the angle of the mouth towards the back of the neck. With these exceptions, the whole of
the body is a bright azure.
This species is an inhabitant of Cayenne, Guiana, and the neighboring localities. It is a
little bird, hardly larger than a common sparrow.
The Azure Csereba may generally be found upon the various flowering trees and shrubs of
its native land, where it occupies its time in a perpetual search after the tiny insects that con-
ceal themselves within
the newly-opened blos-
soms.
In its nesting and
in other parts of its
economy it is a most
singular bird. The nest
is of the pensile order,
being neatly woven up-
on the extremity of
some slender twig,
which sways to and fro
even with the trifling
weight of the mother
and her tiny brood, and
will in nowise bear the
heavy bodies of the va-
rious snakes and lizards
that abound among the
branches of the trees,
and keep up a relent-
less persecution of
young nestlings and
eggs. The shape of the nest is not unlike that of a large "jargonelle " pear, the lower extremity
being produced into a long tube with the mouth below, and the eggs placed in a large rounded
portion of the nest. No predaceous reptile could venture itself into so formidable a strong-
hold, and any noxious insect that might make its way through the tunnel would soon be
snapped up by the watchful parent. The substance of the nest is composed of very slender
grasses and fibres, and the entire structure is put together with a delicate firmness that human
fingers would strive in vain to imitate.
It is said, upon very good authority, that the young of the Azure Csereba are blind when
they emerge from the egg-shell, and that they do not attain the full power of vision until they
are able to fly and to get their own living.
THE SCARLET DREPANIS is well worthy of notice, not only on account of the position
which it holds in the present system of ornithology, but by reason of the extreme value which
is set upon it, and upon other species of the same genus, by the natives of the country where
it dwells.
The color of this bird is, as it name implies, scarlet upon the greater part of its plumage,
the wings and tail being black, so that the two contrasting tints have a remarkably good
effect. It is an inhabitant of the Sandwich Islands, and is in very great favor with the
natives, who employ its phimage in the manufacture of those wonderful feather mantles and
helmets which cannot but excite the wonder of all who ponder upon the singular amount of
AZUKE C^IREBA. Caret/a cyanea.
THE WHITE-PINIONED HONEY-EATER. 157
mechanical skill, dogged pe ^severance, and true artistic taste that has been employed in their
manufacture.
The mantles are made with the greatest care, the precious feathers being so judiciously
disposed that none are wasted, while, at the same time, they cannot be discomposed by any
movement of the wearer so as to betray the groundwork on which they are woven. Their
colors, too, are arranged with great artistic feeling, and produce a very brilliant effect without
offending the eye, or appearing to be needlessly gaudy. The helmets, which are in like man-
ner decorated with the glowing feathers of these beautiful birds, are even more wonderful than
the mantles, as they are not only skilfully constructed, but their form is absolutely classic in
its graceful simplicity, and recalls to the spectator the best efforts of Greek art.
These mantles are so extremely beautiful in the soft flowing grace of their folds, are so
light to the wearer, and so exquisitely brilliant in color, that they would soon be in great
request in the world of fashion, were they once introduced by one of the leading votaries of
that capricious deity. The feather head-dress, too, would be so soft, light, and brilliant, that
it would soon vanquish all other costumes, and reign supreme.
The birds of this genus are very gregarious, delighting to associate in large flocks, and
haunting the flower-bearing plants for the purpose of feeding upon the sweet juices and tiny
insects which are found wdthin the blossoms. In feeding they thrust their long bill and
tongue to the very bottom of the flowers, and greatly resemble the bees in that respect. The
natives take advantage of their flower-loving and gregarious habits, and by setting snares in the
spot which they love best to haunt, contrive to immolate them in considerable numbers. As
the Scarlet Drepanis is but a small bird, being hardly larger than the Csereba, and as neither
the tail nor wing appear to be employed in the structure of the mantles and helmets, it is
evident that a vast number of these beautiful little creatures must perish before one chief can
be gratified with the completion of a single mantle or the adorning of a single helmet.
HONEY -EATERS.
THE true HONEY-EATERS form a very numerous group of birds, all of which are graceful
in their forms and pleasing in the color of their plumage, while in some instances the hues
with which they are decorated are so bright as to afford ground for classing them among the
really beautiful birds. They all feed on similar substances, which, as indicated by their name,
consist chiefly of honey and the sweet juices of flowers, although they also vary their diet
by insects and other small living beings.
THE NEW HOLLAND HONEY-EATER is a remarkably pretty bird, the whole of its body
being covered with black, white, and yellow markings, which stand out in bold contrast to
each other. The top of the head is black, and a number of little white feathers are gathered
on the forehead. The sides of the head and neck are marked very conspicuously with three
streaks of pure white, one of which is drawn over each eye, as if it were intended to stand in
the place of an eyebrow, another passes from the nostrils towards the back of the neck, like a
moustache, and the third is seen on the side of the neck, so that its whole aspect presents a
sufficiently curious appearance. The body and upper part of the wings are deep brown-black,
diversified with a narrow line of pale yellow upon the outer edge of each quill-feather, and a
slight edging of white around their extremities. The tail is of the same brown-black as the
body, edged with yellow, and tipped with white on the under surface. The lower parts and
abdomen are grayish-white, profusely covered with dashes of black.
THE WHITE-PINIONED HONEY-EATER is found, according to Mr. Gould, upon the north
coast of Australia, and is very plentiful, especially near the settlement at Port Essington.
158 THE FOE BIRD.
In its habits it is partly gregarious, being seen in little flocks, perhaps families, of six or
seven in number, flitting about the tops of lofty trees and ever in active motion. Partly on
account of the great elevation at which it loves to dwell, and partly because of the extreme
shyness and wariness of its disposition, the gunner finds considerable difficulty in approach-
ing within gunshot, so that, although the bird is so common, it is not very often shot. In its
flight it is strong and steady, not contenting itself with mere Sittings from tree to tree, but on
occasion launching boldly into the air, and shaping its course for some distant point. In taking
these aerial journeys it always commences by rising perpendicularly to a very great height, and
then, after having settled the direction in which it intends to go, it shoots off with a swift and
steady flight.
ANOTHER of these birds, the GARRULOUS HONEY-EATER, so named on account of its singu-
larly talkative propensities, is a native of Van Diemen' s Land and New South Wales, in both
of which localities it is very common.
It enjoys, however, but a very limited range, being contained within certain boundaries
with such remarkable strictness, that in some cases it is found in great numbers on one side of
a river, while on the other side not a single bird can be seen. Those which inhabit Van Die-
men's Land are rather larger than those of New South Wales, the greater size being probably
caused by a greater profusion and more nourishing properties of the food. The Garrulous
Honey-eater generally takes up its habitation among the thick forests of eucalypti that are
found upon the plains and the hills of low elevation, and there passes a very lively existence.
Its food consists of the sweet nectar of flowers, which it procures after the manner of Honey-
eaters in general, by plunging its long tongue into the depths of the flowers, and licking up
their luscious store. It also feeds upon various insects, being always ready to eat those minute
creatures which inhabit the flowers, and delighting also in chasing the beetles and larger insects
as they run upon the ground at the foot of the eucalypti.
ANOTHER very curious species of Honey-eater is placed in the same genus, and attracts
admiration, not so much on account of its plumage or its interesting habits, as on account of
its voice, which is so bell-like in its tone that the colonists know it by the popular name of
BELL BIRD. This species must not, however, be confounded with the Bell Bird, or Arapunga,
of tropical America, which belongs to a totally different tribe. Moreover, the voice of the two
birds is very different ; that of the Arapunga resembling the slow, solemn tolling of a church-
bell, while that of the Australian Bell Bird is wonderfully similar to the sharp, merry tinkle
of the sheep-bell. The scientific name for the Australian Bell Bird is MyzantJia melanophrys.
In his "Gleanings of a Naturalist," Dr. Bennett speaks as follows of this curious little
bird :-
"Among the dense forest trees skirting the margins of the rivers, the note of the Bell
Bird is almost incessantly heard ; it is sometimes uttered by a solitary bird, and at others by
many congregated together : this I observed on the banks of the Nepean river, in October,
when I saw tkem in greater numbers than usual. The Bell Bird is named Qibulla, by the
blacks of the Murrumbidgee district. The peculiar tinkling sound made by this little bird is
heard with delight by the wearied and thirsty traveller, as an indication of water near at hand.
I have also heard these birds utter loud, garrulous notes. At the Nepean they sported among
the branches of the trees in search of insects, and I remember that the tinkling note was uttered
while they were quietly perched upon a branch, but the garrulous notes were used only when
they were seen flitting in sportive gaiety amid the branches of the trees."
AMONG this group of birds the POE BIRD, TUE, or PARSON BIRD, is one of the most con-
spicuous, being nearly as remarkable for its peculiar coloring as the rifle bird itself, although
the hues of its feathers are not quite so resplendently brilliant as in that creature.
The Poe Bird is a native of New Zealand, where it is far from uncommon, and is captured
by the natives for the purpose of sale. Many individuals are brought over to Sydney, where,
according to Dr. Bennett, they are kept in cages, and are very amusing in their habits, being
THE POE BIRD.
159
easily domesticated, and becoming very familiar with those who belong to the household.
Independently of its handsome and rather peculiar color, which make it very effective in a
room, it possesses several other qualifications which render it a very desirable inhabitant of an
aviary. Its native notes are very fine, the bird being considered a remarkably fine songster,
and it also possesses the power of mimicking in a degree surpassing that of the common mag-
pie or raven, and hardly yielding even to the famous mocking-bird himself. It learns to speak
with great accuracy and fluency, and readily imitates any sound that may reach its ear, being
especially successful in its reproduction of the song of other birds.
While at liberty in its native land it is remarkable for its quick, restless activity, as it flits
rapidly about the branches, pecking here and there at a stray insect, diving into the recesses
POE BIRD. Prwttiemadera noca-seelandla.
of a newly opened flower, and continually uttering its shrill, sharp whistle. Although one of
the large group of Meliphagidfe or Honey-eaters, the Poe' Bird feeds less upon honey than
upon insects, which it discovers with great sharpness of vision, and catches in a particularly
adroit manner. It will also feed upon worms, and sometimes varies its diet by fruits.
In New Zealand it is often killed for the sake of its flesh, which is said to be very delicate
and well-flavored, its beautiful feathers and interesting character affording no safeguard
against the voracity of hungry New Zealanders ; although, to borrow the expression of Dr.
Bennett when speaking of the nautilus, such delinquency is enough to put any scientific nat-
uralist into a fever.
The general color of the Poe Bird is a very deep metallic green, becoming black in certain
lights, and having a decided bronze reflection in others. The back is deep brown, also with a
bronze reflection, and upon the shoulders there is a patch of pure white. On the back of the
neck the feathers are long and lancet-shaped, each feather having a very narrow white streak
along its centre. From each side of the neck depends a tuft of snowy curling downy feathers,
spreading in fan-like fashion from their bases. This creature is called the Parson Bird because
these white tufts are thought to bear some resemblance to the absurd parallelograms of white
160 THE WATTLED HONEY-EATER.
lawn that are denominated "bands," and which flutter beneath the chins of ecclesiastics in
their official costume. The brown tint of the lower part of the back changes to steely-blue,
and the tail is brown, "shot" with the same beautiful tint. The quill-feathers of the wings
are brown, edged with blue, and the whole under surface is reddish-brown.
In size the Poe Bird equals a large blackbird or a small pigeon, being about twelve inches
in total length. The long generic title of Prosthemadera is formed from two Greek words the
former signifying an appendage, and the latter the neck and is given to the bird in allusion
to the white tufts of feathers which depend from the neck.
THE very quaint and rather grotesque FEIAE BIRD, which we may notice, is an inhabitant
of Australia, and is very common in the southern parts of that continent, although at present
it has not been seen in Van Diemen's Land.
By the colonists it is known by a variety of names, some relating to its aspect and others
to its voice. Thus it is named the Friar Bird, because the bare, oddly-shaped head, with its
projecting knob upon the forehead, is considered as resembling the bare, shaven poll of the
ancient fiiar. Another analogous name is the MONK BIRD. Another name is LEATHEK-IIEAD,
a title which refers to the dark leathery aspect of the whole head, which is as rigid in outline
and as dark in color during life as after death. On account of its peculiar voice, it is also
known by the names of "PiMLico, "POOR-SOLDIER," or "FOUR-O'CLOCK," as its cry is said
to resemble these words. The resemblance, however, cannot be very close, as neither of the
words which it is supposed to utter could be mistaken for the other, so that the Friar Bird
cannot be very remarkable for the distinctness of its articulation. By the natives it is called
Coldong.
The Friar Bird is possessed of unextinguishable loquacity, delighting to get upon the top-
most branch of some lofty tree, and there chatter by the hour together at the top of its loud
and peculiar voice, as if it were desirous of attracting attention to its powers of elocution.
Among the branches it is extremely active, traversing them in all directions with great ease,
and clinging to their rough bark by the grasp of its powerful toes and curved claws. So
strong is the grip of the foot, that the bird may often be seen hanging from a branch sus-
pended only by a single foot, while it is engaged in peering into the recesses of the bark, in
search of the little insects that may be concealed under its rough surface.
Like all the honey-birds, it is fond of feeding upon the nectar and pollen of flowers, gen-
erally preferring those of the eucalyptus, or gum-tree, as it is popularly termed, and also
delights in fishing out the little insects that are to be found in the depths of all honey-be&ring
flowers. It does not, however, disdain to feed upon the larger beetles and other insects that
take up their residence under the flakes of bark, and is also known to eat various kinds of
berries.
ANOTHER common and rather striking example of the Honey-eaters is the WATTLED
HONEY-EATER, or BRUSH WATTLE BIRD, of Australia.
This pretty bird is spread over the whole of Southern Australia, and is one of the best
known of the birds belonging to that country. It may generally be found upon lofty trees,
and, like others of the same group, especially haunts the eucalypti for the purpose of feeding
upon the juices of the flowers. It always chooses the most recently opened blossoms, as they
are not so likely to be rifled of their sweet stores as those which have been exposed to the
attacks of the honey-eating insects and birds. The method of feeding is the same as that
which is pursued by the other Honey -eaters, viz., by plunging the long bill and slender tongue
into the very depths of the blossoms, and brushing out their contents. It also has a great
affection for the flowers of the Banksia, and is sure to be found wherever these plants are in
blossom, thereby doing good service to the intending purchaser of land ; for the Banksia
always grows upon poor soil, so that, according to Mr. Gould, the harsh cry of the Wattle
Bird is a trusty indication to the wary settler that the land on which it is heard is not worth
purchasing.
H UMM1NG-BIRDS. 161
HUMMING-BIRDS OR TROCH?LID^E.
" Bright Humming-bird of gem-like plumeletage.
By western Indians ' Living-Sunbeam' named." BAILEY, Mygtic.
THE wonderful little HUMMING-BIRDS are only found in America and the adjacent islands,
where they take the place of the sun-birds of the Old World. It is rather remarkable, that, as.
yet, no Humming-birds have been discovered in Australia.
These little winged gems are most capricious in their choice of locality, some being spread
over a vast range of country, while others are confined within the limit of a narrow belt of
earth, hardly more than a few hundred yards in width, and some refuse to roam beyond the
narrow precincts of a single mountain. Some of these birds are furnished with comparatively
short and feeble wings, and, in consequence, are obliged to remain in the same land through-
out the year, while others are strong of flight, and migrate over numerous tracts of country.
They gather most thickly in Mexico and about the equator, the number of species diminishing
rapidly as they recede from the equatorial line.
The name of Humming-birds is given to them on account of the humming or buzzing
sound which they produce with their wings, especially while they are hovering in their curious
fashion over a tempting blossom, and feeding on its contents, while suspended in air. This
name is so appropriate that it holds good in other languages, and expressive titles have been
given to these birds which are either descriptive of the sound, or endeavor to imitate it. So
characteristic is this humming sound, that it is not precisely the same in any two species, and
in many instances is so very decided in its tone, that a practised and observant ear can often
detect the species of a Humming-bird by the sound which it produces in flight. For example,
Mr. Gosse records that the Black-capped Humming-bird produces a noise exactly like the
whizzing of a wheel driven by machinery, while that of another species is very like the dron-
ing hum of a large bee.
The number of species of these birds is truly wonderful, as more than three hundred are
known and have been described, while new species are being continually discovered. It is
evident to any one who has examined these exquisite little birds, and studied the inexhaust-
ible variety of form and color which they exhibit, that many forms are yet wanting as links
needed to complete the chain of species, and that in all probability there are in existence Hum-
ming-birds which possess forms quite as strange and colors quite as glowing as any of those
which have found a place in our collections.
The legs of these birds are remarkably weak and delicate, and the wings are proportion-
ately strong, a combination which shows that the creatures are intended to pass more of their
time in the air than on foot. Even w r hen feeding they very seldom trouble themselves to
perch, but suspend themselves in the air before the flower on which they desire to operate, and
with their long slender tongues are able to feed at ease without alighting. In the skeleton,
especially in the shape of the breast-bone and wings, as well as in the comparative small size
of the feet, the Humming-birds bear some analogy to the swifts, and, like those birds, never
lay more than two eggs.
The flight of these birds is inconceivably rapid, so rapid indeed that the eye cannot follow
it when the bird puts forth its full speed ; and with such wonderful rapidity do the little
sharp-cut wings beat the air, that their form is quite lost, and while the bird is hovering near
a single spot, the wings look like two filmy gray fans attached to the sides. While darting
from one flower to another the bird can hardly be seen at all, and it seems to come suddenly
into existence at some spot, and as suddenly to vanish from sight. Some Humming-birds are
fond of towering to a great height in the air, and descending from thence to their nests or to
feed, while others keep near the ground, and are seldom seen at an elevation of many yards.
The food of the Humming-birds is much the same as that of the honey-suckers, except,
perhaps, that they consume more honey and fewer flies. Still, they are extremely fond of
Vou H. 21,
162 THE RUBY-THROATED HUMMING-BIRD.
small insects, and if kept away from this kind of diet soon pine away, in spite of unlimited
supplies of syrup and other sweet food.
In Webber's "Wild Scenes and Song Birds," there is an interesting description of some
ruby-throated Humming-birds, in which their necessity for insect food is well shown. He
had several times succeeded in capturing and taming specimens of these lovely little birds,
but always found that they began to pine away and look doleful until they w y ere set at liberty.
As soon as they were free, they darted away into the air, but soon returned to their old quar-
ters, attracted by the sweet repast which was plentifully prepared for them. They had
evidently been greatly benefited by their short absence, for they resumed their accustomed
vivacity, and continued in good health for a fortnight, at the expiration of which time they
again drooped, and again needed a short period of freedom. Anxious to discover their pro-
ceedings during their absence, Mr. Webber and his sister watched them carefully when they
were next set at liberty, and at last were fortunate enough to succeed in their endeavors.
"When we opened the cage this time, it was a bright summer's morning, just after sun-
rise. What was our surprise to see the ruby-throat, instead of darting away as usual, remain
with the young ones, which had immediately sought sprays, as if feeling a little uncertain
what to do with themselves. Scarlet flew round and round them ; then he would dart off to a
little distance in the garden, and suspend himself on the wing for an instant, before what I at
first could not perceive to be anything more than two bare twigs ; then he would return and
fly around them again, as if to show them how easy it was.
"The little bold fellows did not require long persuasion, but were soon launched in the
air again. They too commenced the same manoeuvres among the shrubbery, and as there were
no flowers there, we were sadly puzzled to think what it was they were dipping at so eagerly,
to the utter neglect of any of the many flowers, not one of which they appeared to notice. We
moved closer to watch them to better advantage, and in doing so, changed our relative posi-
tion to the sun.
"At once the thing was revealed to me. I caught friend Ruby in the very act of abstract-
ing a small spider, with the point of his long beak, from the centre of one of those beautiful
circular webs of the garden spider, that so abound throughout the South. The thing was
done so daintily, that he did not stir the dew-drops, which, now glittering in the golden sun,
crowded the gossamer tracery all diamond strung.
" ' Ha ! we've got your scent, my friends ! Ha ! ha ! ha ! ' And we clapped and danced
in triumph."
ONE of the most peculiar forms among these exquisite little creatures is the RUBY-
THROATED HUMMING-BIRD, so called on account of the glowing metallic feathers that blaze with
ruby histre upon its throat, and gleam in the sunshine like plumes of living fire. This beau-
tiful species is found in Northern America, and is one of the migrating kind. Passing over a
large range of country, it arrives in Pennsylvania about the end of April, and is found during
the summer months of the year in different parts of North America, even venturing into the
lands owned by the Hudson's Bay Company.
It is a most lovely little creature ; the general color of its upper surface and the two central
tail-feathers is light shining green glazed with gold. The under parts of the body are grayish-
white intermingled with green, and the throat is of the most gorgeous ruby-carmine. When
placed under a moderate magnifier, the feathers of the throat are seen to be constituted in a
different manner from those of the other parts of the body, the wonderfully refulgent property
being due to certain minute furrows which are traced upon the surface, and are analogous in
their mode of action to the delicate lines which give to nacre its peculiar iridescent splendor.
As is generally the case with Humming-birds, the wings, as well as many of the tail-feathers,
are of a purplish-brown hue.
In consequence of the peculiar structure of the throat-feathers, they change their tints
with every variation of light, or even with the quick respiration of the little fiery creatures,
and fling out at one moment the most dazzling rays of ruby and carmine, and on the instant
change to the deepest velvety -black.
THE LONG-TAILED HUMMING-BIRD. 163
Of the Ruby-throat, Audubon speaks in the following terms :
" I have seen these birds in Louisiana as early as the 10th of March. Their appearance
in that State varies, however, as much as in any other, it being sometimes a fortnight later,
or, although rarely, a few days earlier. In the middle district they seldom arrive before the
15th of April, more usually the beginning of May. I have not been able to assure myself
whether they migrate during the day or by night, but am inclined to think the latter the case,
as they seem to be leisurely feeding at all times of the day, which vcould not be the case had
they long nights to perform at that period.
" They pass through the air in long undulations, raising themselves for some distance at
an angle of about forty degrees, then falling in a curve ; but the smallness of their size pre-
cludes the possibility of following them with the eye farther than fifty or sixty yards without
great difficulty, even with a good glass. A person standing in a garden by the side of a common
Althsea in bloom, will be as surprised to hear the humming of their wings, and then see the
birds themselves within a few feet of him, as he will be astonished at the rapidity with which
the little creatures rise into the air, and are out of sight and hearing the next moment."
Trusting in its matchless power of wing, the Ruby-throated Humming-bird cares nothing
for eagle, hawk, or owl ; and though only three inches or so in length, thinks nothing of
assaulting any bird of prey that may happen to come within too close a proximity of its home.
The tiny creature is in fact a shocking tyrant, jealous to an extreme of its own territories,
launching itself furiously at any bird that may seem to be an intruder. It has even been seen
to attack the royal eagle itself, and to perch itself upon the head of its gigantic enemy, peck-
ing away with hearty good will, and scattering the eagle's feathers in a stream as the affrighted
bird dashed screaming through the air, vainly attempting to rid itself of its puny foe.
The Ruby-throat is very easily tamed, and is a most loving and trustful little creature.
Mr. Webber, in the work to which I have already made allusion, has given a most interesting
account of a number of Ruby-throats which he succeeded in taming. On several occasions he
had enticed the living meteors into his room by placing vases of tempting flowers on the table,
and adroitly closing the sash as soon as they were engaged with the flowers, but he had always
lost them through their dashing at the window and striking themselves against the glass. At
last, however, Ids attempts were crowned with success, and "this time I succeeded in securing
an uninjured captive, which, to my inexpressible delight, proved to be one of the Ruby-
throated species, the most splendid and diminutive that comes north of Florida. It imme-
diately suggested itself to me that a mixture of two parts refined loaf -sugar, with one of fine
honey, in ten of water, would make about the nearest approach to the nectar of flowers.
"While my sister ran to prepare it, I gradually opened my hand to look at my prisoner,
and saw, to my no little amusement as well as suspicion, that it was actually 'playing
'possum' feigning to be dead most skilfully. It lay on my open palm motionless for some
minutes, during which I watched it in breathless curiosity. I saw it gradually open its bright
little eyes to peep whether the way was clear, and then close them slowly as it caught my eye
upon it. But when the manufactured nectar came, and a drop was touched upon the point of
its bill, it came to life very suddenly ; and in a moment was on its legs, drinking with eager
gusto of the refreshing draught from a silver tea-spoon. When sated, it refused to take any
more, and sat perched with the coolest self-composure on my finger, and plumed itself quite
as artistically as if on its favorite spray. I was enchanted with the bold innocent confidence
with which it turned up its keen black eyes to survey us, as much as to say, ' Well, good
folks ! who are you ? ' '
ANOTHER species belonging to this genus is well worthy of notice, on account of its beauty
and interesting habits. This is the LONG-TAILED HUMMING-BIRD of Jamaica (Trochilus
polytmus), one of the species which do not migrate, but remain in one locality throughout the
year. It is remarkable for its two long tail-feathers.
The upper parts of this beautiful bird are green, glossed with gold, the wings are purple-
broi*n, and the tail black, with a steel-blue reflection. The long streaming feathers of the
tail are the pair next to the exterior feathers, and when the bird is in a state of repose they
164 THE LONG-TAILED HUMMING-BIRD.
cross each other like the blades of scissors. The throat, breast, and whole of the lower
parts are glowing emerald green, except the under tail-coverts, which are purple-black.
The top of the head and nape of the neck are velvet black, and the feathers of the head are
rather long, and form a kind of loose plume. The whole length of a male bird is rather more
than ten inches, the long tail-feathers being between seven and eight inches in length.
The female is not possessed of the beautiful tail which distinguishes her mate ; the under
parts are white, covered with green spots caused by the green tips of the feathers, the top of
the head is dirty brown, and her entire length is little more than four inches. Mr. Gosse, in
his well-known "Birds of Jamaica," has given some admirable descriptions of this pretty
bird and its habits.
" It loves to frequent the margins of woods and roadsides, where it sucks the blossoms of
the trees, occasionally descending to the low shrubs. There is one locality where it is abun-
dant, the summit of that range of mountains just below Bluefields, and which is known as
the Bluefields ridge Not a tree, from the thickness of one's wrist up to the giant
magnitudes of the hoary figs and cotton trees, but is clothed with fantastic parasites ; begonias
with waxen flowers, and ferns with hirsute stems, climb up the trunks ; enormous bromelias
spring from the greater forks and fringe the horizontal limbs ; curious orchidse, with matted
roots and grotesque blossoms, droop from every bough, and long lianes, like the cordage of a
ship, depend from the loftiest branches or stretch from tree to tree. Elegant tree-ferns and
towering palms are numerous ; here and there the wild plantain, or heliconia, waves its long
ivy -like leaves from amidst the humbler bushes, and in the most obscure corners, over some
decaying body, rises the nobler spike of a magnificent limodarum. The smaller wood consists
largely of the plant called glass-eye berry, the blossoms of which, though presenting little
beauty in form or Ime, are pre-eminently attractive to the Long-tailed Humming-bird.
"And here at any time we may, with tolerable certainty, calculate on finding these very
lovely birds. But it is in March, April, and May that they abound. I suppose I have some-
times seen not fewer than a hundred come successively to rifle the blossoms within the space
of half as many yards, in the course of a forenoon. They are, however, in no respect gre-
garious ; though three or four may at one moment be hovering round the blossoms of the
same bed, there is no association ; each is governed by his individual preference, and each
attends to his own affairs.
"It is worthy of remark, that males uniformly form the greater portion of the individuals
observed at this elevation. I do not know why it should be so, but we see very few females
there, whereas, in the lowlands, this sex outnumbers the other. In March, a large number
are found to be clad in the livery of the adult male, but without long tail-feathers ; others have
the characteristic feathers lengthened, but in various degrees. These are, I have no doubt,
males of the preceding season.
"It is also quite common to find one of the long tail-feathers much shorter than the
other, which I account for by concluding that the shorter is replacing one that had been acci-
dentally lost. In their ae'riel encounters with each other a tail-feather is sometimes displaced.
One day, several of these ' young bloods ' being together, a regular tumult ensued, somewhat
similar to a sparrow-fight ; such twittering, and fluttering, and dartings hither and thither.
I could not exactly make out the matter, but suspected that it was mainly an attack surely
an ungallant one made by them upon two females of the same species that were sucking
at the same bud. These were certainly in the skirmish, but the evolutions were too rapid
to be certain how the battle went.
"The whirring made by the vibrating wings of the male Polytmus is a shriller sound
than that produced by the female, and indicates its proximity before the eye has detected it.
The male almost constantly utters a monotonous quiet chirp, both while resting on a twig or
while circling from flower to flower. They do not invariably probe flowers on the wing ; one
very frequently observes them thus engaged when alighted and sitting with closed wings ;
and often they partially sustain themselves by clinging by the feet to a leaf while sucking, the
wings being expanded and vibrating."
Several of these beautiful birds were captured and tamed by Mr. Gosse, who, however,
THE SWORD-SILL HUMMING-BIRD. 165
found the task to be one of no ordinary difficulty. It was easy enough to catch them in
a gauze net, for they were so inquisitive that they would hover over the net and peep into its
recesses ; but when they were caught they would generally die within a few hours. Several of
the Long-tailed Humming-birds were at last taken from the nest, and were soon tamed. They
were fed chiefly upon syrup, but were also supplied with little insects, in imitation of their
ordinary diet in a wild state. They were especially pleased with a very small species of
ant, which used to get into the vessel of syrup and fairly cover its surface with their
bodies.
There is a long and very interesting description of these birds, which resembles, in many
respects, the amusing account given by Mr. Webber -of Ms own winged pets. One peculiarity
deserves notice. Each bird, as soon as it was introduced into the room in which it lived,
made choice of separate perches for roosting, alighting after flight, and for resting-places, and,
when it had once settled itself, it would not permit any of its companions to usurp its domin-
ions. Even if their owner endeavored to make them change their perches, they were quite
uneasy, hovered about the spot, and did all in their power to reassume their positions.
The nesting of this beautiful species is very remarkable, as the nests are wonderfully con-
structed, and are placed in very curious localities. One of these nests was found upon the
sea-shore, fastened to a slender twig of wild vine, and actually overhanging the waves. It
seems that the bird is in the habit of removing its eggs or young when it has been disturbed,
although the mode by which this feat is accomplished has not yet been discovered. The nest
is beautifully made of silky cotton threads, intermixed with the web of certain spiders, and is
often studded profusely with lichens. Mr. Gosse was fortunate enough to see the bird in the
act of making her nest, and describes her movements in the following words :
" Suddenly I heard the whirr of a Humming-bird, and, looking up, saw a female Polytmus
hovering opposite the nest with a mass of silk-cotton in her beak. Deterred by the sight of
me, she presently retired to a twig a few paces distant, on which she sat. I immediately sank
down among the rocks as gently as possible, and remained perfectly still. In a few seconds
- she came again, and, after hovering a moment, disappeared behind one of the projections,
whence in a few seconds she emerged again and flew off. I then examined the place, and
found, to my delight, a new nest. . . .
' ' I again sat down on the stones in front, where I could see the nest, not concealing
myself, but remaining motionless, waiting for the bird's re-appearance. I had not to wait
long : a loud whirr, and there she was, suspended in the air before her nest. She soon espied
me, and came within a foot of my eyes, hovering just in front of my face. I remained still,
however, when I heard the whirring of another just above me, perhaps the mate, but I durst
not look towards him, lest the turning of my head should frighten the female. In a minute
or two the other was gone, and she alighted again on the twig, where she sat some little time
preening her feathers, and apparently clearing her mouth from the cotton fibres, for she now
and then swiftly projected the tongue an inch and a half from the beak, continuing the same
curve as that of the beak. When she arose, it was to perform a very interesting action, for
she flew to the face of the rock, which was thickly clothed with soft dry moss, and, hovering
on the wing as if before a flower, began to pluck the moss until she had a large bunch of it in
her beak. Then I saw her fly to the nest, and having seated herself in it, proceed to place the
new materials, pressing and arranging and interweaving the whole with her beak, while she
fashioned the cup-like form of the interior by the pressure of her white breast, moving
round and round as she sat. My presence appeared to be no hindrance to her proceedings,
although only a few feet distant ; at length she left the place, and I left also. On the 8th
of April I visited the cave again, and found the nest perfected and containing two eggs,
which were not hatched on the 1st of May."
In the same work are contained many interesting descriptions of this exquisite bird
and its habits, and to its pages the reader is referred for further information.
THE SWORD-BILL HUMMING-BIRD derives its name from the singular shape and size of
its beak, which is very nearly as long as the rest of the body.
166
THE SWORD-BILL HUMMING-BIRD.
This curious species is rather large, as it measures about eight inches in length. It
inhabits Santa Fe de Bogota, the Carracas and Quito, and is generally found at considerable
elevations, having been often seen at a height of twelve thousand feet above the level of
the sea. The inordinately long bill is given to this bird in order to enable it to obtain its
food from the very long pendent corollas of the Brugmansise, and, while probing the flowers
with its beak, it suspends itself in the air with a tremulous movement of the wings. Its
movements are singularly elegant, and while engaged in feeding it performs the most grace-
ful manoeuvres as it probes the pendent blossoms, searching to their inmost depths. The
SWORD-BILL HUMMING-BIRD.-.Oorfma*tef ermfer.
nest of this species is hung to the end of a twig, to which it is woven with marvellous skill,
and its whole construction is very beautiful.
The adult male bird is colored as follows. The head and the upper part of the body
are green, glossed with gold in some parts and with bronze in others, the tints changing
according to the light. The wings are dark black -brown with a purple gloss, and the tail
is dark black, bronzed on the upper surface. Behind each eye is a small but conspicuous
white spot slightly elongated, and there is a broad crescent-shaped mark of light green on
each side of the neck. The under parts are of a bronze-green, and the under tail-coverts
are flecked with a little white. The female is of much the same color as the male upon
the upper parts of the body, except that there is a little white upon the lower part of the
back and a narrow white line behind the eye. The throat is brown, each feather being
THE COPPER-BELLIED PUFF-LEG HUMMING-BIRD. 167
slightly edged with gray, and there is a very faint indication of emerald-green on part of
the throat. The young male is much like the female, but is more coppery in his hues.
The throat is white speckled with brown, because each feather is white with a brown tip.
At each side of the throat there is a large patch of green intermingled with white.
THE SLENDER SHEAR-TAIL is an inhabitant of Central America, and appears to be rather
a local bird. It is supposed not to be found south of the Isthmus of Panama, nor to extend
more than eighteen degrees northwards. As its wings are rather short, and not remarkable
for strength, it is conjectured to be a non-migratory bird. The country where it is seen in
the greatest plenty is Guatemala.
The sexes of this creature are very different in their form and color of their plumage,
and could hardly be recognized as belonging to the same species. In the adult male bird,
the upper parts of the body are a deep shining green, becoming brown on the head, and
changing into bronze on the back and wing-coverts. The wings are purple-brown. The
long and deeply-forked tail is black, with the exception of a little brown upon the inner
web of the two outermost feathers. The chin is black glossed with green, the throat is
deep metallic purple, and upon the upper part of the chest is placed a large crescent-
shaped mark of buff. The abdomen is bronze, with a gray spot in its centre ; and there is
a buff spot on each flank. The under tail-coverts are of a greenish hue.
The female does not possess the long tail, and her colors are golden-green above and
reddish-buff below. The tail is very curiously marked. The central feathers are entirely
gold -green ; the exterior feathers are rusty red at their base, black for a considerable por-
tion of their length, and tipped with white.
ANOTHER example of this genus is the well-known CORA'S SHEAR-TAIL, a remarkably
pretty bird, and specially notable for the peculiarity from which it derives its popular name.
It inhabits Peru, and is found very plentifully between Callao and Lima. The valley of the
Andes is also a favorite residence of this bird.
In the male, the head and upper parts of the body are golden-green, with the exception ,
of the wings, which are purple-brown. The throat is violet, changing into metallic crimson,
and the under parts are grayish-white. The tail is rather curiously shaped. The two central
feathers are double the length of the next pair, and the remaining feathers are regularly grad-
uated, the exterior being the shortest. This long tail is only found in the male bird, the tail
of the female being of the ordinary length.
SEVERAL of the Humming-birds are remarkable for a tuft of pure white downy feathers
which envelop each leg, and which has obtained for them the popular title of Puff-legs, because
the white tufts bear some resemblance to a powder-puff. The generic name Eriocnemis is given
to the bird iu allusion to this peculiarity, and is formed of two Greek words, the former signi-
fying wool or cotton, and the other the thigh. Owing to the very curious effect of these tufts,
the Puff-legs are in great demand among the dealers, as they look remarkably well in a case
of stuffed birds.
The COPPER-BELLIED PUFF-LEG is an inhabitant of Santa Pe de Bogota, and is a very
common bird in that locality. It may easily be found, as it is a remarkably local bird, being
confined to a narrow strip or belt of land, which possesses the requisite characteristics of tem-
perature and vegetation. t
It must here be remarked that in the mountainous districts where this and many other
species of Humming-birds are found, every degree of temperature may be obtained within the
compass of a few miles by merely ascending or descending the lofty mountains which form the
greater part of the country. A few hours' journey will bring the traveller through every
shade of climate, from the perpetual snow and ice at the summit, to the moderate tempera-
tures of the middle regions, and the tropical heat of the mountain's foot. This circumstance
must be borne in mind, as we shall find, on examining the habits of many of these birds, that
the conditions requisite for their maintenance are very capricious, and that a belt of land a
168
THE FIERY TOPAZ HUMMING-BIRD.
few yards in width will often suffice to separate the habitation of one local species from that of
another, neither venturing to trespass into the dominions of its neighbor.
The Copper-bellied Puff -leg is always found in a narrow belt of land varying from six
thousand to nine thousand feet above the level of the sea, being, therefore, practically con-
fined to a strip of land barely a thousand yards in width. In all probability the reason of this
restricted range may be found in the vegetation of the locality, which supplies the food on
which this species lives.
It is a very beautiful little bird, and both the sexes are very similar in their color and
general appearance, except that in the female the puffs of white down are not so large nor so
conspicuous as in her mate. In the adult male, the top of the head, the sides of the neck,
and the back are green, washed with a decided tint of bronze, except upon the upper tail-
coverts, where the green is very pure and of a metallic brilliancy. As is generally the case
with Humming-birds, the fine and sharply-cut wings are brown washed with purple. The tail
is black, with a purple' gloss in a side light. The throat is of a beautiful shining metallic
green, and the general color of the breast and under portions of the body is green glossed with
gold, with the exception of the abdomen, where the green takes a coppery hue, from which
the bird has received its popular name. The " puffs " are of a snowy whiteness, and look like
refined swans' -down.
The female is very similar in color, except that the hues of the throat are not possessed
of so metallic a brilliancy, and, as has already been stated, the leg-tufts are comparatively
small.
FIERY TOPAZ HUMMING-BIRD. Topaza peUa.
IN the opinion of many observers, the Topaz Humming-birds are the most resplendent and
beautiful of all their tribe, the palm of beauty being almost equally divided between the two
birds which will be described in the following lines.
The FIEBY TOPAZ inhabits the country through which passes the Rio Negro, a tributary
of the Upper Amazon. It is a most gorgeous creature, and attracts peculiar attention on
THE WHITE-BOOTED RACKET-TAIL. 169
account of the very considerable dimensions to which it reaches. Its nest is a very remarkable
structure, looking much as if it were made from leather, and woven so adroitly to the bough
upon which it is placed that it can hardly be distinguished from the natural bark or from
some of the numerous fungi that grow upon trees. Its surface is quite smooth, and the color
is a reddish-dun. The substance of which it is composed is a kind of fungus, of the same
order as the well-known Boletus of which German tinder is made. The eggs are two in
number, and beautifully white.
The color of this splendid bird is mostly a blazing scarlet, contrasting boldly with the
deep velvet-black of the head and part of the neck. The throat is emerald-green, with a patch
of delicate crimson in the centre. The lower part of the back and the upper tail-coverts are
beautiful green with orange gloss ; and the wings and tail are purple-black, with the excep-
tion of the two elongated feathers of the tail, which are purplish -green, and cross each other
near the base. The under tail-coverts are green. So vivid are the tints, and so beautiful the
form of this bird, that it well deserves the honorable title accorded to it by Prince Lucien
Bonaparte of being " inter Trochilides pulcherrimus." The female is without the elongated
tail-feathers, and she is of a green-gold color on the upper parts of the body. This species is
very like the following bird, but may be distinguished from it by the purple of its tail-
feathers and the fiery effulgence of its body. The entire length of this bird is about eight
inches.
THE CRIMSON TOPAZ, or ABA HUMMING-BIRD (Topaza pella), closely resembles the fiery
topaz, except that the hues of its body are more of a deep crimson than of the flaming
scarlet which denotes the preceding species. The tail is reddish-buff, with the exception of
the two central feathers which have the same purple-green as in T. pyra. It inhabits Cayenne,
Trinidad, and Surinam, and among the natives is known by the name of Karabamiti. It is a
shy and retiring bird, living near rivers, and shrouding its beauties in the deepest forests.
It is a semi-nocturnal bird, resembling the nightjars in many of its habits, and being most
active in the early dawn and the beginning of the evening. Only at those hours does it
venture from the deep recesses of its home, and display its flashing colors as it darts along
the glades or over the streams in search of its insect prey.
WE have in the Racket-tailed Humming-birds one of those singular forms which are so
often found among these strange little birds.
The RACKET-TAIL HUMMING-BIRD (Discura longicauda) is a native of Cayenne, Surinam,
and Demei-ara, and is also found in several portions of Northern Brazil. It is chiefly remark-
able for the curious formation from which it derives its popular and appropriate name.
In the male bird, the face, throat, and part of the neck are light verditer-green, becoming
more luminous towards the chest. Under the chin there is a little velvet-black spot, which is
very conspicuous against the light green of the surrounding feathers. The upper parts are
bronze-green, and a buff-white band crosses the lower end of the back. The very curious tail
is deeply forked, the two exterior feathers being twice the length of the second pair, and the
others decreasing in length in rapid progression. The general color of the tail is purple-black, the
purple being especially visible on the "rackets." The female possesses no rackets on the tail,
nor green on her head or throat. The velvet-black spot on the chin, however, retains its place.
THE WHITE-BOOTED RACKET-TAIL inhabits the Columbian Andes, aad is very common
near Santa Fe de Bogota. It is a hill-loving bird, being generally found at an elevation of five
or ten thousand feet above the level of the sea. It is thought to be confined within the third
and tenth degrees of north latitude. This bird is remarkably swift of wing, its darting flight
reminding the spectator of the passage of an arrow through the air. At one time it will hover
close to the ground, hanging over some favorite flower and extracting the sweet contents of the
blossoms ; and at the next moment it will shoot to the very summit of some lofty tree, as if
impelled from a bow, and leave but the impression of an emerald-green line of light upon the
observer's eye. While hovering over the flowers, the long racket-shaped feathers of the tail
VOL. n.-22.
170
HERRAN'S THORN BILL.
are in constant motion, waving gently in the air, crossing each other, opening and closing in
the most graceful manner. But when the bird darts off with its peculiar arrowy flight, the
tail-feathers lie straight behind it.
The male of this species is bronze-green upon the greater part of the body, the green taking
a richer and redder hue upon the upper tail-coverts. The throat and breast are brilliant emerald-
green. The wings are purple-
brown, and the tail is brown,
with the exception of the rack-
ets, which are black "shot"
with green. The feet are yellow,
and upon the legs are placed
two beautiful white puffs. The
whole length of the bird is
rather more than three inches.
The female bird does not pos-
sess the racket-shaped tail-
feathers, and is of a bronze-
green upon the upper surface.
The tail is brown, with the
exception of the two middle
feathers, which are bronze-
green like the body. The two
exterior feathers are tipped
with white, and the others with
bronze-green. The under sur-
face is white, diversified with
bronze-green spots on the breast
and flanks. The puffs are
smaller than in the male.
There are several species
belonging to this genus, among
which may be mentioned the
PERUVIAN RACKET-TAIL, a
bird which may be distin-
guished by the rusty-red color
of the leg-muffs.
WHITE-BOOTED RACKET-TAIL. SUganurus uiuterwooiii.
THE COLUMBIAN THORNBILL is an inhabitant of Santa Fe de Bogota, and is remarkable
for its adherence to the more temperate regions of that locality. It never seems to ascend to
the hills, but prefers remaining in the plains or in some of the valleys where it can find the
greatest abundance of food. It appears not to frequent the tops of trees, as is often the
case with Humming-birds, but contents itself with the low flowering shrubs of the plains
and valleys. The color of this bird is golden-green on the upper parts, changing into a
warmer hue on the upper tail-coverts. Below, it is dtill green, with the exception of a
remarkable tuft or beard which hangs from the chin, and which is light green towards its
base and purple-red towards its extremity. The wings are purple-brown, the tail brown
with a bronze gloss, and the under tail-coverts brown-yellow. The female resembles the male,
but has not the flame-like mark on the throat. The total length of this species is between
five and six inches.
THERE are several species of Thornbills, among which may be noticed HERRAN'S THORN-
BILL (RJiamphomicron Tierrdni), a bird which is remarkable for its broad purple tail and the
snowy white tips of the three exterior leathers. All the thornbills possess the curious beard-
like appendage to the chin.
THE RUFOUS FLAME-BEARER. 171
A CURIOUSLY formed bird, remarkable for its long slender crest and the elongated feathers
of its tail, is the POPELAIBE'S THOBNTAIL (Gouldia popelarii). This beautiful little creature
inhabits Peru and Columbia, and is found in the most elevated regions of that locality. It is
a very quick flyer, but there is little known of its habits.
In the adult male, the crown of the head, the shorter feathers of the crest, together with
the face and throat, are light golden-green, and the long slender feathers are black. The wings
are purple-brown. The back is gold-green, with the exception of a bold bar of pure white,
which crosses the back and forms a patch on each flank. The middle of the abdomen is black,
the flanks are brown, and the under tail-coverts are grayish-white. The upper surface of the
tail is blue, the shafts of the middle feathers are white, and the remaining feathers are white
at their bases and brown for the rest of their length. The under surface of the tail is a bright
steel-blue, and the shafts are white throughout their length.
The female possesses no crest and no elongated tail-feathers, and bears a very curious
resemblance to the well-known insect termed the Humming-bird Moth.
ANOTHER curious example of the same genus may be found in CONVERS' THORNTAIL,
a native of Santa Fe de Bogota.
This species is very beautiful both in shape and coloring, and, as in the case of the
preceding bird, the two sexes differ greatly in appearance. In the male of this bird the general
color is green, a white bar running across the lower end of the back, and the tail-feathers being
very long, narrow, and pointed. Their color is shining black, the shafts being white. In the
female the general color of the plumage resembles that of the male, except that the colors are
not so brilliant, and the throat is grayish- white, covered with brown-green spots. The tail is
very short, and is composed of a series of rounded feathers of a dusky hue, and white at the
tip. Both the species are swift flyers, and are said to resemble the swallow when on the wing.
A VERY small Humming-bird, remarkable for its curious spiky tail and rich feathery
gorget, is the LITTLE FLAME-BEARER (Seldsphorus scintilla), one of several species which
possess the fiery tuft of feathers from which they derive their name of Flame-bearers.
This species inhabits the inner side of the extinct volcano Chiriqui, in Veragua, at an
elevation of nine thousand feet above the level of the sea. It is a tiny bird, measuring only
two and a half inches in length, and as it darts about the singular habitation in which it lives,
its fiery gorget gleams with such a flaming crimson, that, as Mr. Gould happily remarks, it
seems to have caught the last spark from the volcano before it was extinguished.
In the male, the upper surface is of a bronze-green. The gorget is of a fiery red, and as
the feathers on each side are longer than those in the centre, it necessarily projects from the
neck. Below the gorget is a band of white marked with buff, and the wings are purple-brown.
The central feathers of the tail are brownish-black edged with red, and the remaining feathers
are brownish -black on their outer webs, and reddish-rust on the inner webs. The under sur-
face of the tail is a rusty -red. The female is duller in her coloring, and the gorget is shorter
and of a whitish-gray spotted with brown. The flanks are buff, and the tail-feathers are not so
pointed as in the male.
THERE are several species of Flame-bearers, among which may be mentioned the RUFOUS
FLAME-BEARER (Seldsphorus rufus), a bird which was originally discovered by Captain Cook.
It is an inhabitant of Mexico, and is also found on the Pacific side of Northern America in the
summer time, returning to Mexico in the winter. This species is well described by Mr. Nuttal,
whose account is quoted by Audubon :
" We began to meet with this species near the Blue Mountains of the Columbia River in
the autumn, as we proceeded to the coast. These were all young birds, and were not very
easily distinguished from those of the common species of the same age.
"We now for the first time (April 16) saw the males in numbers, darting, buzzing, and
squeaking in the usual manner of their tribe ; but when engaged in collecting its accustomed
sweets in all the energy of life, it seemed like a breathing gem, a magic carbuncle of glowing
172 SALL&S HERMIT HUMMING-BIRD.
fire, stretching out its glorious ruff as if to emulate the sun itself in splendor. Towards the
close of May the females were sitting, at which time the males were uncommonly quarrelsome
and vigilant, darting out at once as I approached the tree, probably near the nest, looking like
an angry coal of brilliant fire, passing within very little of my face, returning several times to
the attack, sailing and darting with the utmost velocity, at the same time uttering a curious
reverberating sharp bleat, somewhat similar to the quivering twang of a dead twig, yet also so
much like the real bleat of some small quadruped, that for some time I searched the ground
instead of the air for the actor in the scene.
"At other times the males were seen darting high up in the air, and whirling about each
other in great anger and with much velocity. After these manoeuvres, the aggressor returned
to the same dead twig, where for days he resolutely took his station, displaying the utmost
courage and angry vigilance. The angry hissing or bleating note seems something like
wTif ff f f f sh vee, tremulously uttered as it whirls and sweeps through the air, accompanied
also by something like the whirr of the night hawk. On the 29th of May I found a nest in a
forked branch of the Nootka bramble (Rubus nutkanus). The female was sitting upon two
eggs of the same shape and color as those of the common species, TrocMlus colubris. The
nest also was similar, but somewhat deeper. As I approached, the female came hovering
round the nest, and soon after, when .all was still, she resumed her place contentedly."
The nest of this bird measures, according to Audubon's description, two inches and a
quarter in height and an inch and three-quarters in breadth at the upper part, and is com-
posed of mosses, lichens, and feathers, woven together with delicate vegetable fibres. The
lining is very soft cotton. Another observer, Dr. Townsend, compares the curious note of this
bird to the sound which is produced by the rubbing together of two branches during a high
wind.
THE birds which compose the genus Phaethornis are remarkable for the very long and
beautifully graduated tail, all the feathers being long and pointed, and the two central far
exceeding the rest. The two sexes are mostly alike, both in the color and shape of their
plumage and in size. These birds inhabit Venezuela and the Carracas, being generally found
in the richest district of those localities, where the flowers blossom most abundantly. All the
Hermits build a very curious and beautiful nest, of a long funnel-like form tapering to a
slender point, and woven with the greatest neatness to some delicate twig or pendent leaf
by means of certain spiders' webs. The material of which it is made is silky cotton fibre,
intermixed with a woolly kind of furze, and bound together with spider-web. Next we
describe SALLY'S HEEMIT.
Very little is known of its habits, but, like the generality of Humming-birds, it does not
possess any great power of voice. Indeed, even in the few instances where one of these birds
is gifted with vocal powers, its song is of a feeble and uncertain character. The best songster
of all the Humming-birds appears to be the Vervain Humming-bird (Mellisuga minima),
which, according to Mr. Bullock, can sing, although not very perfectly.
" He had taken his station on the twig of a tamarind-tree which was close to the barn and
overspread part of the yard ; there, perfectly indifferent to the number of persons constantly
passing within a few yards, he spent most of the day. There were few blossoms on the tree,
and it was not the breeding season, yet he most pertinaciously kept absolute possession of his
domain ; for the moment any other bird, though ten times as large as himself, approached
near his tree, he attacked it most furiously and drove it off, always returning to the same
twig he had before occupied, and which he had worn quite bare for three or four inches by
constantly feeding on it. I often approached within a few feet with pleasure, observing his
tiny operations of cleaning and pluming, and listening to his weak, simple, and oft-repeated
note. I could easily have caught him, but was unwilling to destroy so interesting a little
visitant, who had afforded me so much pleasure.
"In my excursions I procured many of the same species, as well as the long -tailed black
and a few others, as well as the one I have mentioned as the smallest yet described, but which
has the finest voice of any. I spent some agreeable hours in the place that had been the
LINDEN'S HELMET-CREST, OR BLACK WARRIOR. 173
Botanical Garden of Jamaica ; and on the various trees, now growing to a luxuriant size, met
with many curious birds, among which this specimen was perched upon the bread-fruit or
cabbage-tree. He poured forth his slight querulous note among a most numerous assemblage
of the indigenous and exotic plants and trees of the island, on a spot once the pride of
Jamaica, but now a desolate wilderness." This beautiful Humming-bird will be described
at length in a future page.
To return to Salle's Hermit. The upper parts of its body are green -bronze, excepting the
upper tail-coverts, which are rusty-red. The wings are purple-brown. The central tail-
feathers are bronze, largely tipped with white, and the remaining feathers are white, with the
exception of a broad black band, drawn obliquely across them near the base. Above and
below the eye there is a white streak, and the color of the under parts of the body is
sober gray.
A KATHER large species of Humming-bird is the JACOBIN HUMMING-BIRD (Florisuga
mellwora). It is remarkable for the manner in which the rounded tail-feathers are arranged,
and the very long upper tail-coverts. This bird represents a beautifully-colored species, glow-
ing with boldly contrasted hues of white, blue, green, and black.
It inhabits Cayenne, Guiana, Trinidad, and seems to have rather an extensive range, being
found from Cayenne to Peru. It is a very curious species, inhabiting broad and fluviatile
districts not more than two or three hundred feet from the level of the sea. The color is
very variable, but is generally a light blue upon the head and throat, with a large white
crescentic patch passing over the back of the neck. The back, the very long upper tail-
coverts, and a line extending to each side of the neck, are golden-green, and the wings are
purple-black, edged on the shoulders with golden-green. The tail is tipped with a narrow
band of black. Some individuals have a green mark upon the blue of the head, and others are
curiously mottled with white and brown.
THERE are several species of this genus, among which may be mentioned the GREAT
JACOBIN (Florisuga flabellifera}, a truly beautiful bird, and much larger than the preceding
species. It is found in Tobago, in the Orinocos, and other neighboring localities. It lives
mostly in low marshy situations, chiefly upon plantations abroad, and generally feeds while
on the wing. Another curious species is the PIED JACOBIN (Mellisuga atra\ a bird which is
much blacker than either of the preceding. It inhabits the extreme parts of Brazil, from Per-
nambuco on the north to Rio Janeiro on the south. Like the preceding species, it is very
variable in coloring.
THE Helmet-crests are very curious birds, and are at once known by the singular pointed
plume which crowns the top of the head, and the long beard-like appendage to the chin. They
all live at a very considerable elevation, inhabiting localities of such extreme inclemency that
few persons would think of looking for a Humming-bird in such frozen regions. There are
several species of Helmet-crest, and their habits are well described by Mr. Linden, the dis-
coverer of LINDEN'S HELMET-CREST, in a letter written to Mr. Gould, and published in his
monograph of the Humming-birds.
"I met with this species for the first time in August, 1842, while ascending the Sierra
Nevada de Merida, the crests of which are the most elevated of the eastern part of the Cordil-
leras of Columbia. It inhabits the regions immediately beneath the line of perpetual con-
gelation, at an elevation of from 12,000 to 13,000 feet above the level of the sea. Messrs.
Funck and Schlim found it equally abundant in the Paramos, near the Sierra Nevada, at the
comparatively low elevation of 9,000 feet. It appears to be confined to the regions between
the eighth and ninth degrees of north latitude.
It occasionally feeds upon the thinly-scattered shrubs of this icy region, such as the hype-
ricum, myrtus, daphne, arborescent espeletias, and towards the lower limit on bejarias, but
most frequently upon the projecting ledges of rocks near to the snow. Its flight is swift, but
very short ; when it leaves the spot upon which it has been perched, it launches itself obliquely
174 THE SICKLE-BILLS.
downwards, uttering at the same time a plaintive whistling sound, which is also occasionally
uttered while perched ; as well as I can recollect. I have never heard it produce the hum-
ming sound made by several other members of the same group, nor does it partake of their
joyous spirit or perpetual activity. Neither myself nor Messrs. Funck and Schlim were able
to discover its nest, although we all made a most diligent search.
"Its food appears principally to consist of minute insects, all the specimens w r e procured
having their stomachs filled with small flies."
The head and neck of the adiilt male are black, a line of white running along the centre.
The long plumes of the throat are white. Round the neck and the back of the head runs a
broad white band. The upper surface of the body and the two central tail-feathers are bronze-
green, and the other feathers are a warm reddish bronze, having the basal half of their shafts
white. The under surface is a dim brownish bronze. The length of the male bird is about
five and a quarter inches. The female is coppery-brown upon the head and upper surface of
the body, and there is no helmet-like plume on the head, nor beard-like tuft on the chin. The
throat is coppery-brown covered with white mottlings, and the flanks are coppery brown
washed with green. The length of the female is about one inch less than that of her mate.
Another species, the WARRIOR of dealers, and the GUERIN'S HELMET-CREST of naturalists
(Oxypbgon guerenii), is an inhabitant of the higher parts of the Columbian Andes, where it is
tolerably common. It is easily to be distinguished from the preceding species by a bright
green line which passes down the centre of the beard, and of which only a very faint indication
is perceptible in the Black Warrior. There is also much more white upon the tail.
THERE are several species of the STAR-THROATED HUMMING-BIRDS, all of which are known
by the bright metallic gleam of the feathers on the throat.
The ANGELA STAR-THROAT inhabits Buenos Ayres and many parts of Brazil. It seems
not to be a very common bird, or at all events it is rarely found in collections. It is chiefly
remarkable for the singular shape of its bill, which is evidently formed for the purpose of
enabling the creature to penetrate to the bottom of the curiously-shaped blossoms on which it
finds its sustenance. It feeds, apparently, upon the long-blossomed flowers of the llianas,
which are very plentiful in the regions inhabited by the Star-throat, and whose cups are
always filled with minute insects. The generic name, Heliomaster, is very appropriate, signi-
fying Sun-star.
In the male, the crown of the head is metallic green, "shot" with ultramarine blue and
gold, and the upper surface of the body is golden-green, with more gold upon the lower part
of the back. The wings are purple-brown, and the tail purple-black with dark green gloss.
Behind each eye there is a white spot, and a gray streak is drawn through the cheeks. The
centre of the throat is a brilliant crimson, shining effulgently as if made of living fire, and
edged with long feathers of a deep blue. The under surface is dark green, changing to rich
blue in the centre, and on each side of the flanks there is a tuft of white feathers. The under
tail-coverts are green, fringed with white.
The female is gold bronze on the upper part of the body, and the crown of her head is
grayish. There is no crimson or blue on the throat ; it is simply gray, covered with pale
brown spots.
THE very remarkable bird whose portrait is seen in the accompanying illustration affords
another example of the wonderful adaptation of means to ends which is often found among
these birds. In the Sword-bill Humming-bird, sketched on a foregoing page, the beak is
enormously lengthened, in order to enable it to feed on the long bell-like flowers wherein it
finds its sustenance, and a similar modification of structure may be seen in the Star-throats.
In the SICKLE-BILLS, however, which feed on the short curved flowers of those regions, the
bill is also short and very sharply curved, in order to suit the peculiar shape of the flowers.
This Sickle-bill is a very rare bird, and is found sparingly in Bogota and Veragua. The
plumage is not very brilliant in its hues, but the various tints with which it is colored are
pleasing in their arrangement, and give to the bird a very pretty aspect.
MARS SUN- A NO EL.
175
The crown of its head and the little crest are blackish -brown, and each feather has one
small spot of buff on its tip. The upper parts of the body are of a dark shining green, with a
slight buffy wash, and on the tips of several of the secondaries there is a little, white spot.
The two central feathers of the tail
are a dark glossy green with small
white tips, and the others are of the
same hue in their outer webs, greenish-
brown on the inner, and largely tipped
with white. The under surface is
brownish-black, diversified with some
dark buff streaks upon the throat and
breast, and with wliite streaks upon
the abdomen and flanks ; the under
tail-coverts are brown fringed with
buff. The total length of the bird is
about four and a half inches.
SICKLE-BILL HUMMING-BIRD. Eutoxeres aqvlla.
ANOTHER species belonging to the
same genus, CONDAMINE'S SICKLE-
BILL (Eutoxeres condamini), is re-
mai'kable for its propensity to inhabit
high ground. It is a very rare bird,
and whenever it is discovered, it is
seen feeding among the orchidaceous
plants, at an elevation of ten thousand
feet above the level of the sea.
THE little group of Humming-
birds called the Sun-angels are all
remarkable for the exceeding lustre
of the feathers which decorate their
throats, and the general beauty of their
plumage. In nearly every species there is a white or buff crescentic mark immediately below
the gorget, and they are all inhabitants of the Andes. Concerning the MARS SUN-ANGEL and
its habits Mr. Gould speaks in the following words :
" Of all the species of the Andean Humming-birds belonging to the genus Heliangelos, I
regard this as the most beautiful and interesting ; it has all the charms of novelty to recom-
mend it, and it stands alone, too, among its congeners, no other member of the genus similarly
colored having been discovered up to the present time. The throat vies with the radiant topaz,
while the band on the forehead rivals in brilliancy the frontlet of every other species. . . .
The country in which this rare bird flies is the elevated region of Northern Columbia, par-
ticularly the flat Paramos of Portachuela and Zambador, where Messrs. Funck and Schlim
found it at an elevation of from seven thousand to nine thousand feet ; they also met with it
in the Paramos of Los Conejos at a similar elevation. In those districts there doubtless exist
other fine species at present unknown to us, for we can scarcely imagine that these travellers
procured examples of all the species of the genera which dwell therein, and which we may
reasonably expect to be as rich in the feathered tribes as it is in another department of
Nature's wonderful works, Botany."
In the male bird there is a narrow mark upon the forehead of a deep fiery red, and the
crown of the head and the upper surface of the body are bronze-green. Behind each eye there
is a very small white spot, and a jetty-black cross-streak is drawn from the angle of the mouth
towards the neck. The throat is decorated with a gorget of deep fiery red, below which is a
crescent-shaped band of whitish buff, and the abdomen is deeper buff, changing to green upon
the flanks. The two central feathers of the tail are bronze-green, and the remainder bronze-
176 THE SPANGLED COQUETTE.
brown. The female has no red upon the throat or forehead. There are several species
of Sun-angel, among which may be mentioned CLARISSA'S SUN -ANGEL (Heliangelus clarissce),
a bird which is remarkable for the deep ruby-crimson with which its gorget is dyed.
Thousands of these birds are killed annually by means of the deadly blowpipe, and their
skins forwarded to Europe, where they are largely employed for various decorative pur-
poses, such as being mounted in ornamental cases of stuffed birds for drawing-rooms,
feather fans and fire-screens, or for head-dresses of more than ordinary brilliancy. Two
thousand of these birds have been sold at Paris at a single time, merely for the manufacture
of head-dresses.
THE two little birds which we now describe are remarkable for the manner in which their
heads are decorated. One of them is seen to be a dark little creature, with the exception of a
snowy white crown to its head, and a bold streak of white upon its tail. This is the SNOW-
CAP HUMMING-BIRD, one of the most curious and the most rare of all the Trochilidse. Its
habits and the localities in which it lives are well described in the words of its discoverer, as
quoted by Gould :
"It was in the autumn of 1852, while stationed in the district of Belen, Veraquas, New
Grenada, that I obtained several specimens of this diminutive variety of the Humming-bird
family.
" The first one I saw was perched on a twig, pluming its feathers. I was doubtful for a
few moments whether so small an object could be a bird, but on close examination I convinced
myself of the fact and secured it. Another I encountered while bathing, and for a time I
watched its movements before shooting it. The little creature would poise itself about three
feet or so above the surface of the water, and then as quick as thought dart downwards, so as
to dip its miniature head in the placid pool ; then up again to its original position, quite as
quickly as it had descended. These movements of darting up and down it would repeat in
rapid succession, which produced not a moderate disturbance of the surface of the water for
such a diminutive creature. After a considerable number of dippings, it alighted on a twig
near at hand, and commenced pluming its feathers."
The colors of this little bird are so dark, that it appears to be uniformly brown, until it is
examined more closely, when it is seen to be of a coppery hue, on which a purple reflection
is visible in extreme lights, the copper hue taking a warmer tint towards the tail. The crown
of the head is dazzlingly white, and the tips of all the tail-feathers, and the bases of all except
the two central, are also white.
ON the same drawing may be seen another remarkable little bird, possessed of a most
beautiful and graceful crest. This is the SPANGLED COQUETTE, an excellent example of the
very remarkable genus to which it belongs. All the Coquettes possess a well-defined crest
upon the head, and a series of projecting feathers from the neck, some being especially notable
for the one ornament, and others for the other.
The Spangled Coquette is a native of several parts of Columbia. The singular crest is
capable of being raised or depressed at the will of the bird, and produces a great effect in
changing the whole expression of the creature. When raised to its fullest extent it spreads
itself like the tail of the peacock, and much resembles the crest of the king tody, a bird which
will be described in a future page. When depressed, it lies flat upon the bird, and is" so large
that it projects on either side, barely allowing the little black eyes to gleam from under its
shade.
The crown of the head and the crest are light ruddy chestnut, each feather having a ball-
like spot of dark bronze-green at the tip. The throat and face are shining metallic green, below
which is a small tuft of pointed white feathers that have a very curious effect as they protrude
from beneath the gorget. The upper parts are bronze-green as far as the lower part of the
back, where a band crosses from side to side, and the rest of the plumage is dark ruddy chest-
nut as far as the tail. The tail is also chestnut-brown, with a slight wash of metallic green.
The female has no crest nor green gorget.
PRINCESS HELENA'S COQUETTE.
177
THE TUFTED COQUETTE is one of the rare species of this beautiful genus.
It seems to be entirely a Continental bird, not being found in any of the West Indian
Islands, and its principal residence seems to be in Northern Brazil and along the course of the
Amazon as far as Peru. It may
be readily known from the
other species of Coquettes by
the colors of its head, crest, and
neck-plumes. The crest and top
of the head are a rich ruddy
chestnut, and the upper surface
of the body is bronze-green, ex-
cepting the wings, which are
purple-black, and a broad band
of white which crosses the lower
part of the back. From the
white band to the insertion of
the tail is bright chestnut. The
tail is also chestnut, except
the two central feathers, which
are green at the latter half of
their length. The forehead and
throat are emerald-green, and the
neck-plumes are snowy white
tipped with resplendent metallic-
green.
The female has no crest nor
neck-plumes, and the band of
white across the back is very
narrow. The total length of the
bird is about two inches and a
half.
TUFTED COQUETTE. Lopkornie ornata.
ANOTHER species of this
remarkable genus is GOULD'S
COQUETTE (Lophornis gouldii). This species is remarkable for the beautiful pure white of
the neck-tufts, and their green tips. When the crest and tufts of this bird are depressed
they lie closely upon the other feathers, the crest coming to a sharp point upon the back of
the neck, and the neck -tufts also coming to a point upon the shoulders. This species seems
to be exclusively continental, and not to be found on any of the West Indian islands. At
present it is supposed to inhabit the country from the embouchure of the Amazon to its
sources in Peru. It is a very rare bird.
The crest of the male is rich chestnut-red, the upper surface is bronze-green, and a band
of w r hite crosses the lower part of the back. The forehead and throat are emerald-green. The
female is comparatively a dull bird, having no crest nor neck -plumes. The length of this
species is about two and a half inches.
BUT the most singular of all the genus, if not the most unique and remarkable of all the
Humming-birds, is the PRINCESS HELENA'S COQUETTE (LopJiornis Jielence). This wonderful
bird is a native of Vera Paz in Guatemala.
The curious forked crest and face are green, and the throat is of a metallic effulgent
emerald in the centre, and surrounded with a series of long narrow white feathers, those which
start from the neck being longest and generally edged with blue-black, while the others are
much shorter and of a jetty black. From the back of the head start six long hair-like feathers,
three on each side. The upper surface of the body is coppery-bronze, and a buff band crosses
VOL. II.-23.
178 THE BAR-TAILED HUMMING-BIRD.
the lower end of the back. The female is quite an ordinary little bird, without crest, neck-
plumes, or long hair-feathers, and is generally of a dull bronze-green color, and grayish-white
below, sprinkled with green.
THERE are many species of VIOLET-EARED Humming-birds, all of which are easily recog-
nized by means of the patch of violet feathers which is placed on each side of the face.
The BOLIVIA VIOLET-EAR inhabits the country from which it derives its popular title, and
is one of the migratory birds, passing over a considerable tract of territory in the course of
its travels. The localities which it most prefers are the valleys and low grounds where maize
is cultivated, and in such situations it is very plentiful. The character of the species is emi-
nently pugnacious, and it will not permit any other bird to approach its dominions. It is a
very pretty bird : the general color of the upper parts of the body is golden-green, a tint which
extends to the two central feathers of the tail ; the remainder of the tail is deep-blue green.
The throat and breast are shining green, and the chin, abdomen, and a patch above the eye,
are deep bine. The length of the bird is rather more than three inches.
THE lovely little SPARKLING-TAIL is an inhabitant of Mexico, and is found very plenti-
fully in Guatemala, where it is remarkably familiar and visits the habitations of mankind
without any reluctance, haunting every garden wherein are blooming flowers, and altogether
displaying a wonderful amount of confidence. The nest of this species is very tiny, rounded
and beautifully woven from various delicate fibres, cottony down, and spiders' webs, and is
covered externally with lichens applied in a very artistic manner. In this nest are laid two
eggs, hardly bigger than peas, of a delicate semi-transparent pearly white, and reminding the
observer of the eggs of the common snail. The nest is always stuck upon a leaf or some slight
twig by means of spiders' webs, so that instead of the great spider catching and eating the
Humming-bird, as Madame Merian supposed, the Humming-bird is the real depredator, and
robs the spider.
In coloring and form the two sexes are quite dissimilar.
The male is bronze-green above, with the exception of the bold crescent-shaped white
feathers on the lower part of the back. The throat is rich metallic-blue, becoming velvety-
black in certain lights, because each feather is black at the base and blue at the tip. The
wings are of a rich dark purple-brown. Round the neck runs a broad snowy -white crescentic
band, and the whole under surface is bronze-green, except the under tail-coverts, across which
runs a band of white. The tail is very curious, exhibiting very many tints, and not very easy
to describe. The two central feathers are rich shining green ; the next green marked with
bronze ; the next dark brown, with two triangular white spots on the inner web, one near the
middle and the other at the tip ; the two central feathers are dark brown for the first half of
their length, then comes a broad band of deep rusty-red, then a broad white band, then a
brown band, and the tip is white. The whole length is about four inches.
The female is of a rich bronze-green on the upper surface of the body, and the two cres-
centic marks on the lower part of the back are buff instead of white, as in her mate. Her tail
is short, and of a purple-black bronzed at the base ; all the feathers except the two central
ones are tipped with white and ringed with buff. The under surface is rusty-red, becoming
darker on the under tail-coverts. The length is not quite three inches.
WE now come to one of the most imposing of all the Humming-birds, namely the SAPPHO
COMET, or the BAR-TAILED HUMMIXG-BIRD, as it is often called. It is a native of Bolivia, and
is a migratory species, generally going to Eastern Peru in the winter. It is a remarkably
familiar bird, haunting the gardens and orchards while the trees are blossoming, especially
while the apple-trees are in flower. The males are extremely fierce and pugnacious, chasing
each other through the air with surprising perseverance and acrimony. Of these Birds
Mr. Bonelli gives a very spirited description :
" It arrives in the environs of Chiiqnesaqua in the months of September and October, and
takes up its residence in the shrubberies of the city and the gardens of the Indian cottages ;
THE BAR-TAILED HUMMING-BIRD.
179
the hill-side of the neighboring country, clothed with indigenous trees and shrubs, also affords
it a fit place of abode, whence it descends several times a day to the cultivated plains below,
particularly to the fields of maize, pulse, and other leguminous plants ; the rich flowers of
the large cacti are also frequently visited, as they afford it a constant and abundant supply of
insect food.
" Soon after their arrival the task of incubation is commenced ; and when the summer is
over, both the old and the young, actuated as it were by the same impulse, wend their way
southward, to return again when the spring has once more gladdened the earth.
"The nest is a somewhat loose structure, outwardly composed of interlaced vegetable
fibres, slight twigs, moss, etc., and frequently lined with soft hairs like those of the viscacha,
~i
SAPPHO COMET. Sjxirganura sappho.
with the lower portion prolonged considerably below the bottom of the cup-shaped interior,
which is about an inch and a half in diameter and an inch in depth ; the total length of the
nest averaging from two and a half to three inches. The nest is placed in situations similar to
those selected for the same purpose by the spotted fly-catcher, namely, against the sides of
the walls, supported or entirely sustained by any hanging root or twig that may be best
adapted to afford it security ; the part of the nest next the wall is much thicker, but of a
looser texture than the similar portion of the true structure. The eggs are two in number,
oblong in form, of a pure white, and about half an inch in length by about five-sixteenths of
an inch in breadth.
''Tin- difficulty of shooting these birds is inconceivably great, fi-om the extraordinary
turns mid evolutions they make when on the wing ; at one instant darting headlong into a
flower, at the next describing a circle in the air with such rapidity, that the eye, unable to
180 THE RUBY AND TOPAZ HUMMING-BIRD.
follow the movement, loses sight of it until it again returns to the flower which at first
attracted its attention."
Magnificent as are these gorgeous birds when mounted as specimens, they lose nmch of
their beauty in the needful handling, and give but a faint image of their real effulgent beauty.
Many specimens are injured by being left too long before the skins are removed from the
bodies, and in the lands where the Sappho lives, putrefaction takes place with such rapidity,
that a delay of a few hours is fatal to the perfection of the skin. It has been found that these
delicate creatures were much injured by the shot or other missiles employed in their capture,
so a very ingenious trap was made for their especial benefit. It was noticed that the birds
were accustomed to dash into the long pendent blossoms of certain flowers, so the ingenious
collector put a little bird-lime into the bottom of every blossom, and thus secured many an
unwary Humming-bird as it came to feed.
In the male bird the head, neck, the upper part of the back, the face, the sides of the
neck, and great part of the under surface, are light green, bronzed on the sides of the neck
and face. -The lower part of the back is a deep crimson-red. The wings are purple-brown,
and the throat metallic-green. The tail is ruddy brown at its "base, and the remainder of its
length is a fiery red, tipped with a velvety -black band. The female is smaller than the male,
but is not possessed of his length of tail nor brilliancy of hue, her throat being white spotted
with green, and the only piece of crimson being a patch on her back.
THERE is another species belonging to the same genus, which has been called the PHAON
COMET (Cometes phaari), in allusion to the classical name of the preceding species. This is
equally magnificent with the former, and is altogether a larger bird. It may be known
from the Sappho by the color of the tail, which is wholly of a crimson-red. It inhabits Peru
and Bolivia.
ON the engraving will be seen a much smaller bird, the YARRELL' s WOODSTAR.
This pretty creature is very rare, and inhabits the eastern parts of Peru and Bolivia. Mr.
Gould thinks it is limited to the localities between the mountainous ranges and the sea. In
the male, the crown of the head, the whole upper surface of the body, and the four central
tail-feathers, are of a light yellow-green, and the chest, the middle of the abdomen, and the
under tail-coverts are grayish-white. Upon the throat there is a gorget of purple-blue,
"shot" with lilac in some lights, and of a brighter blue in the centre. The wings are grayish-
brown, and the lateral feathers of the tail are dark brown. The total length of the bird is
about two and a half inches.
AMONG other species belonging to the same genus may be mentioned the SHORT-TAILED
WOODSTAR (Calothorax micrurus). This odd little bird is remarkable for the extreme short-
ness of its tail-feathers, which when closed are, with the exception of the two central feathers,
hidden under the upper tail -co verts. It is generally seen in the mimosas, and hums very
loudly when flying.
THE RUBY AND TOPAZ HUMMING-BIRD derives its name from the coloring of its head and
throat, the former being of a deep ruby tint, and the latter of a resplendent topaz. Sometimes
it is called the Ruby-headed Humming-bird, and it is also known under the name of the
Aurora. It is very common in Bahia, the Guianas, Trinidad, and the Caraccas, and as it is in
great request for the dealers, is killed by thousands annually. There is no species so common
in ornamental cases of Humming-birds as the Ruby and Topaz. It makes a very beautiful
nest, round, cup-like, and delicately woven of cotton and various fibres, and covered externally
with little leaves and bits of lichen.
The plumage of this species is extremely variable, but may be described briefly as follows.
The forehead, the crown, and the nape of the neck are metallic ruby -red, and the chin, throat,
and chest are effulgent topaz. The upper parts of the body are velvety bronze-brown, and the
wiugs are purple-brown. The tail is rich chestnut-red, tipped with black, and the abdomen
THE CAYENNE FAIRY. 181
is ;i dark olive-brown. The female has none of the ruby patches on the head, but retains a
little of the topaz on the throat.
A VERY striking and remarkable bird, whose long forked tail extends to an astonish-
ing length, is the BLUE-TAILED SYLPH (Cynanthus cyanurus). It is one of the most beau-
tiful of the birds which are called by the name of Sylphs, in allusion to their beautiful form
and graceful movements.
This beautiful bird is found in the temperate regions of the Andes, its range extending as
far as Panama. It also inhabits the sides of the Cordilleras, at an elevation of five or ten
thousand feet above the level of the sea, as the vegetation of those regions is most luxuriant
in spite of the coldness of the climate, and .affords plentiful nourishment for the Humming-
birds. The flow r er on which it usually feeds is the Sedum quitense, and its flight is extremely
rapid as it darts from one flower to another.
In the male bird the crown of the head is of a metallic golden -green,- and the general color
of the body is a bronze-green, becoming browner on the under parts. Upon the throat is a
gorget of the most intense purple-blue, and the wings are purple-brown. The two central
feathers of the magnificent tail are shining metallic-green, the two next are black at their base
and rich blue towards their extremities, and tipped and edged with bright metallic-green,
"shot" with blue. The outer feathers are black for the first half of their length, and the
remaining portion is metallic steely-blue. Some white feathers are scattered across the end of
the abdomen, the under tail-coverts are green, and there is a little white dab above the eye
and another behind it.
The female is something like the male, but not so bright in coloring. The throat is grayish-
white covered with green spots, and the abdomen is rusty-red, changing into bronze-green
upon the flanks. The young male is duller in color than the adult, the tail is shorter,
and there is no blue part upon the throat. Like many other of the Humming-birds, this
species is extremely variable in its coloring, especially among the young males. The
length of this species is about seven inches. It is not, however, so remarkable for the
length of its tail as the T&AIK-HEAKEB (Lesbia amaryllis), a native of Quito. This bird,
although a small creature, possesses a long and very straight tail, something like that of
the Polytmus or the Sappho, but much larger in proportion, the length of the elongated
feathers being nearly six inches.
ONE of the most striking forms among the Humming-birds is that which is exhibited by
DE LALANDE'S PLOVER-CREST.
This singular bird is remarkable from the fact that the elevated plume which is placed
upon the head is terminated by a single feather, instead of being double, as is usually the case
with crested birds. This species inhabits the southern parts of Brazil. The nest which it
builds is very pretty, and is ingeniously woven into a tuft of leaves or twigs at the extremity
of some very slender branch, so that the whole structure droops downwards, and may be
reckoned among the pensile nests. Its form is much elongated, and the materials of which it
is composed are delicate pieces of roots, mosses and lichens, and spiders' webs.
The male bird is the sole possessor of the beautiful crest, the female being without
that decoration. The crest and the top of the head are bright green, with the exception
of the long single feather, which is jetty black. The upper surface is green washed with
bronze, and the breast and abdomen are of an intense shining violet. Behind the eye there
is a small white streak.
A HUMMING-BIRD, which in the accompanying illustration is represented with outspread
wings and a rather curiously formed tail, is the CAYENNE FAIRY (Heliothrix auritus), an
inhabitant of Guiana, Cayenne, and the forests near the moiith of the Amazon.
In the male, the general hue of the upper surface is glossy golden-green, very light on
the forehead. The four middle feathers of the tail are blue-black, and the three exterior
feathers are white. A jetty black line is drawn across each side of the face, including the
182
THE AVOCET HUMMING-BIRD.
eye in its breadth, and terminated with a small tuft of violet-blue ; below the black runs a
luminous green line. The under parts of the body are snowy white.
CAYENNE F .\\SY.-IfelMftrix aurita.
THE very beautiful bird which has been appropriately named the SUN-GEM inhabits the
mountain ranges of Brazil, especially those of Minas Geraes, where it seems, as Mr. Gould
poetically remarks, to be a veritable gem sprung out of the mountain and suddenly gifted
with life. It may generally be found in the open country in nursery grounds, where it finds
abundance of the small flowers on which it feeds. During the rainy season it resorts to the
forest, and finds its nourishment in the orchidaceous plants which flourish there in such rich
profusion.
The male bird is remarkable for a very conspicuous crest, which starts from either side
of the head, and has gained for the bird the title of Double-crested Humming-bird. The
name "cornuta," or horned, refers to this peculiarity. The forehead and crown of the
head are azure blue, and the neck fiery crimson at its base, changing to green near the centre,
and taking a rich golden radiance at the extremity. The throat, the sides of the face, and
the pendent tuft of feathers from the chin are velvety-black. The back is bronze-green,
and the wings purple-brown. The two central feathers of the tail are olive-brown and the
rest white, edged with the same tint. The breast, sides of the neck, and the upper part of
the abdomen are grayish-white, and the remainder of the under surface is bronze-green.
The female has nearly as long a tail as the male, but her throat is buffy -white, and she
has no crest on the head nor beard hanging from the chin.
A SINGULAR species is the AVOCET HUMMING-BIRD. It is remarkable for the curious
manner in which- the bill is curved upwards at the extremity, after running nearly straight for
the greater part of its length. As this formation of beak bears some resemblance to that
which is found in the well-known Avocet, the present species has been named the Avocet
Humming-bird. When the first specimen of this bird was brought to Europe, the peculiar
shape of the beak was thought to be accidental, and owing to pressure against the side of the
box in which the bird had been packed ; but it is now clear that the structure is intentional,
THE CHIMBURAZ1AX HILL-STAR.
183
and that, in all probability, it subserves some very important purpose. Some persons have
suggested, with some show of reason, that the beak is recurved in order to enable the bird to
feed upon the nectar and insects which reside in the deepest recesses of certain tubular
flowers.
It is a pretty bird, but is not gifted with the gorgeous and dazzling hues which are so
lavishly shed upon the plumage of many Humming-birds. The head and the whole of the
upper parts of the body are shining golden-green, and the throat is bright emerald. The
under parts are also golden-green, with the exception of a black streak that runs from the
SUN-GEM. Heliaclinus cornutus.
breast through the centre of the abdomen,
feathers of the tail are topaz.
The wings are purple-brown, and the lateral
OUR ideas of Humming-birds are naturally associated with the tropical climate and burn-
ing sun of the regions which they inhabit, and few persons would think of looking for any
species of Humming-bird in a locality where the temperature seldom rises above that of an
ordinary winter in York State. Yet the CHIMBOKAZIAN HILL-STAK is never found except
upon the elevated portions of the lofty mountains from which it derives its name, and inhabits
exclusively the very edges of the line of perpetual snow.
This bird is never seen on any spot that is less than twelve thousand feet above the level
of the sea, and is most commonly seen at a much greater elevation, specimens having been
obtained on spots that are at least sixteen thousand feet above the ocean. Beyond this
height the creature cannot live, as the line of perpetual snow commences at that point, and
places an effectual barrier against the growth of the plants on which the bird finds its sub-
sistence. The two sexes are seldom seen near each other, the males preferring to haunt the
184
THE PICHINCHIAN HILL-STAR.
extremities of the loftiest branches, while the females hover near the ground. Partly owing
to this peculiarity, and partly on account of her sober tinting, the female generally escapes
observation. The plant on which the Chimborazian Hill-star is iisually found is the Ckuquira-
qua insignis, a flowering alpine shrub, with large pale yellow blossoms, and the bird is so closely
attached to this shrub, that it is never found at any great distance from its golden flowers.
The nest of this species is made of lichens, and is fastened to the side of a rock in some
situation where it is protected
by an overhanging ledge of
rock.
Except upon the head and
throat, the Chimborazian Hill-
star is not so brilliantly clothed
as many of its compeers, but
upon those parts the creature
shines with rainbow lightness.
The general color of the upper
parts of the body is pale dusky
olive-green, with the exception
of the wings, which have the
purple-brown tint usual among
Humming-birds. The under
parts are white, deepening into
dusky-black upon the under
tail-coverts, and there is a line
of black down the centre of the
abdomen. The head and throat
are of the brightest and most
resplendent blue, with the ex-
ception of an emerald-green
patch in the centre of the
throat. This patch is triangu-
lar in shape, and has one of
the angles pointing upwards.
Round the neck runs a broad
CHIMBORAZIAN HILL-STAR OreotrochUus chlmbaram. Collar Of deep Velvety-black,
abruptly dividing the brilliant
hue of the head and throat from the plain black and white of the chest and abdomen, and
giving the bird an appearance as if the head and throat of some brightly colored bird had
been joined to the neck and body of a plainly clad individual of another species. The two
central feathers of the tail are nearly of the same hue as that of the back, the two exterior
feathers are white for the first third of their length, and greenish-black for the remaining two-
thirds, while the .other feathers are white, edged with greenish-black.
The female is a very soberly clad bird, being olive-green upon the head, white spotted with
green upon the throat, and the remainder of the body olive-green, white, and brownish-black.
THEBE are several species of Hill-stars, among which the PICHINCHIAN HILL-STAR is the
most remarkable.
This bird is very local, inhabiting the volcanic mountain of Pichinca, in the republic
of Ecuador, and being only found in a zone of five or six hundred feet in width, at an elevation
of about eleven hundred feet above the level of the sea. It is a very remarkable fact, that
although both these species inhabit volcanic mountains within thirty miles of each other, and
are found at nearly the same elevation, the Pichinchian Hill-star is never seen upon Chim-
borazo, nor the Chimborazian Hill-star upon Pichinca. This species is very like the preceding
but may be easily distinguished by the absence of the triangular green spot upon the throat.
THE VERVAIN HUMMING-BIRD. 185
A VERY elegantly shaped little bird is the GILT-CRESTED HUMMING-BIRD (OrthorhyncTius
exilis). It inhabits Martinique and other West Indian islands, where it is always found upon
the low-lying grounds.
In color it is very pretty, the general hue of its body being green with bronze reflections,
and its crest glowing with golden-green and emerald ; the emerald hue being most conspicuous
towards its point, and the gold towards the base. The nest is a very pretty compact little
structure, beautifully rounded, and composed chiefly of cotton fibres, intermixed with the
dried involucres of certain composite plants, and bound together with spiders' web.
THE beautiful little VERVAIN HUMMING-BIRD is one of the minutest examples of feathered
life that are at present known to zoologists. In total length this bird does not measure three
inches ; while, as the tail occupies nearly an inch and the head half an inch, the actual length
of the body will be seen to be not quite an inch and a half. It is a native of Jamaica, and has
been admirably described by Mr. Gosse, while treating of the birds which inhabit that island.
The name of Vervain Humming-bird has been given to this tiny creature, because it is in
the habit of feeding on the blossoms of the West Indian Vervain, but it is also known under a
variety of other titles, and has been described by many scientific writers under different names.
Speaking of this bird, Mr. Gosse says :
"The West Indian Vervain (StacJiytarpTieta) is one of the most common weeds in
neglected pastures, shooting up everywhere its slender columns set around with blue flowers
to the height of a foot. About these our little Humming-bird is abundant during the summer
months, pecking the azure blossoms a few inches from the ground. It visits the spikes in
succession, flitting from one to another exactly in the manner of the honey-bee, and with the
same business-like application and industry. In the winter, the abundance of other flowers,
and the paucity of vervain blossoms, induce its attentions to the hedge-rows and woods.
" I have sometimes watched with much delight the evolutions of this little species at the
moringa tree. When only one is present, he pursues the round of the blossoms soberly
enough. But if two are at the tree, one will fly off and suspend himself in the air a few yards
distant, the other presently starts off to him, and then, without touching each other, they
mount upward with strong rushing wings, perhaps for five hundred feet. They then separate,
and each starts diagonally towards the ground like a ball from a rifle, and wheeling round
comes up to the blossoms again, and sucks as if it had not moved away at all.
"Frequently one alone will mount in this manner, or dart on invisible wing diagonally
upwards, looking exactly like a humble-bee. Indeed, the figure of the smaller Humming-
birds on the wing, their rapidity, their wavering course, and their whole manner of flight, are
entirely those of an insect, and any one who has watched the flight of a large beetle or bee will
have a very good idea of these tropic gems painted against the sky."
The Vervain Humming-bird appears to be less susceptible of human influence than the
Ruby-throated and the Long-tailed Humming-birds, for although Mr. Gosse succeeded in
capturing several specimens of these beautiful little creatures, and confined them in a room,
they were so hopelessly timid that nothing could be done with them. More than once he
secured the female as she was sitting upon her eggs, and removed her, together with her nest,
into a gauze-covered cage, hoping that she would continue her labors while in captivity, and
produce a brood of young that would be familiar with mankind from their earliest birth.
Maternal love, however, was not proof against the power of fear, and in every case the poor
little bird forsook her eggs, fluttered about the cage aimlessly, and died within twenty-four
hours.
The general color of this beautiful little bird is a brilliant metallic green, the wings being,
as usual, purple-brown, and the tail deep black. The throat and chin are white, sprinkled
profusely with little black spots, and the breast is pure white. The abdomen is also white,
but diversified with a slight green tip to each feather, and the flanks are bright metallic-green
nearly as resplendent as upon the back. The under tail-coverts are white, with a few very
pale green spots. The colors of the female are rather more dull than those of her mate, the
green being tinged with yellow, and the under parts without the green spots. The first half
VOL. II. at
186 NESTS OF HUMMING-BIRDS.
of the tail is yellowish-green, and all the feathers of the tail, with the exception of the two
central feathers, are furnished with white tips.
The nest of the Vervain Humming-bird is very small, in accordance with the dimensions
of the architect, is round and cup-like in shape, and beautifully constructed of cotton fibres
and other soft and warm substances. As is the case with the nests of almost all the species of
Trochilidse, the rim is so made as to curve slightly inwards, and is, in all probability, con-
structed for the purpose of preventing the eggs from rolling out of the nest when the
"procreant cradle" is rocked by the tempestuous winds of the tropics. A somewhat similar
structure may be seen in the nests of many other perching birds, and I well remember seeing
the nest of a goldfinch which had been built at the extremity of a long and slender horizontal
spray of oak, and which was completely turned inwards at the rim. No ordinary wind could
have shaken the eggs out of the nest, as even when the branch was seized and drawn towards
the ground, the eggs still remained in their places.
In one species, which was watched by Captain Lyon, the nest was not completed until
the young birds were nearly fledged.
The mother bird built a small and rather shallow nest, in which she laid two eggs, and
began to sit as usual. As soon, however, as the young were hatched, she set to work again
at her nest, and added fresh material round the edges, so as to raise the sides and prevent her
offspring from tumbling out of their house upon the ground. In proportion to the growth of
the young, the mother increased the height of her walls, so that by the time the young were
ready to fly, the nest had been transformed from a shallow, saucer-like structure, into a round
and deeply-hollowed cup. It has been suggested in explanation of this curious behavior on
the part of the mother bird, that her completed nest had been destroyed, and that she was
forced to run up a hasty kind of hut for the reception of her young, and could only finish it
when she was relieved from the constant duty of sitting on her eggs.
IN the nesting of the Humming-birds, there is one peculiarity that is worthy of a passing
notice. In almost every case where a nest has hitherto been discovered, the materials of which
it is composed are thick, soft and woolen, and in all instances are arranged in such a manner as
to shield the eggs even from the effects of rain or atmospheric influences, as long as the
mother bird is seated upon them. Mr. R. Hill, who has paid close attention to the nests of
the Humming-birds, has ingeniously hit upon a connection between their structure and the
electrical conditions of the atmosphere.
The injurious effect of a sudden increase of electricity is very strongly marked upon the
young of all animals, the hurtful influence being in proportion to the growth of the victim.
Eggs are peculiarly susceptible to the influence of electricity, and even when the chick is
partially matured, are often killed by a passing thunder-storm. In climates where thunder-
storms are so frequent and violent as in the lands which are inhabited by these birds, it is
needful that the eggs should be protected from the deadly influence, and we accordingly find
that the nests are oval or rounded in shape, and are made of substances which are bad con-
ductors of electricity. In accordance with this principle, Mr. Hill proceeds to remark that
" in tropical climates, there are a greater number of birds that build close nests than in the
temperate climates of Europe. In the West Indian Islands, with the exception of the pigeon
tribes and the Humming-birds (which latter build deep, thick, cottony nests), the nests are
almost uniformly circular coverings of dried grass, varied by intermingled cotton, moss and
feathers, with an opening from below, or an entrance at the side.
"The Banana bird weaves a hammock of fibres, sometimes of horse-hair, deep and purse-
like, and loosely netted ; the Musicapa olivacea (a fly-catcher), a hanging cot of withered
leaves, straw, moss, fibrous thread, and spiders' webs fitted together ; and the mocking-bird
builds in the midst of a mass of wicker-work a neat nest of straw lined with hair. The wood-
pecker and the parrots take to hollow trees, but I hardly know any arboreal besides which
constructs any nest that is not wholly covered or domed over.
"Very many insects that are exposed to the air during their metamorphoses weave cover-
ings of silk and cotton, in which they lie shrouded, at once impenetrable to moisture, and
CREEPERS. 187
uninfluenced by the disturbances of the atmosphere. It would seem that the object, whatever
it be, is the same in both. It is not for warmth that the insects spin these webs, for they form
their coverings of silk and cotton in the hottest period of the year ; and I find that whilst all
our birds that build open nests (the Humming-birds build in May, June, and later) breed
early, those that construct the domed and spherical ones nestle in the season between the
spring and autumnal rains, when the air is saturated with electricity, and is in a state of con-
stant change."
IT is an interesting fact that so many as four hundred different species of birds the
Humming-birds should have no representatives in the Old World. The Sun-birds of Africa
and Asia appear nearest them in external features. Fifteen species are now enumerated as North
American birds. In the tropical portions of South America the remaining species are found.
Single species are occasionally seen in the Arctic regions, and as far south as Patagonia. The
food of these little creatures consists almost entirely of insects, which they capture in the
recesses of flowers. So varied are these little forms, one hundred and thirty genera are recog-
nized among them. Ten genera are found in North America. The habits and manners of
Humming-birds are peculiar, differing very markedly from any other birds. Their flight and
movements generally resemble those of insects, though usually much more rapid. They are
so nearly like the great nocturnal Sphinxes in their flight, that some of the latter have
been called Humming-bird Moths.
They are not seen in forests, but love the sunshine and the flowers. Some feed during the
twilight ; probably because the insects they favor are out more abundantly at such times.
Their pugnacious habits are well known. They attack without hesitation birds larger than
themselves. So large a bird as the Sparrow Hawk has been seen to suffer from the attack of
one of these little creatures. The very smallness was in his favor ; for, with sufficient courage
and a disposition to fight, he follows up blow after blow with his sharp bill, until his enemy
retreats with disgust.
The nests of the Humming-bird are well-known marvels of beauty. The eggs are usually
two, and pure white. Though these birds have been said to have no voice, Mr. Bell, the dis-
tinguished taxidermist of Audubon's staff, avers that he has distinctly heard one of the Cen-
tral American species sing, uttering a fine, low note ; and others have since testified the same.
CREEPERS.
WE now arrive at the large family of the CERTHID^E, or CREEPERS ; a family which
includes many birds of very different forms, and which can only be known to belong to it by
their anatomical structure. In fact, the Creepers may be considered as analogous among birds
to the antelopes among mammalia, and be considered as a " refuge for the destitute," formed
for the purpose of receiving all the slender-billed birds which cannot find accommodation in
any other more definite family.
The Certhida? are mostly small birds, but there is one notable exception in the person of
the celebrated lyre-bird of Australia. Many of thenf are good songsters, and they all feed
chiefly upon insects, which they pick out of the bark of trees or unearth from the soil. The
beak is rather long and slender, except perhaps in the nuthatch, which, although compara-
tively long, is possessed of great strength ;'and there is always a curve more or less marked.
The beak is always sharp at its extremity, and the nostrils are placed in a little groove at the
base of the bill, and defended by a membranous scale. The feet are, although slender in
several species, possessed of remarkable strength, and furnished with sharp round claws, in
order to enable the birds to cling to the tree-trunks in which they find their food.
188
THE OVEN-BIRD.
THE OVEN-BIRDS derive their name from the peculiar form of their nests.
The edifice, for it fully deserves that name, is of considerable dimensions when compared
with the small size of its architect, and is built in the shape of a dome, the entrance being on
one side, so as to present a decided resemblance to an ordinary oven. The walls of the nest
are fully an inch in thickness, and the materials of which the structure is composed are clay,
grass, and various kinds of vegetable substances, which are woven and plastered together in
so workman-like a manner, that the nest is quite hard and firm when the clay has been dried
in the sun. The bird seems to be conscious of the security of its nest, for it takes no pains to
OVEN-BIfiD. fuinaraa ryfus.
conceal its habitation, but builds openly upon some exposed spot, such as the large, leafless
branch of a tree, the top of palings, or even the interior of houses or barns.
The Oven-bird is not content with barely building this curious domed structure, but adds
to its security by separating it into two parts, by means of a partition reaching nearly to the
roof, the eggs being placed in the inner chamber. The bed on which the eggs are placed con-
sists mostly of feathers and soft grasses". The number of the eggs is generally about four.
The Oven-bird is a bold little creature, caring nothing, as has already been implied, for the
close proximity of man, and attacking fiercely any other bird that might happen to approach
too closely to its residence, screeching defiantly the while. It is a quick, active bird, tripping
over the ground with great rapidity while searching after its prey, and is almost invariably
found in company with its mate. The flight of the Oven-bird is not at all strong, and it seldom
indulges in any aerial excursions beyond a short flight from one bush to another. Both sexes
take part in the construction of the nest, each going alternately for supplies of clay, straw, and
THE COMMON TREE-CREEPER. 189
grass-stems, working them well together, and then flying for a fresh load as soon as its mate
lias arrived. It feeds principally on insects, having a special liking for those of the beetle kind.
THERE is an allied genus of Oven-birds, termed CINCLODES, the members of which are
found upon the western coasts of South America, and generally frequent the sea-shore, where
they feed upon the smaller crustaceans and mollusks. They are rather daring little birds, and
will seek their prey at some distance from the shore, perching upon the fronds of floating sea-
weed, and pecking out the various marine creatures that are always to be found in such local-
ities. Like the true Oven-birds, they are careless of the presence of man, and are so fearless
that they can almost be taken by hand. Indeed, one voyager relates that he killed ten of
these little birds with a stick without any difficulty, and hardly having to change his position.
ANOTHER small group of the Certhidge is known to zoologists by the title of SYNALLAXINE
BIRDS, and distinguished by the greater length of the outer toe, and its juncture to the middle
toe nearly as far as the first joint. The hinder toe is long and rather powerful, and all the
claws are sharply curved, pointed, and strong. The tail is rather long, and is almost always
pointed, like that of the common creeper.
The Synallaxine birds are inhabitants of tropical America, and, like the oven-birds, are
notable for the very curious nests which they construct. Although these birds are of small
dimensions, they all build nests which might easily be attributed to the labors of some hawk
or crow. The nest of one species is often from three to four feet in length, and is placed very
openly in some low bush, where it escapes notice on account of its resemblance to a bunch of
loose sticks thrown carelessly together by the wind. In its interior, however, the edifice is
very carefully made, and, like the nest of the oven-birds, is divided into two recesses, the eggs
being laid in the inner apartment, upon a bed of soft feathers.
The Synallaxine birds are generally found upon the trees, which they traverse with great
rapidity in search of the various insects on which they feed, and may often be seen running
about upon the ground, peering anxiously into every little hole and cranny, and dragging
slugs, snails, worms, and beetles from the recesses in which they are accustomed to conceal
themselves during the hours of daylight.
ANOTHER very small group of the Creepers is represented by the CURVED-BILLED CREEPER,
a bird about the size of a blackbird, which is found in the forests of Brazil.
It is chiefly remarkable from the curiously-formed bill, which is very long in proportion
to the size of the bird, and is curved in a manner that can best be represented by the form
of a sickle. The bill, although so much elongated, is possessed of considerable strength,
and is evidently employed for the purpose of drawing the insects on which the creature feeds
from the crevices of the bark in which they dwell. As is indicated by the stiff and sharply-
pointed feathers of the tail, the Curved-billed Creeper is in the habit of traversing the trunks
of trees, and is able to support itself in a perpendicular position by hooking its long curved
claws into the inequalities of the bark, and resting the weight of its body upon the stiff tail-
feathers. The general color of this bird is brown, with a wash of cinnamon upon the greater
part of the surface. The head and neck are of a grayer brown, and spotted with white.
WE now arrive at the true Creepers, of which birds the COMMON TREE-CREEPER is an
excellent example.
This little bird is one of the prettiest and most interesting of the feathered tribes that are
found in Europe. It is a very small bird, hardly so large as a sparrow, and beautifully slender
in shape. The bill is rather long, pointed, and curved, and the tail-feathers are stiff and
pointed at their extremities. The food of the Creeper consists chiefly of insects, although the
bird will sometimes vary its diet by seeds and other vegetable sxibstances. The insects on
which it feeds live principally under the bark of various rough-skinned trees, and when it is
engaged in running after its food, it runs spirally up the trunk with wonderful ease and
celerity, probing every crevice with ready adroitness, its whole frame instinct with sparkling
190
HABITS OF THE TREE-CREEPER.
eagerness, and its little black eyes glancing with the exuberance of its delight. While run-
ning on the side of the tree which is nearest to the spectator, it presents a very curious appear-
ance, as its dark-brown back and quick tripping movements give it a great resemblance to
a mouse, and ever and anon, as it comes again into sight from the opposite side of the trunk,
its beautifully white breast gleams suddenly in contrast with the sombre-colored bark. Its
eyes are wonderfully keen, as it will discern insects of so minute a form that the human eye
can hardly perceive them, and it seems to possess some instinctive mode of detecting the
presence of its insect prey beneath moss or lichens, and will perseveringly bore through the
substance in which they are hidden, never failing to secure them at last.
The Creeper is a very timid bird, and if it is alarmed at the sight of a human being, it will
either fly off to a distant
tree, or will quietly slip
round the trunk of the
tree on which it is run-
ning, and keep itself
carefully out of sight.
It soon, however, gains
confidence, and, pro-
vided that the spectator
remains perfectly quiet,
the little head and white
breast may soon be seen
peering anxiously round
the trunk, and in a few
minutes the bird will re-
sume its progress xipon
the tree, and run cheer-
ily up the bark, accom-
panying itself with its
faint trilling song. It
seldom attempts a long
flight, seeming to con-
tent itself with flitting
from tree to tree.
Although so timid a bird, the Creeper soon becomes familiarized with those whom it
is accustomed to see, provided that they treat it kindly, and will even come to receive food
from their hands. In one instance that has come to my knowledge, the little birds were seen
to frequent the patches of gum that exude from the bark of several trees, and in one spot
where a number of small branches united, so as to form a kind of cup or hollow, a little heap
-of gum was found, which seemed to have been placed there by the Creepers, as they were
constantly seen haunting the spot. Feeling sure that the birds fed upon the gum, the specta-
tors used to supply their larder not only with gum, but with crumbs of bread, different seeds,
and little morsels of raw meat, which disappeared as regularly as they were provided.
Some persons have supposed that in climbing the trees it uses its beak, after the manner
of the parrots and other climbing birds. This, however, is not the case, as the beak is only
employed for the purpose of probing the bark, and the whole progression is achieved by means
of the long, curved, and sharply -pointed claws, Avhich retain their hold so firmly, that I have
seen a Creeper hang by its claws after it had been shot, and remain firmly fixed to the bark
long after life had fled.
The Creeper is a very nervous bird, and may be temporarily paralyzed by a smart blow
given to the tree or branch on which it is running. Expert bird-catching boys will often
secure this bird by flinging a stone or heavy stick at the tree, and then pouncing on the bird
before it has recovered from its alarm. It can even be struck from its hold by suddenly
running round the tree, and delivering a sharp blow upon the part of the trunk on which it is
COMMON THEE-CREEPEB. Certhia famUiarie.
THE NUTHATCH. 181
clinging. It also takes advantage of the uniform brown tint of its back to conceal itself from
a real or fancied foe, by clinging closely to the tree and pressing itself so flatly into some
crevice, that a human eye can scarcely distinguish it from the bark. The Creeper does not
confine itself exclusively to trees, but has often been seen running up old walls, and seeking
for the insects that are always to be found in such localities.
The nest of the Creeper is usually made in the hollow of some decaying tree, and is
made of grasses, leaves, and vegetable fibres, and lined with feathers. The eggs are very
small, about seven or eight in number, and of an ashen-gray color, sprinkled with little
gray -brown spots. Sometimes it builds in the hole of an old wall, and has been known to
make its nest in a disused spout.
THE BROWN CREEPER (CertMa familiaris) is identical with the English bird above
described. Two quite distinct varieties are recognized, one inhabiting Mexico.
The Brown Creeper is common throughout the year in New England. It is found in very
high latitudes. During the winter months it approaches human habitations, delighting in
orchards, where the trees afford more or less sustenance in the worms and larvae that infest
them.
THE WALL-CREEPER is a native of central and southern Europe, and is found plentifully
in all suitable localities. It is called the Wall -Creeper because it frequents walls and perpen-
dicular rocks in preference to tree-trunks.
In its movements it does not resemble the common Creeper ; for, instead of running over
the walls with a quick and even step, it flies from point to point with little jerking movements
of the wing, and when it has explored the spot on which it has alighted, takes flight for
another. The food of this bird is similar to that of .the common Creeper, but it is especially
fond of spiders and their eggs, finding them plentifully in the localities which it frequents.
Old ruined castles are favorite places of resort for this bird, as are also the precipitous faces of
rugged rocks.
The nest of the Wall-Creeper is made in the cleft of some lofty rock, or in one of the many
holes which are so plentifully found in the old ruined edifices which it so loves.
In color the Wall-Creeper is a very pretty bird, the general color of the plumage being
light gray, relieved by a patch of bright crimson upon the shoulders, the larger wing-coverts,
and the inner webs of the secondaries. The remainder of the quill -feathers of the wing are
black, and the tail is black tipped with white. It is a much larger bird than the Common
Tree-Creeper, measuring about six inches in total length.
THERE is a curious genus of the Creeping-bird, known by the name of CLIMACTERIS. All
the members of this genus are inhabitants of Australia, and notices of the individual species
may be seen in Mr. Gould's well-known work on the birds of that country. They are gener-
ally found upon the tall gum-trees, traversing their rugged bark with great rapidity, and
probing the crevices in search of insects, after the manner of the Common Creeper. They do
not confine themselves to the bark, but may often be seen running into the "spouts," or
hollow branches, w r hich are so often found in the gum-trees, and hunting out the various
nocturnal insects which take refuge in these dark recesses during the hours of daylight.
THE Nuthatches form another group of the Certhidse, and are represented in Europe by
the common NUTHATCH of our woods. They are all remarkable for their peculiarly stout and
sturdy build, their strong, pointed, cylindrical beaks, and their very short tails.
The Nuthatch, although by no means a rare bird, is seldom seen except by those who are
acquainted with its haunts, on account of its shy and retiring habits. As it feeds mostly on
nuts, it is seldom seen except in woods or their immediate vicinity, although it will sometimes
become rather bold, and frequent gardens and orchards where nuts are grown. The bird also
feeds upon inserts, which it procures from under the bark after the manner of the creepers,
and it is not unlikely that many of the nuts which are eaten by the Nuthatch have been
192
HABITS OF THE NUTHATCH.
inhabited by the grub of the nut weevil. It will also feed upon the seeds of different plants,
especially preferring those which it pecks out of the fir-cones. Beech mast also seems grateful
to its palate, and it will occasionally take to eating fruit.
In order to extract the kernel of the nut, the bird fixes the fruit securely in some con-
venient crevice, and, by dint of repeated hammerings with its beak, breaks a large ragged hole
in the shell, through which the kernel is readily extracted. The blows are not merely given
by the stroke of the beak, but the bird grasps firmly with its strong claws, and swinging its
whole body upon its feet, delivers its stroke with the full weight and sway of the body.
The beak, by means of which this feat is accomplished, is remarkably strong and power-
ful, and can be used with a vigor and endurance that is quite astonishing. Many instances of
its powers have been
narrated, among which
we may mention that
one of these birds
which had been cap-
tured in a common
brick trap, and had
remained in its dark
cell for some hours,
was found when re-
leased to have been
deprived of one-third
of its beak, which had
evidently been ground
away by the continual
pecking which had
been kept up at the
bricks. The person
who caught the bird
and who narrated the
tale is the Reverend
Mr. Bree. Another of
these birds that had
been put into a cage,
immediately began to
hammer at the wooden supports of its prison, and although severely wounded in the wing,
refused to cease from its exertions except to eat and drink, both of which operations it
performed with the greatest coolness. For two days the poor bird continued to peck unceas-
ingly at his cage, and at the close of the second day, sank under its extraordinary exertions.
The Nuthatch is a capital climber of tree-trunks, even surpassing the creeper in the agility
with which it ascends and descends the perpendicular surface, clinging firmly with its strong
claws, and running equally well whether its head be upwards or downwards. Even the creeper
does not attempt to run down a tree with its head towards the ground. It is a very hardy
bird, continuing to pick up an abundant supply of food even in the depths of winter, always
appearing plump and lively.
The nest of the Nuthatch is placed in the hollow of a decaying tree, and the bird always
chooses some hole to which there is but a small entrance. Should the orifice be too large to
please its taste, it ingeniously builds up the orifice with clay and mud, probably to prevent
the intrusion of any other bird. If any foe should venture too near the nest, the mother bird
becomes exceedingly valiant, and dashing boldly at her enemy, bites and pecks so vigorously
with her powerful beak, hissing and scolding the while, that she mostly succeeds in driving
away the assailant. The nest is a very inartificial structure, made chiefly of dried leaves laid
loosely \ipon the decaying wood, and rudely scraped into the form of a nest.
In its color the Nuthatch is rather a pretty bird, of pleasing though not of brilliantly
NUTHATCH. - tiitta caxia.
THE LYRE-BIRD. 193
tinted plumage. The general color of the upper parts is a delicate bluish-gray, the throat
is white, and the abdomen and under parts are reddish-brown, wanning into rich chestnut on
the Hanks. From the angle of the mouth a narrow black band passes towards the back of the
neck, enveloping the eye in its course and terminating suddenly before it reaches the shoulders.
The tail is black on the base and gray towards the tip, except the two outer tail-feathers,
which have each a black spot near the extremity. The shafts are also black.
The Nuthatches are represented in America by five species, very much resembling those
of Europe. The White-bellied and the Red -bellied are the most common.
The Wrens are represented by nine species, in as many genera. Some of them have
numerous varieties ; twenty-three are recognized.
A large species called the CACTUS WREN is found in Mexico and California. Its system-
atic name is overpoweringly long for such a bird.
The HOUSE WEEN (Troglodytes cedon) is the most familiar species. This cheery little
bird is a welcome accompaniment to the country-house. Its remarkable cheerfulness and
industry, and its pleasant song, claim for it a hearty welcome in the orchard or garden. It
inhabits all the States, and is migratory.
Belonging to another group are several very small American birds, called, respectively,
RUBY-CROWNED, GOLDEN-CRESTED, and CUVIER'S GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN. These birds are
not true Wrens. Though so very small, their golden and ruby crests render them very attract-
ive. The species differ from those of Europe.
WRENS AND WARBLERS.
WE now arrive at the family of the Wrens, in which group we find two birds so dissimilar
in outward appearance as apparently to belong to different orders, the one being the common
Wren of Europe, and the other the celebrated LYRE-BIRD of Australia.
This bird, which also goes under the name of NATIVE PHEASANT among the colonists,
and is generally called BULLEN-BULLEN by the natives, on account of its peculiar cry, would,
if it had been known to the ancients, have been consecrated to Apollo, its lyre-shaped tail
and flexible voice giving it a double claim to such honors. The extraordinary tail of this bird
is often upwards of two feet in length, and consists of sixteen feathers, formed and arranged
in a very curious and graceful manner. The two outer feathers are broadly webbed, and, as
may be seen in the illustration, are curved in a manner that gives to the widely-spread tail the
appearance of an ancient lyre. When the tail is merely held erect and not spread, the two
lyre-shaped feathers cross each other, and produce an entirely different outline. The two
central tail-feathers are narrowly webbed, and all the others are modified, with long slender
shafts, bearded by alternate feathery filaments, and well representing the strings of the lyre.
The tail is seen in its greatest beauty between the months of June and September, after
which time it is shed, to make its first reappearance in the ensuing February or March. The
habits of this bird are very curious, and are so well and graphically related by Mr. Gould,
that they must be given in his own words :
" The great stronghold of the Lyre-bird is the colony of New South Wales, and from
what I could learn, its range does not extend so far to the eastward as Moreton Bay, neither
have I been able to trace it to the westward of Port Phillip on the southern coast ; but further
research can only determine these points. It inhabits equally the bushes on the coast and
those that clothe the sides of the mountains in the interior. On the coast it is especially
abundant at the Western Port and Illawarra ; in the interior, the cedar brushes of the Liver-
pool range, and, according to Mr. G. Bennett, the mountains of the Tumat country, are among
the places of which it is the denizen.
VOL. H-2B.
194 THE LYRE-BIRD.
"Of all the birds I have ever met with, the Menura is far the most shy and difficult to
procure. While among the mountains I have been surrounded by these birds, pouring forth
the loud and liquid calls for days together, without being able to get a sight of them, and
LYRE-BIRD. Menura rujurba.
it was only by the most determined perseverance and extreme caution that I was enabled
to effect this desirable object, which was rendered more difficult by their often frequenting the
almost inaccessible and precipitous sides of gullies and ravines, covered with tangled masses
of creepers and umbrageous trees ; the cracking of a stick, the rolling down of a small stone,
HABITS OF THE LYRE-BIRD. 195
or any other noise, however slight, is sufficient to alarm it ; and none but those who have
traversed these rugged, hot, and suffocating bushes, can fully understand the anxious labor
attendant on the pursuit of the Mennra.
"Independently of climbing over rocks and fallen trunks of trees, the sportsman has
to creep and crawl beneath and among the branches with the utmost caution, taking care
only to advance while the bird's attention is occupied in singing, or in scratching up the leaves
in search of food; to watch its action it is necessary to remain perfectly motionless, not
venturing to move even in the slightest degree, or it vanishes from sight as if by magic.
Although I have said so much on the cautiousness of the Menura, it is not always so
alert ; in some of the more accessible bushes through which roads have been cut, it may
frequently be seen, and on horseback even closely approached, the bird evincing less fear
of those animals than of man.
"At Illawarra it is sometimes successfully pursued by dogs trained to rush suddenly upon
it, when it immediately leaps upon the branch of a tree, and its attention being attracted by
the dog below barking, it is easily approached and shot. Another siiccessful mode of procur-
ing specimens is by wearing the tail of a full-plumaged male in the hat, keeping it constantly
in motion, and concealing the person among the bushes, when, the attention of the bird being
arrested by the apparent intrusion of another of its own sex, it will be attracted within the
range of the gun. If the bird be hidden from view by surrounding objects, any unusual soimd,
such as a shrill whistle, will generally induce him to show himself for an instant, by causing
him to leap with a gay and sprightly air upon some neighboring branch to ascertain the cause
of the distiirbance ; advantage must be taken of this circumstance immediately, or the next
moment it may be half-way down the gully.
" The Menura seldom, if ever, attempts to escape by flight, but easily eludes pursuit by
its extraordinary powers of running. None are so efficient in obtaining specimens as the
naked black, whose noiseless and gliding steps enable him to steal upon it unheard or unper-
ceived, and with a gun in his hand he rarely allows it to escape, and in many instances he will
even kill it with his own weapons.
" The Lyre-bird is of a wandering disposition, and although it probably keeps to the same
bush, it is constantly engaged in traversing it from one end to the other, from the mountain
base to the top of the gullies, whose steep and rugged sides present no obstacle to its long
legs and powerful, muscular thighs. It is also capable of performing extraordinary leaps,
and I have heard it stated that it will spring ten feet perpendicularly from the ground.
Among its many curious habits, the only one at all approaching to those of the Gallinacese is
that of forming small round hillocks, which are constantly visited during the day, and upon
which the male is continually tramping, at the same time erecting and spreading out its tail
in the most graceful manner, and uttering its various cries, sometimes pouring forth its
natural notes, at others imitating those of other birds, and even the howling of the native
dog (Dingo). The early morning and the evening are the periods when it is most animated
and active.
"Although upon one occasion I forced this bird to take wing, it was merely for the pur-
pose of descending a gulf, and I am led to believe that it seldom exerts this power unless
under similar circumstances. It is peculiarly partial to traversing the trunks of fallen trees,
and frequently attains a considerable altitude by leaping from branch to branch. Independ-
ently of a loud full note, which may be heard reverberating over the gullies for at least a
quarter of a mile, it has also an inward warbling song, the lower notes of which can only be
heard within about fifteen yards. It remains stationary while singing, fully occupied in
pouring forth its animated strain. This it frequently discontinues abruptly, and again
commences with a low, inward, snapping noise, ending with an imitation of the loud
aud full note of the satin-bird, and always accompanied by a tremulous motion of the
tail.
"The food of the Menura appears to consist principally of insects, particularly of centi-
pedes and coleoptera. I also found the remains of shelled snails in the gizzard, which is very
strong and muscular."
196 ALBERT'S LYRE-BIRD.
The same writer, in a recent communication to the Zoological Society, mentions the dis-
covery of a nest of the Lyre-bird, containing a nearly adult young bird of sixteen inches in
height. In spite of its large size, it was a most helpless creature, and seemed to be quite
Incapable of escape, even with the assistance of its mother, who with devoted courage tried to
withdraw it from its enemies, and laid down her life in the attempt.
The young Lyre-bird displayed no fear of its captors, but was easily induced to follow
any one when allured by the imitation of the mother's cry. It fed well, its chief articles of
diet being worms, ants, and their larvae. For water it seemed to care but little, and seldom, if
ever, was seen engaged in drinking. Although tended with great care, and its wants well
supplied, this interesting captive died within eight days after it was taken. Dr. Bennett .
remarks of the young Lyre-bird, that when it is able to leave the nest it is very swift of foot,
and as it instinctively conceals itself under rocks and among the densest thickets, its capture
is a difficult task even for a native.
Of the adult bird, the same writer speaks as follows :
" I first saw these birds in the mountain range of the Tumat country ; lately they have
been very abundant among the Blue Mountain ranges bordering on the Nepean river, above
Emeu Plains (about thirty-five miles from Sydney). They are remarkably shy, very difficult
of approach, frequenting the most inaccessible rocks and gullies, and on the slightest disturb-
ance they dart off with surprising swiftness through the brakes, carrying their tail horizon-
tally ; but this appears to be for facilitating their passage through the bushes, for when they
leap or spring from branch to branch as they ascend or descend a tree, the tail approaches to
the perpendicular. On watching them from an elevated position, playing in a gully below,
they are seen to form little hillocks or mounds, by scratching up the ground around them,
trampling and running flightily about, uttering their loud shrill calls, and imitating the notes
of various birds."
The nest of the Lyre-bird is a large, loosely-built, domed structure, composed of small
sticks, roots, and leaves, and of an oven-like shape, the entrance being in front. The lining is
warm and soft, being composed of downy feathers.
The egg of this singular bird is quite as curious as its general form, and presents the
curious anomaly of an egg as large as that of a common fowl, possessing all the characteristics
of the insessorial egg. The general color of the egg is a deep chocolate tint, marked with
purple more or less deep in different specimens, and its surface is covered with a number of
stains and blotches of a darker hue, which are gathered towards the larger end, as is usual in
spotted eggs.
AKOTHEK species of Lyre-bird has been discovered, which is called ALBERT'S LYRE-BIHD
(Menura alberti), in compliment to the Prince Consort. This species may be known by the
comparative shortness of the lyre-shaped tail-feathers, and the absence of dark bars upon
the web.
Dr. Stephenson, in speaking of this bird, says :
"The locality it frequents consists of mountain ridges, not very densely covered with
brush ; it passes most of its time on the ground, feeding and strutting about with the tail
reflected over the back to within an inch or two of the head, and with the wings drooping on
the ground. Each bird forms for itself three or four 'corroboring places,' as the sawyers
call them ; they consist of holes scratched in the sandy ground, about two and a half feet in
diameter, by sixteen, eighteen, or twenty inches in depth, and about three or four hundred
yards apart, or even more.
" Whenever you get sight of the bird, which can only be done with the greatest caution
and by taking advantage of intervening objects to shelter yourself from its observation, you
will find it in one or other of these holes, into which it frequently jumps and seems to be feed-
ing ; then ascends again and struts round and round the place, imitating with its powerful
musical voice any bird that it may chance to hear around it. The notes of the Dacelo gigantea,
or laughing jackass, it imitates to perfection ; its own whistle is exceedingly beautiful and
varied. No sooner does it perceive an intruder, than it flies up into the nearest tree, first
THE WREN. 197
alighting on the basement branches, and then ascending by a succession of jumps until it
reaches the top, when it instantly darts off to another of its play-grounds.
" The stomachs of those I dissected invariably contained insects, with scarcely a trace of
any other material. Now, collectors of insects know that gravel-pits and sandy holes afford
them great treats, and it appears to me that one, if not the principal use of the excavations
made by this bird, is to act as a trap for unwary coleopteras and other insects, which, falling
in, cannot be again rescued, and are therefore easily secured."
The nest of Albert's Lyre-bird is like that of the preceding species in general shape, but
is almost wholly composed of long and slender twigs, and presents a most curious appearance.
Specimens of this structure may be seen in the British Museum. The nest resembles nothing
so much as a large round mass of loose sticks, into which some giant had thrust his foot and
left the impression of his shoe. The hollow of the nest is, in fact, a kind of cave on a small
scale, domed over by the sticks as they lie crossing each other in all directions.
WE are all familiar with the WREN, "the king of all birds," as he is termed in ancient
rhyme, his title to royalty resting on his defeat of the eagle in upward night. The story runs
that the birds assembled to choose a king, and that the election should fall on the bird who
soared the highest. Up sprang all the birds into the sky, but highest of all towered the eagle,
who, after mounting till his wearied wings could beat no more, proclaimed himself the sover-
eign of the birds. But all unperceived, the little Wren had been quietly perching between
his shoulders, and as soon as the eagle ceased to mount, the Wren sprang into the air, and,
rising on tiny pinion far above the wearied eagle, twittered forth the victory of wit and intel-
lect over bulk and physical strength.
The long and harsh name of Troglodytes, which has been given to this bird, signifies
a diver into caves, and has been attributed to the Wren on account of its shy and retiring
habits, and its custom of hiding its nest in some hollow or crevice where it may escape obser-
vation. The Wren is seldom to be seen in the open country, and does not venture upon any
lengthened flight, but confines itself to the hedge-rows and brushwood, where it may often be
observed hopping and skipping like a tiny feathered mouse among the branches. It especially
haunts the hedges which are flanked by ditches, as it can easily hide itself in such localities,
and can also obtain a plentiful supply of food. By remaining perfectly quiet, the observer
can readily watch its movements, and it is really an interesting sight to see the little creature
flitting about the brushwood, flirting its saucily expressive tail, and uttering its quick and
cheering note.
The voice of the Wren is very sweet and melodious, and of a more powerful character than
would be imagined from the dimensions of the bird. The Wren is a merry little creature, and
chants its gay song on the slightest encouragement of weather. Even in winter there needs
but the gleam of a few stray sunbeams to set the Wren a-singing, and the cold Christmas
season is often cheered with its happy notes. While skipping among the branches, the Wren
utters a continuous little twitter, which, although not worthy of being reckoned as a song, is
yet very soft and pleasing.
The nest of the Wren is rather an ambitious structure, being a completely domed edifice,
and built in a singularly ingenious manner. If, however, the bird can find a suitable spot,
such as the hole of a decaying tree, the gnarled and knotted branches of old ivy, or the over-
hanging eaves of a deserted building, where a natural dome is formed, it is sure to seize upon
the opportunity and to make a dome of very slight workmanship. The dome, however, always
exists, and is composed of non-conducting materials, so that the bird always contrives to
insulate itself and its young from electrical influences. It is a very singular fact, that a Wren
will often commence and partly build three or four nests in different localities before it settles
finally upon one spot. Some persons have supposed that these supplementary nests are built
by the parent bird as houses for its young after they have grown too large to be contained
within the house where they were born, while others have suggested that they are experi-
mental nests made by the inexperienced young while trying their 'prentice beak in the art of
bird architecture.
198 THE TAILOR-BIRD.
For my own part, I believe that these partial nests have been made by Wrens when
building for the first time, and consequently inexperienced in the world and its difficTilties.
They seem to fix too hastily upon a locality, and then to find, after they have made some
progress with their house, that danger lurks near, perhaps in the form of a weasel, a shrike,
or a snake. In one such instance of desertion the cause was sufficiently evident, for the head
of a snake was seen protruding from the opening of the nest.
The materials of which the nest is composed are always leaves, moss, grass and lichens,
and it is almost always so neatly built that it can hardly be seen by one who was not previously
aware of its position. The opening of the nest is always at the side, so that the eggs are
securely shielded from the effects of weather.
As to the locality and position in which the nest is placed, no definite rule is observed,
for the Wren is more capricious than the generality of birds in fixing upon a house for her
young. Wrens' nests have been found in branches, hedges, hay-ricks, water-spouts, hollow
trees, barns and outhouses. Sometimes the Wren becomes absolutely eccentric in its choice,-
and builds its nest in spots which no one would conjecture that a bird would select. A Wren
has been to known to make its nest in the body of a dead hawk; which had been killed and
nailed to the side of a barn. Another Wren chose to make her house in the throat of a dead
calf, which had been hung upon a tree, and another of these curious little birds was seen to
build in the interior of a pump, gaining access to her eggs and young through the spout.
The eggs of the Wren are very small, and are generally from six to eight in number.
During the winter, the Wren generally shelters itself from the weather in the same nest
which it had inhabited during the breeding season, and in very cold seasons it is not an
uncommon event to find six or seven Wrens all huddled into a heap for the sake of warmth,
and presenting to the eye or hand of the spectator nothing but a shapeless mass of soft brown
feathers.
In Mr. Thompson's natural history a curious anecdote is related, where a pair of fly-
catchers who had made a nest and laid three eggs were ousted by a party of young Wrens just
able to fly. The little birds had probably been ejected from home for the first time, and seeing
so comfortable a nest, had taken possession of it. I have often observed the same conduct in
many young canaries, for whenever a family of the newly-fledged birds is turned out of the nest,
they generally wend their way to the home of some other female, and install themselves in
possession of her nest and eggs before she is aware of their intentions.
The title of "Kitty Wren," which is often given to this bird, is owing to the peculiar
little twittering sound of Chit ! chit .' which it utters while engaged in the pursuit of food.
The color of the Wren is a rich reddish -brown, paling considerably on the under surface
of the body, and darkening into dusky brown upon the quill-feathers of the wings and tail.
The outer webs of the former are sprinkled wath reddish-brown spots, and the short tail-
feathers are barred with the same Inie. The bill is slender, and rather long in proportion to
the general dimensions of the bird. The total length of the Wren is rather more than four
inches. White and pied varieties are not uncommon.
WE now arrive at the very large family of the WARBLERS, a group in which the genera,
when taken together, number more members than those of any other family. The first sub-
family is that which is known by the name of the Malurince, or soft-tailed Warblers.
THE first example of the soft-tailed Warblers is the celebrated TAILOR-BIRD of India and
the Indian Archipelago. There are many species belonging to the genus Orthotomus, and as
they all possess similar habits, there is no need of describing more than the example which
has been shown. They are peculiar birds, haunting cultivated grounds, and being generally
seen in pairs on fields and in gardens. They dislike lofty elevations, and may generally be
seen near the ground, hopping about the lower branches of trees and shrubs in their search
after insects, and occasionally seeking their prey on the ground. Their flight is rapid but
undulating, after the manner of many short-winged and long-tailed birds.
The Tailor-bird is a sober little creature, not more conspicuous than a common sparrow,
THE PINC-PINC.
199
and is chiefly remarkable for its curious nest, which is made in a singular and most ingenious
manner. Taking two leaves at the extremity of a slender twig, the bird literally sews them
together at their edges, its bill taking the place of the needle and vegetable fibres constituting
the thread. A quantity of soft cottony down is then pushed between the leaves, and a con-
venient hollow scraped
out in which the eggs
may lie and the young
birds may rest at their
ease. Sometimes, if the
leaf be large enough, its
two edges are drawn to-
gether, but in general a
pair of leaves are needed.
A few feathers are some-
times mixed with the
down.
This curious nest is
evidently hung at the
very extremity of the
twigs, in order to keep
it out of the way of the
monkeys, snakes, and
other enemies which
might otherwise attack
and devour mother and
young together.
THE large genus
Drymoica, which num-
bers nearly seventy spe-
cies, is quite as remark-
able as the preceding
genus. Some species
inhabit Africa, others
Southern Europe, some
are found in India, and
many in Australia. They are always found in open plains where the grass is long and thick,
or among the rich rank herbage that grows in marshy localities. They mostly feed on the
ground insects, and are well fitted by their very great speed of foot for the chase and capture
of their swift insect prey. Being but indifferent in flight, they seldom take to wing, and
always try to escape from their foes by means of running among the thick herbage in which
they live. While running, they generally lift their tails and hold them over the back. Their
song is loud, but by no means agreeable.
The nest of the PINC-PINC is of considerable dimensions, being often more than a foot in
circumference and of a most singular shape and structure. The materials of which it is com-
posed are vegetable fibres, beaten, twisted, and woven into a fine felt-like substance, and
strongly fastened to the branches among which it is situated. It is of a rough, gourd-like
shape, and is always entered by means of a neck, or spout, so that the bird is able from the
interior to present its sharply-pointed bill to any assailant, and to prevent its entrance. Near
the mouth of the nest there are generally one or two projections, which serve as perches for
the bird to rest upon before it enters the nest, and may probably be used by the male as a seat
whereon to recline while his mate is sitting upon the eggs within. The color of the nest varies
according to the substance of which it is composed, sometimes being of a snowy whiteness,
and at other times of a dingy brown.
TAILOK-BIKD. Orthotom.ua benntttii.
200
THE GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN.
The peculiar form of this and other similar nests is evidently for the purpose of enabling
the parent bird to defend its home against the intrusions of the many foes to bird life with
which these regions swarm. The eggs are generally from six to eight in number.
ANOTHER species of the same genus, the CAPOCIER, builds a nest which, although of
coarser texture, is quite as beautiful as that of the pine -pine.
The materials are much the same as those employed by the pine-pine, but they are only
closely felted together in the interior of the nest, and are left to flow loosely on its exterior.
It is a very large edifice in proportion to the dimensions of the architect, and the cottony
down, the flaxen fibres, and fine moss are woven together in so skilful a manner as to excite
our highest admiration. Le Vaillant, who watched a pair of Capociers hard at work upon
their nest, says that they were occupied for a whole week in their task. The interior of the
nest is of an oval shape, rather roughly corresponding with the external outline, and it is
entered through an opening in the side. One of these nests will sometimes reach nine inches
in height. The Capocier is agnative of Africa.
THE genus which has been chosen as a type of this family is MALURUS, the members of
which are only found on the continent of Australia. They possess the habits of Drymoica,
and even resemble those birds in the peculiar fashion of tilting up their tails as they run over
the ground.
OUR last, and perhaps the most curious example of the Mainline birds, is the beautiful
little EMEU WREN of Australia.
This pretty bird is remarkable for the development of the tail-feathers, which are
extremely lengthened, and are nothing more than bare shafts slightly fringed on each side.
The bird never perches on
high trees, and very seldom
takes to wing, but runs over
the grass with very great
rapidity, holding its tail
erect over its back in a
singularly pert manner. It
is generally found among
long grass, and according
to Dr. Bennett it congre-
gated some years since in
the Sydney Domain, near
the Botanic Gardens, but
has not since appeared in
that locality. The color of
this little bird is mottled
brown above, and very light
fawn below, deepening into
chestnut on the flanks.
The throat of the male is
tinged with bine, and his
tail-feathers are larger than
those of his mate.
Jfc.
EMEU WHEN. StlpUvntt matachurut.
The nest of the Emeu
Wren is very large in comparison to the size of its inhabitant, and is placed on the ground,
where it looks like a large ball of grass with a hole in the side. The interior is snugly lined
with soft feathers, and there are generally three eggs.
THE tiny GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN, as it is popularly called, is very common throughoiit
Europe, and may be seen hopping and flitting merrily among the branches in copses, orchards,
THE GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN.
201
and plantations. Although from its diminutive size it has gained the title of Wren, it has no
claim to that designation, and is more rightly termed the Kinglet or Regulus.
This " shadow of a bird," as it is happily called by White, in his "Natural History
of Selbome," is a remarkably hardy little creature, braving the severest frosts of winter,
and mostly disdaining to avail itself of the shelter of human habitations. On account
of its minute proportions and its retiring habits, it is a very unobtrusive bird, and is often
thought to be extremely rare in localities where it may be found plentifully by those who
know where to look for it. Even in places where it was held to be extremely scarce, I could
always procure specimens at will by a judicious disposition of a little birdlime, and I have fre-
quently discovered the admirably hidden and beautifully constructed nests of these interesting
birds.
The Golden-crested Wren is notable for the crest of golden-colored feathers which is placed
upon the crown of its head, which it can raise or depress at pleasure, and which gives so pert
GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN AND FIRE CRESTED WREN. Seyuliu crittatus et IgnicapMvs.
and changeful an expression to the little creature. But for this golden crest, which is not at
all conspicuous when the feathers are lowered, the bird might easily be mistaken for a tree-
creeper as it runs up and down the branches, searching into the crevices of the bark for the
little insects on which it feeds. The first specimen that I ever saw was traversing the branches
of a fine "Blenheim Orange" apple-tree in an adjoining garden, and by my inexperienced
eyes was at first taken for a very young creeper. Like the creeper, it can even run up a per-
pendicular wall, peering into every little crevice, and stocking up the moss and lichens for the
purpose of obtaining the insects and their eggs that are lying concealed. It will also eat the
chrysalides that are found so abundantly upon the walls.
All the movements of the Golden-crested Wren are full of spring and fiery activity, and
the manner in which it will launch itself from one tree to another, and then, without a pause,
commence traversing the branches, is a sight well worth seeing. Perhaps it is seen to best
advantage among the fir-trees, where it finds great scope for its active habits. Up one branch
it scuds, down another, then whisks itself through the air to a fresh tree, and then flings itself
VOL. IX.-26.
202 THE WHITETHROAT.
back again to its former perch. Along the twigs it runs with astonishing rapidity, sometimes
clinging with its head downward, sometimes running round and round them spirally, always
twisting its pert little head in every direction, and probing each hole and crevice with its
sharp slender little bill. The roughest-barked trees are its favorite resort, because in such
localities it finds its best supply of insect food.
THE FIKE-CBESTED WREN is very similar to the preceding species, but may be distinguished
from it by the ruddy hue of the forehead, the fiery orange of the crest, and the decidedly yellow
hue of the sides of the neck. It is an inhabitant of Europe, but is a much rarer bird than the
Golden-crest. Owing to the great resemblance between the two species, they have often been
mistaken for each other, and it is only within a comparatively recent period that their diversity
was established. Another species of the same genus, the DALMATIAN REGTJLTJS (Regulus
modestus], has, although very rarely indeed, been found in the northern regions of Europe.
The general color of the plumage is greenish-yellow, and the crown of the head is marked by
a narrow streak of paler yellow.
SONG- WARBLERS.
THE LuscinincE, or SONG-WARBLERS, are, as their name denotes, remarkable for their
sweet song, to which accomplishment may be added the beauties of elegant shape and graceful
movement. In their color they are very inconspicuous, brown, gray, ami olive-green being the
hues with which they are generally tinted, in accordance with the principle which has been
lately laid down while treating of the Humming-birds. In all these birds the beak is strong,
straight, sharply-pointed, and with a notch upon the upper mandible near its extremity. The
feet have three toes in front and one behind, and the claw of the hinder toe is the largest and
most sharply curved. The nostrils are placed at the base of the beak, are pierced through a
rather large membrane, and are unprotected by feathers.
THE common WHITETIIROAT is abundant in various parts of Europe, and is, perhaps, the
best known of all its tribe.
It is a lively, brilliant little bird, and is remarkable for the curioiis movement which it
makes when singing, and which seldom fails to attract the attention of the observer. Generally
starting from some low bush, the Whitethroat begins its sweet quiet song, and then, springing
suddenly into the air, wings its way perpendicularly upwards, as if it were about to rival the
lark in its lofty flight. But after attaining a height of four or five feet, it slowly sinks upon
the spot from which it had started, and again rises into the air with a fresh burst of music.
While singing, it seems full of life and eagerness, and the white feathers of its throat, together
with those of the crest, vibrate powerfully as the sweet notes are poured forth. The song is
not a lengthened one, but is frequently repeated within a short space of time.
The Whitethroat possesses a strong spirit of rivalry, and will match itself against almost
any songster that begins to utter his strain, having even been known to challenge the night-
ingale to a friendly trial of vocal powers. Sometimes it becomes a mimic, and imitates the
songs of the other birds by which it is surrounded. In captivity it sings readily, and has
been known to start into song only three days after its capture.
The haunts of this bird are generally among low bushes, brambles, underwood, and copses,
among which it flits with restless activity. Owing to its habit of traversing the low and nettle-
overgrown underwood, it has received the popular name of Nettle-creeper in many parts of
England. The food of the Whitethroat consists chiefly of insects, and it is indefatigable in
its attacks upon various caterpillars and flies, thereby doing great service to the gardener,
who, however, generally aims at its destruction, because in the autumn it repays itself by a
few of the fruits which it has saved from the caterpillar and the grub. The caterpillar of the
cabbage butterfly is a favorite article of diet with this bird.
The Whitethroat arrives in the northern regions of Europe towards the end of April, the
THE GARDES WH1TETHROAT.
203
male always making his appearance before his mate, and immediately upon their arrival they
set to work in searching after a fit spot on which to build their nest. For this purpose they
generally choose some thick bush, and are often very indifferent about concealing it, placing
it openly on the top of a stunted thorn-bush, within reach of every boy's hand. It is seldom
placed at any great height from the ground, and I have generally found them situated at an
elevation of two feet. The nest is not very elaborate in its structure, and is chiefly formed of
various grasses twisted into shape, and slightly woven into the branches. The entire nest can,
however, be easily removed, without the necessity of cutting the twigs to which it is fastened.
The complete number of eggs is live, but their number is usually four. Their color is ashen-
gray with a green wash, and they are boldly covered with ashen-brown and ashen-green spots
and blotches.
The general color of the Whitethroat is reddish-brown on the upper parts of the body and
brownish- white below, with the exception of the throat, which is of a beautifully pure white.
Its total length is about five inches and a half.
GARDEN WHITETHROAT AND BLACK CAP WARBLER.-Sy/tfo kortensis and 5. atricapUla.
THERE is another species of Whitethroat which is not so often seen as the last-named
species. This is the GARDEN WHITETHROAT, sometimes called by the name of GREATER
PETTICHAPS. It is also known by the name of GARDEN WARBLER.
This is an active and lively bird, restless to a degree, and constantly flitting from place to
place and from branch to branch on unwearied wing, and seldom coming out into view. The
song of this bird is much finer than that of the common Whitethroat, being more lengthened,
fuller, and more melodious. Some persons have compared the rich mellow notes which it
occasionally utters, to those of the blackbird. Although it chiefly frequents shrubberies,
copses and plantations, it will often take a predilection to some garden, and if left undisturbed,
soon learns confidence and becomes quite a familiar bird, permitting those with whose persons
it is acquainted to approach within very close proximity before it takes alarm. But for its
204
THE CHIFF-CHAFF.
very retiring habits it would be a well-known bird, and many persons have been charmed by
its melody, who have no idea of the bird from whose small throat it proceeds.
The food of the Garden Whitethroat is mostly of an insect nature, but the bird is not
averse to various fruits, and in the aiitumn often becomes rather obnoxious to the gardener.
The nest is not unlike that of the common Whitethroat, and is placed in similar localities ;
a low thick bush being the favorite spot, although on occasions the bird will build its house
among thick herbage, or even among heavy ivy leaves. The nest is made quite as loosely as
that of the preceding species, and is composed of grasses, fine fibrous roots, moss, hair, and
lichens, and the interior is softly lined with hair and other similar substances. The eggs are
greenish-white, covered with many spots and blotches of light brown and ashen-green.
By its color the Garden Whitethroat can be distinguished from its relative, as the upper
surface is of a more delicate brown, and the abdomen of a purer white than the throat, which
is tinged with a pale brown. The under wing-coverts are pale buff, the beak is dark brown,
and the eyes are beautiful hazel. The total length of this species nearly reaches six inches.
THE tiny CHIFF-CHAFF, one of the smallest of the European birds, is the first Warbler
that makes its appearance in the north, and that cheers with its pretty little song and its
light, lively actions.
The curious name of this bird has been derived from its cry, which bears some resem-
blance to the words "Chiff-chaff! Chery-churry ! " often repeated. This little song is some-
times uttered while the bird is on the wing, but generally when it is perched on some con-
venient bough of a lofty tree. The localities which it most frequents are woods and hedge-
rows, and so lively is it in temper,
that its pleasant little voice is often
heard before the trees have put forth
their verdure. It is a very useful
bird, as it feeds almost wholly on
insects, and on its first arrival saves
many a grand oak-tree from destruc-
tion by devouring the caterpillars
of the well-known green oak moth,
which roll up the leaves in so curious
a manner, and come tumbling out of
their green houses at the slightest
alarm. Gnats and other small flies
are a diet much in favor with the
Chiff-chaff ; and one of these birds
that had been captured and tamed
was accustomed to dash to the ceil-
ing of the room in which it was
kept, and to snatch from thence the
flies as they settled after their fashion
on the white surface.
This little bird has been seen in
northern parts of Europe as early as
the twelfth of March, and it remains
in those countries as late as the middle of October, so that it is the first to arrive and the last to
depart from there of all the European Warblers.
The nest of the Chiff-chaff is something like that of the common wren, being a rounded
structure with a hole in the side, through which the bird obtains admission into the interior. It
is seldom placed at any great elevation from the ground, and is often built upon the soil itself
at the foot of some overshadowing bush. The materials of which it is composed are generally
leaves, grasses, and moss, and the interior is lined with a warmer bed of soft feathers. The eggs
are five or six in number, and their color is whitish-gray, speckled with a few spots of dark red.
CHIFF-CHAFF, OR LESSER PETTI<JHAPS.-Sjrfia cinet-ea.
THE BRAKE WARBLER. 205
The general color of this bird is ashen-brown upon the upper parts of the body, the quill-
feathers being, as is usual, of a darker hue. The whole under surface is white, washed with
yellowish-brown, and the tinder wing-coverts are of a tine soft yellow hue. The beak and eyes
are brown. The entire length of this pretty little bird is rather less than five inches.
ANOTHER interesting member of this large genus is the WILLOW WARBLEK, WILLOW
WREN, or YELLOW WREN, its various names being derived from the localities which it fre-
quents and the color of its feathers.
The habits of this bird are very like those of the Whitethroat, and it feeds on much the
same kind of food, preferring insects to any other diet, and seldom if ever invading the fruit
trees. It generally arrives in northern parts of Europe about the middle of April, when its
cheery song may be heard enlivening the hedgerows and copses, sometimes being poured forth
while the bird is on the wing, but generally from some elevated branch. The nest of the
Willow Wren is like that of the chiff-chaff, and is generally placed upon the ground. The
eggs are from five to seven in number, and their color is white-gray,' dotted with numerous
spots of. pinky-red. The young birds are hatched in May or June. In Mr. Yarrell's work on
birds, there is a very interesting account of the attachment displayed by the Willow Wren
to its nest.
" In the spring of 1832, walking through an orchard, I was attracted by something on the
ground in the form of a large ball, and composed of dried gi-ass. I took it up in my hands,
and upon examination found that it was a domed nest of the Willow Wren. Concerned at
my precipitation, I put it down again as near the same place as I could suppose, but with very
little hope that the architect would ever claim it again after such an attack. I was, however,
agreeably surprised to find next day that the little occupier was proceeding with its work.
The feathers inside were increased, as I could perceive by the alteration in color.
" In a few days two eggs were laid, and I thought my little protegee safe from harm, when
a flock of ducks, that had strayed from the poultry-yard, with their usual curiosity went
straight to the nest, which was very conspicuous as the grass was not high enough to conceal
it, and with their bills spread it quite open, displaced the eggs and made the nest a complete
ruin. I now despaired, but immediately on driving the authors of the mischief away, I tried
to restore the nest to something like its proper form, and placed the eggs inside. That same
day I was astonished to find an addition of another egg, and in about a week four more. The
bird sat, and ultimately brought out seven young ones, but I cannot help supposing it a sin-
gular instance of attachment and confidence after being twice so rudely disturbed."
The general color of this bird is dull olive-green on the upper parts of the body, the quill-
feathers of the wing being brown roped with green, and those of the tail dark brown. The
chin, throat, and breast are yellowish -white, and the abdomen is nearly pure white. The total
length of the bird is about five inches.
THE LESSER WHITETHROAT, or BRAKE WARBLER, is another of the European Warblers,
arriving in the north towards the end of April.
It is not nearly so pleasing or so brilliant a songster as the species which have already
been mentioned, but it is nevertheless very liberal in the exercise of its vocal powers, and
chatters merrily as it flutters about the hedgerows, dives into the branches and reappears on
the branch of some convenient tree or bush. It is not so often seen as the common White-
throat, being more shy, and venturing less frequently from its hiding-place. On account of
this habit of chattering, it has been termed the Chatterer by several writers. The nest is
something like that of the common Whitethroat, being an open, saucer-like structure, placed
among brushwood, and generally found upon some thick bramble or stiinted bush. The mate-
rials of which it is composed are grasses, roots, and fibres, and it is generally lined with hair.
The color of this species is dark gray upon the upper surface, and the quill-feathers are
dark brown except the two exterior feathers of the tail, which are grayish-white. The under
surface is beautifully white, with a slight but perceptible tinge of pale carmine on the abdo-
men. The total length of the bird rather exceeds five inches.
206 THE BLACKCAP WARBLER.
FROM the willow Warbler, the WOOD WARBLER is distinguished by the green hue of the
upper part of the body, the pure white of the under surface, and the light yellow streak over
the eye. There are also other distinctions which are of no very great importance, as the
difference between the two species, which are in other respects very similar, is readily decided
by the above-mentioned characteristics.
This bird is rather late in arriving in the north, seldom making its appearance before the
end of April, and towards the more northern parts of Europe being a week or ten days later.
It remains with us until September, when it takes its departure for a warmer clirne. Imme-
diately on its arrival it commences its lively, though not much varied song, and perching upon
a branch pours forth the trilling notes in rapid succession and with the greatest earnestness.
Three or four of these birds will often sing against each other, their throats vibrating, their
wings shivering, and their whole bodies panting with eager rivalry. The song of the Wood
Warbler resembles the word "twee-ee" very much lengthened, and as it closes its song, it
changes the last note into a peculiar hissing or whistling sound, drooping its wings at the
same time and agitating them in accordance with its notes. Sometimes the bird utters its
trilling notes while flying from one tree to another.
The Wood Warbler is elegant in shape, being light and active and possessed of much
command of wing, a qualification which is necessary for the procuring of its food. This bird
does not feed on fruits or berries, but restricts itself to insects, especially when they are in the
caterpillar state. The leaf -rolling caterpillars are its principal food, and of these insatiable
devourers it destroys vast quantities before they can do much harm. In obtaining them it
flits round the trees, and is able to snap up the caterpillars as they hang by the slender thread
to which they always attach themselves when alarmed. Sometimes the Wood Warbler chases
the insects on the wing, and in this manner destroys great numbers of the green oak moth
that have escaped from its beak while they were in the caterpillar condition.
The nest of this species is placed on the ground under the shelter of thick herbage or an
overhanging bush, and a domed structure composed principally of long dried grass, leaves,
fibres, and moss. The entrance is by a hole at the side, and the interior is lined with hair
and fine fibres, feathers not appearing to be employed for this purpose. The number of eggs
is from four to six, and their color is grayish-white, profusely sprinkled with dark red and
ash-colored spots, gathered most thickly into a belt round the larger end. The general color
of this species is soft green-gray on the upper parts of the body, and pure white below, the
latter characteristics having earned for the bird the local name of "linty- white." A streak of
bright yellow passes over the eyes, and reaches as far as the chin and the sides of the neck.
In total length the Wood Warbler rather exceeds five inches.
WITH the exception of the nightingale, the BLACKCAP WARBLER is the sweetest and richest
of all the European song-birds, and in many points the voice of the Blackcap is even superior
to that of the far-famed Philomel.
The Blackcap derives its name from the tuft of dark feathers which crown the head, and
which in the males are coal-black, but in the females are deep reddish-brown. It is rather late
in arriving, seldom being seen or heard until the end of April, and it remains in the north
until the middle of September. As several specimens of this pretty bird have been noticed in
the far north of Europe in the months of December and January, it is probable that some
individuals may not migrate at all, but remain in the country throughout the entire winter.
Should it do so, it might easily escape notice, as it would not be likely to sing much during
the cold months, and owing to its retiring habits it is at all times more likely to be heard
than seen.
While singing, the Blackcap chooses some spot where it can conceal itself if alarmed, and
there pours forth his melodious notes in security. Sometimes he will sing while perched
upon an open branch, but he is very jealous of spectators, and if he fancies himself visible,
immediately drops among the foliage, and is lost to sight. The song of this bird is well
described by Mr. Mudie in the following words :
"Its song is generally given from a high perch or an elevated branch, on the top twig
THE NIGHTINGALE. 207
if the tree be not very lofty. While it sings, the axis of the body is very oblique by the
elevation of the head, and the throat is much inflated. While the bird is trilling, in which
it excels every songster of the grove in rapidity and clearness, and in the swells and cadences
which it gives to the same trill, the throat has a very convulsive motion, and the whole bird
appears to be worked into a high state of excitement. It has indeed the mildest and most
witching notes of all our warblers ; it has not, certainly, the volume and variety of the night-
ingale, neither has it the ineffably sweet chant of the garden warbler ; but its notes take one
by surpise, and the changes, and especially the trills, are finer than those of any other bird.
" The song, when the bird is at rest, appears to be by turns like those of several birds ;
but it transposes them into a lower, or rather a minor key, and finishes off with variations of
its own ; and. as is the case with the works of some of the more impassioned musical com-
posers, the very genius (so to speak) of the bird interferes with the melody, and a sort of
indescribable wildness is the character of the whole."
The Blackcap has often been known to become a mimic of other birds, and will frequently
spoil its own exquisite notes by introducing imitations of the surrounding songsters.
The food of the Blackcap consists chiefly of insects, but it also pays attention to the ripe
fruit in the autumn, being especially fond of raspberries. Perhaps it may choose this fruit on
account of the little white maggots that are so often found in the centre of the over-ripe rasp-
berry. When in captivity it can be easily tamed, and sings well ; but the capture and
domestication of a free singing bird always appears to me to be so heartless a biisiness, that I
can never recommend any one to act in such a manner.
As to the canary and birds of that class, which have never known liberty, and would be
quite bewildered if they were to escape into the open fields, not knowing where to obtain food
or where to roost, it would be a cruelty not to give them the welcome shelter of their accus-
tomed home, provided that the cage be roomy enough for them to exercise their wings, and
they be well supplied with food and water. But to imprison the restless nature of the free
wild bird in the midst of its happiness, to take away the power of flight, to remove it from its
well-loved woods and fields, to take it away from its expectant mate, and to imprison it
within the narrow precincts of a wire cage, merely for the purpose of gratifying our ears with
its song, is really so refined a piece of selfish barbarity, that I can but enter my strongest pro-
test against it.
The nest of the Blackcap is generally placed only a foot or so above the ground, within
the shelter of a dense bush or tuft of rank herbage, and is composed of vegetable fibres and
hairs rather loosely put together. The eggs are four or five in number, and are of a pale,
reddish-brown dappled with a deeper hue of brown. The general color of the Blackcap is
gray, with a wash of dark green upon the upper surface and ashen-gray upon the lower sur-
face. The total length of the bird is not quite six inches, its extent of wings nearly nine
inches, and its weight not quite half an ounce.
THE well-known and far-famed NIGHTINGALE is an inhabitant of Europe, visiting the
northern countries about the middle of April, and remaining there until the breeding season
is over.
The far northern countries of Europe are seldom visited by this bird, and in Ireland and
Scotland it is almost unknown. Attempts have been made to introduce the Nightingale into
different parts of England by substituting its eggs for those of robins and other small birds,
but although the young were regularly hatched and fledged, they all retired at the usual
season and never came back again.
It is very probable that the quality and drainage of the soil and the character of the cul-
tivation may have some influence upon the Nightingale, for it is well known that certain
singing birds which had previously been excluded from the northern parts of England have
advanced northward together with cultivation, and the Nightingale may probably follow their
example.
The food of the Nightingale consists principally of various insects, and it is so powerfully
attracted by the common meal-worm, that one of these creatiires employed as a bait is sure to
208
THE NIGHTINGALE.
attract the bird to its destruction. It appears to make great havoc among the caterpillars,
which come out to feed at night, and are to be seen so abundantly on damp, warm evenings.
In the autumn it is somewhat of a fruit-eater, and has been seen in the act of eating "black-
heart" cherries, plucking them from the tree and carrying them to its young. In captivity it
is best fed upon meal-worms, raw beef scraped with a knife and given very fresh, hard-boiled
egg and water, all mixed into a kind of paste. The idea, however, of caging a Nightingale,
seems so barbarous, that I shall say nothing more on that subject.
As is well known, the song of the Nightingale is almost wholly uttered in the evening,
but the bird may sometimes be heard in fall song throughout the day. Towards the end of
NIGHTINGALES. Lusdnia vera and Luscinia pMlomda.
June, when the young birds are hatched, the song changes into a kind of rough, croaking
sound, which is uttered by way of warning, and accompanied with a sharp, snapping sound
of the beak. The time when the Nightingales sing loiidest and most constantly is during the
week or two after their arrival, for they are then engaged in attracting their mates, and sing
in fierce rivalry of each other, hoping to fascinate their brides by the splendor of their voices.
When once the bird has procured a partner, he becomes deeply attached to her, and if she
should be captured, soon pines away and dies, full of sorrowful remembrances. The bird
dealers are therefore anxious to catch the Nightingale before the first week has elapsed, as
they can then, by dint of care and attention, preserve the bird in full song to a very late
period. Mr. Yarrell mentions an instance where a caged Nightingale sang xipon an hundred
and fourteen successive days.
The nest of the Nightingale is always placed upon or very near the ground, and is gener-
ally carefully hidden beneath heavy foliage. One such nest that I discovered was placed,
THE GRASSHOPPER WARBLER.
209
among the knotted and gnarled roots of an old ivy-covered thorn stump that still maintained
its place within a yard of a footpath. The nest is made of grass and leaves, and is of exceed-
ingly slight construction, so slight, indeed, that to remove it without damage is a very difficult
process, and requires the careful use of the hands. The eggs are generally four and some-
times five in number, and are of a peculiar smooth olive-brown, that distinguishes .them at
once from the egg of other birds of the same size.
The color of the Nightingale is a rich hair-brown upon the upper parts of the body, and
grayish-white below, the throat being of a lighter hue than the breast and abdomen. The
entire length of the bird rather exceeds six inches.
.1ARCT.
GEAS8HOPPEE WARBLER8.-<xrta mroia, L. JluviatUit, and L. tusdnloidet.
THE little GRASSHOPPER WARBLER has earned its name by its very peculiar song, which
bears a singular resemblance to the cry of the grasshopper or the field cricket. It arrives in
the north some time in April, according to the weather, and leaves in September.
Speaking of this bird, Mr. White, the naturalist of Selborne, says : " Nothing can be more
amusing than the whisper of this little bird, which seems to be close by, though at a hundred
yards' distance ; and when close at your ear is scarce louder than when a great way off. Had
I not been a little acquainted with insects, and known that the grasshopper kind is not yet
hatched, I should have hardly believed but that it had been a locusta whispering in the
bushes. The country people laugh when you tell them that it is the note of a bird. It is a
most artful creature, skulking in the thickest part of a bush, and will sing at a yard's dis-
tance, provided it be concealed. I was obliged to get a person to go on the other side of the
hedge where it haunted ; and then it would run, creeping like a mouse before us for a hun-
dred yards together, through the bottom of the thorns ; yet it would not come into fair sight :
VOL. H. 27.
210
THE SEDGE WARBLER.
but in a morning early, and when undisturbed, it sings on the top of a twig, gaping and shiv-
ering with its wings."
I can corroborate this account by personal experience of the bird, and generally found
that the country people entirely denied that the strange hissing whistle was that of a bird, and
attributed it to the field-mouse. The ventriloquial power (if it may so be termed) is as
remarkable as in the case of the common grasshopper, for it is almost impossible to ascertain
from the sound the distance or even the direction of the creature which utters it.
The nest of the Grasshopper Warbler is cup-shaped, and made of various kinds of grasses,
the coarser being woven round the circumference, and the finer placed in the centre. It is
so admirably hidden that it is discovered less frequently than that of any other warbler. In
all my bird-hunting days, I was never fortunate enough to secure an egg of the Grasshopper
Warbler, although the bird was far from uncommon. A large patch of furze is a favorite
locality for the nest, and the bird hides it so ingeniously among the thick roots of the prickly
shelter, that even when the bird is watched to its home, its discovery is a matter of very great
difficulty. The eggs are from five to seven in number, and their color is reddish-white, speckled
with dark red spots.
The general color of the Grasshopper Warbler is greenish-brown, each feather being
brown in the centre and green at the edges, so that its whole aspect presents rather a spotty or
mottled appearance. The under surface is pale brown, diversified with some dark spots on
the neck and breast. The total length of the bird is about five inches and a half.
THE generic title of Calamodyta, which has been given to the grasshopper Warbler and
the SEDGE WARBLER, signifies a diver into reeds, and has been
attributed to these birds in consequence of their habit of diving
abruptly among the herbage whenever they are alarmed.
The Sedge Warbler arrives in this country about the same
time as the last-mentioned species, and immediately
repairs to the low -lying spots where it can find that
peculiar herbage that grows near water. Sedges,
reeds, rushes and willows are its favorite resorts,
and upon the branches of the last-mentioned tree
this Warbler may be observed, on the rare occasions
when it deigns to present itself in full view. In such
localities it conceals itself most effectually, and
although it pours forth its pleasant song with great
fluency, prefers to remain secluded in the thick
foliage of its home. On one or two occasions, while
sitting in a boat drawn among the thick reeds that
are found in rivers, I have both seen and heard this
interesting little creature, and noticed that it sel-
dom shows itself within six or seven inches of the
reed tops. By remaining perfectly quiet, a careful
observer may note the peculiar fitful movements of
the Sedge Warbler, as it dives among the reeds, and
ever and anon shows itself in small open space, only
to disappear the next moment.
The song of the Sedge Warbler is not powerfiil,
but is very constantly uttered. It may be heard
to the best advantage in the early morning and the dusk of the evening, and, like that
of the nightingale, is often prolonged far into the hours of darkness. The strain is quick, and
has a peculiar guttural sound that is quite indescribable in words.
The structure of the nest and its position are extremely variable, according to the locality
in which the bird dwells. Generally the nest is composed of moss and various fibres, the
finest being always worked into the centre so as to form a warm bed for the nest and young.
SEDGE WAEBLEK. Acrocephalus phragmttie.
THE WHEATEAR, OR FALLOW CHAT. 211
It is always placed under cover, sometimes being protected by a bunch of reeds drawn together,
sometimes built in the midst of some thick bush, and sometimes overshadowed by a tuft
of rank aquatic herbage. The eggs are from four to six in number, and their color is a very
light yellow-brown, dappled with a darker hue.
The general color of this bird is brown of various shades above, pure white on the chin
and throat, and buff upon the breast and abdomen. Its total length is rather under five
inches.
THE FAN-TAIL WARBLER, which has been referred by Mr. Gould to the genus Salicaria,
is a most interesting little bird, and deserving of our best admiration, not only for the elegance
of its form and delicate beauty of its coloring, but for the wonderful skill which it displays in
the formation of its nest.
The cradle in which is laid the nest of the Fan-tail Warbler is most ingeniously
constructed from the living reeds among which the bird loves to make its residence. As it is
so minute a creature, it is unable to make use of the thick and sturdy stems, but employs the
flat leaf -blades and the smaller grasses in its architectural designs. Each leaf is pierced by
the bill, drawn closely to another blade, and secured to it by means of a cottony thread which
is passed through the perforation, and secured at each stitch by a knot so elaborately tied,
that, in the words of Mr. Gould, "it appears the work of reason." The nest itself is composed
of various soft and downy fibres, which are collected from different plants. In this wonder-
fully constructed nest the Fan-tail Warbler lays four or five eggs of a "bluish-flesh" color.
The popular name of Fan-tail has been given to this bird on account of the peculiar shape
of the expanded tail, which is exhibited by the bird whenever it sets itself in motion. It is a
lively little bird, popping in and out of the foliage in a very wren-like manner, spreading and
flirting its beautifully loquacious little tail while it darts from spot to spot, as the Spanish
ladies flirt their love-speaking fans. When observed, it takes to its wings, and will fly to a
considerable distance before alighting. It is a native of the Mediterranean shores, and is found
along the northern and eastern parts of Europe, and the adjoining portions of Africa and Asia.
At Gibraltar it is found in plenty, enlivening the bushes with its quick and active movements,
and its shrill merry notes.
The color of this pretty little bird is a warm chestnut-brown, each feather being marked
with a dark strip running down its centre. The under surface is white with a brown wash,
and the tail is brownish-black, each feather being graduated so as to give it the appearance
of a partly-opened fan. Each tail-feather is tipped with white, presenting an agreeable
contrast to the darker hues of the basal portions. The total length of this bird is about
five inches.
THE ERYTHACIN^E.
A SMALL but very interesting group of birds now claims our attention. These are the
Ei-ytJiacince, or Redbreast kind, including the Redbreast, the Wheatear, the Chats, the Red-
start, and other similar birds.
THE WHEATEAR, or FALLOW CHAT, is well known, and on account of the delicate flavor
of its flesh when fat, is sadly persecuted throughout the whole time of its sojourn in northern
parts of Europe.
Being in great favor for the table, where it is popularly known as the ortolan, and conse-
quently fetching a good price in the market, it is caught in great numbers, and sold to the
game-dealers. The trap by which it is captured is a remarkably simple affair, consisting
mei'ely of an oblong piece of turf cut from the soil, and arranged crosswise over the cavity
from which it was taken. A horse-hair noose is supported under the turf by means of a stick,
and the trap is complete, needing no bait or supervision. It is the nature of the Wheatear to
run under shelter at the least alarm ; a passing cloud sufficing to drive it under a stone or into
a hole in a bank. Seeing, therefore, the sheltering turf, the Wheatear runs beneath it, and is
212
THE SI'ONECHAT.
caught in the noose. These simple traps are much used by the shepherds, who can make and
attend to four or five hundred in a day, and have been known to catch upwards of a thousand
Wheatears within twenty -four hours.
In the northern parts of England, the Wheatear is equally persecuted, but from super-
stitious motives ; the ignorant countrymen imagining that its presence foretells the death of
the spectator. In order, therefore, to avert so sad an omen, they kill the bird and destroy its
eggs on every opportunity.
The chief reason for this absurd practice is, that the Wheatear is in the habit of frequenting
any locality where it can find shelter for its eggs and young, an:l, therefore, may often be
WHEATEAK-Staieofo amant/u ; WHINCHAT.-JVa<to rutetra ; 8TONECHAT.-.ft-atfn>to rubicola.
found amid old ruins, in burial-grounds, or cairns. " Though it is a very handsome bird,"
says Mudie, " and in the early season sings sweetly, its haunts have gotten it a bad name. Its
common clear note is not unlike the sound made in breaking stones with a hammer ; and as it
utters that note from the top of the heap which haply covers the bones of one who perished
by the storms or by his own hand ; or from the mound, beneath which there lie the slain of a
battle-field, magnified through the mist of years ; or from the rude wall that fences in many
generations, it is no very unnatural stretch to the pondering fancy, which dwells in these parts,
to associate the Wheatear with all the superstitions that unphilosophically, but not irrever-
ently, belong to the place of graves.
THE STONECHAT is one of the birds that remain in Europe throughout the year, being
seen during the winter months among the furze-covered commons which are now rapidly
becoming extinct.
THE WHIN GHAT. 213
The name of Chat is earned by the bird in consequence of its extreme volubility, for it is
one of the noisiest birds in existence. Its song is low and sweet, and may be heard to great
advantage, as the bird is not at all shy, and, trusting to its powers of concealment, sings
merrily until the spectator has approached within a short distance, and then, dropping among
the furze, glides quickly through the prickly maze, and rises at some distance, ready to renew
its little song. It is a lively bird, ever on the move, flitting from place to place with restless
activity, and ever and anon uttering its sweet strains. Even in the winter months the Stone-
chat will make itself audible as it flutters about the furze-grown spots in which it loves to
live. It is in these localities that it finds its supply of winter food, for the thick furze-bushes
afford shelter to various worms and insects, and the little Chat is able to procure a plentiful
meal by digging in the damp ground.
It is rather difficult to force a Stonechat to leave its shelter, and a shower of missiles
generally has the effect of making it keep closer within its concealment. This little bird has
the faculty of making a patch of furze very lively, for it pops in and out in a quick cheerful
fashion, twitters its pretty song, dives among the rich golden-crowned bushes, and reappears
with a toss of the head, and a flirt of the wing, as if exulting in the exuberance of its happi-
ness. In the winter, the same bushes afford it concealment and shelter, for the heavy masses
of snow only rest upon the furze, and leave abundant open space beneath, in which the little
bird has perfect freedom of movement, and under which it is sure to find worms and insects
buried in the soil. Snails, slugs, and other similar creatures always retire for the winter into
sheltered spots, and they form many a meal for the Stonechat. Plantations, especially those
that are made of young pines or firs, are favorite haunts of the Stonechat ; but as the branches
are all at some distance from the ground, the bird seldom, if ever, attempts to build its nest
under their shade.
The Stonechat resembles the fly-catcher in some of its habits, especially in its custom of
feeding on an elevated twig, the top of a post, or the highest pebble of a stone-heap, and
catching the flies as they pass by its perch. Unlike the fly -catcher, however, it does not make
choice of one perch, and return to it day after day ; but after catching six or seven flies upon
one spot, flutters to another, and from that to a third, ever changing its position from time
to time.
The nest of the Stonechat is made of mosses, grass of different kinds, and is lined with
fine fibres, hairs, and feathers. The number of the eggs is from four to six, and their color
is very pale blue, diversified with numerous minute spots of reddish-brown upon the large
end of the shell. The colors of the Stonechat are rather pretty. The head, the neck, the
chin, throat, back, and tail, are deep sooty -black, contrasting boldly with the pure white
of the tertial wing-coverts, the upper tail-coverts, and the sides of the neck. The remaining
wing-coverts are deep brown, and the quill-feathers of the wings are also brown. The breast
is chestnut, and the abdomen yellowish-white. The total length of the bird is rather more
than five inches.
THE bird which occupies the top of the last illustration is called the WHINCHAT, on
account of its fondness for the furze or whin. The Stonechat has, however, quite as much
right to the title, as it frequents the furze as constantly as the Whinchat.
This species may be easily distinguished from the preceding, by the long and bold white
streak which passes across the sides of the head, and the absence of white upon the wing-
coverts. It is a migratory bird, although it has on one or two occasions been seen in the north
of Europe during the winter. In many of its habits it resembles the stonechat, and might
readily be mistaken for that bird by any one who was not well acquainted with the two
species. It sings rather constantly, uttering its sweet strains while on the wing, or while
perched on some elevated bough. Mr. Yarrell mentions that it is fond of imitating the
notes of other birds, and that a caged Whinchat has been heard to mimic the whitethroat, the
redstart, willow warbler, missel thrush, and nightingale. The same bird would frequently
sing at night.
Like the wheatear, the Whinchat becomes extremely fat in the autumn, and as it is prized
214 THE REDSTART.
as a delicacy for the table, is rather persecuted by the game-dealers and their emissaries. The
food of this bird is the same as that of the stonechat. The Whinchat arrives in this country
about the middle or towards the end of April, according to the locality and the weather. It
builds its nest soon after its arrival, and hatches its young about the end of May or the begin-
ning of June. The nest is placed on the ground, is made after the fashion of the stonechat' s
habitation, and contains from four to six bluish -green eggs, slightly speckled with reddish-
brown. Two broods are hatched in the course of the year.
The coloring of the Whinchat is as follows : The top of the head, the neck, and the back
are mottled brown, each feather being lighter at the circumference than in the centre. An
irregular broad brown streak extends from the angle of the mouth to the back of the neck,
and above the eye is a long and rather wide streak of white. Another white stripe passes
immediately below the dark-brown streak, and extends from the chin almost to the shoulder.
The tail is white upon the base, and brown at the tip, each feather being edged with a lighter
shade of the same hue. The chin is white, the throat and chest are pale fawn, and the abdo-
men is buff. The length of the bird is not quite five inches.
THE specific title of phcenicura, which is given to the REDSTART, signifies ruddy-tail, and
is attributed to the bird in consequence of the light ruddy-chestnut feathers of the tail and
upper tail-coverts.
It is a handsomely colored and elegantly shaped bird, and is a great ornament to our fields
and hedgerows. The name of Redstart is a very appropriate one, and has been given to the
bird in allusion to the peculiar character of its flight. While walking quietly along the
hedgerows, the observer may often see a bird flash suddenly out of the leafage, flirt its tail in
the air, displaying strongly a bright gleam of ruddy hue, and after a sharp dash of a few
yards, turn into the hedge again with as much suddenness as it had displayed in its exit.
These manoeuvres it will repeat frequently, always keeping well in front, and at last it will
quietly slip through the hedge, double back on the opposite side, and return to the spot from
whence it had started.
No one need fancy, from seeing the bird in the hedge, that its nest is in close proximity,
for the Redstart seldom builds in such localities, only haunting them for the sake of obtaining
food for its young. The nest is almost invariably built in the hole of an old wall, in a crevice
of rock, a heap of large stones, in a hollow tree, or in very thick ivy. I have known this bird
to make its nest in quite a small hole in a wall ; the nest looking out upon a passage, and being
within five feet of the ground. The eggs are generally five in number, although they vary from
four to seven, and are of a beautiful blue, with a slight tinge of green. They are not unlike
those of the common hedge sparrow, but are shorter and of a different contour.
The Redstart has a very sweet song, which, although not very powerful, is soft and melo-
dious, bearing some resemblance to that of the nightingale. The bird has a habit of sitting on
the top of a wall or some elevated spot, and there pouring forth his song, looking about in
every direction, as if inviting a challenge, and spreading and closing his tail at intervals.
Presently, without ceasing the song, he will dart off to another spot, in one of the short,
uncertain flights which characterize the species, and settling upon some fresh perch, sing
with new vigor. It often happens that in the breeding season the Redstart continues to sing
far into the night, and recommences at the earliest approach of dawn.
The food of the Redstart is mostly of an insect nature, and is obtained in various ways.
Sometimes the bird dashes from its perch upon a passing insect, after the manner of the fly-
catcher ; sometimes it chases beetles and other creeping insects upon the leaves and branches
of the hedges ; sometimes it hunts for worms, grubs, and snails from the ground ; and it often
picks maggots out of fungi, decaying wood, mosses, and lichens. Soft ripe fruit is also eaten
by the Redstart, which, however, ought to be allowed its free range of the garden in recom-
pense for the great service which it has performed in the earlier portion of the year, by
devouring the myriad insects that feed upon the blossoms of fruit-trees. The softer berries
form part of the Redstart's diet, but the bird does not seem to care about the hard seeds.
The coloring of the Redstart is as follows : The top of the head, the neck, and the back
THE REDBREAST. 215
are bluish-gray, contrasting finely with the jetty black of the chin, the throat, the face, and
the sides of the neck. The wings are rich brown, slightly streaked with a lighter shade of the
same hue, and the upper tail-coverts and all the tail-feathers are bright ruddy chestnut, with
the exception of the two central tail-feathers, which are striped with the same hue as the wing-
feathers. The breast and all the lower surface is very pale chestnut, and the forehead is white.
The length of the bird is more than five inches.
ANOTHER species of the same genus is occasionally, though very rarely, seen in Europe.
This is the BLACK REDSTART (Ruticilla tithys), and is readily distinguished from the common
species by the sooty black hue of its breast and abdomen. This bird resembles the common
Redstart in many of its habits, but is seldom seen on open ground. A curious anecdote is
related of this bird, which well exemplifies the force of parental affection.
A railway carriage had been left for some weeks out of use in the station at Giessen,
Hesse Darmstadt, in the month of May, 1852, and when the superintendent came to examine
the carriage, he found that a Black Redstart had built her nest upon the collision spring ; he
very humanely retained the carriage in its shed until its use was imperatively demanded, and
at last attached it to the train which ran to Frankfort-on-the-Maine, a distance of nearly forty
miles. It remained at Frankfort for thirty-six hours, and was then brought back to Giessen,
and after one or two short journeys, came back again to rest at Giessen after a period of four
days. The young birds were by this time partly fledged, and finding that the parent bird had
not deserted her offspring, the superintendent carefully removed the nest to a place of safety,
whither the parent soon followed. The young were, in process of time, full fledged, and left
the nest to shift for themselves. It is evident that one at least of the parent birds must have
accompanied the nest in all its journeys, for putting aside the difficulty which must have been
experienced by the parents in watching for every carriage that arrived at Giessen, the nest-
lings would have perished from hunger during their stay at Frankfort, for every one who has
reared young birds is perfectly aware that they need food every two hours. Moreover, the
guard of the train repeatedly saw a red-tailed bird flying about that part of the carriage on
which the nest was placed.
THE REDSTART (Setophaga ruticUla). This American species is a very small but espe-
cially handsome bird. The bright-red patch on its sides gleams with particular brightness as
the bird darts through the thick green foliage. Two species, nearly allied, are respectively
the Painted Fly-catcher and Red-bellied Fly-catcher, both from Mexico.
THERE are few birds which are more familiar to us than the REDBREAST, or ROBIN, a bird
which is interwoven among our earliest recollections, through the medium of the Children in
the AVood, and the mournful ballad of the Death and Burial of Cock Robin.
Although the Redbreast remains in Europe throughout the winter, it is very susceptible
to cold, and one of the first birds to seek for shelter, its appearance among the outhouses
being always an indication of coming inclemency. In cold weather, the Redbreast seldom
perches upon twigs and branches, but crouches in holes, or sits upon the ground. The bird
seems strongly attached to man and his home, and will follow the ploughman over the fields,
picking up the worms which he turns up with the ploughshare, or enter his house and partake
of his evening meal. Both bold and shy, the Redbreast is a most engaging bird, and seldom
fails of receiving the affection of those to whom he attaches himself. One of these birds was
exceedingly familiar with all our family, his acquaintance having commenced through the
medium of some crumbs from our hands, and would always come to us whenever we called his
name, "Bobby." Sometimes he would accompany us on our way to church through the
lanes, and I have even seen him keeping pace with us.
Bread and butter is -a very favorite dainty with the Robin, who has often been known to
come uninvited, and to peck from the table. "Butter," according to Mr. Thompson, "is so
great a dainty to these birds, that in a friend's house, frequented during the winter by one or
two of them, the servant was obliged to be very careful in keeping what was in her charge
216
CHARACTER OF THE REDBREAST.
covered, to save it from destruction ; if unprotected, it was certain to be eaten. I have known
them to visit laborers at breakfast-time to eat butter from their hands, and enter a lantern to
feast on the candle. One, as I have been assured, is in the constant habit of entering a house
in a tan-yard, by the window, that it might feed upon tallow, when the men were using this
substance in the preparation of hides. But even further than this, I have seen the Redbreast
exhibit its partiality for scraps of fat, etc. Being present one day in December, 1837, when a
golden eagle was fed, a Robin, to my surprise, took the eagle's place on the perch the moment
that he descended to the ground to eat some food given him, and when there, picked off some
little fragments of fat or scraps of flesh ; this done, it quite unconcernedly alighted on the
chain on which the ' rapacious ' bird was fastened.
" I at the same time learned that this Robin regularly visited the eagle's abode at feeding-
time, though as yet there was no severity of weather. Although the Robin escaped the golden
eagle unscathed, as much cannot be said for one which occasionally entered the kitchen at the
REDBREAST AND REDSTART. EryUiacut rubtcula and ButiciUa phasnicurus.
Falls, and sang there ; having one day alighted on a cage in which a toucan was kept, this
bird with its huge bill seized and devoured it." Another Robin, mentioned by the same
author, was in the habit of attending on a carpenter, stealing the shavings as materials for his
nest, and making very free with Ms grease-pot, pecking from it while in his hand.
The Robin is also remarkably fond of bread and butter on which honey or sugar has been
spread, and will eat of this dainty until it is hardly able to fly. One of these birds who had
been treated to such a repast, was so pleased with it that he returned, bringing with him three
companions, who gorged themselves to such a degree, that they were taken up by hand, and
put away for the night into a comfortable recess. After a while, between twenty and thirty
Robins came to the house in hopes of obtaining the sweet food. Perhaps they may be instinct-
ively led to sugar and fatty substances, as a means of preserving themselves against the effects
of cold. Cream is in great favor with the birds during the winter months, and they have been
seen to enter an outhouse which was employed for washing purposes, and to eat the soap.
The Redbreast is a most combative bird, fighting its own species with singular energy,
and often killing its opponent. One of these 'nrds killed upwards of twenty of its own kind,
CHARACTER OF THE REDBREAST. 217
merely because they came into a greenhouse which he chose to arrogate to himself. It is very
jealous, too, of its human friends, and not only prohibits other individuals from sharing in the
friendship, but will often drive away its own young if they approach too closely.
The nest of this bird is generally placed near the ground in a thick leafy bush, or in a
bank, and is composed of dry leaves, moss, grass, hair, and feathers. I have seen the nest
very well concealed among the thick ivy that had wreathed round a tree-trunk, and placed
about eight feet from the ground. The bird seldom flies directly to its nest, or leaves it directly,
but alights at a little distance, and creeps through the leaves or branches until it enters its
home. When, however, the Redbreast chooses to become familiar with man, it takes advan-
tage of Ms friendship, and deposits its nest and eggs under his care. The localities which
have been chosen for the Robin's home are diverse beyond description, one of the most curious
being the centre of a large cabbage growing in a garden.
The bird has been known to make its nest in a workman's tool-basket hanging against the
wall, in a fold of a window-curtain, upon a shelf in a greenhouse, in the side of a saw-pit, in a
knot-hole of timber used in a ship which was being built, the birds being not in the least
discomposed by the constant hammering of the trenails. Mr. Thompson gives the following
quaint account of a Redbreast and its nest :
"At Fort William, the seat of a relation, the following circumstance occurred. In a
pantry, the window of which was left open during the day, one of these birds constructed its
nest early in the summer. The place selected was the corner of a moderately high shelf,
among pickle-bottles, which, being four-sided, gave the nest the singular appearance of a
perfect square. It was made of green moss, and lined with a little black hair ; on the one side
which was exposed to view, and that only, were dead beech-leaves. When any article near the
nest was sought for by the housekeeper, the bird, instead of flying out of the window, as might
have been expected, alighted on the floor, and waited there patiently until the cause of dis-
turbance was over, when it immediately returned to its nest. Five eggs were laid, which, after
having been incubated without success for the long period of about five weeks, were forsaken.
' ' The room above this pantry was occupied as a bird-stuffing apartment ; after the Red-
breast had deserted the lower story, a bird of this species doubtless the same individual
visited it daily, and was as often expelled. My friend, finding its expulsion of no avail, for it
continued to return, had recourse to a novel and rather comical expedient. Having a short
time before received a collection of stuffed Asiatic quadrupeds, he selected the most fierce-
looking carnivora, and placed them at the open window, which they nearly tilled up, hoping
that their formidable aspect might deter the bird from future ingress. It was not, however,
to be so frightened 'from its propriety,' but made its entree as usual. The walls of the room,
the tables in it, and nearly the entire floor, were occupied by these stuffed quadrupeds.
" The perseverance of the Robin was at length rewarded by a free permission to have its
own way, when, as if in defiance of the ruse that was practised against it, the place chosen for
the nest was the head of a shark which hung on the wall (the mouth being gagged may have
prevented it being the site) ; while the tail, etc., of an alligator stuffed, served to screen it
from observation. During the operation of forming this nest, the Redbreast did not in the
least regard the presence of my friend ; but both man and bird worked away within a few feet
of each other. On the 1st of June I saw it seated on the eggs, which were five in number ;
they were all productive, and the whole brood in due time escaped in safety."
The eggs of the Redbreast are generally five in number, as is the case with most of the
song birds, and their color is grayish-white, covered with variously sized spots of pale rusty
red. The song of this bird is very sweet and pleasing ; and it is a pretty sight to observe two
or more Redbreasts perched on different trees, and answering each other with their musical
cries. Whenever the Redbreast perches on the top of a tree or other elevated spot, and begins
to sing merrily, it is an unfailing indication that the weather of the coming day promises to be
fair. The bird sings throughout the greater part of the year, beginning early in spring, and
continuing it very late into the autumn. Even in the winter months, a bright sunny day is
apt to excite the Robin to perch upon a twig, and pour forth a sweet though broken melody.
VOL. II.-2a
218
THE BLUE-THROATED WARBLER.
While hopping and feeding about the ground, it is wonderful to see what large worms
and insects the little bird will devour. Should the worm be too large for him to swallow
entire, as indeed is mostly the case, he tosses it about with his beak, bangs it against the
ground, flings it over his head, jumps on it, and when he has thus mashed it into a pulp, pulls
it to bits, and devours it piecemeal.
The color of the male Eobin is bright olive-brown on the back, orange-red on the throat,
chin, breast, forehead, and round the eye. A stripe of blue-gray runs round the red, and the
abdomen and lower part of the breast are white. The bill and eyes are black. The female
is colored after the same manner, but the tints are not so vivid as in her mate. The total
length of the bird is nearly six inches, and its weight about half an ounce.
THE BLUE-THROATED WARBLER is very common in the southern parts of Europe, but is
extremely rare in the north.
BLUE-THROATED WARBLER. Cyanecula suedca ; and CALLIOPE. Calliope kamtscfiatfonsis.
It is a sweet songster, the notes having, some resemblance to those of the whinchat, but
being more powerful. It prefers to haunt low -lying, marshy grounds, and places its nest
among tufts of the rank herbage that generally grows in such localities. The nest is most
carefully hidden, and cannot readily be discovered. The materials of which it is composed
are dried grass and mosses, and it is lined with grass of a finer character. The eggs are
greenish-blue, something like those of the redstart. The bird has a curious habit of rising
into the air while singing, spreading its tail widely, and sailing with quivering wings and
spread tail to a spot at some distance from that at which it rose. It begins its song early in
the morning, and does not cease until late in the evening, being in this respect similar to the
redbreast.
The color of this bird is rather varied, and is briefly as follows : The upper part of the
body is rich brown, a color which extends to the two central tail-feathers, all the other rectrices
being bright chestnut at the basal half, and black at the extremity. The chin, throat, and
THE BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER. 219
upper part of the breast are brilliant blue, excepting a spot iu the centre, which is white in
young birds, but warms into red as they increase in age. A well marked black bar runs
below the blue, followed by a narrow streak of white, and a rather broad band of the same
ruddy chestnut as that of the tail. The abdomen is grayish-white. The total length of the
bird is about six inches.
THE birds that belong to the genus Copsychus are spread over several portions of India
and Africa, where they are rather plentiful in certain favored localities.
The DAYAL is an inhabitant of India and Ceylon, and in its wild state is a solitary bird,
haunting the lower trees and j ungle, and often paying visits to gardens and cultivated grounds.
It is rather shy, and prefers the thickest foliage for its perch, never caring to rise to any great
elevation if observed, but merely flying from tree to tree at a short distance from the ground.
Its food consists of insects, which it generally takes upon the ground, jerking its tail upwards
in a satisfied kind of manner, and then returning to its post among the bushes. As it regains
its perch, it has a curious habit of depressing its tail, as if to counteract the effect of its former
elevation. The song of the Dayal is remarkably good, and it possesses the power of mimicking
other birds.
As it is readily tamed, it is often caught and caged, and when domesticated is employed
in various roles, the most common being that of a combatant. It is a most brave and com-
bative little bird, and will fight to the death with as much courage as any gamecock. Even
in its wild state it is constantly engaged in fighting, the male birds challenging each other just
as is the case with the domestic fowl, and joining in combat as soon as they can come to close
quarters. The native bird-catchers take advantage of this propensity, and employ a tame male
for the purpose of decoying the wild birds into captivity ; the whole process being singularly
like that which is adopted for the capture of elephants in the same country.
The tame bird, on hearing the accustomed signal from his master, pours forth a defiant
challenge, which is immediately answered by the nearest male. The decoy bird is then let
loose, and the two immediately engage in fight, so fierce that both the combatants are seized by
the bird-catcher. It is a very remarkable fact that the tame bird seems to take a pride in
aiding its master, and will hold its struggling antagonist by beak and claws in order to
prevent it from making its escape. In Ceylon this bird goes by the name of the Magpie
Robin.
THE Warblers embraced under the family Sylvicolidce are very numerous ; sixty species
are recognized.
THE PINE CREEPING WARBLER (Dendrosca pinus) is one of the most familiar species. It
is a very early visitor ; often arriving north before the chilling winds have ceased. They fre-
quent the pine groves, hence their name.
THE BLACK POLL WARBLER (Dendrasca striata) is another common bird. It has earned
the title "harbinger of summer" on account of its late arrival in New England. It ranges
from the Arctic regions to the West Indies.
BLACK-AND-YELLOW WARBLER (Dendraeca maculosa). This is common in the Eastern
States, and as far west as the Missouri River.
THE BLACKBFRNIAN is the most beautiful in plumage ; its rich golden-spotted decora-
tions are quite distinctive. It breeds in Maine.
THE CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER is exceedingly pretty in its plumage. It is especially
limited to New England and the Atlantic States, breeding in Massachusetts and northward.
THE BLACK-THHOATED GKEEN WAKBLEB (Dendrasca virens) is one of the many pretty
220
THE BLUE-BIRD.
songsters that tarry with us in the New England States, but in limited numbers. It is rather
common in the pine woods of Portsmouth, N. H., in June, and it is supposed to breed in the
vicinity. Its nests with eggs have been found near Boston. Wilson says but little of it.
THE BLACK-THROATED GKEEN WAKBLER. Dendrasca wrens.
Many of these pretty species are interesting, and descriptions of each would be very pleas-
ing had we room to devote to them.
THE MARYLAND YELLOW-THBOAT (Oeoihlypis trichas) is a very familiar bird called in
New England, Yellow-bird and is not unlike a canary. Wilson says of it : "This is one of
the humble inhabitants of the briars, brambles, alder bushes and such shrubbery as grows most
luxuriantly in low, wet places, and might with propriety be called Humility ; its business or
ambition seldom leading it higher than the tops of the underbrush. Insects and larvae being
its principal food. It inhabits the whole United States, from Maine to Florida. Though
by no means shy, it seldom approaches the farm-house.
THE YELLOW-KED POLL (Dendrasca palmarum) is a common species. Unlike others, it
spends much of its time feeding on the ground. In the fall it is seen flocking with the
snow-birds.
Several species of this great family of Warblers are unfavorably named " thrush," as the
Golden-crowned Thrush and Water Thrush. Water Wagtail is a more appropriate name for
one of them, as it has the habit of bobbing its tail constantly while feeding. There are three
of this genus (Siurus).
THE pretty little BLTJE-BIED of America is deservedly a great favorite in the country which
it inhabits, not only for its delicate blue back, red bosom, and sweet song, but from the
engaging familiarity of its character.
In many respects the Blue-bird takes the place of the redbreast in the affections of bird-
loving persons, and fearlessly associates with mankind, even though it be not driven to such
companionship by cold or hunger. It is the harbinger of spring, and makes its appearance as
soon as the snow begins to melt away from the surface of the earth, and the soil to loose itself
from the icy bonds in which it had been held. Sometimes a few days of sharp frost or heavy
snow will drive the Blue-bird to its hiding-place, but it soon emerges when the inclemency of
the weather is past, and cheers the face of nature with its light-colored feathers and sweet rich
THE STONECHAT. a 21
song. Many persons are in the habit of arranging a box with a hole in the side as a nest-box
for the Blue-bird, and the grateful little creature never fails to take advantage of the domicile
thus offered to it, and to pour forth its thanks in frequent music.
Although, as a rule, the Blue-bird is not seen except in the spring and summer months, it
is evident that some specimens must remain throughout the winter, as even in the depth of the
cold season, a few days of sunshine and warmth are sure to witness the presence of two or
three Blue-birds that have been tempted by the genial warmth to leave for a while the snowy
home in which they have been resting. The habits of this pretty bird are very interesting,
and not the least so is the extreme care which it takes of its nest and young, sitting near them
and singing its best, and occasionally flying off and returning with a caterpillar or other insect
for their benefit.
The Blue-bird builds its nest in the hollows of decaying trees and other similar situations,
where the eggs and nest are well sheltered from the rain and cold. The eggs are generally
from four to six in number, and their color is a pale blue. Two broods are generally pro-
duced in a single season, and it is not uncommon for the bird to rear a third brood later in
the year, should the weather be propitious. The food of this bird consists of various insects,
chiefly those of the coleopterous order, spiders, small worms, and in the autumn of soft fruits
and seeds. The bright, cheerful song of the Blue-bird is heard throughout the greater part of
the year, commencing at the end of February or the beginning of March, and not ceasing xintil
the end of October. The spring, however, is the season which is most enlivened by the song.
This species is widely and plentifully spread throughout the greater part of North
America, and during the cold weather moves southward towards Brazil, Mexico, Guinea, and
the neighboring parts, beginning its migration about November. The total length of the Blue-
bird is rather more than seven inches, and its coloring is as follows : The head, back of
the neck, and the whole upper surface is of a rich azure with purple reflections, excepting the
shafts of the quill-feathers of the wing and tail, which are jetty black, and produce a very
pleasing effect when contrasted with the blue. The quill-feathers of the wing are also black
at their extremities. The throat, breast, and sides are rich ruddy chestnut, and the abdomen
is white. The female is similar to her mate in coloring, but the tints are not so bright.
THE BLUE-BIRD (Sialia sialis). This favorite songster is one of the earliest visitors, arriv-
ing from the South about the middle of March, and sometimes earlier.
Wilson says of him: "The pleasing and sociable disposition of this little bird, entitles
him to especial recognition. As one of the first messengers of spring, bringing the charming
tidings to our very doors, he bears his own recommendation always along with him, and
meets with a hearty welcome from everybody. The usual spring and summer song of the
Blue-bird is a soft, agreeable, and oft-repeated warble, uttered with open, quivering wings,
and is extremely pleasing. In his motions and general character, he has great resemblance to
Robin Redbreast of England ; and had he the brown-olive of that bird, instead of the blue,
could scarcely be distinguished from him."
/
THE CALIFORNIA BLUE-BIRD (Sialia mexicana) is an inhabitant of the Pacific coast. The
preceding species is not seen west of the Mississippi River, the present species taking its
place on the west of this line. The shade of blue in this species is more intense than in the
Eastern.
THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN BLUE-BIRD (Sialia arctica) is one of Audubon's discoveries. It is
a lighter blue than the two preceding species, and has none of the brown shade. The bill
is stouter and longer. The wings are longer in proportion to the body, reaching nearly to the
end of the tail. It inhabits the high, dry, central plains in upper Missouri to the Rocky
Mountain range, and south to Mexico, being rare on the coast of California.
THE STONECHAT (Saxicola cenanthe) is an allied species, called in Europe the Wheatear.
It is a straggler in Greenland.
222
THE HEDGE ACCENTOR.
ACCENTORS.
ONE or two examples of the pretty, though sober-plumaged, Accentors, are to be found
in Europe, that which is best known being the HEDGE ACCENTOR, or HEDGE SPARROW, as it is
often, though wrongly, called, as it by no means belongs to the same group of birds.
The Hedge Accentor is very common through the whole of Europe, and may be heard in
the gardens, copses, and hedge-rows, chanting its pleasing and plaintive melody without dis-
playing much fear of its auditors. It seems, indeed, to be actually attracted to man, and, in
spite of the terrible havoc which is made year after year by young bird-nesters among its
HEDGE SPAHBOW and ALPINE ACCENTOR. Accentor modularis and alpinus.
homes, it always draws near to human habitations as soon as the cold days of autumn com-
mence, and may be seen flitting about the barns and outhouses in a perfectly unconcerned
manner.
It is especially adapted for living among the hedges, as it possesses a singular facility
in threading its way through the twigs, stems, and branches. It seems equally at home in
dried brushwood, and may often be seen traversing the interior of a woodpile with perfect
ease. The nest is one of the earliest to be built, and as it is frequently completed and the eggs
laid before the genial warmth of spring has induced the green leaves to burst their inclosures,
it is easily seen, and is the first victim of the neophyte bird-nester, who pounces upon its soft
mossy walls and delicate blue eggs with exiilting eagerness. The more experienced nester,
however, will never touch so easy a prey, caring nothing for eggs which the veriest novice can
discover.
The nest is generally placed at a very low elevation, seldom more than two or three feet
from the ground, and it is rather large in proportion to the size of the bird. The materials of
which the structure is made are various mosses, wool, and hair, and the eggs are usually five
in number, of a bright bluish-green color. Sometimes, but very rarely, six eggs are found in
a single nest. Bird-nesting boys are not the only foes with whom the Hedge Sparrow has to
contend, for the cuckoo profits by the exposed position of the nest, and lays her eggs in the
home of the Hedge Sparrow more often than in that of any other bird. There are generally
THE GREAT TITMOUSE. 223
two broods of young in the year, and when the nest is robbed, the mother bird often lays three
sets of live eggs in the course of the season, of which she may think herself fortunate if she
succeeds in rearing one.
The song of the Hedge Accentor is sweet, but not varied nor powerful, and has a peculiar
plaintive air about it. The bird is a persevering songster, continuing to sing throughout a
large portion of the year, and only ceasing during the time of the ordinary moult. Like many
other warbling birds, it possesses considerable powers of imitation, and can mock with some
success the greater number of British song-birds.
This bird is nearly as bold as the sparrow, and will sometimes take Tip its residence in
cities, where it soon gains the precociously impertinent airs that characterize all town birds,
speedily loses the bright rich brown and gray of its plumage, and assumes as dingy a garb as
that of the regular city sparrow.
The color of the Hedge Accentor is bluish-gray, covered with small brown streaks upon
the head and the back and sides of the neck. The back and wings are brown streaked with a
deeper tint of the same hue, and the quill-feathers of the wings and tail are of a rather darker
brown, and not quite so glossy. The chin, the throat, and upper part of the breast are gray,
and the lower part of the breast and the abdomen are white, with a wash of pale buff. The
legs and toes are brown, with a decided orange tinge, and the beak is dark brown. The total
length of the bird is nearly six inches.
THE ALPINE ACCENTOR (Accentor alpinus] is another European representative of this
group.
The countries where this bird is usually found are Italy, France, Germany, and several
other parts of Europe. It is a mountain-loving bird, seldom descending to the level of the
plains except during the stormy months of winter. It can readily be distinguished from the
ordinary Accentor by the throat, which is white spotted with black, and by the chestnut-black
and white streaks upon the wing-coverts. The Alpine Accentor is larger than its British rela-
tive, being six inches and a half in total length, and its blue-green eggs are larger than those
of that bird.
TITMICE.
THE group of birds which are distinguished by the name of Parinae, or TITMICE, are
easily recognizable, having all a kind of family resemblance which guards the observer from
mistaking them for any other bird. They are all remarkable for their strong, stout, little
beaks, the boldly denned color of the plumage, and the quick irregularity of their movements.
They are all insect-eaters, and are remarkably fond of the fat of meat, by means of which, used
as a bait, they can often be caught. Their feet and claws, though slight and apparently weak,
are really extremely strong, enabling the bird to traverse the boughs with great rapidity, and
to cling suspended from the branches.
THE first example of these birds is the GREAT TITMOUSE, an inhabitant of many parts of
Europe.
It does not migrate, finding a sufficiency of winter food in its native land. During the
summer it generally haunts the forests, gardens, or shrubberies, and may be seen hopping
and running about the branches of the trees in a most adroit manner, searching for insects, and
occasionally stocking them out of their hiding-places by sharp blows of the bill. The beak of
the Great Titmouse is, although so small, a very formidable one, for the creature has often
been known to set upon the smaller birds, and to kill them by repeated blows on the head,
afterwards pulling the skull to pieces, and picking out the brains.
During the winter the Great Titmouse draws near to human habitations, and by forag-
ing among the barns and outhouses, seldom fails in discovering an ample supply of food.
Mr. White has recorded a curious instance of the ingenuity dispkyed by this species while
searching for food. "In deep snows I have seen this bird, while it hung with its back
224 THE BLUE TITMOUSE.
downwards (to my no small delight and admiration) draw straws lengthwise from ont the eaves
of thatched houses, in order to pull out the Hies that were concealed between them; and
that in such numbers that they quite defaced the thatch, and gave it a ragged appear-
ance." In very severe winters, the birds will even carry away the barley and oat straws from
the ricks.
THE little BLUE TITMOUSE is one of the most familiar birds of Europe, as it is widely
spread throughout the land, and is of so bold a nature that it exhibits itself fearlessly to any
observer.
In many of its habits it resembles the last-mentioned species, but it nevertheless possesses
a very marked character, and has peculiarities which are all its own. As it trips glancingly
over the branches, it hardly looks like a bird, for its quick limbs and strong claws carry it
over the twigs with such rapidity that it resembles a blue mouse rather than one of the
feathered tribe. Being almost exclusively an insect-eating bird, and a most voracious little
creature, it renders invaluable sendee to the agriculturist and the gardener by discovering and
destroying the insects which crowd upon the trees and plants in the early days of spring, and
which, if not removed, would effectually injure a very large proportion of the fruit and pro-
duce. In the course of a single day a pair of blue Titmice were seen to visit their nest four
hundred and seventy -five times, never bringing less than one large caterpillar, and generally
two or three small ones. These birds, therefore, destroyed, on the average, upwards of five
hundred caterpillars daily, being a minimum of fifteen thousand during the few weeks employed
in rearing their young.
While searching for insects, the Blue Titmouse often bites away the buds of fruit-trees,
together with pears and apples, but in almost every case it seeks to devour, not the fruit,
but a maggot which lies concealed within it, and which, if not destroyed, would not only
injure the particular fruit, but would also destroy many others by means of its future
progeny. The food of this bird is of a most multifarious character, for the Blue Titmouse has
been known to eat eggs, other birds which it kills when young or disabled, meat of various
kinds, for which it always haunts the knackers' yards and country slaughter-houses, peas,
oats, and the various kinds of food which are to be found in farm-yards. So fond is it of fat
meat, that a piece of beef suet is an unfailing bait which always succeeds in attracting the
Titmouse into the jaws of the trap. It has even been known to peck holes in hens' eggs,
for the purpose of eating the contents ; but on account of the large size of the eggs, it was not
able to attain its purpose. I have even seen the Titmice unite against a tame hawk which
I kept, assault him simultaneously, and carry off the piece of meat which had just been
given to him.
It is a very pugnacious little bird, and is always ready for a combat with any one of its
own kind. But in the breeding season its combative character is developed to the fullest extent,
and the tiny blue creature will boldly attack a man if ha should happen to approach too near
the nest. Should the position of the nest be discovered, and the hand inserted in order to feel
for the eggs, the mother-bird utters a sharp, angry hiss, and bites so sharply at the intruding
fingers that they are generally hastily withdrawn, under the impression that a viper has been
the hidden aggressor. Small as is the bird, her beak is so sharp and strong that it can cause
considerable pain, and has earned for the bird the provincial name of Billy Biter. I once got
the tips of my fingers sadly maltreated by a female Titmouse, while I was trying to feel the
position of the eggs.
The nest of this species may be found in the most extraordinary localities, such as hollow
trees, holes in old walls, the interior of disused spouts, sides of gravel-pits, the hat of a scare-
crow, the inside of a porcelain jar, or the cylinder of a pump. One bird had actually chosen
a bee-hive as its residence, and had succeeded in building its nest and rearing its young while
surrounded by the bees going to and returning from their work. Another Titmouse contrived
to get into a weathercock on the summit of a spire, and there made its nest in security. The
eggs are small and rather numerous, being generally about eight or ten, but sometimes exceed-
ing the latter number.
THE LOXG-TAILED TITMOUSE. 225
The bird is readily tamed, as may be seen by the following anecdote related by Mr.
Thompson.
"One of the 'Falls,' when let out of the cage in summer, roosted upon the top ; but in
winter, although in a warm room, selected the hottest place in which it could remain safely for
the night, namely, under the fender, a locality which afforded it at the same time sufficient
space and shelter. This bird, from its familiarity and vivacity, was most amusing. The cage
was covered with close netting, which it several times cut through, thereby effecting its escape
into the room. It then flew to the children, and having taken hold of a piece of bread or cake
in the hand of the youngest, would not forego the object of its attack, although shaken with
the greatest force the child could exert ; indeed, the latter was so persecuted on one occasion for
a piece of apple, that she ran crying out of the apartment. It was particularly fond of sugar.
"Confined in the same cage with this bird were some other species, and among them a red-
breast, which it sometimes annoyed so much as to bring upon its head severe chastisement.
A favorite trick was to pull the feathers out of its fellow-prisoners. A young willow wren
was sadly tormented in this way. A similar attempt was made on a song-thrush introduced
into its domicile, but it was successfully repelled. This mischievous Tit escaped out of
doors several times, but returned without being sought for."
THE two little birds described below, the Rufous-belled Titmouse and the Yellow-cheeked
Titmouse, are among the most striking examples of this pretty group, the one for its bold and
conspicuous crest, and the other for the curious coloring of the head and neck.
THE YELLOW-CHEEKED TITMOUSE inhabits several parts of Asia, and is mostly found
among the northwestern Himalayas, where it is rather abundant. In its habits it resembles
the ordinary Titmouse of Europe. The nest of this species is constructed of moss, hair, and
fibres, and is lined softly with feathers. The position in which it is placed is usually a cavity
at the bottom of some hollow stump, generally a decaying oak, and it contains four or five
eggs of a delicate white blotched with brownish spots. The coloring of this bird is rather
peculiar and decidedly bold. The top of the head, the crest, a streak below the eye, and a
broad band reaching from the chin to the extremity of the abdomen, are deep jetty-black.
The cheeks are light yellow, as is the whole of the under surface of the body, with the excep-
tion of the flanks, which take a greener hue. The wings are gray, mottled with black and
white, and the tail is black with a slight edging of olive-green.
THE RUFOUS-BELLIED TITMOUSE inhabits Southern ludia and Nepal, and cannot be con-
sidered as a rare bird. In this pretty creature the head, the crest, and the throat are jet-
black, contrasting boldly with the pure white of the ear-coverts and the back of the neck.
The back, wings, and tail are ashen-gray, washed with a perceptible tinge of blue, and
the abdomen is reddish-gray, as are the edges of the primary and secondary quill-feathers
of the wing.
THE LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE is familiarly known throughout Europe, and is designated
under different titles, according to the locality in which it resides, some of its popular names
being derived from its shape, and others from its crest. In some parts of Europe it is called
"Long Tom," while in others it goes by the name of "Bottle-crested Tit," or "Poke-pud-
ding," the latter word being a provincial rendering of the useful ordinary apparatus termed
a pudding-bag.
The coloring of this species is as follows : The upper part of the head, the cheeks, the
throat, and the whole of the under surface are grayish-white, warming into a rosy hue upon
the sides, flanks, and under tail-coverts. A broad stripe of deep black passes over the eye
and ear-coverts, and joins a large triangular patch of the same jetty hue, which extends from
the shoulders as far as the upper tail-coverts. The shoulders, the scapnlaries, and the lower
part of the back are washed with a decided tinge of a ruddy hue. The \vings are mostly black,
with the exception of the tertiary quill-feathers, which are edged with white. The long
VOL. H.-29.
226 THE MARSH TITMOUSE.
central feathers of the tail are black, and the remainder are black on the inner webs and white
on the outer. They are regularly graduated in length, each pair being about half an inch
shorter than the preceding pair. Both sexes are similar in their coloring. The total length
of the bird is about five inches and a half.
IN personal appearance the CRESTED TITMOUSE is the most conspicuous of the European
species, on account of the peculiarity from which it derives its name.
It is a very rare bird in the northern parts of Europe, but when it makes its appearance
there, is generally seen in little troops. On several parts of the European continent it is
plentifully found, especially frequenting Denmark, Sweden, Russia, Switzerland, and Germany.
It prefers the pine forests to any other locality, and it generally builds its nest in the hole of
some decaying tree, the oak appearing to be the most favored. In one single instance noticed
by Sir W. Jardine, the nest was almost wholly lined with the cast exuvise of snakes. Tlie
eggs are about eight or ten in number, and their color is generally white, spotted with a few
light red specks.
The coloring of this bird is mostly black and white, disposed in a pleasing manner
and supplemented by mouse-colored shadings on its upper parts. The feathers of the crest
are black at the base and edged with a rather broad band of white ; the back and wings are
soft brown, the under surface of the chest and abdomen is very pale fawn, and the under
surface of the wings and tail is a delicate pearly gray. It is a small bird, the total length
being only four inches and a half.
ANOTHER European Titmouse is the COLE TITMOUSE (Parus ater), so called on account of
the dark coloring of its plumage.
It is a tolerably common bird throughout Europe. In its habits it is not unlike the Long-
tailed Titmouse, being ever restlessly in motion, and constantly running up and down the
branches of trees and bushes in search of its insect prey. It is not quite so fearless of man as
some of the allied species, and is found in small woods, hedge-rows, and copses, rather than in
gardens and orchards, so that it frequently escapes the notice of a casual observer. The nest
of this species is usually placed above the ground, and is built in some sequestered and shel-
tered situation, such as the hole of a tree or a wall, the hollow of gnarled or projecting roots,
or in the midst of some very thick and shrubby bush. It is composed of moss and wool, and
lined with hair. The eggs are generally about seven or eight in number, and are of a pure
white, mottled with pale reddish spots.
The voice of the Cole Titmouse is rather peculiar, and is well described by Mudie : " The
song of the Cole Tit is not indeed one of many notes, or of mellifluous inflections ; it is little
else than the same note repeated four or five times, but with so much variety of pitch and tune
as to form a sort of cadence which would make a good variety anywhere, as it is shrill and
clear, and one which is particularly welcome and cheering in those mountain woods which the
summer warblers but rarely visit. The bird sings in the noontide heat, when most birds, and
especially those on the open wastes, with which the haunts of this species are iisually inter-
spersed, are silent."
The Cole Titmouse is colored as follows : The head, chin, throat, ear-coverts, and parts of
the sides of the neck are deep black, and the cheeks, sides of the neck, and a patch upon the
nape are white. The back is bluish-gray, and the wings are brownish-gray with a little green
on some of the feathers, and two narrow bars of white across the tips of the coverts. The breast
is grayish-white, and the abdomen is pale fawn washed with a slight tinge of green. The total
length of the Cole Titmouse measures about four inches and a half.
THE MARSH TITMOUSE is another European species, and may be distinguished from the pre-
ceding species, to which it bears a considerable resemblance, by the absence of the black patch
upon the throat and the white spot on the nape of the neck. It derives its popular name
from its marsh-loving habits, as it is generally to be found near the water meadows and the low-
lying banks, hopping about the osiers and willows, or seeking its food in the swampy grounds.
THE COMMON BUSH-CREEPER. 227
The Titmice form a numerous race, five genera and sixteen species inhabiting North
America. Several varieties are also known. The European species are beautifully illustrated
in these pages, showing the general characteristics. The American species are not so diversi-
fied in colors, nor in form, but are cheery little creatures. Their chick-a-dee-dee-phoabee
notes in the cold winter weather claims for them much admiration.
THE BLACK-CAPPED TITMOUSE (Parus atricapillus), is one of our most familiar birds.
He is resident the year 'round ; active, noisy, restless, hardy beyond any of his size, braving
the severest cold of our continent as far north as the country around Hudson's Bay, and always
appearing most lively in the coldest weather. The males have a variety of very sprightly
notes, which cannot, indeed, be called a song, but rather a lively, frequently-repeated, and
of ten- varied twitter. They are mostly seen in fall and winter, when they leave the depths of
the woods and approach nearer scenes of civilization. At such seasons they abound among
evergreens, feeding on the seeds of the pine-trees.
THE BEARDED TITMOUSE is one of the long-tailed species. It is rare in England, and has
only lately been introduced into the British Fauna. It is not uncommon on the continent.
It displays the singular feat, seen in some of this race, of hanging head downwards to feed
on its prey. Its voice is remarkably soft and low, and resembles, it is said, the distant sound
of small cymbals.
THE LEAST TIT is, truly, a "tid-bit"of a bird, only four inches in length. , It inhabits the
Pacific coast.
BUSH-CREEPERS.
THE Mniotiltince, or Bush-Creepers, are well represented by the common BUSH-CREEPER
of India.
It is a sociable little bird, being generally seen in small troops, and often associating with
birds of different species. Although not very shy, it yet loves retired localities, such as woods
and thickets, and may there be seen flitting merrily among the foliage and underwood, and
perpetually engaged in a search after insects. In some of its movements it resembles the honey-
eaters, for it often pushes its head completely into the corollas of flowers while endeavoring to
capture the minute insects that lurk at the bottom of the cup, and emerges with its forehead
covered with yellow pollen. The voice is a low twittering note, constantly uttered while the
bird is in motion, but there is no real song.
The nest of the Bush-Creeper is rather variable in its position and structure, sometimes
being suspended from the branches, and at others placed in the centre of some thick bush.
Generally it is suspended between two twigs, to which it is woven by means of various animal
and vegetable fibres, mostly obtained from the cocoon of caterpillars and the fibrous bark of
trees. The shape of the nest is cup-like, but the whole structure is so delicately balanced that
even in a fierce storm the eggs are not flung out of their places.
There are many species of Creepers, some of which inhabit Asia, others are found in Africa,
and some in Australia. The word Mniotiltinfe is of Greek origin, and signifies "moss-
pluckers," while the term Zosterops signifies "girdle-faced," and has been given to this bird
in consequence of a well-defined circlet of light-colored feathers which surrounds the eye.
228
THE WHITE WAGTAIL.
WA GT A I LS.
WE now arrive at a small group of birds, which is sufficiently familiar to every observer
of nature through the different representatives which inhabit this country. The WAGTAILS,
so called from their well-known habit of jerking their tails while running on the ground or on
settling immediately after a flight, are found in both hemispheres, and are all well known by
the habit from which they derive their popular title. No less than nine species of this group
occur in Europe, some of which are nearly as well known as the common sparrow, while others
are less familiar to the casual observer.
THE PIED WAGTAIL is the most common of all the European examples of this genus, and
may be seen at the proper season of the year near almost every pond or brook, or even in the
open road, tripping daintily over the ground, pecking away at the insects, and wagging its
tail with hearty good-will.
Mr. Yarrell mentions that this bird is an accomplished fisher, and excels in snapping up
the smaller minnows and fry as they come to the surface of the water. It also haunts the fields
where sheep, horses, or homed cattle are kept, and hovers confidingly close to their hoofs,
pecking away briskly at the little insects which are disturbed by their tread. It also delights
in newly -mown lawns, and runs over the smooth surface with great agility, peering between
every grass-blade in search of the insects which may be lying concealed in their green shelter.
The flight of the Pied Wagtail is short and jerking, the bird rising and falling in a very peculiar
manner with every shake of the wings.
Several Wagtails which used to frequent our garden were fond of meat, and, together with
the blue titmice, would often assault, or rather pretend to assault, the tame sparrow-hawk,
and cruelly steal his dinner before his eyes. Indeed, the Wagtails seemed to be quite the
rulers over that unfortunate hawk, and led him a sad life.
WHITE V,'\QTAIL:.-MotacUta aO>a.
As the WHITE WAGTAIL has often been confounded with the preceding species, I have
thought that a figure of each species would be advisable in the present work. According to
Mr. Gould, who first determined the characteristics between the two species, they may be dis-
tinguished from each other by the following marks of difference :
THE GRAY WAGTAIL.
229
"The pied Wagtail of Europe (Motacilla yarrellu) is somewhat more robust in form, and
in its full summer dress has I he whole of the head, chest, and neck of a full, deep jet-black ;
while in the White Wagtail (Motacllla alba), at the same period, the throat and head alone
are of this color ; the back and the rest of the upper surface being of a light ash-gray. In
winter the two species more nearly assimilate in their coloring, and this circumstance has
doubtless been the cause of their being hitherto considered as identical ; the black back of
Motacilla yarrellu being gray at this season, although never so light as Motadlla alba. An
additional evidence of their being distinct (and which has doubtless contributed to the con-
fusion) is, that the female of our pied Wagtail never has the beak black as in the male ; this
part, even in summer, being dark gray, in which respect it closely resembles the other
species." Another distinction may be found in the shape of the beak, which is broader in
the White than in the pied species.
The White Wagtail is very common in Prance and the southern parts of Europe ; but,
although it may be found plentifully on the shores of Calais, the narrow arm of the sea
appears to be a boundary which it seldom passes.
It is an occasional straggler in North America, and is therefore embraced in the catalogue
of such birds.
GRAY WAGTAIL. MotiicUla campestrli ; and MEADOW PIPIT. AnOius praienm.
THE GRAY WAGTAIL is a remarkably pretty and elegant example of this group of birds ;
its plumage being delicately marked with various soft colorings, its shape slender and grace-
ful, and its movements light and airy.
This species is not quite so common as the pied Wagtail, and seems to migrate backwards
and forwards in Europe according to the temperature. Of the far northern regions it is a
230 THE PIPITS, OR TITLARKS.
summer visitant, but is more permanently stationed in the other parts of the north, and mostly
breeds in warm, well-watered localities. The bird is a special lover of water, and seldom
seems to fly to any great distance from the brook or river in which it finds its food.
Like the pied Wagtail, it feeds largely on aquatic insects and larvse, and is also known to
eat small water mollusks, not troubling itself to separate the soft body from the hard and
sharp-edged shell.
THE YELLOW WAGTAIL, or RAY'S WAGTAIL, as it is sometimes termed, is veiy common in
England, and is very partial to pasture lands, where it revels among the insects that are
roused by the tread of cattle.
It is not so partial to water as the pied species, and may often be met with upon the driest
lands, far from any stream, busily employed in catching the beetles, flies, and other sun-loving
insects. Even upon roads it may frequently be observed tripping about with great celerity,
and ever and anon picking up an insect, and celebrating its success by a triumphant wag of
the tail. The name of Yellow Wagtail has been given to it on account of the light yellow hue
which tinges the head and the entire under surface of the body. As, however, the preceding
species also possesses a considerable amount of yellow in its coloring, the name of Ray's Wag-
tail has been given to this bird in honor of the illustrious naturalist. It is a gregarious bird,
being generally seen in little flocks or troops.
The coloring is as follows : The top of the head, back of the neck, and the whole of the
back are olive, brighter upon the head and darker upon the back. The quill-feathers of the
wings are dark brown, tipped with yellowish-white, with the exception of the two exterior
feathers of the tail, which are white, with a line of black running down the inner web ; all the
tail is brownish-black, like the wings. The chin, throat, the whole of the under surface of
the body, together with a well-defined stripe over the eye and ear, are bright yellow. In
length the bird does not reach quite seven inches.
AUSTRALIA is the habitat of the prettily-marked bird which is known to zoologists by the
very long name of WHITE-FACED EPHTHIANURA.
It is tolerably common in several parts of that strange country, and is found in little
flocks, as is the case with the Wagtails. Of this bird and its habits, Mr. Gould speaks as
follows: "As the structure of its toes and lengthened tertiaries would lead us to expect, its
natural province is the ground, to which it habitually resorts, and decidedly evinces a prefer-
ence to spots of a sterile and barren character. The male, like many of the saxicoline birds,
frequently perches either on the summit of a stone, or on the extremity of a dead and leafless
branch. It is rather shy in disposition, and when disturbed flies off with considerable rapidity
to a distance of two or three hundred yards before it alights again. I observed it in small
companies on the plains near Adelaide, over the hard clayey surface of which it tripped with
amazing quickness, with a motion that can neither be described as a hop or a run, but some-
thing between the two, with a bobbing action of the tail."
Only the male bird is gifted with the bright contrast of the white throat and banded chest,
the female being quite a sombre-plumaged bird. It is always a sprightly and active bird, and
is quick of wing as well as of foot.
THE PIPITS, OR TITLARKS.
THE PIPITS, or TITLARKS, as they are sometimes called, form a well-marked group, which
possesses the long hind toe of the hawk, together with very similar plumage, and also bears
the long tail which is found in the wagtails. Several species of the Pipit inhabit Europe, two
examples of which will be figured.
The first is the common MEADOW PIPIT, or MEADOW TITLING, a bird which may be seen
throughout the year upon moors, waste lands, and marshy ground, changing its locality
according to the season of year. It is a pretty though rather sombre little bird, and is quick
THE MEADOW PIPIT, OR TITLING.
231
and active in its movements, often jerking its long tail in a fashion that reminds the observer
of the Wagtail's habits. It moves with considerable celerity, tripping over the rough and
rocky ground which ic frequents, and picking up insects with the stroke of its unerring beak.
Its food, however, is of a mixed description, as in the crops of several individuals were found
seeds, insect and water-shells, some of the latter being entire.
The song of this bird is hardly deserving of the name, being rather a feeble and plaintive
"cheeping" than a true song. While uttering its notes, the Meadow Pipit is generally on
the wing, but does not begin to sing until it has attained its full elevation, reserving its voice
for the gradual descent. The song is begun quite early in the season, but as the bird is so
partial to waste lands, it is not heard so commonly as that of rarer birds. It is gregarious in
its habits, assembling in little flocks, which generally come to the cultivated grounds about
September or October, and roost amicably together on the ground at night.
The nest of this species is placed on the ground, and generally hidden in a large grass-tuft.
It appears, from some observations made by Mr. Thompson, that the bird is in the habit of
carrying dead grasses and laying them over her nest whenever she leaves her eggs or young.
The object of this precaution is not, however, very evident, as the grass is usually of a different
hue from the surrounding foliage, and apparently serves rather as a guide to the nest than a
concealment. The eggs are from four to six in number, of a dark brown color, speckled freely
with reddish-brown. The cuckoo is said to favor the Meadow Pipit with her society rather
more frequently than is agreeable to the bird, and to give it the labor of rearing her voracious
young.
The general color of this Pipit is dark olive-brown, with a wash of green upon the upper
parts ; the wings are very dark brown, sprinkled with white, and the tail is also brown, with
the exception of a white streak on each exterior feather, and a few white spots towards the
extremity. The under surface is brownish-white, and upon the breast of the male there is a
pale rosy tinge. Upon the breast there are a number of dark brown spots. The colors of the
plumage undergo a decided change in the autumn, and are more showy than those of the
summer ; the olive-green on the back becoming more conspicuous and the under surface tinged
with yellow.
This bird goes by
different names. In many
places it is termed the
Moss-cheeper, in allusion
to its peculiar plaintive
note. In other parts it
is known by the title of
Ling-bird, on account of
its habit of haunting the
waste moorlands. In Ire-
land the bird is called the
Wekeen, a name which
evidently alludes to its
note. It has been found
all over Europe, and in
many countries extend-
ing as far northward as
Sweden and Norway in
the summer months, and
having even been seen in
Iceland. Specimens have
been taken in Egypt and
several parts of Africa, and also in the west of India. It has also been included in the list
of Japanese birds, so that it possesses a range of locality which is seldom enjoyed by any
single species. Although the bird is so small and delicate, being only six inches in length, it
TREE PIPIT. Anthm arboreus.
232
THE TREE PIPIT.
is a strong and daring flyer, a specimen having been taken on board a ship at a distance of
nine hundred miles from the nearest shore.
THE TREE PIPIT derives its name from its habit of perching upon trees, wherein it pre-
sents a decided contrast to the meadow Pipit, which chiefly frequents waste lands and
marshes.
It is only a summer visitant of the northern countries, arriving towards the end of April,
and leaving in September, after rearing its brood. Although it can perch on branches, and
does so very frequently, it has not a very strong hold of the bqugh, and is not nearly so agile
in hopping or tripping about the branches as is the case with the generality of perching birds.
While on the tree it generally settles on the end of some bough, and is not seen to traverse
the branches after the fashion of the tree-frequenting birds. Although it is called the Tree
Pipit, it seems more at its ease on the ground than among the branches, and runs and trips
over the roughest soils with an easy grace that contrasts strongly with its evident insecurity
upon the boughs.
RICHARD'S and ROCK PIPIT. Anthus richanll and ayualicw.
The song of this bird is sweeter and more powerful than that of the preceding species, and
is generally given in a very curious manner. Taking advantage of some convenient tree, it
hops from branch to branch, chirping merrily with each hop, and after reaching the summit
of the tree, perches for a few moments and then launches itself into the air, for the purpose of
continuing its ascent. Having accomplished this feat, the bird bursts into a triumphant strain
of music, and, fluttering downwards as it sings, alights upon the same tree from which it had
started, and by successive leaps again reaches the ground.
THE ANT-THRUSH. 233
The nest of the Tree Pipit is almost invariably placed on the ground under the shelter of
a tuft of grass, although there are instances where the bird has been known to build in a very
low bush. The materials of which the nest is made are moss, roots, and fine grasses, and the
lining is mostly of hair. The eggs are five in number, and their color is a whitish ground
covered with reddish-brown spots. There is considerable variation in the color of the eggs,
the spots being larger and more numerous in some examples, and their color generally pos-
sessing different shades of purple intermixed with brown.
The Tree Pipit may be known from the meadow Pipit by its greater size, its flatter head,
larger bill, and shorter hind claws, the last being a very notable distinction. In its general
coloring it resembles the meadow Pipit. Besides these two species, others are known to be
among the European birds, as the Rock Pipit (Anthus aquaticus), and the Richard's Pipit
(Anthus richardi).
THRUSHES.
THE very large family of the THRESHES now engages our attention. Many of these birds
are renowned for their song, and some of them are remarkable for their imitative powers. In
general shape there is some resemblance to the crows and the starlings and blackbirds, bearing
a very great external resemblance to the common starling. This family is divided into five
sub-families, all of which will be mentioned in the following pages, and many examples
figured.
THE ANT-THRUSHES, so called from their ant-eating propensities, form a small but
remarkable group of birds, differing greatly in color and dimensions, but bearing considerable
resemblance to each other in their general form. Some species are almost as sombrely clad in
black, brown, and white, as the common Thrush, while the plumage of others glows with a
crystalline lustre of animated prismatic hues, as in the black-headed Pitta (P. melanocephala),
or is gorgeous with the brightest scarlet, blue, and purple, as in the crimson-headed Brachyure
(P. granaticd). All the species, however, bear, in external form, a considerable resemblance
to each other, being thick-set, big-bodied, large-headed, long-legged, short-tailed, and strong-
billed.
These birds may be separated into two divisions, the Breves and the Ant-Thrushes ; the
former being found in India, the Indian Islands, and Australia, while the latter inhabit
America as well as the Old World.
In whatever part of the world they may be situated, they are most useful birds, as with-
out their assistance the ants which swarm in those lands would increase to a most baneful
extent. In allusion to this subject Mr. Swainson makes the following pertinent remarks :
" Of all the tribes of insects which swarm in the tropics, the ants are the most numerous ; they
are the universal desolators, and in the dry and overgrown parts of the interior, the traveller
can scarcely proceed five paces without treading upon their nests. To keep these myriads
within due limits, a wise Providence has ordered into existence the Ant-thrushes, and given
to them this particular food. Both are proportionate in their geographical range, as far
beyond the tropical latitudes the ants suddenly decrease, and their enemies the Myiotheriae
(/. e., the ant-eating creatures) totally disappear."
It must, however, be remembered, that the ants themselves are of the greatest service in
removing and devouring all dead animal substances, and that the great object of the Ant-
Thrush is not to extirpate, but to keep within due bounds the insects which might otherwise
become absolutely harmful to the bird which is so greatly benefitted by their presence in mod-
erate numbers.
THE great ANT-THRTJSH, which is also called the GIANT PITTA, or the GIANT BREVE, in
allusion to its large dimensions, is a native of Surinam, and on account of its bright plumage,
VOL. H. 30.
234
THE DIPPER, OR WATER-OUSEL.
its quaint and peculiar shape, its very large head, very long legs, and peculiarly short wren-
like tail, which looks exactly as if it had been neatly cropped, is one of the most singular
birds of that prolific locality. In size it equals a rook, but hardly looks so large as that well-
known bird, on account of the short tail, which is entirely covered by the wings when they
are closed. The general color of this brilliant bird is a light cobalt blue, which extends over
the whole of the back and tail, but is not quite so lustrous upon the wings. The quill-feathers
of the wings are black, tipped with sky-blue, and the head, the surface of the neck, together
with a stripe that runs partly round the neck, are also black, a darkish line is drawn through
the eyes, the throat is grayish-white, and the abdomen and lower surface of the body are
brownish-gray. In total length the bird measures about nine inches.
THE SHORT-TAILED PITTA, so called from the extreme shortness of that member, is a
native of India, being most plentifully found in Bengal.
SHORT-TAILED ANT-THRUSH.-jPiWa bengaletute.
It is a quick, lively bird upon the ground, rarely taking to flight except when absolutely
forced so to do, but moving with incredible rapidity over the earth. In its general habits
it differs nothing from the remainder of its kind. The plumage of this bird is remarkably
pretty, and notable on account of the curious markings of the head and neck, and the beauti-
fully vivid coloring of the wings.
The ground color of the bird is a soft mouse-brown, which is boldly marked with three
jet-black bands, one passing from the forehead over the top of the head to the nape of the
neck, and the other two passing from the gape through the eye, and joining the first band in
a kind of half-collar between the neck and shoulders. The central stripe suddenly widens
upon the crown of the head. Upon each shoulder and upon the basal portion of the tail are a
number of glittering verditer-green feathers, that gleam out in the light, and render it a most
conspicuous bird. The quill-feathers of the wings are dead black, except a white spot or bar
upon their coverts, forming an irregular band when the wing is spread. The throat is a light
brown, and the abdomen a pale mouse-color.
THE Ant-Thrushes find a European representative in the well-known DIPPER, orWATER-
OTTSEL, of the river-banks.
THE MOCKING-BIRD. 235
Devoid of brilliant plumage or gracef ul shape, it is yet one of the most interesting of
birds when watched in its favorite haunts. It always frequents rapid streams and channels,
and being a very shy and retiring bird, invariably prefers those spots where the banks over-
hang the water, and are clothed with thick brushwood. Should the bed of the stream be
broken up with rocks or large stones, and the fall be sufficiently sharp to wear away an occa-
sional pool, the Dipper is all the better pleased with its home, and in such a locality may
generally be found by a patient observer.
THE AMERICAN WATER-OUSEL (Cinclus americanus) inhabits the Rocky Mountain range
from British America to Mexico. Dr. Coues, of the U. S. Army, has given us an interesting
account of this bird :
"It may seem singular to speak of a thrush-like bird living in the water, but such is
exactly true in this case. Although not web-footed, nor able to swim with its feet, nor having
the slightest affinity with water-birds, nevertheless, there is no duck nor diver more truly
aquatic than the Dipper ; a great part of its time, in fact, being spent under water, where it
repairs in search of food. The question naturally arises how, if it cannot swim, it stays there,
or gets there at all. It flies down into the water, and flies about under the surface, using its
wings just as in ordinary flight. In the transparent brawling brooks it loves to frequent, we
may see it at times scrambling along the bottom, headed always up-stream, holding the body
inclined forward and downward, beating its wings, and so tripping along just over the bottom
of the brook. It seems to have some difficulty in keeping down, for the moment its exertions
are relaxed it comes to the surface ; sometimes being swept along for a considerable distance
by the force of the current. It may gather food in a more usual manner, but in any event most
of its subsistence is derived in this way from the water.
' ' The birds of this group, Cinclidce, are the only ones that have truly aquatic habits. They
are all odd-looking birds short and puffy, with a tail that looks as if it had been cut short. It
has curved, rounded wings, and stout feet. The plumage is exceedingly soft and thick, to
resist the water something like that of a duck's breast, only much finer. The bird lives
close by the water, in the rear of the cascade and the purling of the stream, haunting the
stony banks that are slippery with moisture ; and where the moss grows the greenest, in the
spray of the waterfall, it builds its nest an imposing mansion, indeed, for such a plain little
bird. The nest is a great globe of living moss, some thirty inches in circumference, on a slab
of stone, or in the crevice of a stranded stump, but always close by the water's edge. The
entrance is a neat doorway, made by a special arrangement of the moss in the shape of a hole
in one side, no larger than is sufficient to admit easy passage. Inside, this ball is lined with
fine grasses, keeping it snug, dry, and warm ; and in one season it contained four or five
white eggs."
The Doctor adds some pleasant remarks about the aspect of this curious nest. The bird,
frequenting the water as it does constantly, naturally shakes herself as she alights upon the
mossy nest ; this results in a sprinkling from the wet plumage, and consequently a freshening
of the green moss patches.
This species resembles the European, but has no white patch on the chest.
THE MOCKING-BIRD of America (Mlmus polyglottus) is universally allowed to be the
most wonderful of all songsters, as it not only possesses a very fine and melodious voice, but is
also endowed with the capacity for imitating the notes of any other bird, and, indeed, of
immediately reproducing with the most astonishing exactness any sound which it may hear.
It is a native of America, and, according to Mr. Webber, there are two varieties, if not two
species ; the one an inhabitant of Kentucky, and the other being found in the more southern
districts. All persons who come within the sound of a Mocking-bird's voice are fascinated
with the thrilling strains that are poured without effort from the melodious throat, and every
professed ornithologist who has heard this wonderful bird has exhausted the powers of his
language in endeavoring to describe the varied and entrancing melody of the Mocking-bird.
Within the compass of one single throat the whole feathered race seems to be comprised, for
236
VOCAL POWERS OF THE MOCKING-BIRD.
the Mocking-bird can with equal ease imitate, or rather reproduce, the sweet and gentle
twittering of the blue-bird, the rich, full song of the thrush, or the harsh, ear-piercing scream
of the eagle. At night especially, when labor has ceased, " silence has attuned her. ear," says
Webber, ' ' and earth hears her merry voices singing in her sleep.
"Yes, they are all here! Hear then each warble, chirp and thrill! How they crowd
upon each other ! You can hear the flutter of soft wings as they come hurrying forth ! Hark,
that rich clear whistle ! ' Bob White, is it you ? ' Then the sudden scream ! is it a hawk I
Hey ! what a gush, what a rolling limpid gush ! Ah, my dainty redbreast, at thy matins
early ! Mew ! what, Pussy ! No, the cat-bird ; hear its low liquid love-notes linger round the
roses by the garden-walk ! Hillo ! listen to the little wren ! he must nearly explode in the
climax of that little agony of trills which it is rising on its very tip-toes to reach ! What
MOCKING-BUU). Mimws potyyloUiai.
now ? Quack, quack ! Phut, phut, phut ! cock-doodle-doo ! What, all the barn-yard !
Squeak, squeak, squeak ! pigs and all. Hark, that melancholy plaint, Whip-poor- Will, how
sadly it comes from out the shadowy distance! What a contrast! the red-bird's lively
whistle, shrilly mounting high, higher, highest! Hark, the orchard oiiole's gay, delicious,
roaring, run-mad, ranting-riot of sweet sounds ! Hear that ! it is the rain-crow, croaking for a
storm ! Hey day ! Jay, jay, jay ! it is the imperial dandy blue-jay. Hear, he has a strange,
round, mellow whistle too! There goes the little yellow-throated warbler, the woodpecker's
sudden call, the king-bird's woeful clatter, the dove's low plaintive coo, the owl's screeching
cry and snapping beak, the tomtit's tiny note, the kingfisher's rattle, the crow, the scream,
the cry of love, or hate, or joy, all come rapidly, and in unexpected contrasts, yet with such
clear precision, that each bird is fully expressed to my mind in its own individuality."
Yet all these varied notes are uttered by the one single Mocking-bird, as it sits on a lofty
spray or flings itself into the air, rising and falling with the cadence of its song, and acting
as if absolutely intoxicated with sweet sounds.
Let it but approach the habitation of man, and it straightway adds a new series of sounds
to its already vast store, laying up in its most rententive memory the various noises that are
produced by man and his surroundings, and introducing among its other imitations the bark-
ing of dogs, the harsh "setting" of saws, the whirring buzz of the millstone, the everlasting
NEST OF THE MOCKING-BIRD. 237
clack of the hoppers, the dull, heavy blow of the mallet, and the cracking of splitting timbers,
the fragments of songs whistled by the laborers, the creaking of ungreased wheels, the neigh-
ing of horses, the plaintive baa of the sheep, and the deep lowing of the oxen, together with
all the innumerable and accidental sounds which are necessarily produced through human
means. Unfortunately, the bird is rather apt to spoil his own wonderful song by a sudden
introduction of one of these inharmonious sounds, so that the listener, whose ear is being
delighted with a succession of the softest and richest-toned vocalists, will suddenly be elec-
trified with the loud shriek of the angry hawk or the grating whirr of the grindstone.
It is impossible to do justice to this most wonderful bird without quoting largely from
those writers who speak from personal experience, and I therefore take following passage
from Wilson :
"In measure and accent he faithfully follows his originals; in force and sweetness of
expression he greatly improves upon them. In his native groves, mounted on the top of a
tall bush or half -grown tree, in the dawn of dewy morning, while the woods are already vocal
with a nuiltitude of warblers, his admirable song rises pre-eminent. Over every other com-
petitor the ear can listen to his music alone, to which that of all birds seems a mere accom-
paniment.
"Neither is this strain altogether imitative. His own native notes, which are easily
distinguishable by such as are well acquainted with those of our various song-birds, are
full and bold, and varied seemingly beyond all limit. They consist of short expressions
of two or three, or at the most four or six syllables, generally interspersed with intonations,
and all of them uttered with great emphasis and rapidity, and continued with unlimited
ardor for half an hour or an hour at a time. His expanded wings and tail glistening with
white, and the buoyant gaiety of his action arresting the eye, as his cry most irresistibly does
the ear, he sweeps round with enthusiastic ecstasy, as he mounts or descends as his song swells
or dies away ; and as my friend Mr. Bartram has beautifully expressed it : 'He bounds aloft
with the celerity of an arrow, ^s if to recover or recall his veiy soul, expired in the last
elevated strain.
"While thus exerting himself, a bystander destitute of sight would suppose that the
whole feathered tribe had assembled together on a trial of skill, each striving to produce his
utmost effect, so perfect are his imitations. He many times deceives the sportsman, and sends
him in search of birds that are perhaps not within miles of him, but whose notes he exactly
imitates. Even birds themselves are imposed upon by this admirable mimic, and are decoyed
by the fancied calls of their mates, or dive with precipitation into the depths of thickets at the
scream of what they suppose to be the sparrow hawk."
It is a very remarkable circumstance that one single bird always assumes the mastery in
each district, and that whenever he begins to sing, the others cease from their performances,
and retire to a distance from the spot where the master bird has taken his stand, so that their
voices are only heard as if in distant echoes to his nobler strains. The bird can easily be tamed,
and when it turns out to be a good songster, is a most valuable bird, seventy-five dollars having
been offered and refused for a good specimen. I knew of one case where a young Mocking-bird
lived in a family for nearly two years, displaying its imitative talents in a very wonderful
manner. It thrived well, and died from the effect of an accident, its legs having been crushed
in a doorway.
The male bird can be distinguished from the female by the breadth and pure tint of the
white band on the wings. In the adult bird, the white color ought to spread overall the primary
feathers, extending away below the white coverts ; the dark color of the back is also of a more
blackish hue.
The nest of this bird is usually placed in some thick bush, and is in general very carefully
concealed. Sometimes, however, when the bird builds in localities where it knows that it will
be protected from human interference, it is quite indifferent about the concealment of its
home, and trusts to its own prowess for the defence of its mate and young. When engaged in
the business of incubation, the Mocking-bird suffers no foe to approach within the charmed
Circle of its home duties, and jealously attacks hawk, cat, or snake, in defence of its familv.
238 THE MISSEL THRUSH.
The fiercest war is, however, waged against the black-snake, a reptile which makes many a
meal on the eggs and young of various birds, and is in no wise disposed to spare those of the
Mocking-bird. Against this terrible foe both parents aim their fiercest blows, and it often
happens that the snake which has writhed its way to the Mocking-bird's nest in hope of
devouring the callow young, pays with its life for its temerity, and falls dead to the ground,
while the victor bird pours forth a song of triumphant congratulation. The nest is always
placed at a short distance from the ground, being seldom seen at an elevation of more than
eight feet.
The materials of which the nest is composed are generally dried weeds and very slender
twigs as a foundation ; straw, hay, wool, dried leaves, and moss, as the main wall ; and fine
vegetable fibres as the lining. The eggs are four or five in number, and there are often two
broods in the course of the year. The color of the eggs is greenish-blue, spotted with amber-
brown.
The Mocking-bird is deservedly considered the equal of the nightingale. It is an inhabitant
of both North and South America, and is rarely seen in the New England States, though Mr.
Allen asserts it has been known to breed near Springfield, in Massachusetts, several times. In
one instance the pair were secured, with the nest and eggs. On the Florida reef, in winter, we
have often seen this bird in numbers, but they are then silent.
A species allied to this is called the MOUNTAIN MOCKING-BIRD (Oreoscoptes montanus).
It is a Californian species.
The color of the Mocking-bird is a dull brown, with a decided ashen tinge. The quill-
feathers of the wings are white towards their base, and brown-black towards their extremities,
the two central feathers of the tail are dark brownish-black, the two externals are white, and
the remainder are white on their inner webs. The chin, throat, and whole of the under part
of the body are very pale brown, inclining to gray. As has already been mentioned, the pure
white of the wings and the blacker hue of the body afford sufficient indications of the male
bird, while the tail is nearly equally white in both sexes. The length of the adult Mocking-
bird is about nine inches.
THE genus in which the true THRUSHES are placed is one of the largest yet established,
containing nearly one hundred and twenty accredited species, which are found in almost all
quarters of the globe.
THE first example of this group is the MISSEL THRUSH, one of the largest and handsomest
of the species.
On account of its great size, its combative nature, its brightly feathered breast, its rich
voice, and gregarious habits, it is one of the best known birds. About the beginning of
April the Missel Thrush sets about its nest, and in general builds a large, weighty edifice,
that can be seen through the leafless bushes from a great distance. Sometimes, however,
the nest is concealed with the greatest care, and I cannot but think that in the latter case
it is the work of some old bird, who has learned ca.ution through bitter experience.
The materials of which the nest is composed are the most heterogeneous that can be
imagined. Every substance that can be woven into a nest is pressed into the service.
Moss, hay, straw, dead leaves, and grasses, are among the ruling substances that are employed
for the purpose, and the bird often adds manufactured products, such as scraps of rag,
paper or shavings. I once found one of these nests that was ingeniously placed in the
crown of an old hat that had evidently been flung into the tree by some traveller. At first,
it hardly looked like a nest, but there were a few bits of grass lying over the brim that
had a very suspicious aspect, and on climbing the tree, the old hat was proved to have
been made the basis of a warm nest, with the proper complement of eggs. As the nest is
so conspicuous, and built so early in the season, the eggs of the Missel Thrush generally
form, together with those of the hedge accentor, the first-fruits of a nesting expedition.
The nest, although so roughly made on the exterior, is the result of very careful work-
manship. The outside walls are made of moss and hay, but there is a fine lining of mud,
THE FIELDFARE.
239
which, when dry, affords a very perfect resting-place for the eggs. The mud wall is again
lined with soft grasses, so that the eggs and young have a warm bed whereon to repose.
THRUSHES.- TurMnce.
ANOTHER large example of the Thrushes is found in the FIELDFARE.
This bird is one of the migratory species, making only a winter visit to northern countries,
and often meeting a very inhospitable reception from the gun of the winter sportsboy. Very
240 THE RING OUZEL.
seldom is it seen there till November, and is often absent till the cold month of December,
when it makes its appearance in great flocks, searching eagerly for food over the fields. At
this period of the year they are very wild, and can with difficulty be approached within gun-
shot, as I have often experienced in my younger days. I well remember "stalking" a little
troop of these birds for several hours, being induced to do so by their extreme shyness, and at
last securing one of them by pushing the gun through a drain-hole in an old stone wall, get-
ting a rather uncertain aim through the dried grass stems, and sending the shot within an
inch or two of the ground. When the snow lies heavily upon the fields, this bird betakes
itself to the hedge-rows and outskirts of woods and copses, and there feeds on the various
berries that have survived the autumn. During this inclement season, the Fieldfare may be
approached and shot without much difficulty. Their shyness, however, depends greatly on
the amount of persecution which they have sustained.
Although they collect in large flocks, the different individuals always keep themselves
rather aloof from their fellows, but as night approaches they close together, and nestle in
companies among the hedges or brushwood. They generally remain north until May or June,
seldom, however, prolonging their stay to the latter period. They have not been observed
to build, excepting in the northern parts of Europe, such as Norway and Sweden, where
their nesting is really extraordinary. A very excellent account of the nidification of these
birds is given by Mr. Hewitson. His attention was aroused by the loud shrieking cries of
several birds, "which we at first supposed must be shrikes, but which afterwards proved to
be Fieldfares, anxiously watching over their newly-established dwellings.
"We were soon delighted by the discovery of several of their nests, and were surprised to
find them (so contrary to the habits of other species of Turdus with which we are acquainted)
herding in society. Their nests were at various heights from the ground, from four feet to
thirty or forty feet or upwards, mixed with old ones of the preceding year. They were, for
the most part, placed against the trunk of the spruce fir ; some were, however, at a consider-
able distance from it, upon the upper surface, and towards the smaller end of the thicker
branches. They resembled most nearly those of the ring ouzel. The outside is composed of
sticks and coarse grasses, and weeds gathered wet, matted together with a small quantity of
clay, and lined with a thick bed of fine long grass. None of them yet contained more than three
eggs, although we afterwards found that five was more commonly the number than four, and
even six was very frequent. They are very similar to those of the blackbird, and even more
so to those of the ring ouzel.
" The Fieldfare is the most abundant bird in Norway, and is generally diffused over that
part which we visited ; building, as already noticed, in societies ; two hundred nests or more
being frequently seen within a very small space."
In their general aspect, the nests are not unlike those of the blackbird, and the eggs are
of a light blue ground color, covered with dark, reddish-brown mottlings. Although the bird
is essentially a winter visitant to northern countries, there are seasons when it is too cold and
stormy even for this hardy bird. In the year 1798, there was a terrible and lengthened storm
of sleet, wind, and snow, which killed thousands of the Fieldfares, and even dashed them into
the sea, where they were drowned, and their bodies thrown upon the coast for many days
afterwards.
In its color the Fieldfare bears a decided resemblance to the generality of the Thrushes.
The upper parts of the body as far as the shoulders are ashen-gray, dotted with dark brown
spots upon the head ; the back and wings are rich brown, and the tail is dark blackish -brown.
The chin and throat are a peculiar golden hue, not unlike amber, and covered with numerous
black streaks ; the breast is reddish-brown, also spotted with black, and the abdomen and
under parts white, spotted on the flanks and Tinder tail-coverts with brown of various shades.
The Fieldfare is not quite so large a bird as the Missel Thrush, being about ten inches in total
length.
THE RING OUZEL is also only a visitant of northern countries, but its times of arrival and
departure are precisely contrary to those of the bird just described.
THE RING OUZEL.
241
This species seldom arrives in such countries until the month of April, and as it generally
confines itself to certain districts, is not very common. The name of Ring Ouzel has been
universally given to this bird on account of the broad white band that partially surrounds the
lower portions of the throat, and is very conspicuous in its contrast with the deep black-brown
of the rest of the plumage. With the exception of this white band, the general plumage of
the Ring Ouzel is very like that of the male blackbird, which it also resembles in size and
general form.
It is a shy and wary bird, shunning cultivated grounds and the vicinity of human habita-
tions, and withdrawing itself into the wildest and most hilly districts. It is a quick-flying,
RING OUZEL and SONG-THRUSH. Turdus toryuatus and musicut.
lively and active bird, and is said to afford fine sport to the falconer, owing to its singular
adroitness and ingenuity in escaping the stroke of the hawk. It will quietly suffer the bird
of prey to approach quite closely, screaming a defiance to the enemy, and flitting quietly along
a stone wall or rocky ground. Siiddenly the hawk makes its swoop, and the Ring Ouzel dis-
appears, having whisked into some hole in the stone, squeezed itself into a convenient crevice,
or slipped over the other side of the wall just as the hawk shot past the spot on which it had
been sitting.
The song of this bird is loud, clear, and sonorous, but contains a very few notes. The
Ring Ouzel can also, when alarmed, utter a loud and hoarse screech, which seems to give
warning of danger to every bird within hearing.
The nest of this species is large, and is composed of coarse grasses externally, lined with
a thin shell of clay, which is again lined with soft and warm grass. The eggs are of a brightish
blue covered with many spots and little dashes of dark reddish-brown ; their full complement
VOL. H. 31.
242 THE BROWN THRASHER.
is five. The nest is always placed near the ground in some sheltered situation, a tuft of rank
grass, a thick bunch of heather, or the base of a luxuriant bush, being among the most common
localities. After the breeding season, the Ring Ouzels assemble towards the south, collecting
together in flocks preparatory to their departure. During this intermediate period they visit
the gardens and orchards, and often commit sad havoc among the fruit.
The general color of the adult male bird is very dark blackish-brown, slightly varied by
the blackish-gray edges of the feathers, and the broad gray outer webs of the wing-feathers.
Across the upper part of the chest runs a broad, crescent-shaped mark of the purest white, the
points being directed upwards. In the young male this collar is not so broad, and of a
decidedly reddish hue, and the whole of the plumage is of a lighter brown. Sometimes the
white collar is entirely absent, and in some cases white and pied varieties have been known.
The total length of the adult bird is about eleven inches.
ANOTHER well-known example of the Thrushes is found in the common REDWING of
England.
It is one of the finest songsters even among its own melodious group, rivalling the night-
ingale in the full sweet tones of its flexible voice. Sometimes the bird sings alone, seated on
a favorite perch, but it of tener prefers lifting up its voice in concert with its companions, and
fills the air with its harmonious sounds. It has, however, several kinds of voice, sometimes
pouring forth its full rich strains^ and at other times singing quietly to itself in an under tone
that can only be heard at a very short distance. This, however, is only the peculiar sound
which is termed "recording" by bird-fanciers, and must not be mistaken for the real song,
which, according to Mr. Hewitson, who had every opportunity of hearing this bird, is a loud,
wild, and delicious melody. The Redwing partakes so far of the character of the nightingale
as to sing after sunset.
The general color of the Redwing is a warm, rich cinnamon-brown upon the upper parts
of the body, the wings are rather darker, except the external webs of the quill-feathers, which
have a grayish tinge, and over the eyes runs a well-defined streak of very pale ashen-brown.
The chin, throat, and whole under surface of the body are grayish-white, deepening into a
brownish tinge on the sides of the neck, the breast, and the flanks, and profusely studded
with longitudinal dashes of the same brown as that of the back. When the wings are closed,
the bird very much resembles the common Thrush, but when it spreads its wings for flight, it
discloses a large patch of orange-red feathers upon the sides of the body, from which it has
derived its name of Redwing. In total length the Redwing nearly reaches nine inches. It is
occasionally a straggler in North America, and is therefore in the list of our birds.
THE MOUNTAIN MOCKING-BIRD (Oreoscoptes montanus), or SAGE THRASHER, is an inhab-
itant of the Rocky Mountains ; ranging southward towards Mexico, and northward to Cali-
fornia.
THE CALIFORNIA THRUSH (HarporTiynchus redimvus) is one of the later discoveries, since
Audubon's time. Several other species, more or less like it, have also been found since the
occupation of the great western plains.
The Curved-bill, Leconte's, and Palmer's Thrush, all have similar plumage, and are
not far from the same size as the California Thrush.
THE BROWN THRASHER (HarporTiynchus rufus) is an old favorite of the eastern portion
of the country. Its song is pleasant, much like those native to the Mocking-Bird. It is
variously called Fox-colored Thrasher, Ferruginous Thrush, and is named in the south, French
Mocking-bird. The latter name was given it diiring the earliest days of the settlement of the
country, when everything French was considered inferior, its notes being regarded as less
musical than its superior.
This Thrush is easily raised in confinement, and proves an excellent pet. Its long body
and tail make it readily recognizable.
THE CAT-BIRD.
243
A Mexican variety is recognized, and six species of this genus, besides those here men-
tioned, are found in the western and southern portions of the continent.
THE CAT-BIRD, so called from the resemblance which some of its notes bear to the mew
and purr of a cat, is a native of America, and one of the most familiar of the birds of the
country. As may be seen by the generic title which it bears, it is one of the true Thrushes.
In its character it is one of the most affectionate of birds, as is shown by Wilson in the
following passage :
/
CAT-BIRD. Gateoeooptes carollnensb.
"In passing through the woods in summer, I have sometimes amused myself with imi-
tating the violent chirping or squeaking of young birds, in order to observe what different
species were around me ; for such sounds at such a season in the woods are no less alarming to
the feathered tenants of the bushes, than the cry of fire or murder in the streets is to the
inhabitants of a large city.
"On such occasions of alarm and consternation, the Cat-Bird is the first to make his
appearance, not singly, but sometimes half a dozen at a time, flying from different quarters
to the spot. At this time those who are disposed to play with his feelings may almost throw
him into fits, his emotion and agitation are so great at the distressful cries of what he supposes
to be his suffering young.
"Other birds are variously affected, but none show symptoms of such extreme suffering.
He hurries backwards and forwards, with hanging wings and open mouth, calling out louder
and faster, and actually screaming with distress, till he appears hoarse with his exertions.
He attempts no offensive means ; but he bewails, he implores, in the most pathetic terms with
which nature has supplied him, and with an agony of feeling which is truly affecting. Every
feathered neighbor within hearing hastens to the spot to learn the cause of the alarm, peeping
about with looks of consternation and sympathy. But their own powerful parental duties and
domestic concerns soon oblige each to withdraw. At any other season the most perfect imita-
tions have no effect whatever on him.
"It is a most courageous little creature, and in defence of its young is as bold as the
mocking-bird. Snakes especially are the aversion of the Cat-Bird, which will generally con-
trive to drive away any snake that may approacli the beloved spot. The voice of this bird is
mellow and rich, and, according to Audubon, is "a compound of many of the gentle trills and
244 THE CAT-BIRD.
sweet undulations of our various woodland choristers, delivered with apparent caution and
with all the attention and softness necessary to enable the performer to please the ear of its
mate. Each cadence passes on without faltering, and if you are acquainted with the songs
of the birds he so sweetly imitates, you are sure to recognize the manner of the different
species."
The Cat-Bird (Galeoscoptes carolinensis) is one of the most common of native American
birds, but is singularly shy, or retiring. It is known to all the countryside by its peculiar
notes. Both sexes have the habit, besides the usual note, which is like that of the thrushes,
of producing notes like those of a cat in mewing. It is one of the first spring visitors. Like
the robin, it is fond of human society. It breeds in the Northern States. To a certain extent
the Cat- Bird is a mocker. It is particularly abundant in Central Park. We have heard
several uttering hoarse, cracked sounds, as if trying to imitate some extraordinary voices.
Wilson, whose kindly feelings are always on the side of our birds, thus defends the
Cat-Bird :
" With all his amiable qualities, few people in the country respect the Cat-Bird. On the
contrary, it is generally an object of dislike, and the boys of the United States entertain the
same prejudice and contempt for the bird, its nest and young, as those of Britain do for the
Yellow Hammer. * * * But with the generous and the good, the lovers of nature and
of rural charms, the confidence which this familiar bird places in man, by building in his
garden under his eye, the music of his song, and the interesting playfulness of his manners,
will always be more than a recompense for all the little stolen morsels he has taken."
It is a most lively and withal petulant bird in a wild state, performing the most grotesque
manoauvres, and being so filled with curiosity that it follows any strange being through the
woods as if irresistibly attracted by some magnetic charm. In its disposition the Cat-Bird
appears to be one of the most sensitively affectionate birds on the face of the earth, as will
appear from the following interesting account of a pet Cat-Bird, called General Bern :
" Well, General Bern went home with us at once, and was immediately given his liberty,
which he made use of by peering into every closet, examining and dragging everything from
its proper place, which he could manage, pecking and squalling, dashing hither and thither,
until at night he quietly went into his cage as if he was nearly or quite positive that he must
commence a new career on the morrow ; it was evident that he had to begin the world over
againj yet, as he was not superannuated, and was, withal, ambitious, his case was still not a
desperate one, although we had assured him most positively that we would not fall in love
with him we had only invited him there to help us pass the time.
" Bern looked wise at the assertion, but said nothing. The next morning we gave him
water for a bath, which he immediately used, and then sprang upon my head, very much to
my surprise ; then he darted to the window, then back to my head, screaming all the time
most vociferously, until finally I went to the window, for peace' sake, and stood in the sun-
shine, while Bern composedly dressed his feathers, standing on my head first on one foot, then
on the other, evidently using my scalp as a sort of foot-stone, and my head as a movable
pedestal for his impudent generalship to perch on when he felt disposed to be comfortably
elevated ; and had clearly come to the conclusion as I was so fond of transporting him from
his native land that I should serve as a convenient craft to bear him where his moods com-
manded.
" In a word, he had determined to turn tyrant ; if I had had the deliberate purpose of using
him as a mere toy, he had at least the coolness to make me available, and from that time I
became the victim of the most unequalled tyranny. Did I neglect his morning bath beyond
the instant, my ears were assailed with screams and cries, till I was forced to my duty ; I must
bear him into the sunshine, or my hair was pulled ; I must bring him his breakfast, or he
pecked my cheek and lips ; in fine, I was compelled to become his constant attendant, while in
the meantime he most diligently assailed my heart by endearing confidences. He would sit
"GENERAL BEM," THE CAT-BIRD. 245
upon my arm and sleep, he would get into my workbox, and while I watched that he did not
pilfer a little, he would quietly seat himself upon its edge, and in a low sweet voice lull my
suspicions by such tender melodies, that finally I could no longer say, ' I will not love you,
Bern ! ' but gave him the satisfactory assurance that he was not quite so much of a tease as I
had tried to think him ; and he now received my daily offering of small spiders and worms
with gestures of evident pleasure.
"These were always presented to him enveloped in white paper, which he carefully opened,
and secured his prey before it could escape, even though it was sometimes a difficult task to
keep his vigilant eye upon so many apparently escapading when I was called to the field,
and appointing me a station, I was expected to give the alarm w r hen one attempted to get away
on my side, which he immediately killed and dropped, and then darted after those on the
outskirts of the field of action.
"At last, one day, Mr. Webber brought for my sister a Wood-thrush, which was very
wild and savage, and was, besides, extremely ugly, but had the reputation of being a good
singer, which made us forgive his sullen temper, and hope to win him back +o more gentle
ways, when he should see that we would be his friends, and that he should be almost free ;
besides, General Bern was much inclined to make his acquaintance, and took the first occasion
to pay him a visit in his cage-house. This the stranger did not fancy and drove him out.
Bern resented this, by turning on the threshold and pouring forth a torrent of screams and
mewings, which came near distracting the poor Thrush, who darted at him and chased him to
the bed, under which Bern darted, and was secure for the present.
" But from that time there were no more overtures of friendship, they were sworn enemies ;
the Thrush from detestation of the impudent fellow who invaded his residence, and finally
appropriated it, to the entire desertion of his own, which, by-the-bye, was much larger, and
with which the Thrush eventually consoled himself, and Bern continued to occupy, because it
amused him to pester the ill-natured fellow, which he had set down the Thrush to be. Many
were the quaint scenes which now daily occurred.
"If Bern desired to take a bath, the Thrush would endeavor to push him out ; but Bern
was not to be ousted in that style if he could prevent it, and commonly sent the poor Thrush
away in consternation, his musical ear stunned by such direful din as threatened to rend his
delicate heart as well as tympanum. Never shall I forget one droll scene. One day Bern found
on the floor a white grape, which he seemed to be disposed comfortably to discuss, after having
rolled it out into the broad sunshine. Just at this moment the Thrush stepped up in a cool
and dignified manner, and carried the grape off ; dropped it in the shade, and deliberately
drawing up one foot among his feathers, seemed to say, ' I claim the grape as my own ; I stand
on the defensive ; come and get it if you dare ! ' so closed the ' off ' eye and looked as if the
matter w y as settled to his entire satisfaction.
"Bern had been in the very act of pecking the grape when it was so unceremoniously
withdrawn ; he drew himself up on tiptoe fairly with astonishment, his eye seemed to grow
larger and rounder, the feathers on his head stood alternately erect and clung close to the
scalp ; he stood a moment or two, and then with a loud ' mew ' darted forward to recapture
the stolen fruit, but the Thrush coolly and silently met him with open mouth and body
thrown forward, yet still covering the grape. Bern's wit returned to him he quietly turned
off, as if it was a small matter anyhow.
" We were astonished. Was Bern a coward after all \ would he permit this bird, even
if he was larger, to impose upon him in this fashion, and he able to whip mocking-birds
at that? We shook our heads ; if Bern does that, we shall withdraw his laurels. But see !
he comes cautiously about the Thrush what does he mean? ah, we perceive; Bern has
sagaciously only changed his tactics, we will watch him ; he thinks the Thrush will want
some dinner pretty soon, and then, as Bern disdains to be called quarrelsome, he will quietly
appropriate his treasure.
"Four hours things retained this position, the Thrush never moving more than six
inches from his post, though evidently becoming hungry and weary, while Bern silenfly
wandered about the room, feasting in the most provokingly cool way in both cages, and
246 THE HERMIT THRUSH.
continually making inadvertent incursions in the neighborhood of his enemy, as if for the
purpose of throwing him off his guard. At last, Bern was on the other side of the room.
The Thrush had been eyeing a dainty morsel which Bern had dropped about two feet
from him. He looked, Bern was too much engaged to notice him, he could easily venture
he would he did. Bern, whose keen eye had seen all, darted like lightning, and before
the Thrush could turn about and seize again the contested treasure, Bern had alighted on
the centre of the bed the only place in the room where the Thrush would not follow him
and there quietly tore the grape to pieces and left it.
" But, alas ! we had to send our brave, sagacious Bern home again. We were to make a
long journey to the South, and he must stay behind. Ah, the poor fellow knew as well as we,
that we were bidding him adieu. He pecked our fingers in great distress, and bit our lips till
the blood came, in the energy of his farewell while he uttered such sad, low cries as made us
mourn for many a day in the remembrance.
"During our absence we wrote frequently inquiring of Bern, and many an injunction to
him, to live and die, if need be, the same brave general we had known him. We never expected
to see him again ; but, after a year of wandering, we did return to our old home. At once we
went to see the general, little dreaming that we should be remembered. What was our sur-
prise then, when we called ' Bern ! Bern ! General Bern ! ' to see our dear friend and pet dart
down to us from his hiding-place, and most 'evidently recognize us his eye sparkling, his
scalp-feathers raised, his wings drooping, and that same low cry which had haunted us so long
greeting us again. Our happiness was real ; and when we offered him the white paper, he
instantly darted upon it, and tore it asunder to get the well-remembered treasure he had always
found within.
"Again Bern went home with us this time to fill our hearts with affection by his quaint
impish ways and gentle waywardness. Now he became a privileged character ; my paint-box
was his especial admiration he treated it with great veneration, having discovered that birds
grew out of the little square pebbles, as he doubtless considered them, until one day he per-
ceived I objected to his lifting from its case a black-looking, ill-shaped piece of paint, that I
was even decidedly opposed to his meddling with it ; from that moment that particular piece
became a treasure its value so great to him, that, hide where I might, it had ever an invisible
glitter, which to his eyes was brighter than any gem ; he would find and hide it from me, and
thus I had at least once every day to search the room over for this indispensable color.
" No matter that I threatened him, he coolly dressed his feathers and commenced so dreamy
a song as to soothe my rage at once. He became my constant companion ; he bathed with me
in the morning, he took his dinner with me from my plate, and perched at night close to my
head. He sat on my shoulder or head when I worked, and seemed to express his opinion in
regard to my progress in bird-making with quite a connoisseuring air. He grew to be pro-
foundly jealous of all other birds ; and if I talked to a fine mocking-bird, whose cage hung in
my room, he would become so enraged, and finally depressed, that I became alarmed I feared
he would die.
"One day I had given this bird some water ; my hand was in the cage, the mocking-bird
was pecking at my fingers, when with a loud and vicious scream General Bern dashed from the
floor up into the cage, and commenced a violent assault on the inmate. The straggle was but
for a moment ; he dashed out and I shut the cage-door, while Bern, mounted on the bed -post,
sent forth such yells of fury as I never heard from birds' lungs before. I could not pacify him
for a long time several hours ; he hid in the shade of the furniture, and would not be induced
to come out. The next day the mocker was flying about the room, Bern assailed him, and the
fight became so desperate that I was obliged to send the mocking-bird away, while my poor
Bern was seized with convulsions, and I thought him dead after a few moments. But his time
had not yet come ; he lived to pass through many such scenes of painful suffering."
LIKE the Brown Thrasher, the HERMIT THRUSH is also a native of America, and is gener-
ally found in the countries adjoining to the Mississippi during the winter, making a partial
migration to Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee, during the summer.
THE OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH. 247
The name of Hermit is given to this bird on account of its eremitical and retiring habits,
for this Thrush withdraws itself from the open country and systematically hides itself in the
darkest and most secluded cane-brakes. Even when it ventures into the more open lands in
search of food it does not make itself conspicuous, but keeps ever near the ground, flitting
with swift and steady wing to and from the lonely brake where its nest is placed. This species
is not known to possess any true song, merely uttering a very low and plaintive cry.
The nest of the Hermit Thrush is always placed in the thickest shelter, and is composed
of dried leaves and grasses without any mud wall, and lined with grasses of a fine character.
The eggs are about five in number, and their color a light blue, variegated with black-brown
spots on the larger end. There are usually two broods in the year. The food of this species
is almost wholly of a vegetable character. The general color is buffy-brown on the upper
parts, warming into a decided ruddy tinge upon the tail and upper tail-coverts. The under
parts are grayish-brown covered on the neck and chest with spots of a darker hue. The total
length of the adult bird is about seven inches.
The Hermit Thrush (Hylocichla unalascce formerly Turdus solitarius) is a species very
much like the former, but smaller. Its range is much the same.
THE WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelind). This sweet and solitary songster, says
Wilson, inhabits the whole of North America, from Hudson's Bay to the peninsula of Florida.
A.t whatever time he arrives, he soon announces his presence in the woods. With the dawn of
the succeeding morning, mounting to the top of some small tree, that rises from a low, thick-
shaded part of the woods, he pipes his few but clear and musical notes in a kind of ecstasy,
the prelude or symphony to which strongly resembles the double-tongueing of a German flute,
and sometimes the tinkling of a small bell. The whole song consists of five or six parts, the
last note of each of which is in such a tone as to leave the conclusion evidently suspended.
The finale is finely managed, and with such charming effect as to soothe and tranquillize
the mind, and to seem sweeter and mellower at each successive repetition. Even in dark,
wet, and gloomy weather, when scarce a single chirp is heard from any other bird, the clear
notes of the Wood Thrush thrill through the drooping woods, from morning to night ; and
it may be said, truly, the sadder the day, the more sweet his song.
"The favorite haunts of the Wood Thrush are low, thick-shaded hollows, through which
a small brook meanders." Such has been the description of the habitat of this bird ; and
it was, no doubt, correct ; but now we find this bird one of the most abundant of any in
Central Park. It is shy, and still has the faculty to keep out of sight ; and whether any
change in his habit has taken place, we are not informed. Most certainly, we were once of
the opinion, held by most people, that this bird was, of all others, the most inclined to keep
away from civilization.
THE DWAKF THRUSH is merely a variety of the Hermit, but smaller, being only six and a
half inches in length. It is confined to the Pacific coast, and along the valleys of the Gila and
El Paso.
WILSON'S THRUSH (HylocicTilafuscescens). This bird, called also Tawny Thrush, is said
to have no song, but a '' sharp clmck." It is ten inches in length, and twelve in extent of wing.
It is well distinguished by having indistinct spots, and these confined to the fore part of the
breast.
THE OREGON THRUSH is from the Pacific coast, and measures about seven and a half
inches in length.
THE OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH (Hylocichla ustulata), called Swainson's Thrush, is distin-
guished from others by a perfectly uniform and pure dull olivaceous shade of its upper parts,
most strongly marked on its rump and tail. It ranges from Greenland to Peru, and westward
to the Black Hills.
248 THE SONG-THRUSH, OR THROSTLE.
THE AMERICAN ROBIN (Merula migratoria), or Migratory Thrush. This most delightful
and familiar bird was named by our first New England settlers after the little English Robin-
redbreast. Though so much larger, our bird reminded them of home, the ruddy-colored
breast being quite similar to that of the English bird. The Migratory Thrush is the proper
term, though we would not willingly see the present name changed.
The Robin is, par excellence, the favorite of American birds. Its handsome appearance
and social habits endear it to all. It is especially abundant in towns where orchards abound.
Although it is seen in the forests, or on the outskirts, it is almost habitually a sojourner in
the close proximity of the farm or country-house. Indeed, it could scarcely be more so if it
were a domestic fowl. Though it migrates, as a rule, yet some stragglers are seen in the deep
woods during winter. They do not visit the farm-yard in cold weather as the chickadee does,
as one would naturally expect they would. He is one of the earliest of our spring songsters,
coming in March, often when the snow is yet upon the ground.
The Robin inhabits the whole continent, from the coldest region to the Gulf States. It
breeds in portions above Virginia. In some portions it is called the American Fieldfare, after
the English bird so called. On the Pacific side, in California and south, there is a variety
having some slight differences of marking.
THE GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH (Hylocichla aliciai) is very nearly like the olive-backed, but
darker. It exhibits an ashy shade about the sides of the head, and a white ring around the
eyes. It inhabits from the Mississippi region to the Missouri.
THE VARIED THRUSH (Hesperocichla ncema) is more like the Robin than any other species.
Its shape is almost exactly like the latter. The plumage differs somewhat. The wings and
tail are somewhat shorter. It is confined to the Pacific coast, though stragglers have been
seen in New England.
AMONG the best known and best loved of the European songsters, the BLACKBIRD is one
of the most conspicuous.
This well-known bird derives its popular name from the uniformly black hue of its plum-
age, which is only relieved by the bright orange-colored bill of the male bird. The song of
this creature is remarkable for its full mellowness of note, and is ever a welcome sound to the
lover of nature and her vocal and visual harmonies. Often the poor bird suffers for its voice ;
and being kept within the bars of a cage, is forced to sing its wild native notes "in a strange
land." In captivity it is sometimes subjected to training, and has been taught to whistle
tunes with great spirit and precision. Generally the bird sings in the daytime, but there are
times when it encroaches upon the acknowledged province of the nightingale, and makes the
night echoes ring with its rich ringing tones.
It is rather curious that even in its native state the Blackbird is something of a mimic,
and will imitate the voices of other birds with remarkable skill, even teaching itself to crow
like a cock and to cackle like a hen.
The Blackbird feeds usually on insects, but it also possesses a great love of fruit, and in
the autumn ravages the gardens and orchards in a most destructive manner, picking out all
the best and ripest fruit, and wisely leaving the still immatured produce to ripen on the
branches. Perhaps it may be partly carnivorous, as one of these birds was seen to attack and
kill a shrew mouse.
As it is so common a bird, and constantly haunts the hedge-rows, it is greatly persecuted
by juvenile gunners, whom it contrives to draw away from its nest by flitting in and out of the
hedge, always taking care to keep out of shot range, and having a curious habit of slipping
through the hedge, and flying quietly back to its nest, almost touching the surface of the
ground in its rapid progress. It is not a sociable bird, being seldom seen in company with
others of its own species, and not often even together with its mate.
THE well-known SONG-THRUSH, or THROSTLE, as it is sometimes called, bears a deservedly
high rank among the birds of song.
THE SPOTTED GROUND THRUSH. 249
It is plentifully found in most parts of Europe, and favors the people with its vocal efforts
throughout a considerable portion of the year. The song of the Thrush is peculiarly rich,
mellow, and sustained, z nd is remarkable for the full purity of its intonation and the variety
of its notes. The Thrush begins to sing as soon as incubation commences, and continues its
song from the beginning of spring until the middle of autumn. In many cases the bird sings
to a very late period of the year, and has been heard in the months of November and
December. On account of its beautiful voice, it is in great request among bird-fanciers, and
is sold in large numbers as a cage songster.
ANOTHER sub-family of the Thrushes is named after the genus which is accepted as its
type, and is called by the title of Timalinse. On account of their chattering propensities they
are more popularly termed Babblers. Several examples of this group will be given in the
following pages, the first of which is the CHESTNUT-CAPPED TIMALIA^ a bird which derives its
name from the peculiar joloring of the head.
This species is an inhabitant of Java, and is rather common in that country. It is a
sufficiently familiar bird, approaching human habitations without much diffidence, and
building in close proximity to the barn or the plantation. It is a pleasing songster, possess-
ing a sweet and musical voice, though its song has but little variety, consisting of only five
notes. A sixth note is sometimes added, but evidently forms no part of the real song.
This melody is repeated at very short intervals, with a peculiarly slow and well-modulated
intonation.
In its habits this bird reminds the observer of the common Thrush, and in its mode of
feeding it also bears a great resemblance to that sweet songster. Its food consists chiefly
of insects, which it captures principally on the ground, but it will vary its diet with snails,
slugs, and other similar creatures, and will also feed upon berries and fruits. The bill is
strong and thick, in order to enable the bird to capture and crush its food, and to disinter it
from beneath the surface of the earth. Its feet are employed for the same purpose, and are
consequently better developed than in the true Thrushes. The general form of the bird is
rather thick and short in proportion to its size.
The color of the Chestnut-capped Timalia is olive-brown on the upper portions of the
body, with the exception of the head, which is colored on the crown with deep chestnut. The
under parts are of a lighter hue than the back. A white band passes over the eye. The throat
and cheeks are pure white, and the breast is also white, but is marked by a series of jetty
black stripes.
AUSTRALIA possesses a curious and valued specimen of this group, which is popularly
called the SPOTTED GROUND THRUSH.
This bird is found throughout the greater part of Australia and Van Diemen's Land, and
on account of the delicacy of its flesh is greatly prized by both natives and colonists. Being
always attracted by certain localities, it may be easily found by every one who is acquainted
with its habits. Unlike the generality of birds, it cares little for trees or bushes, and seldom
is known to perch upon the branches, preferring the tops of low stone-covered hills, or
rude and rocky gullies, having a decided predilection for those which are clothed with
grass and scrubby brushwood. The spaces between fallen trees are also a favorite haunt of
this bird.
The Spotted Ground Thrush is no great flyer, taking to wing with much reluctance, and
seldom voluntarily raising itself in the air except to fly from one side of a gully to another.
When it does take to flight, especially if alarmed, it rises with a loud fluttering noise, and
proceeds through the air in an irregular and dipping manner. To compensate, however, for
its imperfect power of wing, its legs are well developed, and render it an exceedingly fast
runner, so that it is able to conceal itself with great rapidity as soon as it finds cause
of alarm.
VOL. H.-S8.
250 THE GOLDEN ORIOLE.
BABBLERS.
SEVERAL species of Babblers possess a sweet song, others are admirable mimics, while
others are remarkable for the strange oddity of their cry.
One of the best songsters in this group is the BLACK-FACED THRUSH, a native of the
mountainous regions of India and China. This bird is very gregarious in its habits, assem-
bling in large flocks and preferring the thickest jungles and deepest ravines to the open
country. These flocks, although they are so deeply hidden, are easily discoverable by means
of the extraordinary sounds which they emit, and which are said to resemble a chorus of
wild laughter. The food of this bird, when at liberty, consists chiefly of fruit and insects ;
but when tamed, the Black-faced Thrush is rather carnivorous in its character, as will pres-
ently be seen. The nest of this bird is rather rudely constructed of little sticks and grasses,
worked into some convenient hole in the side of a gully, and generally contains four eggs.
This species is easily tamed, and, as will be seen from the following notes, made by Mr.
Frith, of a Black-faced Thrush that had been for some time in his possession, is a very eccen-
tric and amusing creature :
"The bird was exceedingly tame and familiar, and delighted, like a cockatoo, in being
caressed and tickled by the hand, when it would spread out its wings and assume very singular
attitudes. It was naturally a fine songster, and a most universal imitator. Whenever
chopped meat or other food was put into its cage, it always evinced a propensity to deposit
the bits one by one between the wires ; and when a bee or wasp was offered, this bird would
seize it instantly, and invariably turn its tail round and make the insect sting this several
times successively before eating it. A large beetle it would place before it on the ground, and
pierce it with a violent downward stroke of the bill ; a small snake, about a foot long, it
treated in a like manner, transfixing the centre of the head ; it aftewards devoured about half
the snake, holding it by one foot while it picked it with the bill, as was its common mode of
feeding."
THE LAUGHING CROW of India (Oarruldx leucblophus) is another species of the same
genus, and is remarkable for the singular resemblance which its cry bears to the laughter of
human beings. Its name of "leucolophus," or white-crested, has been given to it on account
of the white feathers which are found on the crown of the head.
ORIOLES.
THE GOLDEN ORIOLE is well known in many parts of the European Continent, especially
the more southern portions of Europe, such as the shores of the Mediterranean and Southern
Italy.
The Golden Oriole derives its name from the bright golden yellow with which the feathers
of the adult male bird are largely tinged. The full glory of its plumage is not displayed until
the bird has entered its third year.
In Italy, this bird is quite common, and by the peasantry is supposed to announce the
ripening of the fig, its peculiar cry being translated into a choice Italian sentence, signifying
that the fruits have attained maturity. It is rather gregarious in its habits, generally asso-
ciating in little flocks, and frequenting lofty trees and orchards, where it can obtain abun-
dance of food.
It is an exceedingly shy and timorous bird, keeping carefully from man and his home,
and only venturing into cultivated grounds for the sake of obtaining food. Even in such cases
it is extremely cautious in its behavior, and as it always takes the trouble to set sentries on
guard, it cannot be approached without the greatest patience and wariness on the part of the
sportsman or observer. Being generally found in the loneliest spots, and especially preferring
the outskirts of forests, whence it can at once dive into the thick foliage and escape from
THE GOLDEN ORIOLE.
251
danger, it often baffles the skill even of the practised fowler, who is forced to trust to the
careful imitation of its note for his hope of getting within shot of this cunning bird. More-
over, the imitation must be exceedingly exact, for the ear of the Golden Oriole is wonderfully
true and delicate, and if the bird detects the least error in the intonation, it takes instant
alarm, and seeks refuge in the deepest recesses of the forest. According to M. Bechstein, the
Golden Oriole is so fearful of exposing itself, that it never perches upon a naked branch,
always preferring those boughs which are most thickly covered with foliage, and which will
consequently afford it the best shelter.
The food of the Golden Oriole consists chiefly of insects ; and as the bird is rather a
voracious one, it is very serviceable in clearing away the caterpillars and other fruit-devouring
creatures which are specially life in the spring, and destroy so much fruit in its earliest stages.
As is often the case with the insect-eating birds, the Golden Oriole has a great taste for fruit
when it is quite ripe, and in the autumn is very fond of the best and mellowest fruits, having
an especial predilection for cherries, figs, and grapes. Perhaps it may be able to detect the
GOLDEN OBIOLE.-0roft galbula.
larva of some insect within the fruit, and to do good service by destroying it before it has
come to maturity.
The nest of this bird is a very elegantly formed and well-constructed edifice, of a shallow
cup-like shape, and usually placed in a horizontal fork of a convenient branch. The materials
of which it is made are mostly delicate grass-stems interwoven with wool so firmly that the
whole structure is strong and warm. The eggs are generally four or five in number, and their
color is purplish-white, sparely marked with blotches of a deep red and ashen-gray. It is
believed that there is but one brood in the year, so that the species does not multiply very
rapidly. Sometimes the bird is said to build a deep and purse-like nest, which is suspended
from the forked branch instead of being placed upon it.
This species has a very peculiar note, loud, flute-like, and of a singularly articulate char-
acter, as may be supposed from the fact already mentioned, that the Italian peasantry believe
it to speak their language. Bechstein considers the note to resemble the word " puhlo," and
many writers think that the different names of Oriole, Turiole, Loriot, Pirol, and BvUow are
given to the creature in imitation of its cry.
252 THE FLY-CATCHERS.
The color of the adult male is bright yellow over the whole of the head, neck, and body,
with the exception of the wings, the two central tail-feathers, and the basal portions of the
remaining feathers, which are jetty black, the two colors contrasting finely with each other.
Across the eye runs a dark stripe, and the eyes themselves are bright pinky red. In the
young bird the yellow is of a dusky greenish hue, and the black feathers are of a dingy brown,
and, according to Mr. Yarrell, the young males after their first moult resemble the old females.
In the second year the yellow of the back is more decided, and the wings and tail are of a
deeper black, and in many of the remaining feathers the colors are less brilliant than in the
bird of full plumage. It is rather curious that as the bird breeds in its second year, it is
hardly possible to distinguish the sexes, both wearing the same greenish-yellow and brownish-
black apparel. The total length of the Golden Oriole is not quite ten inches.
There are many other Orioles known to ornithologists which cannot be described in these
pages for lack of space, and it must be sufficient to record the Mango Bird of India (Oriolus
Tcundoo), remarkable for its peculiarly melancholy cry, and the Black-headed Oriole of Bengal
(Oriolus melanocephalus], notable for its lengthened monotonic flute-like note. None of the
true Orioles are found in America ; and the reader must be careful not to confound those
birds, which are nearly allied with the starlings, with the Orioles of the eastern hemisphere,
the only resemblance between them being a similarity of coloring.
BEFORE quitting this interesting family of birds, we must give a passing notice to the
BULBULS, so well known by the repeated references to them in Oriental writings. Some of
the species are possessed of remarkably sweet voices, and are popularly called nightingales.
They are easily tamed, becoming very fond of a kind owner, and can be taught to perform
many interesting tricks. One species is kept for the purpose of fighting, and is trained for
this object as carefully as gamecocks were formerly trained for the cruel amusement of their
owners. In a wild state they are generally found in the woods and jungles, and are in the
habit of visiting gardens for the sake of preying upon the ripened fruits and insects. They
are all exotic birds, and are only found in the eastern hemisphere.
FLY-CATCHERS.
THE interesting family of the FLY-CATCHERS is composed of a large number of species,
extremely variable in size, form, and color. The average dimensions of these birds are about
equal to those of a large sparrow, and many are smaller than that bird, although two or three
species nearly equal the thrush in size. Their shape is always neat and elegant, and their
plumage sits closely on the body in order to permit the short but rapid evolutions which they
make in pursuit of their active prey. One or two, such as the Paradise and Fork-tailed Fly-
catchers, are remarkable for the mode in which the tail is elongated into a graceful and elegant
train, and in other species the tail is broad and fan-like. In color the Fly-catchers are mostly
of sober but pleasing tints, but there are several notable exceptions to the rule, such as the
Crested Fly-catcher (PyrocepTialus corondtus), remarkable for the crown of fiery scarlet
feathers which decorates the top of the head, the Blue Niltava (Niltdva sundara), which has
its broad back and tail of a brilliant azure, and the SelopTiagus picta, whose abdomen is of a
bright scarlet.
The bill of the Fly -catcher is of various lengths, but is almost invariably rather hard and
flattened at the base, slightly curved at the point, and compressed towards the tip. At the
corners of the mouth are generally several long bristles like those of the nightjar, and prob-
ably placed there for the same purpose, i. e., to aid the bird in the capture of its insect prey.
The wings are long and firmly made, and the feet are slender and feeble in comparison with
the dimensions of the body.
THE YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT. 253
ONE of the sub-families into which the Fly-catchers are divided is known by the name of
VireonincE, or GKEENLETS, on account of the constant presence of green in some part of their
plumage. They are all little birds, and are confined to the New World, inhabiting America,
Brazil, Guiana, and the West Indian islands. They are mostly insect feeders, though they
will vary their diet with fruits, berries, and other vegetable food. Many species of Greenlets
are known to ornithologists, and some of them are remarkable for their eccentric habits and
their curious mode of nesting.
THE YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT of America is well worthy of notice, as it possesses a very
prettily colored plumage and elegant form, and at the same time is one of the most eccentric-
ally behaved of the feathered creation, even surpassing in the whimsical oddity of its manners
the mirth-provoking evolutions of the demoiselle crane.
It is a partially migratory bird, having rather an extensive range in its native country,
and passing from north to south according to the season of the year and the warmth or inclem-
ency of the weather. According to Wilson, it arrives in Pennsylvania about the first week in
May, and departs for the south in the month of August. As is usually, if not invariably, the
case with birds, its migrations are restricted to a narrow line, which runs almost due north
and south, and the male birds always make their appearance before their mates. Of the habits
of this bird, Wilson gives the following interesting description :
"When he has once taken up his residence in a favorite situation, which is almost always
in close thickets of hazel, brambles, vines, and thick underwood, he becomes very jealous of
his possessions, and seems offended at the least intrusion ; scolding every passenger as soon as
they come within view in a great variety of odd and uncouth monosyllables, which it is diffi-
cult to describe, but which may be readily imitated so as to deceive the bird himself, and
draw him after you for half a quarter of a mile at a time, as I have sometimes amused myself
in doing, and frequently without once seeing him. On these occasions his responses are
constant and rapid, strongly expressive of anger and anxiety, and while the bird itself
remains unseen, the voice shifts from place to place among the bushes as if it proceeded from
a spirit.
" First is heard a repetition of short notes resembling the whistling of the wings of a duck
or a teal, beginning loud and rapid, and falling lower and slower, till they end in detached
notes ; then a succession of others, something like the barking of young puppies, is followed
by a variety of hollow, guttural sounds, each eight or ten times repeated, more like those pro-
ceeding from the throat of a quadruped than that of a bird, which are succeeded by others not
unlike the mewing of a cat, but considerably hoarser.
"All these are uttered with great vehemence, in such different keys and with such pecu-
liar modulations of voice as sometimes to seem at a considerable distance, and instantly as if
just beside you ; now on this hand, now on that ; so that from these manoeuvres of ventril-
oquism you are utterly at a loss to ascertain from what particular spot or quarter they proceed.
If the weather be mild and serene, with clear moonlight, he continues gabbling in the same
strange dialect, with very little intermission, during the whole night, as if disputing with his
own echoes, but probably with a desire of inviting the passing females to his retreat ; for
when the season is further advanced, they are seldom heard during the night."
It is a very retiring bird, keeping itself completely out of view, but if once detected,
flinging itself into a state of ludicrous alarm at the sight of a human being. It generally
restricts itself to the brushwood, and flits quietly among the densest shade ; but if it should
be discovered, it immediately dashes upwards to a height of some forty or fifty feet, drops
as suddenly as it had mounted, then rises again, letting its legs dangle at full length, and
uttering a succession of terrified squeaks and yells. So quick are its movements, and so
wary are its habits, that a single gunner can seldom succeed in shooting one of these little
birds, and the aid of a second sportsman is required before the crafty and active little creature
falls to the shot.
The food of the Yellow-breasted Chat consists principally of insects, and it has a special
predilection for the larger beetles, which it eats of such great dimensions, that the spectator
254 THE KINO BIRD.
instinctively wonders how so small a bird can eat so large an insect. It will also feed upon
berries and many kinds of fruit. The color of this bird is dark olive-green tipon the upper
portions of the body ; the breast and the under surface of the wings are light yellow, and
the abdomen is nearly white.
The Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria mrens) is a larger bird than the others of this family.
The description by Wilson given above is one of the author's best pieces. No one has ever
excelled this poet naturalist, in the fidelity and accuracy of his bird literature.
A species found in the Western Territories has been named the Long-tailed Chat.
ANOTHER group of the Fly-catchers is denominated the Alectrurinse, or Cock-tailed birds, a
name which has been given to them on account of their habit of raising their long and curiously
formed tails in a manner similar to that of the domestic fowl. These birds are only found in
South America, and are all of small dimensions, the average length being about six inches.
There are many species of this group, and they differ considerably in their habits and in the
localities which they frequent. Some are fond of forest lands, perching upon lofty branches,
and fluttering from their post in chase of passing insects, while others shun the wooded dis-
tricts and are only found upon the low-lying lands where water is plentiful, and where they
find their insect food upon the leaves and stems of aquatic plants. In all the species the bill
is flattened towards the base and rather convex at the point.
One of the most interesting of the Alectrurine birds is the CUNNINGHAM'S BUSH SHRIKE,
which from the strong and slightly hooked beak was formerly supposed to belong to the
Shrike family. It is a native of South America, and haunts the thickly wooded districts,
foraging in many directions in search of its prey, which generally consists of the larger insects.
It is possessed of strong and firmly vaned wings, and is able to fly with remarkable rapidity.
The tail of this species is extremely elongated and deeply forked, the two exterior feathers
being the longest, and the others decreasing rapidly in length. Even when the bird is
stationary, this long tail renders it very conspicuous, but when it is living and in motion, it
renders the tail a very ornamental appendage, by raising it so as to droop like the feathers of
a cock's tail, and permitting the long plumes to wave gracefully in the breeze.
The general color of this bird is a uniform ashen-gray over the upper surface, covered with
numerous longitudinal streaks of brown. The throat is white, with the exception of a rather
broad semi-lunar band of deep purple-brown, which marks the division between the chest and
the throat. The wings and tail are blackish-brown, and the quill-feathers of the wing are
marked with a series of longitudinal ruddy bands.
A SECOND group of the Fly-catchers is distinguished by the name of Tyranninse, a title
that has been applied to them on account of their exceedingly combative habits during
the season of incubation, and the tyrannous sway which they exercise over birds of far greater
size, powers, and armature. They are all inhabitants of America, and for the greater part are
found in the more tropical regions of that land. They have a very shrike-like bill, and many
of the shrike habits, preying not only upon insects, but pouncing upon young birds, animals,
and reptiles, and even adding fish to their scale of diet. The beak of these birds is very large,
wide at the base, and narrowing gradually to the tip, where it is boldly compressed and rather
strongly hooked. The angle of the mouth is furnished abundantly with strong bristles, and
the small nostrils are almost entirely hidden by the feathers of the forehead.
Several species are included in this group, among which the two birds which will be
described in the following pages are the most remarkable.
The first of the Tyranninse is the well-known KING BIED, or TYRANT FLY-CATCHER,
(Tyrannus carolinensis), celebrated by Audubon, Wilson, and many other writers on the
ornithology of America.
This very interesting bird is one of the migratory species, arriving in the United States
about the month of April, and remaining until the end of the autumn, when its young are
fully fledged, and able to shift for themselves. The name of King Bird has been given to this
species not only on account of the regal sway which it wields over most of the feathered race,
HABITS OF THE KING BIRD.
255
but also oil account of the flame-colored crest which appears whenever the bird raises the
feathers of the head.
The habits of this Fly-catcher are very remarkable, and have been so ably narrated by
Wilson, that they must be given in his own graphic language :
"The trivial name, King, as well as Tyrant, has been bestowed on this bird for its
extraordinary behavior, and the authority it assumes over all others during the time of breed-
ing. At that season, his extreme affection for his mate, and for his nest and young, makes
him suspicious of any bird that happens to pass near his residence, so that he attacks, without
discrimination, any intruder. In the months of May and June, and part of July, his life is
one continued scene of broils and battles, in which, however, he generally comes off conqueror.
KING BIRDS. Tyrannous caroliiiensi*.
Hawks and crows, the bald eagle and the great black eagle, all equally dread a rencontre with
this dauntless little champion, who, as soon as he perceives one of these last approaching,
launches into the air to meet him, mounts to a considerable height above him, and darts down
upon his back, sometimes fixing there, to the great annoyance of his sovereign, who, if no
convenient retreat or resting-place be near, endeavors by various evolutions to rid himself of
his merciless adversary.
" But the King Bird is not so easily dismounted. He teases the eagle incessantly, sweeps
upon him from right and left, remounts, that he may descend on his back with the greater
violence ; all the while keeping up a shrill and rapid twittering, and continuing the attack
sometimes for more than a mile, till he is relieved by some other of his tribe equally eager for
the combat.
"There is one bird, however, which by its superior rapidity of flight, is sometimes more
256 THE CRESTED TYRANT.
than a match for him ; and I have several times witnessed his precipitous retreat before this
active antagonist. This is the purple martin, one whose food and disposition is pretty similar
to his own, but who has greatly the advantage of him on the wing, in eluding all his attacks,
and teasing him as he pleases. I have also seen the red-hooded woodpecker, while clinging
on a rail of the fence, amuse himself with the violence of the King Bird, and play bo-peep
with him round the rail, while the latter, highly irritated, made every attempt, as he swept
from side to side, to strike him, but in vain. All this turbulence, however, vanishes as soon as
his young are able to shift for themselves, and he is then as mild and peaceable as any other
bird."
Audubon relates an account of a battle between a martin and King Bird, wherein the
former proved victorious. The martin had long held sole possession of a farm-yard, and when
a King Bird came to build its nest within the same locality, it assaulted the intruder with the
utmost fury. The act of building on the forbidden ground aroused the anger of the martin to
such an extent, that whenever the male King Bird passed with materials, the martin attacked,
and by force of superior agility dashed its foe to the ground. At last the poor King Bird died,
being worn out with continual struggles, and its mate was forced to leave that spot.
The flesh of the King Bird is held in some estimation in one or two of the States, and the
bird is shot in order to supply the table.
The narrator further proceeds to observe, that the King Bird is in great disfavor with the
farmers, who are in the habit of shooting it whenever they can find an opportunity, on account
of its fondness for bees. It cannot be denied that the suspicions of the bee-owner are not
without foundation, for the King Bird will perch upon a rail or fence near the hives, and from
that elevated post pounce upon the bees as they leave or return to their homes. Many per-
sons, however, think that it does not devour the working bees, but merely singles out the
drones, thus sparing the workers the trouble of killing those idle members of the community
at the end of the season. This supposition derives some force from the well-known fact, that
the King Bird is very fastidious in its taste, and that it will watch the flight of many insects
in succession before it can select one to its taste. Even if it should destroy a few hundred bees
annually, it repays the loss a thousand-fold by the enormous destruction which it works among
the caterpillars and other noxious insects during the earlier parts of the year ; and, according
to Wilson, every King Bird shot is a clear loss to the farmer.
The food of the King Bird, although mostly of an insect character, and perhaps wholly so
in the spring and summer, is sometimes mixed with vegetable substances, and in the autumn
the bird delights in berries and ripe fruits, the blackberry being one especial favorite. It
often hovers over streams and rivers, chasing insects like the swallow, and occasionally dash-
ing into the water for a bath, and then sitting to plume its feathers on some convenient branch
overhanging the water.
The flight of the King Bird varies according to circumstances. When it is migrating it
flaps its wings rapidly six or seven times in succession, and then sails onwards for a consid-
erable distance, repeating this process continually as ifc proceeds on its long voyage. During
the flight it is perfectly silent, and associates in bands of twenty or thirty in number. But in
the season of love the bird dashes some thirty yards aloft, and there hangs with quivering
wings and ruffled plumes, uttering the while a continual low shriek.
The nest of the bird, which is so valiantly defended by the parent, is generally begun in
the beginning of May, and is placed among the branches of a tree. The substances of which it
is composed are slender twigs, wood, vegetable fibres, fine grasses, and horsehair. There is
another species of tyrant, the CRESTED TYRANT (Tyrannus cristdtus), which employs many
similar materials for its nest, hay, feathers, hogs' bristles, dogs' hair, and the cast exuviae of
snakes. The last substance seems to be absolutely essential to the birds' comfort, for Wilson
says that of all the numerous nests which he discovered, he never found one without some
of this curious material. The eggs of the King Bird are generally five in number, and there
are mostly two broods in the year.
With the exception of the few bright feathers of the crest, the plumage of the King Bird
is of a rather sombre character. The head is black, but when the bird raises the crest feathers,
THE WHITE-SHAFTED FAN-TAIL. 257
their bases are seen to be of a bright orange or flame color. This appearance is never seen
unless the bird is excited. The tail is also black, but is tipped with white. The general color
of the upper parts of the body is ashen -gray, and the quill-feathers and coverts of the wing are
marked with dull white. The under parts of the body are white with the exception of a large
gray patch on the breast. The total length of the bird is about eight inches. In the Southern
States of America the King Bird is called the Field Martin.
THE KING BIRD. This bird, called also BEE MARTIN, is common to all parts of America,
from the Atlantic to the Rocky Mountains. As a summer resident it is abundantly distributed
throughout New England.
There are thirty -three species of this group of Fly-catchers, having quite characteristic
features, that at once distinguish them.
The flat and wide bill is the principal one. Many of them have crests ; the larger species
having scarlet feathers concealed under the topknot.
The GREAT CRESTED FLY-CATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus) is one of the larger species. It is
a rare bird in New England ; but is known to breed in Massachusetts occasionally.
OUR second example of the Tyrant Birds is the curious FORK-TAILED FLY-CATCHER.
This remarkable species is an inhabitant of tropical America, and is rather frequently
found in Guiana, where it is popularly, but erroneously, called the Widow Bird, that appella-
tion belonging by right to one of the finches. Sometimes the bird is quite solitary, but at
other times it assembles in little flocks on the branches, and from thence darts on the passing
insects. It is also fond of frequenting the low flooded lands, and of perching upon the tufts
of rank herbage that appear above the water, opening and shutting its long tail like a pair of
shears. Its food is mostly of an insect character, but it will feed upon various fruits and
berries.
It is quick and agile of wing, and by means of its long and firmly set tail is enabled to
make many sharp turns in the air, an accomplishment which is needful for the purpose of
overtaking the large winged insects on which it loves to feed ; and while engaged in these
aerial manoeuvres it constantly spreads or closes its tail. Except immediately after moulting,
the long scissor-like feathers of the tail are seldom in a perfect state, as the bird is very
vivacious in its movements, and in its quick glancing flight among the branches is apt to fray
the beautiful plumes against the boughs, and often rubs the webs entirely away, leaving the long
shafts protruding, clothed only with little ragged fragments of web. The Fork -tailed Fly-
catcher is quite as brave a bird as the preceding species, and is frequently seen to attack and
defeat birds that are far superior in size and bodily strength, but inferior in dashing courage.
The coloring of this bird is briefly as follows : The top of the head is velvety black when
the bird is at rest ; but when it becomes excited, it raises the feathers of its head into a
kind of crest, and displays a bright orange spot, caused by the orange hue which tinges the
basal parts of each feather. The neck, back, and upper parts of the body are dark gray,
deepening gradually towards the tail, which is jetty black with the exception of the white
outer web of the exterior quill-feathers. The under portions of the bird are white. The total
length of this bird is about fourteen inches, of which the tail occupies ten, so that the dimen-
sions of the bird itself are really small.
TYPICAL FLY-CATCHERS.
WE now arrive at the typical Fly-catchers, named, in allusion to their insect-eating habits,
the Muscicapine birds.
This group includes many curious and interesting species, one of the most remarkable
being the WHITE-SHAFTED FAN-TAIL of Australia. Beyond elegance of form and pleasing
arrangement of rather sombre coloring, this bird possesses no great external attractions ; but
for the singular form of its nest, and the eccentricity of some of its habits, it is well worthy
VOL. H. 33.
258 THE PARADISE FLY-CATCHER.
a short memoir. It is a native of the southern and western portions of Australia as well as of
Van Diemen's Land, and seems to be a permanent resident, merely shifting its quarters to dif-
ferent portions of the same country according to the season of year. It is by no means a gre-
garious bird, being seldom seen associated with any other companions except its mate.
In its habits it is brisk, cheerful, and lively, mounting high into the air with a few rapid
strokes of the wings, and then descending iipon some convenient bank in a headlong, reckless
style, after turning completely over in the air after the fashion of the tumbler pigeons. While,
descending it spreads its wings and tail widely, the latter organ being so broad as to resemble
a feather fan. It is daring and confiding in its nature, permitting the close approach of human
beings, haunting the neighborhood of human habitations, and even boldly entering houses in
chase of flies and other insects. Its song is not powerful or varied, but is full and pleasing,
consisting of a soft and sweet twittering sound.
During the breeding season it becomes suddenly shy, wary, and restless, and should it
perceive an enemy in too close proximity to its nest, puts in practice a series of rather trans-
parent wiles in order to induce the intruder on its domestic joys to leave the vicinity. For
this purpose it feigns lameness, and flutters before the supposed foe in a manner that is
intended to induce a belief in its easy capture, and to lure him from the cherished spot where
all its loves and hopes are concentrated.
The nest is of a most remarkable shape, being notable for a long and apparently use-
less tail that hangs far below the branch to which it is attached, and which, owing to its
narrow dimensions and slight weight, can be of no service in preserving the balance of the
structure. I would offer a suggestion that this singular form may have reference to the
electrical conditions of the atmosphere, and serve as a conductor whereby the superabundant
electricity is carried off from the eggs or young birds, which are placed in an open and
undefended nest, and conveyed harmlessly to the ground. The materials of which the nest
is made are the inner bark of the gum-tree, mixed with moss and the down of the tree-fern,
and woven together with spiders' webs.
The position of the nest is invariably at a low elevation, and it is found either hanging
from a branch near the water at no great height from its surface, or suspended from some low-
branch in a forest. The eggs are two in number, and their color is grayish-white, covered
with olive-brown blotches. There are generally two broods in the year, and a third brood if
sometimes known to be successfully reared.
In its coloring the White-shafted Fan-tail is a dusky olive-black above, and there is 3
white dash above the eye, and another curved white streak below the eye. The throat, the
ends of the wing-coverts, the edges of the secondaries, together with the outer webs, the tips
and the shafts of the tail-feathers, are pure white, with the exception of the two central
quill-feathers of the tail, which retain their dusky hue. The total length of this bird is five
or six inches. Its generic name Rhipidura is of Greek origin, signifying "fan-tail," and is
therefore applied to this and other species of the same genus, whose tails are capable of being
spread in a fan-like fashion ; the name albiscapa refers to the white shafts of the tail-feathers,
and is therefore only applied to this particular species.
THE most elegant and striking of all the Fly -catchers is undoubtedly the bird which is
figured in the colored illustration.
The PARADISE FLY-CATCHER is an Asiatic bird, being found spread over the greater por-
tion of India, where it is far from uncommon. It is generally found in thick clusters of tall
bamboos, and is in the habit of frequenting gardens, shrubberies, and plantations in search of
its prey. Its mode of feeding is rather variable. Generally it perches upon some lofty
branch, and when it sees an insect passing within easy reach, makes a sudden swoop upon it,
catches its prey with a hard snap of the beak, which can be heard at some distance, and
returns to its post in readiness for another swoop. Sometimes, however, it searches upon
the branches for the various insects that are found crawling on the bark or hidden beneath its
irregularities, and picks them off with great certainty of aim. According to Colonel Sykes. it
has even been known to alight on the ground and to seek its food upon the soil.
THE SPOTTED FLY-CATCHER. 259
It is a most restless bird, ever on the move, flitting from branch to branch, or darting
after its winged prey with ceaseless activity. Like many predaceous creatures, it is rather
solitary in its habits, being generally seen singly or in pairs, or at all events in no greater
numbers than may be accounted for by the presence of the two parents and their young.
There are several species closely allied to each other, which are found both in India and
Africa ; and even the present species was once supposed to be separated into three, the adult
male, the female, and the young being so different in form and color, that each was set down
as a distinct species. It is now known that the long-tailed birds, of whatever color they may
be, are the adults of either sex, while the comparatively short-tailed bird is the young male
or female. When these distinctions are once known, it is very easy to discriminate between
the birds, the white long-tailed bird being always the adult male, the reddish buff long-tailed
bird the adult female, and the short-tailed bird the young male or female, as the case
may be.
The coloring of this species is remarkably bold and pleasing, and may be briefly described
as follows.
The head and crest of the male are bright steely-green, and the whole of the upper surface
is pure white, curiously streaked with a narrow black line down the centre of each feather.
The primary quill-feathers of the wings are jetty black with a narrow edge of white, and the
secondaries are also black, edged with white on both webs. The beautiful tail is more than
double the length of the body, as it measiires thirteen or fourteen inches in length, while the
bird itself is only some six inches long. The color of the tail-feathers is pure white, with
black shafts, except the two central feathers, where the black color of the shaft only extends
half their length. The whole of the under surface is white. The adult female has the head
and neck-feathers steely-green, as in the male, but not of quite so brilliant a hue. The back
and tail are ruddy chestnut, the throat, breast, and nape of the neck are dark gray, and the
abdomea and remainder of the under parts are white. The young bird is colored like the
female, but the white of the abdomen is tinged with buff.
On account of the peculiar shape of this species, it is sometimes called the Rocket Bird.
THE PHOSBE, or PEWEE (Sayornis fuscus} is a notable favorite during the cold months in
New England, arriving from the south in March, frequently before the snow is gone. Wilson
says : " The notes of the Pewee, like those of the bluebird, are pleasing, not from any melody
they contain, but from the ideas of spring and returning verdure with all the sweets of this
lovely season which are associated with his simple but lively ditty."
WOOD PEWEE (Contopus mrens). This is a common summer inhabitant of New Eng-
land, usually choosing the solitude of the deep forests for its abode. The nest of this bird is
always a wondrous affair, and very beautiful. There is a peculiar symmetry and cup-like
finish to this nest, which is only equalled by that of the humming-bird.
Several interesting species have been found in the Northern States and on the Great
Plains. Since the days of Audnbon and Wilson many species have been discovered.
THE FORK-TAILED FLY-CATCHER (Milvulus tyrannus) is occasionally found in the States
as far north as Pennsylvania.
THE SCISSOR-TAIL (Milvulus forficatus) is another equally fine bird, having nearly as long
tail-feathers. It inhabits Mexico and Texas. It derives one of its trivial names from the fact
that it opens and shuts its tail as a scissors works. Its dimensions are similar to the preced-
ing thirteen inches in length.
EUROPE possesses some examples of the Fly-catchers, the two birds represented, in the
illustration being familiar to every one who has noticed the manners and customs of native
birds.
The SPOTTED FLY-CATCHER is by far the more common of the two species, and has
260
THE SPOTTED FLY-CATCHER.
received several local names in allusion to its habits, the titles WALL BIRD and BEAM BIRD
being those by which it is most frequently designated. It is one of the migrating birds, arriv-
ing in northern countries at a rather late season, being seldom seen before the middle or even
towards the end of May. The reason for this late arrival is probably that, if the bird were to
make an earlier appearance, the flying insects on which it feeds would not be hatched in suffi-
cient numbers to insure a proper supply of food for itself and young. It has a rather wide
range of locality, having been observed in different parts of Europe, and extending its flight
even to Southern Africa.
This bird is fond of haunting parks, gardens, meadows, and shrubberies, always choosing
those spots where flies are most common, and attaching itself to the same perch for many
SPOTTED and PIED FLY-CATCHER. -Mvsdcapa grisola and atricapitta.
days in succession. When the Fly -catcher inhabits any place where it has been accustomed
to live undisturbed, it is a remarkably trustful bird, and permits the near approach of man,
even availing itself of his assistance.
I well remember a curious instance of this exceeding tameness on the part of one of these
birds. In the grounds of a large estate I was sitting in a gig, waiting for a friend, and as the
sun was shining very powerfully, I moved the vehicle under the shade of a tree. On one of the
lower branches a Fly -catcher was sitting, watching the flies, and occasionally fluttering in chase
of an insect, and then returning to its post in true Fly-catcher fashion. After watching the
bird for some little time, I struck with my whip at a clover-blossom, thereby starting a number
of flies, which rose into the air. To my surprise, the bird instantly left the branch, darted among
the flies, captured one of them, and returned to its perch. I again drove some flies into the
air with the whip, and again the bird came and snapped them up within stroke of the lash.
This proceeding was continued until my friend rejoined me and we drove away, leaving the
bird in sole possession.
The Spotted Fly-catcher builds a very neatly made nest, and is in the habit of fixing its
home in the most curious and unsuspected localities. The hinge of a door has on more than one
occasion been selected for the purpose, and in one instance the nest retained its position although
the door was repeatedly opened and closed, until a more severe shock than ordinary shook
THE SPOTTED FLY-CATCHER 261
the eggs out of the nest and broke them. It is fond of selecting some human habitation for
the locality in which it builds its nest, and its titles of Beam Bird and Wall Bird have been
given to it because it is in the habit of making its home on beams or the holes of walls. The
branches of a pear, apricot, vine, or honeysuckle are favorite resorts of the Spotted Fly-
catcher, when the tree has been trained against a wall. The bird seems to be in the habit of
returning to the same spot year after year ; and as in one case the same locality was occupied
for a series of twenty consecutive years, it is most probable that the young may have suc-
ceeded to the domains of their parents.
The nest is generally round and cup-shaped, and is made of fine grasses, moss, roots, hair,
and feathers, the harder materials forming the walls of the nest, and the softer being employed
as lining.
I once watched one of these birds in the act of building her nest, and was greatly inter-
ested by the manner in which the business was conducted. First she arranged a rather large
bundle of fine dry grass in the thick fork of some branches, and having pecked it about for
some little time as if to shake it up regularly, she sat in the middle of it, and by a rapid
movement of her wings spun round and round like a top, so as to produce a shallow, cup-like
hollow. She then fetched some more grasses, and after arranging them partly around the
edge and partly on the bottom, repeated the spinning process. A few hairs and some moss
were then stuck about the nest, and woven in very neatly, the hairs and some slender
vegetable fibres being the threads, so to speak, with which the moss was fastened to the nest.
In working out the long hairs and grasses, she generally moved backwards, laying them
with her bill, and continually walking round the nest, a circumstance which has also been
noted by Mr. Yarrell. I cannot say, however, whether, as is related by that writer, the male
brings all the materials, nor can I give any further personal description of the architectural
powers of the bird, as when the nest had reached the stage which has been described, I was
forced to return home, and on my next visit the nest was finished and the mother bird sitting in
it. I was close to the bird during her labors, being sheltered from observation by a thick bush and
the trunk of an ivy-covered tree, and could even see the color of the bright, glancing eyes, and
note the self-satisfied ruffle of her feathers whenever she had made a stroke to her satisfaction.
The eggs of the Spotted Fly -catcher are four or five in number, and their color is a very
pale bluish-white, spotted with ruddy speckles. As the nest is made at so late a period of the
year, being but just begun when some birds have hatched their first brood, there is not often
more than a single family in the course of the season. Sometimes, however, it has been known
to hatch and rear a second brood in safety. The young are seldom hatched until the tenth or
twelfth of June, and they seem to follow their parents longer than is the case with most birds.
The food of the Spotted Fly-catcher is almost, if not exclusively, composed of insects,
mostly flies and other winged members of the insect world. It seldom descends to the ground
for the purpose of procuring its prey, nor does it seem to pick caterpillars off the leaves and
branches, but, standing on some chosen perch, it darts at the passing insects, and returns to
the same spot. Fruit seems to form no part of the Fly-catcher's food, although it has often
been observed on the fruit-trees, having in all probability been attracted to the tree by the
many winged insects which feed on fruit.
The general color of the Spotted Fly-catcher is a delicate brown on the upper parts of the
body, the quill-feathers of the wings and tail being, as is usually the case, of a blacker hue
than the feathers of the back. Therp are a few dark spots on the top of the head, and the
tertial feathers of the wings are edged with light brown. The breast is white, with a patch of
very light dull brown across the upper portion, and both the chin and breast are marked with
dark-brown longitudinal streaks. Upon the sides and flanks the dull white deepens into a
yellowish brown. The total length of this bird is about five inches and a half. When young,
the plumage is largely spotted with buff and brown of different tints. This species has no
song, but only a few low twittering notes.
THE other species of European Fly-catchers is much more rare than the bird just described,
and may easily be distinguished from it by the peculiarity of plumage from which it derives
262 CHATTERERS.
its popular title. The PIED FLY-CATCHER is known to be a frequenter of many parts of
Europe, even visiting Norway and Sweden in the summer months, while on the coasts of the
Mediterranean it is very plentiful. It is a migratory bird, generally arriving in northern
countries about the middle of April, and leaving those for a warmer climate in September.
The habits of this bird, its mode of flight, and fly-devouring propensities, closely resemble
those of the preceding species, from which, however, it differs greatly in the locality of its
nest and the number of the eggs. Instead of placing a simply-constructed nest upon a branch
or other convenient spot, the Pied Fly-catcher always chooses a hollow in some decaying tree
for its home, and there deposits no less than seven or eight eggs.
In one instance noticed by Mr. Yarrell, the eggs were disposed in a very curious manner.
"A pair had a nest in the identical hole where this species had bred for four successive
years. On the 16th of May, this nest contained eight eggs, arranged in the following man-
ner : one lay at the bottom, and the remainder were all severally placed perpendicularly round
the sides of the nest with the smaller end resting upon it, the effect of which was exceedingly
beautiful." The author of this well-observed note further remarks that the eggs from dif-
ferent nests are found to vary greatly in size. The nest itself is made of dried leaves, moss,
and hair, and is rather loosely built, and the young make their appearance about the middle
of June.
The coloring of this bird is as follows : In the adult male, the top of the head, back of the
neck, back, and wings are dark blackish-brown, with the exception of a white patch upon the
forehead, and a broad stripe of white upon the tertiary and greater wing-coverts. The tail is
black except some bold white marks on some of the outer feathers, and the whole of the under
surface is pure white. The female is of a delicate brown on the upper parts of the body, and
those portions which in the male are pure white, are in the female of a dull whitish-gray. In
dimensions the bird is not equal to the spotted Fly-catcher, barely exceeding five inches in
total length.
THE singular and beautiful bird which is known by the name of KING TODY, or ROYAL
GREAT CREST, is a native of Brazil, and may challenge competition with many of the fly-catchers
for elegance of form and beauty of coloring.
It is a very rare bird, and to all appearance but little known in its native land. This
species is chiefly remarkable for its splendid crest, which is capable of being lowered upon the
neck, or raised almost perpendicularly, in which latter position it assumes a spreading and
rounded form, like an open fan. The feathers of the crest are long and slender, and spoon-
shaped at their extremities. Each feather is bright chestnut-red for the greater part of its
length, a narrow stripe of rich orange succeeds, and the tip is velvet-black, encircled by a band
of steel-blue. As may be supposed, the effect of its spread crest is remarkably fine and striking.
The iipper parts of the body are dark chestnut-brown, rather deeper on the quill-feathers of
the wings. The throat, chest, and abdomen are pale fawn, warming towards chestnut on the
central line. The total length of this bird is six inches and a half.
CHATTERERS.
THE family of the AMPELID^E, or Chatterers, is one of considerable size, and includes
some very beautiful and interesting birds. In all these species the beak is rather broad and
short, curved on the upper mandible, and well notched at the tip. The claws are sharp and
hooked, and are grooved underneath. The Chatterers are found in all the warm portions of
the world, and even northern countries are sometimes favored by a visit from the typical
species, the Waxen Chatterer. They are divided into several groups or sub-families, the first
THE GOLDEN-WINGED MANAKIN. 263
of which is the Pachycephalinse, or Thick -heads, so called from the heavy make and great
comparative size of their heads.
Of this group we find an excellent example in the well-known DIAMOND BIBD of
Australia.
This pretty little creature inhabits Van Diemen's Land and the whole of the southern
portions of Australia, and is generally found upon trees and bushes, skipping about the
branches with the greatest velocity, and peering into every crevice after the insects on which
it feeds. It possesses great activity of limb and strength of claw, and is able to traverse the
boughs while hanging suspended beneath them by its feet. It is not restricted to any particular
tree, but may be seen on the hard scrubby bushes as often as- upon the lofty trees. The voice
of the Diamond Bird is rather harsh and piping, and consists of two notes constantly repeated,
from which circumstance the natives call it by the name of " We-deep, we-deep."
The most remarkable peculiarity in this bird is its nest and the position which it chooses
for its home. Instead of placing its nest among the branches, or even in the hollow of one of
the innumerable decaying trees that abound in its native country, the Diamond Bird makes a
deep burrow in the face of some bank, usually on the margin of a stream, and builds its nest
at the extremity of the hole. The tunnel slopes slightly upwards, and is about two or three
feet in length, the nest being placed in a chamber at its extremity. Contrary to the usual
custom of burrowing birds, the Diamond Bird builds a most neat and elaborately constructed
nest in its burrow, the marvel being increased by the evident difficulty of working in the dark.
The structure is almost globular in form, and is entered by means of a hole left in the side.
The materials of which it is composed are principally strips of the inner gum-tree bark, and it
is lined with finer portions of the same substance.
The Diamond Bird is a pretty little creature, and decorated with most vivacious coloring.
The crown of the head, the wings and the tail are black, speckled with pure white, each
feather having a snowy white spot at its extremity. A white streak begins at the nostrils,
crosses the face, and passes over each eye. The back is curiously diversified with several har-
monizing tints, each feather being gray at its base, and having at its extremity a triangular
spot of fawn edged with black. The upper tail-coverts are ruddy brown, becoming redder
towards the tail ; the chin, throat, and chest are bright golden-orange, and the abdomen is
tawny. The female has a browner head, and no golden-orange streak on the breast. The bird
is about as large as a wren.
THE MANAKINS.
THE Manakins, or Piprinse, form a moderately large group of birds, many of which are of
very beautiful and curious plumage. With very few exceptions they are inhabitants of
America, and are found only in the hottest portions of the tropical regions of that vast
country. They feed indiscriminately on animal and vegetable substances, are very active in
their movements, and frequent the hottest and moistest forests, where vegetation grows most
luxuriantly, as in such situations they find the greatest abundance of food.
One very beautiful species is the GOLDEN-WINGED MANAKIN of America. This bird is
always to be found on the skirts of forests, where it chooses the hot and marshy grounds that
are often formed in such localities, and there plies its busy search for food, unharmed by the
noxious and miasmatic exhalations of the decaying vegetation that are continually steaming
upwards, whilst the burning rays of the tropical sun convert the moisture into vapor, and cover
the earth with a heavy, warm and poisonous mist. The bird is remarkably vivacious in its
movements, and may often be seen on the ground, peering and feeding in every direction, or
perched in large flocks on the top of some lofty tree.
The Golden-winged Manakin is a very pretty bird, its plumage being brightly mottled
with black, yellow, and orange, which tints are arranged in a manner both bold and soft. The
wings are remarkable for the bright yellow feathers from which the bird derives its popular
264
THE COCK OF THE ROCK.
name, and the crown of the head is decorated with a beautiful series of gradually deepening
plumes, of a golden yellow at the base of the bill and on the forehead, and warming into a
rich ruddy orange towards the back of the neck, something like the crown of the fire-crested
Regulus.
THE largest and the most showy of all the Manakins is the COCK OF THE ROCK, so termed
on account of a slight external resemblance which it bears to the gallinaceous form.
It is a native of Southern America and Guinea, and, as it is a solitary and extremely
retiring bird, is but seldom seen except by those who go in special search of it. This bird is
remarkable, not only for the bright orange-colored plumage with which its whole body is
covered, but for its beautiful crest, which extends over the head like the plume of an ancient
helmet. It generally frequents the banks of rocky streams and deep, sombre ravines, where
it traverses the ground with much rapidity, by means of its powerful and well -developed legs.
COCK OP THE ROCK. Kuplcola eroeea.
As it is a solitary and very wary bird, it is seldom shot by white men, the greater number of
existing specimens having been procured by means of the poisoned arrow thrown through the
deadly sumpitau, or blow-pipe, of the-Macoushi Indians. As the skin commands a high price
in the market, the Indians kill great numbers of the birds, and are gradually thinning their
ranks.
During the daytime the Cock of the Rock retires into its dark hiding-place among the
rocks, and only comes out to feed before sunrise and just after sunset. Not only is it never
found in company with other birds, but it does not even seem to associate with those of its own
kind. The nest of this species is of a very slight description, and is composed of little sticks,
splinters of wood, and dry grasses, laid loosely in a hole of some rock, and containing two
white eggs.
The color of the Cock of the Rock is remarkably beautiful, and consists of a rich orange
tint, which dyes the whole of the plumage with the exception of the quill -feathers of the
wings, which are of a sooty-black hue, and those of the tail, which are brown, tipped with
THE BOHEMIAN WAX-WING, OR WAXEN CHATTERER. 265
yellow. The feathers of the head stand erect in a double row, with their extremities uniting
in a line corresponding with the central line of the head, and consequently form a peculiar
fan-like crest, which overhangs the forehead and extends quite to the back of the head. The
tips of the crest-feathers are tinged with brown and yellow. Upon the wing-coverts and the
upper tail-coverts, the feathers are modified into flowing plumes, which droop in a very grace-
ful manner over the firmer feathers of the tail and sides. In size the Cock of the Rock about
equals a common pigeon.
The female bird is not nearly so beautiful as her mate, being of a yellowish-brown color,
and having only a small and inconspicuous crest.
ANOTHER species of Manakin which belongs to the same genus is the PERUVIAN COCK OF
THE ROCK \Rupwola peruvidna), a bird which is possessed of considerable beauty, though it
is not quite so splendid as the previous species. Like that bird, its plumage is of a bright
orange color, but its crest wants the curious fan-like form which is so conspicuous in the
Cock of the Rock, and the quill and tail-feathers are jetty -black, and the wing-coverts are
ashen-gray. Moreover, the feathers of the wing-coverts and upper tail-coverts are not so loose
and flowing, and its tail is longer in proportion.
THERE is one species of Manakin which does not, so far as is known, inhabit America, but
is found in Singapore and the interior of Sumatra. This is the GREEN CALYPTOMENA (Calypto-
mena viridis), a very beautiful, though not very large bird. Like the Cock of the Rock, it is
extremely shy and solitary in its habits, but instead of retiring into the deep recesses of rocky
ground, it shrouds itself among the heavy verdure of the forest trees, where its bright green
feathers harmonize so well with the foliage, that it is hardly perceptible even to a practised
eye. The food of this bird seems to be entirely of a vegetable character.
This bird possesses a fine and well-marked crest, which curves so boldly that it nearly
hides the short, wide, and hooked beak under its feathers. According to Sir S. Raffles, the
coloring of this species is as follows : "The general color of this bird is a brilliant emerald-
green. ... A little above and before the eyes, the feathers are of a deep velvet-black at
their base, and only tipped with green, but crossed in the coverts by three velvet-black bands.
The primary feathers, as well as the whole under side of the wings, are dusky, approaching to
black, with the exception of the outer margins of some, which are edged with green. The
tail is short, rounded, and composed of ten feathers, which are green above and bluish-black
below. The whole of the under parts are green ; this color is brightest on the sides of the
neck and round the eyes."
The total length of this species is about six inches, and the bird resembles a thrush in the
general contour of its body.
A SMALL but interesting group of birds has been designated by the name of Ampelinse,
or Chatterers, in allusion to the loquacity for which some of the species are remarkable. They
all have a wide mouth, opening nearly as far as the eyes, but without the bristly appendages
which so often accompany a large extent of gape. Several of the species are celebrated for
the singular hairy appendage to the secondary and tertiary quill-feathers of the wings, which
closely resemble spots of red sealing-wax, and have given rise to the title of Waxen, which
has been almost invariably applied to these birds.
ONE well-known species is the WAXEN CHATTERER (Ampelis garrulus). It is also known
by the name of the BOHEMIAN CHATTERER, the latter name being singularly inappropriate, as
the bird is quite rare in Bohemia.
It is a very gregarious bird, assembling in very large flocks, and congregating so closely
together, that great numbers have been killed at a single discharge of a gun. Of this curious
bird, the following interesting particulars are told : " For the last month there have been, and
indeed still are, immense flocks of Wax-wing Chatterers quite close to the house. They are
not at all shy, allowing a person to approach easily within shot. They come into all the
VOL. n.-84.
266
THE BOHEMIAN WAX-WING, OR WAXEN CHATTERER.
gardens round by thousands, in quest of the berries of a tree, which I believe is the mountain
ash, having been driven south, as I suppose, either on account of the cold or in search of
food. Some of the nocks contained several thousands, but are now much diminished in num-
bers, on account of some having gone southwards, and others been killed. They make a great
noise when sitting together, which they do in great numbers, making a tree look quite black
with them. On one occasion I killed twenty at one shot, at another eighteen, and at another
seventeen. One of these birds I shot had the wax at the tip of the tail, as well as on the
wings." This curious divergence from the usual formation has been noticed in the cedar bird
(an American species of the same genus), by Wilson, as will be mentioned in the account of
that bird. Perhaps the waxen appendage of the tail may rather be termed a full development
of the original idea, than a divergence from the usual form.
BOHEMIAN WAX-WTNG, OE WAXEN CnA.1TEKESt.-AmpeHa garrulue.
The long, flat, scarlet appendages to the wings, and, as we have seen, to the tail also, are
usually confined to the secondaries and tertiaries, at whose extremities they dangle as if they
had been foimed separately, and fastened to the feathers as an after-thought. Indeed, they so
precisely resemble red sealing-wax, that any one on seeing the bird for the first time would
probably suppose that a trick had been played upon him by some one who desired to tax his
credulity to a very great extent. The full number of these appendages is eight, four on the
secondaries and the same number on the tertiaries, but they vary according to the age of the
bird, the secondaries keeping their full complement, and the tertiaries having from one to
four, according to age and development. None of the wax-like appendages are developed
until the second year.
Although the migratory habits of this bird are well known, and many of the localities
which it frequents have been recorded by various writers, no one seems to have any certain
information as to its true home, or the country wherein it breeds, although it is so numerous
a species in its own locality that its hiding-places could hardly have escaped notice had they
occurred within the ordinary limits of scientific observation.
THE CEDAR BIRD, OR CHATTERER. 267
Some authors place its residence in Central Asia, upon the elevated table-land of that
region, others think that it builds in Tartary, others place its home in the eastern parts of
Northern Europe, others in the Arctic regions, while Dr. Richardson believes that it may be
traced to America: "The mountainous nature of the country skirting the Northern Pacific
Ocean being congenial to the habits of this species, it is probably more generally diffused in
New Caledonia and the Russian-American territories, than to the westward of the Rocky
Mountain chain. It appears in flocks at Great Bear Lake about the twenty-fifth of May, when
the spring thaw has exposed the berries of the Alpine arbutus, marsh vaccinium, etc., that
have been frozen and covered during winter. It stays only for a few days, and none of the
Indians of that quarter, with whom I conversed; had seen its nest ; but I have reason to
believe that it retires in the breeding season to the rugged and secluded mountain-limestone
district in the sixty-seventh and sixty-eighth parallels, where it feeds on the fruit of the
common juniper which abounds in those places."
To the foregoing the author of this work has to remark that the bird is common in the
eastern parts of North America, where it is called Northern Wax-wing.
To the northern European countries it only comes in the winter months, although there
has been an example of its appearance as early as August.
In its plumage the Bohemian Wax- wing is a very pretty and striking bird, being as notable
for the silken softness of its feathers, as for its pleasingly blended colors and the remarkable
appendage from which it derives its popular name. The coloring of the bird is very varied,
but may briefly be described as follows : The top of the head and crest are a light soft brown,
warming into ruddy chestnut on the forehead. A well-defined band of black passes over the
upper base of the beak, and runs round the back of the head, enveloping the eyes on each side,
and there is a patch of the same jetty hue on the chin. The general color of the bird is gray-
brown, the primary and secondary feathers of the wings and tail are black, tipped with yellow,
the primary wing-coverts are tipped with white, and the tertiaries are purplish-brown, also
tipped with white, 'f he under surface of the bird is sober gray, and the under tail-coverts are
ricli ruddy brown. The length of the Waxen Chatterer is about eight inches.
The flesh of this bird is held in great estimation in the countries where it appears in
greatest numbers, and in Norway it is regularly killed and exposed for sale at the average
price of one penny.
A CLOSELY allied species is found in America, where it has been taken for a variety of the
preceding species, but is clearly distinct from that bird. On account of its fondness for cedar
berries, it goes by the popular name of the CEDAR BIRD, or CHATTERER, the latter name being
not at all appropriate to this species, as it is one of the most silent of birds, not even raising its
voice in the season of love.
This bird is f oiind in different parts of America, migrating to and fro according to the
season of year. Wilson tells us that in the months of July and August it associates together
in great flocks, and retires to the hilly parts of the Blue Mountains for the purpose of feeding
on the whortleberries which grow in those localities so plentifully that the mountains are
covered with them for miles. In October they descend to the lower parts of the country, and
' there feed on various berries, especially those of the red cedar, which they devour so greedily
that no less than fifteen cedar berries have been found in the throat of a single bird. They
also eat the fruit of the persimmon, cherries, and many other fruits, and aid greatly in the
vegetation of the country by transporting to different localities the seeds of the plants on which
they subsist.
Unlike the Waxen Chatterer, the Cedar Bird carries with it no mystery respecting its
dwelling-place, but openly builds in the month of June upon various trees, sometimes choosing
the cedar, and at other times fixing on different orchard trees.
Wilson makes the following remarks upon the nest and general habits of the bird during
the breeding season : "The nest is large for the size of the bird, fixed in the forked or
horizontal branch of an apple-tree, ten or twelve feet from the ground ; outwardly and at
bottom is laid a mass of coarse, dry, stalks of grass, and the inside is lined wholly with very
268 THE BELL BIRD, OR CAMPANERO.
fine stalks of the same material. The eggs are three or four, of a dingy bluish-white, thick at
the great end, tapering suddenly, and becoming very narrow at the other ; marked with small
roundish spots of black of various sizes and shades, and the great end is of a pale dull purple
tinge, marked likewise with various shades of purple and black. About the last week in June
the young are hatched, and are at first fed on insects and their larvae, but as they advance in
growth, on berries of various kinds. These facts I have myself been an eye-witness to.
"The female, if disturbed, darts from the nest in alarm to a considerable distance; no
notes of wailing or lamentation are heard from either parent, nor are they ever seen, notwith-
standing you are in the tree examining the nest and young. These nests are less frequently
found than many others, owing not only to the comparatively few numbers of the bird, but to
the remarkable muteness of the species. The season of love, which makes almost every other
small bird musical, has no such effect on them, for they continue at that interesting period as
silent as before."
Like the waxen Chatterer, the Cedar Bird is held in great estimation as an article of food ;
and as in the autumn and end of summer it becomes very fat in consequence of the enormous
amount of berries and other food which it consumes, it is in great requisition in the markets,
being sold in large numbers and for a very small price. Even as early as May the Cedar Bird
begins its depredations on the cherries, always choosing the best and ripest fruit, and con-
tinues its robberies, undisturbed by scarecrows or any other means except the loaded gun.
The Cedar Bird does not limit itself to fruits and berries, but also feeds largely on insects,
chasing and devouring flies and other winged insects in a manner very similar to that of
the fly-catchers, but not exhibiting the airy liveliness and quick vivacity of those birds.
The general color of the Cedar Bird is yellowish-brown, the upper parts of the body being
fawn-colored, rather darker on the head, which is surrounded with a long and pointed crest,
which can be raised almost perpendicularly from the head. The chin is black, the breast and
abdomen yellow, and the under tail-coverts white. The wings are deep slaty-blue, and the
upper tail-coverts are slate-blue, deepening into black, which also extends over the greater
part of the tail. The extremities of the tail-feathers are rich yellow. A rather broad line of
black crosses the forehead, and passes round the head, enveloping the eyes in its course. The
secondary feathers of the wings are adorned with wax-like appendages resembling those of the
Bohemian chatterer, and their number is variable, sometimes being only four or five, and
sometimes as many as nine. Wilson supposes that their object is to guard the tips of the
feathers from being worn away, but this conjecture does not seem to carry much weight with it.
The appendages are nothing more than homy expansions of the shafts. As some female birds
are without these wax-like ornaments, it was once supposed that they only belonged to the male
bird ; but it is now ascertained that they are found in both sexes alike. On several occasions
Wilson found one of the tail-feathers decorated with a waxen tip similar to those of the wing.
The color of the female is similar to that of the male, but the tints are not so brilliant. This
bird is much smaller than the European species, being only six inches and a half in length,
and very slenderly built.
The Cedar Bird (Ampelis cedrorum) is a common bird in New England during the summer,
and is found in all parts of North America. It is unpopular here as well as in Europe on
account of its robbing of cherry-trees. The term Cherry Bird is quite commonly applied to it.
As the numbers of acknowledged species among birds amount to several thousands, it
is evident that in a comprehensive work of this character it will be impossible to mention
the whole of the feathered tribe, and that only those birds can be described which act as
representatives of the several groups into which the division has been separated. Passing
over, therefore, many remarkable species, we arrive at one which is perhaps as extraordinary
a bird as any that has hitherto been figured. This is the celebrated BELL BIRD, or CAMPANERO
of America, so called on account of the singular resemblance which its note bears to the slow,
solemn tolling of a church-bell.
The Bell Bird is about the size of an ordinary pigeon, and its plumage is quite white.
From a pigeon it. can, however, be readily distinguished, even at some distance, by the curious
THE GREAT PERICROCOTUS. 269
horn-like structure which grows from its forehead, and rises to a height of Bom<? three inches
when disturbed. This "horn" is jetty black in color, sprinkled very sparingly with little
tufts of snowy-white down, and as it has a communication with the palate, has probably some-
thing to do with the bell-like sound of the voice. The song or cry of the Campanero has been
admirably described by Waterton, in his well-known "Wanderings in South America " :
" His note is loud and clear, like the sound of a bell, and may be heard at the distance of
three miles. In the midst of these extensive wilds, generally on the dried top of an aged
mora, almost out of your reach, you see the Campanero. No sound or song from any of the
winged inhabitants of the forest, not even the clearly pronounced ' Whip-poor- Will ! ' from
the goat-sucker, causes such astonishment as the toll of the Campanero.
" With many of the feathered race, he pays the common tribute of a morning and evening
song ; and even when the meridian sun has shut in silence the mouths of almost the whole of
animated nature, the Campanero still cheers the forest. You hear his toll, and then a pause
for a minute, then another toll, and then a pause again, and then a toll, and again a pause.
Then he is silent for six or eight minutes, and then another toll, and so on. Actseon would
stop in mid-chase, Maria would defer her evening song, and Orpheus himself would drop his
lute to listen to him, so sweet, so novel and romantic is the toll of the pretty snow-white
Campanero."
The " horn" of the Bell Bird is only erect while the creature is excited and during the
resonant cry, and when the bird is at rest it hangs loosely on the side of the face. It is sup-
posed that the Bell Bird builds in Guiana, but its nest and locality of breeding are at present
unknown.
THE CATERPILLAR-EATERS.
To the Chatterers succeed the Campephaginge, or Caterpillar-eaters, which are nearly all
found in the various countries of the Old World. As their name imports, they live chiefly
upon caterpillars and other insects, preferring those that are still in the larval state, and
assiduously examining each leaf and branch in search of their prey. They also eat ants,
beetles, and other ground -living insects, and are quite as active in chasing them upon the
earth as in their haunts among the branches. They also eat fruit and berries in the autumn.
ONE of the most remarkable birds of this group is the GREAT PERICBOCOTUS, the largest
of its genus.
This bird is a native of India, where it is found spread over the greater portion of that
country, and on account of its splendid plumage it attracts great notice even from unscientific
and casual observers. It seems to be solitary in its habits, being generally found alone or in
very small societies, in all probability consisting merely of the parents and their young. It is
almost exclusively an insect-feeder, eating caterpillars, flies, ants, and various kinds of the
insect tribe, preferring, however, the beetles, of which it devours very great numbers. It is a
suspicious and timorous bird, carefully avoiding the presence of human beings, and thus
ranking as a very scarce bird, although it probably exists in considerable numbers, in its own
peculiar localities.
As it is so beautiful a species, it has several times been captured and caged, but it seems
to defy the powers of the tamer, pines away under confinement, and soon dies.
The sexes of the Great Pericrocotus are so different in their external appearance, that they
might easily be mistaken for two distinct species; The adult male is a truly beautiful bird,
and is thus colored. The ground color of the bird is the deepest imaginable steely-blue, so
deep, indeed, as to appear black except in certain lights. The head, neck, back, wings, the
two central tail-feathers, and the base of the remaining tail-feathers, are rich, glowing scarlet.
270 THE WOOD SWALLOW.
The bill and legs are black, and the eyes dark brown. The female, although a very pretty
bird, cannot lay claim to the gorgeous coloring which decorates her mate. In her, the parts
which in the male are scarlet, are bright golden-yellow, and the back of the head and the
scapularies are gray. The greater coverts are olive-brown.
THIS genus contains many species, several of which are remarkable for the rich beauty of
their plumage. They are gregarious, assembling in little flocks, and as they are extremely
loquacious, they make a considerable noise as they sit chattering and whistling in groups upon
the topmost branch of some lofty tree. In their habits they are similar to the last-mentioned
bird, being insect-feeders, and preferring the beetles, or, more rigidly speaking, the coleopterous
insects, to any other food. Their nest is generally placed in the branches of some tall tree, at
a considerable elevation from the ground, is small in size, is composed of grasses and lichens,
and generally contains about two small streaked eggs.
NEXT in order comes a group of birds, called, from the peculiar form of their tails, Dicru-
rinae, or Double-tailed Birds, and also known by the title of DRONGO SHRIKES. These birds
are so very like the shrikes, or butcher birds, that they have often been confounded with
them ; and, as may be seen from the popular title of the group, have been ranked with these
birds in some systems. They are not, as a rule, of large dimensions, their average size being
that of a common blackbird, and many of them are remarkable for beauty of plumage and
grace of form.
THE WOOD SWALLOWS are spread over a large portion of the globe ; some species being
found in India and the islands of the Indian seas, and others being inhabitants of Australia.
Owing to their shrike-like form, and their swift flight, they have been termed Swift Shrikes
by some naturalists. Several species of this genus are found in Australia, and that which is
most frequently noticed is the common WOOD SWALLOW, or SORDID THRUSH. This species is
common in many parts of Australia, and is migratory in its habits, arriving in and leaving
Van Diemen's Land at regular intervals, and making a partial migration on the Australian
continent. Some individuals, however, remain in the same country throughout the year, as
they find abundance of food without the absolute need of repairing to another climate. The
habits of the Wood Swallow are very curious and interesting, and are well described by Mr.
Gould, in his well-known work on the Birds of Australia ;
"This Wood Swallow, besides being the commonest species of the genus, must, I think,
be considered a general favorite with the Australians, not only from its singular and pleasing
actions, but by its often taking up its abode and incubating near the houses, particularly such
as are surrounded by paddocks and open pasture-lands skirted by large trees. It was in such
situations as these, in Van Diemen's Land, at the commencement of spring, that I first had the
opportunity of observing this species ; it is there very numerous on all the cleared estates on
the south side of the Derwent, about eight or ten being seen on a single 'tree, and half as many
crowding one against another on the same dead branch, but never in such numbers as to
deserve the appellation of flocks. Each bird appeared to act independently of the other ;
each, as the desire for food prompted it, sallying forth from the branch to capture a passing
insect, or to soar around the tree, and return again to the same spot. On alighting, it repeat-
edly throws up and closes one wing at a time, and spreads its tail obliquely prior to settling.
" At other times a few were seen perched on the fence surrounding the paddock, on which
they frequently descended, like starlings, in search of coleoptera and other insects.
"It is not, however, in this state of comparative quiescence that this graceful bird is seen
to the best advantage ; neither is it that kind of existence for which its form is especially
adapted ; for, although its structure is more equally suited for terrestrial, arboreal, and aerial
habits than that of any other species I have examined, the form of the wing at once points out
the air as its peculiar province. Here it is that, when engaged in pursuit of the insects which
the serene and warm weather has enticed from their lurking-places among the foliage to sport
THE GREAT DICRURUS. 271
in higher regions, this beautiful species in its aerial nights displays its greatest beauty, while
soaring above in a variety of easy positions, with its white-tipped tail widely spread.
"It was very numerous in the town of Perth until about the middle of April, when I
missed it suddenly, nor did I observe it again until near the end of May, when I saw it in
countless numbers flying, in company with the common swallows and martins, over a lake
about ten miles north of the town ; so numerous, ia fact, were they, that they darkened the
water as they flew over it. Its voice greatly resembles that of the common swallow in char-
acter, but is much louder."
This Wood Swallow is remarkable for a habit which is perhaps unique among birds, and
hitherto has only been observed in certain insects. A large flock of these birds will settle
upon the branches of a tree, and gather together in a large cluster, precisely like bees when
they swarm. Four or five birds suspend themselves to the under side of the bough, others
come and cling to them, and La a short time the whole flock is hanging to the bough like a
large swarm of bees. Mr. Gilbert, who first noticed this curious habit, states that he has seen
the swarms as large as an ordinary bushel measure.
The nest of the Wood Swallow is cup-shaped and rather shallow, and is made of very
slender twigs bound and lined with delicate fibrous roots. The locality in which the nest is
placed is extremely variable, the bird seeming to be wonderfully capricious in its choice of a
fit spot whereon to fix its residence. Sometimes it is placed in a low forked branch, at another
time it will be buried in thick mossy foliage, while it is sometimes found fixed against the
trunk of a tree, resting on some protuberance of the bark, or lodged within some suitable
cavity. The eggs are about four in number, and are grayish-white, speckled and mottled very
variably with gray and white.
The color of this species is very simple, the general tint being black, the abdomen white,
and the tail-feathers, excepting the two central, which retain their jetty hue throughout, tipped
with the same color.
THE largest of the Australian species, the CINEREOUS WOOD SWALLOW (A'rtamus cine-
reus\ is found both at Timor and the eastern and western coasts of Australia, thus having a
very large range. This bird, although not at all uncommon, seems to be rather local, prefer-
ring certain spots for its residence, and keeping itself within some peculiar boundary of its
own choosing.
It inhabits the banks of the Swan River and parts of the interior, and varies in its habits
with the locality in which it happens to reside. Wherever the grass-tree (Xanthorhcea) grows,
there may be found the Cinereous Wood Swallow, feeding with the greatest avidity upon the
seeds, and absolutely crowding each other upon the upright seed-stalks while engaged in dig-
ging out their food. It does not, however, depend upon the grass-tree for its subsistence, as it
feeds largely upon insects, chasing them in the air with nearly as much activity as the ordinary
swallow, or pursuing the quick-limbed beetles on the ground, digging out the hidden larvae
from beneath bark or under the soil, and picking them from the leaves on which they feed.
The nest of this species is deeper than that of the common wood swallow, and the mottlings of
the eggs have more of a ruddy hue. The position of the nest is generally in a thick low bush,
or among the foliage of the grass- tree.
A TEEY beautiful and singular bird is the GREAT DICRURUS of the East Indies, with its
racket-tail feathers.
In its general outline this beautiful bird bears some analogy to the Leona nightjar, which
has been figured on a previous page of the present work, having two long feathery appendages,
naked throughout the greater portion of their length and webbed only at their extremity.
There is, however, this great difference, that in the Leona nightjar they proceed from the
wings, whereas in the Great Dicrurus they are merely prolongations of the external tail-
feathers. The color of this bird is deep blue-black, like that of the raven, and its weird -like
aspect is further strengthened by a large and well-developed crest that starts from the top of
272 THE GREAT GRAY SHRIKE.
the head and bends backward over the neck. A few of its feathers project slightly forwards
so as to come beyond the base of the beak.
ANOTHER species of Dicrurus is well known in India by the name of KING CROW
(I>icrurus macrocercus), a title which it has earned by its boldness in attacking the crows,
and maintaining royal dominion over them. In their habits the birds of this genus differ but
very slightly from each other, and in all essentials they agree. They are insect-feeders, pre-
ferring grasshoppers to any other prey, and often pouncing upon the backs of cattle for the
sake of capturing the flies that are so fond of attacking the poor beasts in the warm weather.
They will even take their posts with perfect composure on the back of a cow or goat, and
consider the animal as their especial property for the time being. As they are swift of flight,
they constantly dart from their perches and capture insects on the wing.
The nest of the King Crow is placed in the trees which grow in the thickest jungle, and is
made of slender twigs interwoven with grasses, moss, and lichens. Some of the Dicrurine
birds build a very beautiful and elaborately constructed nest, while others are content with
a negligent and slovenly residence. The eggs are generally three or four in number.
SHRIKES.
WE now arrive at the family of LANID.E, or SHRIKES, or BUTCHER BIRDS, whose character
is given in the names by which they are distinguished. The scientific term Lanidse is of Latin
origin, and is derived from a word which signifies lacerating or tearing, in allusion to the
habits of the bird. These birds are found in all parts of the globe, and in all countries are
celebrated for their sanguinary and savage character. They are quite as rapacious as any of
the hawk tribe, and in proportion to their size are much more destructive and bloodthirsty.
They feed upon small and disabled mammalia, and birds of various kinds, especially preferring
them while young and still unfledged, and upon several kinds of reptiles, and also find great
part of their subsistence among the members of the insect world.
In order to fit them for these rapacious pursuits, the bill is strong, rather elongated,
sharp-edged, curved at the tip, and armed on each side with a well-marked tooth. The wings
are powerful, the plumage closely set, and the claws, strong, curved, and sharp. The Shrikes
are separated for convenience of reference into two groups or sub-families, namely, the true
Shrikes, or LANIN^E, and the Bush Shrikes, or
Or the true Shrikes we find an excellent example in the well-known GREAT GTRAY SHRIKE,
a bird which is very common in many parts of Europe, especially in the more southern and
warmer regions.
This bird eats mice, shrews, small or young birds, frogs, lizards, beetles, grasshoppers,
and many other creatures. It generally, if not always, destroys its prey by a severe bite
across the head, crushing in the skull, and usually commences its meal with the head. This,
together with the other Shrikes, has a curious habit of hanging its food upon some convenient
spot, such as a forked branch, a thorn or sharp broken end of a bough, and will frequently
leave its prey thus suspended for a considerable period. Even insects are served in this manner,
being impaled upon thorns and left hanging in the branches. The object of this curious custom
is extremely dubious. It cannot be merely for the purpose of holding the prey securely while
it feeds, for the Shrike will frequently commence eating a bird immediately after its capture,
holding the prey tightly with its claws after the manner of the hawks, and tearing it to pieces
with its powerfully hooked bill. Nor can it be with the object of making it tender by hanging
in the air, as the bird often devours the prey at once. Moreover, insects would not become
THE GREAT NORTHERN SHRIKE. 273
more tender by exposure, but would rapidly dry up in the sunshine and become hard and
useless for food.
Even when tame it continues this habit, and has been known to make constant use of a
spike driven into a wall for that purpose by its owner, always carrying its food, whether it
consisted of meat or small birds, and impaling it upon the accustomed spike. A caged bird,
mentioned in Mr. Yarrell's work, was in the habit of employing the spaces between the wires
for the same purpose, always hanging the remnants of its meal between the wires, and pushing
the prey through the bars while eating.
Its name of Excubitor, or Watchman, has been given to it from the services which it
renders to the fowler.
Fierce and powerful as it is, it holds the falcon in the greatest terror, and is gifted with so
true an eye for its enemy that it can perceive a falcon when at an immense distance. Taking
advantage of this peculiarity, the fowlers who set their nests for falcons always take with them
a Gray Shrike, and after setting their nets, fasten the string to which the bird is tied to a peg
near the nets. A little turf hut is built as a place of refuge for the Shrike, and a small mound
or hillock raised, on which it perches. The fowler then retires to his own little hut, places
the strings which draw the net within reach of his bird, and watches the Shrike out of a small
window which commands the mound where it is perched. Feeling secure that the Shrike will
not suffer a hawk to come within sight without giving notice, the fowler takes out his netting
or other sedentary work, and continues his labor.
Hundreds of birds may pass over the net without the Shrike giving the least alarm, but
as soon as it can see a falcon, it flutters about, gets uneasy, and at last begins to kick and
squall with terror. Roused by the sounds, the fowler jerks some strings communicating with
perches on which living 'pigeons are perched, and the flutter thus occasioned attracts the
falcon' s attention and induces him to stoop for a prey that appears so easy. As the foe
approaches nearer, the Shrike's terror increases, and as the falcon swoops at the pigeons, the
Shrike screams with fear and runs for shelter under the tiny hut. This movement is a signal
for the fowler, who draws the strings of his net and incloses the falcon as he makes his dart
on the pigeons.
The voice of the Shrike, although sufficiently harsh on occasions, is capable of great mod-
ulation, so that the creature can imitate the cries of many birds, and even copy with some
success the sweet notes of the songsters.
The nest of the Gray Shrike is situated in forests, and is. placed in the lofty branches of
some tall tree. The substances of which it is made are fine grass, roots, mosses, down, and
wool. The eggs are from four to six in number, and are bluish-gray, spotted at the large end
with deep gray and brown. The color of this species is pearl-gray on the upper part of the
body ; the chin, breast, and abdomen are white ; the quill-feathers of the tail black variegated
and tipped with white ; and a black band crosses the forehead, runs under the eyes, and then
expands into a black patch on the ear-coverts. The total length of the bird is about ten inches.
THE GREAT NORTHERN SHRIKE (Lanius borealis), called also BUTCHER BIRD, is a winter
visitor in New England. It breeds in the far North. Its habits are much like those of the
hawk, as it feeds on mice and small birds. Its bill is much like those of birds of prey,
sharp, hooked, and effective in tearing apart its victims. Its feet are also stout, and fitted to
hold objects of prey strongly. A singular habit is attributed to this bird by all who have
observed or written about him. He captures habitually more prey than he can at the time
dispose of, and, instead of hoarding it as the magpie does, he impales his victim on some brier.
Grasshoppers and small birds are found suspended in this manner. The courage, dash, and
impetuosity of this little bird are beyond that of any other species not excepting any of the
rapacious tribe. It is often the case in the country, during a winter of severity, that this bird
will visit the barn-yard ; and, should he happen to espy a canary in a cage by the window, he
makes a bold dash, and brings up against the window-pane, generally to his utter confusion,
and sometimes to his more serious injury. He is about ten inches in length, and thirteen in
extent of wing.
VOL. H.-85.
274
THE RED-BACKED SHRIKE.
Two other species are known in America the Loggerhead and the White-rump ; the
first named a Southern species, and the hitter from the Western plains.
THE KED-BACKED SHRIKE is very much more common than the last-mentioned species.
Its winter quarters seem to be situated in Africa, and it reaches the northern countries
of Europe at the end of April or the beginning of May, passing through Italy on its
passage.
During the time of its residence it may often be seen flitting about the tops of hedges and
small trees, evidently in search of its prey, and even at a considerable distance may be recog-
nized by its habit of wagging its tail up and down whenever it settles, in a manner very similar
GREAT GRAY SHRIKE and RED- BACKED SHRIKE. Lanlus excutnlor and cotturio.
to that of the wag-tails. Usually it is seen in pairs ; but when the eggs are laid, the male bird
is generally engaged in procuring food while the mother bird stays at home and attends to her
domestic affairs.
The food of the Red-backed Shrike chiefly consists of the larger insects, such as grass-
hoppers, beetles, and chafers, and it is in the habit of impaling them on the thorns near its
nest, probably to save the mother bird the trouble of going to look for her own meals. A not
very common species of cocktail beetle, the StapTiylinus erythropterus, is .a very favorite prey
of this bird ; and when I was making up my collection of insects, I used to derive considerable
assistance from the labors of the Red-backed Shrike. These impaled insects are stuck about
the bush in such numbers, and in so very open a fashion, that they form a ready guide to
the position of the Shrike's nest. Moreover, the parent birds are so solicitous about their
home, that as soon as they see a human being approaching their nest, they set up such a
THE WOODCHAT SHRIKE. 275
shrieking and fluttering that they intimate the position of their nest to the least experienced
observer.
Although the chief food of this bird consists of insects, it occasionally takes to larger game,
and has been known to destroy other birds, generally while in their nestling state. It has
sometimes been caught in fowlers' nets while striking at their decoy birds, and has been
detected in dragging young and weakly pheasants through the bars of the cage in which they
had been confined.
I can also add the testimony of personal observation to the bird-destroying capabilities of
this Shrike. A few months ago a lady kindly presented to me a box containing several nest-
ling birds, each pierced by a thorn, which she said had been killed and stuck there by the
Red-backed Shrike. Thinking that there might possibly have been some mistake about the
slayer, I asked if it could be procured, and in a few more days another box was sent, con-
taining a fine Red-backed Shrike and another impaled victim. Most of the dead birds were
headless, and in every case the thorn, instead of transfixing the body, had been thrust between
the skin and the muscles, but in so firm a manner that to draw it out again required consid-
erable force. The victims were very small, and too much dilapidated for me to ascertain their
species.
In most countries where it dwells, the Shrike is termed " Nine-killer," from a notion that
it always kills and impales nine creatures before it begins its meal. The generic name Enneoc-
lonus bears the same signification, and has been applied to the bird in allusion to this idea.
Mr. Blyth says that wherever food is very abundant, the Red-backed Shrike only eats the
soft abdomen of the impaled insect, leaving the wings, limbs, and hard parts on the thorns.
I have never observed this practice, although I have seen very many Shrikes, their nests, eggs,
and young. Still, however, it may be the case with individual birds.
The nest of this Shrike is situated in hedges or bushes, generally from five to ten feet from
the ground, the average elevation being about seven feet. It is large, rather clumsy, and very
easily seen through the foliage, being made of. thick grass-stems, moss, and roots on the
exterior, and lined with very fine grasses antl hair. In some places the nests are quite com-
mon, and I have found three in a hedge surrounding a single field of no very great extent.
The eggs are generally five in number, and are rather variable in coloring, their ground color
being always white, tinged in some cases with blue, in others with green, and in a few speci-
mens with rusty-red. The spots with which they are marked are quite as variable, sometimes
being numerous, dark, and gathered into a ring at the large enl of the egg, and sometimes
being only gray and light brown scattered irregularly. In all cases, however, they are gath-
ered upon the large end of the egg.
In the adult male, the head, neck, and upper parts of the shoulders are pearly-gray,
with a black stripe across the base of the beak and running through the eye. The back
and wing-coverts are ruddy chestnut, fading into reddish-gray upon the upper tail-coverts.
The quill-feathers of the wings are black, edged with red upon their outer webs, and the
quill-feathers of the tail are white at the basal half, and the remainder of each feather is
black tipped with a very narrow line of white. The chin and under tail-coverts are white,
and the rest of the under surface is pale rusty-red. The strongly notched and hooked
beak is deep shining black. The female bird may at once be known by the absence of
the black streak across the eye, which in her case is replaced by a light colored stripe
over the eye. The head and all the upper parts of the body are reddish-brown, and the
red edges of the wing-feathers are narrower than in the male. The under side of the
body is wholly grayish-white, covered with very numerous transverse lines of a darker hue.
The young male is similarly colored, but is distinguished by the back being also covered
with transverse bars of dark gray. The length of the adult bird is between seven and
eight inches.
ANOTHER species of the same genus, the WOODCHAT SHRIKE, is about the same size
as the red-backed Shrike, and possesses many of the same habits, but may readily be
distinguished from that bird by the difference of coloring.
276
THE WOOD CHAT SHRIKE.
In many districts of the European Continent the Woodchat Shrike is a common oird,
especially preferring the warmer and more southern districts. In many parts of Africa it is
extremely plentiful, being particularly abundant in Northern Africa. It is also seen at the
Cape of Good Hope. On account of their habit of hanging and impaling, the Shrikes are
known at the Cape by the popular name of Magistrate Birds. The nest of the Woodchat
Shrike is made rather more neatly than that of the red-backed species, and is always placed on
the branch of a tree, the oak being preferred for this purpose. The materials of which it is
made are pine-twigs, moss, and wool, and it is lined with wool and slender grasses. The eggs
are smaller than those of the last-mentioned bird and are quite as variable in their markings,
the general color being very pale bluish-white speckled with rusty -brown.
WOODCHAT SHRIKE. Enneoctonui rv/ui.
The coloring of the Woodchat Shrike is as follows : The top of the head and back of the
neck are rich chestnut-red, a white streak runs across the base of the upper mandible, and a
broad black band crosses the forehead and reaches as far as the ear-coverts, enveloping the eye
in its progress. The back-wings and wing-coverts are black, relieved by the white feathers of
the scapularies and upper tail-coverts. The primary feathers of the wings are also white at
their base, and the secondaries are tipped with white. The two central tail-feathers are black,
the two exterior feathers white, and the remainder are partly of one color and partly of the
other. ^ The whole of the under surface is white. In the female, the head and neck are dusky
red, the back is brown-black, the wing-coverts are marked with rusty-red, and the breast is
grayish-white.
THE PIPING CROW SHRIKE. 277
THE second sub-family of the Butcher Birds, namely, the THAMNOPHILINJE, or Bush
Shrikes, are well represented by the beautiful VIGORS' BUSH SHKIKE.
This bird is a native of Southern America, and is generally found in forests and thick
brushwood, where it passes its time in a constant search after the small mammalia, birds,
reptiles, and insects, on which it feeds. It is a large and rather powerful bird, and as it pos-
sesses a strong and sharply-hooked beak, is a very formidable foe to any creature which it
may attack. Its claws are also powerful, curved, and very sharp, so that the bird is aided by
its feet as well as by its beak in the demolition of its prey. In order to enable the bird to prey
among the rank herbage and thick, massy foliage of the localities in which it dwells, its legs
are long in proportion to the size of its body, and the grasp of its feet very strong, so that it is
able to perch upon a bough or on the ground, and raise its head to some height while surveying
the locality with its piercing glance. The wings are rather short and rounded, as long and
sharply-pointed wings would be of little use in threading the network of leaves and branches
among which it takes up its residence.
The tail of the Vigors' Bush Shrike is long in proportion to the size of the body, and
extends far beyond the closed wings. The general color of the male bird is sooty-black upon
the head and the whole of the upper surface, diversified with numerous transverse bars of rich
red chestnut. The under parts of the body are pale grayish-brown. The head is decorated
with a crest of erectile feathers, ruddy throughout the greater part of their length, and marked
with black at their tips. The female is distinguished from the male by the blacker crest, the
paler tint of the transverse/bars, and the uniform ashen-gray of the under parts. The total
length of this species is about thirteen inches.
There are many species of Bush Shrikes, the greater number being inhabitants of the
eastern hemisphere. As their name imports, they all live among the thickest brushwood and
in forests, and their food consists chiefly of insects. They are rather silent birds, their note
being merely a single syllable constantly repeated, and only uttered during the breeding
season.
CONE-BILLED BIRDS.
WE now arrive at a very large and important group, called from the shape of their beaks
the CONIROSTRES, or CONE-BILLED BIRDS. In these birds the bill varies in length and devel-
opment, in some being exceedingly short, while in others it is much elongated ; in some being
straight and simple, while in others it is curiously curved and furnished with singular appen-
dages ; in some being toothless, while in others there is a small but perceptible tooth near the
tip. In all, however, the bill is more or less conical in form, being very thick and rounded at
the base, and diminishing to a point at the extremity. There are no less than eight recognized
families of this large group, containing some of the most important and most remarkable
members of the feathered race.
THE first family is that which is well known under the title of CORVIDJE, or Crows, con-
taining the crows, rooks, magpies, starlings, and other familiar birds, together with the equally
celebrated but less known paradise birds, bower birds, troopials, and orioles. The beak of all
these birds is long, powerful, and somewhat compressed, i. e., flattened at the sides, curved
more or less on the ridge of the upper mandible, and with a notch at the extremity. This
family is divided into several smaller groups or sub-families, the first of which is the PHONY-
GAMINJS, or PIPING CROWS. These birds are inhabitants of Australia, New Holland, New
Guinea, and several adjacent islands, and may be distinguished by the long, narrow, and
naked nostrils.
278
THE PIPING CROW SHRIKE.
THE PIPING CROW SHEIKE, sometimes called the Magpie by the colonists, on account of
its magpie-like white and black plumage, is a native of New South Wales, and towards the
interior is very plentiful.
This bird is found in almost every part of the country, preferring, however, the open
localities to the wooded districts, especially if they are cleared by artificial means. For the
Piping Crow Shrike is a wonderfully trustful bird, attaching itself instinctively to mankind,
and haunting the vicinity of barns and farm-yards. On the very slightest encouragement the
bird will take possession of a barn, garden, or plantation, and, with the exception of a favored
few, will not suffer any of his friends to intrude upon his property. The owner of the garden
is well repaid for his hospitality by the rich and varied song which the bird pours forth in
the early morning and towards evening, as if in gratitude for the protection which has been
afforded it.
The notes of this bird are peculiarly rich and mellow, and in speaking of them the author
of "Bush Wanderings in Australia" remarks: "No bush-bird, to my fancy, had a clearer or
PIPING CBOW. GymnwMna (OAcen.
richer note than the Magpie : one of the earliest birds of morning, it was also one of the latest
at night, and the deep flute-like evening song of the Magpie was heard in the forest long after
all the other birds of day had retired to roost. The Magpie is a very common bird throughout
the land during the whole year, often in small companies, and in the autumn the old and
young birds congregate in flocks. The young Magpies are excellent eating." The name
"tibicen " signifies a flute-player.
As it is a very hardy bird and bears captivity well, Mr. Gould thinks that it would be
easily adapted to colder climates, and in that case would be a very valuable addition to the
list of cage-birds. In its native country it has little of the migrating spirit, generally remain-
ing stationary throughout the year in the spot which it has adopted for its home. The food
of the Piping Crow consists mostly of insects, the large grasshoppers being especial dainties.
The bird is an excellent hunter, pursuing its active prey over the ground with considerable
agility, and pouncing upon it at last with remarkable accuracy of aim. In captivity it will
eat almost any description of animal food, and also feeds upon different fruits and berries.
The nest of the Piping Crow is a large and not very neatly constructed edifice, made prin-
cipally of sticks, leaves, and small grasses. It is loosely placed among the branches of a lofty
THE JAY. 279
tree at a considerable elevation above the ground, and contains from two to four eggs. There
are generally two broods in the year.
The coloring of this bird is remarkable for its boldness and simplicity, consisting only of
two opposite tints, disposed in large and contrasting masses. The greater part of the body
and wings is rich jetty -black, as deep as that of the raven, and the whole back of the neck,
the wing-coverts, the upper and under tail-coverts, and the basil portions of the tail-feathers,
are pure snowy- white, so that the colonists are quite justified in the use of their popular title.
In dimensions it about equals our common magpie, but does not appear to be so large a bird
on account of its comparatively short tail. The bill is blue-black, and the eyes are deep
ruddy hazel.
THE PIED CROW SHRIKE is an inhabitant of New South Wales, and is very widely spread
throughout that country.
It is by no means a local bird, finding subsistence in almost every district, and being
equally found in the bushes of the coast, the mountains, and the forests. Its food is chiefly
of a vegetable character, consisting of berries, fruits, and seeds, and the bird is in consequence
of a more arboreal character than the preceding species, which finds the greater part of its
nourishment on the ground. It is a stationary bird, only moving from one district to another
according to the season of the year, and is generally seen in little parties of five or six in num-
ber, which are supposed to be the parents and their young family.
The flight of this bird is neither strong nor sustained, and it seldom takes to wing with-
out being forced to do so. Even when it has been obliged to entrust itself to the air, it rarely
flies farther than from one clump of trees to another, or across one of the deep gullies that are
so common in its native land. As a general rule, it contents itself with merely flitting from
one tree to another, and avoids any open space with great solicitude. While flying, the beau-
tiful black and white markings of its plumage are very conspicuous. It is a most noisy and
loquacious bird, possessing a loud and curiously ringing voice, and being so fond of exercising
its vocal powers that it is generally heard long before it is seen. Like the piping crow, it is
killed for the purposes of the table, and is held in some estimation as an article of food.
The nest of the Pied Crow Shrike is very large in proportion to the size of the bird, round
in form, and cup-shaped in the interior. It is almost wholly constructed of very little sticks,
and is lined with dried grasses. Unlike the nest of the preceding species, it is placed in some
low branch of a tree. The number of eggs is three or four. The color of this species is a rich
deep blue-black, with the exception of the basal halves of the primary quill-feathers of the
wings and tail, and the tips of the tail-feathers, which are snowy-white. The bill is black,
and the eye bright topaz-yellow.
JAYS.
INTERMEDIATE between the piping crow shrikes and the true crows, comes a group of
birds well known by the popular title of JAYS, or the scientific name of Garrulinse, or talkative
birds, so called from their exceeding loquacity. The birds of this group have bills with a little
notch near the extremity, but they may be distinguished from their relatives by the fact that
the nostrils are covered by the feathers of the forehead. Their tails are generally rather long
in proportion to the size of the bird, and the wings are short and rounded. In some instances
the coloring of these birds is very fine, and it is curious that blue seems to hold predominance
throughout the group.
THE best known of this group is the common English JAY. It is one of the handsomest
of the resident birds.
The localities which it best loves are thick woods and plantations, particularly those where
heavily foliaged trees are found. Sometimes, however, it is not so careful, and I have seen it
flitting about the topmost branches of the trees in the early morning, and pecking at the beech
mast with perfect unconcern, even though within a few hundred yards of houses. In general,
280
HABITS OF THE JAY.
however, the Jay is seldom seen, as it is much afraid of human beings, and conceals itself in
the thickest covert on the slightest alarm.
The ordinary note of the Jay is a rather soft cry, but the bird is a most adroit imitator of
various sounds, particularly those of a harsh character. It has one especial harsh scream,
which is its note of alarm, and serves to set on the alert not only its own kind, but every other
bird that happens to be within hearing. The sportsman is often baffled in his endeavors to
get a shot at his game by the mingled ciiriosity and timidity of the Jay, which cannot hear a
strange rustling or see an unaccustomed object without sneaking silently up to inspect it, and
is so terribly frightened at the sight of a man, a dog, and a gun, that it dashes off in alarm,
uttering its loud "squawk," which indicates to every bird and beast that danger is abroad.
s
c
iAT.Oarrulvt glandarius.
In captivity the Jay soon learns to talk, and even when caged displays its imitative powers
with considerable success, mocking the bleating of sheep, the cackling of poultry, the grunt-
ing of pigs, and even the neighing of horses, with wonderful truth.
The Jay, like all the crow tribe, will eat animal or vegetable substances with equal /est,
and will plunder the hoards of small quadrupeds or swallow the owner with perfect impar-
tiality. Young birds are a favorite food of the Jay, which is wonderfully clever at discover-
ing nests and devouring the fledglings. Occasionally it even feeds upon birds, and has been
seen to catch a full-grown thrush. Eggs also are great dainties with this bird, particularly
those of pheasants and partridges, so that it is ranked among the "vermin" by all game-
keepers or owners of preserves. So fond is it of eggs, that it can almost invariably be enticed
into a trap by means of an egg or two placed as a bait, and it is a curious fact that the Jay
does not seem to be aware of the right season for eggs, and suspects no guile even when it
finds a nest full of fine eggs in the depth of winter.
It also eats caterpillars, moths, beetles, and various similar insects, preferring the soft, fat,
and full-bodied species to those of a more slender shape. Fruits and berries form a consider-
able portion of the autumnal food of this bird, and it occasionally makes great havoc in
the cherry orchards, slipping in quietly at the early dawn, accompanied by its mate and
THE AMERICAN BLUE JAY. 281
young family, and stripping the branches of the bark and finest fruit. The kitchen garden
also suffers severely from the attacks of the Jay, which has a great liking for young peas and
beans. It also eats chestnuts, nuts, ana acorns, being so fond of the last-mentioned fruit as to
have received the title of "glandarius," meaning a lover of acorns. Sometimes it becomes
more refined in its taste, and eats the flowers' of several cruciferous plants, which, according to
Mudie, it plucks slowly and carefully, petal by petal.
The nest of the Jay is a flattish kind of edifice, constructed of sticks, grass, and roots,
the sticks acting as the foundations, and a rude superstructure of the softer substances being
placed upon them. It is always situated at a considerable elevation from the ground. There
are generally four or five eggs, and the bird mostly brings up two broods in the year. During
the earlier portion of their existence the young birds accompany their parents, and as they
wander in concert, often do great damage among the gardens and orchards which they visit.
One mode of taking the Jay has already been mentioned. Fowlers, however, employ
several methods for the capture of this pretty bird, and find that they can catch Jays better by
working on their curiosity than on their appetite. None of the crow tribe seem to be able
to pass an owl without dashing at it ; and the bird-catchers take advantage of this propensity
by laying their snares in the branches of a thick bush, and fastening a common barn owl in
such a manner, that when the Jay makes its attack, it is arrested and secured by the snare.
Should an owl not be attainable, a white ferret will answer the purpose equally well, the Jay
having a great objection to all the weasel tribe, and invariably attacking ferret, polecat, stoat,
or weasel with the greatest virulence and perseverance.
In size, the Jay equals a rather large pigeon ; and the coloring of its plumage is very
attractive. The general tint of the upper part of the body is light reddish-brown, with a per-
ceptible purple tinge, varying in intensity in different specimens. The primary wing-coverts
are bright azure, banded with jetty black, and form a most conspicuous ornament on the sides,
as the bird sits with closed wings. The head is decorated with a crest, which can be raised or
lowered at pleasure, and the feathers of which it is composed are whitish-gray, spotted with
black. There is a black streak on each side of the chin, and the quill-feathers of the wings
and tail are also black. The eye is a bright blue-gray, which, when the bird is excited,
can gleam with fiery rage, and together with the rapidly moved crest and harsh screams gives
an angry Jay a very savage aspect.
IN many points, our AMERICAN BLUE JAY (Cyanocitta cristata) closely resembles its
European relative, but as it possesses a decided individuality of its own, it is well worthy of a
short memoir.
The Blue Jay seems to be peculiar to Northern America, and may be found among the
woods, where it is very plentiful, but never seems to associate in great numbers, the largest
flocks amounting merely to some thirty or forty members, and these only being seen during a
small portion of the year-. Like the European Jay, it is both inquisitive and suspicious, and
never fails to give the alarm as soon as it sees a sportsman among the trees. Many a deer has
been lost to the anxious hunter through the warning cry of the Jay, for the deer understand
bird language quite well enough to know what is meant when a Jay sets up its loud dissonant
scream, and many a Jay falls a victim to the bullet that had been intended for the heart of the
escaped deer. Indeed, some hunters have taken so rooted a dislike to this bird, that they
always shoot it whenever they see it.
The voice is adapted for imitation, and there is hardly a bird of the forest whose voice is
not mocked by the Jay with a fidelity that even deceives the species whose notes are thus
wonderfully reproduced. Being a bird of some humor, it is greatly delighted by mimicking
the scream of a hawk, and the terrified cry of a little bird in distress, thereby setting all
the small birds in a turmoil, under the impression that one of their number has just been
carried off by a hawk.
The Blue Jay attacks owls whenever he meets with them, and never can see a hawk
without giving the alarm, and rushing to the attack, backed. up by other Jays, who never fail
to offer their assistance to their comrade. Often they will assemble in some numbers, and
VOL. IL-88.
282
HABITS OF THE AMERICAN BLUE JAY.
buffet the unfortunate hawk with such relentless perseverance that they fairly drive him out
of the neighborhood ; but sometimes the tables are reversed, and the hawk, turning suddenly
on his persecutors, snaps up the foremost and boldest, and silently sails away in to the thickest
covert, bearing his screaming prey in his talons.
As the Blue Jay is very fond of fruit and seeds, it often does great harm to the agricult-
urist, robbing his fruit-trees in a very complete and systematic manner, and doing no small
amount of harm to the crops. Yet the bird is not without its use, for in replenishing its
winter stores, which consist of nuts, mast, chestnuts, and similar provisions, the Jay drops
many of them in its passage, and thus unconsciously succeeds in planting many a useful tree.
One careful observer of this
bird and its habits says that
in a few years' time the Jays
alone would replant all the
cleared lands.
The diet of the Jay is, how-
ever, by no means restricted to
vegetable substances, as the
bird lives more upon animal
than on vegetable food. In
the spring and early summer,
young birds form a large por-
tion of its sustenance, and it
robs many a nest of its eggs, or
even when pressed by hunger
makes an attack on the parent
bird.
In captivity with its Euro-
pean relative, the Blue Jay is
equally mischievous, being at-
tracted by anything that glit-
ters or that he thinks is valued
by its owner, and hiding it in
some of his especial treasure-
houses. He will also learn to
talk, and becomes very proud
of his accomplishment, dis-
playing his newly - acquired
talents to every one who will
listen, and being extremely
loquacious- when excited by the presence of several persons at the same time. If kindly
treated, the Blue Jay becomes very affectionate to its owner, and can even be taught to
live in loving communion with creatures whom it would in a wild state immediately devour.
One of these birds, kept for some time by Wilson, was on terms of intimate friendship with one
of the Baltimore orioles, and would permit her to take all kinds of liberties, such as pulling its
whiskers, jumping into the water and splashing it whenever it desired to drink.
The nest of the Blue Jay is large, and rather clumsily made, and is placed in a lofty
branch of some tall tree, the cedar being in principal request for this office. It is lined with
fine fibrous roots, and contains four or five eggs of a dull olive, spotted with brown. The male
bird is very cautious in his approaches to the nest, always gliding secretly and silently to the
spot where his mate and young have made their home, carrying with him the results of
his foraging expedition.
Much more might be said of this bird, but its character has been so well described by
Webber in a few graphic passages, that I should do it injustice, were not his account to be
presented in his own words :
AMERICAN BLUE JAY- OyanoeUta crittata.
HABITS OF THE BLUE JAY. 283
" See him of a fine spring morning in love-making time ! See him rise up and down upon
the mossy limb, his gay crest bent in quick and frequent salutation, while a rich, round,
thrilling love-note rolls liquidly from off his honeyed tongue. Then see him spring in air
with his wide wings, azure and white, and dark-barred, graceful tail, spread to the admiring
gaze of her he woos, float round and round her fairer form, then to return again in rapturous
fervor to her side, to overwhelm his glowing charms with yet more subduing graces.
" But the fun of it all is, to see our euphuist practising these seductive arts by himself.
You will often catch Mm alone, thus making love to his own beauty with an ardor fully equal
to that of the scene we have just described ; indeed, I am not sure that it does not surpass it ;
for, like other dandies, he is most in love with his own beauty. It is the richest and most
fantastic scene I know of among the comicalities of the natural world, to catch him in one of
these practising humors ; he does court to his own charms with such a gay and earnest
enthusiasm ; he apes all the gestures and love-lorn notes of his seemingly volcanic amours, and
turning his head back, gazes on his own fine coat with such fantastic earnest, that one can
hardly resist roaring with laughter.
"So jealous is he of his sole prerogative of supervision over the interest and welfare of his
neighbors, that he is forever on the look-out for all interloping stragglers. Every racoon
that shows his inquisitive nose is assailed with vehement clamors and angry snappings of
beaks, which compel him, in terror for his eyes, to return to his home. Our friend Jay is said
to attribute the nocturnal habits of racoons, wild cats, opossums, owls, etc., to their appre-
hension of his valorous vigilance by daylight. Be the facts of the case what they may, no one
of these gentry, nor mole, nor mink, nor weasel, can make its appearance without being beset
by the obstreperous screams of this audacious knave. Nor does he confine his operations to
the defence of his foraging-ground from these depredators, from whom he has little to fear of
personal danger, on account of his superior activity. But he even sometimes does assail the
lightning- winged and lordly hawk ; these scenes are very characteristic and very amusing, and
I have freqxiently witnessed them."
The Blue Jay is a familiar bird in every part of the American Continent. The entire
family to which this bird belongs, and of which it is a very conspicuous member, is nearly
cosmopolitan as to distribution, and is distinguished by the remarkable intelligence of all its
members. Its habits are striking, peculiar, and full of interest, often evincing sagacity, fore-
thought, and intelligence strongly akin to reason. "Those traits are common to the whole
family." 1. A. Birds. Wary as this bird is in the settled parts of the country, in the
western prairies, it is half domestic. In one of the principal streets of Richmond, Indiana, a
nest was built in a lilac-bush near a window of a dwelling. In Kansas the Jay is equally
familiar, and is more highly colored than in the east.
Wilson says of him : "He appears to be among his fellow-musicians what a trumpeter is
in a band ; some of his notes having no distant resemblance to the tones of that instrument.
These he has the faculty of changing, through a great variety of modulations, according to
the peculiar humor he happens to be in. When disposed for ridicule, there is scarce a bird
whose peculiarities of song he cannot tune his notes to. When engaged in the blandishments
of love, they resemble the soft chatterings of a duck ; and while he nestles among the thick
branches of a cedar are scarce heard at a few paces distant. But he no sooner discovers your
approach than he sets up a sudden and vehement outcry, flying off and screaming with all
his might, as if he would call the whole feathered tribe to witness some outrageous usage he
had received. When he hops among the oaks and hickory they become soft and musical.
All these he accompanies with various nods and jerks and other gesticulations, for which the
Jays are so remarkable.
The power of mimicry possessed by the Jay, though different from, is hardly surpassed
by that of the mocking-bird. It imitates the cry of a hawk so closely as to drive the small
birds to cover, and excite immediate consternation in the poultry-yard. An experienced
bird-fancier has found them more ingenious, cunning, and teachable than any other species
of bird he has ever attempted to instruct. The Blue Jay appears to belong exclusively to
America.
284
THE HUNTING CISSA.
The Florida Jay, California Jay, Woodlawn Jay, Ultramarine Jay, Green Jay, Canada
Jay, and Brown Jay are of comparatively recent discoveries.
THE CANADA JAY (Perisoreus canadensis) is strikingly different from other species.
We are apt to associate blue with the Jays. In this case there is a combination of white and
gray. This bird is found from the Atlantic to the Pacific in the northern portions. Audubon
found it breeding in Maine and New Brunswick, and as far north as Labrador. When hard
pressed, like other Jays, it preys upon the young of other birds. It seeks the most unfre-
quented places,
keeping almost
constantly on the
ground, yet some-
times at twilight
mounts to the top
of a small tree
and twitters its
notes.
A European
species of this
bird is known un-
der the scientific
term Perisoreus
infaustus, or Car-
vus sibericus. It
is illustrated with
the nut - cracker
on page 301.
THE GREEN
JAY (Xanthura
luxuosa) inhabits
the valley of the
Rio Grande, in
Texas, and southward. It is about the size of the preced-
ing, and is nearly as peculiar as that species, its green
and white being quite as singular.
THE BROWN JAY (PsilorTiinus morio) is a much
larger bird, and differs from all others in being of a rich
umber-brown. It inhabits the Rio Grande region.
ASIA presents a most beautiful and interesting ex-
ample of this group of birds in the HUNTING CISSA,
or HUNTING CROW of India.
This lovely bird is a native of Nepal, and is spread
throughout the southeastern part of the Himalayas, and
in its own favored locality is far from scarce. Owing,
however, to certain peculiarities in the coloring, here-
after to be described, a specimen is very seldom obtained
in first-rate condition, and never takes its place in our museums glowing in all the resplendent
tints with which it is so liberally gifted. It is a very brisk and lively bird, and, like many
others of the same group, is much given to imitating other birds, performing its mimicry with
wonderful truth, and copying not only their voices, but even their peculiar gestures.
It is much more carnivorous in its tastes than would be imagined from an inspection of
HUNTING CISSA. Urociesa erythrornyncha.
THE BENTEOT. 285
its form and plumage, and it possesses many of the habits of the shrikes, not only killing
and eating the smaller birds, but hanging its food upon branches in true shrike fashion.
It is an excellent hunter, and as it can be easily tamed and taught to hunt after small birds
for the amusement of its owner, it has earned the name of Hunting Crow. In its native
country it is very commonly kept in captivity. The voice of the Hunting Cissa is loud and
screeching, but possesses withal a certain joviality of utterance that renders it far from
unpleasing.
The color of this bird is singularly beautiful, and may challenge comparison with that of
any other bird of either hemisphere. The general hue is pale but bright grassy -green, very
vivid upon the upper parts, and taking a yellowish tint below ; there is also a dash of yellow
across the forehead and the sides of the crest. A broad black band crosses the forehead, and,
enveloping the eye in its progress, passes round the back of the neck. The quill-feathers of
the wing are mostly bright chestnut-red, and the tips of the inner quill-feathers are gray,
diversified with a bold semilunar black band near their extremities. The central feathers
of the tail are green, taking a grayer tinge at their extremities, and all the other tail-feathers
are bright green for the first two-thirds of their length, are then crossed with a bold broad
black band, and the tips are grayish-white. The legs, bill, and feet are bright scarlet. The
size of the Hunting Cissa is about equal to that of a common magpie.
These beautiful colors are unfortunately never seen except for a very short time after
moulting, as they rapidly fade by exposure to light, even during the life of the bird, and after
its death become comparatively dingy. The delicate and brilliant grass-green of the upper
surface soon takes a more sober hue, and before many days have elapsed, the general color of
the bird is simply gray with a greenish wash, in place of the rich resplendent tints which it
had so lately boasted.
TREE-CROWS.
BETWEEN the true Crows and the Jays, another small sub-family has been placed by the
authors whose arrangement we follow, and is known by the title of Calleatinse, or TREE CROWS.
In these birds there is no tooth in the upper mandible, and the bill is comparatively short
curved, and rather rounded above. They are only to be found in the warmer parts of the
eastern hemisphere, and many of them are quite as carnivorous as any of the preceding Cor-
vidse, some feeding chiefly upon insects of various kinds, and others varying their diet with
small birds and quadrupeds.
THE BENTEOT, one of these birds, is a native of Java, where it is not very scarce, but is
seldom seen except by those w r ho go to search for it, as it is extremely timid, and is never
known to approach within a considerable distance of human habitations, as is the case with the
generality of the Crow tribe. Sometimes it may be seen cautiously making its way towards
some newly-cleared ground, in the hope of making a meal on the worms, grubs, and other
earth-living creatures that are generally to be found in freshly-turned soil, and also for the
sake of feeding upon the fruits of the trees that skirt the field. Should, however, the land
be near a house, the Benteot holds aloof, and declines to put itself into danger.
Part of this excessive timidity may, perhaps, be owing to the fact that it is by no
means a strong or rapid flyer, its wings being short and rounded, and its flight in con-
sequence weak and not capable of long duration. It usually flies by day, and, according
to Mr. Horsefield, "maybe seen about noon, sailing heavily through the air in a right line
towards the trees surrounding the openings in the forest." The strong bill and powerful
claws show that the bird is well adapted for the capture of insects and disinterring them
from their subterranean hiding-places, as well as for eating the various hard-shelled fruits on
which it partly subsists. In color the Benteot appears at a little distance to be nearly black,
but on a close approach its plumage is seen to be a very dark and rather dull green, "shot"
plentifully with a deeper hue of bronze.
286
THE WANDERING PIE.
ANOTHER and more beautiful member of this group is an Asiatic bird, very com-
mon in the naturalist's shop and in glass cases, and known by the popular and very
appropriate name of the
DEKING PIE."
This bird is a native of the
Himalayas, and is found in some
numbers spread over a large part
of India. It is called the Wander-
ing Pie on account of its habit of
wandering over a very large extent
of country, travelling from place to
place and finding its food as it best
may, after the fashion of a mendi-
cant friar. This custom is quite
opposed to the general habits of the
Pies, who are remarkable for their
attachment to definite localities, and
can generally be found wherever the
observer has discovered the partic-
ular spot which they have selected
for their home. Mr. Gould sug-
gests that its wandering habit may
be occasioned by the necessity for
obtaining subsistence, the Wander-
ing Pie feeding more exclusively on fruits and other vege-
table nutriment than is generally the case with the Crow
tribe, and being therefore forced to range over a large
extent of land in search of its food. Indeed, the short legs
and very long tail of this species quite unfit it for seeking
its living on the ground, and clearly point out its arboreal
habits.
The shape of this species is very remarkable, on ac-
count of the greatly elongated and elegantly shaped tail,
which is colored in a manner equally bold with its form.
The general color of this bird is blackish-gray upon the
upper parts, warming into cinnamon upon the back. The
quill-feathers of the wings are jetty -black, the wings them-
selves gray, and the tail-feathers gray, with a large, bold
bar of black at their extremities. The under surface of
the bird is light grayish-fawn. The two central feathers
of the tail are extremely long, and the others are grad-
uated in a manner which is well exemplified in the accom-
panying illustration. Although it appears to be a rather large bird, the aspect is a deceptive
one, on account of the long tail, which is ten inches in length, the remainder of the head
and body being only six inches long.
THE RAVEN. 287
THE TRUE CROWS.
WE now arrive at the true Crows, which, like the preceding group, have no tooth in the
upper mandible, but may be distinguished from them by the greater comparative length of
the wings.
THE first of these birds on our list is the celebrated RAVEN, our finest representative of
the family.
This truly handsome bird is spread over almost all portions of the habitable globe, finding
a livelihood wherever there are wide expanses of uncultivated ground, and only being driven
from its home by the advance of cultivation and the consequent inhabitance of the soil by
human beings. It is a solitary bird, living in the wildest district that it can find, and especially
preferring those that are intersected with hills. In such localities the Raven reigns supreme,
hardly the eagle himself daring to contest the supremacy with so powerful, crafty, and strong-
beaked a bird.
The food of the Raven is almost entirely of an animal nature, and there are few living
things which the Raven will not eat whenever it finds an opportunity of so doing. Worms,
grubs, caterpillars, and insects of all kinds are swallowed by hundreds, but the diet in which
the Raven most delights is dead carrion. In consequence of this taste, the Raven may be
found rather plentifully on the sheep-feeding grounds, where the flocks are of such immense
size that the bird is sure to find a sufficiency of food among the daily dead ; for its wings are
large and powerful, and its daily range of flight is so great, that many thousands of sheep pass
daily under its ken, and it is tolerably sure in the course of the day to find at least one dead
sheep or lamb. Sometimes the Raven accelerates matters, for if it should find an unfortunate
sheep lying in a ditch, a misfortune to which these animals are especially prone, it is sure to
cause the speedy death of the poor creature by repeated attacks upon its eyes. Weakly or
ailing sheep are also favorite subjects with the Raven, who soon puts an end to their sufferings
by the strokes of his long and powerful beak. Even the larger cattle are not free from the
assaults of this voracious bird, which performs in every case the office of a vulture.
So strongly is the desire for attacking wounded or dying animals implanted in the breast
of the Raven, that, according to Mudie, the best method of attracting one of these birds within
gunshot is to lie on the back on some exposed part of a hill, with the gun concealed and close
at hand. It is needful to remain perfectly quiet, because if there is the slightest sign of life
the Raven will not approach, for, as Mudie rather quaintly observes, "he is shy of man and
of all large animals in nature ; because, though glad to find others carrion, or to make carrion
of them if he can do it with impunity, he takes good care that none shall make carrion of
him." It is equally needful to watch carefully and not to be overcome by sleep, as the first
indication of the Raven's approach would to a certainty be the loss of an eye.
"But if you lie on your back," says Mudie, "he will come you know not whence, and
hovering round you on slow wing, examine you from all points. If you do not stir, he will
drop down at a little distance, and begin to hop in an echellon fashion, bringing his shoulders
forward alternately, after a few hops on each line of the zigzag. Sometimes he will utter his
'cruck-cruck,' and pause to see if that makes you stir, and if it does not, he will accelerate
his advance."
Sheep and cattle do not, however, form the whole of a Raven's diet, for besides the insects
which have already been mentioned, this bird eats mice, rabbits, birds of various kinds, includ-
ing young partridges and pheasants, and will invade the farm-yard when pressed by hunger,
and carry off the young poultry. Even the hedgehog falls a victim to the Raven, who cares
nothing for his spiked armor, but drives his sharp bill through the poor beast, tears away the
prickly skin, and devours the carcase at his leisure. In Northern America, and indeed in
many other countries, the Raven is a regular attendant on the hunters, and follows them for
the purpose of feeding upon the offal of the creatures which they kill.
288 HABITS OF THE RAVEN.
The tongue of the Raven is rather curiously formed, being broad, flat, covered with a
horny kind of shield, and deeply cleft at the extremity. At the root are four rather large
projections or spines, the points being directed backwards. The use of these spines is not
known, though Mr. Buckland suggests that they may be for the purpose of preventing the
food from being thrown back into the mouth. I do not, however, think that this suggestion
is sufficient, as there is no reason why the Raven should regurgitate its food more than othei
birds which feed on similar substances. If the bird were in the habit of eating living prey,
such as lizards and other reptiles which retain life for a considerable period and after consid-
erable injuries, this idea might be a good one, but as the Raven always kills its prey before
eating it, the theory will not hold its ground.
The cunning of the Raven is proverbial, and anecdotes of its extraordinary intellectual
powers abound in various works. From the great mass of these stories I can only select one
or two which are not generally known.
One of these -birds struck up a great friendship for a terrier dog belonging to the landlord
of an inn, and carried his friendship so far as to accompany his ally in little hunting expedi-
tions. In these affairs the two comrades used to kill an astonishing number of hares, rabbits,
and other gam
