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BIRD  GUIDE 

Birds  East  of  the  Rockies 


LIBRARY 


Locked 

CASE 


University  of  California. 


BIOLOGY 

UBRAR''      Class 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  -2007  with  funding  from 

IVIicrosoft  Corporation 


http://www.archive.org/details/birdguideeastofr12reedrich 


^Vater  Birds 


Ruffed  Grouse. 


BIRD     GUIDE 

Water  Birds,  Game  Birds  and  Birds  of  Prey 


EAvST  of  the  Rockies 

BY 

CHESTER   A.    REED 

Author  of 

North  American  Birds'  Eggs,  and,  with  Frank  M.  Chapman,  of  Color  Key  to  North 
American  Birds.     Curator  in  Ornithology,  Worcester  Natural  History  Society. 


1910 
DOUBLEDAY,  PAGE  &  CO.  New  York. 


\?'k. 


•S^ 


Copyrighted  1906. 

Copyrighted,  191p,    CHAS.K.REED, 

Worcester,  Mass. 


PREFACE. 

While  strolling  through  a  piece  of  woodland,  or  perhaps  along  the  marsh 
or  seashore,  we  see  a  bird,  a  strange  bird, — one  we  never  saw  before.  Instantly, 
our  curiosity  is  aroused,  and  the  question  arises,  "What  is  it?"  There  is  the 
bird!  Hq^  can  we  find  out  what  kind  it  is?  The  Ornithologist  of  a  few  years 
ago  had  but  one  course  open  to  him,  that  is  to  shoot  the  bird,  take  it  ho^me,  then 
pore  through  pages  of  descriptions,  until  one  was  found  to  correspond  with  the 
specimen.  Obviously,  such  metheds  cannot  be  pursued  today,  both  humane  and 
economical  reasons  prohibiting.  We  have  but  one  alternative  left  us:  We  must 
make  copious  notes  of  all  the  peculiarities  and  markings  of  the  bird  that  is  be- 
fore us.  On  our  return  home,  we  get  down  our  bird  bodks,  and  there  are  many 
excellent  ones.  After  carefully  looking  through  the  whole  library,  we  find  that. 
although  many  of  our  books  are  welf  illustrated,  none  of  them  have  the  picture 
of  what  we  seek,  so  we  adopt  the  tactics  of  the  "Old-time"  Ornithologist,  before 
mentioned,  and  pore  over  pages  of  text,  until  finally  we  know  what  our  bird 
was.  It  is  for  just  such  emergencies  as  this — to  identify  a  bird  when  you  see 
it,  and  where  you  see  it,  that  this  little  pocket  "Bird  Guide"  is  prepared.  May 
it  be  the  medium  for  saving  many  of  today's  seekers  for  "bird  truths,"  from  the 
many  trials  and  tribulations  willingly  encountered,  and  hard  and  thorny  roads 
gladly  traveled  by  the  author  in  his  quest  for  knowledge  of  bird  ways. 

Worcester,  Mass.  CHESTER  A.  REED. 

1906. 


21 


242h 


INTRODUCTION. 

The  study  of  the  birds  included  in  this  book,  is  much  more  difficult  than  that 
of  the  small  land  birds.  Many  of  the  birds  are  large;  seme  are  very  rare;  all 
are  usually  shy  and  have  keen  eyesight,  trained  to  see  at  a  distance,  in  fact, 
many  of  them  have  to  depend  upon  their  vigilance,  for  their  very  existence. 
Therefore,  you  will  find  that  the  majority  of  these  birds  will  have  to  be  studied 
at  long  range.  Sometimes,  by  exercising  care  and  forethought,  you  may  be 
able  to  approach  within  a  few  feet  of  the  bird  you  seek,  or  induce  him  to  comf* 
to  you.  It  is  this  pitting  your  wits  against  the  cunning  of  the  birds  that  furn- 
ishes one-half  of  the  interest  in  their  sudy.  Remember  that  a  quick  motion  will 
always  cause  a  bird  to  gy.  If  you  seek  a  flock  of  plover  on  the  shore,  or  a  heron 
in  the  marsh,  try  to  sneak  up  behind  cover  if  possible;  if  not,  walk  very  slowly, 
and  with  as  little  motion  as  possible,  directly  towards  them,  by  so  doing  you 
often  will  get  near,  for  a  bird  is  a  poor  judge  of  distance,  while  a  single  step 
sideways,  would  cause  him  to  fly.  Shore  birds  can  usually  best  to  be  observed 
from  a  small  "blind,"  near  the  water's  edge,  where  they  feed.  Your  powers  of 
observation  will  be  increased  about  ten-fold  if  you  are  equipped  with  a  good 
pair  of  field  glasses;  they  are  practically  indispensable  to  the  serious  student 
and  add  greatly  to  the  pleasures  of  anyone.  Any  good  glass,  that  has  a  wide 
field  of  vision  and  magnifies  three  or  four  diameters,  is  suitable;  we  can  recom- 
mend the  ones  described  in  the  back  of  this  book. 

WHAT  TO  MAKE  NOTE  OF.— What  is  the  nature  of  the  locality  where 

6 


seen;  marsh,  shore,  woods,  etc.?  If  in  trees  does  it  sit  upright  or  horizontal? 
If  on' the  ground,  does  it  run  or  walk,  easily  or  with  difficulty?  If  in  the  water, 
can  it  swim  well,  can  it  dive,  does  it  swim  under  water,  can  it  fly  from  the  water 
easily,  or  does  it  have  to  patter  over  the  surface  before  flying?  What  does  it 
seem  to  be  eating?  Does  it  have  any  notes?  Does  it  fly  rapidly;  with  rapid 
wing  beats  or  not;  in  a  straight  line  or  otherwise?  Does  it  sail,  or  soar?  In 
flocks  or  singly?  These  and  hundreds  of  other  questions  that  may  suggest 
themselves,  are  of  great  interest  and  importance. 

A  PLEA  TO  SPORTSMEN.— Many  of  the  birds  shown  in  this  book  are 
Game  Birds,  that  is,  birds  that  the  law  allows  you  to  shoot  at  certain  seasons 
of  the  year.  Some  of  these  are  still  abundant  and  will  be  for  numbers  of  years; 
others  are  very  scarce  and  if  they  are  further  hunted,  will  become  entirely  ex- 
terminated in  two  or  three  years.  Bow-whites  are  very  scarce  in  New  England; 
Prairie  Hens  are  becoming  scarce  in  parts  of  the  west;  the  small  Curlew  is 
practically  extinct,  while  the  larger  ones  are  rapidly  going.  In  behalf  of  all 
bird  lovers,  we  ask  that  you  refrain  from  killing  those  species  that  you  know 
are  rare,  and  use  moderation  in  the  taking  of  all  others.  We  also  ask  that  you 
use  any  influence  that  may  be  yours,  to  further  laws  prohibiting  all  traffic  in 
birds.  The  man  who  makes  his  living  shooting  birds,  will  make  more,  live 
longer  and  die  happier,  tilling  the  soil  than  by  killing  God's  creatures.  We  do 
not,  now,  ask  you  to  refrain  from  hunting  entirely,  but  get  your  sport  at  your 
traps.    It  takes  more  skill  to  break  a  clay  pigeon  than  to  kill  a  quail. 

7 


\-a^^e«C 


TO?OG,RK?H\  0?  k  B\RO 


Characteristics    of    Form    or    Habit,    That    Will    De- 
termine to  What  Order  or  Family  Birds  Belong. 
GREBES;   Colymbid(F: — Form,   duck-like;    bill  point- 
THINGS   TO   REMEMBER. 
ORDER    1.      DIVING    Bl RDS— Pygopodes. 
ed  and  never  flattened;    no  tail ;    legs  at  extreme  end  of 
body;    each    flattened   toe   with   an   individual    web; 
wings    small.     Flies    rapidly,   but   patters   along   the 
water   before   taking     wing.     Expert     divers,    using 
wings  as  well  as  feet,  to  propel  them,  under  water. 

LOONS.  Family  Gaviidop: — Larger  than  Grebes; 
bill,  long,  heavy  and  pointed;  tall  very  short;  feet 
webbed  like  a  duck's,  but  legs 'thin  and  deep;  form 
and  habits,  grebe-like. 

AUKS,  MURRES,  PUFFINS.  Family  Alcidf^^:  — 
Bills  very  variable;  tail  short;  usually  takes  flight 
when  alarmed,  instead  of  diving  as  do  grebes  and 
loons.  With  the  exception  of  puffins,  which  stand  on 
their  feet,  all  birds  of  this  order  sit  upon  tJseir  whole 
leg  and  tail.  They  are  awkward  on  land;  some  can 
hardly  walk. 


OROtR  \. 


Ow.te'rA5«"\ov\o,e&t. 


^Vxc  VySVNn,v.Vxt?Vv  standi 


OF  -HE 
OF 


ORDER     2. 


LONG-WINGED 
pennes. 

JAEGERS.     Family 


SWIMMERS.— Longl- 


SKUAS,  JAEGERS.     Family     Stercorariida:— Ma- 
rine birds  of  prey;    bill  strongly  hooked,  with  long 
scaly  shield,  or  cere,  at  the  base;   claws  strong  and 
^^;,==^-.^    curved,   hawk-like;    flight  hawk-like;    plumage   often 
-,,r^^P\  entirely  sooty-black,  and  always  so  on  the  back. 

GULLS,  TERNS.  Family  Larido-:— Gulls  have 
hooked  bills,  usually  yellowish,  yellow  eyes  and  pale, 
webbed  feet.  Head,  underparts  ana  square  tail  are 
white  in  adults,  back,  pearl-grey;  exceptions  are  the 
four  small  black-headed  gulls,  which  also  have  red- 
dish legs.  Gulls  fly  with  the  bill  straight  in  front, 
and  often  rest  on  the  water.  Terns  have  forked  tails, 
black  caps,  and  their  slender,  pointed  bills  and  small 
?L^Rt\.  webbed  feet  are  usually  red.  They  fly  with  bill 
pointed  down,  and  dive  upon  their  prey. 


<;^SHt^RvvATtv\. 


10 


ORDER  3.     TUBE-NOSED  SWIMMERS.— Tublnares. 

FULMARS,  SHEARWATERS,  PETRELS.  Family 
iProcellariidflp: — Nostrils  opening  in  a  tube  on  top 
of  the  hooked  bill.     Plumage  of  fulmars,  gull-like; 


shearwaters  entirely  sooty  black,  or  white  below; 
petrels  blackish,  with  white  rumps, — very  small 
birds.     All  seabirds. 

ORDER    4.      TOTIPALMATE    SWIMMERS.— Stegan- 
opodes. 

All  four  toes  joined  by  webs. 

TROPIC  BIRDS.  Family  Phaethontidrr:— Bill  and 
form  tern-like;  middle  tail  feathers  very  long. 

GANNETS.  Family  Sulidae:— Bill  heavy  and 
pointed;  face  and  small  throat  pouch,  bare. 

SNAKE-BIRDS.  Family  Anhingidae:— Bill  slender 
and  pointed;  neck  and  tail  very  long,  the  latter 
rounded;    habits  like  those  of  the  following. 

CORMORANTS.  Family  Phalacrocoracidcc:— Bill 
slender,  but  hooked  at  the  tip;  plumage  glossy  black 
and  brown;  eyes  green.  They  use  their  wings,  as 
well  as  feet,  when  pursuing  fish  under  water. 

PELICANS.  Family  Pelecanidse:— Bill  very  long 
and  with  a  large  pouch  suspended  below. 

MAN-O'-WAR  BIRDS.  Family  Fregatid«?:  — 
very  long  and  strongly  hooked;  tail  long  and  forked; 
wholly  maritime,  as  are  all  but  the  preceding  three. 


OROtR  4-. 


11 


ORDtR  S 


12 


ORDER  5.     DUCKS,  GEESE  AND  SWANS.  Anseres. 

Mergansers,  with  slender,  toothed  bills,  with  which 
to  catch  the  fish  they  pursue  under  water. 

Other  ducks  have  rather  broad  bills,  more  or  less 
resembling  those  of  the  domestic  duck.  Their  flight 
is  rapid  and  direct.  River  ducks  have  no  web,  or 
flap,  on  the  hind  toe;  they  get  their  food  without  go- 
ing entirely  under  v/ater,  by  tipping  up.  Sea  ducks 
have  a  broad  flap  on  the  hind  toe. 

ORDER    6.      FLAMINGOES.      Odontoglossae. 

Family     Phoenicopteridff':   —  Large,     long-necked, 
pink  birds  with  a  crooked  box-like  bill,  long  legs  and 
webbed  feet. 
ORDER  7.     HERONS,   IBISES,   ETC.     Herodiones. 

Long-legged,  wading  birds,  with  all  four  toes  long, 
slender  and  without  webs.  Usually  found  about  the 
muddy  edges  of  ponds,  lakes  or  creeks,  and  less 
often  on  the  sea  shore.     Wings  large  and  rounded. 

SPOONBILL.  Family  PlataleidfF: — Bill  long,  thin 
and  much  broadened  at  the  end;   head  bare. 

IBISES.  Family  Ibididfr:— Bill  long,  slender  and 
curved  down.  Ibises  and  Spoonbills  fly  with  the 
neck  fully  extended. 


STORKS.  Family  Ciconiidcp :  — Bill  long,  heavy 
and  curved  near  the  end;  head  and  upper  neck  Dare. 

HERONS,  BITTERNS,  EGRETS.  Family  Ardei- 
dw: — Bill  long,  straight  and  pointed;  head  usually 
crested,  and  back  often  with  plumes.  Herons  fly 
with  a  fold  in  the  neck,  and  the  back  of  the  head 
resting  against  the  shoulders. 

ORDER  8.     MARSH    BIRDS.     Paludicolae. 

Birds  of  this  order,  vary  greatly  in  size  and  ap- 
pearance ,but  all  agree  in  having  the  hind  toe  ele- 
vated, whereas  that  of  the  members  of  the  last  or- 
der, leaves  the  foot  on  a  level  with  the  front  toes; 
neck  extended  in  flight. 

CRANES.  Family  Grudidcp: — Very  large  and 
heron-like,  but  with  plumage  close  feathered;  top  of 
head  bare;  bill  long,  slender  and  obtusely  pointed. 

COURLANS.  Family  Aramidf^:— Size  mid-way 
between  the  cranes  and  rails;  bill  long  and  slender. 

RAILS,  ETC.  Family  Rallidcp:— Bills  are  varia- 
ble, but  toes  and  legs  long;  wings  short;  flight  slow 
and  wavering;  marsh  skulkers,  hiding  in  rushes. 
Gallinules  have  a  frontal  shield  on  the  forehead, 
Coots  have  lobate-webbed  feet;  short,  whitish  bills. 


\B\S. 


13 


^iKCA^iK. 


14 


ORDER    9.      SHORE    BIRDS.      Limlcolse. 

Comparatively  small,  long  legged,  slender-billed 
birds  seen  running  along  edges  of  ponds  or  beaches. 

PHALAROPES.  Phalaropodidcp.— Toes  with  lobed 
webs. 

AVOCETS,  STILTS.  Recurvirostridre:— Avocet 
with  slender  recurved  bill,  and  webbed  feet;  stilt 
with  straight  bill,  very  long  legs,  toes  not  webbed 

SNIPES,  SANDPIPERS,  ETC.  Family  Scolopa 
cid(c: — Bills  very  variable  but  slender,  and  all,  ex 
cept  the  Woodcock,  with  long  pointed  wings;  flight 
usually  swift  and  erratic. 

PLOVERS.  Family  Charadriidcpi— Bill  short  and 
stout*   tliT'f-^p  tops 

TURNSTONES.  Family  Aphrizidcp:— Bill  short, 
stout  and  slightly  up-turned;   ^ur  toes. 

OYSTER-CATCHERS.  Family  H«matopodid(E:  — 
Bill  long,  heavy  and  compressed;  legs  and  toes  stout; 
three  toes  slightly  webbed  at  base. 

JACANAS.  Family  Jacanidcp: — Bill  with  leaf-like 
shield  at  the  base;  legs  and  toes  extremely  long  and 
slender;  sharp  spur  on  wing. 


ORDER    10.     FOWLS     Gallinae. 

Ground  birds  of  robust  form;  bill  hen-like;  wings 
short  and  rounded;   feet  large  and  strong. 

PARTRIDGES,  GROUSE.  Family  Tetraonido?:  — 
Legs  bare  in  the  partridges,  feathered  in  grouse. 

TURKEYS,  PHEASANTS.  Family  Phasianidae:  — 
Legs  often  spurred,  or  head  with  wattles,  etc. 

GUANS.     Family  Cracida?: — Represented     by  the 
Chachalaca  of  Texas. 
ORDER    11.      PIGEONS   AND    DOVES.     Columbse. 

Family  Columbid^F: — Bill  slender,  hard  at  the  tip, 
and  with  the  nostrils  opening  in  a  fleshy  membrane 
at  the  base.     Plumage  soft  grays  and  browns. 

ORDER  12.     BIRDS  OF  PREY.     Raptores. 
VULTURES.  Cathartidcp:— Head  bare;   feet  hen-like. 

HAWKS,  EAGLES.  Falconidcp :  — Bill  and  claws 
strongly  hooked;  nostrils  in  a  cere  at  base  of  bill. 

BARN  OWLS.  Aluconidae: — Black  eyes  in  trian- 
gular facial  disc;  middle  toe-nail  serrated. 

HORNED  OWLS,  ETC.  Bubonldce:— Facial  disc 
round;    some  species  with  ears,  others  without. 


ORDtR\0. 


OROtR  \2. 


HOWNtO  OVWU 


15 


BIRD    GUIDE 


PART    I 


Water  Birds,  Game  Birds  and  Birds  of  Prey 

Part  2  contains  Land  and  Song  Birds,  the  two  books 
giving    every    bird   east  of    the   Rocky    Mountains 


DIVING   BIRDS— Order  Pygopodes 
GREBES— Family  Colymbidae 
WESTERN    GREBE 

1.  JEchmophorus  occidentalis.     25  to  29  inches. 

All  grebes  have  lobate-webbed  feet,  that  is  each  toe 
has  its  individual  web,  being  joined  to  its  fellow  only 
for   a   short  distance   at  the  base. 

This,  the  largest  of  our  grebes,  is  frequently  known 
as  the  "Swan  Grebe"  because  of  its  extremely  long,  thin 
neck.  In  summer  the  back  of  the  neck  is  black,  but 
in  winter  it  is  gray  like  the  back. 

Notes. — Loud,   quavering   and   cackling. 

Nest. — A  floating  mass  of  decayed  rushes,  sometimes 
attached  to  upright  stalks.  The  2  to  5  eggs  are  pale, 
bluish  white,  usually  stained  (2.40  x  1.55).  They 
breed  in  colonies. 

Range.— Western  North  America,  from  the  Dakotas 
and  Manitoba  to  the  Pacific,  and  north  to  southern 
Alaska.  Winters  in  the  Pacific  coast  states  and 
Mexico. 


17 


18 


HOLBCELL    GREBE 

2.  Colymhus  holhoelli.     19  inches. 

This  is  next  to  the  Western  Grete  in  size,  both  being 
much  larger  than  any  of  our  others.  In  summer,  they 
are  very  handsomely  marked  with  a  reddish  brown  neck, 
silvery  white  cheeks  and  throat,  and  black  crown  and 
crest,  but  in  winter  they  take  on  the  usual  grebe  dress 
of  grayish  above  and  glossy  white  below.  Because  of 
their  silky  appearance  and  firm  texture,  grebe  breasts 
of  all  kinds  have  been  extensively  used  in  the  past  to 
adorn  hats  of  women,  who  were  either  heedless  or  igno- 
rant of  the  wholesale  slaughter  that  was  carried  on 
that  they  might  obtain  them. 

Nest. — Of  decayed  rushes  like  that  of  the  last.  Not 
in  as  large  colonies;  more  often  single  pairs  will  be 
found  nesting  with  other  varieties.  Their  eggs  average 
smaller  than  those  of  the  last  species   (2.35x1.25). 

Range. — North  America,  breeding  most  abundantly  in 
the  interior  of  Canada,  and  to  some  extent  in  the  Da- 
kotas.     Winters  in  the  U.  S.,  chiefly  on  the  coasts. 


HORNED    GREBE 

3.  Colymhus  auritus.     14  inches. 

As  is  usual  with  grebes,  summer  brings  a  remark- 
able change  in  the  dress  of  these  birds.  The  black,  puffy 
head  is  adorned  with  a  pair  of  buffy  white  ear  tufts 
and  the  foreneck  is  a  rich  chestnut  color.  In  winter, 
they  are  plain  gray  and  white  but  the  secondaries  are 
always  largely  white,  as  they  are  in  the  two  preceding 
and  the  following  species.  The  grebe  diet  consists  al- 
most wholly  of  small  fish,  which  they  are  very  expert 
at  pursuing  and  catching  under  water.  One  that  1  kept 
in  captivity  in  a  large  tank,  for  a  few  weeks,  would 
never  miss  catching  the  shiners,  upon  which  he  was  fed, 
at  the  first  lightning-like  dart  of  his  slender  neck.  They 
also  eat  quantities  of  shell  fish,  and  I  doubt  if  they  will 
refuse  any  kind  of  flesh,  for  they  always  have  a  keen 
appetite. 

Nest. — A  slovenly  built  pile  of  vegetation  floating  in 
the  "  sloughs  "  of  western  prairies.  The  3  to  7  eggs  are 
usually  stained  brownish  yellow  (1.70x  1.15). 

Range. — Breeds  from  Northern  Illinois  and  So.  Dakota 
northward;  winters  from  northern  U.  S.  to  the  Gulf  of 
Mexico. 


Ifl 


AMERICAN    EARED    GREBE 

4.  Colymbus   nigricoUis  californicus.     13  inches. 

This  is  a  western  species  rarely  found  east  of  the 
Mississippi.  In  summer,  it  differs  from  the  last  in  hav- 
iiii,^  the  entire  neck  black;  in  winter  it  can  always  be 
distinguished  from  the  Horned  Grebe  by  its  slightly 
ipeurved   bill,   while  the  upper  mandible  of  the  last  is 

>iivex.  In  powers  of  swimming  and  diving,  grebes  are 
lint  surpassed  by  any  of  our  water  birds.  They  dive 
a  I  the  Hash  of  a  gun  and  swim  long  distances  before 
coming  to  the  surface;  on  this  account  they  are  often 
called  "  devil  divers."  They  fly  swiftly  when  once  a-wing, 
but  their  concave  wings  are  so  small  that  they  have  to 
patter  over  the  water  with  their  feet  in  order  to  rise. 

Nest. — They  nest  in  colonies,  often  in  the  same  sloughs 
with  Horned  and  Western  Grebes,  laying  their  eggs 
early  in  June.  The  4  to  7  eggs  are  dull  white,  usually 
stained  brownish,  and  cannot  be  separated  from  those 
of  the  last. 

Range. — Western  X.  A.,  breeding  from  Texas  to  Mani- 
toba and  British  Columbia;  winters  in  western  U.  S. 
and  Mexico. 


LEAST    OR   ST.    DOMINGO    GREBE 

5.  Colymhus  dominicus  hrachypterus.     10  inches. 

This  is  much  smaller  than  any  others  of  our  grebes; 
in  breeding  plumage  it  most  nearly  resembles  the  fol- 
lowing species,  but  the  bill  is  black  and  sharply  pointed. 
It  has  a  black  patch  on  the  throat,  and  the  crown  and 
back  of  the  head  are  glossy  blue  black;  in  winter,  the 
throat  and  sides  of  the  head  are  white. 

Nest. — Not  different  from  those  of  the  other  grebes. 
Only  comparatively  few  of  them  breed  in  the  U.  S.  but 
they  are  common  in  Mexico  and  Central  America.  Their 
eggs,  when  first  laid,  are  a  pale,  chalky,  greenish  white, 
but  they  soon  become  discolored  and  stained  so  that  they 
are  a  deep  brownish,  more  so  than  any  of  the  others; 
from  3  to  6  eggs  is  a  full  complement   ( 1.40  x. 95). 

Range. — Found  in  the  United  States,  only  in  the 
Lower  Rio  Grande  Valley  in  Southern  Texas,  and  south- 
wards to  northern  South  America. 


22 


PIED-BILLED    GREBE 

6.  Podilymhus  podiceps.     13.5   inches. 

In  any  plumage  this  species  cannot  be  mistaken  for 
others,  because  of  its  stout  compressed  bill  and  brown 
iris;  all  the  others  have  red  eyes.  In  summer  the  bill 
is  whitish  with  a  black  band  encircling  it;  the  throat 
is  black;  the  eye  encircled  by  a  whitish  ring;  the  breast 
and  sides  are  brownish-gray.  In  winter  they  are  brown- 
ish-black above  and  dull  white  below,  with  the  breast 
and  sides  washed  with  brown.  Young  birds  have  more 
or  less  distinct  whitish  stripes  on  the  head. 

Notes. — A  loud,  ringing  "  kow-kow-kow-kow  ( repeated 
many  times  and  ending  in)   kow-uh,  kow-uh." 

Nest. — Of  decayed  rushes  floating  in  reed-grown  ponds 
or  edges  of  lakes.  The  pile  is  slightly  hollowed  and,  in 
this,  the  5  to  8  eggs  are  laid;  the  bottom  of  the  nest  is 
always  wet  and  the  eggs  are  often  partly  in  the  water; 
they  are  usually  covered  with  a  wet  mass  when  the  bird 
is  away.     Brownish-white    (1.70x1.15). 

Range. — Whole  of  N.  A.,  breeding  locally  and  usually 
in  pairs  or  small  colonies. 


LOONS— Family  Gavidae 
LOON;    GREAT   NORTHERN   DIVER 

7.  Gavia  immer.     31  to  35  inches. 

In  form,  loons  resemble  large  grebes,  but  their  feet 
are  full  webbed  like  those  of  a  duck;  they  have  short, 
stiff  tails  and  long,  heavy,  pointed  bills.  They  have  no 
tufts  or  ruffs  in  breeding  season,  but  their  plumage 
changes  greatly.  The  common  loon  is  very  beautifully 
and  strikingly  marked  with  black  and  white  above,  and 
white  below;  the  head  is  black,  with  a  crescent  across 
the  throat  and  a  ring  around  the  neck.  In  winter,  they 
are  plain  gray  above  and  white  below. 

Loons  are  fully  as  expert  in  diving  and  swimming  as 
are  the  grebes.     They  are  usually  found  in  larger,  moi 
open  bodies  of  water. 

Notes. — A  loud,  quavering,  drawn-out  "  wah-hoo-o-o." 

Nest. — Sometimes  built  of  sticks,  and  sometimes  sim- 
ply a  hollow  in  the  sand  or  bank  under  overhanging: 
bushes,  usually  on  an  island.  The  2  eggs  are  brownish 
with  a  few  black  specks   ( 3.50  x  2.25 ) . 

Range. — N.  A.,  breeding  from  northern  U.  S.  nortli- 
vvards;  winters  from  northern  U.  S.  southwards. 


23 


BLACK-THROATED    LOON 

9.  Gavia  arctica.    28  inches. 

This  loon  lives  in  the  Arctic  regions  and  only  rarely 
is  found,  in  winter,  in  Northern  United  States.  In  sum- 
mer, it  can  readily  be  distinguished  from  the  common 
loon  by  the  gray  crown  and  hind-neck,  as  well  as  by 
different  arrangement  of  the  black  and  white  markings. 
In  winter,  they  are  quite  similar  to  the  last  species  but 
can  be  recognized  by  their  smaller  size,  and  can  be  dis- 
tinguished from  the  winter  plumaged  Red-throated  Loon 
by  the  absence  of  any  white  markings  on  the  back. 
Like  the  grebes,  loons  have  to  run  over  the  surface  of 
tlie  water  in  order  to  take  flight,  and  they  are  prac- 
tically helpless  when  on  land.  Their  flight  is  very  rapid, 
in  a  straight  line,  and  their  neck  is  carried  at  full 
longth  in  front.  This  species  has  red  eyes,  as  do  all 
I  lie  other  loons. 

Nest. — The  same  as  the  last  species,  but  the  two  eggs 
have  more  of  an  olive  tint  and  are  smaller  (3.10x2.00). 

Range. — Arctic  America,  wintering  in  Canada  and  oc- 
easionallv  in  Northern  United  States. 


RED -THROATED    LOON 

11.  Gavia  stellata.     25  inches. 

Besides  being  smaller  than  the  common  loon,  this 
species  has  a  more  slender  bill,  which  has  a  slightly 
up-turned  appearance  owing  to  the  straight  top  to  the 
upper  mandible;  in  summer,  its  back  and  head  are  gray, 
with  no  white  spots,  although  the  back  of  the  head  has 
a  few  white  streaks;  there  is  a  large  patch  of  chestnut 
on  the  fore-neck;  the  under  parts  are  white.  In  winter, 
it  is  gray  above  and  white  below,  but  the  back  is  spriii 
kled  with  small  white  spots;  at  this  season  it  can  easil\ 
be  distinguished  from  Holboell  Grebe  by  the  absence  of 
any  white  patch  in  the  wings  as  well  as  by  the  differ 
ently  shaped  feet. 

Nest. — A  depression  in  the  sand  or  ground,  not  more 
than  a  foot  or  two  from  the  water's  edge,  so  they  can 
slide  from  their  two  eggs  into  their  natural  element. 
The  eggs,  which  are  laid  in  June,  are  olive-brown, 
specked  with  black    (2.90x1.75). 

Range. — Breeds  from  New  Brunswick  and  Manitoba 
north  to  the  Arctic  Ocean;  winters  throughout  the 
United  States. 


AUKS,   MURRES   and   PUFFINS— Family   Alcidae 

PUFFIN;    SEA    PARROT 

13.  Fratercula   arctica.     13   inches. 

Puffins  are  grotesque  birds,  with  short  legs,  stout 
bodies  and  very  large,  thin  bills,  that  of  the  common 
Puffin  being  2  in.  in  length  and  about  the  same  in 
height;  the  bill  is  highly  colored  with  red  and  yellow, 
and  the  feet  are  red;  eyes,  white.  It  will  be  noticed 
that  the  blackish  band  across  the  throat  does  not  touch 
the  chin,  this  distinguishing  it  from  the  Horned  Puffin 
of  the  Pacific  coast.  Adults  in  winter  shed  the  greater 
portion  of  their  bill,  lose  the  little  horns  that  project 
over  the  eye,  and  the  face  is  blackish;  they  then  re- 
semble young  birds.  They  live  on  rocky  shores,  the 
more  precipitous  the  better.  They  stand  erect  upon 
their  feet  and  walk  with  ease. 

Notes. — A  low  croak. 

Nest. — They  breed  in  large  colonies  on  rocky  cliffs, 
laying  their  single  white  eggs    (2.50x1.75)    in  crevices. 

Range. — Breeds  from  Matinicus  Rock,  Me.,  northward; 
winters  south  casually  to  Cape  Cod.  Large-billed  Puffin 
(F.  a.  naumanni )   is  found  in  the  Arctic  Ocean. 


BLACK    GUILLEMOT;    SEA    PIGEON 

27.  Cepphus  grylle.     13  inches. 

These  birds  are  very  abundant  about  the  rocky  islands 
from  Maine  northward.  They  may  be  seen  sitting  in 
rows  on  the  edges  of  the  rocks,  or  pattering  along  the 
water  as  they  rise  in  flight,  from  its  surface,  at  a  boat's 
approach.  In  summer  the  plumag3  is  entirely  black, 
except  the  large  white  patches  on  the  wings ;  legs  red : 
eyes  brown.  This  species  has  the  bases  of  the  greater 
coverts  black,  while  they  are  white  in  Mandt  Guillemot 
(C.  mandtii — No.  28),  which  is  found  from  Labrador 
northward.  In  winter,  these  birds  are  mottled  gray  and 
wliite  above,  and  white  below,  but  the  patches  still  show. 

Notes. — A  shrill,  piercing,  squealing  whistle. 

Nest. — Guillemots  lay  two  eggs  upon  the  bare  rock  n 
gravel  in  crevices  or  under  piles  of  boulders  where  th(\ 
are  difficult  to  get  at.  They  are  grayish  or  greenish 
white,  beautifully  and  heavily  blotched  with  black  an 
brownish    (2.40x1.60). 

Range. — Breeds  on  coasts  of  North  Atlantic  from 
Maine  north\vard;   winters  south  to  Long  Island. 


MURRE 
30.  Uria  troille.     16  inches. 

In  summer  the  throat  is  brownish  black,  but  in  win- 
ter the  throat  and  sides  of  head  are  white;  feet  blackish 
bill,  long  and  stout,  1.7  in.  long,  while  that  of  Brunnich 
Murre  (Uria  lomvia — No.  31),  is  shorter  (1.25  in.)  and 
more  swollen.  The  ranges  and  habits  of  the  two  species 
are  the  same.  Murres  are  very  gregarious,  nesting  in 
large  colonies  on  northern  cliffs.  In  summer  every  ledge 
available  at  their  nesting  resort  is  lined  with  these 
birds,  sitting  upright  on  their  single  eggs. 

Notes. — A  hoarse  imitation  of  their  name  "  murre." 

Nest. — Their  single  eggs  are  laid  upon  the  bare  ledges 
of  cliffs.  They  are  pear-shaped  to  prevent  their  rolling 
off  when  the  bird  leaves;  greenish,  gray  or  white  in 
color,  handsomely  blotched  or  lined  with  blackish  (3.40 
x2.00).  Their  eggs  present  a  greater  diversity  of  color- 
ation and  marking  than  those  of  any  other  bird. 


Range. — Breeds    from    the    Magdalen    Is. 
winters  south  to  Loner  Island. 


northward  i 


RAZOR-BILLED    AUK 

32.  Alca  torda.     16.5   inches. 

Similar  in  size  and  form  to  the  murre,  but  with  a 
short,  deep,  thin  bhick  bill,  crossed  by  a  white  line.  In 
summer,  with  a  white  line  from  the  eye  to  top  of  bill, 
and  with  a  brownish  black  throat;  in  winter,  without 
the  white  line  and  with  the  throat  and  sides  of  head 
white.  They  nest  and  live  in  large  colonies,  usually  in 
company  with  Murres.  Their  food,  like  that  of  tlic 
murres,  puffins  and  guillemots  is  of  fish  and  shell  fish. 
or  marine  worms.  They  get  these  from  the  rockweed 
along  the  shores  or  by  diving;  they  are  good  swimmers, 
using  both  their  feet  and  wings  to  propel  them  through 
the  water,  the  same  as  do  the  grebes  and  loons. 

Notes. — A  hoarse  grunt  or  groan   (Chapman). 

Nest. — Their  single  eggs  are  laid  on  ledges  of  clifi- 
they  are  not  nearly   as   pointed  at  the  smaller   end,   y- 
murre    eggs,    and    are    alwavs    gravisli    white    in    colo;. 
marked  with  blackish  blotches   (3.1x2.00). 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Magdalen  Islands  north- 
ward;  winters  south  to  Long  Island. 


29 


GREAT    AUK 

33.  Plautus  impennis.     29  inches. 

This  largest  of  the  auks  lived,  as  far  as  we  have 
authentic  record,  until  1844,  when  it  became  extinct, 
largely  through  the  agency  of  man.  Although  nearly 
twice  as  long  a  bird  as  the  Razor-billed  Auk,  their  wings 
were  shorter  than  those  of  that  bird,  being  only  a  trifle 
longer  than  those  of  the  little  Dovekie;  tliey  were  flight- 
less, but  the  wings  were  used  to  good  advantage  in  swim- 
ming. Being  in  the  direct  line  of  travel  between  the 
old  world  and  the  new,  sailors,  on  passing  vessels,  killed 
countless  numbers  of  them  for  food,  and  in  some  cases 
merely  for  the  love  of  slaughter.  They  lived  on  coasts 
and  islands  of  the  Atlantic  from  Mass.,  northwards. 
There  are  about  seventy  mounted  birds  preserved,  of 
which  five  or  six,  as  well  as  some  skeletons,  are  in  this 
country. 

Their  eggs  resemble  those  of  the  Razor-bill  but,  of 
course,  are  much  larger  (5.00x3.00).  About  70  of 
these  are  in  existence,  six  being  in  this  country  (Wash- 
ington, Phila.,  and  four  recently  purchased  by  John  E. 
Thayer,  of  Lancaster,  Mass. ) . 


DOVEKIE;    SEA   DOVE 

34.  Alle  alle.     8  inches. 


These  little  auks,  called 
are  very  abundant  in  the 


"  ice  birds  "  by  the  fishermen, 
far  north.  In  summer,  they 
have  a  blackish  brown  throat  and  breast,  but  they  are 
never  seen  in  the  United  States  or  southern  parts  of 
the  British  possessions  in  that  plumage.  In  wintoi . 
their  throats  and  sides  of  the  head  are  white,  as  wc 
as  the  rest  of  their  upper  parts.  At  all  seasons  the 
edges  of  the  scapulars  and  tips  of  the  secondaries  arc 
white,  as  are  usually  spots  on  each  eyelid.  Lven  in 
winter,  they  are  only  casually  found  on  our  coast,  for 
they  keep  well  out  at  sea.  Occasionally  they  are  blown 
inland  by  storms  and  found  with  their  feet  frozen  fast 
in  the  ice  of  some  of  our  ponds  or  lakes. 

Nest. — They  lay  single  pale  greenish  blue  eggs,  plac- 
ing them  in  crevices  of  sea  cliffs;   size  1.80x1.25. 

Range. — Breeds  on  islands  in  the  Arctic  Ocean  and 
on  the  coasts  of  Northern  Greenland;  winters  south  to 
Long  Island  and  casually  farther. 


LONG- WINGED    SWIMMERS— Order    Longipennes 

SKUAS     AND    JMGEHS— Family   Stercorariidw 

SKUA 

35.  Megalestris  skua.     22   inches. 

These  large  birds  are  the  most  powerful  and  audacious 
pirates  among  the  sea  fowl  of  northern  waters.  Their 
whole  form  is  indicative  of  strength;  form  robust,  feet 
strong,  and  bill  large,  powerful  and  hooked.  Their 
plumage  is  of  a  nearly  uniform  blackish-brown,  with 
white  shafts  to  the  wing  feathers  and  a  white  patch 
at  the  base  of  the  primaries. 

Nest. — They  do  not  nest  in  large  colonies,  only  a  sin- 
gle or  a  few  pairs  breeding  in  the  same  locality.  Their 
nests  are  hollows  in  the  ground,  a  short  distance  back 
from  the  rocky  shores.  The  two  eggs  that  they  lay  are 
olive  brown,  spotted  with  blackish    (2.75x1.90). 

Range. — North  Atlantic  coasts,  chiefly  on  the  Old 
World  side,  breeding  from  the  Shetland  Islands  and 
possibly  Greenland,  northwards.  They  are  only  rarely 
found  on  our  coasts  even  in  winter,  but  have  been  taken 
as  far  south  as  New  York. 


POMARINE    JAEGER 

36.  Stercorarius   pomarinus.     21    inches. 

Jaegers  are  more  slender  in  form  than  the  Skuas,  but 
like  them  are  piratical  in  their  habits,  preying  chiefly 
upon  terns.  Off  Chatham,  Mass.,  I  have  often  watched 
tliem  in  pursuit  of  the  graceful  terns,  but,  excellent 
fliers  as  the  latter  birds  are,  they  were  always  over- 
taken and  forced  to  drop  the  fish  that  they  carried,  and 
the  jaeger  would  rarely  miss  catching  it  as  it  fell.  This 
species  has  two  color  phases  independent  of  sex  or  age. 
In  the  light  plumage  the  top  of  the  head  is  black;  rest 
of  the  upper  parts  and  the  under  tail  coverts  brownish 
black;  underparts  and  bases  of  primaries,  white.  Dark 
phase, — Entirely  blackish  brown  except  the  white  shafts 
to  wing  feathers  and  bases  of  primaries.  In  any  plu- 
mage they  can  be  distinguished  from  the  other  species 
by  the  rounded,  lengthened  central  tail  feathers. 

Nest. — A  hollow  in  the  ground  in  marshy  places.  Th( 
two  eggs  are  olive  brown  spotted  with  black. 

Range. — Northern  hemisphere,  breeding  north  of  the 
Arctic  Circle;  winter  from  Mass.  southward. 
3 


PARASITIC    JAEGER 

37.  Stercorarius  parasiticus.     17  in. 

Two  phases  of  color,  both  similar  to  those  of  the  last, 
but  the  central  pair  of  tail  feathers  are  pointed  and 
j)r()ject  about  4  in.  beyond  the  others;  bill  1.4  in.  long, 
\\  ith  the  nostril  nearest  the  end.  All  jaegers  have  gray- 
ish blue  legs  with  black  feet,  and  brown  eyes.  They 
are  called  "  Jiddy  hawks  "  by  fishermen,  who  often  feed 
them  fish  liver.  Their  flight  is  like  that  of  a  hawk. 
The  nesting  habits  and  range  are  the  same  as  the  next. 

LONG-TAILED   JAEGER 

38.  Stercorarius  longicaudus.     21  in. 

Like  the  last  species,  but  with  the  pointed  central  tail 
feathers  projecting  8  or  10  in.  and  with  a  shorter  bill 
(1.15  in.)  and  the  nostril  about  midway  of  its  length. 
It  is  less  often  found  in  the  dark  phase. 

Notes. — Shrill  wailing  whistles. 

Nest. — Nest  and  eggs  like  those  of  the  Pomarine 
Jaeger. 

Range. — Arctic  regions,  wintering  south  to  Florida. 


GULLS    AND    TERNS— Family  Laridae 
IVORY    GULL 

39.  Pagophila  alha.     17   in. 

Entirely  pure  white  with  the  shafts  of  the  primaries 
yellowish;  bill  dark  at  base  and  yellow  at  tip;  eyes 
brown,  surrounded  by  a  narrow  red  ring;  feet  black. 
Young  birds  are  spotted  with  brown  on  the  head,  tips 
of  wing  and  tail.  This  beautiful  "  Snow  Gull,"  as  it  is 
called  by  whalers,  is  abundant  at  its  breeding  ground 
in  the  Arctic  regions,  but  is  rarely  seen  as  far  south 
as  the  United  States.  It  breeds  the  farthest  north  of 
any  of  the  gulls  except  Ross  Gull. 

Nest. — Of  grasses  and  seaweed,  usually  on  ledges  of 
cliffs,  but  occasionally  on  the  ground  farther  inland. 
The  three  eggs,  laid  in  June,  are  grayish-buff,  marked 
with  brown  and  black   (2.30x1.70). 

Range. — Breeds  only  north  of  the  Arctic  Circle,  and 
winters  south  to  New  Brunswick  and  British  Columbia; 
casually  to  Long  Island  and  the  Great  Lakes. 


36 


KITTIWAKE 

40.  Rissa   tridactyla.     16   in. 

In  summer,  with  plumage  white,  except  the  gray  back 
and  wings,  and  solid  black  tips  to  the  primaries;  in 
winter,  the  sides  and  back  of  the  head  are  washed  with 
the  color  of  the  back;  young  birds  are  like  winter  adults 
but  have  a  dusky  spot  back  of  the  eye;  feet  blackish, 
bill  yellow  in  adults  and  black  in  young  birds.  Kitti- 
wakes  are  very  abundant  in  their  northern  breeding 
ground,  and  are  common  off  the  New  England  coast  in 
winter.  They  usually  keep  well  out  at  sea,  often  hov- 
ering around  fishing  boats  to  pick  up  refuse  that  is 
thrown  overboard.  They  can  easily  be  identified  by 
their  small  size,  the  distinct  black  tip  to  the  wings  and 
their  black  feet. 

Notes. — "  Keet-a-wake,  keet-a-wake." 

Nest. — A  pile  of  small  sticks,  grass  and  weeds,  placed 
on  ledges  of  sea  cliffs.  The  3  or  4  eggs  are  olive  gray, 
with  black  markings   (2.20x1.70). 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence  north 
to  the  Arctic  Circle;  winters  south  to  Long  Island  and 
casuallv  farther. 


GLAUCUS    GULL 

42.  Larus  hyperboreus.     28  in. 

Plumage  white  with  a  pearl  gray  mantle;  no  black 
in  the  plumage,  the  primaries  being  white  or  grayish; 
bill  and  eye  yellow,  the  former  with  a  red  spot  at  the 
end  of  the  lower  mandible;  feet  flesh  color.  In  winter, 
the  head  is  slightly  streaked  with  brownish.  Young 
birds  are  mottled  grayish  brown  and  white,  of  varying 
shades,  but  always  lighter  than  the  young  of  the  Her- 
ring Gull.  Some  specimens  are  very  beautiful,  being 
entirely  white,  with  a  few  spots  of  brownish  on  the 
back,  resjembling  the  markings  of  a  light-colored  Snowy 
Owl.  This  species  is  one  of  the  largest  and  most  power- 
ful of  the  gull  family,  only  surpassed  by  the  Great 
Black-backed  Gull. 

Nest. — Usually  a  bulky  structure  cf  grasses,  seaweed 
and  moss  placed  on  the  ground ;  the  two  or  three  eggs  are 
brownish  gray  with  brown  and  black  spots  (3.x  2.20). 

Range. — Breeds  from  Labrador  and  Hudson  Bay 
northward:  winters  south  to  New  England,  the  Great 
Lakes  and  Calif. 


ICELAND    GULL 
43.  Larus  leucopterus.     25   in. 

Plumage  exactly  like  that  of  the  Glaueus  Gull  but 
the  birds  are  smaller  and  are  found  farther  north. 

Range. — Breeds  in  Greenland  and  winters  south  to 
Northern  New  England  and  the  Great  Lakes. 

KUMLIEN    GULL 

45.  Larus  kinnlieni.     27   in. 

Plumage    very    similar    to    that    of    the    Iceland    and 

Glaueus    Gulls,    but    with    the    primaries    conspicuously 

_   gray,  with  white  tips.     As  usual  with  the  gull  family, 

"4   this    species    feeds    largely,    during    the    nesting    season 

upon  eggs  and  young,  of  other  sea  birds.     They  seem  to 

I   have  a  special  liking  for  Cormorant  eggs,  and  these  un- 

I  gainly  creatures  have  to  sit  on  their  nests  very  closely 

I  to  prevent  being  robbed. 

Range. — Breeds  about  the  mouth  of  Hudson  Bay; 
winters  south  to  Long  Island. 


GREAT   BLACK-BACKED    GULL 

47.  Larus  marinus.     29   in. 

Largest  and  most  powerful  of  our  gulls.  Adults  in 
summer  have  the  head,  tail  and  underparts  white,  back 
slaty  black,  eyes  and  bill  yellow,  with  a  red  spot  near 
the  tip  of  the  lower  mandible;  feet  flesh  color;  primaries 
tipped  with  white.  In  winter,  the  head  is  streaked  with 
dusky.  Young  birds  are  mottled  with  dusky  brown 
above,  and  streaked  with  the  same  below.  These  birds 
are  very  rapacious,  and  besides  feeding  upon  refuse,  fish 
and  shellfish,  devour,  during  the  summer  season,  a  great 
many  eggs  and  young  of  other  sea  birds;  this  habit  is 
common  to  nearly  all  the  larger  gulls. 

Notes. — A  laughing  "  ha-ha  "  and  a  harsh  "  keouw." 

Nest. — Either  hollows  on  the  ground  or  masses  of 
weeds  and  drift,  hollowed  out  to  receive  the  three 
grayish  brown  eggs,  spotted  with  blackish  and  lilac. 
(3.X2.15). 

Range. — These  gulls  breed  from  Newfoundland  nortli 
ward,  being  most  abundant  on  the  Labrador  coast.  In 
winter  they  are  found  as  far  south  as  the  Carolinas. 
usually  in  company  with  Herrings  Gulls. 


39 


HERRING   GULL 

51.  Larus  argentatus.     24  in. 

Adults  in  summer,  white,  with  gray  mantle,  and  black 
primaries  tipped  with  white.  In  winter,  the  head  and 
neck  are  streaked  below  with  grayish  brown.  Bills  of 
adults,  yellow  with  red  spot  on  lower  mandible;  eye 
yellow;  feet  flesh  color;  bill  of  young,  flesh  color  with 
a  blackish  tip.  These  are  the  most  abundant  of  the 
larger  gulls  and  the  best  known  because  of  their  south- 
erly distribution.  Several  of  the  smaller  Maine  islands 
have  colonies  of  thousands  of  birds  each,  and  in  winter 
great  numbers  of  them  are  seen  in  all  the  harbors  along 
our  seacoast.  Young  gulls  are  born  covered  with  down, 
and  can  run  swiftly  and  swim  well. 

Notes. — "  Cack-cack-cack  "  and  very  noisy  squawkings 
when  disturbed  at  their  breeding  grounds. 

Nest. — A  hollow  in  the  ground,  or  a  heap  of  weeds 
and  trash.  The  three  eggs  are  olive-gray,  spotted  with 
black   (2.8x1.7). 

Range. — Breeds  from  Maine,  the  Great  Lakes  and  Da- 
kotas  northward;  winters  south  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. 


RING-BILLED    GULL 

54.  Larus  delawarensis.     18  in. 

Adults  in  summer. — White  with  pearl  gray  mantle; 
ends  of  outer  primaries  black  with  white  tips;  eye  yel- 
low; feet  and  bill  greenish-yellow,  the  latter  crossed  by 
a  black  band  near  the  tip.  In  winter,  the  head  and 
neck  are  streaked  with  grayish.  Young  birds  are  mot- 
tled brownish-gray  above,  and  the  tail  has  a  band  of 
blackish  near  the  end. 

The  adults  can  be  distinguished  from  the  Kittiwakes, 
which  most  closely  resemble  them,  by  the  yellowish  feot 
and  white  tips  to  the  black  primaries. 

Nest. — In  hollows  in  the  ground,  usually  in  gras-. 
The  two  or  three  eggs  are  gray  or  brownish  gray, 
strongly  marked  with  black  (2.80x1.75).  They  breed 
in  large  colonies,  often  in  company  with  other  gulls 
and  terns. 

Range. — Whole  or  North  America,  breeding  from  New 
Foundland,  Dakota  and  British  Columbia  northwards, 
most  abundantly  in  the  interior;  winters  from  Northern 
United  States  southward. 


Ik. 


42 


LAUGHING    GULL 
58.  Larus   atricilla.     16   in. 

Largest  of  the  black-headed  gulls.  Bill  and  feet  car- 
mine-red; primaries  wholly  black  or  only  with  slight 
white  tips;  eye  brown;  in  breeding  season,  with  the 
underparts  tinged  with  pinkish.  In  winter,  without  the 
black  hood,  the  head  being  tinged  with  grayish,  and  the 
bill  and  feet  dusky.  Young  birds  are  like  winter  adults 
with  the  back  more  or  less  mixed  with  brownish  and 
the  tail  crossed  by  a  black  band.  The  most  southerly 
distributed  of  our  eastern  gulls,  its  northern  breeding 
place  being  on  the  southern  shore  of  Mass. 

Notes. — Strange  cackling  laughter;  hence  their  name. 

Nest. — Heaps  of  rubbish  and  weeds  on  the  ground  in 
wet  marshes.  The  3  to  5  eggs  are  gray  or  olive-gray 
with  black  spots    (2.25x1.60). 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  north  to 
Mass.,  and  in  the  interior  to  Ohio,  but  most  abundantly 
on  the  South  Atlantic  coast.  Winters  from  the  Caro- 
linas  to  Northern  South  America. 


FRANKLIN    GULL 
59.  Larus  franklini.     15  in. 

Adult  in  summer. — Hood  dark;  mantle  lighter  than 
the  last  species;  primaries  gray  with  black  ends  broadly 
tipped  with  white;  underparts  rosy;  bill  and  feet  red, 
the  former  dark  toward  the  tip,  and  more  slender  than 
that  of  the  Laughing  Gull.  In  winter,  the  plumage 
changes  the  same  as  that  of  the  last  but  the  color  of  the 
primaries  and  the  shape  of  the  bill  will  always  indentify 
this  species.  These  gulls  are  strictly  birds  of  the  intc 
rior,  nesting  on  low  marshy  islands  in  ponds  or  sloughs, 
often  in  company  with  grebes,  upon  whose  eggs  they 
subsist  to  a  great  extent. 

Notes. — Similar  to  those  of  the  last  species. 

Nest. — A  mass  of  weeds,  etc.,  on  the  ground  in 
marshes,  often  partly  floating  in  the  water.  The  eggs 
are  similar  to  those  of  the  Laughing  Gull  but  the  mark- 
ings are  usually  in  the  form  of  zigzag  lines  as  well  a> 
spots    (2.25x1.60). 

Range. — Interior  of  North  America,  breeding  from 
Iowa  and  the  Dakotas  north  to  Middle  Canada;  winters 
from  the  Gulf  States  southward. 


4.3 


BONAPARTE  GULL 

GO.  Larus  pJiiladelphia.     14  in. 

Adult  in  summer. — Hood  lighter  gray  and  not  as 
extensive  as  in  the  last  two  species;  bill  slender  and 
black:  feet  coral  red;  primaries  white  with  black  tips 
and  outer  web  of  first  one;  mantle  paler  than  either  of 
the  last.  In  winter,  the  head  is  white  with  gray  spots 
l»ack  of  the  eyes.  Young  birds  have  the  back  mixed 
M'ith  brownish  and  the  tail  with  a  band  of  black  near 
the  tip,  but  the  bill  and  primaries  always  separate  this 
species  in  any  plumage  from  the  other  black-headed 
gulls.  Thes  little  gulls  are  one  of  the  most  beautiful 
and  graceful  of  tlie  family,  but  they  are  rarely  found 
in  the  U.  S.  with  the  dark  hood. 

Nest. — Of  weeds  and  grass  on  the  ground,  but  not  in 
tlie  watery  situations  chosen  by  the  preceding  species. 
The  three  eggs  are  olive-brown,  marked  with  blackish 
(l.OOx  1.30). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  interior  from  Hudson  Bay  and 
Xorthern  Manitoba  northward.  Winters  from  Maine, 
the  Great  Lakes  and  British  Columbia   southward. 


ROSS    GULL;    WEDGE-TAILED    GULL 

61.  Rhodostethia  rosea.     13  in. 

Bill  short  and  slender:  tail  wedge-shaped.  Adults  in 
summer. — Witli  no  hood,  but  with  narrow  black  collar; 
mantle  light  pearl:  primaries  wholly  white  with  the 
exception  of  a  blackish  outer  web  to  the  first  one;  feet 
coral  red,  and  underparts  tinged  with  rosy  in  the  nest- 
ing season.  In  winter,  with  no  black  collar  nor  pink 
underparts,  and  with  blackish  spot  before  the  eye. 
Young  mixed  with  blackish  above,  and  with  a  black 
band  across  the  tip  of  the  tail ;  feet  black ;  easily  dis- 
tinguished, when  in  the  hand,  by  the  very  small  bill, 
and  the  wedge  shaped  tail.  This  gull  has  the  most 
northern  distribution  of  any  known  bird,  except,  pos- 
sibly, the  Knot.  Its  breeding  grounds  were  first  re- 
ported by  Xansen  in  1806,  in  Franz  Josef  Land.  It  is 
one  of  the  rarest  birds  in  collections. 

Range. — Polar  regions,  south  in  winter  to  Point  Bar- 
row, Alaska,  and  Disco  Bay,  Greenland. 


45 


SABINE    GULL 
62.  Xema  sahini.     14  in. 

Tail  sliglitly  forked:  bill  small  and  black,  tipped  with 
yellow.  Adults  in  summer. — Head  with  a  slaty-gray 
hood,  edged  with  a  black  ring  around  the  neck;  outer 
primaries  black,  with  white  tips,  and  edge  of  shoulder 
black;  feet  blackish;  eye  ring  orange  red.  In  winter, 
without  the  hood  or  collar,  but  the  head  is  tinged  with 
gray  on  the  ears  and  nape.  Young  birds  most  nearly 
resemble  those  of  the  Bonaparte  Gull,  but  the  primaries 
are  blackish,  and  the  tail  slightly  forked.  This  species 
is  very  abundant  within  the  Arctic  Circle,  but  is  not 
as  boreal  as  the  last. 

Nest. — In  depressions  in  the  ground,  usually  lined 
with  grass;  the  three  eggs  are  olive-brown,  marked  with 
deeper  brown  and  black    (1.75x1.25). 

Range. — Breeds  from  northern  Alaska  and  the  islands 
about  the  mouth  of  Hudson  Bay  northwards;  winters 
south  on  the  Atlantic  coast  to  Maine  and  rarelv  New 
York. 


GULL-BILLED    TERN 

63.  Gelochelidon  nilotica.     14  in. 

Differs  from  all  other  terns  in  the  shape  of  its  black 
bill,  which  is  stout,  but  with  the  upper  mandible  not 
hooked  nor  curved,  as  in  the  gulls.  Tail  forked  about 
1.5  in.  Adults  have  the  crown  black  in  summer,  while 
in  winter  the  head  is  white,  with  the  nape  and  spot  in 
front  of  eye,  black  mixed  with  white.  Young  birds  are 
similar  to  winter  adults  but  have  the  back  feathers 
margined  with  brownish,  and  the  neck  streaked  with 
gray.  This  species  is  found  only  on  our  South  Atlantic 
and  Gulf  coasts,  and  is  not  abundant  anywhere. 

Notes. — A   high,   thin,    somewhat   reeay   "  tee-tee-tee." 
sometimes    suggesting    a    weak    voiced    katydid    (Chap 
man ) , 

Nest. — A  slight,  unlined  depression  in  the  short  marsh 
grass  or  on  the  beaches.  Ihe  three  eggs  are  olive  gray, 
spotted  with  black  and  brown   (1.80x1.30). 

Range. — Breeds  in  Texas  and  along  the  Gulf  and 
South  Atlantic  coasts  to  Virginia;  later,  may  wander 
north  to  New  England;  winters  south  of  the  U.  S. 


47 


CASPIAN    TERN 

64,  Sterna  caspia.     21   in. 

Largest  of  our  terns.  Bill  heavy  and  bright  red; 
head  crested;  tail  forked  about  1.5  in.;  eyes  brown. 
Adults  in  summer  have  the  crown  and  occipital  crest 
glossy  black.  Winter  adults  and  young  birds  have  the 
crown  mixed  with  white,  and  the  latter  are  also  blotcned 
with  blackish  on  wings  and  tail. 

Nest. — The  2  or  3  buffy,  spotted  eggs  are  laid  in  hol- 
lows in  the  sand.     Size  2.60x1.75. 

Range. — Breeds  locally  along  the  South  Atlantic  coast 
and  in  the  interior  to  Great  Slave  Lake. 

ROYAL    TERN 

65.  Sterna  maxima.     19  in. 

Similar  to  the  last,  but  smaller;  bill  more  slender; 
tail  forked  3.5   in. 

Nest. — A  hollow^  in  the  sand.  The  2  or  3  eggs  are 
amy  buff,  wdth  distinct  blackish-brown  spots  (2.60x 
1.70). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Gulf  States  and  north  to  \  ir- 
ginia  and  Calif.;   winters  south  of  the  U.  S. 


CABOT    TERN 

67.  Sterna  sandvicensis  acufiavida.     16  in. 

Head  crested;  bill  and  feet  blackish,  the  former  with 
a  yellow  tip.  Adults  have  the  crown  glossy  black. 
Young  birds,  and  winter  adults,  have  the  crown  mixed 
with  white,  and  the  former  have  blackish  markings  on 
the  wings;  tail  forked  2.75  in.  Like  the  majority  of 
terns,  these  breed  in  immense  colonies. 

Nest. — Their  two  or  three  eggs  are  deposited  in  slight 
hollows  in  the  sand.  They  are  cream  colored,  boldly 
spotted  with  blackish  brown   (2.10x1.40). 

Range. — Breeds  on  the  Florida  Keys,  Bahamas  and 
the  West  Indies;  later  may  stray  north  as  far  as  New 
England;   winters  south  of  the  United  States. 

TRUDEAU    TERN 

69.  Sterna   trudeaui.     14  in. 

This  is  a  lare  South  American  species,  described  1)\ 
Audubon  as  having  occurred  in  New  Jersey  and  Ni ■^\ 
York.  It  has  the  form  of  the  Forster  Tern,  a  briglii 
yellow  bill  and  no  black  crown,  but  a  black  line  through 
the  eye  to  the  ears. 
4 


49 


50 


FORSTER   TERN 
69.  Sterna  forsteri.     15  in. 

No  crest  on  this  or  any  of  the  following  terns.  Tail 
forked  4  in.;  below  pure  white.  In  summer,  with  bill 
and  feet  orange  red;  crown  black.  In  winter,  the  crown 
is  white,  but  there  is  a  blackish  patch  about  the  eyes, 
and  the  bill  and  feet  are  dark.  These  beautiful  birds 
are  often  known  as  "  Sea  Swallows,"  because  of  their 
similarity  in  form  and  flight  to  those  well  known  land 
birds.  They  are  the  embodiment  of  grace  as  they  dart 
about  high  in  the  air,  bill  pointed  downward,  alert  and 
ready  to  dart  down  upon  any  small  fish  or  eel  that 
may  attract  their  fancy.  They  usually  get  their  food 
by  plunging. 

Notes. — A  sharp,  tw  anging  "  cack." 

Nest. — A  hollow  in  the  ground,  in  which  the  3  eggs  are 
laid  in  June.  Eggs  whitish,  greenish  or  brownish,  vari- 
ously marked  with  brown,  black  and  lavender.  (1.80x 
1.30). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  interior,  north  to  Manitoba, 
and  on  the  coasts  to  Virginia  and  Calif.  Winters  from 
the  Gulf  States  southward. 


COMMON    TERN 

70.  Sterna    hirundo.     15    in. 

Mantle  darker  than  that  of  any  of  the  similar  terns; 
washed  with  grayish  below;  bill  and  feet  bright  red, 
the  former  shading  to  black  on  the  tip;  tail  less  deeply 
forked  (3.1  in.)  ;  edge  of  outer  primaries  and  outer 
tail  feathers,  blackish.  Changes  in  winter  correspond 
to  those  of  the  last.  Young  birds  have  the  feathers  on 
the  back  margined  with  brownish. 

Note. — An  energetic  "  tee-arr,  tee-arr." 

Nest. — The  three  eggs  are  laid  in  a  slight  hollow  on 
the  sandy  beach. 

Range. — Breeds  locally  from  the  Gulf  States  to  Green- 
land and  Hudson  Bay;  winters  south  of  the  U.  S. 

ARCTIC    TERN 

71.  Sterna  paradiswa.     15.5  in. 

Similar  to  the  Common  Tern,  but  tail  longer  (forked 
4.5  in.)  and  bill  wholly  red.  In  winter,  bill  and  feet 
dark,  as  are  those  of  the  others. 

Range. — Breeds  from  Mass.  northwards;  winters  in 
the  south. 


51 


ROSEATE  TERN 

72.  Sterna  dougalli.     15.5  in. 

This  species  is  the  most  gracefully  formed  of  the  terns. 
I'lie  tail  is  7.5  in.  long,  forked  to  a  depth  of  5.25  in. 
Ill  summer,  tlie  bill  is  blackish,  changing  to  red  only  at 
the  base.  The  underparts  are  a  beautiful  rosy  tint  in 
tlie  breeding  season;  tail  entirely  white;  feet  red.  In 
winter  the  usual  changes  occur,  and  young  birds  have 
dusky  edges  to  the  feathers  of  the  back  and  wings. 
Tcins  are  now  becoming  more  abundant  on  our  coast, 
their  slaugliter  and  persecution  for  millinery  purposes 
fortunately  having  been  stopped  in  time  to  prevent  their 
extinction. 

They  feed  chiefly  upon  small  fish  and  marine  insects, 
and  often  gather  about  fishing  boats,  waiting  for  an 
opportunity  to  dive  after  any  bit  that  may  be  thrown 
overboard. 

Notes. — A  harsh  "  cack  "  and  "  tee-arr,"  like  that  of 
the  common  Tern. 

Nest. — Eggs  like  those  of  the  similar  terns. 

Range. — Breeds  on  the  Atlantic  coast  north  to  Mass.; 
winters  south  of  the  U.  S. 


LEAST    TERN 

74.  Sterna  antillarum.     9  in. 


Smallest    of   our    terns.      Adult 
nape,    and    line   through   the   eye. 


in  summer. — Crown, 
black ;  forehead  and 
line  above  the  eye,  white;  bill  and  feet  yellow,  the  for- 
mer black  at  the  tip.  In  winter,  the  crown  is  white,  the 
blackish  being  restricted  to  the  nape  and  about  the  eyes. 
These  pretty  little  sea  swallows  were  abundant  both 
on  the  coast  and  in  the  interior  but  are  yearly  becom- 
ing more  scarce  especially  on  the  Atlantic  coast.  They 
are  very  aggressive  when  anyone  approaches  their  nest- 
ing grounds  and  will  continually  dash  down  at  you  as 
they  utter  their  sharp  cries  of  disapproval. 

Notes. — A  sharp,  metallic  clattering  "  cheep,  cheep." 

Nest. — Two  or  three  eggs  are  laid  upon  the  bare  sand. 
They  are  buify-gray,  sharply  specked  with  blackish  (1.25 
X.95). 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  Mass..  the  Great  Lakes  and 
Calif.;   winters  south  of  the  United  States. 


53 


SOOTY    TERN 

75.  Sterna  fuscata.     17  in. 

Adult    in    summer. — Above    sooty-black,    except    the 
ite  outer  tail  feathers.     Crown,  line  through  the  eye, 
1  and  feet,  black:  forehead  and  underparts  white;  eye 
(1.     Young  birds  are  smoky  slate  color  all  over,  with 
1"  tail  feathers,  and  some  on  the  back  and  breast,  tipped 
itli  whitish.     This  is  the  "  egg  bird  "  of  tropical  coun- 
ies,  thousands  of  their  eggs  being  taken  for  food. 
Note. — A  nasal  "  ker-wacky-w ak  "   (Chapman). 
Nest. — A  single  egg  deposited  in  a  hollow  in  the  sand ; 
is  creamy-white,  spotted  with  blackish-brown. 
Range. — Tropical  countries;  breeds  north  to  the  Flor- 
a   Keys  and  islands  in  the  Gulf  of  Mexico;   sometimes 
anders  north  to  New  England. 

BRIDLED    TERN 

76.  Sterna  umetheta.     15  in. 

Similar  to  the  last,  but  the  back  and  wings  much 
li;:hter,  and  the  white  of  the  forehead  extends  over  the 
eyes;    nape   whitish. 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  the  Bahamas. 


•       BLACK    TERN 

77.  Hydrochelidon  nigra  Surinam ensis,     10  in. 

Adults  in  summer  with  the  head,  neck  and  underparts, 
black;  back,  wings  and  tail,  dark  gray;  eyes  brown. 
In  winter,  the  forehead,  neck  and  underparts  are  white: 
nape  and  patch  back  of  eye  blackish. 

In  summer  these  little  terns  are  found  only  in  tlu- 
interior,  where  they  nest  about  marshy  ponds.  Tlu'\ 
are  very  pugnacious  and  will  sometimes  touch  an  in 
truder  with  their  wings  as  they  dart  past.  As  usual 
with  the  family,  they  nest  in  colonies. 

Notes. — A  sharp  "peek."      (Chapman). 

Nest. — A  pile  of  weeds  and  trash  in  sloughs  on  tlic 
prairies,  or  about  the  edges  of  marshy  lakes,  the  nests 
often  being  surrounded  by,  and  partly  floating  in  the 
water.  The  three  eggs  are  very  dark  colored,  haviiiir 
an  olive-brown  or  greenish  background,  blotched  witli 
black.     (1.35X.95). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  interior  from  middle  U.  S. 
north  to  Alaska  and  Hudson  Bay;  winters  south  of  the 
U.  S.,  migrating  along  the  Atlantic  coast  as  well  as  in 
the  interior. 


NODDY 

79.  Anous  stolidus.     15  in. 

Adults  with  the  crown  silvery-white,  the  rest  of  the 
plumage  being  sooty-brown;  the  bill,  feet  and  line  to 
the  eye  are  black.  The  plumage  of  these  beautiful  birds 
is  very  soft  and  pleasing  to  the  eye.  They  look  to  be 
izentle  and  confiding,  and  a  closer  acquaintance  shows 
iliat  they  are.  They  will  frequently  allow  themselves 
to  be  touched  with  the  hand  before  they  leave  their 
nests.  They  are  abundant  in  some  of  the  Bahaman  and 
West  Indian  Islands,  where  they  nest  in  company  with 
other  species. 

Notes. — A  hoarse  reedy  "  cack  "  increasing  to  a  gut- 
tural "  k-r-r-r-r-r-r-r."      (Chapman). 

Nest. — Of  sticks  and  grasses,  placed  at  low  elevations 
in  the  tops  of  trees  and  bushes,  or  upon  the  ground. 
Tlie  single  egg  that  they  lay  is  buffy,  spotted  with  black 
and  brown.      ( 2.00  x  1.30) .  ^ 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  the  Bahamas  and  on  Bird 
Key  near  Key  West;  rarely  wanders  on  the  Atlantic 
coast  to  South  Carolina. 


SKIMMERS— Family  Rynchopidae 
BLACK    SKIMMER 

80.  Rynchops   nigra.      18    in. 

These  strange  birds  are  not  apt  to  be  mistaken  for 
any  other.  They  are  locally  abundant  on  the  Sontli 
Atlantic  coast  as  far  north  as  Virginia.  Their  flight 
is  swift  and  more  direct  than  that  of  terns;  they  lly 
in  compact  flocks,  in  long  sweeps  over  the  water,  feed- 
ing by  dropping  their  long,  thin  mandible  beneath  tin- 
surface  and  gathering  in  everything  edible  that  comes 
in  their  path. 

Notes. — Baying  like  a  pack  of  hounds. 

Nest. — Tlieir  3  or  4  eggs  are  deposited  in  hollows  in 
the  sandy  beaches.  They  are  creamy-white,  beautifully 
marked  with  blackish-brown  and  gray.      (1.75x1.30). 

Range. — Breeds  on  the  Gulf  coast  and  on  the  Atlaiii 
coast   to   Xew   Jersey;    after   nesting,   they   occasionally 
wander  northward  as  far  as  Nova  Scotia;  winters  from 
the  Gulf  States  southwards. 


V 


58 


TUBE-NOSED   SWIMMERS— Order  Tubinares 

SHEARWATERS— Family   ProceUaridaB 

FULMAR 

86,  Fulmarus  glacialis.     19  in. 

Bill  short  and  stout,  compared  to  that  of  the  shear- 
waters, strongly  hooked  at  the  tip  and  with  the  nostrils 
opening  out  of  a  single  tube,  prominently  located  on  the 
top  of  the  bill.  They  have  two  color  phases,  the  light 
one  being  gull-like,  but  the  tail  is  gray  like  the  mantle; 
eyes  brown;  bill  and  feet  yellowish.  In  the  dark  phase 
they  are  uniformly  gray  above  and  below.  These  plum- 
ages appear  to  be  independent  of  sex  or  age.  They  are 
extremely  abundant  at  some  of  their  breeding  grounds 
in  the  far  north.  The  birds  are  constant  companions 
of  the  whalers,  and  feed  largely  upon  blubber  that  is 
thrown  overboard. 

Nest. — Their  single  white  eggs  are  laid  upon  bare 
ledges  of  sea  cliffs.      (2.90x2.00). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Xorth  Atlantic  and  Arctic 
Oceans  from  Labrador  and  northern  Scotland  north- 
ward; winters  south  regularly. 


CORY   SHEARWATER 

88.  Puffinus  J)orealis.     21   in. 

This  rare  bird  is  found  off  the  coast  of  New  England 
and  in  Long  Island  Sound  from  July  to  September.  Tt 
is  slightly  larger  than  the  similar  Greater  Shearwater, 
the  back  and  head  are  lighter  in  color,  the  entire  under- 
parts  are  white,  and  the  bill  is  yellowish.  Its  nesting 
habits  and  eggs  are  unknown,  but  they  are  supposed  to 
breed  in  the  Antarctic  regions. 

The  majority  of  specimens  that  have  been  taken  have 
been  found  off  Chatham,  Mass. 

AUDUBON   SHEARWATER 

92.  Puffinus    Iherminieri.     12    in. 

This  small  shearwater,  except  in  point  of  size,  is  quite 
similar  to  the  following,  but  the  under  parts  are  white, 
except  the  under  tail  coverts  which  are  sooty;  the  back 
and  head  are  somewhat  lighter  too.  They  nest  in  abun- 
dance on  some  of  the  Bahaman  and  West  Indian  Islands, 
and  can  usually  be  met  with  off  the  South  Atlantic 
coast  in  summer. 

Their  eggs,  which  are  pure  white  (2.00x1.35),  are 
deposited  at  the  end  of  burrows  dug  by  the  birds. 


GREATER    SHEARWATER 

89.  Puffinus  gravis.     20   in. 

Entire  vipper  parts,  top  and  sides  of  head,  bill  and 
feet,  grayish  or  brownish-black;  middle  of  belly  and 
under  tail  coverts  dusky.  This  species  is  the*^  most 
abundant  of  the  shearwaters  found  off  our  coast.  They 
are  constant  attendants  of  the  fishermen  when  they  are 
at  work,  and  at  other  times  are  usually  to  be  seen 
flying  low  over  the  water,  or  resting  in  large  bodies 
upon  its  surface.  Their  flight  is  peculiar  and  distinc- 
tive,— tlnee  flaps  of  the  wings  then  a  short  sail,  re- 
peated over  and  over.  Possibly  this  habit  is  acquired 
by  tlieir  swooping  down  into  the  trouglis  of  waves,  then 
flapping  to  clear  the  next  crest.  Tbey  are  very  greedy 
and  continually  quarreling  among  themselves  in  order 
to  get  the  lion's  share  of  the  food.  They  are  called 
"  Haglets  "  by  the  fishermen. 

Notes. — Harsh,  discordant  squawks  when  feeding. 

Nest. — \Yhile  the  habits  of  these  birds  are  well  known 
their  breeding  places  are  yet  a  mystery. 

Range. — Whole  North  Atlantic  coast  in  summer. 


SOOTY    SHEARWATER 

94.  Puffinus  griseus.     17  in. 

Sooty  grayish-black  all  over  except  the  under  wilier 
coverts,  which  are  whitish;  eye  brown,  bill  and  ivct 
black.  A  few  of  these  may  usually  be  seen  with  flocks 
of  the  Greater  Shearw^aters,  and  sometimes  a  flock  com- 
posed entirely  of  this  variety  will  be  encountered.  Tluy 
are  expert  swimmers  on  the  surface  of  the  water,  but 
I  have  never  seen  one  dive.  Their  food  is  almost  if  not 
wholly  composd  of  oily  refuse  gathered  from  the  sur- 
face of  the  water.  In  order  to  take  flight,  they  paddle 
along  the  w^ater  a  few  steps;  it  is  difficult  for  them  to 
rise,  except  against  the  wind.  If  you  sail  upon  them 
I'rom  the  windward,  they  go  squawking  and  pattering 
over  the  water  in  all  directions,  and  can  frequently  be 
caught  in  nets.  They  are  very  tame,  and  will  some- 
times take  food  offered  them,  from  the  hand. 

Notes. — Guttural  squawks  like  those  of  the  large 
species. 

Range. — Xorth  Atlantic  coast  in  summer. 


STORMY    PETREL 


104.  Thalassidroma 


lagica.     5.5   m. 


Smallest  of  our  petrels,  and  darker  than  either  the 
Leach  or  Wilson;  tail  square;  upper  tail  coverts  white, 
tipped  with  black. 

This  species  is  rare  on  the  coasts  of  this  country,  but 
is  common  on  the  shores  of  the  old  world.  It  is  the 
original  "  Mother  Gary's  Chicken."  They  nest  abun- 
dantly on  the  shores  of  Europe  and  the  British  Isles. 

Their  single  white  eggs,  deposited  at  the  end  of  bur- 
rows, are  dull  white  with  a  faint  wreath  of  brown  dots. 

WILSON    PETREL 

109.  Oceanites  oceanicus.     7  in. 

Tail  square  at  end;  coverts  white,  not  tipped  with 
black ;  legs  long,  with  yellow  webs.  This  species  is  very 
abundant  on  ovir  Atlantic  coast  from  July  to  Sept., 
spending  the  summer  here  after  having  nested  in  the 
Kerguelen  Is.  in  February.  Their  upper  parts  are  much 
more  darker  than  those  of  Leach  Petrel. 

Their  note  is  a  weak  twittering  "  keet-keet." 


LEACH    PETREL 

106.  Oceanodroma  leucorhoa. 


8  in. 


Tail  forked;  tail  coverts  white,  not  tipped  with  black; 
legs  much  shorter  than  those  of  Wilson  Petrel,  which  is 
the  only  other  common  species  on  our  eastern  coasts. 
Leach  Petrel  is  a  very  abundant  breeding  bird  on  Maine 
islands  and  northward.  Some  of  the  soft  peaty  banks 
of  islands  are  honeycombed  with  entrances  to  their  bur- 
rows, which  extend  back,  near  the  surface  of  the  ground, 
for  two  or  three  feet,  and  terminate  in  an  enlarged 
chamber.  Here  one  of  the  birds  is  always  found  during 
the  period  of  incubation,  and  sometimes  both  birds,  but 
one  is  usually  at  sea  feeding  during  the  daytime,  re- 
turning at  night  to  relieve  its  mate.  All  petrels  and 
their  eggs  have  a  peculiar,  characteristic  and  oppressive 
odor. 

Notes. — A  weak  clucking. 

Nest. — Single  egg  at  end  of  burrow;  white  with  a 
very  faint  ring  of  brown  dots  around  the  large  end. 

Range. — Breeds  northward  from  Maine;  winters  to 
Viroinia. 


■||r^^^^ 


■-^^^ 


J 


64 


TOTIPALMATE  SWIMMERS— Order  Steganopodes 

TROPIC    BIRD— Family    Phsethontidae 

YELLOW-BILLED    TROPIC   BIRD 

112.  Phcethon  americanus.     30   to   34   in. 

Form  tern-like,  but  with  the  central  tail  feathers 
much  lengthened  (about  18  in.)  ;  legs  short  and  not 
very  strong;    all  four  toes  connected  by  webs. 

These  beautiful  creatures  fly  with  the  ease  and  grace 
of  a  tern,  but  with  more  rapid  beating  of  the  wings. 
They  are  strong  and  capable  of  protracted  flight,  often 
being  found  hundreds  of  miles  from  land.  They  feed 
upon  small  fish  which  they  capture  by  diving*^  upon 
from  a  height  above  the  water,  and  upon  snails,  etc., 
that  they  get  from  the  beaches  and  ledges.  They  are 
very  buoyant,  and  sit  high  in  the  water  with  their  tails 
(  Icvated  to  keep  them  from  getting  wet. 

Nest. — A    mass    of    weeds    and    seaweed    placed    upon 
rocky   ledges.     The  single  egg  that  they  lay  is  creamy, 
so  thickly  sprinkled  and  dotted  with  purplish  brown  as 
to  obscure  the  ground  color.      (2.10x1.45). 
.  .  Range. — Breeds  north  to  the  Bahamas  and  Bermudas. 


GANNETS— Family  Sulidae 
BLUE-FACED    BOOBY 

114.  ^ula  cyanops.     28  in. 

Bill,  face  and  naked  throat  pouch,  slaty-blue;  eye 
yellow;  feet  reddish.  Plumage  white  except  the  pri 
maries,  secondaries  and  other  tail  feathers,  which  ar<' 
black.  Young  birds  are  streaked  above  with  gray  and 
brownish,  and  are  dull  white  below.  Boobies  are  bir(l> 
of  wide  distribution  in  the  Tropics,  this  species  beiii<4 
rarely  seen  in  southern  Florida,  but  quite  abvmdant  on 
some  of  the  West  Indian  islands.  Owing  to  the  numer- 
ous air  cells  beneath  their  skin,  they  are  very  buoyant 
and  can  ride  the  waves  with  ease  during  severe  storms. 
They  secure  their  prey,  which  is  chiefly  fish,  by  plung- 
ing after  it. 

Nest. — Their  one  or  two  eggs  are  laid  usually  upon 
the  bare  ground  on  low  islands,  or  sometimes  in  weed- 
lined  hollows.  The  eggs  are  pure  white,  covered  witli 
a  thick  chalky  deposit    (2.50x1.70). 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  the  Bahamas  and  the  Gulf 


BOOBY 


115.  8ula  leucogastra.     30  in. 

This  species,  commonly  called  the  Brown  Booby,  is 
lnownish  black  with  the  exception  of  a  white  breast  and 
underparts.  Young  birds  are  entirely  brownish  black; 
bill  and  feet  greenish  yellow;  eye  white.  They  are 
one  of  the  most  abundant  breeding  birds  upon  many  of 
the  Bahaman  and  West  Indian  Islands.  They  have 
uieat  powers  of  flight  and  dart  about  with  the  speed 
of  arrows,  carrying  their  long  bill  and  neck  at  full 
length  before  them.  They  are  awkward  walkers,  and, 
iwing  to  their  buoyancy,  it  is  difficult  for  them  to 
\\  im  under  water,  but  they  are  unerring  in  securing 
u'ir  prey  by  plunging  upon  it  from  a  height. 

Nest. — They  breed  in  colonies  of  thousands,  laying 
M'ir  two  eggs  upon  the  bare  sand  or  rocks.  The  eggs 
!*'   chalky   white,   more   or   less   nest   stained.      (2.40x 

i.GO). 

Range. — Breeds    in    the    Bahamas    and    West    Indies; 
wanders  north  casually  to  the  Carolinas. 


GANNET 
117.  Sula   bassana.     35  in. 

Primaries  black;  rest  of  plumage  white;  back  of  head 
tinged  with  straw  color:  bill  and  feet  bluish  black. 
Young  grayish  or  brownish  black,  mottled  above  and 
streaked  below.  This  species  is  the  largest  and  most 
northerly  distributed  of  the  gannet  family.  Thousands 
upon  thousands  of  them  breed  upon  high  rocky  islets 
off  the  British  coast.  The  only  known  nesting  places 
used  by  them  in  this  country  are  Bird  Rock  and  Bona- 
venture  Island  in  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence;  in  these 
places  they  nest  by  thousands,  their  rough  piles  of  sea- 
weed touching  each  other  in  long  rows  on  the  narrow 
ledges. 

Notes. — A  harsh  "  gor-r-r-rok."     (Chapman), 

Range. — North  Atlantic,  breeding,  on  the  Americar 
side,  only  on  islands  in  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence.  Win 
ters  along  the  whole  United  States  coast,  floatin;^  ir 
large  flocks  out  at  sea,  and  rarely  coming  on  land. 


U8 


DARTERS— Family  Anhingdae 

ANHINGA;    SNAKE    BIRD 

118.  Anhinga  anhinga.     '65  in. 

Adult  male  with  a  glossy  greenish-black  head,  neck 
and  iinderparts,  tlie  neck  being  covered  behind,  in  breed- 
ing season,  with  numerous  filamentous,  whitish  plumes. 
Female  and  young  with  neck  and  breast  fawn  color  in 
fiont.  Eyes  red,  face  greenish  and  gular  pouch  orange. 
Middle  tail  feathers  curiously  crimped.  These  peculiar 
birds  spend  their  lives  within  the  recesses  of  swamps, 
tlie  more  dismal  and  impenetrable,  the  better.  They 
perch  on  limbs  overhanging  the  water  and  dive  after 
fish,  frogs,  lizards,  etc.,  tliat  pass  beneath,  from  which 
they  get  one  of  their  names,  American  Darter.  They 
>\vim  with  the  body  submerged,  with  only  their  serpent- 
like liead  and  neck  visible;  hence  they  are  called  Snake- 
birds. 

Nest. — Of  sticks  and  leaves  in  bushes  or  trees  over 
water,  large  colonies  of  them  nesting  in  the  same  swamp. 
Tlie  3  to  5  eggs  are  bluish,  covered  with  a  chalkv  de- 
]M)sit    ( 2.2.5  X  1.35). 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  the  Carolinas  and  111.  Win- 
ters in  Gulf  States. 


CORMORANTS— Family  Phalacrocoracidae 
CORMORANT 

119.  Phalacrocorax  carlo.     36  in. 

Largest  of  our  cormorants;  tail  with  14  feathers. 
Adults  with  glossy  black  head,  "neck  and  underparts: 
in  breeding  season  with  white  plumes  on  the  neck  and 
a  white  patch  on  tlie  flanks.  Young  with  throat  and 
belly  white,  rest  of  underparts  mixed  brown  with  black. 
Cormorants  feed  chiefly  upon  fish  which  they  pursue 
and  catch  under  water.  They  were  formerly  extensively, 
and  are  now  to  a  less  extent,  used  by  the  Chinese  to 
catcli  fish  for  them,  a  ring  being  placed  around  their 
neck  to  prevent  their  swallowing  their  prey. 

Nest. — Made  of  seaweed  and  sticks  on  narrow  ledges 
of  rocky  islets  or  sea  cliffs,  this  species  being  entirely 
maritime.  The  four  eggs  are  greenish-white,  coverec 
with  a  chalky  deposit.    (2.50x1.40). 

Range. — Breeds  from  Nova  Scotia  and  Newfoundland 
north  to  Labrador  and  Greenland;  winters  south  to  the 
middle  states. 


G9 


DOUBLE-CRESTED    CORMORANT 

120.  Phalacrocoraao  auritus.     30  in. 

Tail  Math  12  feathers;  distinguished  from  the  last 
species  in  any  plumage  by  the  shape  of  the  gular  sac; 
•  III  the  common  Cormorant  the  feathers  on  the  throat 
extend  forward  to  a  point,  making  the  hind  end  of  the 
])()uch  heart-shaped,  while  in  the  present  species  it  is 
(•  )nvex.  In  breeding  plumage,  this  species  has  a  tuft  of 
1  lack  feathers  on  either  side  of  the  head.  The  throat 
I'ouch  is  orange  yellow;  eyes  green.  These  cormorants 
ai  e  found  to  some  extent  along  the  Atlantic  coast,  in 
>".mmer,  from  Maine  northward,  but  they  are  chiefly 
liirds  of  the  interior,  being  particularly  abundant  in 
Manitoba. 

Nest. — On  ledges  on  the  coast,  and  on  the  ground  in 
the  interior,  or  in  trees.  The  nests  are  made  of  sticks 
and  weeds,  shallow,  shabby  platforms  holding  3  or  4 
t  uus.     The  eggs  are  bluish-green  and  chalky. 

Range. — Breeds  from  Maine,  on  the  coast,  Minnesota 
iii)rthward;  locally  in  North  Carolina.  Winters  in  the 
(.ulf  States.  120a.,  Fla.  Cormorant,  found  in  the  South 
Atlantic  and  Gulf  States,  is  smaller. 


MEXICAN    CORMORANT 

121.  Phalacrocorax  vigua  mexicanus.     25  in. 

Adults  with  feathers  bordering  on  the  gular  sac,  white. 
In  breeding  plumage,  the  sides  of  head  and  neck  have 
tufts  of  filmy  white  feathers,  eyes  green,  as  they  are  in 
all  cormorants.  All  cormorants  are  expert  swimmors 
and  fishermen.  They  never  plunge  for  their  prey,  but 
pursue  and  catch  it  under  water,  the  same  as  do  tlie 
grebes.  When  perching,  they  sit  erect  with  their  nock 
bent  in  the  form  of  a  letter  S.  They  fly  with  their 
necks  outstretched,  and  with  rather  slow  wing  beats. 
They  are  very  gregarious  and  nest  in  large  colonies, 
this  species  always  being  found  in  swamps  or  heavy 
shrubbery,   surrounding  bodies   of  water. 

Nest. — Usually  in  trees  overhanging  the  water,  o: 
upon  the  ground,  in  either  case  being  made  of  sticks 
and  weeds.  The  3  to  5  eggs  are  bluish-green,  covort  ' 
with  a  chalky  deposit   (2.25x1.35). 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  the  extreme  southern  bound 
ary  of  the  United  States;  wanders  north  casually  t) 
111.  in  summer. 


71 


PELICANS— Family  Pelecanidae 

WHITE    PELICAN 

125.  Pelecanus-  erythrorhynchus.     5   feet. 

White  with  black  primaries.  Eye  white;  bill  and 
feet  yellow,  the  former  in  the  breeding  season  being 
adorned  with  a  thin  upright  knob  about  midway  on  the 
top  of  the  upper  mandible.  The  large  pouch,  with  which 
pelicans  are  armed,  is  used  as  a  dip  net  to  secure  their 
food,  which  consists  of  small  fish.  The  White  Pelican 
scoops  up  fish  as  he  swims  along  the  surface  of  the 
water;  when  he  has  his  pouch  partially  filled,  he  tilts 
liis  head,  contracts  the  pouch,  thereby  squeezing  the  wa- 
ter out  of  the  sides  of  his  mouth,  and  swallows  his  fish. 

Nest. — Of  sticks  and  weeds  on  the  ground  on  islands 
or  shores  of  inland  lakes.  They  breed  in  colonies,  and 
lav  their  eggs  in  June.  The  two  or  three  eggs  are  pure 
white   (3.45x2.30). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  interior  from  Utah  and  Minn, 
northward.  Winters  on  the  Gulf  coast  and  in  Florida; 
rare  on  the  Atlantic  coast. 


BROWN    PELICAN 

126.  Pelecanus  occidentalis.     4.5  feet. 

Pouch  greenish;  eye  white;  back  of  neck  in  breedinfj 
season,  rich  velvety  brown;  at  other  seasons  the  whole 
head  is  white.  These  pelicans  nest  abundantly  on  some 
of  the  islands  on  the  Gulf  coast  of  the  U.  S.,  on  Pelican 
Island  on  the  east  coast  of  Florida,  and  sometimes  on 
the  coast  of  Georgia  and  South  Carolina.  Like  the 
White  Pelican,  this  species  lives  chiefly  upon  small  fish, 
but  they  procure  them  in  a  difl'erent  manner.  They  are 
continually  circling  about  at  a  low  elevation  above  the 
water  and,  upon  sighting  a  school  of  fish,  will  plunge 
headfirst  into  it,  securing  as  many  as  possible. 

Nest. — Either  on  the  ground  or  in  low  trees,  in  the 
latter  case  being  more  bulky  than  in  the  former;  com- 
posed of  sticks  and  weeds.  The  three  to  five  eggs  that 
they  lay  are  pure  white  with  the  chalky  covering  com- 
mon to  eggs  of  birds  belonging  to  this  order. 

Range. — Breeds  on  the  Gulf  coast,  and  on  the  Soutli 
Atlantic,  north  to  South  Carolina;  later  may  casually 
stray  t.j  New  England;  winters  on  the  South  Atlantic 
and  Gulf  coasts. 


73 


'  ^'%^^^^^^MM^. 


MAN-O'-WAR    BIRDS— Family  Fregatidae 
MAN-O'-WAR    BIRD;    FRIGATE   BIRD 

128.  Fregata  aquila.     40   in. 

Eye  brown;  bill  long,  comparatively  slender,  and  flesh 
colored;  gular  sac  orange;  feet  small  and  weak,  with 
the  four  toes  joined  by  webs.  Frigate  birds  are  strictly 
maritime;  they  nest  in  large  colonies  and  usually  travel 
in  large  companies.  In  expanse  of  wing  compared  to 
size  of  body  they  are  unequalled  by  any  other  bird,  and 
in  power  of  flight  they  are  only  surpassed,  possibly,  by 
the  albatrosses.  They  can  walk  only  with  difficulty  and 
are  very  poor  swimmers,  owing  to  their  small  feet  and 
long  tail,  but  they  are  complete  masters  of  the  air 
and  delight  to  soar  at  great  heights.  Their  food  of 
small  fish  is  secured  by  plunging,  or  preying  upon 
other  sea  birds. 

Nest. — A  low,  frail  platform  of  sticks  in  the  tops  of 
bushes  or  low  trees.  They  lay  but  a  single  white  egg 
in  March  or  April;   size  2.80x1.90. 

Breeds  in  the  Bahamas,  West  Indies,  Lower  California 
and  possibly  on  some  of  the  Florida  Keys. 


ORDER    ANSERES 

AMERICAN    MERGANSER 

129.  Mergus  americanus.     25   in. 

Bill,  feet  and  eye  red  in  male,  the  former  with  a  black 
stripe  along  the  top;  plumage  black  and  white,  with  a 
greenish-black  head;  no  crest.  Female  gray  and  white, 
with  brown  head,  crested;  chin  white;  eye  yellow.  These 
birds  have  the  bill  long,  not  flattened,  but  edged  with 
sharp  teeth  to  grasp  the  fish,  upon  which  they  live  to  a 
great  extent.  They  are  exceptionally  good  swimmers 
for  members  of  this  family,  and  can  chase  and  catch 
their  fish,  using  their  wings  to  aid  their  legs  in  pro- 
pelling them  throvigh  the  water. 

Nest. — In  holes  of  trees,  cavities  among  the  rocks,  or 
less  often  on  the  ground.  The  nest  is  made  of  leaves 
and  grasses  and  lined  with  downy  feathers  from  the 
breast  of  the  female.  The  6  to  9  eggs  are  creamy-buff 
(2.7x  1.75)  ;   June. 

Range. — Whole  of  North  America.  Breeds  from  New 
Brunswick,  North  Dakota  and  California,  northward. 
Winters  from  the  northern  boundary  of  the  U.  S.  soutli 
to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. 


75 


RED-BREASTED    MERGANSER 

130.  Mergus  serrator.     22  in. 

Eye,  bill  and  feet  red.  like  those  of  the  last  species, 
but  the  head  is  crested  on  the  male,  as  well  as  the  fe- 
male, and  a  band  across  his  breast  is  mixed  rusty  and 
black  streaks.  The  female  has  not  as  brightly  colored 
a  head  as  the  female  of  the  American  ]\Ierganser.  and 
the  throat  is  not  pure  white.  They  can  be  distinguished 
in  any  plumage,  from  the  fact  that  the  nostril  is  nearer 
the  eye  than  it  is  the  tip  of  the  bill,  while  that  of  the 
last  species  is  located  midway  between  the  eye  and  the 
tip  of  the  bill.  This  is  the  species  that  is  most  often 
found  in  salt  water.  It  is  also  found  inland  but  not 
as  commonly  as  the  last. 

Notes. — A  low  croak. 

Nest. — On  the  ground,  concealed  in  tufts  of  long  grass 
or  overhanging  rocks.  Their  5  to  10  eggs  are  olive  buff 
in  color   (2.50x1.70);  June,  July. 

Range. — Breeds  from  Maine  and  111.,  northward:  win- 
ters throughout  the  United  States. 


HOODED    MERGANSER 

131.  Lophodytes  cucuUattis.     17   in. 

Bill  short  compared  to  those  of  other  mergansers,  and 
black.  It  is  not  apt  to  be  mistaken  for  any  other  duck, 
because  of  its  small  size  and  the  large  crest  with  which 
both  sexes  are  adorned,  that  of  the  male  being  black 
with  a  large,  white  patch,  and  that  of  the  female  plain 
brown. 

The  male  has  the  power  of  raising  or  lowering  his 
crest;  when  excited  he  will  at  times  repeatedly  open 
and  shut  it  like  a  fan.  When  at  a  distance  on  the 
water,  the  male  might  possibly  be  mistaken  for  the 
Buffle-head,  as  that  species  also  has  white  on  the  head, 
but  its  back  also  is  largely  white.  Both  male  and 
female  have  yellow  eyes. 

Notes. — Low,  muttered  croakings. 

Nest. — In  holes  of  trees  on  the  banks  of,  or  near, 
streams  or  lakes.  The  bottom  of  the  cavity  is  lined 
with  grasses  and  down,  and  on  this  they  lay  8  to  12 
grayish  white  eggs    (2.15x1.70);    May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds  locally  throughout  the  U.  S.,  but  most 


77 


MALLARD 
132.  Anas  platyrhynchos.     23   in. 

Male. — Head,  green:  specnlum  purplish-bine;  bill 
olive-green;  legs  orange;  eyes  brown.  The  female  most 
closely  resembles  the  Black  Duck  but  is  lighter  colored, 
more  brownish,  and  the  speculum,  or  wing  patch,  is 
always  bordered  with  white.  This  species  is  one  of 
the  handsomest  and  most  valuable  of  ducks.  It  is  the 
cogener  of  the  domestic  ducks,  and  is  largely  used  as 
a  table  bird. 

Their  food  consists  chiefly  of  mollusks  and  tender 
grasses.  These  they  usually  get  in  shallow  water  by 
"  tipping  up,"  that  is.  reaching  the  bottom  without  go- 
ing entirely  under  water.  They  also  visit  meadows  and 
the  edges  of  grain  and  rice  fields  for  food. 

Notes. — A  nasal  "  quack,"  often  rapidly  repeated  when 
they  are  feeding. 

Nest. — Of  grass,  lined  with  downy  feathers,  concealed 
in  tufts  of  grass  near  the  water's  edge.  The  6  to  10 
eggs  are  buffy  or  olive-greenish    (^.25x1.65). 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  northern  tier  of  states  north- 
ward:  Avinters  in  southern  half  of  the  U.  S. 


BLACK    DUCK 

133.  Anas  riihripes.     22  in. 

General  plumage  mottled  blackish,  the  feathers  hav 
ing  lighter  edges;  throat,  buffy,  streaked  with  blackish 
crown  and  line  through  eye,  nearly  solid  blackish;  specu 
lum  bluish-purple,  with  no  white;  bill  greenish-black 
legs  brownish.  Black  Ducks  breed  locally  in  pairs 
throughout  northern  United  States  and  southern  Can 
ada.  This  is  the  species  most  often  seen  in  New  Eng 
land.  When  in  flight,  it  can  usually  be  recognized  1)^ 
the  dark  colored  underparts  and  the  white  lining  to  tlu 
wings.  Its  habits  are  just  like  those  of  the  Mallaid 
with  which  it  is  closely  related. 

Notes. — A  "  quack,"  like  that  of  the  Mallard. 

Nest, — Placed  on  the  ground,  not  far  distant  from  tl 
water's  edge;  made  of  grass  and  feathers;  the  6  to  1 
eggs  are  buff-colored   (2.30x  1,70)  ;  May,  June, 


Range, — Breeds   locally  from   N, 
ward;  winters  south  to  the  Gulf. 


Y.   and  Iowa  north 


79 


1^"^ 


FLORIDA    DUCK 

134.  Anas  fulvigula.     21   in. 

Much  lighter  than  the  Black  Duck,  all  the  feathers 
being  broadly  margined  with  buffy,  throat  nearly  clear 
buffy  without  markings.  The  habits  of  this  species, 
which  is  restricted  to  Florida  and  the  Gulf  coast  to 
Louisiana,  are  the  same  as  those  of  the  northern  Black 
Duck. 

Notes. — Precisely  like  those  of  the  Mallard, 

Nest. — Of  grass  and  down,  on  the  ground,  the  eggs 
being  like  those  of  the  Black  Duck  but  averaging  a 
trifle  smaller    (2.15x1.50);    April. 

Range. — Florida  and  the  Gulf  coast  to  La. :  resident. 
134a..  ]\Iottled  Duck  (A.  f.  maculosa),  is  very  similar 
to  the  Florida  species,  but  is  mottled  with  black  on  the 
belly,  instead  of  streaked.  It  is  found  on  the  cor.st  of 
Texas  and  north  to  Kansas. 


80 


GADWALL 

135.  Chaulelasnius  streperiis.     20  in. 

Male  with  chestnut  wing  coverts  and  white  speculum ; 
lining  of  wings  white;  eyes  brown.  The  female  is  simi- 
lar, but  the  back  and  wings  are  brownish-gray  and  the 
speculum  gray  and  white.  A  rather  rare  migrant  in 
New  England,  common  in  the  Middle  States  and  abun- 
dant west  of  the  Mississippi.  They  are  usually  found 
in  meadows  and  grain  fields  bordering  marshes  or  lakes. 
As  is  usual  with  ducks,  these  do  most  of  their  feedinu 
early  in  the  morning  or  after  dusk,  and  spend  tin' 
greater  part  of  the  day  in  sleeping.  They  are  of  tlic 
most  active  and  noisy  of  ducks,  which  accounts  for  theii- 
Latin  name  "  streperus,"  meaning  noisy. 

Notes. — A  rapid,  shrill  quacking. 

Nest. — Feather-lined  hollows  in  the  ground,  concealed 
by  patches  of  weeds  or  tall  grass.  Eggs  7  to  10,  creamy 
buff  color    (2.10x1.60);  May,  June. 

Range. — Northern  Hemisphere;  breeds  in  northern 
United  States,  except  the  eastern  portion,  and  in  Can- 
ada; winters  along  the  South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  coasts. 


WIDGEON 

Mareca  penelope.     19  in. 

Crown  buffy ;  head  reddish  brown ;  wing  coverts  white ; 
speculum  green.  Female  with  blackish  speculum,  and  a 
pale,  rusty  head,  neck,  breast  and  sides,  streaked  or 
barred  with  blackish.  The  Widgeon  is  an  Old  World 
(luck  that  rarely,  and  accidentally,  strays  to  our  At- 
lantic or  Pacific  coasts.  It  breeds  in  America  only  in 
the  Aleutian  Islands.  Its  habits  are  the  same  as  the 
next  species,  our  American  Widgeon. 

In  the  Old  World  it  is  regarded  as  one  of  the  best 
of  table  ducks.     Its  food  consists  of  marine  and  fresh- 
^        water   insects,   small   shell-fish,   seaweed   and  grass.     Its 
t^  nidification  is  just  like  that  of  the  Baldpate. 


82 


BALDPATE;    AMERICAN    WIDGEON 

137.  Mareca  americana.     19  in. 

^Ying  coverts  and  top  of  head  white;  rest  of  liead  and 
neck  finely  specked  with  black;  speculum  and  broad 
stripe  back  of  eye,  green;  female,  similar  but  with  the 
Avliole  head  specked,  and  with  no  green  on  the  ears. 
They  can  usualh'  be  identified  at  a  distance  by  the  ab- 
sence of  any  dark  areas,  and  when  flying  by  the  white- 
ness of  the  underparts.  Baldpates  are  common  and  well 
known  birds  throughout  Xorth  America,  where  they  are 
called  by  a  great  variety  of  names,  most  of  which  refer 
to  the  bald  appearance  of  the  top  of  the  head,  owing  to 
the  white  feathers.  Their  food  consists  of  mollusks, 
insects,  grain,  and  tender  shoots  of  grass;  their  flesh  is, 
consequently,  very  palatable  and  they  are  much  souglit 
as  table  birds. 

Notes. — A  shrill,  clear  whistle. 

Nest. — Of  grass,  lined  with  feathers  from  the  breast 
of  the  female;  situated  on  the  ground  in  tall  grass  near 
the  water's  edge.     8  to  10  buff  eggs   (2.15x1.50)  :  June. 


»3 


GREEN-WINGED    TEAL 

139.  Xettion  carolinense.     14  in. 

Head  reddish-brown;  speculum  and  large  patch  back 
of  eye,  green;  a  white  crescent  in  front  of  wing.  Female 
with  the  head  and  neck  whitish,  finely  streaked  with 
dusky;  wings  as  in  male.  Tliese  ducks  are  abundant  in 
most  parts  of  the  United  States,  but  are  rather  uncom- 
mon in  New  England.  They  are  usually  seen  in  flocks 
of  ten  or  a  dozen,  and  often  a  single  bird,  or  two  or 
three,  may  be  found  with  a  flock  of  Mallards.  They 
frequent  ponds,  marshes  and  rush-grown  shores  of  creeks, 
rivers  or  lakes,  feeding  upon  shellfish,  insects,  aquatic 
plants  and  seeds. 

Notes. — Shrill,  piping  whistles,  rapidly  repeated. 

Nest. — On  the  ground  under  the  shelter  of  tall  grass; 
it  is  made  of  weeds  and  grass,  and  lined  with  feathers. 
They  lay  from  5  to  9  eggs,  buffy  (1.85x1.25);  May, 
June. 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  northern  tier  of  states  north- 
ward; winters  from  Va.,  111.  and  British  Columbia, 
southward. 


BLUE-WINGED    TEAL 
140.  Querquedula  discors.     15.5   in. 

Male. — Head  gray,  with  a  white  crescent  in  front  of 
the  eye;  underparts  buflfy,  heavily  spotted  with  bhick : 
wing  coverts  blue;  speculum  green.  Femala  similar  to 
the  female  Green-winged  Teal,  but  with  blue  wing  cov- 
erts. Teal  can  easily  be  distinguished  from  other  ducks 
by  their  small  size;  the  present  species  can  usually  be 
separated  from  the  last,  by  the  darker  underparts,  the 
longer  neck  and  smaller  head.  Their  flight  is  very 
rapid ;  it  probably  appears  to  be  more  rapid  than  that 
of  other  ducks  because  of  the  much  smaller  size  of  the 
Teal.  They  usually  fly  in  compact  lines  and  when  ready 
to  alight,  do  so  very  precipitously. 

Notes. — A  weak,  but  rapidly  uttered  quacking. 

Nest. — Made  of  weeds,  placed  in  tall  grass  bordering 
marshes  or  ponds.  6  to  10  buffy  eggs  are  laid  during 
May  or  June.    (1.90x1.30). 

Range. — Breeds  from  Maine,  Ohio  and  Kansas  north- 
ward: winters  in  the  lower  half  of  eastern  United 
States. 


85 


CINNAMON    TEAL 

141.  Querquedula  cyanoptera.     16  in. 

]\Iale  with  the  whole  head,  neck  and  underparts  bri^rlit 
cinnamon;  wings  as  in  tlie  Blue-winged  species.  Female 
similar  to  the  female  Blue-wing,  but  more  rusty  beh^w, 
and  the  throat  is  tinted  or  quite  dark,  wliile  that  of 
the  last  species  is  usually  light.  These  beautiful  birds 
are  very  abundant  west  of  the  Rocky  ]Mountains,  but 
are  of  only  casual  or  accidental  occurrence  east  of  the 
Mississippi  Valley  and  sometimes  Southern  Florida. 
Their  favorite  nesting  places  are  in  fields  of  tall  grass 
or  clover,  in  close  proximity  to  marshes  or  ponds. 

Nest. — Compactly  woven  of  grasses  and  lined  with 
down;  they  lay  from  eight  to  as  many  as  thirteen  buffy 
white  eggs,  size   1.85x1.35;   May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  Western  United  States  and  British 
Columbia.  Occurs  rarely  in  the  Mississippi  Valley, 
Southern  Texas  and  Florida. 


SHOVELLER 

142.  Spatula  clypeata.     20  in. 

Bill  long,  and  much  broader  at  the  tip  than  at  the  | 
base;  head  and  speculum  green;  belly  reddish-brown; 
breast  and  back,  white;  wing  coverts,  pale  blue;  eye 
yellow;  feet  orange.  Female  with  head,  neck  and  under- 
parts,  brownish-yellow,  specked  or  streaked  with  dusky; 
wings  as  in  the  male,  but  not  as  brightly  colored. 
Easily  recognized  in  any  plumage  by  the  large,  broad 
bill.  If  it  were  not  for  this  large  and  ungainly  shaped 
bill,  this  species  might  be  classed  as  one  of  our  most 
beautiful  ducks,  when  in  full  plumage,  which  is  only 
during  the  breeding  season;  at  other  seasons  the  head 
of  the  male  is  largely  mixed  with  blackish. 

Nest. — Of  fine  grasses  and  weeds,  lined  with  feathers; 
they  lay  6  to  10  grayiah  eggs   (2.10x1.50)  ;  May. 

Range. — Whole  of  the  northern  hemisphere.  Breeds 
in  America,  from  Minnesota  and  Dakota  northwards, 
and  locally  farther  south;  winters  on  the  South  Atlantic 
and  Gulf  coasts;  rare  during  migrations  on  the  North 
Atlantic  coas^t. 


87 


^0^' 


^mmii^S^^ 


PINTAIL 
143.  Dafila  acuta.     22   in. 

Tail  pointed,  and,  in  the  male,  with  the  two  central 
feathers  considerably  lengthened;  neck  unusually  long 
and  slender  for  a  duck ;  form  more  slender  than  that 
of  other  ducks.  Male  with  brownish  head  and  stripe 
down  back  of  neck;  back  and  sides  barred  with  black 
and  white;  speculum  green,  bordered  with  white  or  buff. 
Female  mottled  brownish,  buffy  and  black,  but  to  be 
known  by  the  sharply  pointed  tail  feathers  and  long 
neck;  speculum  brownish.  These  ducks  are  strong  swim- 
mers and  good  fliers,  but  poor  divers;  they  get  their 
food  the  same  as  does  the  Mallard  by  "  tipping  up," 
their  long  neck  enabling  them  to  feed  in  comparatively 
deep  water.  They  are  quite  timid  and  lurk  in  the  tall 
grass  of  the  marshes  during  the  daytime,  feeding  chiefly 
after  dark. 

Notes. — Quacks  like  those  of  the  Mallard. 

Nest. — On  the  ground,  and  like  that  of  other  ducks, 
well  lined  with  feathers;   6  to  12  eggs    (2.20x1.50). 

Range. — Breeds  from  111.  and  Iowa  northward;  win- 
ters in  southern  half  of  the  U.  S. 


WOOD    DUCK 

144.  Aix  sponsa.     19  in. 

Head  crested  in  both  sexes,  tlie  feathers  being  espe- 
cially lengthened  on  the  nape.  No  other  American  duck 
that  can  possibly  be  mistaken  for  them.  The  male 
Wood  Duck  is  the  most  beautiful  of  the  family,  in  this 
or  any  other  country,  its  only  rival  being  the  gaily  col- 
ored Mandarin,  of  China.  In  summer,  they  may  be 
found  about  the  edges  of  clear  ponds  or  lakes,  especially 
those  located  in  woods  remote  from  human  habitations. 
They  are  very  local  in  their  distribution  and  only  on* 
or  two  pairs  "will  be  found  in  a  locality.  In  most  part> 
of  their  range  they  are  rapidly  diminishing  in  numbers. 

Notes. — A  soft  whistled  "  peet,  peet "  and  a  squawky, 
danger-note  like  "  hoo-eek,  hoo-eek." 

Nest. — In  the  hollow  of  a  tree  usually  near  the  watei"-' 
edge.  The  bottom  is  lined  with  soft  downy  featheis. 
and  8  to  15  huffy  eggs  are  laid   (2.00x  1.50). 

Range. — Whole  of  the  United  States  and  southern 
Canada,  breeding  locally  throughout  the  range.  Win- 
ters in  southern  half  of  the  U.  S.  . 


90 


REDHEAD 

146.  Marila  americana.     19  in. 

Note  the  shape  of  the  bill  of  this  species^  as  compared 
to  that  of  the  similarly  colored  Canvas-back.  The  male 
liedhead  has  a  bluish  bill  with  a  black  tip,  and  his  back 
is  much  darker  than  that  of  the  Canvas-back;  eye  yel- 
low. The  female  has  the  throat  white  and  the  back 
plain  grayish-brown,  without  bars.  Redheads  dive  and 
swim  with  great  agility;  they  feed  largely  upon  water 
plants  and  mollusks  which  they  get  from  the  bottom  of 
ponds,  or  along  the  seashore.  They  breed  very  abun- 
dantly in  the  s^loughs  of  the  prairies  in  the  Northwest. 

Notes. — A  hollow,  rapid  croaking. 

Nest. — Of  grasses,  lined  with  feathers,  in  marshes. 
Their  6  to  12  eggs  are  buflfy  white  (2.40x1.70)  ;  May, 
June. 

Range. — Breeds  chiefly  in  the  interior,  from  Minnesota 
and  Dakota  northward,  and  to  a  lesser  degree  north 
from  Maine.     Winters  in  southern  part  of  tlie  U.  S. 


CANVAS-BACK 

147.  Marila  vallisneria.     21  in. 

Differs   from   the   Redhead   in  the  shape   of  its  black 
bill,  its  blackish  forehead,  very  light  back  and  red  eyes. 
Tl)e    female   has   the   back   grayish-brown,   finely   barre 
with    black.      Like    the    last    species,    Canvas-backs    ai 
excellent    swimmers    and    divers,    and    can    secure    the 
food    from    a    considerable    depth.      In    winter    they    ar 
found   in  great   abundance   on   the   Atlantic   coast   froi 
Maryland   southward,   and   are  one  of  the  most  persisi 
ently    hunted    birds,    for    their    flesh    is    much    esteemed 
and  they  have  a  high  market  value.     They  are  seen 
large  flocks,  and  are  difficult  to  approach,  but  are  said 
to  decoy  as  easily  as  any  other. 

Notes. — Harsh  croaks,  little  different  from  those  of 
tlie  Redhead. 

Nest. — On  the  ground  in  marshes  or  sloughs,  tin 
hollow  being  lined  with  grasses  and  feathers  from  tlic 
breast  of  the  female;   6  to  10  eggs    (2.40x1.70). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  interior  from  Minnesota  and 
Dakota  northward;  winters  from  Maryland  and  British 
Columbia  southward.     Rare  in  New  England. 


AMERICAN    SCAUP    DUCK 

148.  Marila  marila.     18  in. 

Head  black,  glossed  with  greenish;  speculum  white; 
bill  dull  bluish;  eye  yellow.  Female  resembles  that  of 
the  Redhead,  but  has  a  white  speculum.  These  ducks 
are  perhaps  better  known  as  Blue-bills,  than  as  Scaup 
Ducks.  They  are  one  of  the  most  abundant  migrants 
on  the  Atlantic  coast,  and  are  one  of  the  most  active  of 
the  family,  diving  at  the  flash  of  a  gun. 

Notes. — A  peculiar  grunting  quack. 

Nest. — Of  grass  and  feathers  on  the  ground  in 
marshes. 

Range. — Breeds  from  Minnesota  and  Dakota  north- 
ward.    Winters  south  of  New  England. 

LESSER    SCAUP    DUCK 

149.  Marila  affinis.     17   in. 

Slightly  smaller  than  the  last,  and  with  the  head  of 
the  male  glossed  purple  instead  of  green. 

Range. — Breeding  range  same  as  that  of  the  last; 
winters  in  the  scuthern  half  of  the  U.   S. 


RING-NECKED    DUCK 

150.  Marila  collaris.     17   in. 

Male  with  a  narrow  chestnut  neck  ring;  head  glossed 
witli  purple;  back  black;  chin  white;  bill  blackish,  Mitli 
a  bluish  band  near  the  end;  eye  yellow.  Female  witli 
white  cheeks,  eye  ring  and  region  about  the  base  of  the 
bill;  otherwise  similar  to  the  female  of  the  Redhead, 
but   smaller. 

These  ducks  are  usually  met  in  flocks  of  from  one 
to  three  dozen,  the  same  as  the  preceding  two  black 
headed  ducks.  Their  flight  is  very  rapid,  and  they  arc 
equally  agile  when  in  the  water.  They  are  seen  on 
the  Atlantic  coast  only  in  winter,  and  remain  just  as 
far  north  as  the  water  remains  open. 

Notes. — A  low  grunting  "quanck." 

Nest. — Of  grasses  and  feathers  in  marshes  and  on 
bogs.  The  6  to  10  eggs  are  grayish-white  (2.25x1.60)  ; 
June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  interior  of  Minnesota  north- 
wards;  winters  throughout  the  United  States. 


93 


U4 


BUFFLE-HEAD 

153.  Charitonetta  alheola.     14  in. 

Head  iridescent  with  green,  purple  and  blue,  and  with 
rt  large  white  patch  extending  from  eye  to  eye,  across 
tlie  back  of  the  puffy  crest.  Female  with  a  wliite  patch 
on  either  side  of  her  brownish  head;  speculum  white. 
.  They  are  known  bv  a  great  variety  of  names  such  as 
*  ■•  Butter  Ball,"  "  Spirit  Duck,"  "  Dipper,"  etc.,  the  ma- 
jority of  which  refer  to  the  celerity  with  which  they 
can  disappear  under  the  water.  They  are  always  on 
liie  alert  and  will  dive  at  the  flash  of  a  gun.  They  are 
able  to  continue  incessant  diving  for  a  long  period  and 
can  remain  under  water  for  a  long  time.  Their  flight  is 
very  rapid,  and  when  alighting  in  the  water  they  make 
considerable  splash,  but  can  take  wing  from  it  easier 
than  the  majority  of  ducks. 

Notes. — A  single  guttural  croak. 

Nest. — In  hollow  trees;  eggs  greenish  gray  (2.00  x 
1.40)  ;    June. 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  northern  boundary  of  the 
U.   S.  northward;   winters  throughout  the  U.  S. 


AMERICAN    GOLDEN-EYE 
151.  Clangula  clangula  americana.     20  in. 

Head  puffy,  or  slightly  crested.  Male  with  greenish 
li(>ad  and  a  round  white  spot  between  bill  and  eye. 
Female  with  a  brownish  head  and  white  speculum. 

Notes. — A  hoarse  croak,  rarely  uttered. 

Nest. — In  cavities  of  hollow  trees  near  ponds  or  on 
the  banks  of  streams.  0  to  10  grayish  green  eggs  (?,.30x 
1.70)  :   June. 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  northern  ^rts  of  the  north- 
ern tier  of  states,  northward;  winters  throughout  the 
U.  S. 

BARROW    GOLDEN-EYE 
152.  Clangula  islandica.     20  in. 

Head  bluish  with  a  white  crescent  at  base  of  bill ; 
eye  bright  yellow  in  both  this  and  the  last  species; 
female  practically  indistinguishable  from  the  preceding, 
although  the  bill  of  the  present  species  is  shorter  and 
comparatively  higher  at  the  base. 

Range. — Breeds  from  Northern  U.  S.  north  to  Labra- 
dor and  Alaska,  and  in  the  Rockies,  south  to  Colorado; 
winters  in  the  northern  half  of  the  L'.  S. 


96 


OLD    SQUAW;    LONG-TAILED    DUCK 

154.  Harelda   hyemalis.  ^    21;     $     16   in. 

This  species  is  one  of  the  very  few  ducks  that  change 
their  plumages  in  summer  and  winter.  The  female  h 
marked  similarly  to  the  male  but  is  very  much  dullei 
colored,  and  lacks  the  long  tail  feathers  with  whicl 
the  male  is  adorned.  They  are  sea  ducks  and,  whih 
they  are  usually  found  to  some  extent  on  some  of  the 
larger  lakes  or  ponds,  during  migrations,  they  are  verj 
abundant  on  the  Atlantic  coast.  They  are  excelleni 
swimmers  and  dive  to  great  depths  in  search  of  food, 
It  is  said  (Nelson)  that  in  their  summer  home,  durinc 
the  mating  season,  they  frequently  dive  under  the  watei 
from  the  air,  a  habit  that  none  of  the  other  ducks,  ex 
cept  rarely  the  Pintail,  indulge  in. 

Notes. — A  confused,  but  rather  musical  gabbling. 

Nest.— On  the  ground  near  water;  thickly  lined  with 
downy  feathers;   eggs  laid  in  June. 

Range. — Breeds  from  Labrador  and  Alaska  north- 
ward; winters  south  to  Long  Island  Sound  and  the 
upper  Mississippi  Valley. 


HARLEQUIN    DUCK 

155.   Histrionicus  histrionicus. 


17  in. 


Male  very  oddly  and  liandsomely  marked,  as  shown: 
female  blackish-brown,  lighter  below  and  with  a  whitish 
spot  before  and  one  behind  each  eye.  During  the  win- 
ter, they  are  seen  in  flocks  off  the  coast,  from  Maine 
and  sometimes  from  Long  Island  Sound  northward.  In 
summer,  they  are  usually  found  only  in  pairs  along 
rivers  or  creeks,  and  in  the  Rocky  Mountains  they  fre- 
quent the  tvirbulent  streams  that  are  the  homes  of  the 
Water  Ouzel.  When  swimming.  Harlequins  sit  high  in 
the  water,  but  they  are  able  to  get  under  the  surface 
with  the  greatest  of  speed. 

Notes. — A  rapidly  uttered,  clattering  whistle. 

Nest. — On  the  ground,  in  crevices  under  rocks,  tho 
hollow  being  well  lined  with  down;  also  said  to  nest 
in  hollow  trees;  their  5  to  8  eggs  are  greenish-buff  and 
measure  2.30x1.60;   June. 

Range. — Breeds  from  New  Brunswick  north  and  north 
west  to  Alaska  and  the  Arctic  Ocean,  and  south  in  the 
Rockies  to  Colorado;  winters  south  to  the  Middle  States 
and  Calif. 


97 


LABRADOR    Dl/CK 

156.  Camptorhynchus  lahradorius.     20  in. 

Male  with  the  head,  breast  and  wings,  white;  narrow 
stripe  over  the  top  of  the  head  and  down  the  back  of 
tlie  neck,  ring  around  the  neck,  back,  primaries  and 
entire  underparts,  black.  Female  mottled  brownish-gray 
and  blackish,  with  white  speculum. 

Labrador  Ducks  were  never  very  abundant  within  the 
memory  of  any  living  person,  but  they  were  occasion- 
ally shot  and  were  found  sometimes  in  the  New  York 
markets.  At  that  time  little  heed  was  paid  to  them 
and  they  became  extinct  before  anyone  realized  the 
fact.  Their  record  has  been  traced  down  to  1875,  since 
which  time  none  have  been  taken.  As  far  as  known 
there  are  but  38  or  40of  them  preserved.  They  were 
formerly  found  f ro^^^^  l&laS^v  Sound  north  to  Lab- 
rador. 


NORTHERN    EIDER 

159.  i^omaieria   mollissima   horcalis.     23   in. 

Base  of  bill  extends  on  either  side  of  forehead  in  a 
point,  a  mark  that  will  distinguish  it  from  the  next 
and  very  similar  species,  in  any  plumage.  The  female 
p]ider  presents  a  most  remarkable  difference  in  plumage 
from  that  of  the  male,  and,  unlike  the  females  of  most 
species,  is  a  very  handsome  bird. 

Nest. — Of  grasses  lined  with  down;  concealed  in  tall 
grass  or  under  bushes;  the  6  to  10  eggs  are  greenish- 
drab    (3.00x2.00);   May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds  on  Labrador  and  Greenland  coasts. 


160. 


AMERICAN    EIDER 
Somateria  dresseri.     23  in. 


This  is  the  Eider  that  is  usually  seen  on  the  Atlantic 
coast  and  is  the  only  one  that  breeds  south  of  Labra- 
dor. The  base  of  the  bill,  that  encroaches  on  either  side 
of  the  forehead  is  rounded,  and  broader  than  that  of 
the  last.  They  nest  from  Maine  (rarely)  northward, 
and  winter  south  to  Long  Island. 


99 


KING    EIDER 

162.  Somateria  spectabilis.     23   in. 

The  feathers  of  the  sides  of  the  bill  of  this  specie?, 
do  not  reach  to  the  nostril,  while  in  the  two  preceding' 
ones,  they  do.  This  is  the  chief  point  of  difference  ir 
distinguishing  the  females,  which  very  closely  resembl 
each  other.  Adult  males,  as  can  be  seen,  are  very  dif 
ferent  from  the  other  Eiders.  As  is  usual  with  the 
Eiders,  the  male  of  this  species  moults  to  a  plumage 
resembling  that  of  the  female,  during  the  late  summer, 
when  he  has  shed  his  wing  feathers  and  is,  for  a  period 
flightless.  This  is  a  part  of  Nature's  plan  to  give  her 
feathered  children  protection  when  they  most  need  it. 
W  Idle  the  females  are  sitting  upon  the  eggs,  they  are 
deserted  by  the  males,  which  congregate  in  large  llocks, 
and  drift  aimlessly  about  until  joined  by  the  females 
in    Fall. 

Nest. — A  depression  in  the  ground,  lined  with  feath- 
ers.    Eggs  like  those  of  the  last  species. 

Range. — Breeds  from  northern  Labrador  and  the  Aleu- 
tian Islands,  Alaska,  northward;  winters  south  to  Maine 
and  casually  to  Long  Island  Sound. 


AMERICAN    SCOTER 

163.  Oidemia  americana.     19  in. 

Adult  male,  entirely  black;  bill  black  with  enlarged 
base  yellow;  eye  brown.  Female  plain  brownish-black, 
lighter  below.  All  the  Scoters  are  better  known  ti) 
sportsmen  as  "  coots,"  this  species  being  the  Butter- 
billed  Coot,  while  the  female  is  the  Gray  Coot. 

Notes. — A  long  musical  whistle.      (Elliott). 

Nest. — On  the  ground  usually  well  concealed.  Their 
6  to  10  eggs  are  a  creamy  buff  color   (2,50x1.70). 

Range. — Breeds  from  Labrador  northward.  Winters 
south  to  the  Middle  States  and  Lake  States. 

WHITE-WINGED    SCOTER 

105.  Oidemia  deglandi.     22  in. 

This  species  is  the  most  abundant  of  the  Scoters  win- 
tering off  the  New  England  coast,  where  they  congregate 
in  immense  "  rafts,"  floating  off  shore. 

Nest. — Concealed  in  long  grass,  lined  with  feathers : 
5  to  8  buffy  eggs   (2.75x1.85)  ;  June. 

Range. — Breeds  from  North  Dakota  and  Newfound- 
land northward;   winters  in  the  northern  half  of  U.  S. 


iui 


102 


SURF    SCOTER 
106.  Oidemia  perspicillata.     20  in. 

Male  black  with  a  white  patch  on  top  of  the  head 
and  another  on  the  nape;  eye  white;  bill  red,  white  and 
yellow,  with  a  large  black  sjDot  near  the  base.  Female 
a  uniform  grayish  brown,  lighter  below,  with  a  whitish 
patch  in  front  of  each  eye;  young  birds  are  like  the 
female  but  also  have  a  white  patch  back  of  the  eye. 
That  they  are  very  abundant  is  apparent  from  the  size 
Df  a  single  flock  seen  by  Nelson  about  10  miles  out  to 
sea  from  St.  Michaels,  Alaska:  it  formed  a  continuous 
band  for  about  10  miles  in  length  and  from  a  half  to 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  width.  All  the  ''  Coots " 
have  heavy  bodies,  making  it  rather  difficult  for  them 
to  rise  from  the  water,  along  which  they  run  for  a  few 
yards  before  springing  into  the  air. 

Nest. — A  feather  lined  hollow  on  the  ground,  like  that 
of  other  ducks;   eggs  creamy  buff   (2.40x1.70). 

Range. — Breeds  from  Newfoundland,  Manitoba,  and 
British  Columbia  northward;  winters  south  to  Virginia, 
Ohio  and  California. 


RUDDY    DUCK 

167.  Erismatura   jamaicensis.     15   in. 

Bill  short,  broad,  with  an  upturned  appeaiance;  tail 
feathers  very  narrow,  stiff  and  pointed.  Male  in  sum- 
mer, with  bhick  crown,  whitish  cheeks,  throat  and  belly, 
and  reddish-brown  back,  breast  and  sides.  In  winter, 
the  cheeks  are  duller  colored  and  the  back  mixed  witli 
grayish.  Female  with  crown,  back  and  sides  grayish ; 
cheeks  showing  traces  of  white  as  on  the  male.  These 
ducks  are  very  sprightly,  either  in  the  water,  on  land, 
or  awing.  Their  flight  is  very  rapid,  their  stiff,  short 
wings  producing  a  buzzing  sound  that  gives  them  the 
local  name  of  Bumble  Bee  Coot.  They  have  a  great 
variety  of  names  referring  to  some  character  of  thei 
form,  such  as  Broad-bill  Dipper,  Bull-neck,  Bristle 
tail,  etc. 

Nest. — Of  grasses  or  rushes,  lined  with  down,  placed 
in  tall  grass  near  the  water  or  in  clumps  of  rushes 
growing  out  of  the  water;  6  to  12  grayish  eggs  (2.40x 
1.75).  very  large  for  the  size  of  the  bird;  June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  interior  of  northern  U.  S.  and 
in  Canada;   winters  in  southern  United  States. 


103 


104 


LESSER   SNOW    GOOSE 

169.  Chen  hypehoreiis.    25  in. 

Plumage  entirely  white;  ends  of  primaries  black:  top 
and  back  of  head  sometimes  tinged  with  rusty:  bill  and 
feet  red.;  eye  brown.  This  variety  is  like  the  next,  which 
is  the  bird  commonly  seen  in  the  East,  although  the 
Lesser  Goose  is  found  east  to  the  Mississippi  Valley. 

GREATER    SNOW    GOOSE 

169a.  C.  h.   nivalis.     33  in.    . 

Snow  Geese  travel  in  large  flocks,  the  same  as  do  the 
Canada  Geese,  led  by  an  old  male  that  has  traveled  the 
airy  road  many  times  before.  At  times,  flocks  are  seen 
on  the  prairies,  so  large  that  they  give  the  ground  the 
appearance  of  being  covered  with  snow.  Tliey  are  very 
wary  and  will  all  take  flight  at  the  first  alarm. 

Notes. — Usually  silent,  but  they  sometimes  "  honk." 

Nest. — Of  grasses,  sometimes,  but  not  always,  lined 
with  down;  5  to  8  buffy  white  eggs   (3.40x2.40)  ;  June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions;  winters  on  the 
South  Atlantic  coast. 


BLUE    GOOSE 

109,1.  Chen  ccerulescens.     28  in. 

Head  and  neck  white,  often  tinged  with  rusty  on  the 
face;  underpaits  brownish-gray.  Young  birds  are  simi- 
lar but  the  head  is  brownish;  bill  and  feet  reddisli ; 
eye  brown.  This  handsome  goose  is  found  only  in  the 
interior,  but  a  few  accidental  birds  have  been  taken  on 
the  Atlantic  and  two  on  the  Pacific  coasts.  While  it 
is  not  an  abundant  species,  flocks  of  twenty  or  thirty  are 
often  seen  in  the  Mississippi  Valley.  They  are  some- 
times seen  with  Snow  Geese,  but  for  the  most  part  keep 
by  themselves.  On  their  march  to  their  breeding  grounds 
they  branch  off  from  the  routes  chosen  by  the  Snow  Geese, 
and  turn  to  the  eastward,  breeding  east  of  Hudson  Bay, 
while  the  white  geese  are  found  chiefly  to  the  westward. 

Nest. — A  glass-lined  depression  on  the  ground;  eggs 
deep  buff  color    (2.50x1.75)  ;   June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Hudson  Bay  region  and  in 
Labrador ;  winters  on  the  west  coast  of  the  Gulf  of 
Mexico,  migrating  through  the  Mississippi  Valley. 


105 


106 


AMERICAN    WHITE-FRONTED    GOOSE 

171a.  Anser  alhifrons  gamheli.     28  in. 

Forehead,  white;  head  and  neck  gray;  under  parts 
mixed  black  and  white;  feet  veHow;  bill  pinkish:  eye 
brown.  These  geese  reacli  the  U.  S.  on  their  return  from 
the  Arctic  regions  about  the  first  of  October;  they  are 
very  abundant  on  the  Pacific  coast  and  fairly  common 
in  the  Mississippi  Valley,  but  are  rare  on  the  Atlantic 
coast.  They  are  very  noisy  birds  and  in  some  sections 
of  the  country  are  known  as  Laughing  Geese.  From 
being  shot  at  so  frequently,  they  are  very  wild  and 
difficult  to  approach,  sentinels  being  stationed  to  give 
ahum  if  danger  approaches,  when  they  are  feeding. 

Notes. — A  confused  honking,  likened  to  laughter. 

Nest. — Of  grasses  on  the  ground,  usually  in  marshes: 
nearly  always  lined  with  down  from  the  breast  of  the 
female.  The  four  to  nine  eggs  are  huffy  ( 3.00  x  2.05 )  : 
May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions,  chiefly  west  of 
Hudson  Bay;  winters  south  to  the  Gulf  coast  and  Calif.; 
rare  on  the  Atlantic  coast. 


CANADA    GOOSE 

172.  Branta  canadensis.     38  in. 

The  best  known  and  most  widely  distributed  of  our 
geese.  In  the  northern  states  they  are  always  eagerly 
looked  for  in  the  Spring,  for  theii  arrival  is  a  sure 
indication  that  the  backbone  of  Winter  has  broken. 
Their  familiar  honking  is  heard  long  before  the  thin, 
wavering,  black,  V-shaped  line  appears  on  the  horizon ;  | 
as  it  draws  nearer,  the  volume  of  sound  increases,  re- 
sembling the  baying  of  a  pack  of  hounds,  and  at  last, 
the  flock  sweeps  overhead  with  deafening  cries;  large  , 
birds,  with  long  necks  fully  outstretched,  wings  beating 
the  air  in  unison,  and  all  following  the  leadership  of 
one  bird  in  their  journey  over  their  invisible  path. 

Nest. — Of  grasses  and  feathers,  on  marshes  or  near 
ponds;  4  to  9  buff'y  drab  eggs   (3.50x2.50)  ;  May,  June 

Range. — Breeds  from  Labrador,  Dakota,  and  British 
Columbia  northward;  winters  in  Southern  U.  S.  172a. 
Hutchins  Goose  (B.  c.  hutchinsii)  is  smaller  (31  in.) 
and  found  in  Western  N.  A.,  casually  east  of  the  Miss. 
172c.  Cackling  Goose  (B.  c.  minima)  is  still  smaller 
(24  in.)  ;   is  found  in  the  same  range. 


107 


108 


BRANT 

173a.  Brania  hernicla  glaucogastra.     26  in. 

Head,  back  and  breast  black,  sharply  defined  against 
the  grayish-white  of  the  underparts:  a  whitish  patch 
on  either  side  of  the  neck.  They  are  very  abundant  on 
the  Atlantic  coast  in  winter,  and  Miien  not  too  per- 
sistently hunted  are  unsuspicious;  they  do  not  fly  in 
regular  formation  like  the  Canada  geese,  nor  do  they 
appear  to  have  any  special  leader.  They  are  inquisitive 
a)id  easily  decoyed,  and  consequently  large  numbers  of 
tliem  are  shot  annually.  They  are  noisy,  their  notes 
being  a  peculiar,  guttural  "  car-r-r-rup "  or  "  r-r-rup." 
and  when  in  the  presence  of  a  large  flock,  the  sound  is 
deafening.      ( Elliott ) . 

They  feed  upon  tender  water  plants  and  roots,  which 
they  get  from  the  bottom  by  tipping  up,  and  not  by 
diving. 

Nest. — A  depression  in  the  ground,  lined  with  grass 
and  feathers;    eggs  grayish-buft'    (2.80x1.75);    June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions;  winters  on  the 
Atlantic  coast  and  less  often  in  the  Mississippi  Valley, 
from  Mass.  and  111.  southward. 


BLACK-BELLIED    TREE    DUCK 

177.  Dendrocygna  autumnalis.     22  in. 

Legs  and  neck  long;  bill  and  feet  pinkish;  eye  brown; 
head  and  neck  chiefly  gray;  breasL  and  back  brownish; 
belly  and  under  tail  coverts,  black;  wing-coverts  white 
and  gray.  These  peculiar  shaped  ducks  are  not  rare  in 
certain  localities  along  the  Rio  Grande  in  Southern 
Texas,  and  are  abundant  in  Mexico  and  Central  Amer- 
ica. They  are  not  timid  and  are  frequently  caught  and 
domesticated.  They  can  walk  and  run  gracefully,  an 
often  feed  in  grain  fields  at  considerable  distance  fro:.i 
water;  they  also  eat  shoots  and  seeds  of  aquatic  plants. 
Like  the  Wood  Duck,  they  nest  in  hollow  trees,  often 
at  some  distance  from  water,  and,  as  soon  as  the  young 
appear,  help  them  to  the  ground  and  lead  them  to  the 
water. 

Notes. — A  loud,  shrill  whistle. 

Nest. — Usually  lined  with  down,  in  cavities  of  hollow 
trees;  the  6  to  15  eggs  are  pure  white  (2.05x1.50); 
May. 

Range. — Found  in  the  United  States  only  in  the 
Southern  part  of  Texas. 


109 


110 


FULVOUS    TREE    DUCK 

178.  Dendrocyijna   bicolor.     22   in. 

Form  like  that  of  tlie  last,  but  with  the  head,  neck, 
riiinp  and  underparts  rusty,  and  with  no  white  in  the 
wings.  The  Fulvous  Duck  is  much  more  abundant  in 
the  United  States  than  the  Black-l>ellied,  and  is  casually 
I  ^J  found  as  far  north  as  Kansas  and  Nevada,  while  it  is 
f  ^  regularly  found  in  Texas  and  Louisiana,  where  it  is 
known  as  the  Long-legged  Duck.  Owing  to  the  nature 
of  its  diet,  which  consists  chiefly  of  grain,  roots  and 
water  plants,  the  flesh  of  this  bird  is  esteemed  as  an 
article  of  food,  and  many  are  killed  for  such.  When 
wounded,  they  are  said  to  be  difficult  to  capture,  owing 
to  the  speed  at  which  they  can  run;  they  also  swim 
and  dive  well. 

Nest. — Located  in  the  hollow  of  a  tree,  the  bottom  of 

the  cavity  usually  being  lined  with  feathers.     They  lay 

from   ten   to   fifteen   pure   white   eggs,   and   as   many   as 

"   '"*\    thirty-two  have  been  found  in  one  nest,  but  these  were 

k     ^       probably  laid  by  two  or  more  females;  May. 

Range. — Texas  and  Louisiana,  and  north  casually  to 
Kansas  and  Nevada.     Winters  in  Mexico. 


WHISTLING    SWAN 

180.  Olor  colunibianus.     54  in. 

Nostril  situated  at  a  greater  distance  from  the  eye 
tlian  it  is  from  the  end  of  the  bill;  a  small  yellow  spot 
on  the  bare  space  in  front  of  the  eye;  plumage  entirely 
M'hite;  bill  and  legs  black.  This  is  the  swan  that  is 
found  on  the  Atlantic  coast,  and  is  most  abundant  in 
tlie  Miss.  V^alley.  It  is  rare  north  of  Chesapeake  Bay, 
but  it  is  abundant  from  there  southward,  in  winter. 
They  make  a  beautiful  sight  against  the  blue  sky,  their 
immense  white  wings  slowly  fanning  the  air  and  their 
long  necks  extended. 

Notes. — A  peculiar,  flageolet-like  "  Who,  who,  who." 
(Elliott). 

Nest. — A  mass  of  weeds,  grass  and  feathers  on  the 
ground;   3  to  6  greenish  buff  eggs    (4.00x2.75). 

Range. — Breeds  within  the  Arctic  Circle;  winters 
south  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico;  rare  north  of  Va.  on  the 
Atlantic.  181.  TRUMPETER  SWAN  {Olor  hucinator) 
is  larger  (65  in.)  and  is  found  west  of  the  Miss.  It 
breeds  from  la.,  northwards.  Nostril  midway  between 
eye  and  tip  of  bill. 


Ax 


4 


111 


ORDER    ODONTOGLOSS^ 

FLAMINGOES— Family  Phoenicopteridae 

FLAMINGO 

182.  Phoenicopterus  ruber.     46  in. 

These  large,  beautiful  birds  are  found  in  Southern 
Florida,  and  casually  north  to  South  Carolina,  but  it  is 
doubtful  if  they  breed  within  our  limits.  They  fly  with 
their  long  neck  fully  extended  and  legs  trailing  behind, 
M  remarkable  sight  when  a  flock  of  several  tliou.--and  is 
seen  in  flight.  In  1904,  Mr.  F.  M.  Chapman  visited  a 
large  breeding  colony  in  the  Bahamas,  photographing 
the  birds  in  every  Qonceivable  position.  Their  nests  are 
mud-built  structures,  about  a  foot  high,  placed  close 
togetlier  in  the  marshy  interior  of  low  lying  ishmds, 
or  on  sandbars.  The  top  is  slightly  hollowed  out  to 
receive  the  single  egg  (3.40x2.15),  which  is  covered 
with  a  chalky  deposit.  They  sit  astride  the  nest  with 
their  legs  doubled  under   them. 

Notes. — A  honking  like  that  of  Canada  Geese. 

Range. — Resident  in  the  Bahamas  and  West  Indies; 
north  to  Florida. 


HERONS,    STORKS,    IBISES— Order    Herodiones 

Family  Plataleidae 

ROSEATE   SPOONBILL 

183.  Ajaia  ajaja.     33  in. 

Head  entirely  bald  in  adults,  and  only  feathered  to 
the  eyes  in  young  birds;  bill  long,  thin,  flat  and  very 
much  broadened  at  the  end,  variously  colored  with 
green,  blue  and  orange;  eyes  and  legs  red.  Young  birds, 
without  the  bright  carmine  shoulders  or  saffron  tail  of 
the  adults.  These  peculiar  but  handsomely  tinted  birds 
were  formerly  abundant  in  Florida 'and  in  the  adjoin- 
ing states,  but  so  many  have  been  killed  for  their  feath- 
ers, that  they  are  now  rare  and  confined  to  the  most 
inaccessible  swamps  of  Southern  Florida.  Spoonbills 
travel  and  nest  in  communities;  their  flight  is  strong 
and  Heron-like,  but  they  carry  their  neck  fully  extended, 
their  ample  wings  slowly  beating  the  air. 

Nest. — A  frail  structure  of  sticks,  in  mangroves  or 
low  trees;  3  or  4  pale,  greenish  blue  eggs  splashed  with 
brown  (2.50x  1.70)  ;  May,  June. 

Range. — Florida  and  the  Gulf  States,  and  Southern 
Texas. 


113 


114 


IBISES— Family  Ibididae 
WHITE   IBIS 

184.  Guara  alha.     25  in. 

Tips  of  primaries  black;  plumage,  otlierwise,  entirely- 
white;  bill,  face  and  legs,  orange  red  or  carmine.  Young 
with  head  and  neck,  and  more  or  less  of  the  body, 
brownish  or  streaked  with  brown.  White  Ibises  are 
very  abundant  in  the  South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States, 
breeding  in  immense  rookeries  in  remote  swamps,  plac- 
ing their  frail  platforms  in  bushes  over  the  water  or 
sometimes  weaving  nests  out  of  rushes,  attached  to  up- 
right canes  and  brake.  These  rookeries  are  very  untidy 
and  offensive  to  human  beings,  and  millions  and  millions 
of  black  flies  and  mosquitoes  wall  be  encountered  by  any 
who  wish  to  investigate  the  breeding  places  of  these 
birds. 

Notes. — A  loud,  harsh  croak. 

Nest. — ^Of  twigs  in  bushes,  or  of  rushes  in  the  tangle 
and  brake  of  marshes;  3  or  4  whitish  eggs,  handsomely 
spotted  and  splashed  with  brownish. 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  South  Carolina  and  Southern 
111.     Winters  from  the  Gulf  States  southward. 


SCARLET    IBIS 

185.  Guara  rubra.     25  in. 

This  beautiful  species  is  wholly  bright  scarlet,  except 
for  the  black  primaries;  young  birds  are  found  in  all 
stages  of  plumage  from  the  brownish-gray  and  white  of 
the  first  year  birds,  to  the  full  pknnage  of  the  adults. 

This  is  a  tropical- ibis  that  abounds  in  northern  South 
America,  but  is  yearly  decreasing  in  numbers,  owinu 
to  the  persistency  with  which  they  are  hunted,  their 
feathers  being  much  in  demand  for  tying  trout  flies,  as 
well  as  for  decorating  hats,  a  barbarous  practice  that 
is  being  stopped  in  this  country,  by  legislation  and 
public  sentiment. 

Nest. — In  rushes  or  mangroves  like  that  of  the  last 
species;  the  eggs  are  the  same  size  but  average  brighter 
in  color    (2.25x  1.60). 

Range. — Xorthern  South  America,  casually  north  to 
the  Gulf  States,  but  has  not  been  reported  for  years 
in  our  country. 


1 15 


'^,V? 


GLOSSY    IBIS 

186.  Plegadis  autumnalis. 


25  in. 


116 


Like  the  next,  which  is  our  common  species,  but  with 
the  feathers  about  the  face  not  white,  as  in  that  species. 

Range, — Tropical  America,  casually  north  to  south- 
eastern United  States. 


WHITE-FACED    GLOSSY    IBIS 

187.  Plegadis  guarauna.     24  in. 

Bill,  face  and  legs,  carmine  red;  feathers  bordering 
the  face,  white;  wings  and  tail  glossy  greenish-black; 
rest  of  plumage  rich  chestnut-brown,  glossed  with  pur- 
ple on  the  head.  They  nest  by  thousands  in  extensive 
swamps,  in  company  with  herons. 

Nest. — Strongly  and  compactly  woven  of  dead  rushes 
attached  to  living  stalks,  well  cupped,,  thus  differing 
from  that  of  any  of  the  herons;  eggs  plain  greenish 
blue  (1.95x1.35);  deeper  and  brighter  than  those  of 
any  of  the  herons. 

Range. — Texas,  New  Mexico,  Ariz.,  Calif.,  and  south- 
ward. 


STORKS— Family  Ciconid; 
WOOD    IBIS 

188.  Mycteria  americana.     40  to  46  in. 

Entire  head  unfeathered  and  covered  with  scales; 
both  head  and  legs  are  pale  bluish  in  color;  eye  brown; 
plumage  entirely  white  except  for  the  glossy  purplish- 
black  primaries  and  tail.  This  large  bird  is  a  true 
stork  and  is  very  similar  to  the  common  European 
Stork.  The  name  ibis  was  incorrectly  and  unfortunately 
applied  to  this  species,  and  tends  to  confusion.  Its 
flight  is  very  easy  and  graceful,  accomplished  with  a 
slow  flapping  of  the  wings,  alternated  at  short  intervals 
with  long  sails.  At  times  they  mount  high  in  the  air 
and  circle  about  like  hawks  or  vultures. 

Notes. — Loud,  hoarse  croaks. 

Nest. — A  shallow  platform  of  sticks  in  bushes  or  ;it 
low  elevations  in  trees,  usually  over  the  water,  the  bir 
swarming  in  the  most  inaccessible  swamps.     Their  So 
4  eggs  are  white  and  granular. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Gulf  States  and  north  to  South 
Carolina;   later  mav  stray  north  to  New  \ork. 


117 


11« 


BITTERNS,    ETC.— Family    Ardeidae 
AMERICAN    BITTERN 

190.  Botaurus  lentiginosus.     28  in. 

Much  variegated  with  brown  and  yellowish -brown; 
adults  with  a  long,  broad,  black  stripe  on  either  side 
of  the  white  throat;  eye  yellow;  legs  and  base  of  bill 
greenish-yellow.  Bitterns  have  a  great  many  local 
names,  most  of  which  refer  to  the  peculiar  pumping 
noise  that  the  male  makes  during  the  mating  season. 
Perhaps  the  most  common  of  these  is  "  Stake-driver." 
Bitterns  are  found  in  bogs  or  marshes;  they  remain 
concealed  by  the  tall  grass  until  any  intruder  is  very 
near,  before  they  take  flight. 

Notes. — A  squawk  of  alarm ;  song  a  hollow  "  punk- 
cr-lunk." 

Nest. — A  grass-lined  hollow  in  tufts  of  grass  or  turf, 
in  the  middle  of  bogs  or  marshes.  3  or  4  plain  brownish 
eggs,  measuring  1.95x1.50.  But  one  or  two  pairs  nest 
in  a  locality;  May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  northern  half  of  the  United 
States  and  Southern  Canada;  winters  in  southern  half 
of  the  United  States. 


LEAST    BITTERN 

191.  Ixobrychus  exilis.     13  in. 
Male  with  tlie  crown  and  back  glossy  black;    female 
with  these  areas  hair-brown,  and  streaked  with  brown 
below.    These  diminutive  little  bitterns  are  very  shv  and 


retiring,   and   seldom   seen   awav   from   the    reed 


gi. 


marshes  or  ponds  that  they  frequent. 

Notes. — A  hoarse  croak,  and  a  softly  repeated  "  coo." 
Nest. — A  platform  of  dead  rushes  twisted  about  the 
living  stalks.     The  3  or  4  eggs  are  pale  bluish  white. 
(1.2X.9)  ;   May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  States,  locally  to  South- 
ern Canada;  winters  from  the  Gulf  States  southward. 

CORY    LEAST   BITTERN 

191.1.  Ixohryclms  neoxynus.  13  in. 
This  extremely  rare  little  bittern  is  of  the  same  size 
and  form  as  the  common  species.  The  crown,  back, 
wing-feathers  and  tail  are  black,  and  the  rest  of  the 
plumage  is  more  or  less  intense  chestnut  brown.  The 
majority  of  specimens  have  been  taken  in  Florida  and 
Ontario,  with  one  each  from  Michigan  and  Massachu- 
setts. There  are  about  twenty  of  them  known  to  be 
preserved. 


119 


GREAT   WHITE   HERON 

192.  Ardea  occidentalis.     50  in. 

This  is  the  largest  heron  that  we  get  in  North  Amer- 
ica, surpassing  even  the  Great  Blue.  Its  plumage  is 
entirely  white ;  no  "  aigrettes "  on  the  back,  but  two 
white  plumes  on  the  back  of  the  head  and  the  feathers 
of  the  breast  much  lengthened,  the  same  as  in  adult 
Blue  Herons;  bill,  eyes  and  legs  yellow.  A  gray  phase 
of  this  heron,  or  a  hybrid  between  it  and  the  Great 
Blue  Heron,  is  occasionally  found  in  Southern  Florida; 
it  is  similar  to  the  Blue  Heron,  but  paler  and  with  the 
head  and  neck  white. 

Nest. — A  large  platform  of  sticks  placed  in  the  tops 
of  mangroves.  Their  three  or  four  eggs  are  not  dis- 
tinguishable from  those  of  the  next  species;   June. 

Range. — Said  to  be  not  uncommon  on  some  of  the 
Florida  Keys. 


120 


GREAT    BLUE    HERON 

194.  Ardea  herodias.     48  in. 

Adult  Blue  Herons  are  very  handsome  birds,  as  may 
be  seen  in  the  illustration.  Young  birds,  and  nine  out 
of  ten  that  we  see  will  be  young  birds,  are  much  duller 
colored  and  have  no  plumes.  It  takes  several  years, 
for  them  to  attain  their  perfect  plumage.  Their  nests 
are  placed  in  the  tops  of  the  tallest  trees  and  are,  con- 
sequently, difficult  to  get  at.  In  some  heronries,  trees 
have  been  found  containing  as  many  as  40  nests.  In 
flight,  herons  always  carry  their  head  drawn  in  against 
the  shoulders,  the  neck  being  curved  below. 

Nest. — A  platform  of  sticks  in  tall  trees  in  wet  woods. 
3  or  4  pale  greenish-blue  eggs   (2.50x  1.50)  ;  May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds  locally  throughout  tlje  United  States 
and  Canada,  either  in  colonies,  or  single  pairs  where 
they  are  persecuted  as  in  Kew  England;  winters  in 
Southern  U.  S.  149b.  Ward  Heron  (A.  h.  wardi)  is 
similar  but  lighter  below  and  the  neck  is  darker  and 
browner;  it  abounds  in  Florida. 


121 


AMERICAN    EGRET 

196.  Herodias  egret  ta.     41  in. 

Entirely  white,  with  no  plumes  on  the  head  but  with 
a  long  train  of  straight  "  aigrette "  plumes  growing 
from  the  middle  of  the  back;  bill  and  eye,  yellow;  legs 
and  feet,  black.  Young  and  adults  in  winter,  without 
plumes.  The  hand  of  man,  to  gratify  the  desire  of 
woman,  has  ruthlessly  slaughtered  thousands  upon  thou- 
sands of  these  exquisitely  beautiful  birds;  in  Florida 
where  they  were  abundant  a  few  years  ago,  only  strag- 
glers are  seen.  A  few  of  these  heronries  are  yet  left, 
either  because  they  are  in  wildernesses  where  man  has 
not  yet  penetrated,  or  are  strongly  protected  by  the 
humane  owners  of  the  land.  It  is  only  at  tlie  breeding 
places  that  they  can  be  killed  in  numbers,  as  at  other 
times  they  are  shy;  and  it  is  only  during  nesting  season 
that  they  wear  -their  beautiful  plumes. 

Nest. — A  frail  platform  of  sticks,  at  low  elevations,, 
in   bushes   usually   over   water   in   swamps.     Kggs,   3   or 
4    in   number,   plain   bluish   green    (2.25x1.45);    April 

to     .TUTIP. 


SNOWY    HERON 

197.  Eyretta  candidissima.     24  in. 

Plumage  white;  in  breeding  season  with  numerous 
recurved  phimes  growing  from  the  middle  of  the  back; 
long  crest  of  phunes  on  the  back  of  the  head,  and  on 
the  breast.  Bill  black,  greenish  at  the  base  and  about 
the  eyes ;  legs  black :  feet  yellow.  This  species  is  the 
most  beautiful  of  the  Egrets  and  consequently  is  the  one 
that  has  suffered  most  from  "  plume  hunters."  Al- 
though they  are  now  protected  wherever  they  can  be, 
their  ranks  have  been  so  decimated  that  extermination 
is  threatened  within  a  few  years;  the  demand  for  their 
plumes  is  still  so  great  that  lawless  men  will  commit 
murder  to  obtain  them  (Warden  Bradley  having  been 
sliot  in  1905,  while  preventing  the  destruction  of  herons 
in  Southern  Florida). 

Nest. — In  swamps,  in  company  with  other  small  her- 
ons, the  nests  being  frail  platforms  of  twigs  on  branches 
of  trees.     Eggs  pale  greenish-blue. 

Range. — Breeding  range  formerly  coincident  with  that 
of  the  last,  but  now  very  rare. 


124 


REDDISH    EGRET 

198.  Dichromanassa  rufescens.     29  in. 

Two  color  phases,  the  gray  being  the  most  common:  — 
Head  and  neck,  including  plumes  on  neck  and  breast, 
reddish-brown;  rest  of  plumage  gray,  the  plumes  on  the 
back  being  lightest;  feet  blue-black;  bill  yellowish 
at  the  base  and  black  at  the  tip.  In  the  white  phase, 
the  plumage  is  entirely,  or  nearly,  white,  including  the 
])lumes.  As  usual,  these  egrets  associate  in  large  flocks, 
of  their  own  kind  or  other  small  herons.  Their  food 
consists  of  small  fish,  frogs,  lizards,  insects  and  mice. 
Jliey  will  stand  motionless  in  shallow  water,  for  a  long 
time  waiting  for  their  prey,  and  woe  to  the  creature 
t  hat  comes  within  striking  distance  of  their  spear-like 
ill.  Their  flight  is  strong  and  graceful  as  they  make 
lieir  way  from  their  breeding  places  to  their  feeding 
grounds  on  the  mud  flats,  left  bare  by  the  receding  tide. 
Nest. — Like  that  of  other  herons;  eggs  slightly  more 
greenish  blue  than  those  of  the  other  egrets  ( 1.9  x  1.45)  ; 
May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds   in  the  Gulf  coast  states,   and   north 
to  South  Carolina. 


LOUISIANA    HERON 

199.  Hydranassa  tricolor  ruficolUs.     26  in. 

In  breeding  plumage,  with  short  plumes  on  the  back, 
extending  three  or  four  inches  beyond  the  tips  of  the 
wings.  Throat,  front  line  of  neck,  and  underparts 
white;  head  and  neck  reddish-purple;  back  and  wings 
slaty;  crest  whitish;  bill  and  legs  dark;  eyes  red.  A 
very  abundant  species  throughout  the  year,  on  the  Gulf 
coast  of  the  United  States.  Their  bearing  is  one  of 
self-esteem  and  their  walk  slow  and  stately;  they  are 
often  called  "  Lady  of  the  Waters,"  because  of  the  im- 
posing picture  that  they  make.  They  are  very  sociable, 
rarely  quarrel  among  themselves,  and  are  usually  found 
in  company  with  Little  Blue  Herons  and  Egrets. 

Nest. — They  nest  in  communities  in  mangroves  in 
southern  Florida  and  in  swamps,  in  company  with  many 
other  species,  in  the  northern  portions  of  their  range. 
Their  nesting  habits  and  eggs  are  the  same  as  those  of 
the  Snowy  Heron. 

Range. — Breeds  and  is  resident  in  the  South  Atlantic 
and  Gulf  States. 


125 


LITTLE   BLUE   HERON 

200.  Florida  ccerulea.     22  in. 

TTead  and  neck,  maroon;  rest  of  plumage  slaty-bhie; 
Illumes  on  back  of  head,  breast  and  on  the  back;  eyes 
yellow;  bill  and  feet  greenish.  Young  birds  are  white, 
usually  with  a  tinge  of  bluish  on  the  forehead  and  ends 
of  the  wings.  They  can  be  distinguished  from  the  simi- 
lar Snowy  Herons  by  the  greenish-black  legs,  w^hile  the 
legs  of  the  latter  are  black  with  yellow  feet.  These 
little  herons  are  resident  and  most  abundant  in  the 
South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States.  They  are  at  home  in 
and  enjoy  the  rankest  and  most  impenetrable  swamps, 
where  only  birds  or  reptiles  can  tread  with  safety. 
\('t  herons  are  an  interesting  group  and,  in  their  own 
A\;iy,  perform  useful  service  to  mankind  by  destroying 
(Huintities  of  reptiles,  insects  and  mice. 

Nest. — The  nesting  habits  and  eggs  of  this  species  are 
the  same  as  those  of  the  little  Snowy  Heron  and  the 
eggs  cannot  be  distinguished  with  certainty. 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  Virginia  and  Illinois;  later 
may  stray  north  to  New  England. 


GREEN    HERON 

201.  Butorides  virescens.     17  in. 

Smallest  of  the  family,  except  the  Least  Bittern.  In 
l^reeding  plumage,  they  are  one  of  tlie  most  beantifu 
of  herons.  They  may  be  fovmd  in  marshes,  along  creeks 
or  about  the  edges  of  shallow  ponds  or  lakes.  They 
are  often  seen  sitting  upon  a  partly  submerged  log 
sunning  themselves,  or  waiting  for  a  tempting  frog  or 
fish  to  pass  within  reach.  When  they  are  among  rushes, 
they  will  usually  attempt  to  escape  observation  by 
mimicking  their  surroundings,  and  they  do  so  very  suc- 
cessfully. When  they  are  alarmed  and  take  flight  they 
utter  a  single  sharp  shriek.  At  other  times  they  utter 
a  series  of  hollow  screams,  "  qu-ick,  qu-ick,"  and  also  ji 
hollow  croak. 

Nest. — In  bushes,  in  communities  or  in  company  witli     ^ 
other  species  in  the  south,  but  usually  a  few  pairs  nest 
in  a  locality  in  the  northern  states  and  Canada.     Eggs 
pale  bluish-green    (1.45x1.10). 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  to  Manitoba  and  Nova 
Scotia;   winters  in  the  Gulf  States. 


12S 


BLACK-CROWNED    NIGHT    HERON 

202.  '^ycticorax  nycticorax  ncevius.     24  in. 

Bill  much  heavier  than  that  of  the  herons;  neck  and 
legs  shorter  and  stouter;  eye  red;  bill  black;  legs  and 
bare  space  in  front  of  eye,  pale  yellowish-green.  Young 
birds  are  mottled  with  brownish-gray  and  white;  eyes 
yellow.  As  their  name  implies,  these  herons  do  most 
of  their  feeding  after  dusk,  sleeping  during  the  greater 
part  of  the  day.  Their  heronries  are  usually  located  in 
swamps,  and  preferably  in  coniferous  trees.  A  visit  to 
one  of  these  is  very  interesting,  but  old  clothes  must 
be  worn,  for  their  homes  are  filthy.  On  your  approach, 
the  old  birds  flap  away,  and  circle  about  with  squawks 
of  disapproval,  and  all  the  young  birds  commence  a 
loud  ticking  noise,  like  what  would  be  produced  by  hun- 
dreds of  huge  "  grandfather's  clocks." 

Notes. — A  harsh  "  quark." 

Nest. — A  platform  of  sticks;    eggs  pale  bluish-green. 

(2.00x1.40). 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  New  Brunswick  and  Mani- 
toba; winters  in  the  Gulf  States  and  southward. 


YELLOW-CROWNED    NIGHT    HERON 

203.  Xyctanassa  violacea.     23  in. 

Like  tlie  last  species,  the  head  of  this  one  is  adorned 
with  three  long,  rounded,  white  plumes;  in  life  these 
plumes  are  rarely  separated,  but  are  nested  together  so 
that  there  appears  to  be  but  one.  As  dusk  approaches, 
these  birds  sally  out  from  their  roosting  or  nesting 
places,  and  with  slow,  measured  flaps,  wing  their  way 
to  their  feeding  grounds,  which  are  usually  fresh  water 
bogs,  teeming  with  animal  and  insect  life.  After  dark 
the  "  quark "  of  Night  Herons  is  frequently  heard  as 
the  birds  pass  overhead,  and  they  can  very  easily  be 
decoyed  by  a  crude  imitation  of  their  call.  This  species 
is  principally  confined  to  the  South  where  it  is  found  in 
heronries  of  its  own  kind,  or  in  company  with  others. 

Notes. — Like  those  of  the  Black-crowned  Night  Heron. 

Nest. — A  platform  of  sticks  in  trees,  in  swamps.    3  or 
4  pale  l)luish-green  eggs   (2.00x1.40)  ;  May- 
Range. — Breeds  north  to  South  Carolina  and  Southern 
Illinois;  later  may  stray  farther  north. 


130 


CRANES,    RAILS,    ETC.— Order    Paludicolse 

CRANES— Family  Gruidae 

WHOOPING    CRANE 

204.  (Jriis  americana.     50  in. 

Plumage  white,  with  black  primaries;  the  inner  wing 
feathers  greatly  lengthened,  making  a  flowing  train. 
Head  of  adult,  largely  bare,  carmine  colored,  and  with 
a  few  black  hair-like  feathers;  eye  yellow;  bill  and  legs 
black.  Young  birds  are  whitish,  mixed  with  gray. 
These  great  birds  are  not  uncommon  on  the  prairies  of 
interior  America,  where  they  frequent  the  edges  of 
marshes  and  sloughs.  They  are  very  wary  and  their 
great  height  enables  them  to  see  anyone  a  long  way 
off,  above  the  marsh  grass.  They  were  formerly  found 
on  the  South  Atlantic  coast,  but  are  now  extremely  rare 
thore. 

Notes. — A  loud  whooping  scream. 

Nest. — On  the  ground,  usually  in  marshes;  it  is  a 
bulky  mass  of  grass  and  weeds,  with  the  hollowed  top 
a  foot  or  more  above  ground.  The  two  eggs  that  they 
lay  are  brownish-buff,  spotted  with  brown.  (3.75x2.50)  ; 
Mav,  June. 


LITTLE   BROWN    CRANE 

205.  Grus  canadensis.     3G  in. 

Like  the  next  and  better  known  species,  bnt  smaller 
and  browner,  especially  on  the  wings. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  interior  of  Northern  Canada; 
migrates,  west  of  the  Mississippi  and  east  of  the  Rockies, 
to  Mexico. 

SANDHILL    CRANE 

206.  Grus  mexicana.     44  in. 

Plumage  entirely  grayish  with  a  few  brownish  feath- 
ers; bare  skin  on  top  of  head,  red.  These  cranes  are 
locally  distributed  in  the  Gulf  States,  and  in  the  inte- 
rior north  to  Manitoba.  Their  food  consists  largely  of 
grasshoppers,  worms  and  lizards.  Unlike  herons,  their 
young  are  born  covered  with  down  and  can  run  about 
as  soon  as  they  appear.  When  flying,  cranes  carry 
their  neck  full  outstretched. 

Nest. — On  the  ground  like  that  of  the  Whooping 
Crane. 

Range. — Winters  on  the  Gulf  coast  and  in  Florida: 
breeds  north  to  Manitoba. 


131 


132 


COURLANS— Family  Aramidae 
LIMPKIN 

207.  Aramus  vociferus.     27  in. 

These  singular  birds  are  the  connecting  link  between 
tlie  cranes  and  the  rails.  They  are  rarely  seen  in  flocks, 
usually  living  a  secluded  life  in  pairs.  They  are  often 
known  as  the  "  crying  bird,"  because  of  the  peculiar 
wailing  cries  that  they  utter,  both  in  daytime  and  after 
nightfall.  They  are  great  skulkers,  and  it  is  difficult 
to  make  them  fly;  when  they  do  take  wing,  it  is  only  to 
f^o  a  few  rods  before  dropping  into  the  shelter  of  the 
reeds  again.  They  can  run  rapidly,  having  a  peculiar 
mincing  gait,  that  is  said  to  have  given  them  the  name 
of  Lirapkin. 

Notes. — A  peculiar  wailing  "  whee-ee-eu." 

Nest. — A  loosely  constructed  platform  of  sticks,  leaves, 
grass  and  moss,  located  a  few  feet  from  the  ground  in 
tangled  underbrush  or  vines.  The  4  to  7  eggs  are  buflfy 
white,  blotched  with  brown  (2.30x  1.70)  ;  April,  May. 

Range. — Breeds  and  is  resident  in  Southern  Florida, 
and  casually  Texas. 


RAILS,    GALLINULES    AND    COOTS— Family   Rallidae 
KING    RAIL 

208.  Rallus  elegans.     18  in. 

Back  handsomely  patterned  with  black,  olive-brown 
and  gray;  wing  coverts  reddish-brown;  neck  and  breast, 
rich  cinnamon-brown,  brightest  on  the  breast.  Sides 
sharply  barred  with  black  and  white.  This  species  is 
the  handsomest  of  the  rails,  and  is  the  most  distinctly 
and  brightly  marked.  They  are  excellent  runners  and 
are  very  difficult  to  start  from  the  marsh  grass  within 
which  they  are  concealed.  They  are  usually  found  in 
fresh  water  marshes,  while  the  next  species  is  mo-^t 
abundant  in  salt  marshes;  they  are  both  often  found  in 
the  same  place  and  must  be  seen  at  close  range  to  dis- 
tinguish them. 

Notes. — A  loud  "  bup,  bup,  bup  "  repeated  and  endii 
in  a  roll.      (Chapman). 

Nest. — Of  grass  and  weeds  on  the  ground  in  marslx-. 
The  eggs  are  pale  buff,  spotted  with  reddish-broM  i 
(1.6x  1.2)  ;   June. 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  coast  north  to  Conn.. 
Ont.,  and  Minn.     Winters  in  southern  U.  S. 


1.33 


134 


CLAPPER    RAIL 

211.  Rallus  crepitans.     15  in. 

General  color  above  olive-grayish,  with  no  strong  black 
markings;  breast  pale  brown;  flanks  barred  with  gray 
and  white.  This  species  is  found  almost  exclusively  in 
salt  marshes,  where  they  skulk  about  like  rats.  During 
exceptionally  high  tides,  when  their  hiding  places  are 
covered,  many  of  them  are  killed  by  negroes  and  white 
men  for  food;  they  can  swim,  but  usually  run  across 
tlie  marsh,  making  use  of  blades  of  grass,  sticks  or 
whatever  trash  may  be  in  their  course,  as  stepping 
stones. 

Notes. — Loud  and  clacking  like  those  of  the  King  Eail. 

Nest. — Of  grasses  on  the  ground  in  salt  marshes;  6  to 
14  bulTy  eggs,  spotted  with  brown   (1.70x1.20). 

Range. — Salt  marshes  of  the  Atlantic  coast,  north  to 
Mass.  The  following  subspecies  are  darker  and  very 
locally  distributed.  211a,  Louisiana  Clapper  (R.  c.  satii 
ratus),  coast  of  La.  211b,  Scott  Clapper  (R.  c.  scotti), 
Gulf  coast  of  Fla.  211c,  Wayne  Clapper  (R.  c.  waynei), 
east  coast  of  Fla.  to  S.  C. 


VIRGINIA    RAIL 

212.  Rallus  virginianiis.     9.5  in. 

Coloration  almost  exactly  like  that  of  the  King  Rail, 
but  tlie  bird  is  much  smaller.  Like  that  species,  this 
one  prefers  fresh  water  marshes.  They  have  a  great 
aversion  to  flying,  and,  like  other  rails,  will  trust  to 
their  legs  for  safety,  should  danger  threaten;  probably 
no  other  birds  are  as  dexterous  as  the  rails  in  tliread- 
ing  their  way  through  the  close  standing  rushes.  Al- 
though they  do  not  have  webbed  feet,  they  can  swim 
fairly  well,  and  also  dive,  but  they  do  so  only  when 
they  are  forced  to.  They  look  extremely  awkward  ;!- 
they  run  over  the  trash  on  the  marsh,  their  head  and 
neck  erect  and  extended,  with  their  head  rapidly  turn- 
ing from  side  to  side  as  though  looking  for  a  place  of 
s^afety. 

Notes. — A  guttural,  rattling  "  cut-cut-cut-ee." 

Nest. — Of  grasses,  on  the  ground  or  in  tufts  of  rushes; 
eggs  creamy-white,  specked  with  brown.  (1.25x.90); 
May,  .June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  northern  half  of  the  United 
States  and  southern  Canada;  winters  in  southern  U.  S. 


136 


CAROLINA    RAIL;    SORA 

214.  Porzana  Carolina.     8,5  in. 

Adults  with  the  face  and  throat  black.  Young  with 
no  black  on  the  head.  This  species  is  not  apt  to  be 
confused  with  any,  except,  possiblj%  the  Virginia  Rail, 
which  is  somewhat  larger,  and  always  has  the  breast 
conspicuously  cinnamon  color.  These  birds  are  very 
abundant  in  nearly  their  whole  range,  but  they  are  so 
secretive  in  their  habits  that  their  presence  is  often  not 
noticed.  Unless  disturbed,  they  pass  the  greater  por- 
tion of  the  day  in  slumber,  and  do  most  of  their  feeding 
after  dusk,  when  their  confused,  clucking  notes  are 
heard  all  over  the  marshes.  All  of  the  rails  have  this 
habit  of  feeding  chiefly  at  night,  perhaps  through  fear 
of  enemies  during  the  daytime,  for  they  seem  to  be  very 
timid  birds. 

Notes. — A  rapid  clucking,  "  kuk,  kuk.  kuk,"  etc. 

Nest. — A  rude  structure  of  grass  and  rushes  on  the 
ground  in  either  salt  or  fresh  marshes;  6  to  16  buff 
colored  eggs  with  reddish  brown  specks. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  northern  half  of  the  U.  S.  and 
northwards;   winters  in  the  southern  half. 


YELLOW    RAIL 

215.  Coturnicops  novehoracensis.     7  in. 

This  is  a  handsome  bird,  the  entire  plumage  having 
a  glossy  lustre.  The  back  is  blackish,  with  all  the 
feathers  edged  with  white,  while  the  head,  neck  and 
breast  have  a  peculiar  yellowish-brown  shade. 

Nest. — On  the  ground;  made  of  rushes  and  grass 
woven  and  twisted  together;  the  6  to  12  eggs  are  rich 
buff  color,  specked  in  a  wreath  about  the  large  end,  with 
reddish-brown;   size  l.lOx.80;  June. 

Range.— Breeds  in  northern  U.  S.  and  southern  Can- 
ada; winters  in  the  southern  states. 

BLACK    RAIL 

216.  Creciscus  jamaicensis.     5  in. 

Much  smaller  than  any  of  our  other  rails;  very  dark. 

Notes. — A  peculiar,  loud  clicking  sound. 

Nest. — Of  grass  and  rushes,  well  cupped  to  receive  the 
6  to  12  eggs;  these  are  creamy  white,  speckled  with 
reddish  brown    ( 1.03  x. 75);   June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  United  States  north  to  Mass., 
southern  Minn,  and  Oregon.  Winters  in  the  West  Indies 
and  Central  America. 


1.^7 


138 


PURPLE    GALLINULE 

218.  lonornis  martinicus.     13  in. 

Bill  shorter  and  stouter  than  that  of  tlie  rails,  and 
with  a  hard  shield  at  the  base,  that  extends  on  the  fore- 
head to  the  top  of  the  head.  This  species  is  beautifully 
colored  with  purplish-red  and  blue  on  the  underparts, 
;uul  greenish  on  the  back  and  wings;  legs  yellow;  bill 
ea inline,  tipped  with  yellow.  The  habits  of  the  galli- 
lules   are    practically   the   same   as   those   of   the   rails. 

I  icy  inhabit  marshes,  where  they  creep  cautiously  but 
rapidly  through  the  upright  stalks,  or  run  over  the 
slimy  surface,  where  none  but  birds  with  extremely  long 
toes  could  get  a  foothold.  Their  powers  of  flight  are 
weak,  and  they  do  not  take  wing  unless  they  are  cor- 
nered or  wish  to  cross  some  stream. 

Nest. — Woven  of  grasses  and  rushes,  and  placed  either 
on  the  ground  or  attached  to  living  rushes,  usually  over 
the  water;  their  5  to  10  eggs  are  rich  cream  color, 
spotted  with  reddish  brown    (1.60x1.15). 

Range. — Breeds  in  eastern  United  States,  north  to 
North  Carolina  and  southern  Illinois;  winters  south  of 
the  U.  S. 


FLORIDA    GALLINULE 

219.  Gallinula  galeata.     13   in. 

Bill  and  crown  plate,  red,  tipped  with  yellow;  legs 
greenish  with  a  red  ring  around  the  top;  pkimage  gray 
changing  to  blackish  on  the  head  and  neck.  Florida 
Gallinules  are  very  noisy,  especially  during  the  mating 
and  breeding  season,  and  marshes  in  the  south,  where 
they  breed  by  hundreds,  fairly  ring  with  their  crie^, 
chuckles  and  squawks.  They  have  an  almost  endless 
variety  of  notes  but  all  of  them  are  harsh  and  explosive. 
At  times  they  appear  to  be  stupid,  and  allow  anyone  to 
approach  in  a  boat,  near  enough  to  touch  them  with  an  r>.»^ 
oar.  When  frightened,  and  with  no  protecting  rushes  gf  ^S^ 
to  conceal  them,  they  will  rush  off  over  the  grass  and 
water,  with  much  spattering  and  squawking. 

Nest. — Usually  fastened  in  the  marsh  grass  or  flags 
above  water ;  made  of  rushes  and  grass ;  the  eggs  are 
similar  to  those  of  the  Purple  Gallinule  but  are  duller. 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  southern  New  England,  On 
tario,  ^Minnesota  and  Oregon;  winters  in  southern  U.  S. 


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AMERICAN    COOT 
221.  Fulica  americana.     15  in. 

Bill  and  frontal  shield  as  in  the  gallinules,  but  the 
bill  is  whitish  with  a  blackish  ring  near  the  tip;  each 
individual  toe  is  furnished  with  a  large  scalloped  web; 
otherwise  their  plumage  is  grayish  like  that  of  the 
Florida  Gallinule.  Coots  are,  locally,  very  abundant 
throughout  temperate  North  America  in  summer.  Like 
•gallinules,  they  inhabit  reedy  pools,  sluggish  streams 
and  boggy  marshes,  where  they  are  at  least  safe  from 
Jumian  pursuit.  They  conceal  themselves  among  the 
reeds,  so  as  to  escape  observation,  taking  wing  only 
when  they  are  obliged  to.  They  are  expert  swimmers, 
and  can  dive  and  swim  for  long  distances  under  water; 
in  this  respect  they  have  a  decided  advantage  over  the 
rails  and  gallinules. 

Nest. — Like  that  of  the  gallinules;  6  to  15  grayish 
eggs,  finely  speckled  with  black  (1.80x1.30).  May, 
June. 

Range. — Breeds   throughout   temperate   America,   rare 
140  on  the  North  Atlantic  coast;  winters  in  southern  U.  S. 


SHORE    BIRDS— Order   Limicolae 

PHALAROPES— Family  Phalaropodidae 

RED    PHALAROPE 

222.  Phalaropus  fulicarins.     8  in. 

Bill  heavier  than  any  of  the  other  phalaropes;  feet 
lobate-webbed.  Adults  in  summer  have  the  entire  under- 
parts  reddish  brown;  side  of  head  white;  upper  parts 
gray,  white  and  black.  In  winter,  head  and  underparts 
are  white;  back  gray.  Phalaropes  differ  from  any  other 
of  our  birds,  in  that  the  female  is  the  larger  and  brighter 
plumaged  bird,  and  the  duties  of  incubation  are  largely 
or  chiefly  performed  by  the  male  bird.  These  phalaropes 
are  very  rarely  seen  in  the  United  States  in  their  breed- 
ing plumage;  when  they  come  in  the  Fall,  nearly  all 
have  clianged  to  their  dull  winter  dress,  and  they  keep 
this  until  after  they  leave  us  in  the  Spring. 

Nest. — A  hollow  in  the  ground,  lined  with  a  few 
grasses;  eggs  greenish  buff,  spotted  with  blackish. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions;  winters  south 
to  New  York,  Calif.,  and  Ohio,  chiefly  on  the  sea  coasts. 


NORTHERN    PHALAROPE 
223.  Lohipes  lohatus.     7.5  in. 

Bill  short  and  slender.  Female  in  summer  with 
reddish-brown  breast;  gray  upper  parts  mixed  with 
wliite  and  buff;  throat  and  belly,  white.  Male,  similar 
but  duller  colored.  In  winter,  the  upper  parts  are  gray 
mixed  with  white,  and  the  underparts  are  pure  white. 
Tliis  is  a  maritime  species  that  nests  in  the  far  north, 
and  appears  on  our  coast  only  for  a  short  time  during 
migrations.  Like  the  last,  they  are  expert  swimmers 
and  pass  most  of  their  time,  when  not  breeding,  upon 
tlio  surface  of  the  water,  where  they  can  outride  the 
most  severe  storms  in  safety.  They  feed  upon  minute 
11  sects  that  they  secure  from  beds  of  floating  kelp. 

Notes. — A  sharp,  rapidly  repeated,  metallic  '"  tweet." 

Nest. — A  grass-lined  hollow  in  the  ground:  eggs 
-icenish-buff,  spotted  with  black    ( 1.30  x. 90). 

Range. — Breeds  from  Labrador,  Hudson  Bay  and 
Alaska  northward.  Winters  south  of  the  I'nited  States, 
migrating  along  both  coasts,  and  to  some  extent  in  the 
interior. 


WILSON    PHALAROPE 


224.  Steganopiis  tricolor.     9  in. 

Bill  long  and  slender.  Female  in  summer  with  a 
black  line  through  eye,  shading  into  a  broad  stripe 
of  rich  chestnut  on  the  sides  of  the  neck.  Male  much 
duller  colored  and  slightly  smaller.  This  phalarope 
is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  all  our  shore  birds, 
and  is  the  most  southerly  distributed  of  the  phalaropes. 
It  is  a  bird  of  the  interior,  and  is  only  rarely  or  cas- 
ually met  with  on  the  sea  coasts.  It  commonly  travels 
about  in  small  companies  instead  of  large  flocks  as  the 
other  two  species  do,  and  is  not  as  often  seen  on  the 
water,  although  it  can  swim  well. 

Notes. — Usually  silent,  but  has  a  low  quack. 

Nest. — Of  grasses,  on  the  ground,  usually  concealed 
in  a  tuft  of  grass,  and  near  the  border  of  a  marsh  or 
pond;  the  3  or  4  eggs  are  brownish  or  greenish-buff 
with  black  markings    (1.30x.90);   June. 

Range. — Breeds  chiefly  in  the  interior,  from  Iowa  and 
California,  north  to  Hudson  Bay;  winters  south  of  the 
U.  S. 


e  -■  A  .VOtSS, 


144 


I      AVOCETS    AND    STILTS— Family    Recurvirostridse 
'I  AMERICAN    AVOCET 

:  225.  Recurvirostra  americana.     17  in. 

Bill  slender  and  recurved;  feet  webbed;  feathers  on 
the  underparts  very  thick  and  duck-like,  being  imper- 
vious to  water.  In  summer,  the  head  and  neck  are  pale 
cinnamon  color;  young  birds  and  winter  adults  have 
the  head  and  neck  white,  but  the  rest  of  the  plumage 
is  the  same  as  in  summer.  These  interesting  waders 
are  very  abundant  in  some  localities  on  the  western 
plains.  During  the  breeding  season,  if  not  molested, 
they  become  very  tame;  at  other  times  they  are  quite 
wary.  Their  food  consists  of  water  insects  and  small 
Crustacea,  which  they  secure  in  a  novel  manner.  Wad- 
ing along  in  shallow  water,  with  their  head  immersed, 
they  keep  their  bill  moving  from  side  to  side  through 
the  soft  mud. 

Nest. — Of  grass,  on  the  ground;  the  eggs  are  brown- 
ish-buff spotted  with  black   (1.90x1.30);   May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds  locally  from  Texas  and  southern  Cali- 
fornia northward  to  Saskatchewan;  rare  or  casual  east 
of  the  ]Miss.  and  on  the  Atlantic  coast. 


BLACK-NECKED    STILT 

226.  Himantopus  mexicanus.     15  in. 

Legs  extremely  long,  and  bright  red;  neck  and  bill 
moderately  long  and  slender.  Male  black  and  white 
as  shown;  female  and  young  with  the  back  brownisli. 
These  very  long-legged  creatures  are  found  in  suitable 
places  west  of  the  Mississippi  River,  and  are  especially 
abundant  in  southern  California,  Stilts  are  poor  swim- 
mers, but  habitually  feed  in  comparatively  deep  water, 
that  is  up  to  their  bodies,  their  whole  head,  neck  and 
upper  parts  of  the  body  often  being  submerged  while 
thus  engaged.  They  are  strong  and  swift  on  the  win^. 
twisting  as  they  fly,  so  as  to  alternately  show  their 
black  upper  parts,  then  the  white  surfaces  beneath;  this 
is  a  habit  that  is  common  to  several  varieties  of  shore 
birds. 

Nest. — On  the  ground  as  usual;  eggs  greenish-buff, 
spotted  with  black   (L80xL25);  May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Gulf  states  and  southern  Call 
fornia,  north  to  Dakota;  winters  south  of  U.  S.,  except 
in  southern  California.     Rare  on  the  Atlantic  coast. 
10 


""^^^^ 


14, 


146 


j    SNIPES,    SANDPIPERS,    ETC.— Family    Scolopacidae 
AMERICAN    WOODCOCK 

228.  Philohela  minor.     11  in. 

Bill  very  long;  eyes  very  large  and  located  near  the 
top  of  the  head;  form  heavy;  legs  short;  plumage  much 
mottled  with  black,  brown  and  gray.  These  peculiar 
birds  are  very  well  known  throughout  their  range,  to 
gunners  and  sportsmen,  who  have  been  the  means  of 
almost  completely  exterminating  them  in  some  locali- 
ties. They  are  found  in  runs  along  the  edges  of  brooks, 
where  the  mud  is  soft.  Their  food  is  of  worms,  insects 
and  their  larvae,  which  they  get  from  the  ground  by 
boring  with  their  long  bills.  Their  flight  is  very  rapid, 
and  when  startled  they  double  and  twist  in  their  haste 
to  get  away,  their  three  narrow  outer  wing  feathers 
producing  a  peculiar  whistling  sound. 

Notes. — A  low  peep,  and  a  twittering. 

Nest. — Simply  a  hollow  amid  the  surrounding  leaves;, 
the  4  eggs  are  buff,  with  yellowish-brown  spots  (l.SOx 
1.15)  ;   April,  May. 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  chiefly  from  Ohio 
and  New  Jersey,  northward;  winters  in  southern  U.  S. 


WILSON   SNIPE 

230.  Gallinago  delicata.     11  in. 

Bill  very  long,  but  not  as  heavy  as  that  of  the  Wood- 
cock; eyes  not  abnormally  large;  head  striped  with 
black  and  whitish;  back  handsomely  variegated  with 
black,  brown  and  white;  sides  barred  with  black  and 
wliite.  The  Snipe  frequents  more  open  country  than 
the  Woodcock,  being  found  in  marshes  or  along  open 
brooks.  Like  the  Woodcock,  they  often  lie  still  and 
trust  to  their  colors  to  prevent  their  being  seen,  but  if 
they  are  observed,  and  they  are  always  on  the  alert, 
they  instantly  take  wing  and  pursue  a  zigzag  course  out 
of  sight.  Like  the  last  species  they  procure  their  food 
by  boring,  the  tip  of  the  bill  being  flexible,  so  they  can 
grasp  their  food  when  they  feel  it. 

Notes. — A  sharp,  harsh  whistle  as  they  take  wing. 

Nest. — Depressions  in  the  grassy  edges  of  ponds  r.r 
marslies;  eggs  olive  gray,  marked  with  blackish.  (L5<i  \ 
1.10)  ;   May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  northern  tier  of  states  north- 
ward.    Winters  in  southern  U.  S. 


148 


DOWITCHER 

231.  Macrorhamphvs  griseus.     10.5  in. 

Bill  very  long  like  that  of  the  Snipe.  Adults  in  sum- 
mer are  reddish-brown  below,  more  or  less  specked  with 
black  on  the  breast  and  barred  with  black  on  the  sides; 
above  mottled  with  brown  and  black,  lighter,  or  even 
white,  on  the  rump.  In  winter,  they  are  gray  above 
and  white  below,  the  breast  being  tinged  with  gray  and 
streaked  with  dusty.  Dowitchers  are  known  as  Red- 
breasted  Snipe  and^  as  Robin  Snipe  by  gunners,  with 
whom  they  are  great  favorites.  They  usually  travel  in 
flocks,  and  often  with  flocks  of  other  species.  Their 
notes  are  a  series  of  musical  whistles,  easily  imitated, 
and  the  birds  are  easily  attracted  thereby. 

Nest. — As  usual  on  the  ground;  eggs  greenish-buff, 
spotted. 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  in  the  Arctic  regions; 
winters  south  of  the  U.  S. 

232.  LONG-BILLED  DOWITCHER  (M.  scolopaceus ) , 
is  found  in  western  N.  A.  The  bill  is  supposed  to  be 
longer,  but  the  plumage  is  identical  and  the  birds  prob- 
ablv  are. 


STILT    SANDPIPER 

233.  Micropalama  himantopus.     8.5  in. 

Bill  slender  and  only  moderately  long.  In  summer, 
the  entire  underparts  are  rusty-white,  barred  with  black- 
ish; ear-coverts  and  top  of  head  browner;  back  mixed 
brown  and  black.  In  winter,  they  are  gray  above  and 
whitish  below,  with  the  breast  streaked  with  dusty. 
They  seem  to  be  one  of  the  least  abundant  of  our  shore 
birds,  single  individuals  being  found  in  flocks  of  othor 
species,  rather  than  in  flocks  of  themselves.  They  an 
usually  more  shy  than  the  birds  with  which  they  arc 
associated,  perhaps  because  they  lack  companionship  of 
their  own  kind.  They  have  a  musical  whistle,  not  d\> 
tinctive  from  that  of  many  others  of  our  small  shoit 
birds. 

Nest. — The  three  or  four  eggs  are  laid  in  a  hollow  in 
the  ground,  usually  in  the  grass  back  from  the  beach ; 
eggs  grayish,  blotched  with  various  shades  of  brown. 

Range. — Eastern  North  America,  breeding  in  the  Arc 
tic  regions  and  migrating  through  the  United  States  to 
South  America,  chiefly  on  the  Atlantic  coast. 


149 


15U 


KNOT 

234.  Tringa  canutus.     10.5  in. 

Bill  moderately  long  and  quite  stout;  form  more 
robust  than  most  of  our  shore  birds.  Adults  in  summer, 
mixed  brownish  and  gray,  above,  and  uniform  reddisli- 
brown  below.  In  winter,  plain  gray  above  and  white 
below;  young  similar  but  with  feathers  on  the  back 
edged  with  white.  It  is  an  abundant  species  on  the 
Atlantic  coast  during  migrations,  and  is  known  by  vari- 
ous names  such  as  Red-breasted  Sandpiper  and  Robin 
Snipe,  when  in  summer  dress,  and  as  Gray-back  when 
in  winter  plumage.  It  is  usually  found  on  the  ocean 
beach,  where  it  follows  the  waves  as  they  recede,  pick- 
ing up  numerous  insects  left  there,  and  retreating  be- 
fore the  next  wave. 

Notes. — An  ordinary  Sandpiper  whistle. 

Nest. — Not  positively  known,  but  a  supposed  egg 
obtained  by  Lieutenant  Greely  in  the  vicinity  of  Fort 
Conger  was  pea-green  in  color,  with  small  brown  spots. 
(1.10x1.00). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions;  migrates  chiefly 
on  the  Atlantic  coast,  to  South  America. 


PURPLE   SANDPIPER 

235.  Arqiiatella  maritima.     9  in. 

Upper  parts  blackish,  margined  with  biiffy;  breast 
and  sides  slaty  purple.  In  winter,  blackish,  without 
the  rusty  edging  to  the  feathers.  These  dark  colored 
little  sandpipers  prefer  bold  rocky  coasts. 

Notes. — A  loud,  shrill  whistle. 

Nest. — A  hollow  in  the  ground,  among  grass  and 
weeds,  lined  with  a  few  grasses;  eggs  grayish  buff, 
handsomely  splashed  with  various  shades  of  brown. 

Range. — Breeds  from  northern  Labrador  and  tlic 
mouth  of  Hudson  Bay  northward;  winters  south  to 
Long  Island  Sound  and  the  Great  Lakes. 

PECTORAL    SANDPIPER 

239.  Pisohia  maculata.     9  in. 

Crown  and  back  blackish,  strongly  edged  with  red- 
dish-brown; an  ashy-gray  wash  on  the  breast,  with  nu- 
merous streaks  of  blackish.  Well  known  and  called  by 
a  great  variety  of  names,  of  which  Jack  Snipe  and 
Grass  Snipe  are  probably  the  most  common. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions;  migrates 
through  the  U.  S.  to  South  America. 


152 


WHITE-RUMPED    SANDPIPER 

240.  Pisohia  fuscicollis.     7.5  in. 

Upper  tail  coverts  white;  below  white,  but  with  the 
throat  and  breast  streaked  with  dusky,  these  markings 
extending  on  the  sides  to  the  tail. 

Notes. — Musical  whistles  in  no  way  different  from 
those  of  the  Least  Sandpiper. 

Nest. — On  the  ground,  in  grass  back  of  beaches;  eggs 
gray,  profusely  blotched  with  blackish  brown. 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  Labrador  and 
ITiidson  Bay  northward;  migrates  through  the  U.  S. 
east  of  the  Rockies,  to  southern  South  America. 

BAIRD    SANDPIPER 

241.  Pisohia  hairdi.     7.5  in. 

Of  the  same  size,  form  and  general  coloration  as  the 
White-rumped  Sandpiper,  but  the  upper  tail-coverts  are 
blackish,  and  the  breast  is  only  very  faintly  streaked. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions,  and  migrates 
chiefly  through  the  interior,  but  to  some  extent  on  the 
coast,  south  to  southern  South  America. 


LEAST   SANDPIPER 

242.  Pisohia  minutilla.     6  in. 

Smallest  of  our  sandpipers.  Upperparts  blackish, 
edged  with  bright  chestnut;  breast  and  sides  ashy-gray, 
conspicuously  streaked  with  dusky. 

Notes. — A  musical  whistle,  "  peet-weet." 

Nest. — A  grass  lined  hollow:  eggs  grayish,  heavily 
blotched  with  blackish  brown    (1.15x.80). 

Range. — Breeds  from  Nova  Scotia  and  northern  Brit- 
ish Columbia  northward;  winters  from  the  Gulf  States 
and  California  southward. 

SEMIPALMATED    SANDPIPER 
246.  Ereunetes  pusillus.     6.25  in. 

Feet  with  small  webs  between  the  toes  at  their  base. 
Similar  in  size  and  form  to  the  Least  Sandpiper,  but 
the  upper  parts  are  not  as  bright  rusty,  and  the  breast 
is  only  faintly  streaked  with  dusky. 

Range. — Breeds  from  Labrador  northward. 

247.  WESTERN  SANDPIPER  (E.  mauri)  is  very 
similar;  more  rusty  above,  with  stronger  markings. 


l.j.-J 


154 


RED-BACKED    SANDPIPER 
243.  Pelidna  alpina  sakhalina.     8  in. 

Bill   slightly   decurved    and   rather   stout.     Adults   in 

summer,    with    the    upper    parts    largely    bright    rusty; 

I)"lly    black;    head,    throat,    breast    and    sides    strongly 

streaked    with    black.      In    winter,    dull    brownish-gray 

;  I)()ve   and   white   below,  with   the  breast   washed   with 

;  i  ayish   and   slightly   streaked   with   dusky.      Found   in 

ige  flocks  on  both  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific  coasts,  dur- 

U  migrations,  but  rarely  in  the  interior.     Their  flight 

very  rapid  and  performed  in  very  compact  flocks  that 

t    as    if    governed    by    one    impulse.      They    are    very 

tive,  feeding  for  a  short  time  in  one  place,  then  flying 

another.     They  are  found  most  abundantly  on  sand 

rs  and  mud  flats,  rather  than  on  the  open  beach. 

Nest. — Usually  on  dry,  grassy  knolls,  a  hollow  in  the 
I  arth  being  lined  with  a  few  dried  grasses.  Eggs  pale 
uieenish  or  brownish  gray,  spotted  with  blackish.  (1.40 
\  1.00)  ;   June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions,  and  winters 
from  the  Gulf  coast  and  southern  California,  southward. 


SANDERLING 

248.  CalicJris  leucophcea.     8  in. 

Toes  short  and  stout;  no  hind  toe.  Adults  in  sum- 
mer, variegated  above  with  briglit  reddish-brown  and 
black;  below  white,  the  breast  being  strongly  washed 
with  rusty  and  spotted  with  black.  In  winter,  plain 
grayish  above  and  white  below;  head  white,  except  the 
crown;  young  birds  are  like  winter  adults  but  have 
the  back"  with  some  blackish.  In  the  interior  this  spe- 
cies is  found  on  the  edges  of  lakes  and  rivers.  On  the 
coast,  it  is  one  of  the  boldest  of  the  shore  birds,  feed- 
ing on  the  edge  of  the  outer  beach,  often  under  the  comb- 
ing crest  of  the  incoming  waves,  retreating  just  as  the 
wave  breaks  and  is  dashed  to  foam  on  the  beach.  They 
are  usually  wary  and  will  not  allow  a  close  approach. 

Nest. — On    the    ground 
with  black. 


eggs    greenish-buff,    spotted 


Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions;  winters  soutli 
to  l^atagonia,  migrating  on  both  coasts  and  to  a  less 
extent  in  the  interior. 


155 


150 


MARBLED    GODWIT 

249.  Limosa  fedoa.     19  in. 

Bill  long  and  slightly  recurved.  Back,  wings  and  tail, 
1  ufous,  barred  with  black;  rump  usually  white,  with 
lack  bars;  underparts  pale  rufous  with  narrow  bars; 
lit'ad  grayish,  with  black  streaks  on  the  crown  and 
sides.  Young  similar,  but  whiter  below  and  with  few 
or  no  bars.  These  large  waders  are  found  in  moderately 
large  flocks  both  in  the  interior  and  on  the  coast  in  the 
fall.     They  frequent  salt  marshes  on  the  coast,  and  the 

rders  of  ponds  and  lakes  in  the  interior.  They  are 
much  hunted  and  are  consequently  very  wary,  usually 
taking  wing  as  soon  as  anyone  appears  in  sight.  They 
are  readily  decoyed,  and  thousands  perish  annually  at 
the  hands  of  sportsmen.  They  are  known  by  many 
names,  Marlin  and  Straight-bill  Curlew  probably  being 
the  most  commonly  used. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  interior  from  Iowa  north  to 
Saskatchewan.  Winters  south  of  the  U.  S.,  migrating 
along  both  coasts  as  well  as  in  the  interior. 


HUDSONIAN    GODWIT 
251.  Limosa  hcemasiica.     15  in. 

Bill  slightly  recurved;  tail  black  at  the  end,  and 
white  at  the  base,  not  barred  as  that  of  the  last  species 
always  is.  Above  blackish,  with  rusty  margins;  below 
deep  reddish-chestnut,  barred,  chiefly  on  the  sides,  with 
black.  In  winter,  similar  but  duller  both  above  and 
below,  with  only  traces  of  bars  on  the  flanks,  and  with 
the  breast  more  or  less  streaked.  This  species  is  more 
abundant  on  the  Atlantic  coast  during  migrations  than 
the  last.  It  is  most  often  known  as  the  Ring-tailed 
Marlin,  owing  to  a  very  strong  contrast  between  the 
black  tail,  white  rump  and  dark  upper  parts  as  the 
bird  flies.  They  are  usually  found  in  the  marshes  back 
of  the  ocean  beach,  and,  owing  to  their  large  size,  cai> 
be  seen  for  a  long  distance. 

Notes. — A  loud,  shrill  whistle. 

Nest. — A  grass  lined  hollow  in  marshes;  eggs  brown- 
ish buff,  blotched  with  blackish    (2,20x1.40). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions;  winters  sout]i 
of  the  United  States,  migrating  chiefly  on  the  Atlantic 
coast,  but  to  some  extent  down  the  Miss.  Vallev. 


15J 


GREATER   YELLOW-LEGS 

254.  Totanus  melanoleucus.     14  in. 

Bill  long  and  rather  slender;  legs  long  and  yellow  or 
greenish  yellow.  Head  and  neck  streaked  with  gray 
and  white;  back  black  margined  with  white;  rump 
white;  tail  barred  black  and  white;  underparts  white, 
washed  with  gray  on  the  breast,  and  with  numerous 
black  arrow-head  markings.  In  winter,  similar,  but 
with  no  bla<ck  markings  below. 

Notes. — A  loud  three-syllabled  whistle. 

Range. — Breeds  from  northern  portion  of  Miss.  Val- 
ley in  the  U.  S.  northward;  winters  from  the  Gulf 
States  and  southern  California  southward. 

LESSER   YELLOW-LEGS 
255.  Totanus  flavipes.     10.5  in. 

Very  similar-  in  form,  color  and  markings  to  the 
large  Yellow-legs,  but  smaller  in  every  way. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  interior  of  Canada,  nortli  to 
the  Arctic  Ocean,  and  possibly  in  northern  Miss.  Valley. 
Winters  from  the  Gulf  States  southward,  migrating  in 
the  interior  and  along  the  Atlantic  coast. 


SOLITARY    SANDPIPER 
256.  Helodromas  solitarius.     8.5  in. 

Above  olive-grayish,  streaked  on  the  head  and  neck, 
and  sharply  speckled  on  the  back  and  wings,  with  white ; 
tail  sharply  barred  with  black  and  white;  below  white, 
streaked  on  the  breast  and  barred  on  the  sides  with 
gray  and  white.  In  winter,  with  fewer  white  markings 
on  the  back.  It  is  often  confused  with  the  Spotted 
Sandpiper  that  frequents  the  same  places,  but  should 
be  easily  identified  when  it  flies  by  its  barred  tail  and 
linings  of  the  wings.  They  have  the  habit,  common  to 
nearly  all  the  shore  birds,  of  elevating  their  wings  after 
alighting,  and  then  carefully  folding  them  on  the  back.  ¥/J^' 

Nest. — For  a  long  time  their  eggs  were  unknown,  but 
are  now  known  to  be  laid  in  the  nests  of  other  land 
birds,  at  low  elevations  in  trees  or  bushes  near  water. 
They  have  been  found  in  Manitoba  in  a  Waxwing's  nest. 
Eggs  bluish-green  with  blackish-brown  blotches. 


Range. — Breeds    from    Northern    U.    S. 
winters  south  of  the  U.  S. 


northward ; 


159 


WILLET 
258.  Catophophorus  seniipalmatus.     16  in. 

Bill  long  and  quite  stout;  feet  with  small  webs  be- 
tween the  bases  of  the  toes.  Upper  parts  brownish- 
gray,  more  or  less  speckled  with  black;  most  of  sec- 
ondaries and  bases  of  primaries  white,  very  conspicuous 
in  flight,  and  easily  distinguishing  it  from  any  other 
wader  of  its  size.  Usually  found  in  small  flocks  along 
the  edges  of  marshes;  they  are  said  to  be  quite  shy 
except  during  nesting  season,  and  to  be  difficult  to  de- 
coy. After  breeding  they  wander  northward  and  are 
often  seen  in  flocks  of  other  migrating  species.  When 
standing  on  the  beach  they  often ,  indulge  in  curious 
antics,  bowing  and  flirting  their  tails. 

Notes. — A  loud,  shrill  whistle,  "  pill-will-willet." 

Nest. — On  the  ground;  eggs  buflfy,  blotched  with 
brown. 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  to  New  Jersey;  later 
strays  to  Maine.  258a,  Western  Willet  (S.  s.  inornata) 
is  supposed  to  be  slightly  larger  and  paler.  Breeds 
from  Texas  to  Manitoba;  winters  along  the  Gulf  coast. 


BARTRAMIAN    SANDPIPER 

261.  Bartramia  longicauda.     12  in. 

Upper  parts  blackish  with  greenish-brown  edgings: 
tail  brownish  with  black  bars,  and  white  tips  to  the 
outer  feathers.  Underparts  wliite,  with  prominent  in 
verted,  black  arrow  head  markings  on  the  breast  and 
along  the  sides.  These  birds  are  more  often  known  as 
Upland  Plovers,  because  they  are  found  on  dry  hill- 
sides, rarely  near  water.  West  of  the  Miss,  they  aie 
said  to  occur  in  large  flocks  in  the  Fall,  but  in  the  East, 
half  a  dozen  or  so  would  be  considered  a  fair  sized  flock. 
They  feed  upon  small  grasshoppers  and  other  small  in- 
sects, sometimes  chasing  them  for  a  considerable  dis- 
tance before  securing  them.  They  are  shy  and  usually 
take  wing  as  soon  as  they  see  you. 

Nest. — Of  grasses,  usually  concealed  in  clumps  of 
grass  or  weeds  in  the  mJddle  of  fields;  eggs  buffy, 
blotched  with  yellowish-brown   (1.75x  1.25)  ;  May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds  locally  in  the  northern  half  of  the 
United  States  and  Southern  Canada;   winters  south  of 


BUFF-BREASTED    SANDPIPER 

262.  Tryngites  suhruficollis.     8  in. 

Bill  short  and  slender.  General  color  above,  blackish- 
brown  margined  with  tawny;  underparts  buffy,  with  a 
few  black  specks  on  the  sides  of  tlie  breast.  Primaries 
blackish-brown  on  the  outer  webs,  the  inner  webs,  as 
well  as  those  of  the  secondaries,  being  whitish,  peculiarly 
speckled  with  black;  these  markings  are  characteristic 
and  are  found  on  no  other  of  our  shore  birds.  It  seems 
to  be  most  nearly  related  to  the  last  species,  and  like 
that,  is  often  found  on  hillsides  at  a  distance  from  water. 

Notes. — A  low,  weak  "  tweet." 

Nest. — A  scantily  lined  depression  on  the  ground;  the 
four  eggs  are  grayish-buff,  boldly  blotched  with  rich 
chestnut-brown  and  black   (1.45x1.05);   June. 

Range. — Breeds  in  Arctic  America;  winters  in  South 
America,  migrating  chiefly  through  the  interior  of  the 
United  States,  but  to  a  less  degree  on  the  coast. 


SPOTTED    SANDPIPER 

263.  Actitis  macularia.     7.5  in. 

Below  wliite,  with  round  blackish  spots,  heaviest  on 
the  breast  and  sides;  above  olive-brown  or  gray,  witli 
faint  black  bars;  a  narrow  black  line  from  the  bil 
through  the  eye  to  the  ears.  Young  entirely  white 
below,  with  the  breast  faintly  tinged  with  gray.  These 
birds  are  abundant  and  breed  locally  throughout  tlie 
United  States  and  the  greater  part  of  Canada.  One  or 
more  pairs  will  usually  be  found  nesting  in  the  fields 
about  all  small  ponds,  or  among  the  weeds  that  grow- 
about  edges  of  pools  and  lakes.  They  have  a  peculiar 
habit  of  "teetering,"  whether  standing  still  or  while 
feeding  on  the  banks  of  streams  or  ponds;  other  birds 
do  this  but  not  nearly  as  persistently  as  Spotted  Sand- 
pipers. 

Notes. — A  clear  "  peet-weet ;  "  also  a  single  melodious 
whistle. 

Nest. — On    the    ground    in    fields    or    near    the    edges 
of  pools  or  streams;  eggs  buffy,  boldly  spotted. 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  to  Hudson  Bay;   win- 
ters south  of  the  U.  S. 


16.^ 


164 


LONG-BILLED    CURLEW 

264.  Numeniiis  americanus.     23   in. 

Bill  much  decurved  and  very  long  (4  to  8  in.),  the 
longest  of  any  of  our  shore  birds.  Plumage  variegated 
with  rufous  and  blackish  above;  bright  buflfy  or  rufous 
below,  streaked  on  neck  and  breast,  and  barred  on  the 
sides  with  blackish.  "  Sickle-bills,"  as  these  birds  are 
often  called,  are  the  largest  of  our  shore  birds.  They 
are  very  conspicuous  either  when  flying  or  walking  on 
the  marshes  or  sandbars,  their  size  appearing  gigantic 
when  they  are  in  a  flock  of  smaller  plover,  as  sometimes 
liappens.  They  fly  in  compact  flocks,  evidently  led  by 
one  individual,  for  they  wheel  and  circle  in  perfect 
unison,  sailing  up  in  the  wind  on  outspread  wings,  when 
about  to  alight. 

Notes. — A  flute-like  whistle,  "  ker-loo." 

Nest. — On  the  ground;  eggs  greenish-buiT,  with  small 
black  spots  over  the  whole  surface  (2.50x  1.80). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Upper  IVIiss.  Valley,  north  to 
IVIanitoba;  winters  in  the  Gulf  States,  and  southward; 
'"■  formerly  bred  on  the  South  Atlantic  coast;  strays  to 
New  England  and  New  Brunswick  in  the  fall. 


HUDSONIAN    CURLEW 
265.  Numenius  hudsonicus.     17  in. 

Darker  brown  above,  than  the  Sickle-bill ;  crown  broad- 
ly striped  with  blackisli  and  buflf;  underparts  grayish, 
streaked  on  the  brj^ast  and  barred  on  the  sides  with 
blackish.  This  and  the  succeeding  species  are  sumnuM- 
inhabitants  of  the  Arctic  regions,  being  found  within 
our  borders  only  for  a  short  time  in  the  Fall  and  Spring. 
It  is  found  in  fresh  and  salt  water  marshes,  as  well  as 
on  mud-flats  and  on  sandy  beaches  of  the  seashore. 
They  are  very  unsuspicious  and  are  easily  stalked,  or 
decoy  very  easily,  coming  to  wooden  caricatures  of  them- 
selves stuck  up  in  the  mud,  or  to  crude  imitations  of 
their  whistles;  consequently  large  numbers  of  them  are 
shot  and  they  are  becoming  scarce. 

Notes. — Similar  to  that  of  the  last. 

Nest. — Hollows  in  the  ground,  lined  with  grasses  an 
weeds;    eggs  buffv,   blotched  with  brownish-black    (2.2.1 
xl.60). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions.  Winters  south 
of  the  United  States,  migrating  both  on  the  coast  and 
in  the  interior. 


165 


166 


ESKIMO    CURLEW 

266.  Numenius  horealis.     13.5  in. 

Bill  comparatively  short  (about  2  in.)  and  little 
curved.  Above,  marked  similarly  to  the  last;  below 
v.hite  or  pale  buff,  often  thickly  covered  on  the  breast 
and  sides  with  streaks  and  arrow  head  markings  of 
blackish.  Primaries  and  most  of  the  secondaries  plain 
brownish-black,  without  the  variegation  of  the  last  spe- 
cies. A  few  years  ago  this  was  considered  the  most 
abundant  of  the  curlews,  but  so  persistently  have  they 
been  hunted  tliat  they  are  now  practically  exterminated. 
When  it  comes  to  looking  after  their  safety,  curlews 
are,  perhaps,  the  most  stupid  of  the  shore  bircls  for  they 
do  not  seem  to  realize  the  dangeroui  character  of  man- 
kind in  general,  and  they  have  paid  the  penalty.  I  trust 
that  all  sportsmen  will  refrain  from  shooting  these  birds. 

Nest. — Like  that  of  the  Hudsonian;  eggs  similar  but 
smaller. 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  in  the  Arctic  regions 
and  migrating  through  the  Plains,  Mississippi  Valley, 
and  to  a  less  extent  on  the  Atlantic  coast,  to  South 
America.     Very  rare  now  anywhere. 


PLOVERS— Family  Charadriidae 

BLACK-BELLIED    PLOVER 

270.  Squatarola  squatarola.     11.5  in. 

Iliiul  toe  very  small.  Bill  short  and  stout.  Adults 
in  summer  with  the  back,  wings  and  tail  barred  or 
marked  with  black  and  white;  top  of  head  and  naix' 
white,  except  for  a  few  black  markings  on  the  crown  . 
face,  throat,  breast  and  fore  part  of  belly,  black.  J  ii 
winter,  brownish-black,  somewhat  mottled,  above;  below 
dull  white.  Young  similar  to  winter  adults,  but  the 
back  is  spotted  with  yellowish-white.  While  these  hand- 
some plover  migrate  to  some  extent,  and  sometimes  in 
large  flocks,  through  the  interior  of  the  United  States, 
they  are  chiefly  and  most  abundantly  found  on  tlie  coast. 
They  are  the  plover  most  eagerly  sought  by  gunners. 

Call. — A  plaintive  whistle,  "  ter-lee." 

Nest. — Grass-lined  hollows  in  marshes  or  dry  land, 
l)ack  from  the  beach ;  eggs  greenish-buff,  spotted  with 
black. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions;  winters  in 
Soutli  America,  migrating  through  the  U.  S.  in  Sept. 
and  "Nlav. 


107 


168 


AMERICAN    GOLDEN    PLOVER 

272,  Vharadrius  doniinicus.     10.5  in. 

No  hind  toe.-  Back  and  tail  mottled  with  black  anti 
yellow;  below,  more  or  less  entirely  black  to  the  tail. 
bToiing  and  winter  adults,  more  or  less  spotted  with 
yellow  and  blackish-brown  above,  and  grayish-white  be- 
low, with  indistinct  streaks  on  the  breast.  Often  con- 
fused with  the  last  species  in  this  plumage,  but  is 
smaller,  bill  smaller  and  more  slender,  and  the  axillars, 
or  feathers  nearest  the  body,  under  the  wings,  are  gray 
while  those  of  the  Black-bellied  Plover  are  black.  This 
species  is  now  regarded  as  rare  on  the  North  Atlantic 
coast  during  migrations,  while  in  the  interior  it  is  more 
abundant  than  the  last  species.  They  do  not  seem  to  be 
as  suspicious  as  the  Black-bellies,  and  a  flock  will  often 
allow  a  close  approach,  even  when  they  see  you. 

Nest, — Nesting  habits  like  those  of  the  last,  and  other 
shore  birds;   eggs  slightly  smaller    (1,90x1.30). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions;  winters  south 
to  South  America. 


KILLDEER 
273.  Oxyechus  vociferus.     10  in. 

No  hind  toe.  Rump  ana  base  of  tail  reddish-brown; 
breast  crossed  by  two  black  bands.  Like  the  Spotted 
Sandpiper,  this  bird  is  locally  and  abundantly  distrib- 
uted throughout  the  United  States  and  Southern  Can- 
ada; it  is,  however,  rare  in  New  England,  where  it  is 
sometimes  found  in  the  Fall.  It  frequents  meadows, 
fields  and  ploughed  ground,  where  it  feeds  upon  insects, 
and  around  the  edges  of  pools  and  streams  where  it  gets 
small  shellfish  and  larvae.  As  usual,  they  will  attempt 
to  lead  an  intruder  away  from  their  nest  by  feigning 
lameness. 

Notes. — A  loud,  noisy  and  incessant  "  killdee." 

Nest. — A  slight  hollow  in  the  ground,  usually  in  a 
clump  of  weeds:  sometimes  lined  and  sometimes  not; 
the  four  eggs  are  greenish-buff,  heavily  blotched  with 
black. 

Range. — Breeds  locally  throughout  United  States,  ex- 
cept New  England,  and  southern  Canada;  winters  in 
southern  U.  S. 


Iti!) 


170 


SEMIPALMATED   PLOVER 

274.  ^gialitis  semipalmata.     7  in. 

Small  web  between  the  bases  of  the  two  outer  toes. 
Single  broad,  black  band  across  the  breast;  black  line 
from  base  of  bill  to  eye.  They  are  very  abundant  on 
our  seacoast  in  Fall,  both  in  flocks  composed  entirely  of 
their  own  kind,  and  also  with  Least  and  Semipalmated 
Sandpipers.  They  usually  keep  on  the  inner  side  of 
sandbars  or  muddy  flats  bordering  marshes,  rather  than 
on  the  open  ocean  beach.  It  is  also  found  in  smaller 
flocks,  about  ponds  and  marshes  in  the  interior  of  the 
country.  They  are  usually  unsuspicious  and  will  allow 
a  close  approach,  or  if  you  are  still,  will  run  by  within 
a  very  few  feet. 

Notes. — A  clear  double  whistle,  usually  uttered  when 
on  the  wing  or  when  alarmed.  They  decoy  to  an  imita- 
tion of  it. 

Nest. — On  the  ground;  eggs  buffv,  sparsely  specked 
with  black.    (L30x.90);   June. 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence  north- 
ward; winters  from  the  Gulf  States  southward. 


PIPING    PLOVER 


277.  ^[/ialitis  meloda.     7  in. 


Very  pale  above;  no  black  in  front  of  eye;  black  patch 
on  each  side  of  breast.  Young  similar,  but  the  black 
replaced  by  grayish,  as  is  the  case  with  the  last  spe- 
cies. This  species,  apparently,  never  could  be  classed 
as  abundant  and  of  late  years,  it  is  becoming  rather 
rare  along  our  Atlantic  coast;  this  is  probably  more 
due  to  the  building  of  summer  resorts  and  homes  along 
their  former  breeding  grounds  than  to  hunters.  The}' 
are  rather  more  shy  than  the  last  species,  but  will  usu- 
ally attempt  to  escape  by  running  along  the  beach  or 
by  hiding,  rather  than  by  flight.  Owing  to  their  light 
colors  it  is  very  difficult  to  see  them  at  any  distance. 

Notes. — A  two-syllabled  piping  whistle. 

Nest. — On  the  ground;  eggs  buff  with  fine  black- 
specks. 

Range. — Breeds  on  the  coast  from  Va.  to  Newfound- 
land and  in  the  Mississippi  Valley. 


171 


172 


SNOWY    PLOVER 

278.  ^gialitis  nivosa.     6.5  in. 

Very  small  and  very  pale  colored.  Small  black  patch 
on  either  side  of  the  breast,  on  ear  coverts,  and  on 
crown.  Bill  more  slender  but  longer  than  that  of  the 
Piping  Plover. 

Notes. — Low,  mournful,  piping  whistles. 

Range. — United  States  chiefly  west  of  the  Rockies, 
east  to  Kansas  and  north  to  Dakota. 

WILSON    PLOVER 

280.  OcJithodromus  wilsonius.     7.5  in. 

Bill  large  and  heavy  for  birds  of  this  genus.  A  black 
band  across  the  neck,  not  extending  to  the  back  of  the 
neck;  dark  line  between  eye  and  bill. 

Notes. — A  "mixture  of  whistle  and  chirp,"  very  dif- 
ferent from  that  of  allied  plovers.      (Elliott). 

Nest. — A  shallow  hollow  in  the  sand,  sometimes  con- 
cealed by  short  beach  grass;  eggs  grayish,  spotted  and 
scratched  with  blackish  brown   (1.25x.95). 

Range. — Breeds  on  the  Gulf  and  South  Atlantic  coasts 
north  to  Virginia;  later  may  stray  to  Maine. 


MOUNTAIN    PLOVER 

281.  Podasocys  montanns.     9  in. 

No  black  on  breast  or  sides,  but  with  black  band  on 
top  of  head  and  a  black  line  from  bill  to  eye.  Above 
grayish-brown;  below  buffy  across  the  breast,  white  else- 
where. Mountain  or  Prairie  Plover,  as  they  are  often 
and  better  called,  are  abundant  on  the  western  prairies. 
Like  the  Bartramian  Sandpiper,  they  do  not  frequent 
the  vicinity  of  water,  but  live  and  get  their  food  in  the 
dry  grass-covered  districts.  They  are  not  at  all  shy 
where  they  are  not  hunted.  Like  all  the  family,  they 
are  very  fleet  on  foot,  and  may  often  be  seen  chasing 
grasshoppers  or  other  active  insects.  Their  flight  is 
very  rapid,  often  devious  and  usually  at  a  low  elevation. 

Notes. — A  single^  low,  musical  whistle. 

Nest.  — A  depression  in  the  ground,  anywhere  on  the 
prairie.     Eggs  brownish-gray,  blotched  with  blackish. 

Range. — West  of  the  Mississippi  River,  breeding  north 
to  Dakota.  Winters  from  Southwestern  United  States 
southward. 


173 


174 


TURNSTONE 

283.  Arenaria  interpres.     9,75  in. 

Very  similar  to  the  next,  which  is  the  one  figured, 
but  slightly  larger,  and  with  black  prevailing  in  the 
upperparts.  This  is  the  Old  World  species,  found  in 
America  only  in  Labrador  and  Alaska. 

RUDDY    TURNSTONE 

283.1.  Arenaria  interpres  morinella.     9.5   in. 

Bill  short  and  stout,  the  upper  mandible  being 
>t:aight,  so  that  the  bill  has  an  upturned  appearance. 
J.t'gs  reddish  on  adult  birds  and  orange  on  young. 

KnoAvn  by  a  great  many  names,  referring  to  its  pe- 
culiarly pied  appearance: — Calico-bird,  Checkered-snipe, 
etc.  An  abundant  species  usually  found  on  pebbled 
beaches. 

Notes. — One  or  two  clear  whistles. 

Nest. — A  scantily  lined  hollow;  eggs  grayish,  beauti- 
fully marbled  with  brown,  lilac  and  blackish. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Arctic  legions ;  winters  in 
Southern  South  America,  migrating  en  both  coasts. 


AMERICAN    OYSTER-CATCHER 

286.  Hcematopus  palliatus.     19  in. 

Bill  very  long,  heavy,  compressed,  and  thin  and  chisel- 
like at  the  tip.  Bill  and  eye,  red;  legs  flesh  color. 
These  large,  awkward  looking  birds  are  not  scarce  on 
the  South  Atlantic  coast,  where  they  are  met  with  in 
pairs  or  small  companies.  They  run  with  great  swift- 
ness, or  walk  sedately  along  the  beaches  and  marshes 
gathering  insects  and  fiddler  crabs,  of  which  they  are 
very  fond.  They  are  said  to  have  got  their  name  from 
the  habit  of  eating  oysters  when  they  found  them  with 
the  shell  open,  a  practice  that  would  be  extremely  haz- 
ardous for  them  to  undertake,  as  these  shellfish  close 
their  two  valves  very  quickly  and  would  be  apt  to  catch 
the  bird.  Owing  to  their  large  size  they  are  frequently 
shot  at  and,  consequently,  are  usually  shy. 

Nest. — A  depression  in  the  sand;  the  two  or  three 
eggs  are  buff"y,  spotted  with  blackish-brown  ( 2.20  x 
1.50);   May. 

Range. — Breeds  on  the  coast  north  to  Virginia;  later 
may  stray  to  Nova  Scotia.     Winters  south  of  the  U.  S. 


175 


MEXICAN    JACANA 
Jacana  spinosa.     8  in. 

A  very  peculiar  species.  Bill  plover-like;  at  the  base, 
terminating  in  a  leaf-like  sheaf  that  covers  the  fore- 
head; a  hard  spur  on  the  shoulder  of  each  wing;  legs 
and  toes  extremely  long,  the  toenails  being  abnormally 
so,  the  hind  nail  often  being  an  inch  and  a  half  long. 
Young  very  different  from  the  adult. — Grayish-brown 
above,  with  wings  greenish-yellow  as  in  adult;  below 
whitish,  darker  across  the  breast  and  on  the  sides;  a 
light  line  above  the  eye.  Jacanas  are  inhabitants  of 
marshy,  muddy  pools  and  ponds,  where  they  can  easily 
run  over  the  surface,  their  long  toes  getting  a  good 
foothold  on  the  floating  aquatic  plants.  They  are  said 
to  be  very  pugnacious  in  defence  of  their  young,  and  also 
to  fight  among  themselves  during  th^  mating  season. 

Nest. — Nests  made  of  weeds  and  trash,  on  little  float- 
ing islands  or  lily  pads.  3  to  5  olive  colored  eggs, 
curiously  scrawled  with  black.    (1.20x.95);   May. 

Range. — Is  found  and  breeds  within  our  borders  only 
in  Southern  Texas. 


GROUSE,    PARTRIDGES,    ETC.— Order    Gallinae 

Family  Odontophoridse 

BOB-WHITE;     QUAIL;     VIRGINIA    PARTRIDGE 

289.  Colinns  virginianus.     10  in. 

Male  with  white  throat,  bordered  with  black;  female 
with  a  yellowish-brown  throat,  and  line  above  eye.  One 
of  the  most  popular  "  game  birds,"  so  popular  that  it 
is  exterminated  in  New  England,  and  birds  imported 
from  the  west  are  unable  to  regain  the  lost  foothold. 
Found  in  stubble  and  low  brush,  where  they  hide  until 
almost  stepped  upon.     They  feed  upon  insects  and  grain. 

Notes. — A  clear  whistled  "  bob-white  "  and  a  series  of 
low,  clear  whistles  when  in  flocks. 

Nest. — Of  grass  at  the  end  of  tunnel  in  tall  grass 
bordering  fields;  8  to  16  white  eggs   (1.20x.95)  ;  May. 

Range. — Resident  east  of  the  Rockies,  north  to  Minn, 
and  Ontario.  289a,  Fla.  Bob-white  (C.  v.  floridanus), 
found  in  southern  Florida  is  extremely  dark  (shown  on 
plate).  289b,  Texan  Bob-white  (C.  v.  texanus)  is  paler 
with  black  areas  wider. 


177 


SCALED    PARTRIDGE 

CalUpepla  squamata.     10  in. 

With  a  whitish  or  buffy-white  crest;  plumage  bluish- 
gray,  with  darker  edges  giving  the  bird  the  appearance 
of  being  covered  with  scales.  The  female  is  more  brown- 
ish, but  is  marked  the  same  as  the  male.  These  birds 
are  locally  abundant  in  arid,  cactus-covered  deserts, 
often  at  a  distance  from  water,  and  frequently  in  com- 
pany with  Gambel  Partridge. 

Nest. — 8  to  15  eggs  are  laid  in  some  hollow  under  a 
low  bush  or  cactus;  they  are  creamy-white,  dotted  with 
minute  specks  of  pale  brown.    (1.25x.95);   April,  May. 

Range. — Mexico  north  to  Central  and  Western  Texas, 
New  Mexico  and  Arizona. 

293a.  Chestnut-bellied  Scaled  Partridge  (C.  s.  castano- 
gastris),  is  more  richly  colored  and  has  a  cliestnut  patch 
on  the  middle  of  the  belly.  It  is  found  in  southern 
Texas  and  northeastern  Mexico. 


GAMBEL    PARTRIDGE 
295.  Lophortyx  gamhclii.     10  in. 

Head  with  an  elegant  recurved  crest  of  six  or  seven 
feathers;  normally  these  are  carried  in  one  packet  so 
that  there  appears  to  be  but  one  feather,  but  when  ex- 
cited, or  during  the  mating  season,  they  may  separate 
the  feathers,  or  sometimes  curve  them  forward  so  as  to 
touch  the  bill.  Hindhead  and  sides  chestnut,  throat  and 
middle  of  belly  black.  Female  with  the  throat  light 
and  hindhead  gray;  crest  small;  no  black  on  belly.  An 
abundant  species  both  in  mountains,  valleys  or  deserts, 
near  or  remote  from  water.  Habits  like  those  of  the 
eastern  Bob-white,  but  instead  of  taking  wing,  they  will 
generally  rvm. 

Nest. — Eggs  laid  on  the  ground  under  any  suitable 
cover;  creamy-white,  handsomely  blotched  with  brown. 

Range. — Resident  in  western  Texas,  New  Mexico  an(' 
Arizona,  north  to  southern  Utah  and  Nevada. 


179 


180 


MEARNS    OR    MASSENA    PARTRIDGE 
296.  Cyrtonyx  montezumce  mcarn8i.     9  in. 

Bill  very  stout  and  compressed.  Crest  large,  puflFy 
and  flat.  Markings  on  the  male  very  grotesque  and 
clownish ;  general  color  of  the  female,  pinkish  brown 
with  streaks  of  black,  and  white  specks,  below,  and 
barred  and  streaked  above.  These  strange  birds  are 
.very  local  in  their  distribution  in  the  southwest,  rare 
in  some  localities  and  occurring  in  quite  large  flocks  in 
others.  They  are  so  confiding  in  their  disposition,  that 
this,  in  connection  with  their  clownish  plumage,  has 
given  them  the  name  of  "  Fool  "  Quail.  They  frequent 
dry  deserts,  valleys,  or  mountains  up  to  an  elevation  of 
at  least  8,000  feet.  When  startled,  they  often  squat 
down,  and  can  almost  be  caught  in  the  hand,  but  when 
they  do  fly,  their  flight  is  very  rapid,  and  accompanied 
with  a  peculiar  clucking  noise. 

Nest. — A  depression  in  the  ground,  lined  with  grasses, 
and  concealed  in  clumps  of  weeds  or  grass.  Their  eggs, 
like  those  of  other  partridges,  are  numerous,  pure  white, 
and  not  as  sharply  pointed  as  those  of  the  Bob-white. 

Range. — Western  Texas,  New  Mexico  and  Arizona. 


DUSKY    GROUSE 

207.  Dendragapns  ohscurus.     20  in. 

Plumage  gray,  white  and  black,  with  a  few  rusty 
markings  on  the  back;  wide  gray  band  on  tip  of  tail. 
Female  smaller,  browner  and  more  barred  above.  These 
large  grouse  are  found  on  side  hills  or  in  gulches,  usu- 
ally not  far  from  water.  Like  our  common  Ruffed 
Grouse,  during  mating  season,  the  males  of  this  species 
strut  about  with  tail  fully  spread  over  the  back,  and 
head  thrown  back  until  it  nearly  touches  the  tail.  At 
this  season  they  are  very  pugnacious  and  the  woods  will 
resound  with  their  challenging  "  toots," — loud  and  hol- 
low sounds  with  a  ventriloquial  effect. 

Nest. — Eggs  laid  on  ground  in  woods,  usually  under 
fallen  logs  or  at  the  bases  of  trees;  buffy,  sparsely 
spotted  with  brown.    (2.00x1.40)  ;  May,  June. 

Range. — Rocky  Mts.,  from  Mexico  to  Montana  and 
east  to  South  Dakota.  297b.,  Richardson  Grouse  (D.  o. 
richardsonii) ,  is  found  on  the  eastern  slopes  of  the 
Rockies,  north  to  British  America.  Little  or  no  band 
on  the  tail. 


181 


182 


HUDSONIAN    SPRUCE    GROUSE 

298.  Canachites  canadensis.     15  in. 

Very  similar  to  the  next,  which  is  our  common  spe- 
cies, but  tlie  female  is  not  quite  as  rusty.  Found  in 
Labrador  and  about  Hudson  Bay. 

CANADA    GROUSE;    SPRUCE    GROUSE 

298c.  C.  c.  canace.     15  in. 

Male  black  and  grayish;  female  chiefly  rusty,  barred 
with  black.  The  Spruce  Grouse  is  usually  found  in 
dense  thickets  and  groves  or  swamps  of  evergreen  woods. 
It  IS  one  of  the  least  suspicious  of  birds,  and  in  winter, 
is  sometimes  knocked  down  by  sticks  in  the  hands  of 
deer  hunters.  Their  flesh  is  unfit  to  eat  and  conse- 
quently they  are  not  hunted. 

Notes. — A  drumming,  said  to  be  produced  by  the 
wings,  when  in  the  air;   a  clucking  by  the  female. 

Nest. — Eggs  laid  on  the  ground,  usually  under  low, 
spreading  branches  of  spruces;  bright  buff  with  bold 
black  blotches.    (1.70x1.25). 

Range. — Northern  New  England,  New  York  and  Min- 
nesota, northward. 


RUFFED    GROUSE 

300.  Bonassa  umhellus.     17  in. 

Crested  and  with  two  large,  black,  neck-ruffs;  plum- 
age brown,  black  and  white.  Female  with  the  ruffs 
smaller  and  usually  brownish.  These  grouse  have  two 
color  phases,  the  general  tone  of  plumage  being  either 
reddisli  brown  or  gra}%  independent  of  age  or  sex  of 
bird.  These  naturally  wild,  shy  grouse  are  the  kings 
of  the  eastern  game  birds,  their  wariness  and  speed  with 
which  they  will  dodge  through  the  trees  being  the  only 
reasons  they  have  so  long  withstood  the  hunting  to 
which  they  are  subjected.  During  spring,  the  male 
struts  often,  tail  expanded  into  a  half  circle,  head 
thrown  back  to  meet  the  upturned  tail,  and  ruff  spread 
so  as  to  form  a  complete  collar.  They  make  a  loud 
drumming  by  beating  the  air  with  their  wings. 

Nest. — Eggs  on  leaves  in  the  woods;  plain  brownish- 
burt"   I  1.55  X  1.15). 

Range. — Resident  from  Va.  and  Ark.  north  to  south- 
ern Canada.  300a.,  Canadian  Ruffed  Grouse  (B.  u. 
togata),  is  found  in  the  southern  British  provinces  and 
northern  New  England. 


183 


18i 


WILLOW    PTARMIGAN 
301.  Lagopus  lagopus.     15  in. 

In  winter,  white  with  black  tail  feathers.  In  sum- 
mer, usually  reddish-brown  with  black  bars.  This 
species  has  a  much  stouter  bill  than  the  next. 

Nest. — Eggs  laid  on  the  ground.  Rich  buflfy,  so  heav- 
ily blotched  and  streaked  with  black  as  to  nearly  con- 
ceal it.      (L75x  1.25). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  northern  half  of  Canada,  mi- 
graimg  southward  to  southern  Canada. 

301a.,  Allen  Ptarmigan  (L.  1.  alleni),  found  in  New- 
foundland, is  similar,  but  in  winter  the  shafts  of  the 
primaries  are  always  black. 

ROCK    PTARMIGAN 

302.  Lagopus  rupestris.     14  in. 

In  winter,  like  the  last  species,  except  that  the  bill 
is  smaller,  and  the  lores  are  black. 

Range. — From  the  Gul""  of  St.  Lawrence  and  north- 
ern British  Columbia  northward.  302a.  Reinhardt 
Ptarmigan,  replaces  the  last  variety  in  northern  Labra- 
dor. 303.  Welch  Ptarmigan  (L.  welchi),  found  in  New- 
foundland, is  said  to  be  grayer  in  summer. 


PRAIRiE    HEN;    PINNATED    GROUSE  — 

305.  Tympanuchus  americanus.     18  in. 

Tufts  of  neck  feathers  rounded  or  square  at  the 
ends,  long  on  the  males,  and  short  on  the  females. 
Above,  barred  with  brownish-black  and  white  or  buffy 
white,  the  bars  being  of  about  equal  width;  top  of 
head  barred  black  and  grayish.  Female  differs  from 
the  male  in  having  the  tail  feathers  barred,  whereas 
they  are  black  in  the  male.  Found  locally  throughout 
the  prairie  regions  of  the  Mississippi  Valley  north  l^ 
Manitoba.  Owing  to  the  immense  numbers  shot  for 
sale  in  eastern  markets,  they  have  become  exterminate 
in  many  places  where  they  were  formerly  abundant.  Male 
birds  have  a  loose  sac  or  naked  skin  beneath  the  tufts 
of  feathers  on  the  neck;  they  inflate  these  to  the  size  of 
small  oranges,  and  then  produce  a  loud,  hollow,  reso- 
nant booming  sound. 

Nest. — Anywhere  on  the  ground  on  the  prairie;  eggs 
olive-buff,  finely  specked  with  brown. 

Range. — From  La.  and  Tex.  north  to  Manitoba  and 
Dakota.  305.  Attwater  Prairie  Hen,  smaller  and 
darker,  is  found  in  Louisiana  and  Eastern  Texas. 


185 


HEATH    HEN 

306.  Tympanuchus  cupido.     17  in. 

Xeck  feathers  pointed;  scapulars  more  broadly 
tipped  with  white;  axillars  always  barred;  top  of  head 
])aler  and  always  brownish.  These  differences  will 
always  •  separate  this  species  from  the  very  similar 
western  bird.  They  were  formerly  found  throughout 
Southern  New  England  and  the  Middle  States,  their 
range  meeting  that  of  the  Prairie  Hen,  but  now  they 
mo  restricted  to  the  island  of  Martha's  Vineyard,  south 
of  Mass.,  and  probably  the  true  form  is  extinct  there, 
for  western  birds  have  been  liberated  on  the  island  and 
i   interbred  with  the  natives. 


LESSER    PRAIRIE    HEN 

307.  Tympanuchus  pallidicinctus.     16  in. 

Xearest  like  the  prairie  hen  but  paler  above,  the 
litown  bars  being  narrower  and  lighter  colored,  but 
A\  ith  the  edges  blackish,  giving  the  back  of  the  bird 
a  very  different  appearance  from  thrt  of  the  Prairie 
Hen.  It  is  found  in  western  Kansas,  Indian  Territory 
and  Texas. 


PRAIRIE    SHARP-TAILED    GROUSE 

308b.  Pedicecetes  phasianellus  campestris.     18  in. 

Xo  pinnates  or  ruffs  on  the  neck,  but  the  head  is 
crested  a  little  more  than  that  of  the  Prairie  Hen : 
tail  with  the  central  feathers  nearly  two  inches  longei 
than  the  rest,  which  are  also  graduated  so  the  outside 
ones  are  much  the  shortest.  Plumage  much  palei 
than  that  of  the  Prairie  Hen,  and  feathers  on  tlic 
breast  and  sides  being  marked  with  blackish  loops. 
Found  in  more  or  less  abundance  on  the  plains  and 
prairies  west  of  the  Mississippi  River.  In  mating  sea 
son  flocks  of  them  indulge  in  curious  antics,  dancing, 
ruffling  their   feathers,   and  cooing   and   crowing. 

Nest. — Eggs  laid  in  a  hollow  in  the  ground,  usually 
sheltered  by  a  tuft  of  grass  or  bunch  of  weeds.  The 
eggs  are  brownish-drab,  finely  specked,  over  the  whole 
surface,  with  blackish-brown.      (1.70x1.25). 

Range. — West  of  the  Miss.  River,  from  Kew  Mex- 
ico and  Indian  Territory  north  to  Manitoba.  308. 
Sharp-tailed  Grouse,  is  found  in  the  interior  of  Brit- 
ish America  from  Hudson  Bay  to  Alaska.  Darker 
and  less  rusty  than  the  preceding. 


188 


SAGE    GROUSE 

309.  Centrocercus  urophasianiis.     29   in. 

The  female  of  this  large  and  very  interesting  grouse, 
differs  from  the  male  only  in  its  smaller  size  and  paler, 
duller  plumage.  They  are  found  in  abundance  on  the 
dry  sagebrush-covered  plains  about  the  Rocky  Mts.  and 
to  the  westward.  In  summer  they  feed  largely  upon 
insects  and  buds  of  various  plants,  but  in  fall  and 
winter,  their  food  is  almost  entirely  the  leaves  of  the 
sagebrush;  at  this  season,  in  consequence,  their  flesli 
is  unfit  to  eat,  so  they  are  not  hunted  for  market,  and 
are  able  to  pursue  a  life  of  quiet  as  far  as  man  is 
concerned.  In  spring,  they  indulge  in  amusing  play, 
as  do  all  the  grouse;  they  have  a  few  wiry  hairs  on 
either  side  of  the  neck,  covering  the  naked  sacs  that 
correspond  to  those  of  the  Prairie  Hen;  tliey  strut 
about  with  these  sacs  inflated,  and  their  spread  tail, 
erect,  making  peculiar  buzzing  sounds. 

Nest. — Eggs  laid  on  the  ground  under  sagebrush ; 
greenish-buff,  spotted  rather  sparingly  with  brown. 

Range. — Sagebrush  covered  plains  from  New  Mexico 
to  Southern  British  Columbia  and  Assiniboia 


Family  Meleagridae 
WILD    TURKEY 

310.  Meleagres  gallopavo  silvestris.     48  in. 

Female  much  smaller  and  duller  colored  than  the 
male.  These  fine,  large  birds  frequent  woodlands  and 
borders  of  streams,  where  they  search  through  the  un- 
derbrush for  food  in  the  daytime  and  sleep  in  the  tall- 
est trees  at  night.  They  are  one  of  the  shyest  birds, 
and  they  have  reasons  for  being,  for  they  have  been 
hunted  until  tliere  are  none  left  in  New  England  and 
northern  Middle  States.  Wild  Turkeys  strut  and  gob- 
ble precisely  like  domestic  ones.  Their  plumage  is 
more  of  a  coppery  bronze  color  and  their  upper  tail 
coverts   are   rusty,   without   white   edges. 

Nest. — Eggs  laid  on  the  ground  among  leaves,  usu- 
allv  in  dense  thickets;  buff,  spotted  with  brown.  (2.55 
xL90). 

Range. — From  Penn.  and  Ohio  south  to  the  Gulf 
States  west  to  Arkansas.  310b.,  Florida  Wild  Tur- 
key, found  in  Florida,  is  smaller.  310c.,  Rio  Grande 
Turkey,  is  found  in  southern  Texas;  it  has  upper  tail- 
coverts  edged  with  buff. 


189 


RING-NECKED    OR    MONGOLIAN    PHEASANT 

***     PJiasianus  torquatus 

The  male  of  this  heautiful  pheasant  varies  greatly 
in  length  according  to  the  development  of  the  tail, 
sometimes  being  36  in.  in  length;  the  female  aver- 
ages about  22  in.  and  is  plain  colored,  but  still  a 
very  handsome  bird.  ]\lales  vary  greatly  in  the  rich- 
ness of  their  colors,  and  in  the  width  of  the  white 
collar  on  the  neck,  the  latter  depending  upon  the  ex- 
tent to  which  they  have  been  interbred  with  the  Eng- 
lish Pheasant,  the  latter  bird  having  no  white  on  the 
neck.  These  pheasants  have  been  introduced  in  Ore- 
gon and  Washington  and  are  very  abundant  there  now. 
Attempts  at  introducing  them  in  the  East  have  not  been 
as  successful,  but  in  some  private  preserves  they  are 
doing  well.  They  are  rather  sluggish  in  their  habits, 
compared  to  our  Ruffed  Grouse,  and  usually  try  to 
escape  by  running  or  hiding  rather  than  by  taking  wing; 
when  they  do  fly,  they  go  in  a  straight  line  and  rather 
slowly. 


FAMILY    CRACID^ 

CHACHALACA 

311.  Ortalis  vetula  mccalli.    21  in. 

Plumage  olive-brown  above,  and  gray  below;  head 
crested;  sides  of  head  and  chin,  naked,  orange-red. 
These  birds  are  found  in  southern  Texas,  in  dense 
woods,  thickets  and  chaparral.  They  are  very  noisy, 
their  calls  being  loud,  harsh,  clackings,  "  cha-cha-lac," 
repeated  rapidly  and  taken  up  by  all  the  birds  in  the 
neighborhood.  They  are  not  usually  shy  and  are  often 
domesticated.  They  are  also  hunted  to  some  extent, 
but  their  flesh  is  said  not  to  be  very  good  eating,  and 
their  body  is  quite  small  compared  to  the  length  of  the 
bird. 

Nest. — A   frail    platform   of   sticks,    placed   in    scrub-  .  ^ 

by  brush  or  bushes,  a  few  feet  above  the  ground.     They  ^*\ 

lay  four  white  or  buffy-white  eggs,  the  shell  of  which  jl^         .^^,„.,,,.J^ 

is  very  rough  and  hard    (2.25x1.55);    April.  W 


J^\4V^vv^ 


Range. — Eastern  Mexico  north  to  southern  Texas. 


liU 


192 


PIGEONS    AND    DOVES— Order   Columbae 
Family  Columbidae 
PASSENGER    PIGEON 

315.  Ectopistcs  migratorius.     16  in. 

Plead  and  back  bluish-slate;  below,  rich  rusty  brown. 
Only  a  few  years  ago,  up  to  1880,  they  were  extremely 
abundant  in  eastern  North  America.  Seemingly  incred- 
ible stories  are  told  of  the  immense  flocks  and  roosting 
j)laces  of  these  birds,  and  most  of  them  are  autlientic. 
It  is  unfortunate  that  the  camera  was  not  extensively 
used  tlien,  so  we  have  no  visual  records  of  them.  A 
nesting  place  in  Michigan  is  described  as  28  miles  in 
length  by  about  four  in  width,  and  every  ti'ee  in  the 
woods,  throughout  this  whole  tract,  had  several  nests, 
and  some  were  filled  with  them.  Flocks  darkening  the 
sky  and  covering  several  square  miles  are  recorded. 
Aiid,  today,  but  one  or  two  stragglers  are  reported  in 
a  year,  and  these  are  usually  doubtful.  They  were 
sh(")t  and  netted  at  their  roosting  and  nesting  places, 
i)arreled  up  and  sent  to  market  for  sale,  this  continuing 
so  long  as  tliere  were  birds  enough  to  make  it  profit- 
able, and  we  reap  the  result — no  birds. 


MOURNING   DOVE 
316.  Zenaidura  macroura  carolinensis. 


12   in. 


Upperparts  olive-brown;  below,  buffy-gray;  a  small 
black  mark  on  the  ears  above  the  iridescent  neck  patch. 

These  birds  never  flock  as  Passenger  Pigeons  did, 
traveling  in  companies  of  six  to  a  dozen,  and  they  have 
no  common  nesting  or  roosting  places,  but  nest  any- 
where in  the  woods,  orchards  or  vines.  As  they  are 
not  often  hunted,  they  are  not  shy,  and  in  some  local- 
ities are  very  tame,  especially  when  they  are  breeding. 
Their  food  consists  of  seeds,  grain,  berries  and  insects, 
most  of  which  they  get  from  the  ground.  They  nest 
either  in  trees,  bushes  or  on  the  ground,  most  often 
the  former.  Their  nests  are  very  frail  platforms,  com- 
posed of  only  a  few  twigs  and  rootlets;  when  on  the 
ground,  usually  no  nest  is  made.  Their  two  eggs  are 
pure  white,  as  are  those  of  all  doves.  They  are  loving 
birds,  always  cooing  to  each  other,  and  are  very  atten- 
tive to  their  young  until  they  are  full  grown. 

Range. — Breeds    throughout    the    United    States    and 
southern    Canada,    except    northern    New    England    and 
the  Provinces. 
13 


WHITE-FRONTED    DOVE 

318.  Leptotila   fulviventris    brachyptera.     12    in. 

No  black  ear-mark;  under  wing  coverts  rusty  cliest- 
nut.  Forehead  whitish;  all  but  central  pair  of  tail 
featliers   tipped  with   white. 

Nest. — Indistinguishable  from  that  of  the  next  species. 

Range. — Central  America  and  Mexico,  north  in  Feb- 
ruary to  valley  of  Lower  Rio  Grande. 

WHITE-WINGED    DOVE 

319.  Melopelia   asiatica.     12  in. 

Large  black  patch  on  the  ears;  tail  only  moderate- 
ly long,  and  broadly  rounded,  with  large  white  ends 
lo  the  outer  feathers.  Besides  the  regular  cooing  notes, 
common  to  doves,  this  species  has  a  peculiar  song  lik- 
ened by  some,  to  the  first  attempts  at  crowing,  of  a 
\()ung  rooster. 

Nest. — A  shabby  platform  of  twigs,  lined  with  bits 
"f  weeds,  moss  and  leaves;  placed  at  any  height  from 
ihe  ground  in  bushes,  trees  or  cacti.    Eggs  white. 

Range. — Texas,  New  Mexico,  Arizona  and  casually 
southern  Florida,  southward. 


GROUND    DOVE 
320.  Chcemepelia  passerina  terrestris.     6.75  in. 

Size  very  small;  tail  short  and  nearly  square.  Back 
of  head  blue-gray;  forehead  and  most  of  underparts 
pinkish.     Bill,  feet  and  eye,  more  or  less  red. 

Nest. — A  frail  structure  of  twigs,  lined  with  pine 
needles;  placed  usually  at  low  elevations  in  bushes. 
The   two  eggs  are  pure  white. 

Range. — South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States;  abundant 
near  the  coasts;   winters  throughout  its  range. 

320a.,  Mexican  Ground  Dove,  found  from  Texas  to 
California,  is  slightly  paler  than  the  eastern  species. 

INCA   DOVE 
312.  Scardafella  inca.     8  in. 

Tail  long,  with  the  outer  feathers  tipped  with  white, 
and  shorter  than  the  middle  ones.  Feathers  mostly 
margined  with  brownish-black.  The  bases  of  the  pri- 
maries are  bright  chestnut,  and  the  whole  underwing 
is  of  that  color;  bill  black;  eye  and  feet  reddish. 

Range. — Southern  Texas,  southern  Arizona  and  south- 
ern New  Mexico. 


VULTURES,    HAWKS    AND    OWLS— Order    Raptores 
,    AMERICAN     VULTURES— Family     Cathartidse 
TURKEY    VULTURE    OR    BUZZARD 
325.  Cathartes  aura  septentrionalis.     30  in. 

Head  naked;  red  or  carmine;  bill  dull  whitish;  eyes 
brown;    feet  pinkish.     Plumage  blackisli-brown. 

Nest. — Their  two  eggs  are  laid  upon  the  ground,  be- 
tAveen  rocks,  under  logs,  or  in  hollow  trees;  they  are 
whitish,   handsomely  blotched  with  brown. 

Range, — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  north  to  New  Jersey, 
Illinois,  Minnesota  and  British  Columbia. 

BLACK  VULTURE 

326.  Catharista  uruhu.     24   in. 

Entire  plumage,  including  the  naked  head,  black; 
feet  and  tip  of  bill  yellowish.  Under  surface  of  the 
wings  white,  making  it  very  easy  to  identify. 

Nest, — Two  eggs,  greenish-white,  blotched  with  brown- 
ish.     (3.00x2.00), 

Range. — Resident  north  to  North  Carolina,  southern 
Illinois  and  Kansas. 


FALCONS,    HAWKS    AND    EAGLES— Family    Falcon- 

idae 

SWALLOW-TAILED    KITE 

327.  Elanoides  forficatus.     24   in. 

Tail  long  and  deeply  forked;  plumage  white,  and 
glossy  black;  feet  short  but  stout;  bill  black,  with 
cere  and  feet  bluish-gray.  The  flight  of  these  birds 
is  very  swift  and  swallow-like;  at  times  they  circle 
about  for  long  periods,  on  motionless  wings;  at  others, 
they  will  be  seen  swooping  over  marshes  and  low 
ground;  the  evolutions  they  perform  during  the  matiu'i; 
season  are  wonderful  to  behold,  floating,  sailing,  dou- 
bling and  turning,  in  all  imaginable  positions,  as 
though  they  were  a  part  of  the  air  itself. 

Notes. — A  shrill  whistled  "  peet-peet." 

Nest. — Composed  of  twigs,  lined  with  moss  and  root- 
lets; usually  located  in  the  tops  of  trees  at  great 
heights;  90.  to  125  feet  from  the  ground  not  being 
uncommon;  eggs  pale  bluish-white,  very  handsomely 
marked   with   brown.      (1.85x1.5). 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  Virginia,  Manitoba  and  ^liii- 
nesota;  winters  south  of  the  United  States. 


197 


WHITE-TAILED    KITE 
328.  Elanus  leucurus.     16  in. 

Head,  underparts  and  tail,  white;  slioulders  black; 
upperparts  gray.  Young,  with  the  back  tinged  with 
rusty.  Their  food  consists  largely  of  snakes,  but  they 
also   eat  a  great  many   small   rodents   and  insects. 

Nest. — Made  of  sticks,  weeds  and  leaves,  and  placed 
in  trees  at  quite  an  elevation  from  the  ground;  eggs 
creamy  white,  profusely  blotched  with  brown. 

Range. — Texas  to  central  California,  and  less  often 
east  of  the  Miss.  River,  north  to  South  Carolina. 

MISSISSIPPI    KITE 

329.  Ictinia  7nississippiensis.     14  in. 

Head,  underparts  and  ends  of  secondaries,  bluish- 
gray.    Lores  and  tail  black;  back  dark;  eyes  red. 

Nest. — Of  sticks  and  weeds  in  the  tops  of  tall  trees; 
eggs  bluish  white,  usually  unmarked,  but  occasionally 
with  a  few  brownish  specks.      (1.65x1,25). 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  South  Carolina,  southern 
Illinois  and  Kansas;  winters  south  of  the  United  States. 


EVERGLADE    KITE 

330.  Rostrhamus  sociahilis.     15   in. 

Bill  very  slender  and  much  hooked,  the  lower  mandi- 
ble being  decurved  somewhat,  to  match  the  upper;  the 
cutting  edge  of  the  bill  without  a  tooth  or  notch, 
as  most  hawks  and  kites  have.  Lores  naked  and  yel- 
lowish, like  the  cere;  eyes  red.  Plumage  blackish;  rump 
and  bases  of  outer  tail  feathers,  as  well  as  tip  white. 
This  tropical  species  is  found  in  the  United  States,  only 
in  the  southern  half  of  Florida,  in  the  densest  swamps, 
being  fairly  abundant  in  the  Everglades.  They  are  said 
to  feed  exclusively  upon  a  certain  species  of  water  snail, 
and  each  bird  has  a  particular  perch  to  which  he  takes 
every  snail  he  captures,  and  after  skillfully  extracting 
the  animal  with  its  curiously  modified  beak,  it  drops 
the  shell  on  the  mound  beneath.      (Bendire). 

Nest. — Of  twigs,  lined  with  leaves  and  weeds,  placed 
at   I'lw   elevations   in   bushes   or   underbrush,   often   over 
water:   eggs  pale  greenish-white,  spotted  with  brown- 
Range. — Southern  Florida. 


200 


MARSH    HAWK 
331.  Circus  hudsonius.     19  in. 

Upper  tail  coverts  and  base  of  tail  white.  Male, 
l)lue-gray  above;  below  whitish,  streaked  and  barred 
with  rusty.  Female  and  young. — Above  rusty  brown- 
ish-black; below  rusty  with  dusky  streaks  on  the  breast 
and  sides.  As  shown  by  its  name,  this  hawk  is  found 
most  abundantly  in  or  around  marshes  or  wet  meadows. 
I  have  found  them  especially  abundant  in  boggy  marshes 
such  as  frequented  by  bitterns.  Their  flight  is  quiet 
and  owl-like,  and  as  they  do  most  of  their  feeding 
toward  dusk,  they  often  seem  like  owls  as  they  flit 
l»\  without  a  sound.  Their  food  is  composed  chiefly  of 
1  meadow  mice  and  moles,  which  they  spy  and  dash 
down  upon  as  they  fly  at  low  elevations. 

Notes. — A  shrill  whistle  when  their  nest  is  ap- 
proached. 

Nest. — Of  grasses,  on  the  ground  in  marshes:  four 
plain  bluish-white  eggs.      (1.80x1.40);   May,  June. 

Range. — Breeds  locally  in  the  whole  of  the  United 
States  and  Canada,  north  to  Hudson  Bay;  winters  in 
the  southern  half  of  the  United  States. 


SHARP-SHINNED    HAWK 
332.  Accipiter  veloco.     12  in. 

This  little  hawk,  so  near  like  the  Cooper,  is  one  of 
the  most  active  of  the  family,  and  from  this  fact  it 
gets  its  name  velox,  meaning  swift.  It  is  often  seen 
in  woods,  orchard,  or  even  about  buildings  in  large 
cities,  in  which  latter  places,  it  does  good  service  in 
catching  English  Sparrows.  If  they  would  confine 
their  food  to  these  birds,  no  one  would  object,  but  un- 
fortunately they  will  take  any  little  bird  that  comes 
within  their  reach,  or  that  they  are  able  to  catch. 
They  are  one  of  the  very  few  hawks  that  do  live 
largely  upon  birds,  and  even  they  destroy  a  great 
many  mice. 

Notes. — A  shrill,  three -syllabled  whistle. 

Nest. — A  rude  and  usually  frail  structure  of  twigs, 
placed  in  branches  of  trees,  usually  at  quite  low  ele- 
vations (15  ft.).  Eggs  white,  beautifully  blotched  with 
brown.      (1-45x1.15). 

Range. — Breeds  chiefly  in  northern  U.  S.  and  Canada; 
winters  throughout  the  United  States. 


201 


COOPER    HAWK 
333.  Accipiter  cooperi.     IG   in. 

This  hawk  is  a  large  edition  of  the  last  species.  All 
liawks  vary  in  size,  this  one  and  the  last,  perhaps, 
more  than  any  others.  Female  hawks  are  always  the 
largest.  A  large  female  of  the  Sharp-shinned  variety. 
is  often  as  large  as  a  small  male  Cooper,  but  the 
crown  of  the  Cooper  is  darker  than  that  of  the  Sharp- 
shinned,  and  his  tail  is  always  rounded,  while  that  of 
the  last  species  is  nearly  square  at  the  end.  This  is 
also  a  destructive  species;  it  is  usually  one  of  these 
two  hawks,  or  the  Goshawk,  that  is  responsible  for 
the  ill-feeling  with  which  farmers  regard  all  of  the 
family.  All  small  hawks  are  known  to  farmers  as 
•  Chicken  Hawks,"  and  large  ones  as  "  Hen  Hawks," 
I)ut  the  majority  of  our  hawks  rarely  disturb  fowls. 

Nest.— Of  sticks  in  crotches  of  trees,  usually  quite 
high  up;  often  old  crows  nests  are  used;  eggs  bluish- 
white,  unmarked  or  very  faintlv  specked  with  brown. 
(  1.90  X  1.45)  ;   April. 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  north  to  southern 
Canada :  winters  from  Mass.  and  Oregon  southward. 


AMERICAN    GOSHAWK 

334.  Astur  atricapillus.     23  in. 

Adults,  above  bluish-slate,  darkest  on  the  crown; 
a  whitish  line  over  the  eye;  below  white,  finely  waved 
with  gray.  Young,  brownish-black,  with  ligliter  edg- 
ings to  the  feathers;  below  whitish,  streaked  with 
blackish-brown.  Young  birds  can  easily  be  distin- 
guished from  those  of  any  other  species  by  their  large 
size  and  the  long  tail.  This  handsome  species  is  one 
of  the  most  rapacious  and  destructive  of  our  birds 
of  prev.  Their  short  wings  and  long  tail  enable  them 
to  glide  among  the  thickest  foliage  with  great  speed, 
and  even  the  Ruffled  Grouse  cannot  escape  them.  In 
the  north  where  they  live  in  summer,  they  destroy 
great  numbers  of  Ptarmigan  and  Spruce  Grouse,  and 
come  to  us  in  the  winter  with  their  appetite  whetted 
for  a  diet  of  poultry  and  our  game  birds,  being  ex- 
ceedingly bold   in   their  capture. 

Nest. — Of  sticks  lined  with  weeds  and  bark,  in  tall 
trees;    eggs  white,  unmarked. 

Range. — Breeds  throughout  Canada;  winters  in  the 
nortliern    half    of    tlie    United    States. 


203 


!Ui 


HARRIS    HAWK 

335.  Parabuteo  unicinctus  harrisi.     20   in. 

Tail  coverts,  base  and  tip  of  tail,  white.  Adults 
with  the  shoulders,  thij^hs  and  under  wing-eo verts,  red- 
dish-brown. Young  with  rusty  edgings  to  feathers  on 
the  back;  below,  rusty  buff  with  blackish  spots  or 
streaks;  thighs  barred  with  blackish.  Space  in  front 
of  eye,  bare  except  for  stiff  hair-like  bristles,  yellow- 
ish like  the  cere.  This  species  is  the  connecting  link 
between  the  vultures  and  hawks  of  the  genus  huteo. 
Its  feedings  habits  are  similar  to  those  of  the  vul- 
tures, with  which  it  often  associates  when  feeding  upon 
carrion.  They  are  very  sluggish  birds  and  their  flight 
is  slow  and  heavy;  when  not  feeding  they  are  usually 
x'rched  on  one  foot  on  some  dead  limb,  dozing. 

Nest. — Made  of  sticks,  twigs  and  weeds,  placed  in 
)ushes  or  low  trees.  Their  three  or  four  eggs  are 
dull  white,  unmarked    (2.10x1.65). 

Range. — Mexico,  north  to  southern  United  States 
chiefly  in  Texas,  but  also  found  in  New  Mexico  and 
casuailv  east  to  Louisiana. 


RED-TAILED    HAWK 
337.   Jiiiteo  horealis.     21   in. 

One  of  the  liandsoniest  and  most  powerfully  built 
of  our  hawks.  Adults  with  the  tail  rusty-red,  with  or 
without  a  narrow  blackish  band  near  the  tip;  below 
white,  with  a  band  of  blackish  streaks  across  the 
breast,  and  dusky  markings  on  the  sides.  Young  birds 
are  similar,  but  have  the  tail  grayish-brown  with 
black  bands.  An  examination  of  the  food  of  this  bird 
of  prev.  made  by  the  Department  of  Agriculture,  shows 
that,  Instead  of  living  upon  poultry  as  most  farmers 
think,  their  food  consists  chietly  of  frogs,  snakes,  liz- 
ards, mice  and  insects,  less  than  one  in  ten  of  the 
stomachs  examined  containing  any  remains  of  poultry. 

Notes. — A  shrill  whistle  or  scream. 

Nest. — Of  sticks,  weeds,  leaves  and  trash  high  up 
in   tall   trees:    eggs  white,  spotted  with   blackish-brown. 

Range.— Breeds  in   United  States  and  Southern  Can 
ada;  winters  in  the  United  States.     837a.,  Krider  Hawk 
is    a    paler    race    found    on    the    plains    from    Minn,    to 
Texas.      337d.,    Harlan    Hawk,    is    darker    and    has    the 
tail  mottled  with  blackish;  found  in  the  Gulf  States. 


20  U 


RED  SHOULDERED     HAWK 

339.  Buteo   lineatus.     19   in. 

Adults  with  the  shoulders  bright  reddish-brown; 
primaries  and  secondaries  barred  with  black  and  white; 
below  huffy  thickly  barred  with  rusty-brown.  Young 
with  the  shoulders  duller;  underparts  white,  streaked 
all  over  with  blackish-brown.  This  is  one  of  the  most 
abundant  of  the  birds  of  prey  in  Eastern  United  States, 
and  it  is  also  one  of  the  most  useful,  destroying  quan- 
tities of  moles  and  field  mice,  as  well  as  grasshoppers. 
Tsually  one  or  more  pairs  will  be  found  in  a  piece  of 
woods.  One  pair  that  1  know,  and  I  presume  it  is 
tlie  sapie  pair,  each  year  has  its  nest  on  the  edge  of  a 
colony  of  Black-crowned  Night  Herons  and,  during  the 
season,  they  live  and  feed  their  young  largely  upon  the 
young  of  these  birds. 

Nest. — Of  sticks,  lined  witii  weeds  and  strips  of  bark; 
i'lrgs  white,  blotched  with  brown  (2.15x1.75).  April, 
May. 

Range.— Breeds  from  the  Gulf  to  Maine  and  Minne- 
sota. 339a.  Fla.  Red-Shouldered  Hawk,  found  in  Flor- 
ida and  north  to  So.  Car.,  is  paler  colored. 


SENNETT    WHITE-TAILED    HAWK 

341.  Buteo  albicaudatus  sennetti.     22  in. 

Adults  grayish-slate  above  and  to  the  sides  of  the 
throat;  tail  and  underparts  white,  the  former  with  a 
subterminal  band  of  black  and  indistinct  wavy  lines 
and  the  latter  with  fine  barring  on  the  sides.  Ihe 
shoulders  are  largely  chestnut.  Young  birds  are  brown- 
ish-black above  and  usually  white  below,  but  the  under- 
parts are  variable — often  streaked  with  rusty  and 
blackish,  or  even  wholly  black. 

They  are  useful  hawks,  their  food  consisting  chiefly 
of  insects  and  moles  or  mice. 

Nest. — Built  in  bushes  in  open  land,  rarely  more  than 
six  feet  above  ground.  Composed  of  sticks,  dry  weeds 
and  grasses  making  a  bulky  structure  visible  for  a  long 
distance.  Three  eggs  are  not  uncommon  but  two  is  the 
usual  number;  they  are  dirty  white  with  very  few 
marks  of  brown  (2.35x1.85).  Their  nesting  season 
ranges  from  as  early  as  February  to  July. 

Range. — Not  uncommon  on  the  Gulf  coast  of  Texas 
and  in  the  lower  Rio  Grande  Valley,  southwards  into 
South  America. 


li)i 


208 


SWAINSON    HAWK 
342.  Buteo  sivainsoni.     20  in. 

Tliis  species  has  the  greatest  variety  of  plumages 
of  any  of  our  hawks.  It  has  only  three  outer  prima- 
ries notched  near  the  tips,  while  the  two  last  species, 
which  are  the  only  ones  that  can  be  confused  with  it, 
have  four.  Adults  in  the  light  phase  have  a  band  of 
rich  chestnut  across  the  breast.  Adults  in  the  dark 
phase  are  uniform  blackish-brown,  with  some  rusty 
edgings  and  with  thighs  more  or  less  rusty.  Young 
birds  are  huffy  below,  with  elongated  blackish  spots. 
Its  harmless  character  can  be  understood  from  the 
fact  that  it  is  no  unusual  sight  to  find  other  birds, 
-'  such  as  Arkansas  Kingbird  and  Bullock  Oriole,  nest- 
ing in  the  same  tree;  and  the  first  mentioned  species 
;  goes  even  further  than  this,  sometimes  constructing 
its  home  in  the  sides  of  the  nests  of  the  hawks. 

Nest. — Of  sticks  and  twigs,  either  in  trees  or  on  the 
ground  on  rocky  ledges:  eggs  white,  spotted  with 
I   brown.      (2.20  x  l'.70) . 

Range. — Western  N.  A.,  breeding  from  Texas  to  the 
Arctic  regions;  east  to  Illinois  and  west  to  the  Pacific. 


BROAD-WINGED    HAWK 

343.  Buteo  platypterus.     16  in. 

Adults  grayish-brown  above;  below,  streaked  on  the 
throat  and  breast,  and  barred  below,  with  rusty -brown; 
tail  with  three  blackish  bars.  Young  similar  above; 
below  white,  streaked  with  blackish-brown.  They  are 
most  apt  to  be  confused  with  the  Cooper  and  Red- 
Shouldered  Hawk,  but  when  in  flight,  it  can  usually  be 
distinguished  at  a  distance,  from  the  former  by  its 
shorter  tail,  and  from  the  latter  by  its  smaller  size 
and  rounded  wings.  They  may  be  classed  as  abundant 
east  of  the  Great  Plains.  They  are  rather  solitary  in 
their  habits,  especially  during  the  breeding  season, 
when  but  one  pair  is  usually  found  in  a  piece  of  woods. 

Notes. — A  long,  squeaking  wail,  sounding  much  likt 
two   branches   rubbing   together   and   creaking. 

Nest. — Of  sticks,  invariably  lined  with  pieces  of  bark; 
usually  placed  in  crotches  next  to  the  trunks  of  large 
trees,  but  not  usually  at  a  great  height;  eggs  whitish, 
more  or  less  blotched  with  brown  and  gray. 

Range. — Breeds  north  to  New  Brunswick  and  Mani- 
toba ;  winters  in  southern  half  of  the  United  States. 


209 


210 


AMERICAN    ROUGH-LEGGED    HAWK 
347a.  Archihuteo  lagopus  sancti-johannis.     22  in. 

Legs  feathered  to  the  toes.  Adults  blackish  on  the 
!)ack  and  belly;  head  and  breast,  more  or  less  grayish- 
white,  streaked  with  dusky;  tail  white,  barred  on  the 
end  with  black;  eyes  brown.  In  the  dark  phase  they 
are  blackish-brown,  more  or  less  mixed  with  rusty. 
This  large,  heavily-built  species  is  found  in  the  United 
States,  only  in  winter;  it  frequents  thinly  wooded  dis- 
tricts or  meadows,  where  it  catches  its  prey,  which 
consists  of  small  rodents,  insects  and  reptiles.  It  is 
very  irregular  in  its  appearance,  especially  in  the  east, 
but  it  is  most  often  found  near  the  coast.  It  is  a 
sluggish  species  and  I  doubt  if  it  does  any  harm  to 
wild  birds  or  to  poultry;  it  certainly  does  a  great  deal 
•  if   good. 

Nest. — Of  sticks,  on  rocky  ledges;  eggs  bluish-white, 
hnldly  splashed  with  brown.      (1.90x1.55). 

Range. — Breeds  north  of  the  United  States  border; 
winters    in   northern   United   States. 


FERRUGINOUS    ROUGH-LEGGED    HAWK 
348.  Archihiitco  ferrugineus.     23   in. 

Legs  feathered  to  the  toes.  Adults  with  back,  shoul- 
ders, thighs  and  legs,  rusty,  barred  or  streaked  with 
black;  tail  grayish-wiiite,  tinged  with  rusty.  Young 
birds  are  brownish-black,  above  and  without  any  rusty 
below.  In  the  dark  phase  they  are  sooty-brown,  more 
or  less  varied  with  rusty,  and  the  tail  is  the  same  as 
in  the  light  plumage.  Their  bill  is  larger  and  tai 
longer  than  that  of  the  last  species.  A  fairly  abundant 
hawk  on  the  plains  and  prairies  west  of  the  Miss., 
usually  not   at  a  great  distance  from  water. 

Nest. — Usually  on  the  ground  on  bluffs  or  rocky 
ledges,  but  sometimes  in  trees;  made  of  sticks  an 
weeds;  sometimes  used  year  after  year,  and  then  be- 
coming bulky,  as  it  is  added  to  each  year;  eggs  white, 
handsomely  spotted  and  blotched  with  blackish-brown, 
very  variable. 

Range. — Breeds  west  of  the  Miss.,  from  Kansas,  lo- 
cally, and  the  Dakotas,  abundantly,  north  to  Sas- 
katchewan.    Winters  south  to  Mexico. 


211 


212 


GOLDEN    EAGLE 

349.  Aquila   chrysoetos.     35   in. 

Legs  feathered  to  the  toes.  Plumage  blackish -brown, 
adults  having  the  lengthened  feathers  on  the  nape, 
golden-brown,  and  the  tail  more  or  less  mixed  with 
white;  leg  feathers  rusty.  These  large,  handsome,  well- 
built  birds  of  prey  are  fairly  abundant  in  thinly  set- 
tled country  west  of  the  Miss.,  especially  in  mountains 
and  foot-hills.  They  are  very  powerful  birds  and  a 
single  pair  of  them  will  rule  the  whole  country  in  which 
they  reside.  They  are  very  shy  in  the  presence  of 
man  and  will  never  attack  a  person  or  show  fight 
unless  wounded  or  surprised  at  their  meals.  Their 
food  consist  of  prairie  dogs,  rodents,  ducks  and  even 
fawns. 

Notes. — ^A  shrill  a  "  kee-kee-kee." 

Nest. — A  very  bulky  structure  of  large  sticks,  lined 
with  twigs,  needles  and  in  some  cases  evergreen;  eggs 
creamy-white,  spotted,  splashed  and  clouded  with  vari- 
ous shades  of  brown  and  gray   (2.90x2.50). 

Range. — West  of  the  Miss.,  from  Mexico  northward; 
rarely  eastward  to  the  Atlantic  coast. 


BALD    EAGLE 

352.  Ealiceetus  leucocephalus.     34  in. 

Legs  not  feathered  to  the  toes.  Adults  with  white 
head  and  tail.  Young  birds  similar  in  color  to  those 
of  the  Golden  Eagle,  but  blacker  and  with  the  legs 
always  bare  on  the  lower  half.  Young,  with  brown 
eves,  like  those  of  the  last;  adults  with  yellow  eyes 
and  feet.  This  handsome  bird  of  prey,  our  national 
emblem,  is  resident  and  locally  distributed  throughout 
the  United  States  and  Canada,  always  near  streams 
or  lakes,  and  most  abundant  on  the  seacoasts.  Their 
food,  like  that  of  the  Golden  Eagle,  is  chiefly  caught 
by  themselves,  and  consists  of  any  small  mammals, 
geese,  ducks,  etc.,  and  during  the  summer,  or  when 
their  usual  food  is  scarce,  they  feed  upon  fish,  which 
they  either  catch  for  themselves  or  taken  by  force 
from  Ospreys. 

Nest. — Of  sticks  large  and  bulky,  and  usually  in  tops 
of  very  tall  trees;   two  eggs,  pure  white.      (2.75x2.10). 

Range. — Resident  locally  in  whole  of  North  America.  213 


214 


WHITE    GRYFALCON 

353.  Falco   island  us.     23   in. 
Adults  in  perfect  plumage,  pure  white,  slightly  barred 

on   the   back   and   spotted   below   with   black. 

Nest. — Of  sticks,  lined  with  grasses  and  feathers; 
])laced  on  ledges  of  cliffs;  eggs  bulky  white,  specked 
with  reddish  brown,  often  so  thickly  that  the  ground 
color  is  obscijred    (2.30x1.80). 

Range. — Arctic  region,  breeding  in  Northern  Green- 
iiul,  and  wintering  to  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  and 
casually  to  northern  ]\Iaine. 

GRAY    GYRFALCON 

354.  Falco  rusficolus.     23  in. 
Adults  white,  heavily  barred  above,  and  streaked  be- 
low with  gray  and  black. 

Range. — Arctic  regions,  south  in  winter,  rarely  to 
northern   United   States. 

354a.  GYRFALCON  (  F.  r.  gyrfalco).  Similar  to  the 
ast  but  darker,  the  latter  being  usually  more  white  than 
(luskv,  wiiile  this  is  the  reverse. 

354b.  BLACK  GYRFALCON  (  F.  r.  obsoletus) .  Much 
darker  than  the  last,  the  markings  tending  to  be  buffy 
white  spots  on  a  grayish  black  ground. 


PRAIRIE   FALCON 

355.  Falco  mexicanus.     18  in. 

A  blackish  patch  on  the  sides  of  the  throat,  similar 
to  tliat  of  the  Duck  Hawk.  Above  brownish  black,  much 
paler  and  never  with  the  slaty  color  of  the  Duck  Hawk; 
below  streaked  or  spotted  with  blackish  brow^n.  These 
falcons  are  fairly  abundant  on  the  western  plains  and 
prairies,  and  are  also  found  in  wooded  mountain  regions. 
They  are  strong  and  active  and  will  fight  fiercely  if  cap- 
tured. They  live  upon  small  mammals,  birds  and  occa- 
sionally, grouse.  Their  flight  is  very  swift  and  accom- 
plished by  rapid  wing  beats,  with  occasional  sailings. 


Notes. — A  cackle,  and  rapidly  repeated 
(Bendire) . 


kee-kee-kee."' 


Nest. — -A  mass  of  sticks  and  trash,  on  bluff's  or  rocky 
ledges,  and  sometimes  in  trees;  eggs  reddish  buff,  thickly 
sprinkled  and  blotched  with  brown.    (2.50x1.60). 

Range. — Eastern  border  of  the  Great  Plains  to  the 
Pacific;  and  from  Saskatchewan  to  southern  Mexico, 


215 


21ti 


DUCK   HAWK 

356a.  Falco  peregrinus  anatum.     17  in. 

Black  moustache  mark,  or  patch  on  each  side  of  the 
throat.  Adults  white  below,  tinged  with  buffy  on  the 
breast  and  sides,  and  lightly  barred  with  black;  above 
bluish  slate,  darkest  on  the  crown.  Some  adults  are 
darker,  and  much  more  heavily  barred  than  others. 
Young,  brownish  black  with  rusty  edges  to  the  feath- 
ers; below,  buffy,  heavily  streaked  with  blackish.  This 
is  one  of  the  handsomest  and  most  dashing  of  the  rap- 
tores,  and  is  very  similar  to  the  one  formerly  most  used 
for  the  chase  in  England.  They  are  swift  and  fearless 
in  pursuit  of  their  prey,  and  the  fastest  flying  ducks  as 
well  as  the  slower  herons  fall  easy  victims  to  their 
valor.  Their  feet  are  exceptionally  large,  and  they  are 
often,  on  this  account,  known  as  Great-footed  Hawks. 

Nest. — Eggs  laid  upon  bare  ledges  or  soil,  with  very 
little,  if  any,  nest.  Bright  buff,  marked  with  rich  rusty 
brown.      (2'.05  x  1.55) . 

Range. — Breeds  in  Northern  United  States  and  Can- 
ada, most  abundant  west  of  the  Miss. 


PIGEON    HAWK 
357.  Falco  columbarius.     12  in. 

Adult  male,  bluish  slate  above,  with  black  shaft  lines 
to  the  feathers;  below  buffy  on  the  breast,  sides  and 
thighs;  streaked  on  the  breast  and  barred  on  the  flanks 
with  black;  tail  with  four  black  bands.  Female  and 
young,  blackish  brown  above;  below  streaked  with 
dusky.  These  little  falcons  are  very  bold  and  coura- 
geous when  led  by  the  pangs  of  hunger,  chasing  their 
prey  close  to  human  beings,  and  they  have  been  known 
to  follow  birds,  which,  in  their  fright,  have  dashed 
through  windows  in  houses.  They  live  upon  any  of  the 
smaller  birds,  as  well  as  rodents,  grasshoppers  and 
other  insects. 

Nest. — Usually  a  slight  platform  of.  twigs  in  trees, 
deep  in  the  woods,  less  often  in  cavities  in  trees,  and 
sometimes  on  ledges;  eggs  buffy,  heavily  blotched  witli 
chestnut.      (1.50x1.20). 

Range. — Breeds  chiefly  north  of  the  United  States, 
but  occasionally  on  the  northern  border;  winters  in 
northern  United  States. 


21' 


RICHARDSON    MERLIN 

357b.  Falco  columharius  richardsonii.     12  in. 

Both  adults  and  young  are  similar  to  the  same  of 
llic  last  species,  but  they  are  much  paler  colored,  and 
ihc  tail  is  crossed  by  six  light  bars.  The  habits  of  this 
-[lecies,  which  seems  to  have  quite  a  limited  range,  are 
piccisely  like  those  of  the  Pigeon  Hawk.  Like  that 
species,  it  flies  swiftly,  with  rapidly  beating  wings,  and 
occasionally  sails  and  soars.  The  under  surface  of  the 
wings  is  prominently  barred,  but  not  as  much  so  as 
tliat  of  the  Pigeon  Hawk;  it  is  very  conspicuous  when 
in  flight. 

Nest. — Either  in  hollow  trees,  or  a  rude  platform  of 
sticks,  usually  not  very  high  from  the  ground;  eggs 
huffv    white,    handsomely    blotched    with    brown.       ( L60 

\  1.25). 

Range. — From  the  Miss,  to  the  Rockies,  and  from 
.Mexico  north  to  Saskatchewan,  locally  distributed. 


21S 


SPARROW    HAWK 

360.  Falco  sparverius.     10.5  in. 

This  is  the  smallest  and  one  of  the  handsomest  of  our 
hawks.  Cannot  be  mistaken  for  any  other  species,  be- 
cause of  its  bright  colors  and  odd  marking.  The  female 
is  barred  on  the  back,  wings  and  tail,  while  the  male 
has  but  a  few  short  bars  on  the  back.  The  general  tone 
of  both,  above,  is  a  bright  rusty-brown.  This  is  the 
most  abundant  hawk  that  we  have,  and  it  is  also  best 
known,  chiefly  because  it  is  found  commonly  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  farmhouses  and  commonly  on  the  outskirts  of 
cities.  Their  flight  is  peculiar,  a  few  rapid  wing  beats, 
then  a  short  sail,  alternately.  They  are  very  noisy  in 
mating  season  and  when  the  young  birds  first  fly,  their 
notes  being  a  "apidly  repeated,  "  killy-killy-killy."  Their 
food  is  of  grasshoppers,  mice  and  rarely  small  birds. 

Nest. — Usually  in  cavities  in  trees,  often  in  desert 
Flicker  holes,  the  eggs  being  laid  upon  the  bare  wo< 
Thev   are   cream    colored,    finely    sprinkled    and    spotted 
with  broM^n.    (1.35x1.10). 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  States  to  Labrador  an 
Hudson  Bav.     Winters  in  southern  United  States. 


219 


220 


AUDUBON    CARACARA 

362.  Polyborus  cheriicay.     22  in. 

These  peculiar  birds  cannot  be  mistaken  for  any  of 
our  hawks  or  falcons.  They  are  very  sluggish  birds, 
with  habits  resembling  both  those  of  buzzards  and  some 
of  the  hawks.  They  are  usually  known  in  localities 
where  they  are  found,  as  Caracara  Eagles.  As  we  might 
suspect  from  the  shape  of  their  bill,  the  naked  and 
bristle-covered  lores,  and  the  feet,  which  have  not  the 
strongly  hooked  talons  of  hawks,  the  food  of  these  birds 
is  largely  carrion.  It  is  terrestrial  in  its  habits  and  is 
most  often  seen,  when  not  in  flight,  either  upon  the 
ground,  or  standing  erect  on  branches  at  low  elevations. 
They  are  more  quarrelsome  in  their  disposition  than 
are  vultures,  and  frequently  fight  over  their  prey. 

Nest. — A  bulky,  but  shabby  pile  of  sticks  and  weeds, 
in  bushes  or  low  trees;  eggs  buff,  sprinkled,  spotted  or 
blotched  with  yellowish  brown  or  chestnut.  (2.50x  1.80). 

Range. — Resident  of  the  Mexican  border  of  the  U.  S. 
and  in  southern  Florida. 


AMERICAN    OSPREY;    FISH    HAWK 

364.  Pandion  halixstus  carolinensis.     23  in. 

Real  old  birds  have  the  head  whiter,  and  less  whi 
edging  to  the  back  feathers,  than  do  the  young.  F( 
very  strong,  and  very  hard  and  rough,  perfectly  adapt 
to  grasping  slippery  fish ;  outer  toe  can  h^.  used  equally 
well,  either  in  front  or  behind,  when  perching  or  grac- 
ing their  prey.  Their  food  is  entirely  of  fish,  wlii 
they  catch  themselves,  by  plunging  after  it,  hovering 
the  air  a  few  seconds  while  watching  the  fish,  prepai 
tory  to  diving  upon  it.  They  are  always  found  abo 
water  and  are  very  numerous  on  the  seacoasts,  whc 
twenty  or  more  may  frequently  be  seen  at  a  time.  Tin 
are  protected  by  law  in  some  states,  and  by  public  s( 
timent  in  most  others. 

Notes. — A  loud,  tremulous,  piercing  whistle. 

Nest. — Usually  in  trees;  large  and  bulky,  of  sticks, 
sometimes  on  the  ground,  telegraph  poles,  chimneys, 
etc.  Eggs  creamy  buff,  blotched  with  rich  brown.  (2,40 
xl,80). 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  to  Labrador  and  Alas- 
ka;  winters  in  the  southern  half  of  the  U.  S. 


FAMILY    ALUCONID^ 

BARN    OWL 

365.  Aluco  pratincola.     18  in. 

Plumage  very  soft,  finely  barred  and  specked;  gen- 
eral coloration  gray,  yellowi:h-bro\vn  and  white.  No 
ear  tufts;  eyes  small  and  brown;  face  very  long;  legs 
very  long.  These  peculiar  owls  aie  abundant  in  the 
south,  where  they  are  commonly  known  as  "  Monkey- 
faced  Owls,"  because  of  their  odd  visage.  They  are 
very  useful  birds,  and  are  usually  recognized  as  such. 
Their  food  consists  almost  wholly  of  small  squirrels, 
rodents,  reptiles  and  insects.  It  does  most  of  its  hunt- 
ing just  after  dusk  and  early  in  the  morning.  Its  flight 
is  rather  slow  and  entirely  noiseless,  as  is  that  of  all 
I   the  members  of  the  family. 

Nest. — In  hollow  trees,  under  the  roofs  of  barns  or  in 
p   caves;  the  four  to  six  eggs  are  pure  white.   (1.70x1.30). 

Range. — United  States,  breeding  north  to  New  York, 
Ontario,  and  Washington.  Winters  in  the  southern  half 
of  the  United  States. 


HORNED    OWLS— Family    BubonidaB 

AMERICAN    LONG-EARED    OWL 

366.  Asio  wilsonianus,     15  in. 

This  species  can  readily  be  distinguished  from  the 
next,  which  is  the  only  one  of  the  same  size,  by  its  lonu 
ear  tufts;  it  is  also  darker,  and  the  markings  on  tlu' 
breast  are  largely  in  the  form  of  bars.  In  the  northern 
portions  of  the  United  States,  this  species  is  probably 
tlie  most  abundant  of  owls,  excepting  tlie  little  Screech 
Owl.  It  is  often  quite  common,  where  its  presence  is 
little  suspected,  because,  unless  disturbed,  it  flies  only 
at  night  and  is  a  rather  silent  species.  During  the 
daytime  it  is  usually  sitting  upright  in  the  dense  tops 
of  evergreen  trees.  Crows  often  discover  them,  and  pro 
claim  their  hiding  place  to  the  whole  neighborhood  by 
their  incessant  cawing.  Owls  of  all  kinds  are  in  dis 
favor  with  crows. 

Notes. — A  soft-toned  "wo-hunk,  wo-hunk."     (Bendire. ) 

Nest. — They  lay  from  four  to  seven  pure  white  eggs, 
usually  in  old  crow  nests. 

Range. — Resident  from  the  Gulf  to  Nova  Scotia  and 
Manitoba. 


223 


224 


SHORT-EARED    OWL 

367.  Asio  flammeus.     15.5  in. 

Ear  tufts  very  short;  general  color  buflfy,  not  nearly 

as   brown   nor    as   dark    as   the   last   species   usually   is. 

They  are  not  nearly  as  nocturnal  as  most  of  the  owls, 

and  most   of    their   hunting  is   done   about  dusk,   when 

they  may  be  seen  flying  close  to  the  ground  over  marshes 

or  low  land.     Their  flight  is  perfectly  silent,  which  aids 

I    them   in   securing   their   prey   of  field   mice,   which   they 

I    usually  get  without  stopping  in  their  flight,  just  swoop- 

^    ing  down,  extending  their  long  legs,  armed  with  wicked 

I    little  claws,  and  it  is  all  over  with  the  little  rodent,  he 

I   being   carried   to    a   nearby   stump,   and   devoured,    fur, 

?    bones  and  all. 

Notes. — A  very  short,  shrill  cry,  evidently  their  call 
note,  and  a  low  clucking  uttered  as  they  swoop  over 
your  head;  besides  the  usual  snapping  of  the  bill. 

Nest. — On  the  ground,  usvially  in  marshes;  the  four 
to  seven  eggs  are  pure  white.    (1.55x1.25). 

Range. — Breeds  locally  from  the  Gulf  to  the  Arctic 
regions;   winters  throughout  the  United  States. 


BARRED    OWL 

368.  Strix  varia.     20  in. 

Eyes  dark  brown.  This  is  the  most  abundant  of  the 
large  owls  throughout  its  range.  It  has  no  ears.  This 
species  is  the  common  "  hoot  owl,"  that  is  the  terror  of 
small  children  and  many  older  ones.  They  are  noisy 
birds,  and  two  of  them  like  to  get  at  opposite  sides  of  a 
piece  of  woods  and  talk  to  each  other.  Their  notes  arc 
very  vari.ible  but  are  oftenest  combinations  of  ''  who 
whos  "  and  "  too-toos,"  often  ending  in  a  mournful  wail. 
They  spend  the  day  in  slumber,  unless  routed  out  of 
the  dense  trees  where  they  rest,  by  crows  or  human 
beings.  They  are  one  of  the  least  harmful  of  the  family 
and  should  be  protected. 

Nest. — Usually  in  hollow  trees,  but  sometimes  in  old 
crow  nests.     Eggs  pure  white    (1.95x1.65). 

Range. — Resident    in    eastern   North    America.      368a. 
Florida  Barred  Owl   (alleni),  is  smaller,  darker  and  the 
toes  are  unfeathered,  as  are  those  of  368b,  Texas  Barred 
Owl,  found  in  southern  Texas. 
IS 


225 


226 


GREAT    GRAY    OWL 

370.  ^cotiaptex  nebulosa.     27  in. 

Tail  long;  eyes  small  and  yellow.  This  large  owl  is 
only  found  in  Northern  United  States  during  the  win- 
ter. Its  tail  is  unusually  long,  as  are  all  its  feathers, 
thereby  making  it  appear  a  very  much  larger  bird  than 
it  really  is;  it  weighs  but  little  more  than  the  Barred 
Owl.  They  do  not  appear  to  be  in  especial  abundance 
anywhere,  but  occasionally  large  flights  of  them  will 
occur  in  some  parts  of  the  country;  they  seem  to  occur 
most  freely  in  Minnesota  and  North  Dakota.  They  are 
nocturnal  like  the  majority  of  the  family,  and  subsist 
largely  upon  mice  and  hares. 

Nest. — Of  sticks,  in  trees,  usually  pines,  in  heavily 
wooded  districts;    eggs  white.    (2.15x1.70). 

Range. — Breeds  from  southern  Labrador,  Hudson  Bay 
and  Alaska  northward ;  winters  south  to  the  northern 
border  of  the  United  States  and  casually  to  Long  Island 
and  Illinois. 


RICHARDSON    OWL 

371.  Cryptoglanoo  fimerea  richardsoni.     10  in. 

This  species  bears  considerable  resemblance  to  the  lit 
tie  Acadian  Owls,  but  is  grayer;  the  top  of  the  hea( 
has  numerous  round  white  spots  and  the  wing  coverts 
are  spotted  with  white. 

Nest. — Usually  in  holes  of  trees;   eggs  white. 

Range. — Breeds  throughout  Canada,  and  possibly  in 
the  northern  parts  of  the  northern  states;  winters  south 
to  northern  United  States. 

SAW-WHET   OWL;    ACADIAN     OWL. 
372.  Cryptoglaux  acadica.     8  in. 

Smallest  of  our  eastern  Owls;  no  ear  tufts.  General 
color  brownish  above  and  white  below  w^ith  the  sides 
streaked  with  brown.  .  No  markings  on  wing  coverts,  but 
scapulars  spotted  with  white.  It  is  chiefly  nocturnal 
in  its  habits  and,  consequently,  is  not  often  seen  even  if 
they   are  abundant. 

Range. — Breeds  from  northern  U.  S.  northward;  win- 
ters in  northern  United  States.  22] 


228 


SCREECH    OWL 

373.  Otus  asio.     9.5  in. 

Two  color  phases  independent  of  age,  sex  or  season; 
eyes  yellow;  has  ear  tufts.  The  Screech  Owl,  or  its 
sub-species,  is  found  throughout  the  United  States,  and 
is  one  of  the  most  abundant  and  best  known  of  the 
family.  They  are  not  at  all  timid,  in  winter  fre- 
quently being  found  in  church  towers,  while  on  the 
outskirts  of  cities  and  in  the  country,  they  reside,  at  all 
seasons  of  the  year,  in  orchards.  They  remain  mated 
for  life,  and  live  in  the  same  tree  for  years,  if  not  too 
much  disturbed  by  curious  boys.  Both  adults  and  the 
four  young  are  often  found  in  the  nest  together,  and 
they  offer  no  resistance  when  tney  are  removed  bj 
hand.  Their  food  is  almost  wholly  of  insects  and 
rodents. 

Notes. — A  wavering  trill. 

Nest. — In  holes  of  trees;  eggs  white    (1.35x1.20). 

Range. — Resident  in  U.S.  and  southern  Canada. 
373a.  Florida  Screech  Owl  (floridamis) ,  is  smaller 
and  slightly  darker.  373b.  Texas  Screech  Owl  (mc- 
calli),  is  smaller  and  more  heavily  barred  on  the 
sides. 


GREAT    HORNED    OWL 

375.  Buho  virginianus.     23  in. 

Has  ear  tufts,  thus  distinguishing  it  from  any  other 
of  our  large,  powerfully  built  owls.  These  large  birds 
are  the  fiercest,  most  active  and  most  destructive  of 
the  family.  Their  size  and  strength  allows  them  to 
kill  skunks  and  woodchucks,  as  well  as  poultry,  grouse 
and  small  mammals  and  birds.  They  seem  to  be  es- 
pecially fond  of  skunks,  and  nearly  all  of  them  that  I 
have  seen  or  handled,  have  given  unmistakable  evi- 
dence of  their  recent  and  close  association  with  these 
animals. 

Notes. — A  deep,  dismal  "  who-who,"  and  a  loud  un- 
earthly shriek. 

Nest. — Usually  in  deserted  hawk  or  crow  nests,  an( 
also  in  hollow  trees;  eggs  white.  (2.25x1.85).  Feb., 
March. 

Range. — Breeds  and  resident  from  the  Gulf  to  Lab- 
rador. 375a.  Western  Horned  Owl  (pallescens)  is  paler 
colored;  found  in  the  plains  and  Rockies  north  to 
Manitoba.  375b.  Arctic  Horned  Owl  (subarcticus) ,  is 
chiefly  black  and  white;  found  in  Arctic  America,  win- 
tering south  to  northern  border  of  United  States. 


229 


28U 


SNOWY    OWL 

37G.  IS^yctea  nyctea.     25  in. 

Xo  ear  tufts.  Plumage  white,  more  or  less  heavily 
spotted  with  black,  the  female  usually  being  quite 
strongly  barred  on  the  back.  They  are  locally  abundant 
in  the  far  north,  preferring  low,  mossy  lands  to  the 
more  timbered  districts.  Here  they  find  an  abundance 
of  food  during  the  summer  months,  living  upon  hares, 
lemmings,  ptarmigan  and  ducks.  They  are  about  the 
equal  of  the  Horned  Owl  in  strength,  and  usually  will 
weigh  a  few  ounces  more;  they  will  frequently  kill 
animals  or  birds  as  heavy,  or  heavier,  than  themselves. 
They  also  catch  a  great  many  fish;  these  they  get  in 
shallow  water  among  the  rock-weed  covered  stones,  by 
reaching  down  quickly  and  seizing  their  prey  in  their 
strong   claws. 

Nest. — On  the  ground  in  dry  portions  of  marshes; 
(lie  2  to  8  eggs  are  pure  white. 

Range. — Breeds  from  Labrador  and  Hudson  Bay, 
northward,  and  possibly  farther  south;  winters  cas- 
ually to  the  Middle  States,  and  commonly  to  Minne- 
sota and  Maine. 


AMERICAN    HAWK     OWL 

377a.  Surnia  ulula  caparoch.     15  in. 

Tail  long  and  rounded;  plumage  mottled  black,  white 
and  gray,  with  little,  if  any,  brownish  tinge;  heavily 
barred  with  black.  These  owls,  curiously  resembling  a 
hawk  in  build,  and  more  so  in  flight,  are  very  active 
and  hunt  more  during  the  daytime  than  after  dark. 
They  feed  largely  upon  small  rodents  and  lemmings 
which  are  very  abundant  in  their  summer  home,  and 
also  kill  a  great  many  small  birds.  They  seem  to  be 
impartial  to  wooded  districts,  or  open  marshes  and 
low  lands,  where  they  may  be  seen  skimming  about 
close  to  the  ground. 

Nest. — Either  of  sticks  in  the  tops  of  trees,  or  in 
hollow  cavities.  The  eggs  are  white,  as  are  those  of 
all  owls,  and  nearly  globular  in  shape.      (1.40x1.25). 

Range. — Breeds  from  Newfoundland  and  Manitoba 
northward,  and  possibly  farther  south  on  the  moun- 
tains. Winters  south  to  northern  United  States,  rarely 
to  New  York  and  Illinois. 


w 

mm^t 

HJP!^! 

231 


232 


BURROWING    OWL 

378.  Speotyto  cunicularia  hypogcea.     10  in. 

Legs  very  long,  and  nearly  bare  on  the  lower  part 
of  tarsi;  tail  short;  no  ear  tufts.  An  abundant  and 
useful  species  in  the  prairie  regions  west  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi. They  live  in  the  same  region  that  prairie 
dogs  are  found,  using  deserted  burrows  of  these  ani- 
mals, or  taking  them  by  force,  for  they  are  more  than 
a  match  for  these  curious  animals;  they  do  not,  as 
has  often  been  said,  live  peaceably  in  the  same  bur- 
lows  with  them.  On  the  contrary,  young  prairie 
(logs,  as  well  as  rodents,  small  snakes  and  birds,  form 
a  large  part  of  their  daily  diet.  They  are  both  diur- 
nal and  nocturnal,  doing  most  of  their  hunting  after 
lusk,  but  often  seen  sitting  at  the  mouth  of  the  bur- 
nw  during  the  daytime.  The  six  to  ten  eggs  that  they 
Icposit  at  the  end  of  these  burrows  are  white. 

Range. — West  of  the  Miss.  Valley,  north  to  South- 
ern Manitoba  and  British  Columbia.  378a.  Florida  Bur- 
rowing Owl  (floridana),  is  smaller  and  whiter;  found 
in  southern  Florida. 


INDEX 


Anhinga     68 

Auk,  Great 30 

Razor-billed     29 

Avocet,    American    144 

Bittern,   American    118 

Cory  Least   119 

Least     119 

Bob-white     177 

Florida    177 

Texan      177 

Booby     66 

Blue-faced    65 

Brant    112 

Caracara,   Audubon    220 

Chachalaca     191 

Coot,    American 140 

Cormorant     69 


231 


Cormorant,  Double-crested  ......'.  70 

Florida      70 

Mexican     71 

Crane,  Little  Brown    131 

Sandhill 131 

Whooping    130 

Curlew,    Eskimo    166 

Hudsonian   165 

Long-billed     164 

Dovekie      31 

Dove,    Ground    195 

Inca     195 

Mourning    193 

White-fronted     194 

White-winged     194 

Dowitcher      148 

Long-billed     148 


Duck,  Am.   Golden-eye    94 

Am.   Scaup    92 

Baldpate     83 

Barrow  Golden-eye  94 

Black    79 

Black-bellied   Tree    109 

Buffle-head    95 

Canvas-back    91 

Eider,  American    99 

Northern      99 

King     100 

Florida     80 

Fulvous    Tree    110 

Gadwall    81 

Harlequin    97 

Lesser  Scaup   92 

Long-tailed    96 

Labrador      98 

Mallard     78 

Mottled     80 

Old  Squaw 96 


Duck,  Pintail    88 

Redhead     90 

Ring-necked    93 

Ruddy     103 

Scoter,   Am.    101 

Surf     102 

'*            White-winged   101 

Shoveller     87 

Teal,  Blue-winged  85 

"             Cinnamon    86 

"         Green-winged    84 

Widgeon     82 

Wood    89 

Eagle,    Bald    213 

Golden    212 

Egret,  American   122 

Reddish      124 

Ei  'er,  American   99 

Northern      99 

King      100 

Falcon,  Prairie   215 


234 


Flamingo,  American    112 

Frigate  Bird   74 

Fulmar     58 

Galliniile,    Florida 139 

Purple     138 

Gannet      67 

Godwit,  Hudsonian  157 

Marbled      156 

Goose,  Am.  White-fronted 106 

Cackling     107 

Canada     107 

Blue     105 

Snow,  Greater    104 

Snow,    Lesser 104 

Goshawk,    American    203 

Grebe,   Eared    20 

Horned   19 

Holboell 18 

Least     21 

Pied-billed    22 

Western   17 


Grouse,    Canada    182 

Dusky     181 

Richardson     181 

RulTed     183 

Sage    188 

Shap-tailed    187 

Sharp-tailed    Prairie    187 

Spruce    182 

Guillemot,    Black    27 

Mandt    27 

Gull,  Black-backed    39 

Bonaparte 44 

Franklin    43 

Glaucous    37 

Herring    40 

Iceland   38 

Ivory    ..: 35 

Kittiwake    36 

Kumlien    38 

Laughing   42 

Ring-billed    41 


235 


Gull,  Ross    45 

Sabine    46 

Gyifalcon    214 

White    214 

Hawk,  Am.  Rough-legged 210 

Am.   Sparrow    219 

Broad-winged    209 

Cooper    202 

Duck    ■ 216 

Ferruginous  Rough-leg   211 

Harlan    205 

Harris    204 

Krider    205 

Marsh    200 

Pigeon    217 

Red-shouldered    206 

Red-tailed     205 

Senett  White-tailed    207 

Sharp-shinned ■ 201 

Swainson    208 

Heath  Hen   186 


Heron,  Great  White    120 

Great  Blue 121 

Green    127 

Little   Blue    126 

Louisiana 125 

Night,  Black-crowned 128 

Night,   Yellow-crowned    129 

Snowy    123 

Ibis,    Glcssy    . 116 

Scarlet 115 

White     114 

White-faced  Glcssy .«. .  116 

Wood    117 

Jacana,    Mexican    176 

Jaeger,  Long-tailed  34 

Parasitic    34 

Pomarine    33 

Killdeer    179 

Kite,  Everglade  199 

Mississippi    198 

Swallow-tailed   197 


236 


Kite,  White-tailed   198 

Kittiwalve    36 

Knot    150 

I.impkiii    132 

Loon    23 

Black-throated 24 

Red-throated   25 

Mallard    78 

Man-o-War   Bird    74 

Merganser,   American    .  . , , 75 

Red-breasted 76 

Hooded 77 

Merlin,    Richardson    218 

Murre 28 

Brunnich    28 

Noddy   56 

Osprey,   American    221 

Owl,  Am.  Hawk   231 

Arctic  Horned    229 

Barn 222 

.Barred 225 


237 


Barred,  Florida   225 

Burrowing  232 

Burrowing,  Florida 232 

Great  Gray   226 

Great  Horned - 229 

Long-eared    223 

Richardson    227 

Saw-whet 227 

Screech    228 

Short-eared    224 

Western  Horned   229 

Snowy • 230 

Oyster-catcher   175 

Partridge,  Gambel    179 

Massena 180 . 

Mearns   180 

Scaled    178 

Pelican,   Am.   White    72 

Brown    73 

Petrel,    Leach    63 

Stormy 62 


Petrel,    Wilson    62 

Phalarope,  North'eru    142 

Red    141 

Wilson 143 

Pheasant,   Ring-necked    190 

Pigeon,   Passenger    192 

Plover,  Am.  Golden   168 

Black-Bellied    167 

Killdeer    169 

Monntain   173 

Piping 171 

Piping,  Belted    171 

Semipalmated 170 

Snowy    172 

Upland   161 

Wilson    172 

Prairie  Hen    - 185 

Lesser    186 

Ptarmigan,   Allen    184 

Rock   184 

Willow    f  r  .  f  f  .  r  IS4 


Ptarmigan,  Welch 184 

Puffin    2(; 

Large-billed 26 

Quail    188 

Rail,  Black   137 

Carolina    136 

Clapper 134 

Louisiana    134 

Florida   134 

Wayne    134 

King    133 

Sora    136 

Virginia    135 

Yellow    137 

Sanderling    155 

Sandpiper,  Baird  152 

Bartramian    161 

Buff-breasted    162 

Least 153 

Pectoral    151 

Purple    151 


238 


SniidpiiHM-,    IJ(Ml-l)a('-ko(l    ir>4 

S(>Mii|>;iliuated ir>:^ 

Solitary    15J) 

Sandpiper,  Spotted  VM\ 

Stilt    149 

VV(>storn    153 

Wliito-rumped    . 152 

S<'()t(M*,  American    101 

Surf    102 

WIUtO-WillROd     101 

Shovollor    87 

Snakc-birfi    68 

Snipo.    Wilson    147 

Sh<Mrwat(M\  Audubon 59 

( "{)!•>•    59 

(Jr<Nit(M'    60 

Sooty    61 

SUimiuor,   Rlaolv    s...     57 

Slam    32 

Spoonbill.    Ko8ente    113 

Still.   HlarU  iuM>l<«Ml    145 

239 


Swan,  Trumpeter   Ill 

Whist liuK    s Ill 

Toal.    Hlu(>-vvinMed    85 

Cinnamon 86 

Groon-winged    84 

Tern.  Arctic   51 

Hlacl<    55 

Bridled   54 

Cabot   49 

Caspian    48 

Common    51 

Forater    50 

Gull-blUed 47 

Least 53 

Noddy 56 

Roseate    52 

Royal    48 

Sooty    54 

Tropic  Bird.  Yellow-billed   64 

TuiKoy.    Wild     189 

Turnstone    174 


Turnstone,  Ruddy 174 

Vulture,  Black  196 

Turkey    196 

Willet   160 

Western    160 

Woodcock,   American    146 

Yellowlegs 158 

Greater 158 


240 


PREPARING  BREAKFAST 
(Two  adult  Chipping  Sparrows  breaking  worm  into  pieces  to  feed   young) 


PREFACE. 


The  native  birds  are  one  of  our  nation 's  most  valu- 
able assets.  Destroy  them,  and  in  a  comparatively 
few  years  the  insects  will  have  multiplied  to  such  an 
extent  that  trees  will  be  denuded  of  their  foliage, 
plants  will  cease  to  thrive  and  crops  cannot  be  raised. 
This  is  not  fancy  but  plain  facts.  Look  at  the  little 
Chickadee  on  the  side  of  this  page.  She  was  photo- 
graphed while  entering  a  bird  box,  with  about  twenty- 
five  plant  lice  to  feed  her  seven  young;  about  two  hun- 
dred times  a  day,  either  she  or  her  mate,  made  trips 
with  similar  loads  to  feed  the  growing  youngsters. 

It  has  been  found,  by  observation  and  dissection, 
that  a  Cuckoo  consumes  daily  from  50  to  400  cater- 
pillars or  their  equivalent,  while  a  Chickadee  will  eat 
from  200  to  .500  insects,  or  up  to  4000  insect  or  worm 
eggs.  100  insects  a  day  is  a  conservative  estimate  of 
the    quantity    consumed    by    each    individual    inseetiv- 


orous  bird.  By  carefully  estimating  the  birds  in  several  areas,  i  find  that,  in  Massa- 
chusetts, there  are  not  less  than  five  insect-eating  birds  per  acre.  Thus  this  state 
with  its  8000  square  miles  has  a  useful  bird  population  of  not  less  than  25,600,000, 
which,  for  each  days  fare,  requires  the  enormous  total  of  2,560,000,000  insects.  That 
such  figures  can  be  expressed  in  terms  better  understood,  it  has  been  computed  that 
about  120,000  average  insects  fill  a  bushel  measure.  This  means  that  the  daily  con- 
sumption, of  chiefly  obnoxious  insects,  in  Massachusetts  is  21,000  bushels.  This  esti- 
mate is  good  for  about  five  months  in  the  year.  May  to  September,  inclusive;  during 
the  remainder  of  the  year,  the  insects,  eggs  and  larvae  destroyed  by  our  Winter,  late 
Fall  and  early  Spring  migrants  will  be  equivalent  to  nearly  half  this  quantity. 

It  is  the  duty,  and  should  be  the  pleasure,  of  every  citizen  to  do  all  in  his  or  her 
power  to  protect  these  valuable  creatures,  and  to  encourage  them  to  remain  about  our 
homes.  The  author  believes  that  the  best  means  of  protection  is  the  disseminating 
of  knowledge  concerning  them,  and  the  creating  of  an  interest  in  their  habits  and 
modes  of  life.  With  that  object  in  view,  this  little  book  is  prepared.  May  it  serve 
its  purpose  and  help  those  already  interested  in  the  subject,  and  may  it  be  the 
medium  for  starting  many  others  on  the  road  to  knowledge  of  our  wild,  feathered 
friends.  Chester  A.  Eeed. 

Worcester,  Mass., 

October  1st,  1905. 


INTRODUCTION. 

It  is  an  undisputed  fact  that  a  great  many  of  our  birds  are  becoming  more  scarce 
each  year,  while  a  few  are,  even  now,  on  the  verge  of  extinction.  The  decrease  in 
numbers  of  a  few  species  may  be  attributed  chiefly  to  the  elements,  such  as  a  long 
continued  period  of  cold  weather  or  ice  storms  in  the  winter,  and  rainy  weather  dur- 
ing the  nesting  season;  however,  in  one  way  or  another,  and  often  unwittingly,  man 
is  chiefly  responsible  for  the  diminution  in  numbers.  If  I  were  to  name  the  forces 
that  work  against  the  increase  of  bird  life,  in  order  of  their  importance,  I  should  give 
them  as: — Man;  the  elements;  accidents;  cats;  other  animals;  birds  of  prey;  and 
snakes.  I  do  not  take  into  consideration  the  death  of  birds  from  natural  causes,  such 
as  old  age  and  disease,  for  these  should  be  counterbalanced  by  the  natural  increase. 

There  are  parts  that  each  one  of  us  can  play  in  lessening  the  unnatural  dangers 
that  lurk  along  a  bird's  path  in  life.  Individually,  our  efforts  may  amount  to  but 
little,  perhaps  the  saving  of  the  lives  of  two  or  three,  or  more,  birds  during  the  year, 
but  collectively,  our  efforts  will  soon  be  felt  in  the  bird-world. 

How  Can  We  Protect  the  Birds? — Nearly  all  states  have  fairly  good  game  laws, 
which,  if  they  could  be  enforced,  would  properly  protect  our  birds  from  man,  but  they 
can  not  be;  if  our  boys  and  girls  are  educated  to  realize  the  economic  value  of  the 


birds,  and  are  encouraged  to  study  their  habits,  the  desire  to  shoot  them  or  to  rob 
them  of  their  eggs  will  be  very  materially  lessened."  It  is  a  common  practice  for  some 
farmers  to  burn  their  land  over  in  the  Spring,  usually  about  nesting  time.  Three 
years  ago,  and  as  far  back  of  that  as  I  can  remember,  a  small  ravine  or  valley  was 
teeming  with  bird  life;  it  was  the  most  favored  spot  that  I  know  of,  for  the  variety 
and  numbers  of  its  bird  tenants.  Last  year,  towards  the  end  of  May,  this  place  wa& 
deliberately  burned  over  by  the  owner.  Twenty-seven  nests  that  I  know  of,  some 
with  young,  others  with  eggs,  and  still  others  in  the  process  of  construction,  were 
destroyed,  besides  hundreds  of  others  that  I  had  never  seen.  This  year  the  same 
thing  was  done  earlier  in  the  season,  and  not  a  bird  nested  here,  and,  late  in  Summer, 
only  a  few  clumps  of  ferns  have  found  courage  to  appear  above  the  blackened  ground. 
Farmers  also  cut  off  a  great  many  patches  of  underbrush  that  might  just  as  well 
have  been  left,  thus,  for  lack  of  suitable  places  for  their  homes,  driving  away  some 
of  their  most  valuable  assistants.  The  cutting  off  of  woods  and  forests  is  an  impor- 
tant factor  in  the  decrease  of  bird  life,  as  well  as  upon  the  climate  of  the  country. 

Our  winter  birds  have  their  hardships  when  snow  covers  the  weed  tops,  and  a 
coating  of  ice  covers  the  trees,  so  that  they  can  neither  get  seeds  nor  grubs.  During 
the  resting  season,  we  often  have  long-continued  rains  which  sometimes  cause  an 
enormous  loss  of  life  to  insect-eating  birds  and  their  young.  In  1903,  after  a  few 
weeks'  steady  rain  and  damp  weather,  not  a  Purple  Martin  could  be  found  in  Wor- 
cester County,  nor,  as  far  as  I  know,  in  New  England;  they  were  wholly  unable  to  get 

8 


food  for  either  themselves  or  their  young,  and  the  majority  of  them  left  this  region. 
The  Martin  houses,  when  cleaned  out,  were  found  to  contain  young,  eggs  and  some 
adults  that  had  starved  rather  than  desert  their  family.  The  Martins  did  not  return 
in  1904  or  1905. 

Birds  are  subject  to  a  great  many  accidents,  chiefly  caused  by  flying  into  objects 
at  night.  Telephone  and  telegraph  wires  maim  or  kill  thousands,  while  lighthouses 
and  steeples  often  cause  the  ground  to  be  strewn  with  bodies  during  migrations. 
Other  accidents  are  caused  by  storms,  fatigue  while  crossing  large  bodies  of  water, 
nests  falling  from  trees  because  of  an  insecure  support,  and  ground  nests  being  trod 
upon  by  man,  horses  and  cattle. 

In  the  vicinity  of  cities,  towns,  villages  or  farms,  one  of  the  most  fertile  sources 
of  danger  to  bird  life  is  from  cats.  Even  the  most  gentle  household  pet,  if  allowed 
its  liberty  out  of  doors,  will  get  its  full  quota  of  birds  during  the  year,  while  home- 
less cats,  and  many  that  are  not,  will  average  several  hundred  birds  apiece  during 
the  season.  After  years  of  careful  observation,  Mr.  E.  H.  Forbush,  Mass.  state  orni 
thologist,  has  estimated  that  the  average  number  of  birds  killed,  per  cat  population, 
is  about  fifty.  If  a  dog  kills  sheep  or  deer,  he  is  shot  and  the  owner  has  to  pay  dam- 
ages; if  a  man  is  caught  killing  a  bird,  he  pays  a  fine;  but  cats  are  allowed  to  roam 
about,  without  restriction,  leaving  death  and  destruction  in  their  wake.  All  homeless 
cats  should  be  summarily  dealt  with,  and  all  pets  should  be  housed,  at  least  from 
May  until  August,  when  the  young  birds  are  able  to  fly. 


Of  wild  animals,  Red  Squirrels  are  far  the  most  destructive  to  young  birds  and 
eggs;  Chipmunks  and  Grays  are  also  destructive  but  not  nearly  as  active  or  impu- 
dent as  the  Reds.  Skunks,  Foxes  and  Weasels  are  smaller  factors  in  the  decrease  of 
bird  life. 

Birds  of  prey  have  bnt  little  to  do  with  the  question  of  bird  protection  for,  with 
a  few  exceptions,  they  rarely  feed  upon  other  birds,  and  nearly  all  of  them  are  of 
considerable  economic  value  themselves.  Jays,  Crows  and  Grackles,  by  devouring  the 
eggs  and  young  of  our  smaller  birds,  are  a  far  greater  menace  than  are  the  birds  of 
prey,  but  oven  these  have  their  work  and  should  be  left  in  the  place  that  Nature  in- 
tended for  them;  they  should,  however,  be  taught  to  keep  away  from  the  neighbor- 
hood of  houses. 

How  Can  We  Attract  Birds  About  Our  Homes? — Many  birds  prefer  to  live  in  the 
vicinity  of  houses,  and  they  soon  learn  where  they  are  welcome.  Keep  your  premises 
as  free  as  possible  from  cats,  dogs,  and  especially  English  Sparrows,  and  other  birds 
will  come.  Robins,  Orioles,  Kingbirds,  Waxwings  and  a  few  others  will  nest  in 
orchard  trees,  while  in  dead  limbs  or  bird  boxes  will  be  found  Bluebirds,  Wrens, 
Swallows,   Woodpeckers,   Chickadees,   etc. 

A  house  for  Purple  Martins  may  contain  many  apartments;  it  should  be  erected 
in  an  open  space,  on  a  ten  or  twelve  foot  pole.  Boxes  for  other  birds  should  have 
but  one  compartment,  and  should  be  about  six  by  six  by  eight  inches,  with  a  hole 
at   least   one   and   one   half   inches  in   diameter   in   one   side;    these   can   be    fastened 

10 


in  tr-  OS  or  on  the  sides  or  corners  of  barns  or  sheds.  It  is  needless  to  say  that 
English  Sparrows  should  not  be  allowed  to  use  these  boxes.  By  tying  suet  to  limbs 
of  trees  in  winter,  and  providing  a  small  board  upon  which  grain,  crumbs,  etc.  may 
be  sprinkled,  large  numbers  of  winter  birds  may  be  fed;  of  these,  probably  only 
the  Chickadees  will  remain  to  nest,  if  they  can  find  a  suitable  place. 

How  To  Study  Birds. — This  refers,  not  to  the  scientific,  but  to  the  popular 
study  of  our  birds,  chiefly  in  the  field.  We  can  learn  many  very  interesting  things 
by  watching  our  birds,  especially  during  the  nesting  season,  and  the '^habits  and 
peculiarities  of  many  are  still  but  imperfectly  known.  One  thing  to  be  impressed 
upon  the  student  at  the  start  is  the  need  of  very  careful  olDservation  before  deciding 
upon  the  identity  of  a  bird  with  which  you  are  not  peMectly  familiar.  A  bird's 
colors  appear  to  differ  greatly  when  viewed  in  different  lights,  while  in  looking 
up  in  the  tree  tops,  it  is  often  impossible  to  see  any  color  at  all  without  the  aid 
of  a  good  field  glass.  By  the  way,  we  would  advise  everyone  to  own  a  good  pair 
of  these,  for,  besides  being  almost  indispensable  for  bird  study,  they  are  equally 
valuable  for  use  at  the  sea  shore,  in  the  mountains  or  at  the  theatre.  [We  hare 
examined  more  than  a  hundred  makes  of  field  glasses  to  select  the  one  best  adapted 
to  bird  study,  and  at  a  moderate  price.  We  found  one  that  was  far  superior  to 
any  other  at  the  same  price,  and  was  equal  to  most  of  those  costing  three  times 
as  much.  It  gives  a  very  clear  image,  magnifies  about  four  diameters  and  has 
a   very   large   field    of  view.     It   comes  in   a   silk-lined,   leather   case,   with    cord    for 

11. 


stidpending  from  the  shoulder,  and  is  of  a  convenient  size  for  carrying  in  the  pocket. 
We  have  made  arrangements  so  that  we  can  sell  these  for  $5.00,  postpaid  (money 
refunded  if  they  are  not  satisfactory  after  three  days  trial).  Order  from  Chas. 
K.  Eeed,  Worcester,  Mass.] 

We  should  also  advise  everyone  to  keep  a  note  book,  apart  from  the  Bird 
Guide,  At  the  end  of  the  season  you  can  write  neatly  with  ink  on  the  top  of  the 
pages  of  the  Guide,  the  dates  of  the  earliest  arrivals  and  latest  departures  of  the 
birds  that  you  have  recorded.  If  you  see  a  bird  that  you  do  not  recognize,  make 
the  following  notes,  as  completely  as  possible: — Length  (approximately);  any  bright 
colors  or  patches;  shape  of  bill,  whether  most  like  that  of  a  finch,  warbler,  etc.; 
has  it  a  median  or  superciliary  line,  eye  ring,  wing  bars,  or  white  in  the  tail;  what 
are  its  notes  or  song;  does  it  keep  on  or  near  the  ground,  or  high  up;  are  its  actions 
quick  or  slow;  upon  what  does  it  appear  to  be  feeding;  is  it  alone  or  with  other 
birds,  and  what  kinds;  where  was  it  seen,  in  dry  woods,  swamp,  pasture,  etc.;  date 
that  it  was  seen.  With  this  data  you  can  identify  any  bird,  but  usually  you  will 
need  only  to  glance  over  the  pictures  in  the  Bird  Guide  to  find  the  name  of  the 
bird  you  have   seen. 

I  should  advise  anyone  by  all  means  to  make  a  complete  local  list  of  all  the 
birds  that  are  found  in  their  neighborhood,  but  of  far  greater  value  than  the 
simple  recording  of  the  different  species  seen  on  each  walk,  will  be  the  making 
a  special   study  of  one   or  more  birds,  even  though  they  be  common   ones.     While. 

12 


of  course,  noting  any  peculiarities  of  any  bird  that  you  may  see,  select  some 
particular  one  or  ones  and  find  out  all  you  can  about  it.  The  following  most 
necessary  points  are  cited  to  aid  the  student  in  making  observations: — Date  of 
arrival  and  whether  in  large  flocks,  pairs  or  singly;  where  found  most  abundantly; 
upon  what  do  they  feed  at  the  different  seasons;  what  are  their  songs  and  calls 
at  different  seasons;  when  and  where  do  they  make  their  nests;  of  what  are  they 
made  and  by  which  bird  or  both:  how  long  does  it  take,  and  when  is  the  first  and 
last  egg  laid;  how  long  does  it  take  them  to  hatch,  and  do  both  birds  or  only  one 
incubate  them;  upon  what  are  the  young  fed  at  different  ages;  how  long  do  they 
remain  in  the  nest,  and  do  they  return  after  once  leaving;  how  long  before  they 
are  able  to  feed  themselves,  and  do  they  remain  with  their  parents  until  they 
migrate.  These  and  other  notes  that  will  suggest  themselves,  will  furnish  interesting 
and    valuable    instruction    during    your    leisure    time. 


13 


Lessee  LQ\e.'«\^ 
\-oice 


TOPOGRAPHY    OF    A    BIRD 


BIRD    GUIDE 


PART     2 

Land  Birds  East  of  the  Rockies 


The  numbers  and  names  used  in  this  Dook  are  those  adopted  by  the  American 
Ornithologists'  Union,  and  are  known  both  in  this  country  and  abroad.  The  lengths 
given  are  averages;  our  small  birds  often  vary  considerably  and  may  be  found  either 
slightly  larger  or  smaller  than  those  quoted. 

On  some  of  the  pages  a  number  of  sub-species  are  mentioned.  Sub-species  often 
cause  confusion,  because  they  are  usually  very  similar  to  the  original;  they  can  best 
be  identified  by  the  locality  in  which  they  are  found. 

Of  course  the  writing  of  birds'  songs  is  an  impossibility,  but  wherever  I  have 
thought  it  might  prove  of  assistance,  I  have  given  a  crude  imitation  of  what  it  sounds 
like  to  me.  The  nests  and  eggs  are  described,  as  they  often  lead  to  the  identity  of  a 
bird.  We  would  suggest  that  you  neatly,  and  with  ink,  make  a  cross  against  the 
name  of  each  bird  that  you  see  in  your  locality,  and  also  that  you  write  at  the  top 
af  the  page,  the  date  of  the  arrival  and  departure  of  each  bird  as  you  note  it;  these 
dates  vary  so  much  in  different  localities  that  we  have  not  attempted  to  give  them. 
As  many  will  not  wish  to  soil  their  books,  we  would  suggest  that  they  have  a 
leather  covered  cogj  for  the  library  and  a  cloth  one  for  pocket  use. 


16 


CAROLINA  PASOQUET. 

382.     Comiropsis   carolinensis.      12^2    inches. 

Adults  have  the  fore  part  of  the  head  orange,  while 
young  birds  have  the  head  entirely  green,  witli  only 
a  trifle  orange  on  the  forehead. 

With  the  exception  of  the  Thick-billed  Parrot  which 
is  very  rarely  found  in  southern  Arizona,  these  are  the 
only  members  of  the  Parrot  family  in  the  United  States. 
They  were  once  abundant  throughout  the  southern  states, 
but  are  now  nearly  extinct.  They  are  found  in  heavily 
timbered  regions,  usually  along  the  banks  of  streams, 
where  they  feed  upon  seeds  and  berries. 

Note. — A  sharp,  rolling  "kr-r-r-r-r."     (Chapman.) 

Nest. — Supposed  to  be  in  hollow  trees,  where  they  lay 
from  three  to  five  white  eggs   (1.31  x  1.06). 

Range. — Formerly  the  southern  states,  but  now  con- 
fined to  the  interior  of  Florida  and,  possibly,  Indian 
Territory. 


GROOVE-BILLED  ANI. 

384.  Crotophaga  snlcirostris.  I4I/2  inches. 
Anis  are  fairly  abundant  in  southern  Texas  along  the 
Rio  Grande.  Like  all  the  members  of  the  family  of 
Cuckoos,  their  nesting  habits  are  very  irregular ;  of ttimes 
a  number  of  them  will  unite  and  form  one  large  nest  in 
a  bush,  in  which  all  deposit  their  eggs.  The  eggs  are 
bluish-green,  covered  with  a  white  chalky  deposit 
( 1.25  X. 95). 

ROAD-RUNNER. 

385.  Geococcyx  californianus.  23  inches. 
In  the  southwestei'n  portions  of  our  country,  from 
Texas  and  Kansas  west  to  the  Pacific,  these  curious 
birds  are  commonly  found.  They  are  locally  known  as 
"Ground  Cuckoos,"  "Snake-killers,"  "Chaparral  Cocks." 
They  are  very  fond  of  lizards  and  small  snakes,  which 
form  a  large  part  of  their  fare.  They  are  very  fleet 
runners,  but  fly  only  indifi"erently  well.  Their  four  to 
ten  white  eggs  are  laid  on  frail  nests  of  twigs,  in  bushes. 


MANGROVE   CUCKOO. 

386.     CoccyzuG  minor.     13  inches. 

These  buff-breasted  Cuckoos  are  natives  of  Cuba  and 
Central  America,  being  found  in  southern  Florida  only 
during  the  summer.  The  habits  of  all  the  American 
Cuckoos  are  practically  identical  and  their  notes  or 
songs  can  only  be  distinguished  from  one  another  by  long 
familiarity. 

YELLOW-BILLED  CUCKOO. 

387.     Coccyzus  americanus.     121/4  inches. 

This  species  is  the  most  abundant  in  the  southern 
part  of  its  range,  while  the  Black-bill  is  the  most  com- 
mon in  the  North.  Notice  that  the  lower  mandible  is 
yellowish,  that  the  wings  are  largely  rufous,  and  that  the 
outer  tail  feathers  are  black,  with  broad  white  tips, 
these  points  readily  distinguishing  this  species  from  the 
next.  The  eggs  of  this  species  are  large  and  paler  col- 
ored than  the  next  (1.20x.90).  They  breed  from  the 
Gulf  to  southern  Canada  and  winter  in  Central  America. 


BLACK-BILLED  CUCKOO. 

388.     Coccyzus  erythropthaimus.      11%   inches. 

Cuckoos  are  of  quiet  and  retiring  liabits,  but  on  ac- 
count of  their  mournful  notes  are  often  regarded  witli 
awe  by  the  superstitious.  Uliey  are  one  of  our  most  val- 
uable birds,  for  they  consume  quantities  of  the  fuzzy 
lent  Caterpillars,  that  are  so  destructive. 

1  heir  short,  rounded  wings  and  long,  broad  tails  give 
tliem  a  silent,  gliding  flight  that  often  enables  them  to 
escape  unnoticed. 

Note. — A  low  guttural  croak,  "cow,"  "cow,"  etc.,  re- 
I  tea  ted  a  great  many  times  and  sometimes  varied  with 
"covv-uh,"  also  repeated  many  times. 

Nest. — Flat,  shabby  platforms  of  twigs  placed  at  low 
(  Icvations  in  thickets  or  on  tlie  lower  branches  of  trees. 
i  lie  tour  greenish-blue  eggs  are  1.15x.85. 

Range. — United  States  and  southern  Canada,  east  of 
(Ih!  Rockies.  Arrives  in  May  and  leaves  in  September 
tor  northern  South  America. 


BELTED  KINGFISHEB. 

300.     Vvnjlc  alci/oii.     l'.\  inches. 
The  inah»  lias  tho  hroasl  band  and  sith's  hhi(?-j;rny,  like 
th(»  baic'k,  while  the  feinah'  has  chestnut -eohned  si(h>.s  and 


Ui:i\    hand. 

itoui  jM)nds,  lakes,  rivers, 
aii\\vhere  that  small  fish 
>  entirely  of  lish  that  they 
perches  on  dead  branches. 


breast    band    in   addition    to 

Kin<jfHsheis  may  be  I'oinid 
the  sea-side  or  small  (•ictl\s 
may  Ih>  obtained.  'I  hcii  t'ood 
catch  by  divinj^:  for,  fr(»iii   Ihei 

(»r  by  hov(Min«^f  over  the  water  until  the  fiah  are  in  proper 
positions  and  then  plun;i;in«;-  after  them. 

Note. — A  very  loud,  harsh  rattle,  easily  heard  half  ji 
mile  away  on  a  clear,  quiet  day. 

Nest. — At  the  end  of  a  two  or  three-foot  tunnel  in  ;i 
sand  bank.  The  tunnel  terminates  in  an  enlarj^cd 
cluunber  where  the  five  to  ei<,dit  glossy  white  eggs  ( 1.3;")  \ 
l.Of))   are  laid  upon  the  saiul. 

Range. — Whole  of  North  America  north  to  the  Arctic 
regions.  Winters  from  southern  United  States  south 
ward. 


TEXAS  KINGFISHER. 

391.     Ceryle  americana  septentrionalis.     8  inches. 

The  adult  male  of  this  species  has  a  rufous  breast 
band,  while  the  female  has  only  a  greenish  one. 

The  Texan  Green  Kingfisher  is  the  smallest  member 
of  the  family  found  within  our  borders.  You  will  notice 
that  all  Kingfishers  have  the  two  outer  toes  on  each  foot 
joined  together  for  about  two-thirds  of  their  length.  This 
has  been  brought  about  through  their  habit  of  excavating 
in  sand  banks  for  nesting  sites.  It  is  quite  probable  that 
at  some  future  distant  period  the  three  forward  toes  may 
be  connected  for  their  whole  length,  so  as  to  give  them 
a  still  more  perfect  shovel. 

Note. — A  rattling  cry,  more  shrill  than  that  of  the 
Belted  Kingfisher. 

Nest. — 'ihe  four  to  six  glossy  white  eggs  are  laid  on 
the  sand  at  the  end  of  a  horizontal  burrow  in  a  bank, 
the  end  being  enlarged  into  a  chamber  sufficiently  large 
to  allow  the  parent  hirri  to  turn  about. 

Rang-e. — Southwestern  border  of  the  United  States, 
from  southern  Texas  to  Arizona. 


IVORY-BILLED  WOODPECKER. 

392.      Campephilu:'   principalis.     20    inches. 

Male  with  a  scarlet  crest,  female  with  a  black  one. 

These  are  the  largest  and  most  rare  of  the  Woodpeck- 
ers found  within  our  borders.  Their  decline  in  numbers 
is  due,  to  a  certain  extent,  to  the  killing  of  them  because 
of  their  size  and  beauty,  but  chiefly  on  account  of  cutting 
off  of  a  great  deal  of  the  heavy  timber  where  they  nest. 
They  are  very  powerful  birds  and  often  scale  the  bark 
off  the  greater  portion  of  a  tree  in  their  search  for  in- 
sects and  grubs,  while  they  will  bore  into  the  heart  of  a 
living  tree  to  make  their  home. 

Note. — A  slirill  two-syllabled  shriek  or  whistle. 

Nest. — In  holes  of  large  trees  in  impenetrable  swamps. 
On  the  chips  at  the  bottom  of  the  cavity,  they  lay  from 
three  to  six  glossy,  pure  white  eggs  ( 1.45  x  1.00) . 

Range. — Formerly  the  South  Atlantic  States  and  west 
to  Texas  and  Indian  Territory,  but  now  confined  to  a  few 
isolated  portions  of  Florida  and,  possibly,  Indian  Terri- 
tory. 


HAIRY  WOODPECKER. 

393.     Dryohatcs  villosus.     9  inches. 

In  summer  these  Woodpeckers  are  found  in  heavy- 
woods,  where  they  breed,  but  in  winter  they  are  often 
seen  on  trees  about  houses,  even  in  the  hirger  cities, 
liunting  in  all  the  crevices  of  the  bark  in  the  hope  of 
locating  the  larva  of  some  insect.  They  are  usually 
more  shy  than  the  Downy,  from  which  they  can  read- 
ily be  distinguished  by  their  much  larger  size. 

Note. — A  sharp  whistled  '"peenk." 

Nest. — In  holes  in  trees  in  deep  woods;  three  to  six 
glossy  white  eggs    (.95x.70). 

Range. — Eastern  U.  S.  from  Canada  to  North  Caro- 
lina. 

Sub-species. — 393a.  Xorthern  Hairy  Woodpecker 
( leucomelas ) ,  British  America  and  Alaska  :  larger. — 
393b.  Southern  Hairy  Woodpecker  (audubonii),  South 
Atlantic  and  Gulf  States ;  smaller.  The  difl'erence  be- 
tween these  birds  is  small  and  chiefly  in  size,  although 
the  southern  bird  often  has  fewer  white  marks  on  the 
wing  coverts.  Other  sub-species  are  found  west  of  the 
Rockies. 


SOUTHEBN    DOWNY    WOODPECKER. 

394.  Dryohates  puhescens.  G  inches. 
•The  male  has  a  red  nuchal  patch  while  the  female 
has  none.  Downies  are  one  of  the  commonest  of  our 
Woodpeckers  and  are  usually  tame,  allow^ing  a  very 
close  approach  before  flying.  They  remain  in  orchards 
and  open  woods  throughout  the  summer,  and  in  win- 
ter often  come  to  the  windows  in  places  where  they 
are  fed,  as  many  people  are  in  the  habit  of  doing  now. 
Their  food,  as  does  that  of  nearly  all  the  Woodpeckers, 
consists  entirely  of  insects,  grubs  and  larvae. 

Note. — A  sharp  "peenk"  or  a  rapid  series  of  the  same 
note,  usually  not  as  loud  as  that  of  the  Hairy  Wood- 
pecker. 

Nest. — In  holes  in  trees  in  orchards  or  woods,  the 
four  to  six  white  eggs  being  laid  on  the  bare  wood; 
size  .75  X  .60. 

Range. — South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States. 

Sub-species. — Northern  Downy  Woodpecker  (me- 
dianus ) ,  North  America  east  of  the  Rockies  and  north 
of  the  Carolinas.  This  variety  is  slightly  larger  than 
the  southern ;  others  are  found  west  of  the  Rockies. 


RED-COCKADED   WOODPECKER. 

395.     Dryohates    boreal  is.     8^4    inches. 

Male  with  a  small  patch  of  scarlet  on  both  sides  of 
the  head;  female  without.  The  actions  and  habits  are 
very  similar  to  those  of  the  Downy.  The  birds  can 
readily  be  identified  at  a  distance  by  the  cross-barring 
of  white  on  tlie  back.  Their  notes  are  harsher  than 
those  of  the  Downy  and  have  more  of  the  nasal  quality, 
like  those  of  the  nuthatches. 

Range. — Southeastern  United  States,  west  to  Texas 
and  north  to  Virginia. 

TEXAN  WOODPECKER. 

396.  Dryohates  scalaris  hairdi.  7i/4  inches. 
On  account  of  its  numerous  cross  bars,  this  species 
is  often  known  as  the  Ladder-backed  Woodpecker.  They 
are  quite  similar  to  the  Nuttall  Woodpecker,  that  is  found 
on  the  Pacific  Coast,  but  differ  in  having  the  underparts 
brownish-white  instead  of  white,  and  the  outer  tail 
feathers  heavily  barred.  They  are  found  from  Texas  to 
southeastern  California  and  north  to  Colorado. 


ARCTIC  THREE-TOED  WOODPECKER. 

400.  Picoides  arcticus.  9.5  inches. 
Back  glossy  black,  without  any  white.  Only  three 
toes,  two  in  front  and  one  behind.  This  is  the  most 
common  of  the  two  species  found  within  the  United 
States.  They  breed  from  the  northern  edge  of  the  Union 
north  to  the  limit  of  trees. 

AMERICAN  THREE-TOED  WOODPECKER. 

401.     Picoides  americanus.     8%  inches. 

Back  barred  with  white;  outer  tail  feathers  barred 
with  black;  yellow  crown  patch  on  male  mixed  with 
white.  Except  on  some  of  the  higher  mountain  ranges 
these  birds  appear  in  the  United  States  only  during 
winter.  They  are  very  hardy  and  commence  nesting 
before  snow  leaves. 

Note. — ^A  shrill,  loud,  nasal  shriek,  sometimes  re- 
peated. 

Nest. — In  holes  of  trees  as  is  usual  with  Woodpeckers. 
The  white  eggs  measure  .95  x  .70. 


YELLOW-BELLIED   SAPSUCKER. 

402.     ISphyraincus  varius.     8V1>  inches, 

Male  with  a  scarlet  crown  and  throat;  female  with 
a  scarlet  crown  and  white  throat;  young  with  the  head 
and  neck  mottled  gray  and  white,  with  a  few  scarlet 
feathers. 

Tliis  species  has  gained  some  ill-repute  because  of  its 
supposed  habit  of  boring  through  the  bark  of  trees  in 
order  to  get  at  the  sap,  and  thus  killing  the  trees. 
However,  1  very  much  doubt  if  they  do  any  appre- 
ciable damage  in  this  manner.  I  have  watched  a  great 
many  of  them  in  the  spring  and  fall  and  have  clearly 
seen^  that  they  ,vere  feeding  upon  insects  in  the  same 
way  as  the  Downy, 

Note. — A  loud  whining  "whee,"  and  other  harsh  calls 
similar  to  the  scream  of  a  Blue  Jay. 

Nest. — In  holes  in  trees,  at  heights  from  the  ground 
Aarying  from  eight  to  fifty  feet.  Late  in  May  they  lay 
from  four  to  seven  white  eggs   (.85  x  .60). 

Range. — U.  S.  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding  from 
Virginia  and  Missouri  to  Hudson  Bay,  and  wintering 
in  southern  U.  S. 


PILEATED  WOODPECKER. 

405.     FJilaooiomus   pileatus.     17    inches. 

Male  with  a  scarlet  crown  and  crest,  and  a  red 
moustache  or  mark  extending  back  from  the  bill ;  female 
with  scarlet  crest  but  a  blackish  forehead  and  no  mous- 
tache. 

Xext  to  the  Ivory-bills,  these  are  the  largest  of  our 
Woodpeckers.  Like  that  species  it  is  very  destructive 
to  trees  in  its  search  for  food.  While  engaged  in  this 
pursuit,  they  often  drill  large  holes  several  inches  into 
sound  wood  to  reach  the  object  of  their  search.  Like 
all  the  Woodpeckers,  they  delight  in  playing  tattoos 
on  dry,  resonant  limbs  with  their  bills. 

Note. — A  whistled  "cuk,"  "cuk,"  "cuk,"  slowly  re- 
peated many  times,  also  a  "wick-up"  repeated  several 
times. 

Nest. — In  large  cavities  in  trees,  in  which  they  lay 
four  to  six  white  eggs   (1.30x1.00). 

Range. — Southern  United  States.  The  Northern 
Pileated  Woodpecker  (abieticola)  is  locally  found  in 
temperate  N.  A. 


RED-HEADED   WOODPECKER. 
406.     Melanerpes  crythrocephalus.     9%   inches. 

Adults  with  entire  head  and  breast  red;  young  with 
a  gray  head  and  back,  streaked  with  darker. 

This  very  handsome  species  is  common  and  very 
well  known  in  the  Middle  and  Central  States.  They 
are  the  ruffians  of  the  family,  very  noisy  and  quarrel- 
some. One  of  their  worst  traits  is  the  devouring  of 
the  eggs  and  young  of  other  birds.  To  partially  otfset 
this,  they  also  eat  insects  and  grubs  and  a  great  deal 
of  fruit. 

Note. — A  loud,  wliining  "charr,"  "charr,"  besides 
numerous  other  calls  and  imitations. 

Nest. — Holes  in  trees  in  woods,  orchards  or  along 
roadsides  and  also  in  fence  posts  or  telegraph  poles. 
In  May  and  June  they  lay  four  to  six  glossy  white 
eggs  (1.00  X  .75). 

Range. — United  States  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding 
from  the  Gulf  to  New  York  and  Minnesota.  Winters 
in  southern  United  States. 


RED-BELLIED  WOODPECKER. 

409.     Cent  urns  caroUnus.     9i/>  inches. 

Male  with  whole  top  of  head  and  back  of  neck  red; 
female  with  forehead  and  hind  head  red  but  crown  gray. 
Both  sexes  have  the  center  of  the  belly  reddish,  and  hav<; 
red  eyes. 

Like  the  Red-heads,  these  birds  are  noisy,  but  they 
have  few  of  the  bad  qualities  of  the  others.  Besides  the 
regular  Woodpecker  fare,  they  get  a  great  many  ants  and 
beetles  from  the  ground  and  fruit  and  acorns  from  the 
trees.  They  are  said  to  also  be  fond  of  orange  juice.  In 
most  of  their  range  they  are  regarded  as  rather  shy  and 
retiring  birds. 

Note. — A  sharp,  resonant  "cha,"  "cha,"  "cha,"  re- 
peated. 

Nest. — In  holes  bored  usually  in  live  trees  and  at  any 
height  from  the  ground.  Their  five  or  six  eggs  are  glossy 
white   (l.OOx.75). 

Rang-e. — United  States  east  of  the  Plains,  breeding 
from  Florida  and  Texas  to  southern  Pennsylvania  and 
Minnesota.  Winters  along  the  Gulf  coast;  occasionally 
stravs  to  Massachusetts. 


FLICKER. 

412.     Colaptes  auratus.     13  inches. 

Male  with  a  black  moustache  mark;  female  without, 
although  young  females  in  the  first  plumage  show  some 
black. 

These  birds  are  very  often  known  as  "Golden-winged 
Woodpeckers,"  "High-holes"  and  about  a  hundred  other 
names  in  different  localities.  Flickers  are  found  com- 
monly in  woods,  orchards  or  trees  by  the  roadside;  on 
pleasant  days  their  rapidly  uttered,  rolling  whistle  may 
be  heard  at  all  hours  of  the  day. 

Note. — A  rapidly  repeated  whistle,  "cuk,"  "cuk," 
"cuk";  an  emphatic  "quit-u,"  "quit-u,"  and  several 
otliers  of  a  similar  nature. 

Nest. — A  cavity  in  a  tree,  at  any  distance  from  the 
ground.  The  white  eggs  usually  vary  in  number  from 
five  to  ten,  but  they  have  been  known  to  lay  as  many  as 
seventy-one,  where  an  egg  was  taken  from  the  nest  each 
day. 

JRang-e. — South  Atlantic  States.  The  Northern  Flicker 
(luteus)  is  found  in  North  America  east  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains. 


RED-SHAFTED  FLICKER. 

413.     Colaptes  cafer  collaris.     13  inches. 

Crown  brown  and  throat  gray,  these  colors  being  just 
reversed  from  those  of  the  common  Flicker. 

The  male  is  distinguished  by  a  red  moustache  mark, 
which  the  female  lacks.  The  typical  male  Red-shafted 
Flicker  lacks  the  red  crescent  on  the  back  of  the  head, 
but  it  is  often  present  on  individuals,  as  there  are  nu- 
merous hybrids  between  this  species  and  the  preceding. 
Flickers  are  more  terrestrial  in  their  habits  than  are  any 
others  of  the  family;  their  food  consists  largely  of  ants 
which  they  get  from  the  ground. 

Note. — Same  as  those  of  the  last;  both  species  often 
utter  a  purring  whistle  when  they  are  startled  from  the 
ground. 

Nest. — Ihe  nesting  habits  are  identical  with  those  of 
the  last  and  the  eggs  cannot  be  distinguished. 

Range. — From  the  eastern  slope  of  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains to  the  Pacific. 


CHUCK-WILL'S- WIDOW. 

416.     Antrostomus   carolinensis.      12   inches. 

Male  with  the  end  half  of  the  outer  tail  feathers  white, 
and  the  edge  of  the  outer  vanes  rust}';  female  with  no 
white  ends  to  the  feathers.  Birds  of  this  family  have 
small  bills,  but  extremely  large  mouths  adapted  to  catch- 
ing night-flying  moths  and  other  insects.  They  remain 
sleeping  during  the  day,  either  perched  lengthwise  on  a 
limb  or  concealed  beside  a  stump  or  rock  on  the  ground, 
their  colors  harmonizing  with  the  surroundings  in  either 
case.  They  fly,  of  their  own  accord,  only  at  du§k  or  in 
the  early  morning.  This  species,  which  is  much  the 
largest  of  our  Goatsuckers,  is  known  to,  at  times,  devour 
small  birds,  as  such  have  been  found  in  their  stomachs. 

Note. — A  loudly  whistled  and  repeated  "chuck-will's- 
widoAv." 

Nest. — None,  the  two  eggs  being  laid  on  the  ground 
or  dead  leaves  in  underbrush.  Eggs  white,  blotched 
with  gray  and  lavender    (1.40x1.00). 

Range. — South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States,  breeding 
north  to  Virginia  and  Missouri,  west  to  Texas. 


WHIP-POOR-WILL. 

417.     Antrootomus  vociferus.     9%  inches. 

Male  with  broad  white  tips  to  outer  tail  feathers; 
female  with  narrow  buffy  tips.  These  birds  are  often 
confounded  with  the  Nighthawk,  but  are  very  easily 
distinguished  by  the  long  bristles  from  base  of  bill,  the 
black  chin,  the  chestnut  and  black  barred  wing  feathers 
and  the  rounded  tail.  \Vhip-poor-wills  are  more  noc- 
turnal than  Nighthawks  and  on  moonlight  nights  con- 
tinue the  whistled  repetition  of  their  name  throughout 
the  night.  They  capture  and  devour  a  great  many  of 
the  large-bodied  moths  that  are  found  in  the  woods,  but 
are  never  seen  flying  over  cities  like  Nighthawks. 

Note. — An  emphatically  whistled  repetition  of  "whip- 
poor-will,"   "whip-poor-will." 

Nest. — In  June  they  lay  two  grayish  or  creamy  white 
eggs  (1.15X.85),  mottled  with  pale  brown,  gray  and 
lilac.     These  are  deposited  on  the  ground  in  woods. 

Range. — East  of  the  Plains,  breeding  from  the  Gulf 
to  Manitoba  and  New  Brunswick.  Winters  south  of  the 
United  States. 


POOR-WILL. 

418.  Phalcenoptilus  nuttallii.  T^A  inches. 
The  female  of  this  beautiful  little  Night-jar  differs 
from  the  male  only  in  having  narrow  butfy  tips  to  the 
outer  tail  feathers  instead  of  broad  white  ones.  Like  all 
the  members  of  this  family  these  birds  are  dusk  fliers, 
remaining  at  rest  on  the  ground  in  daylight.  Their 
frosted  gray  plumage  harmonizes  so  perfectly  with  their 
surroundings  that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  see  them. 
Their  eggs  are  nearly  immaculate,  but  usually  show 
traces  of  the  lavender  blotches  that  mark  others  of  the 
family.  Their  call  is  a  mournful  "poor-will-ee."  They 
are  found  from  the  Plains  to  the  Pacific,  but  are  not 
common  east  of  the  Rockies. 

MEBRILL   PAjRAQUE. 

419.  Nyctidromus  albicollis  merrilli.  13  inches. 
As  usual  with  birds  of  this  family,  sexual  difference  in 
the  plumage  occurs  chiefly  on  the  tips  of  the  outer  tail 
feathers.  These  birds  are  common  in  the  Lower  Rio 
Grande  Valley  in  Texas.  Their  eggs  differ  from  any  of 
the  preceding  in  having  a  salmon-colored  ground. 


NIGHTHAWK. 

420.     Chordeiles  virginianus.      10  inches. 

Male  with  white  throat  and  white  band  across  tail; 
female  with  rusty  throat  and  no  white  on  tail.  Notice 
that  the  Nighthawk  has  a  forked  tail  and  white  band 
across  the  wings,  thus  being  readily  distinguished  at  a 
distance  from  the  Whip-poor-will. 

Note. — A  loud  nasal  "peent." 

Nest. — None,  the  two  mottled  gray  and  white  eggs 
being  laid  on  bare  rocks  in  pastures,  on  the  ground  or 
under  brush,  or  on  gravel  roofs  in  cities;   size  1.20  x. 85. 

Range. — United  States  east  of  the  Plains,  breeding 
from  Florida  to  Labrador;  winters  south  of  United 
States.  Three  sub-species  occur: — 420a.  Western  Night- 
hawk  (henryi),  west  of  the  Plains;  420b.  Florida  Night 
hawk  (chapmani)  ;  420c.  Sennett  Nighthawk  (sennetti), 
a  pale  race  found  on  the  Plains  north  to  Saskatchewan. 

TEXAN  NIGHTHAWK 

421.     Chordeiles  acutipennis  texensis. 
This    species    is    found    in    southern    Texas    and    New 
Mexico.     It  differs  from  tlie  last  in  having  the  primaries 
spotted  with  rusty,  like  those  of  the  whip-poor-will. 


38 


CHIMNEY  SWIFT. 

423.     Chwtura  pclagica.     o^j  inclies. 

Unused  chimneys  of  old  dwellings  make  favorite 
roosting  and  nesting  places  for  these  smoke-colored 
birds.  They  originally  dwelt  in  hollow  trees  until  the 
advent  of  man  furnished  more  convenient  places,  al- 
though we  would  scarcely  consider  the  soot-lined  brick 
surface  as  good  as  a  clean  hollow  tree.  Spines  on  the 
end  of  each  tail  feather  enable  them  to  hang  to  their 
u])right  walls,  and  to  slowly  hitch  their  way  to  the 
outer  world.  Throughout  the  day  numbers  of  them 
are  scouring  the  air  for  their  fare  of  insects,  but  as 
night  approaches,  they  return  to  the  chimney. 

Note. — A  continuous  and  not  unmusical  twittering 
uttered  while  on  the  wing  and  also  within  the  depths 
of  the  chimney. 

Nest. — ]\Iade  of  small  sticks  or  twigs  glued  to  the 
sides  of  a  chimney  and  each  other  by  the  bird's  saliva. 
The  three  to  live  white  eggs  are  long  and  narrow 
(.vox. 50). 

Range. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Plains,  breeding  from 
Florida  to  Labrador;  winters  south  of  U.  S. 


WHITE-THROATED  SWIFT. 

425.     Aeronauies   melanoleucus.     6V2   inches. 

This  beautiful  SAvift  is  one  of  the  most  graceful  of 
winged  creatures.  Its  flight  is  extremely  rapid  and  its 
evolutions  remarkable.  They  nest  in  communities, 
thousands  of  them  often  congregating  about  the  tops  of 
inaccessible  cliffs,  in  the  crevices  of  which  they  make 
their  homes.  No  bird  has  a  more  appropriate  generic 
name  than  this  species — "aeronautes,"  meaning  sailor  of 
the  air;  he  is  a  sailor  of  the  air  and  a  complete  master 
of  the  art. 

Note. — Loud,  shrill  twittering,  uttered  chiefly  while 
on  the  wing. 

Nest. — Placed  at  the  end  of  burrows  in  earthy  cliffs 
or  as  far  back  as  possible  between  crevices  in  rocks ; 
usually  in  inaccessible  places  and  as  high  as  possible 
from  the  ground.  It  is  a  saucer-shaped  structure  made 
of  vegetable  materials  cemented  together  with  saliva, 
and  lined  wdth  feathers.  The  four  white  eggs  measure 
.87  X  .52. 

Range. — From  the  eastern  foothills  of  the  Rockies  to 
the  Pacific:  north  to  Montana  and  northern  California. 


RUBY-THROATED  HUMMINGBIRD. 

428.     Trochilus  coluhris.     Sy^  inches. 

This  little  gem  is  the  only  one  of  the  family  found 
w'thin  the  territory  included  in  this  book.  Owners  of 
flower  gardens  have  the  best  of  opportunities  to  study 
these  winged  jewels,  on  their  many  trips  to  and  fro 
for  honey,  or  the  insects  that  are  also  attracted  there- 
by. With  whirring  wings,  they  remain  suspended  be- 
fore a  blossom,  then — buzz — and  they  are  examining 
the  next,  with  bill  lost  within  the  sweet  depths.  Their 
temper  is  all  out  of  proportion  to  their  size,  for  they 
will  dash  at  an  intruder  about  their  moss-covered  home 
as  though  they  would  pierce  him  like  a  bullet.  Their 
angry  twitters  and  squeaks  are  amusing  and  surprising, 
as  are  their  excitable  actions. 

Nest. — A  most  beautiful  creation  of  plant  fibres  and 
cobwebs  adorned  with  lichens  and  resembling  a  little 
tuft  of  moss  upon  the  bough  on  which  it  is  placed.  In 
June  two  tiny  white  eggs  are  laid  (.50  x  .35). 

Rang-e. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding  from  the 
Gulf  north  to  Labrador  and  Hudson  Bay;  winters  south 
of  U.  S. 


SCISSOR-TAILED   FLYCATCHEIl. 

443.     Muscivora  forficata.      14 1^   inches. 

This  pretty  creature  is  the  most  graceful  in  appear- 
ance of  the  Flycatcher  family,  if  not  of  the  whole  order 
of  perching  birds.  In  the  southwest  it  is  frequently 
known  as  the  "Texan  Bird  of  Paradise."  Its  habits  are 
very  much  like  those  of  the  Kingbird;  as  it  gracefully 
swings  through  the  air  in  pursuit  of  insects,  it  fre- 
quently opens  and  shuts  its  scissor-like  tail.  They  are 
usually  found  in  open  country  or  on  the  borders  of 
woodland.  They  rarely  alight  on  the  ground,  for  their 
long  tails  make  them  walk  very  awkwardly,  but  when 
they  are  a-wing  they  are  the  embodiment  of  grace. 

Note. — A  shrill  "tzip,"  "tzip,"  similar  to  notes  of 
Kingbirds. 

Nest. — Quite  large;  built  of  all  kinds  of  trash,  such 
as  twigs,  grasses,  paper,  rags,  string,  etc. ;  placed  in 
any  kind  of  a  tree  or  bush  and  at  any  height.  The 
four  or  five  creamy  white  eggs  are  spotted  with  brown 
( .90  X  .67 ) . 

Range. — Breeds  from  Texas  north  to  Kansas;  win- 
ters south  of  U.  S. 


KINGBIRD. 

444.      Tyranniis    iyrcnuiiis.      81^4    inches. 

Adults  with  a  concealed  orange  crown  patch;  young 
with  none.  From  the  time  of  their  arrival  in  May 
until  they  leave  us  in  August,  Kingbirds  are  much  in 
evidence  in  farmyards  and  orchards.  Ihey  are  one 
of  the  most  noisy  birds,  ahAays  quarreling  about  some- 
thing, and  usually  coming  oil"  victorious  in  whatever 
they  may  undertake.  Crows  are  objects  of  hatred  to 
them,  and  they  always  drive  them  from  the  neighbor- 
hood, vigorously  dashing  upon  and  picking  them  from 
above  and  often  following  them  for  a  great  distance. 
They  have  their  favorite  perches  from  which  they  watch 
for  insects,  usually  a  dead  branch,  a  fence  post,  or  a 
tall  stalk  in  the  field. 

Note. — A  series  of  shrill,  harsh  sounds  like  '"thsee," 
"thsee." 

Nest. — Of  sticks,  rootlets,  grass,  string,  etc.,  placed 
in  orchard  trees  or  open  woods  at  any  height.  Four  or 
five  creamy  white  eggs,  specked  and  spotted  with  red- 
dish brown  (.95  x  .70). 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  to  southern  Canada. 


GRAY  KINGBIRD. 

445.     Tyrannus  dominiscensis.     9  inches. 

Differs  from  the  common  Kingbird  in  being  larger 
and  gray  above;  has  black  ear  coverts,  and  no  white  tip 
to  tail. 

Like  the  last  species,  these  are  very  noisy  and  pug- 
nacious, and  rule  their  domains  with  the  hand  of  a 
tyrant.  After  they  have  mated  they  quarrel  very  little 
among  themselves,  and  often  several  may  use  the  saiiu' 
lookout  twig  from  which  to  dash  after  passing  flies  or 
moths. 

Note. — A  rapidly  repeated,  shrill  shriek:  "pe-che-ri," 
'•pe-che-ri.'' 

Nest. — Rather  more  shabbily  built  but  of  the  same 
materials  as  those  used  by  our  common  Kingbird. 
Placed  in  all  kinds  of  trees,  but  more  often  in  man- 
groves, where  they  are  commonly  found.  Three  to  five 
pinkish-white  eggs,  profusely  blotched  with  brown 
(1.00  X  .72). 

Range. — West  Indies  and  Florida,  Georgia  and  South 
Carolina.  Winters  in  the  West  Indies  and  Central 
America. 


ARKANSAS  KINGBIRD. 

447.     Tyrannus  verticalis.     9  inches. 

These  tyrant  flycatchers  are  abundant  west  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi, where  they  are  often,  and  perhaps  more  aptly, 
known  as  the  Western  Kingbirds.  If  possible,  they  are 
even  more  noisy  and  pugnacious  than  the  eastern  species. 
They  have  a  great  variety  of  notes,  all  rather  unpleasant 
to  the  ear.  Their  food,  like  that  of  the  other  Kingbirds, 
consists  of  moths,  butterflies,  ants,  grasshoppers,  crick- 
etc,  etc.,  most  of  which  they  catch  on  the  wing. 

Note. — A  shrill,  metallic  squeak;  a  low  twittering 
and  a  harsh,  discordant  scream,  all  impossible  to  print. 

Nest. — Quite  large  and  clumsily  made  of  paper,  rags, 
twigs,  rootlets  and  grasses,  placed  in  all  sorts  of  loca- 
tions, frequently  in  eave  troughs  or  above  windows. 
The  eggs  are  creamy  white,  spotted  with  brown  (.95  x 
.05). 

Range. — Western  United  States,  breeding  from  Texas 
to  Manitoba  and  west  to  the  Pacific;  winters  south  of 
U.  S. 


DERBY  FLYCATCHER. 

449.     Pitangus   derhianus.     IOV2   inches. 

This  imposing  flycatcher  is  the  largest  of  the  family 
tliat  is  found  in  North  America.  As  usual  with  mem- 
bers of  the  family  it  is  of  a  quarrelsome  disposition, 
but  hardly  so  much  so  as  either  the  common  or  Arkansas 
Kingbirds.  Their  large,  heavy  bodies  render  them  con- 
siderably less  active  than  the  smaller  members  of  the 
family.  On  account  of  the  size  of  the  head  and  bill,  they 
are  often  known  as  Bull-headed  Flycatchers. 

Notes. — Very  varied,  but  similar  in  character  to 
those  of  the  eastern  Kingbird. 

Nest. — It  is  said  to  build  its  nest  at  low  elevatioi!- 
in  trees  or  in  thorny  bushes — a  large  structure  of  twi^s 
and  rubbish  with  an  entrance  on  the  side.  The  three 
to  five  eggs  have  a  cream-colored  ground  and  are  prom- 
inently specked  about  the  large  end  with  brown  (1.15  x 
.82).  ^ 

Range. — A  Mexican  species  that  is  fairly  common  in 
the  Lower  Rio  Grande  Valley  in  Texas. 


CRESTED  FLYCATCHER. 

452.     Myiarchus  crinitus.     9  inches. 

These  large  flycatchers  are  very  noisy  in  the 
mating  season,  but  their  notes  are  rather  more 
musical  than  those  of  the  Kingbirds.  They  ap- 
pear to  be  of  a  quarrelsome  disposition,  for  rarely  will 
more  than  one  pair  be  found  in  a  single  piece  of  woods. 
They  also  frequently  chase  smaller  birds,  but  never 
attack  larger  ones,  as  do  the  Kingbirds.  They  have  a 
queer  habit  of  placing  a  piece  of  snakeskin  in  the  hole 
in  which  their  nest  is  located,  for  what  purpose,  unless 
to  scare  away  intruders,  is  not  known,  but  it  seems  to 
be  a  universal  practice. 

Notes. — A  clear  whistle,  "wit-whit,"  "wit-whit,"  re- 
peated several  times.  This  is  the  most  common  call; 
thev  have  many  others  less  musical. 

Nest. — Of  straw,  etc.,  in  holes  of  dead  limbs.  Eggs 
four  to  six  in  number;  bufl^y  white,  streaked  and 
blotched  with  brown. 

Range. — Eastern  X.  A.  from  the  Plains  to  the  At- 
lantic, breeding  north  to  southern  Canada. 


PHOEBE. 

456.     8ayornis  phcehe.     7   inches. 

A  Phoebe  is  always  associated,  in  my  mind,  with  old 
bridges  and  bubbling  brooks.  Nearly  every  bridge 
which  is  at  all  adapted  for  the  purpose  has  its  Plioebe 
home  beneath  it,  to  which  the  same  pair  of  birds  will 
return  year  after  year,  sometimes  building  a  new  nest, 
sometimes  repairing  the  old.  They  seem  to  be  of  a 
nervous  temperament,  for,  as  they  sit  upon  their  usual 
lookout  perch,  their  tails  are  continually  twitching  as 
though  in  anticipation  of  the  insects  that  are  sure  to 
pass  sooner  or  later. 

Note. — A  jerky,  emphatic  "phoe-be,'  with  the  accent 
on  the  second  syllable,  and  still  further  accented  by 
a  vigorous  flirt  of  the  tail. 

Nest. — Of  mud,  grasses  and  moss,  plastered  to  the 
sides  of  beams  or  logs  under  bridges,  culverts  or  barns. 
In  ]\lay  or  June  four  or  five  white  eggs  are  laid  (.75  x 
.55).    ' 

Range. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Rockies,  north  to  southern 
Canada ;  winters  in  southern  U.  S.  and  southward. 


OLIVE-SIDED  FLYCATCHER. 

459.     Nuttalornis  borealis.     1^2  inches. 

These  birds  can  scarcely  be  called  common  anywhere, 
but  single  pairs  of  them  may  be  found,  in  their  breed- 
ing range,  in  suitable  pieces  of  woodland.  I  have  al- 
ways found  them  in  dead  pine  swamps,  where  the  trees 
were  covered  with  hanging  moss,  making  it  very  difficult 
to  locate  their  small  nests.  Their  peculiar,  loud,  clear 
whistle  can  be  heard  for  a  long  distance  and  serves  as 
a  guide-board  to  their  location. 

Note. — A  loud,  clear  whistle,  "whip-wheeu,"  the  first 
syllable  short  and  sharp,  the  last  long  and  drawn  out 
into  a  plaintive  ending. 

Nest. — A  small  structure  for  the  size  of  the  bird, 
made  of  twigs  and  mosses  firmly  anchored  to  horizon- 
tal limbs  or  forks.  Three  to  five  eggs  are  laid;  a  rich 
creamy  ground,  spotted  about  the  large  end  with  brown 
and  lavender   { .85  x  .05 ) . 

Rang-e. — ^N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  latitude  of  Massa- 
chusetts, and  farther  south  in  mountainous  regions, 
north  to  Labrador  and  Alaska. 


WOOD  PEWEE. 

4G1.     Myiochanes    virens.     Ci/^     inches. 

In  life,  the  Pevvee  can  best  be  distinguished  from  the 
larger  Phoebe,  with  which  it  is  often  confounded,  by  its 
sad,  plaintive  *"pe-ah-wee,"  "pee-wee,"  which  is  strik- 
ingly ditierent  from  the  brusque  call  of  the  Phoebe. 
Pewees  are  also  found  more  in  high,  dry  woods  where 
they  build  their  little  moss-covered  homes  on  horizon- 
tal boughs  at  quite  a  height  from  the  ground.  Like  the 
other  tlycatchers  they  always  perch  on  dead  twigs,  where 
their  view  is  as  little  obstructed  as  possible. 

Note. — A  clear,  plaintive  whistle,  "pe-ah-whee,"  "pee- 
wee." 

Nest. — One  of  the  most  exquisite  of  bird  creations, 
composed  of  plant  fibres  quilted  together  and  orna- 
mented with  rock  lichens ;  situated  at  varying  heights 
on  horizontal  limbs,  preferably  oak  or  chestnut,  and 
sometimes  in  apple  trees  in  orchards.  Eggs  creamy 
white,  specked  with  brown    (.80  x  .55). 

Range. — U.  S.  from  the  Plains  to  the  Atlantic  and 
north    to    Manitoba    and    New    Brunswick;    winters    in 
Central  America. 
4 


YELLOW-BELLIED    FLYCATCHER. 

463.     Empidonax  flaviventris.     5i/£.    inches. 

These  strange  little  Flycatchers  are  found  in  swamps 
such  as  those  usually  frequented  by  Olive-sided  Fly- 
catchers and  Parula  Warblers.  They  are  one  of  the 
few  of  the  family  to  nest  on  the  ground  or  very  close 
to  it.  Their  homes  are  made  in  the  moss-covered 
mounds  or  stumps  found  in  these  sw-amps. 

Rang-e. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Plains  north  to  Labrador, 
breeding  from  northern  U.  S.  northward. 

GREEN-CRESTED   OR  ACADIAN  FLYCATCHER. 

405.     Empidonax    virescens.     5^     inches. 

This  bird  is  very  similar  to  the  last,  but  the  lower 
mandible  is  light,  and  the  throat  and  belly  white. 
Their  favorite  resorts  are  shady  woods  not  far  from 
water.  Here  they  nest  in  the  outer  branches  of  bushes 
or  trees  at  heights  of  from  four  to  twenty  feet  from 
the  ground.  The  nests  are  shallow  and  composed  of 
twigs  and  moss.     Eggs   creamy  with  brown   spots. 

Range. — U.  S.  east  of  Plains,  breeding  from  the  Gulf 
to  New  England  and  Manitoba;  winters  in  the  Tropics. 


ALDER  FLYCATCHER. 

466a.     Empidonas    trailli    alnorum.     6    inches. 

This  species  is  veiy  similar  to,  but  larger,  than  tlii 
weU-known  Least  Flycatcher  or  Chebec.  They  ai' 
found  in  swampy  pastures  or  around  the  edges  oi 
ponds  or  lakes,  where  they  nest  in  low  bushes. 

Range. — U.  S,  east  of  the  Mississippi,  breeding  ivom 
New  York  to  New  Brunswick. 

LEAST  FLYCATCHER. 

467.     Empidonux  minimus.     5^4  inches. 

Smaller  than  the  last  and  with  the  tail  slight]\ 
forked.  Common  everywhere  in  orchards,  swamps  oi 
along  roadsides.  They  are  very  often  known  by  the 
name  of  "Chebec,"  because  their  notes  resemble  that 
word.  Their  nests  are  placed  in  upright  forks  of  any 
kind  of  trees  or  bushes ;  they  are  made  of  plant  fibres  and 
grasses  closely  felted  together.  The  eggs  range  from 
three  to  five  in  number  and  are  creamy  white,  without 
markings;    size   .65  x  .50. 

Range. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding  from 
middle  U.  S.  north  to  New  Brunswick  and  Manitoba. 


VERMILION  FLYCATCHER. 

471.     Pyrocephalus  rubincus  mexicanus.     6  inches. 

Female  with  only  a  slight  tinge  of  pink,  where  the 
male  is  brilliant  vermilion. 

This  is  the  most  gorgeously  plumaged  species  of  the 
American  Flycatchers.  It  has  all  the  active  traits  oi 
the  family  and,  to  those  who  are  only  accustomed  to 
the  demure  gray  plumage  of  most  eastern  species,  the 
first  sight  of  this  one  as  he  dashes  after  an  insect  is 
a  sight  never  to  be  forgotten. 

Notes. — During  the  mating  season  the  male  often 
gives  a  twittering  song  while  poised  in  the  air,  accom- 
panying it  by  loud  snapping  of  the  mandibles. 

Nest. — Saddled  on  limbs  of  trees  at  low  elevations 
from  the  ground ;  composed  of.  small  twigs  and  vege- 
table fibres  closely  felted  together  and  often  adorned  on 
the  outside  with  lichens  similar  to  the  nests  of  the  Wood 
PcM^ee.  The  four  eggs  are  of  a  creamy-buff  color  with 
bold  spots  of  brown  and  lilac,  in  a  wreath  around  the 
large  end   (.73  x  .54) . 

Range. — Mexican  border  of  the  United  States,  from 
Texas  to  Arizona. 


HORNED   LARK. 

474.     Otocoris  alpestris.     T%  inches. 

This  variety,  which  is  larger  than  its  sub-species, 
is  only  found  in  the  U.  S.  in  winter,  but  several  of  the 
sub-species  are  residents  in  our  limits.  During  the 
mating  season  they  have  a  sweet  song  that  is  uttered  on 
the  wing,  like  that  of  the  Bobolink. 

Notes. — Alarm  note  and  call  a  whistled  "tseet," 
"tseet";  song  a  low,  sweet  and  continued  warble. 

Nest. — A  hollow  in  the  ground  lined  with  grass; 
placed  in  fields  and  usually  partially  concealed  by  an 
overhanging  sod  or  stone.  The  three  to  five  eggs  have 
a  grayish  ground  color  and  are  profusely  specked  and 
blotched   with  gray  and  brownish    (.85x.60). 

Rang-e. — Breeds  in  Labrador  and  about  Hudson  Bay; 
south  in  winter  to  South  Carolina  and  Illinois. 

Sub-species. — 474b.  Prairie  Horned  Lark  (praticola). 
A  paler  form  usually  with  the  line  over  the  eye  white, 
found  in  the  Mississippi  Valley.  474c.  Desert  Horned 
Lark  ( leucolaema) .  Paler  and  less  distinctly  streaked 
above  than  the  Prairie;  found  west  of  the  Mississippi 
and  north  to  Alberta. 


AMERICAN  MAGPIE. 

47^,    Pica  pica  Jiudsonia.     20  inches. 

This  handsome  member  of  the  Crow  family  is  sure  to 
attract  the  attention  of  all  who  may  see  him.  He  is  very 
pert  in  all  his  actions,  both  in  trees  and  on  the  ground, 
and  is  always  ready  for  mischief.  In  a  high  wind  their 
long  tail  often  makes  traveling  a  laborious  operation  for 
them,  and  at  such  times  they  usually  remain  quite  quiet. 
They  are  very  impudent  and  always  on  the  lookout  for 
something  to  steal;  they  are  also  very  noisy  and  forever 
scolding  and  chattering  among  themselves. 

Notes. — A  loud,  harsh  "cack,"  "cack,"  and  an  endless 
variety  of  whistles  and  imitations. 

Nest. — A  large,  globular  heap  of  sticks  placed  in 
bushes  or  trees  from  four  to  fifty  feet  from  the  ground. 
The  entrance  to  the  nest  is  on  one  side  and  the  interior 
is  made  of  grass  and  mud.  The  four  to  six  eggs  are 
white,  thickly  specked  with  yellowish  brown  ( 1.25  x  .90). 

Range. — Western  North  America,  east  to  the  Plains 
and  north  to  Alaska;  resident. 


BLUE  JAY. 

477.     Cyanocitta  cristata.     II14  inches. 

These  are  one  of  the  best  known  and  most  beautiful 
birds  that  we  have,  but,  unfortunately,  tliey  have  a  very 
bad  reputation.  They  often  rob  other  birds  of  their  eggs 
and  young  as  well  as  food  and  nesting  material.  They  are 
very  active  birds  and  are  always  engaged  in  gathering 
food,  usually  acorns  or  other  nuts,  and  hiding  them  away 
for  future  use. 

Notes. — A  two-syllabled  Mdiistle  or  a  harsh,  discordant 
scream.  Besides  these  two  common  notes  they  make  an 
endless  variety  of  sounds  mimicking  other  birds. 

Nest. — Of  twigs  and  sticks  in  bushes  or  low  trees, 
preferably  young  pines.  The  four  eggs  are  pale  greenish 
blue  specked  with  brown  ( 1.10  x  .80) . 

Range. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Rockies  from  the  Gulf  to 
Labrador,  resident  in  the  U.  S.  The  Florida  Blue  Jay 
(florincola)  is  smaller  and  has  less  white  on  wings  and 
tail. 


FLORIDA  JAY. 

479.     Aphelocoma  cyanca.      ll^A   inches. 

This  Jay  is  locally  distributed  chiefly  in  the  southern 
parts  of  Florida,  being  found  principally  in  scrub  oaks. 
Like  the  Blue  Jay,  their  food  consists  of  animal  matter 
and  some  seeds,  berries  and  acorns.  Their  habits  are 
very  similar  to  those  of  the  northern  bird  and  their  calls 
resemble  those  of  our  bird,  too.  They  are  rather  slow  in 
flight  and  pass  a  great  deal  of  their  time  upon  the 
ground. 

Notes.— A  "jay,"  "jay,"  similar  to  that  of  the  Blue 
Jay,  and  a  great  variety  of  other  calls. 

Nest. — In  the  latter  part  of  March  and  in  April  they 
build  their  flat  nests  of  twigs,  usually  in  bushes  or  scrub 
oaks,  and  lay  three  or  four  greenisli-blue  eggs,  with 
brown  spots;  size  1.05  x  .80. 

Range. — Middle  and  southern  portions  of  Florida, 
chieflj'  along  the  coasts. 


GREEN  JAY. 

483.     Xantlioura  luxuosa  glaucescens.     12  inches. 

These  Jays  are  very  beautiful,  and  we  are  sorry  to  have 
to  admit  that,  like  all  the  otlier  members  of  the  family, 
they  are  merciless  in  their  treatment  of  smaller  birds. 
During  the  summer  their  diet  consists  of  raw  eggs  with 
young  birds  "on  the  side,"  or  vice  versa;  later  they  live 
upon  nuts,  berries,  insects;  in  factj  anything  that  is 
edible. 

Notes. — Practically  unlimited,  being  imitations  of 
those  of  most  of  the  birds  in  the  vicinity. 

Nest. — Xot  easily  found,  as  it  is  usually  concealed  ii 
dense  thickets.  The  nests  are  like  those  of  other  Jay^, 
loosely  made  of  twigs  and  lined  with  black  rootlets.  The 
four  eggs  that  are  laid  in  May  have  a  grayish  ground 
color  and  are  thickly  spotted  with  several  shades  of 
brown  and  lilac.     They  measure  1.05  x  .80. 

Rang-e. — Fairly   common    in  _^^ 

Valley  in  southern  Texas.  j^\j^^t^Af( 


Grande 


O'^The 


^N/VERS,ry 


CANADA  JAY. 

484.     Pcrisorciis  canadensis.      11M>    inches. 

These  birds  are  well  known  to  hunters,  trappers  and 
campers  in  the  northern  woods.  They  are  great  fi  lends, 
especially  of  the  lumbermen,  as  some  of  the  pranks  that 
they  play  serve  to  enliven  an  otherwise  tedious  day. 
They  seem  to  be  devoid  of  fear  and  enter  camp  and  carry 
off  everything,  edible  or  not,  that  they  can  get  hold  of. 
They  are  called  by  guides  and  lumbermen  by  various 
names,  such  as  Whiskey  Jack,  Moose  Bird,  etc. 

Notes. — A  harsh  "ca-ca-ca,"  and  various  other  sounds. 

Nest. — Usually  in  coniferous  trees  at  low  elevations; 
made  of  twigs,  moss  and  feathers.  The  three  or  four 
eggs  are  gray,  specked  and  spotted  with  darker  (1.15x 
.80).  They  nest  early,  usually  before  the  snow  begins 
to  leave  the  ground  and  often  when  the  mercury  is  below 
zero. 

Rang-e. — Eastern  North  America  from  northern 
United  States  northward.  484c.  Labrador  Jay  (nigri- 
capillus),  which  is  found  in  Labrador,  has  the  black 
on  the  hind  head  deeper  and  extending  forward  around 
the  eye. 


oS 


NORTHERN  RAVEN. 

486a.  Corvus  corax  principalis.  25  inches. 
The  liabits  of  all  the  ravens  and  crows  are  identical 
and  are  too  well  known  to  need  mention.  They  are  all 
very  destructive  to  young  birds  and  eggs.  The 
Raven  can  be  known  by  its  large  size,  its  very  large  bill 
and  lanceolate  feathers  on  the  throat.  They  are  found 
in  the  mountains  from  Georgia  and  on  the  coast  from 
Maine  northwards. 

WHITE-NECKED   RAVEN. 
487.     Corvus  cryptoleucua.     18Vi>   inches. 
This  species  has  the  bases  of  the  feathers  on  the  back 
of  the  neck  white.  Found  in  southwestern  United  States. 
AMERICAN  CROW. 
488.     Corvus  americanus.     19  inches. 
The    common    Crow    of    North    America,    replaced    in 
Florida  by  the  very  similar  Florida  Crow    (pascuus). 
PISH  CROW. 
490.     Corvus  ossifragus.     16  inches. 
This  small  species  is  found  on  the  Atlantic  coast  north 
to  ^lassachusetts. 


CLARKE  NUTCRACKER. 

491.     Nucifraga  columbiana.     121/l>   inches. 

Clarke  Crows  are  found  abundantly  in  all  coniferous 
forests  on  the  higher  mountains  in  their  range.  They 
are  very  peculiar  birds,  having  some  of  the  traits  of 
Woodpeckers,  but  more  of  those  of  the  Jays. 

They  are  very  active,  very  noisy  and  very  inquisitive, 
sharing  with  the  Rocky  Mountain  Jay  the  names  of 
"Cam|3  Robber,"  "Moose  Bird,"  etc.  They  are  great 
travellers  and  may,  one  season,  be  absent  where  they 
were  abundant  the  preceding  one. 

Notes. — Various  calls  and  imitations  like  those  of  all 
others  of  the  Jay  family. 

Nest. — Of  sticks,  at  high  elevations  on  horizontal 
boughs  of  coniferous  trees.  The  four  eggs  have  a  pale 
greenish-gray  ground,  thickly  sprinkled  with  darker 
( 1.25  X. 92). 

Rang-e. — Mountains  of  western  North  America,  casu- 
ally east  to  Kansas. 


STARLING. 

493.     i^turnus  vulgaris.     8i/^  inches. 

Plumage  metallic  green  and  purple,  heavily  spotted 
above  and  below  with  bufty  or  wliite. 

These  European  birds  were  introduced  into  New  York 
a  number  of  years  ago,  and  are  now  common  there  and 
spreading  to  other  localities  in  Connecticut  and  about 
New  York  City.  They  live  about  the  streets  and  in  the 
parks,  building  their  nests  in  crevices  of  buildings  and 
especially  in  the  framework  of  the  elevated  railroads  of 
the  city,  and  less  often  in  trees.  They  lay  from  four  to 
six  pale-blue,  unspotted  eggs  (1.15  x  .85).  How  they  will 
affect  other  bird  life,  in  case  they  eventually  become 
common  throughout  the  country,  is  a  matter  of  conjec- 
ture, but  from  what  I  have  seen  of  them  they  are  quar- 
relsome and  are  masters  of  the  English  Sparrow,  and 
may  continue  their  domineering  tactics  to  the  extent  of 
driving  more  of  our  song  birds  from  the  cities. 


BOBOLINK. 

494.     Dolichonyx  oryziconis.     7^   inches. 

Bobolinks  are  to  be  found  in  rich  grass  meadows, 
from  wlience  their  sweet,  wild  music  is  often  borne  to  us 
by  the  breeze.  \Yhile  his  mate  is  feeding  in  the  grass 
or  attending  to  their  domestic  affairs^  Mr.  Bobolink  is 
usually  to  be  found  perched  on  the  tip  of  a  tree,  weed 
stalk,  or  even  on  a  tall  blade  of  grass,  if  no  other  spot 
of  vantage  is  available,  singing  while  he  stands  guard 
to  see  that  no  enemies  approach.  He  is  a  good  watch- 
man and  it  is  a  difficult  matter  to  flush  his  mate  from 
the  nest,  for  she  leaves  at  his  first  warning. 

Song. — A  wild,  sweet,  rippling  repetition  of  his  name 
with  many  additional  trills  and  notes.  Alarm  note 
a  harsh  '•chah"  like  that  of  the  Blackbird. 

Nest. — Of  grasses  in  a  hollow  on  the  ground,  in 
meadov.  s.  They  lay  four  to  six  eggs  with  a  white  ground 
color,  heavily  spotted,  clouded  and  blotched  with  brown 
( .85  X  .62 ) . 

B;ange. — X.  A.  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding  from 
New"  Jersey  and  Kansas  north  to  Manitoba  and  Xew 
Brunswick;  winters  in  South  America. 


COWBIRD. 

495.     Molothrus    ater.     7%    inches. 

Male  glossy  greenish  black,  with  a  brown  head;  fe- 
male and  young,  dull  gray. 

Groups  of  these  birds  are  often  seen  walking  sedately 
about  among  the  cows  in  the  pasture,  hence  their  name. 
They  are  the  only  birds  that  we  have  that  neither  make 
a  nest  of  their  own  nor  care  for  their  young.  The  fe- 
male slyly  deposits  her  egg  in  the  nest  of  a  smaller  bird 
when  tbe  owner  is  absent,  leaving  further  care  of  it  to 
its  new  owner.  Warblers,  Sparrows  and  Vireos  seem  to 
be  most  imposed  upon  in  this  manner. 

Notes. — A  low  "chack,"  and  by  the  male  a  liquid,  wiry 
squeak  accompanied  by  a  spreading  of  the  wings  and 
tail. 

Rang-e. — U.  S.,  chiefly  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding 
from  the  Gulf  to  Manitoba  and  New  Brunswick ;  win- 
ters in  southern  U.  S.  A  sub-species,  the  Dwarf  Cow- 
bird  (obscurus),  is  found  in  southwestern  United  States; 
it  is  sliohtlv  smaller. 


YELLOW-HEADED  BLACKBIRD. 

497.     Xanthocephalus  xanthoccphalus.     10  inches. 

Male  black,  with  head  and  breast  bright  yellow; 
female  more  brownish  and  with  head  paler  and  mixed 
with  brown. 

These  handsome  birds  are  common  locally  on  the 
prairies,  frequently  ^7  doughs  and  extensive  marshes  and 
borders  of  lakes.  Ihey  are  very  sociable  birds  and  breed 
in  large  colonies,  sometimes  composed  of  thousands  of 
birds. 

Notes. — A  harsh  "chack,"  and  what  is  intended  for  a 
song,  consisting  of  numerous,  queer  sounding  squeaks, 
they  being  produced  during  seemingly  painful  contor- 
tions of  the  singer. 

Nest. — Of  rushes  woven  around  upright  canes  over 
water,  m  ponds  and  sloughs.  The  nest  is  placed  at  from 
four  inches  to  two  feet  from  the  water  and  is  quite  deep 
inside.  The  four  to  six  eggs  are  grayish,  profusely 
specked  with  pale  brown    (l.OOx.70). 

Rang-e. — U.  S.,  chiefly  west  of  the  Mississippi,  north 
to  British  Columbia  and  Hudson  Bay;  winters  on  south- 
western norder  of  the  U   S. 


KED-WINGED  BLACKBIRD. 

498.     Agelaius  phceniceus.     9i/4  inches. 

Male  black,  with  scarlet  and  buff  shoulders;  female 
brownish  black  above  and  streaked  below.  Nearly  all 
our  ponds  or  wet  meadows  have  their  pair  or  colony  of 
Blackbirds. 

Note. — A  harsh  cackt  a  pleasing  liquid  song,  "conk- 
err-ee."  given  with  much  bowing  and  spreading  of  the 
wings  and  tail. 

iMest. — Usually  at  low  elevations  in  bushes,  in  swamps 
or  around  the  edges  of  ponds,  or  frequently  on  the 
ground  or  on  hummocks  m  wet  pastures.  The  nest  is 
made  of  woven  grasses  and  rushes,  and  is  usually  partial- 
ly suspended  from  the  rim  when  placed  in  bushes.  The 
three  ta  five  eggs  are  bluish  white,  scrawled,  chiefly 
around  the  large  end,  with  blackish   ( 1.00  x. 70). 

Rang-e. — East  of  the  Rockies,  breeding  north  to  Mani- 
toba and  New  Brunswick;  winters  in  southern  U.  S. 

Sub-species. — 498b,    Bahaman    Redwing     ( bryanti ) . 
498c.     Florida  Redwing   ( floridanus ) . 
5 


MEADOWLARK. 

501.     Sturnella  magna.     10%    inches, 

Meadowlarks  are  familiar  friends  of  the  hillside  and 
meadow;  their  clear  fife-like  whistle  is  often  heard, 
while  they  are  perched  on  a  fence-post  or  tree-top,  as 
well  as  their  sputtering  alarm  note  when  they  fly  up 
before  us  as  we  cross  the  field. 

Song-. — A  clear,  flute-like  "tseeu-tseeer,"  and  a  rapid 
sputtering  alarm  note. 

Nest. — Of  grasses,  on  the  ground  in  fields,  usually 
partially  arched  over.  Three  to  five  white  eggs  specked 
with  brown    (1.1  Ox. 80). 

Range. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Plains  and  north  to  south- 
ern Canada;  winters  from  Massachusetts  and  Illinois 
southward. 

Sub-species. — 501.1.  Western  Meadowlark  ( neglecta ) . 
This  race  has  the  j'ellow  on  the  throat  extended  on  the 
sides;  its  song  is  much  more  brilliant  and  varied  than 
the  eastern  bird.  It  is  found  from  the  Plains  to  the 
Pacific.  501c.  Florida  Meadowlark  (argutula)  is  smaller 
and  darker  than  the  common. 


503. 


AUDUBON  ORIOLE. 

Icterus  auduhonii.     9%  inches. 


Within  the  United  States,  these  large  Orioles  are 
found  only  in  southern  Texas,  They  are  not  uncommon 
there  and  are  resident.  Their  notes  are  loud,  mellow 
-whistles  like  those  of  the  other  Orioles.  Their  nests  are 
senu-pensile  and  usually  placed  in  mesquite  trees  not 
more  than  ten  or  fifteen  feet  from  the  ground. 

SCOTT  ORIOLE. 

504,     Icterus  parisorum.     8  inches. 

These  beautiful  birds  are  found  in  southwestern 
United  States,  from  California  to  western  Texas, 

They  are  said  to  sing  more  freely  than  other  members 
of  the  family,  but  the  song,  while  loud  and  clear,  is  of 
short  duration.  Their  nests,  which  are  semi-pensile,  are 
often  places  in  giant  yucca  trees,  or  in  vines  that  are 
suspended  from  cacti.  The  three  or  four  eggs  are  pale 
blue,  scrawled  and  spotted  with  black  and  lavender 
(,95x.65). 


HOODED  ORIOLE. 

505.     Icterus  cucullatus  scnnetti.     8   inches. 

This  very  brilliantly  plumaged  Oriole  is,  perhaps,  the 
most  abundant  of  the  family  in  southern  lexas.  It  is 
not  as  shy  a  bird  as  the  two  preceding  species  and  is 
more  often  found  in  the  neighborhood  of  houses. 

With  the  exception  of  a  few  kinds  of  fruits,  their 
food  consists  almost  entirely  of  insects;  all  the  Orioles 
are  regarded  as  among  our  most  beneficial  birds. 

Notes. — A  harsher  and  more  grating  whistle  than  that 
of  most  of  the  Orioles.  j 

Nest. — Usually    in    bunches    of    hanging   moss,    being  I 
made  by  hollowing  out  and  matting  the  moss  together  ■ 
and  lining  it  with  finer  wiry  moss.     Others  are  placed 
in  yucca  trees,  such  nests  being  made  of  the  fiber  of  the 
tree.     Eggs   dull   white,   scrawled   about   the    large   end 
with  black  and  laA'^ender    (.85x.60). 

Range. — Found  only  in  southern  Texas.  A  sub- 
species (nelsoni)  is  found  in  New  Mexico,  Arizona  and 
southern  California. 


ORCHARD  ORIOLE. 

506.     Icterus   spiirius.     7i/4    inches. 

Male  chestnut  and  black;  female  dull  yellowish  and 
gray;  young  Diale,  second  year,  like  female,  but  with 
black  face  and  throat.  These  Orioles  are  usually  found 
in  open  country  and,  as  their  name  suggests,  have  a 
preference  for  orchards.  They  are  also  found  abundantly 
in  shrubbery  along  streams  and  roadsides.  They  feed 
chiefly  upon  worms,  caterpillars,  beetles,  grasshoppers, 
etc.,  and  are  one  of  the  most  beneficial  birds  that  we 
have. 

Song. — A  rich,  loud  and  rapid  warble,  cheery  and 
pleasing  but  impossible  to  describe;  a  chattering  note  of 
alarm. 

Nest. — A  beautiful  basket  of  grasses  woven  into  a 
deeply  cupped  ball  and  situated  in  forks  of  trees  or 
bushes;  often  tliey  are  made  of  green  grasses.  Four 
to  six  white  eggs,  specked,  scrawled  and  spotted  with 
black  and  brown    ( .80  x  .55 ) . 

Range. — U.  S.  east  of  the  Plains,  breeding  from  the 
Gulf  to  Massachusetts  and  Michigan;  winters  in  Central 
America. 


BALTIMORE  ORIOLE. 

507.     Icterus  galbiila.     l^j   inches. 

Male  orange  and  black;  female  dull  yellowish  and 
gray. 

They  are  sociable  birds  and  seem  to  like  the  company 
of  mankind,  for  their  nests  are,  from  choice,  built  as 
near  as  possible  to  houses,  often  being  where  they  can 
be  reached  from  windows.  As  they  use  a  great  deal 
of  string  in  the  construction  of  their  nest,  children 
often  get  amusement  by  placing  bright-colored  pieces 
of  yarn  where  the  birds  will  get  them,  and  watch  them 
weave  them  into  their  homes. 

Song". — A  clear,  querulous,  varied  whistle  or  warble; 
call,  a  plaintive  whistle. 

Nest. — A  pensile  structure,  often  hanging  eight  or  ten 
inches  below  the  supporting  rim,  and  swaying  to  and 
fro  with  every  breeze.  They  lay  five  or  six  white  eggs, 
curiously  scrawled  with  blackish  brown   ( .90  x  .60 ) . 

Rang-e. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Rockies  and  breeding  north 
to  New  Brunswick  and  Manitoba.  Winters  in  Central 
America. 


RUSTY  BLACKBIRD. 

510.  Scolecophagiis  carolinus.  Qi/^  inches. 
]\Iale  glossy  black ;  female  grayish ;  both  sexes  in 
winter  with  most  of  the  head  and  breast  feathers  tipped 
with  rusty.  In  the  United  States  we  know  these  birds 
chiefly  as  emigrants;  but  a  few  of  them  remain  to  breed 
in  the  Northern  parts.  Their  songs  are  rather  squeaky 
efforts,  but  still  not  unmusical.  These  birds  are  found 
east  of  the  Rockies. 

BREWER  BLACKBIRD. 

510.  Scolecophagiis  cyaneocephalus.  10  inches. 
Male  with  a  glossy  purplish  head  and  greenish-black 
body;  female  grayish  brown.  This  is  the  Western  rep- 
resentative of  the  preceding;  it  is  most  abundant  west 
of  the  Rockies,  but  is  also  found  on  the  Plains.  Its  dis- 
tribution is  not  so  northerly  and  it  nests  commonly  in 
its  United  States  range.  Their  eggs  are  whitish,  very 
profusely  spotted  and  blotched  with  various  shades  of 
brown  (l.x.75). 


PURPLE  GRACKLE. 

511.     Quiscalus   quisciila.     12    inches. 

Male  Avith  purple  head  and  greenish  back ;  female 
brownish  gray.  All  the  Grackles  are  very  similar  in 
appearance,  the  colors  varying  with  different  individuals 
of  the  same  species.  Their  habits  are  alike,  too,  and  I 
consider  them  one  of  the  most  destructive  of  our  birds. 

Notes. — A  harsli  ''tchack,''  and  a  squeaky  song. 

Nest. — Of  sticks  and  twigs,  usually  in  pines  in  the 
Xorth  and  bushes  in  the  South.  Four  eggs,  pale  bluish 
-ray  with  black  scrawls   (1.10  x  .80). 

Rang-e. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  north  to  Mass. 

Sub-species. — 511a.  Florida  Grackle  (aglseus), 
slightly  smaller.  511b.  Bronzed  Grackle  (aeneus,  with 
a  purple  head  and  usually  a  brassy  back.  Eastern  U.  S., 
breeding   north   to   Labrador   and   ^Manitoba. 

BOAT-TAILED  GRACKLE. 

513.     Megaquiscalits    major.      15    inches. 
Similar  in  color  to  the  last  but  much  larger,  and  hav- 
ing  the    same   habits.      Eggs   also    larger    (1.25    x    .95). 
Southeastern    U.    S.      The    Great-tailed    Grackle     (ma- 
crourus),  found  in  Texas,  is  still  larger. 


EVENING  GROSBEAK. 

514.     Eesperiphona  vespertina.     8  inches. 

Female  marKea  like  the  male  but  much  paler  colored. 
As  would  be  judged  from  the  large  bills  that  these 
birds  have,  their  food  consists  almost  entirely  of  seeds, 
with  occasionally  a  few  berries  and  perhaps  insects. 
In  certain  localities  they  are  not  uncommon,  but,  ex- 
cept in  winter,  they  are  rare  anywhere  in  the  U.  S. 
and  east  of  the  Mississippi  they  can  only  be  regarded 
as  accidental  even  in  winter.  They  have  been  taken 
at  least  once  in  Massachusetts.  In  winter  they  usu- 
ally travel  about  in  small  bands,  visiting  localities 
where  the  food  supply  is  the  most  abundant. 

Song. — A  clear  JRobin-like  whistle;  call,  a  short 
whistle. 

Nest. — A  flat  structure  of  twigs  and  rootlets  placed 
at  low  elevations  in  trees  or  bushes.  Four  eggs,  green- 
ish white,  spotted  with  brown   ( .90  x  .65 ) . 

Rang-e. — Breeds  in  mountains  of  western  British 
America  and  northwestern  U.  S.  South  and  east  in 
winter  to  the  Mississippi  and  rarely  farther. 


PINE  GROSBEAK. 

515.     Pinicola  enucleator  leuciira.     8i^  inches. 

^lale  rosy  red:  female  gray  and  yellowish. 

These  pretty  birds  visit  us  every  winter,  coming 
from  Canada  and  northern  New  England,  where  they 
are  found  in  summer.  They  are  very  fearless  birds  and 
might  almost  be  regarded  as  stupid:  when  they  are 
feeding  you  can  easily  approach  within  a  few  feet  of 
them,  and  tliey  have  often  been  caught  in  butterfly 
nets.  They  may,  at  times,  be  found  in  any  kind  of  trees 
or  woods,  but  they  show  a  preference  for  small  growth 
pines,  where  they  feed  upon  the  seeds  and  vipon  seeds 
of  weeds  that  project  above  the  snow. 

Song-. — A  low  sweet  warble;  call,  a  clear,  repeated 
M'histle. 

Nest. — In  coniferous  trees,  of  twigs,  rootlets  and 
strips  of  bark :  eggs  three  to  four  in  number,  greenish 
blue  spotted  with  broAvn  and  lilac    (1.00  x  .70). 

Range. — Breeds  in  eastern  British  America  and  north- 
ern New  England ;  winters  south  to  New  York  and 
Ohio.     Several  sub-species  are  found  west  of  the  Rockies. 


PURPLE  FINCH. 

517.     Carpodacus  purpureus.     Gi/i  inches. 

Male  dull  rosy  red;  female  streaked  brownish  gray. 

These  beautiful  songsters  are  common  in  the  north- 
ern tier  of  states  and  in  Canada.  In  spring  the  males 
are  usually  seen  on,  or  heard  from,  tree  tops  in 
orchards  or  parks,  giving  forth  their  glad  carols.  They 
are  especially  musical  in  spring  when  the  snow  is  just 
leaving  the  ground  and  the  air  is  bracing.  After  fam- 
ily cares  come  upon  them,  they  are  quite  silent,  the 
male  only  occasionally  indulging  in  a  burst  of  song. 

Song". — A  loud,  long-continued  and  very  sweet  warble ; 
call,  a  querulous  whistle. 

Nest. — Of  strips  of  bark,  twigs,  rootlets  and  grasses, 
placed  at  any  height  in  evergreens  or  orchard  trees. 
The  eggs  resemble,  somewhat,  large  specimens  of  those 
of  the  Chipping  Sparrow.  They  are  three  or  four  in 
number  and  are  greenish  blue  with  strong  blackish 
specks    (.85  x  .65) . 

Range. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding  from 
Pennsylvania  and  Illinois  northward;  winters  through- 
out the  United  States. 


AMERICAN  CROSSBILL. 
521.     Loxia  curvirostra  minor.     0  inches. 

These  curious  creatures  appear  in  flocks  on  the  out- 
skirts of  our  cities  every  winter,  where  they  will  be 
found  almost  exclusively  in  coniferous  trees.  They 
cling  to  the  cones,  upon  which  they  are  feeding,  in 
every  conceivable  attitude,  and  a  shower  of  seeds  and 
broken  cones  rattling  through  the  branches  below  shows 
that  they  are  busily  working.  They  are  very  eccentric 
birds  and  the  whole  flock  often  takes  flight,  without  ap- 
jjarent  cause,  only  to  circle  about  again  to  the  same 
trees.  The  flute-like  whistle  that  they  utter  when  in 
flight  sounds  quite  pleasing  when  coming  from  all  the 
individuals  in  the  flock. 

Song". — A  low  twittering;  call,  a  short,  flute-like 
whistle. 

Nest. — In  coniferous  trees,  of  spruce  twigs,  shreds 
of  bark  and  some  moss  or  grass.  The  three  or  four 
eggs  are  greenish  white  spotted  with  brown   (.75  x  .55). 

Rang-e. — Breeds  from  northern  >«ew  England  north- 
ward and  westward,  and  south  in  mountains  to  Georgia; 
winters  in  the  northern  half  of  the  U.  S. 


i 


WHITE-WINGED  CROSSBILL. 

522.     Loxia  leucoptera.     6  inches. 

Male,   rosy;    female,   with   yellowish. 

This  species  seems  to  be  of  a  more  roving  dispo- 
sition, and  even  more  eccentric  than  the  last.  They 
are  not  nearly  as  common  and  are  usually  seen  in 
smaller  flocks;  occasionally  one  or  two  individuals  of 
this  species  will  be  found  with  a  flock  of  the  American 
Crossbills,  but  they  usually  keep  by  themselves.  While 
they  may  be  seen  in  a  certain  locality  one  season,  they 
may  be  absent  for  several  seasons  after,  for  some  rea- 
son or  other.  They  feed  upon  the  seeds  of  pine  cones, 
prying  the  cones  open  with  their  peculiar  bills. 

Notes. — Do  not  differ  appreciably  from  those  of  the 
last. 

Nest. — The  nesting  habits  of  this  species  are  like 
those  of  the  last,  but  the  eggs  differ  in  being  slightly 
larger  and  in  having  the  markings  of  a  more  blotchy 
character   ( .80  x  .55 ) . 

Rang'e. — Breeds  from  the  northern  parts  of  the 
northern  tier  of  states  northward.  Winters  in  the  north- 
ern half  of  the  U.  S. 


GRAY-CROWNED  LEUCOSTICTE. 

524.     Leiicosticte   tephrocotis.     CV-j    inches. 

Female  similar  to,  but  duller  colored  than  the  male. 

All  the  members  of  this  genus  are  western  and 
northern,  this  one  only  being  found  east  of  the  Rockies 
and  then  only  in  ^Aunter,  when  it  occasionally  is  found 
east  of  the  Mississippi.  They  wander  about  in  rocky 
mountainous  regions,  feeding  upon  seeds  and  berries. 
They  are  very  restless  and  stop  in  a  place  but  a  short 
time  before  flying  swifth'  away,  in  a  compact  flock, 
to  another  feeding  ground. 

Note. — An  alarm  note  of  a  short,  quick  whistle. 

Nest. — Built  on  the  ground,  usually  beside  a  rock  or 
ill  a  crevice;  composed  of  weeds  and  grass,  lined  with 
finer  grass.  They  lay  three  or  four  unmarked  white 
poos  in  June. 

Range. — Western  U.  S.,  breeding  in  the  higher  moun- 
tain ranges ;  in  winter  sometimes  wandering  east  to 
the  Mississippi. 


BEDPOLL. 

528,     Acanthis   linaria.     5^/4   inches. 

Male  with  a  rosy  breast;  female  without. 

In  winter  these  northern  birds  may  be  found  in  flocks 
gathering-  seeds  from  weeds  by  the  roadside  and  stone 
walls.  Their  actions  greatly  resemble  those  of  our 
Goldfinch,  but  their  flight  is  more  rapid. 

Song. — Strong,  sweet  and  canary-like. 

Nest. — At  low  elevations  in  bushes  or  trees;  eggs 
three  to  five,  pale  greenish  blue  with  brown  specks. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  extreme  north;  winters  south 
to  northern  U.  8. 

Sub-species. — 528a.  Holboell  Redpoll  (holboelli), 
slightly  larger.  528b.  Greater  Redpoll  (rostrata), 
larger  and  darker. 

GREENLAND  REDPOLL. 

527.     Acanthis  honiemannii.     0  inches. 
A   larger   and   much   whiter   species   found   in    Green- 
land   and    migrating    to    Labrador    in    winter.       527b. 
Hoary  Redpoll    (exilipes),  smaller  and  darker,  but  still 
lighter  than  the  Redpoll;  winters  south  to  Massachusetts. 


AMERICAN  GOLDFINCH. 

529.     Astragaliniis    tristis.     5V4    inches. 

These  beautiful  little  creatures  are  often  known  as 
Thistle-birds  and  Wild  Canaries,  the  former  name  be- 
cause they  are  often  seen  on  thistles,  from  the  down  of 
which  their  nests  are  largely  made,  and  the  latter  name 
because  of  the  sweet  canary-like  song.  Their  flight  is 
a  peculiar  series  of  undulations  accompanied  by  an  in- 
termittent twitter.  They  are  very  sociable  and  breed 
usually  in  communities  as  well  as  travel  in  flocks  in 
the  winter.  Their  food  is  chiefly  of  seeds  and  they 
often  come  to  gardens  in  fall  and  winter  to  partake  of 
sunflower  seeds,  these  flowers  often  being  raised  for  the 
sole  purpose  of  furnishing  food  for  the  finches  in  the 
winter. 

Song. — Sweet,  prolonged  and  canary-like;  call,  a 
musical  ''tcheer,"  and  a  twittering  in  flight. 

Nest. — Of  thistle  down,  plant  fibres  and  grasses,  in 
forks  of  bushes,  most  often  willows  or  alders  near 
water.     Four  or  five  unmarked,  pale  bluish  eggs. 

Rang-e. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Rockies;  breeds  from  Vir- 
ginia and  Missouri  north  to  Labrador;  winters  in  U.  S. 


WESTERN  GOLDFINCH. 

530.     Astragalinus   psaltria.     4i/4    inches. 

Cap,  wings  and  tail  black;  sides  of  head  and  back 
greenish.  Female  mvich  duller  and  with  no  black  in  the 
crown.  These  little  Goldfinches  are  very  abundant 
throughout  the  West.  Their  flight  is  undulatory  like 
that  of  the  preceding,  and  all  their  habits  are  very  sim- 
ilar. They  spend  the  winter  in  bands,  roving  about  the 
country,  feeding  on  M^eed  seeds;  in  summer  they  repair, 
either  in  small  bands  or  by  single  pairs,  to  the  edges 
of  swamps  or  woodland  near  water,  where  they  construct 
their  compact  homes  in  the  forks  of  bushes.  Their  eggs 
are  pale  blue  like  those  of  the  American  Goldfinch,  but 
of  course  are  much  smaller  (.62  x  .45).  They  are  laid  in 
May  or  June,  or  even  earlier  in  the  western  portions  of 
their  range. 

Song-. — Sweet  and  musical,  almost  like  that  of  the 
last  species. 

Range. — Western  United  States  from  the  Plains  to 
the   Pacific,  being  abundant   west   of  the   Rocky   Moun- 
tains. 
6 


PINE  FINCH  OR  SISKIN. 
533.     Spinus  pinus.     5  inches. 

These  are  also  northern  birds,  being  found  in  the  U. 
8.,  with  the  exception  of  the  extreme  northern  parts, 
only  in  winter  aYid  early  spring.  Their  habits  are  just 
like  those  of  the  Goldfinches,  for  which  species  they  are 
often  mistaken,  as  the  latter  are  dull-colored  in  winter. 
Their  song  and  call-notes  are  like  those  of  the  Gold- 
finch, but  have  a  slight  nasal  twang  that  will  identify 
them  at  a  distance,  after  becoming  accustomed  to  it. 
They  are  often  seen  hanging  head  downward  from  the 
ends  of  branches  as  they  feed  upon  the  seeds  or  buds, 
and  when  thus  engaged  they  are  very  tame. 

Song. — Quite  similar  to  that  of  the  Goldfinch. 

Nest. — In  coniferous  trees  at  any  elevation  from  the 
^roundo  They  are  made  of  rootlets  and  grasses,  lined 
with  pine  needles  and  hair;  the  three  to  five  eggs  are 
greenish  white,  speckea  with  reddish  brown   ( .65  x  .45 ) . 

Range. — North  America,  breeding  northward  from 
the  northern  boundary  of  the  U.  S.  and  farther  south 
in  mountain  ranges;  winters  throughout  the  U.  S. 


SNOWFLAKE. 

534.     PlectropJienax  nivalis.     7  inches. 

Adults  in  summer  black  and  white;  in  winter,  washed 
with  brownish. 

When  winter  storms  sweep  across  6ur  land,  these 
birds  blow  in  like  true  snowtlakes,  settling  down  upon 
hillsides  and  feeding  upon  seeds  from  the  weed  stalks 
that  are  sure  to  be  found  above  the  snow  somewhere. 
They  are  usually  found  in  large  liocks,  and  are  verj'^ 
restless,  starting  up,  as  one  bird,  at  the  slightest  noise, 
or  continually  wheeling  about  from  one  hill  to  another, 
of  their  own  accord. 

Song. — A  low  twittering  while  feeding  and  a  short 
whistle  when  in  flight. 

Nest. — Of  grass  and  moss  lined  with  feathers  and 
sunk  in  the  spagnum  moss  with  which  much  of  Arctic 
America  is  covered.  Three  to  five  eggs,  pale  greenish 
white,  specked  with  brown.     Size  .90  x  .65. 

Range. — Breeds  from  Labrador  and  Hudson  Bay 
northward:   winters  in  northern  United  States. 


S3 


LAPLAND  LONGSPUR. 

536.     Calcarius    lapponicus.     G14    inches. 

Male  in  summer  with  black  crown  and  throat,  and 
chestnut  nape;  female  similar  but  duller;  winter  plu- 
mage, with  feathers  of  head  and  neck  tipped  with 
grayish  so  as  to  conceal  the  bright  markings. 

As  indicated  by  its  name,  this  is  a  Northern  species, 
which  spends  the  cold  months  in  northern  L'.  S.,  trav- 
eling in  flocks  and  resting  and  feeding  on  side  hills, 
often  with  Snowflakes,  or  on  lower  ground  with  Horned 
Larks. 

Song". — A  sweet  trill  or  warble,  frequently  given 
while  in  flight;  call,  a  sharp  chip. 

Nest. — Of  mosses,  grasses  and  feathers  placed  on  the 
ground  in  tussocks  or  on  grassy  hummocks.  In  June 
and  July  they  lay  from  four  to  six  eggs  having  a  gray- 
isli  ground  color,  which  is  nearly  obscured  by  the 
numerous  blotches  of  brown  and  lavender    (.80  x  .60), 

K.ang'e. — Breeds  from  Labrador  northward  and  win- 
ters south  to  South  Carolina  and  Texas.  A  sub-species 
is  found  in  the  West. 


SMITH  LONGSPUR. 

537.     Calcarius   pictus.     Qy^    inches. 

Male  in  summer  with  the  underparts  buffy  and  sides 
of  head  marked  with  black ;  female,  and  male  in  winter, 
much  duller  with  all  bright  markings  covered  with  a 
brownish-gray  wash. 

Like  the  last  species,  these  are  Arctic  birds  found, 
in  winter,  on  the  plains  and  prairies  of  middle  U.  8. 
They  are  rarely  found  within  our  limits  when  in  their 
beautiful  spring  plumage.  They  are  most  always  found 
in  company  with  the  following  species  feeding  upon 
seeds,  buds  and  small  berries. 

Song". — A  sweet  warble  rarely  heard  in  the  United 
States;  a  clear  "cheer-up"  constantly  uttered  while  on 
the  wing. 

Nest. — Of  grasses,  weeds  and  moss,  lined  with 
feathers ;  located  on  the  ground  in  similar  locations  to 
those  of  the  last  species.  The  four  or  five  eggs  arc 
similar  to  those  of  the  last  but  lighter   (.80  x  .GO). 

Range. — Breeds  about  Hudson  Bay  and  northward; 
winters   in   middle   United   States. 


CHESTNUT-COLLARED   LONGSPUR. 

538.     Calcarius  ornatus.     01^4  inches. 

Male  in  summer  with  a  black  breast  and  crown,  and 
chestnut  nape;  female,  and  male  in  winter,  much  duller 
and  with  all  bright  markings  covered  with  grayish. 

Unlike  the  preceding  Longspurs,  these  are  constant 
residents  in  the  greater  part  of  the  Western  Plains,  in 
some  localities  being  classed  as  one  of  the  most  abun- 
dant birds.  They  have  a  short,  sweet  song  that,  in 
springtime,  is  frequently  given  as  the  bird  mounts  into 
the  air  after  the  fashion  of  the  Horned  Larks.  They 
commonly  feed  about  ploughed  fields,  along  the  edges 
of  which  they  build  their  nests. 

Song". — A  short,  sweet  trill;  alarm  note  a  sharp  chip, 
and  call  note  a  more  musical  chirp. 

Nest. — Of  line  grasses,  placed  on  the  ground  in  open 
prairies  or  along  the  edges  of  cultivated  fields,  often 
being  concealed  beside  a  tussock;  their  four  or  five 
eggs  are  clay  color  marked  with  reddish  brown  and 
lavender   (.75  x  .55) . 

Rang-e. — Breeds  in  the  Great  Plains  from  Kansas 
and  Colorado  north  to  Manitoba ;  winters  south  to 
Mexico. 


M'COWN  LONGSPUR. 

539.     Rliynclwphanes   mccoicnii.     6   inches. 

]\Iale  with  a  black  crown  and  patch  on  breast,  and 
cliestnut  shoulders;  female,  and  male  in  winter,  dull 
colored  with  all  bright  markings  obscured  by  brownish 
gray. 

These  are  also  common  birds  on  the  plains  of  middle 
U.  S.,  but  perhaps  not  so  much  so  as  the  last  species, 
with  which  species  they  are  often  found  breeding. 
These  finches  show  their  close  relationship  to  the 
famous  Skylark  of  Europe  by  frequently  indulging  in 
the  same  practice  of  soaring  aloft  and  descending  on 
set  wings,  rapturously  uttering  their  sweet  song. 

Song". — A  shrill,  twittering  warble;  call  a  musical 
chirp. 

Nest. — A  neat  cup  of  grasses  in  a  hollow  in  the 
ground  on  prairies  or  in  fields.  Their  four  to  six  eggs 
are  dull  whitish  clouded  with  brownish,  the  marking 
not  being  as  distinct  as  in  those  of  the  last  species 
(.75   X   .55). 

Range, — Breeds  on  the  Great  Plains  from  Kansas 
north  to  Saskatchewan;   winters  south  to  Mexico. 


ENGLISH   SPARROW. 

'    **^'     Passer  domesticiis.     G14  inches. 

These  street  urchins  were  introduced  into  our  coun- 
try from  Europe  about  1850,  and  have  since  multiplied 
and  spread  out  so  that  they  now  are  found  in  all  parts 
of  our  land  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific.  Hereto- 
fore they  have  confined  themselves  chiefly  in  the  im- 
mediate vicinity  of  the  larger  cities  and  towns,  but  it  is 
now  noted  with  alarm  that  they  are  apparently  spread- 
ing out  into  the  surrounding  country.  They  are  very 
hardy  creatures,  able  to  stand  our  most  rigorous  winters. 
They  are  fighters  and  bullies  from  the  time  they  leave 
the  egg,  and  few  of  our  native  birds  will  attempt  to  live 
in  the  neighborhood  with  them. 

Notes. — A  harsh,  discordant  sound,  which  they  com- 
mence early  in  the  morning  and  continue  until  night. 

Nest. — Of  straw  and  rubbish  piled  behind  blinds,  in] 
the  tops  of  electric  lights  or  crevices  of  buildings,  and' 
sometimes  large,  unsightly  heaps  of  straw  in  trees. 
They  raise  three  or  four  broods  a  year  and  in  all  sea- 
sons; five  to  seven  whitish  eggs  scratched  with  black. 

Ranffe. — Whole  of  U.  S.  and  southern  Canada. 


VESPER  SPARROW. 

540.     Prwcetes  gi-amineus.     6  inches. 

The  chestnut  shoulders  and  white  outer  tail  feathers 
distinguish  this  from  any  other  of  our  Sparrows. 

The  name  Vesper  Sparrow  is  given  this  bird  because 
of  its  habit  of  tuning  up  along  towards  evening;  it  is 
perhaps  more  often  known  as  the  "Bay-winged  Sparrow" 
or  "Grass  Finch." 

They  are  found  chiefly  in  dry  pastures  or  along  dusty 
roadsides,  where  they  start  from  the  ground  in  front  of 
us,  their  white  tail  feathers  showing  prominently  as  they 
fly,  so  that  there  will  be  no  mistake  as  to  their  identity. 

Song, — A  clear,  ascending  series  of  whistles,  given 
from  a  fence  post  or  bush  top ;  call,  a  sharp  chirp. 

Nest. — Of  grasses  in  weedy  fields  or  pastures;  four  or 
five  whitish  eggs  marked  and  blotched  with  brownish 
(.80X.60). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.  from  Virginia  to  sovitheni 
Canada;  winters  in  southern  U.  S.  The  similar  Western 
Vesper  Sparrow  (confinis)  is  found  from  the  Plains  to 
the  Pacific  coast  ranges. 


IPSWICH   SPARROW. 

541.  rasscrculus  princeps.  (Ji/4  inches. 
This  species  is  larger  and  paler  colored,  but  very  sim- 
ilar to  the  more  common  and  better  known  Savanna 
Sparrow.  Its  habits  are  the  same.  It  breeds  on  Sable 
Island,  Nova  Scotia,  and  winters  along  the  Atlantic 
coast  to  Virginia. 

SAVANNA  SPARROW. 
542a.     Passerculus  sandicichensis  savanna.     5^2   inches. 

Breast  and  sides  streaked  with  brownish,  and  yellow 
before  the  eye  and  also  on  bend  of  wing. 

These  finches  are  very  abundant  in  eastern  U.  S. 
during  migrations  and  a  few  remain  in  the  northern 
parts  through  the  summer. 

Song. — A  weak  trill  or  twitter;  a  short  chip. 

Nest. — Of  grasses  in  hollows  in  the  ground  and  con- 
cealed by  grass  or  weeds.  The  four  grayish  eggs  are 
spotted  with  brown    ( .75  x  .55 ) . 

Rang-e. — Winters  in  southern  U.  S.;  breeds  from 
northern  U.  S.  northward.  542b.  Western  Savanna 
Sparrow  (alaudinus)  is  found  from  the  Plains  west  to 
the  coast  ranges.     It  is  slightly  paler. 


BAIRD  SPARROW. 

545.      Coturniculus   hairdii.     5%    inches. 

Crown  and  nape  brownish  yellow  streaked  with  black; 
iinderparts  white  streaked  on  the  throat,  breast  and 
sides  with  blackish;  tail  slightly  forked  and  the  feathers 
pointed. 

In  summer  the  western  plains  and  prairie  ring  with 
tlie  tinkling  songs  of  these  little  Sparrows;  they  are 
especially  abundant  in  Dakota  and  Montana. 

GRASSHOPPER  SPARROW. 

54G.      Coturniculus   snvannarum   australis.      5i/>    inches. 

Crown  blackish  with  a  central  buffy  stripe;  na])< 
brown  and  gray;  sides  of  head,  breast  and  flanks,  buli'y 
without  streaks. 

Song. — A  weak,  insect-like  "zee-e-e-e-e." 

Nest. — A  grass-lined  hollow  in  a  field,  with  the  top 
arched  over  so  as  to  keep  off  the  sun  and  conceal  the 
eggs.  In  June  four  or  five  white,  brown-specked  eggs 
are  laid    (.75  x  .55) . 

Range. — U.  S.  east  of  the  Rockies;  winters  in  south- 
ern U.  S. 

546b.  Florida  Grasshopper  Sparrow  (floridanus),  a 
flarkfr  raop  found  on  thfi  nlains  of  interior  Florida. 


HENSLOW  SPARROW. 

547.  Ammodrar.ms  hensloicii.     5  inches. 

Crown  and  nape  greenish,  streaked  with  black;  breast 
and  sides  buffy,  streaked  with  black;  tail  feathers  nar- 
row and  pointed. 

This  species  is  of  a  more  southern  distribution  than 
the  last,  being  rarely  found  in  New  England,  but  quite 
common  in  favorable  localities  south  of  Virginia. 

LECONTE  SPARROW. 

548.  Ammodramus   Iccontei.     5   inches. 

Hind  head  chestnut  and  gray;  sides  of  head,  throat, 
breast  and  flanks  a  ricli  buflf  color. 

Song-. — A  grasshopper-like  squeaking. 

JSTest. — Of  grasses  in  hollows  of  the  grouna  on 
prairies;  eggs  greenish  white  thickly  specked  with 
brownisn    ( .65  x  .50 ) . 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  Great  Plains  from  Dakota  to 
Manitol)a.  and  winters  southeastward  to  the  South  At- 
lantic and  Gulf  States. 


SHARP-TAILED    SPARROW. 

549.     Ammodramus  caudacutus.     5%  inches. 

Back  of  head  greenish;  sides  of  head,  breast  and 
flanks  buff  with  black  streaks;  tail  feathers  sharp. 

Salt  marshes  along  the  seacoast  or  along  streams 
emptying  into  the  ocean  are  the  dwelling  places  of  these 
finches.  They  creep  about  like  mice  in  the  salt  grass, 
now  running  across  an  open  space,  now  threading  their 
way  through  the  upright  stalks. 

Song. — A  rather  weak,  squeaky  trill. 

Nest. — Of  seaweed  and  marsh  grass,  attached  to  the 
grass  stalks  several  inches  above  ground  and  often  cov- 
ered by  a  mass  of  dry  seaweed.  Eggs  greenish  white 
specked  with  brown  ( .78  x  .56) . 

Range. — Atlantic  coast  of  the  U.  S. 

NELSON  SPARROW. 

549a.  Ammodramus  nelsoni.  5%  inches. 
Similar  to  the  last  but  brighter  colored  and  not 
streaked  below.  In  the  Mississippi  Valley  north  to  Man- 
itoba. 549a.  Acadian  Sharp-tailed  Sparrow  (sub-vir- 
gatus),  Atlantic  coast,  breeding  from  Maine  to  New 
Brunswick. 


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SEASIDE   SPARROW. 

550.     Amiuodranius  maritimus.       6  inches. 

Vellow  spot  before  the  eje.  General  plumage  a.ove 
grayish  green  with  no  black  markings.  All  the  habits 
of  the  Seaside  Sparrows  are  precisely  like  those  of  the 
Sharp-tailed  Sparrows.  Ihe  nests  and  eggs  are  indis- 
tinguishable and  are  often  found  in  the  same  marshes. 

Sub-species. — 550a.  Scott  Seaside  Sparrow  (penin- 
suhe ) ,  slightly  smaller  and  with  the  back  marked  w^th 
black  and  brownish  green;  South  Atlantic  coast.  550b. 
Texas  Seaside  Sparrow  ( sennetti ) ,  greener  above  than 
No.  550;  coast  of  Texas.  550c.  Fisher  Seaside  Sparrow 
(fisheri),  darker  above  than  scotti  and  with  the  breast 
and  sides  heavily  washed  with  rusty  and  streaked  with 
black;  coast  of  Louisiana.  550d.  Macgillivray  Seaside 
Sparrow    (macgillivrayii),  coast  of  South  Carolina. 

DUSKY  SEASIDE  SPARROW. 

551.     Ammodramiis  nigrescens.     6  inches. 
Darkest    of    the    Seaside    Sparrows.      Found    only    in 
marshes  at  head  of  Indian  Kiver,  Florida. 


LARK  SPARROW. 

552.     Chondestes  grammacus.     6^  inches. 

These  handsome  sparrows  are  very  abundant  in  the 
Mississippi  Valley :  their  favorite  resorts  are  fields, 
pastures  and  prairie  lands,  or  along  dusty  roadsides. 
Their  song  is  one  of  the  sweetest  of  Q.nj  oi  the  Spar- 
rows, and  is  freely  given  throughout  the  summer. 

Song". — A  hurried  gush  of  silvery  tremulous  notes. 

Nest. — Sometimes  in  bushes  but  usuallj^  on  the 
ground:  of  grasses  arranged  in  a  hollow  to  form  a  little 
cup,  and  usually  concealed  under  a  tuft  of  grass  or 
bunch  of  clover.  The  birds  usually  run  some  distance 
from  the  nest  before  flying,  so  that  they  are  quite  hard 
to  find.  They  lay  three  to  five  eggs,  white,  specked 
and  scrawled  sparingly  with  blackish  (.80  x  .00.), 
wliolly  different  from  those  of  any  other  Sparrow. 

Range. — Mississippi  Valley,  breeding  from  Texas  to 
Manitoba :    winters  in  southern  U.   S.  and  Mexico. 

Sub-species. — 552a.  Western  Lark  Sparrow  (striga- 
tus)  is  slightly  paler  and  less  heavily  marked;  found 
from  the  Plains  to  the  Pacific. 


HARRIS  SPARROW. 

553.     Zonotrichia  querula.     7l^  inches. 

Adults  in  summer  with  the  crown,  face  and  throat 
bhxck;  in  winter  with  the  black  areas  mottled  with 
gray. 

This  species  is  one  of  the  largest  of  the  Sparrows.  It 
is  found  abundantly  on  the  prairies  during  migrations, 
but  about  nesting  time  they  all  seem  to  disappear  and 
no  one  has,  as  yet,  been  able  to  locate  their  exact 
breeding  range.  It  is  supposed  to  be  among  some  of 
the  foothills  of  Xorth  Dakota  and  northward  through 
INIanitoba  and  Saskatchewan,  as  they  have  been  found 
during  the  summer  in  all  these  localities.  Nests  sup- 
posed to  belong  to  this  species  have  been  found,  but 
they    lack   positive    identification. 

Song", — A  series  of  musical,  piping  w^histles. 

Nest. — Supposed  to  be  of  grass  and  bark,  a  few 
inches  above  the  ground  in  weed  stalks  or  small  shrubs; 
eggs  whitish,  thickly  spotted  with  brown   ( .95  x  .65 ) . 

Rang-e. — Interior  U.  S.  from  Texas  (in  winter)  north 
through  the  Plains  and  Mississippi  to  Manitoba. 


WHITE-CROWNED   SPARROW. 

554.     Zonotrichia   leucophrys.     7   inches. 

Adults  with  a  white  crown  bordered  by  black,  the 
black  covering  the  lores  or  space  before  the  eye  (the 
sub-species  found  west  of  the  Rockies  have  the  lores 
white). 

We  know  these  birds  in  the  U.  S.,  except  in  moun- 
tain ranges  or  in  the  extreme  northern  parts,  only  as 
migrants,  they  then  being  found  in  brushy  woodlots  or 
along  roadsides.  In  the  north  they  are  found  in  deep- 
ly wooded  ravines  and  on  side  hills.  While  with  us 
they  rarely  if  ever  sing,  but  in  their  summer  home 
they  have  a  clear  tinkling  song  like  that  of  the  White- 
throated  Sparrow,  with  which  we  see  them  associated 
here. 

Song". — A  clear,  sweet,  piping  "see-dee-dee-dee-de-e ; '' 
call  note  a  sharp  chip. 

Nest. — Usually  on  the  ground  under  patches  of  brush 
or  bushes.  The  four  or  five  eggs  are  whitish  profusely 
spotted  with  brown   (.90  x  .63). 

Range. — N.  A.,  breeding  from  northern  U.  S.  north- 
ward and  in  high  ranges  south  to  Mexico. 
7 


WHITE-THROATED  SPARROW. 

558.     Zonotrichia    alhicollis.     0%    inches. 

In  thick  underbrush,  we  hear  these  birds  scratching 
about  among  the  leaves;  occasionally  one  of  them  will 
hop  up  on  a  twig  and  give  his  clear  peabody  song,  or, 
hearing  or  seeing  you,  give  a  sharp  chirp  and  dash  out 
(  f  siglit  again.  They  are  birds  of  the  ground,  always 
l)usy  and  always  happy.  I  think  that  without  any  ex- 
(■('))tion,  they  are  the  handsomest  of  our  Sparrows,  their 
colors  are  so  rich  and  harmonize  and  blend  together  so 
well. 

Song. — A  high-pitched,  very  clear  and  sweet  whistle, 
'•l)ea-bo-dy-bird."  Call  and  note  of  alarm,  a  metallic 
chirp. 

Nest. — Usually  on  the  ground  on  the  borders  of 
woods  or  in  swamps;  of  grass  and  leaves,  similar  to, 
l)ut  larger,  than  that  of  the  Song  Sparrow.  Four  or 
live  eggs,  pale  greenish  blue,  thicklv  spotted  with 
iiiown   (.85  X  .63). 

Range. — X.  A.  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding  from 
northern  U.  S.  to  Labrador  and  Hudson  Bay;  winters 
in  the  southern  half  of  U.  S. 


TREE  SPARROW. 

559.     ^pizclla   monticola.     614    inches. 

A  blackish-brown  spot  in  middle  of  breast;  crown 
reddisli  brown  with  no  black  about  the  head;  back  and 
Avings  with  considerable  brown. 

These  Sparrows  are  summer  residents  of  the  Arctic 
region,  passing  the  winter  in  the  northern  half  of  the 
U.  S.  They  bear  considerable  resemblance  to  our  com- 
mon Chipping  Sparrow,  but  are  larger  and  have  char- 
acteristic markings  as  noted  above.  They  appear  in 
the  U.  S.  in  October  and  many  of  them  pass  the  win- 
ter in  the  fields  and  gardens  in  our  northern  states. 

Note. — A  musical  chirp;  song,  strong,  sweet  and 
musical  and  ending  in  a  low  warble. 

Nest. — Usually  on  the  ground,  but  sometimes  at  low 
elevations  in  bushes.  Eggs  pale  greenish  blue  with 
brown  specks  over  the  Avhole  surface,  thus  being  very 
different  from  those  of  the  Chipping  Sparrow  (.80  x  .60). 

Rang-e. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Plains,  breeding  in  Labra- 
dor and  about  Hudson  Bay;  winters  in  northern  half 
of  the  U.  S.  A  sub-species,  559a.  Western  Tree  Spar- 
row (ochracea)  is  paler;  it  is  found  from  the  Plains  to 
the  Pacific,  breeding  in  the  north. 


CHIPPING  SPARROW. 

5G0.     Spizella  socialis.     5^/4  inches. 

Crown  chestnut;  forehead  black;  line  through  the 
eye  black. 

One  of  the  commonest  and  most  useful  of  our  Spar- 
rows, frequenting  orchards,  yards  and  bushy  pastures. 
They  are  not  at  all  timid  and  frequently  nest  in  vines, 
covering  porches  or  the  side  of  the  house,  provided 
that  English  Sparrows  are  not  too  plenty.  They  eat 
great  quantities  of  insects  and  worms,  and  some  seeds, 
feeding  their  young  wholly  upon  the  former. 

Song. — A  very  rapidly  chanted  chip,  chip,  chip,  chip, 
continued  for  several  seconds ;  call,  a  sharp  chip. 

Nest. — A  small  cup-shaped  structure  of  rootlets, 
lined  with  horsehair ;  placed  in  bushes,  trees  or  vines ; 
eggs  three  to  five,  bluish  green,  specked,  chiefly  around 
the  large  end,  with  blackish  brown    (.65  x  .50). 

Range. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Plains,  breeding  from  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico  north  to  Newfoundland  and  Hudson 
Bay;  winters  in  the  Gulf  States.  A  sub-species  is  found 
west  of  the  Rockies. 


100 


CLAY-COLORED  SPARROW. 

561.  Spizella  pallida.  5^2  inches. 
No  reddish  brown  in  the  plumage ;  crown  largely 
black,  with  a  whitish  stripe  in  centre.  The  habits  of 
these  birds  are  the  same  as  those  of  the  Chippy ;  they  are 
abundant  on  the  Plains  north  to  Saskatchewan  and  lareed 
south  to  the  northern  portion  of  the  United  States. 
They  spend  the  winter  in  Mexico.  Their  nests  and  eggs 
cannot  be  distinguished  from  those  of  the  preceding,  ex- 
cept, perhaps,  by  the  fact  that  the  nest  has  more  grass 
than  hair. 

BREWER  SPARROW. 

562.  Spizella  hreiceri.  5l^  inches. 
Like  the  lest  species,  the  general  tone  of  plumage  of 
this  is  gray.  It  differs,  though,  in  having  the  crown 
finely  streaked  with  blackish.  It  is  a  more  western 
species  thfin  the  last  and  is  rarely  found  east  of  the 
Rockies.  It  ranges  from  British  Columbia  southward 
into  Mexico. 


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101 


102 


FIELD    SPARROW. 

563.     Si)izella  pusilla.     oi/>  inches. 

Bill  pinkisli-broAvn :  crown  and  ear  covert  brown  with 
no  black  markings;  back  reddish  brown  and  breast  and 
Sides  washed  witn  brown. 

You  will  find  these  birds  in  dry  pastures,  stubble 
fields  and  side  hills.  The  hotter  and  dryer  a  place  is, 
the  better  they  seem  to  like  it.  They  are  often  the 
only  birds  that  will  be  found  nesting  on  tracts  of  land 
recently  burned  over,  upon  which  the  sun  beats  down 
with  stifling  heat. 

Song". — A  series  of  shrill  piping  whistles  on  an  as- 
cending scale  and  terminating  in  a  little  trill,  "swee- 
see-see-se-e-e." 

Nest. — A  frail  structure  of  grasses  and  weeds,  lined 
with  "mer  grasses;  placed  either  on  the  ground  or  in 
bushes,  briars  or  weed  patches;  four  or  five  whitish 
eggs  marked  with  reddish  brown    (.08  x  .50). 

Range. — Breeds  from  the  Gulf  States  north  to  south- 
ern  Canada ;    winters   in   southern  United   States. 

Sub-species. — 563a.  Western  Field  Sparrow  (arena- 
cea),  a  paler  race  found  on  the  Great  Plains. 


WHITE-WINGED    JUNCO. 

56G.     Junco  aikeni.     6^4  inches. 

Sliglitly  larger  than  the  common  eastern  Junco,  and 
with  two  white  bars  on  the  w^ing  and  more  white  on 
the  tail. 

This  species  cannot  be  regarded  as  common  anywhere, 
even  locally,  and  in  most  sections  of  its  range  it  is  rare. 
There  are  no  peculiarities  in  its  habits  and  I  believe  that 
its  nests  and  eggs  have  not,  as  yet,  been  discovered. 

Range. — Breeds  in  Wyoming  and  the  Dakotas  and 
winters  in  Colorado  and  eastward  to  Kansas. 


SLATE-COLORED  JUNCO. 

5()7.     Jiinco  liyemalis.     ()i4   inclies. 

These  are  one  of  our  most  common  winter  birds,  easily 
recognized,  wliile  perching  or  on  the  ground,  by  the 
white  or  pinkisli  bill,  and  when  flying  by  the  white'outer 
tail  feathers  and  the  gray  and  white  plumage.  They  are 
very  common  about  houses  as  well  as  on  the  edges  of 
woods  and  in  pine  groves,  being  very  tame  and  coming 
into  the  dooryard  to  feed  upon  crumbs  or  chaff  which  is 
often  thrown  out  for  them. 

Song-. — A  sweet  simple  trill,  which  has  a  beautiful 
efl"ect  when  given  by  a  whole  flock  in  unison. 

Nest. — Of  grasses,  on  the  ground,  usually  beside 
a  stone,  in  a  bunch  of  weeds  or  under  a  small  shrub, 
where  it  is  well  concealed.  The  three  or  four  eggs  are 
whitish,   sprinkled  with   reddish  brown    (.75x.55). 

Range. — Eastern  X.  A.,  breeding  from  the  northern 
parts  of  the  northern  tier  of  states  northward;  winters 
south  to  tlie  Gulf. 

Sub-species. — 567e.  Carolina  Junco  (carolinensis) , 
found  in  the  Alleghanies  from  Virginia  to  Georgia; 
there  are  several  races  found  west  of  the  Rockies. 


BLACK-THROATED  SPARROW. 

573.     Ampliispiza  hilincata.     SVi;   inches. 

These   little   Sparrows   are   entirely  unlike  any   other 
Xorth  American  species.     They  are  found  in  the  soutli- 
western  deserts,  wliere  they  are  not  uncommon   in  cev 
tain    localities,    being    found    in    mesquite    or    chaparral 
brush. 

Note. — An  ordinary  Sparrow  chip;  song,  a  rich  me- 
tallic "zip-zip-zip-zee-zee-zee,"  the  first  three  ascending, 
the  second  three  notes  descending. 

Nest. — In  bushes  or  cacti  at  low  elevations;  eggs 
plain  bluish  white   (.70x.50). 

Range. — From  Texas  north  to  Kansas  in  summer.  A 
paler  sub-species,  the  Desert  Sparrow  ( deserticola ) ,  is 
found  westward  to  southern  California. 

SAGE  SPARROW. 

574a.     Amphispiza  belli  nevadensis.     614  inches. 
These  birds  are  found  in  arid  regions,  frequenting  the 
sage  brush  that  is  found  in  the  Great  Basin  region,  from 
western  Texas  to  California. 


PINE-WOODS  SPAFvxlOW. 
575.     Peucaa  (cstivalis.     5%  inches. 

Upper  parts  streaked  with  black;  back  chestnut  and 
gray;  under  parts  butFy  white;  tail  rounded. 

These  dull-colored  birds  are  abundant  on  some  of  the 
southern  pine  barrens.  Their  habits  are  similar  to  those 
of  the  Henslow  Sparrow;  they  are  quite  shy  and  it  is 
almost  impossible  to  make  one  show  itself  above  the 
grass,  through  which  it  runs  and  dodges  with  great 
swiftness.  If  it  is  surprised  into  taking  wing  it  goes 
but  a  few  feet,  then  drops  out  of  sight  again. 

Note. — A  metallic  chip;  song,  similar  to  that  of  the 
Field  Sparrow,  but  reversed;  that  is,  with  the  trill  first. 

Nest. — Of  grasses,  on  the  ground,  under  shrubs  or  in 
tufts  of  grass;  not  usually  arched  as  those  of  Bachman 
Sparrow  seem  to  always  be;  four  or  five  pure  white  eggs 
(.72X.60). 

Range. — Georgia  and  Florida.  575a.  Bachman  Spar- 
row (bachmannii)  is  brighter  above  but  has  fewer  black 
streaks;  found  in  the  South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States 
and  north  to  Indiana. 


SONG  SPARROW. 

581.     Melospiza  cinerea  nielodia.     6i/i  inches. 

This  is  probably  the  best  known,  most  abvmdant  and 
most  widely  distributed  (in  its  numerous  sub-species) 
of  all  our  birds.  They  are  quite  hardy  and  many  of  them 
winter  in  the  northern  states,  but  the  majority  go  far- 
ther south,  returning  to  their  summer  homes  about  the 
first  of  ]\Iarch.  They  may  be  found  anywhere  where  there 
are  bushes,  vines  or  hedges,  and  very  often  about  houses, 
even  in  large  cities. 

Song". — Very  pleasing  and  musical,  strongly  resem- 
bling brilliant  measures  from  that  of  the  Canary. 

Nest. — Of  grass,  either  on  the  ground  or  in  bushes ; 
three  to  five  bluish-white  eggs,  profusely  spotted  with 
brown    (.80x.58). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  Virginia  and 
Missouri  north  to  southern  Canada.  Winters  from 
Massachusetts  and  Ohio  southward.  Many  local  races 
are  found  west  of  the  Rockies,  but  only  one  east  of 
there.  581  j.  Dakota  Song  Sparrow  (juddi)  is  found  in 
the  vicinity  of  Turtle  Mountains,  North  Dakota;  it  is 
said  to  be  lighter  above  and  brighter  below. 


LINCOLN   SPARROW. 

583.      Melosjnsa    lincolnii.      5%    inches. 

Upper  parts  extensively  brown  and  black;  breast  and 
sides  briofht  buff  with  fine  black  streaks. 

These  flinches  are  quite  abundant  in  the  West,  especial- 
ly during  migrations,  but  are  rather  uncommon  in  the 
eastern  states.  Their  habits  are  similar  in  some  respects 
to  both  those  of  the  Song  Sparrow  and  of  the  Grass- 
hopper Sparrow.  They  are  very  lively  at  all  times  and 
in  tlie  mating  season  quite  pugnacious.  They  sit  for 
minutes  at  a  time  upon  the  top  of  a  bush  pouring  forth 
their  melody,  and  they  have  one  of  the  most  brilliant 
songs  of  any  of  the  family. 

Song. — Loud,  clear  and  gurgling,  after  the  style  of 
the  house  Wren;  call,  a  metallic  chirp. 

Nest. — Of  grass,  on  the  ground,  in  tufts  of  grass  or 
under  small  shrubs;  eggs  pale  greenish  white,  heavily 
marked  with  chestnut   ( .80  x  .58 ) . 

Rang"e. — X.  A,,  breeding  from  northern  U.  S.  to 
Labrador  and  Alaska;  winters  in  southern  half  of  U.  S. 


SWAMP  SPARROW. 

584.     Melospiza  georgiana.     5%   inches. 

Forehead  hlack;  crown  chestnut  with  a  gray  median 
stripe;  whole  upper  parts  very  dark;  under  parts  gray- 
ish with  brown  sides. 

A  very  quiet  and  unobtrusive  species  that  dwells,  as 
its  name  implies,  chiefly  in  swamps.  They  creep  about 
under  the  rank  weeds  and  underbrush  like  so  many  mice; 
they  are  especially  fond  of  the  soft  mires  where  walking 
is  so  difficult  for  human  beings;  they  patter  around  on 
the  soft  mud  with  evident  enjoyment,  occasionally  walk- 
ing across  an  open  space  of  water  on  what  floating 
debris  they  may  find  available. 

Song. — A  feeble  chant;   call,  a  sharp  metallic  cheep. 

Nest. — Of  grasses,  on  the  ground  in  damp  places; 
four  or  five  eggs,  having  a  pale  greenish-blue  color  heav- 
ily blotched  and  clouded  with  shades  of  brown  ( .80  x  .55) . 

Range. — X.  A.  east  of  the  Plains,  breeding  from 
Xew  Jersey  and  Missouri  north  to  Labrador  and  Hud- 
son Bay;  winters  in  southern  half  of  the  U.  S. 


10.0 


FOX  SPARROW. 

585.     Passerella  iliaca.     7^  inches. 

Above  bright  reddish  brown  and  gray;  rump  and  tail 
wholly  reddish  brown,  and  spots  on  the  breast  and  sides 
of  the  same  color. 

In  winter  we  find  these  large  Sparrows  in  quiet 
swamps  and  open  woods,  where  they  scratch  about 
among  the  fallen  leaves,  after  the  manner  of  domestic 
fowls;  they  will  scratch  energetically  for  a  few  seconds, 
then  pause  to  see  what  they  have  uncovered.  They  have 
a  short  but  loud  and  joyful  song,  with  which  they  greet 
you  on  clear  frosty  mornings,  and  the  effect  is  very  beau- 
tiful when  a  large  flock  of  them  are  singing  in  chorus. 

Song". — A  loud,  clear  and  melodious  carol;  call,  a  soft 
chip. 

Nest. — Of  grass  and  moss,  lined  with  fine  grass  and 
feathers ;  four  or  five  pale  bluish-green  eggs,  spotted 
with  reddish  brown  and  chestnut    ( .90  x  .65 ) . 

Rang-e. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding  from 
Xew  Brunswick  and  Manitoba  northward;  winters  in 
the  southern  states. 


nil 


TOWHEE  OR  CHEWINK. 

587.  Pipilo  erythfophthahnus.  8  inches. 
A  bird  of  swamps,  brushy  pastures  and  open  wood- 
lands. They  are  ground  birds  and  usuall}^  found 
scratching  among  the  leaves;  the  male,  with  his  black, 
white  and  brown  clothes,  makes  a  conspicuous  object, 
while  the  female,  with  her  brown  and  white  dress, 
harmonizes  Avith  the  leaves  so  that  it  is  difficult  to 
see  her.  While  his  mate  is  sitting  on  her  nest,  the 
male  Avill  frequently  sit  in  a  tree  top  and  persistently 
sing  for  many  minutes  at  a  time. 

Song". — Loud  and  clear,  "tow-hee-e-e"  or  "see-tow- 
hee-e-e,"  with  the  last  notes  tremulous;  call,  a  sharp 
'"cherink." 

Nest. — Usually  on  the  ground,  but  rarely  in  bushes; 
of  strips  of  bark,  grass  and  leaves;  eggs  white  with 
reddish-brown  dots  over  the  whole  surface    (.90  x  .70). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf 
States  to  southern  Canada ;  winters  in  southern  U.  S. 

Sub-species. — 587a.  White-eyed  Towhee  (alleni)  has 
Avhite  eyes  instead  of  red  and  less  white  on  the  tail; 
found  on  the  South  Atlantic  coast. 


GREEN-TAILED  TOWHEE. 

592.1.     Oreospiza  chlorura.     7  inches. 

These  are  characteristic  birds  of  the  Western  moun- 
tains. They  are  typical  brush  birds,  satisfied  in  living 
a  life  of  security  in  their  own  way,  and  rarely  appear 
above  the  surface  of  the  thick  shrubbery  except  to 
mount  to  a  conspicuous  twig,  pour  forth  their  sweet 
melodies  and  then  retreat  again. 

Notes. — A  loud  chip;  a  soft,  mewing  note;  song, 
finch-like,  musical  but  rather  simple. 

Nest. — Either  on  the  ground  or  in  bushes  near  the 
ground.  Made  of  grasses  the  same  as  that  of  any  of  the 
sparrows.  Eggs  pale  bliiish  gray,  thickly  speckled  with 
reddish  brown.  The  nests  are  built  in  very  thickly 
tangled  underbrush  and  are  difficult  to  locate. 

Ilang-e. — Western  United  States,  from  the  eastern 
base  of  the  Rockies  west  to  the  eastern  slope  of  the 
Sierra  Nevadas. 


CARDINAL. 

593.     Carclinalis  cardinalis.     9  inches. 

Xoble  in  carriage,  beautiful  of  plumage,  amiable  in 
disposition  and  excellent  singers  are  some  of  the  quali- 
fications of  these  large-billed  birds.  They  are  southern 
birds,  rarely  seen  in  northern  U.  S.  unless  in  cages,  for 
large  numbers  of  them  are  trapped  for  this  purpose,  a 
practice  that  is  being  stopped  as  rapidly  as  possible 
by  enforcing  the  laws  which  protect  them.  They  are 
hardy  birds,  often  passing,  the  winter  in  the  northern 
parts  of  their  range  when  the  ground  is  covered  with 
snow.  They  frequent  gardens,  plantations  and  open 
woods,  where  they  glean  their  food  of  seeds,  berries, 
fruit  and  insects. 

Song. — A  loud,  clear  and  lively  warble;  call,  a  low 
chip. 

Nest. — A  frail  structure  of  twigs,  in  thickets  or 
bushes ;  eggs  greenish  blue  with  reddish-brown  spots 
(1.00  X  .73). 

Range. — Resident  and  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to 
New  York  and  Iowa.  593,.  Florida  Cardinal  (flori- 
danus)   is  supposed  to  be  slightly  smaller  and  brighter. 

o 


TEXAN  CARDINAL;  PYRRHULOXIA. 

594a.     Pyrrhuloxia  sinuata  texensis^     8%  inches. 

Xotice  that  the  bill  of  this  species  is  veiy  stout  and 
short,  more  like  that  of  a  parrot.  The  crest  is  also 
composed  of  fewer  feathers  than  that  of  the  Cardinal. 
It  is  only  in  the  highest  of  plumages  that  the  red  on 
the  underparts  is  continuous  from  bill  to  tail ;  usually 
it  is  broken  into  patches.  The  female  is  much  duller 
in  color  than  the  male,  but  always  has  a  strong  tinge 
of  rose  color.  They  frequent  more  open  and  exposed 
positions  than  do  Cardinals  and  are  more  shy  in  their 
disposition. 

Nest, — Shabby  platforms  of  twigs  and  grasses  placed 
at  low  elevations  in  thickets.  The  three  or  four  eggs 
are  wliitish,  specked  with  dark  brown,  most  profusely 
at  the  large  end  (.90  x  .70). 

Range.^Abundant  in  the  Lower  Rio  Grande  Valley 
in  southern  Texas. 


114 


ROSE-BREASTED  GROSBEAK. 

595.     Zamelodia  ludoviciana.     8  inches. 
Male,    black   and   white   with    rose   breast   and   under 
wing  coverts;    female   resembling  a  large  striped  Spar- 
row in  color. 

The  center  of  abundance  of  these  beautiful  creatures 
is  in  the  northern  half  of  eastern  U.  S.  In  beauty  and 
song  he  fully  atones  for  what  we  northerners  lose  be- 
cause of  the  southerly  distribution  of  the  Cardinal.  We 
find  them  in  swamps,  small  patches  of  woods,  and,  some- 
times, in  orchards.  They  are  rather  quiet  birds,  that  is 
they  do  not  move  about  much,  but  they  can  easily  be 
found  by  their  song. 

Song-. — A  rich,  full,  whistling  carol,  almost  without 
exception  immediately  preceded  with  a  sharp  chip.  Call, 
a  deep-toned  chirp. 

Nest. — A  loose,  frail  cradle  of  twigs  at  low  eleva- 
tions in  trees  or  thickets;  eggs  bluish  green  spotted 
with  brown   (1.00  x  .75). 

Range. — U.  S.  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding  in  the 
northern  half  and  in  southern  Canada;  winters  in  Cen- 
tral America. 


lio 


BLUE  GROSBEAK. 

597.     Guiraca  ccerulea.     7  inches. 

Male,  deep  blue  with  chestnut  shoulders;  female, 
grayish  brown  above  and  grayish  white  below. 

Open  woods,  small  groves  and  roadsides  are  the  lo- 
cations in  which  these  birds  will  be  apt  to  be  found. 
In  some  places  they  are  fairly  common,  but  nowhere 
abundant.  Their  habits  are  very  similar  to  those  of 
the  Rose-breasted  Grosbeak. 

Song-. — A  rapid  varied  warble,  similar  to  but  louder  ^ 
and  stronger  than  that  of  the  Indigo  Bunting. 

Nest. — Of  twigs,  weeds  and  grasses,  lined  with  fine! 
rootlets;  placed  in  thickets,  bushes  or  low  trees;  fourl 
or  five  plain  bluish-white  eggs    ( .85  x  .62 ) . 

Range. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to] 
Maryland  and  Illinois;  winters  south  of  U.  S. 

Sub-species. — 597a.      Western    Blue    Grosbeak     (la-| 
zula ) .     INIale  of  a  brighter  shade  of  blue  than  the  east- 
ern; found  from  the  Mississippi  to  the  Pacific,  breeding 
north  to  Kansas,  Colorado  and  northern  California. 


116 


INDIGO  BUNTING. 

598.     Passerina  cyanea.     514  inches. 

Male,  indigo  blue;  female,  brownish  but  usually  with 
a  faint  indication  of  blue  on  the  wings  or  tail. 

A  jolly  summer  songster,  dwelling  with  us  from  the 
latter  part  of  May  until  September.  You  will  meet 
with  these  Buntings  along  roadsides  lined  with  scrubby 
trees  or  bushes,  or  in  pastures  or  along  the  edges  of 
swamps.  The  male  usually  has  some  favorite  percli 
upon  which  he  spends  a  large  portion  of  his  time  sing 
ing;  it  is  nearly  always  the  top  of  a  tall  bush  or  tree. 

Song. — A  sprightly  little  warble  with  many  canary- 
like notes.     Call,  a  sharp  chip. 

Nest. — Of  grasses  at  low  elevations  in  shrubs  or 
bushes ;  eggs  four  or  five  in  number,  very  pale  bluish 
white  (.75  x  .52) . 

Range. — U.  S.  east  of  the  Rockies,  and  most  abun- 
dant east  of  the  Mississippi ;  breeds  north  to  Manitoba 
and  New  Brunswick;  winters  in  Central  America. 


LAZULI  BUNTING. 

599.     Passerina  amoena.     0^2   inches. 

This  species  replaces  the  preceding  one  west  of  the 
Plains.  While  the  plumage  of  the  males  is  entirely 
distinctive,  that  of  the  females  is  often  confusing.  The 
present  species  has  quite  a  conspicuous  band  of  rusty 
buff  across  the  breast  and  lacks  any  sign  of  stripes  on 
the  sides,  such  as  show  faintly  on  the  last  species.  Its 
habits  are  just  like  those  of  the  Indigo  and  it  frequents 
the  same  kind  of  territory. 

Nest. — Built  in  a  bush  or  on  the  lower  branches  of 
trees,  only  a  few  feet  from  the  ground.  The  eggs  are 
very  pale  bluish  white   ( .75  x  .58 ) . 

Range. — Western  United  States  from  the  Great 
Plains  to  the  Pacific  coast;  north  along  the  coast  to 
British   Columbia;    so'uth  in  winter  to  Mexico. 


118 


VARIED  BUNTING. 

600.  Passerina  versicolor.  5i/^  inches. 
This  beautiful  species  is  less  common  than  any  others 
of  the  genus  and  has  a  very  restricted  range  in  the 
United  States.  The  plumage  of  the  male  birds  varies  a 
great  deal;  that  shown  in  the  accompanying  illustra- 
tion is  from  a  brightly  colored  specimen.  They  will 
average  duller  than  this.  These  birds  frequent  thickets 
or  brush-studded  pasture  land.  Their  song  is  described 
as  weaker  than  that  of  the  Indigo  Bunting,  but  having 
much  of  the  same  character. 

Nest. — ^Built  of  grasses,  bark  and  fine  rootlets;  a 
cup-shaped  structure  placed  in  forks  of  bushes,  usually 
in  tangled  thickets.  The  three  or  four  eggs  cannot  be 
distinguished  from  those  of  the  last  species. 

Range. — The  Lower  Rio  Grande  Valley  in  southern 
Texas.  A  sub-species  (pulchra)  is  also  found  in  Lower 
California  and  southern  Arizona. 


120 


PAINTED    BUNTING. 

601.     Passerina  ciris.     by->  inches. 

Male,  vari-colored ;   female,  greenish  gray. 

Without  any  exception,  these  are  the  most  gaudily 
plumaged  North  American  birds,  bvit  their  colors  have 
a  harshness  of  contrast  that  renders  them  far  less 
pleasing  to  the  eye  than  many  others  of  our  birds. 
They  are  often  caged,  but  in  confinement  soon  lose  the 
natural  brilliancy  of  their  plumage.  Like  the  Indigo 
Bunting,  they  are  found  in  thickets  and  hedges;  their 
habits  seem  to  be  precisely  like  those  of  the  last  species. 

Song. — Similar  to  that  of  the  Indigo  but  lacking  the 
brilliancy  of  that  of  the  latter  bird. 

Nest. — 'Of  grasses,  leaves,  strips  of  bark  and  root- 
lets, compactly  compressed  and  woven  together,  situ- 
ated at  low  elevations  in  thickets  and  low  bushes;  eggs 
whitish,  specked  and  blotched  with  reddish  brown  (.78  x 
.58). 

Range. — Southeastern  U.  S.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf 
north  to  Virginia,  Ohio  and  Kansas;  winters  in  Cen- 
tral America. 


MORELLET  SEED-EATER. 

602.     Sporophila  morelletl  sliarpei.     4^2   inches. 

The  male  of  this  interesting  little  species  requires  at 
least  three  years  in  which  to  obtain  the  perfect  plumage 
as  shown  in  our  illustration.  The  majority  of  birds 
seen  will  be  in  intermediate  stages  of  plumage  between 
that  of  the  adult  female  and  this  one.  These  little  fel- 
lows are  usually  found  in  thickets  or  patches  of  briars 
and  are  quite  tame. 

Note. — During  the  breeding  season  the  male  has  a 
sprightly  song  similar  to  that  of  the  Indigo  Bunting. 

Nest. — The  nests  are  made  of  fine  grass  and  placed 
in  bushes  or  young  trees.  The  eggs  are  bluish  green 
spotted  rather  evenly  with  brown   (.65  x  .48). 

B-ang-e. — Southeastern  Texas  and  southward  into 
Mexico. 


121 


DICKCISSEL. 

604.     Spiza  americana.     6l^   inches. 

Male  beautifully  blended  with  yellow,  white  and 
gray,  and  with  a  black  throat  patch  and  brown  shoul- 
ders ;  female  duller. 

In  the  middle  portions  of  the  U.  S.  these  birds,  or 
Black-throated  Buntings,  as  they  are  commonly  called, 
are  very  nvimerous,  frequenting  dry,  bushy  fields  or 
prairies.  They  are  very  persistent  songsters,  although 
their  song  is  weak  and  has  little  meiody.  In  July  and 
August,  when  many  birds  are  silent,  they  continue 
their  plaintive  chant  even  on  the  most  sultry  days. 

Song. — A  simple  chanting  "chip,  chip,  che-che-che." 

Nest. — Either  on  the  ground,  in  bushes  or  thistles, 
or  in  trees ;  of  weeds,  grasses,  rootlets,  corn  husks,  etc. ; 
eggs  four  or  five  in  number,  plain  bluish  white  and 
hardly  distinguishable  from  those  of  the  Bluebird;  size 
.80  X  .60. 

Range. — N.  A.  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding  from 
the  Gulf  States  north  to  northern  U.  S.;  rare  in  the 
Atlantic  States  north  to  Connecticut. 


LARK  BUNTING. 

605.     Galamospiza  melanocorys.     7  inches. 

Male,  black  and  white;  female,  brown  and  gray. 

This  species  is  often  known  as  the  White-winged 
Blackbird,  not  because  it  bears  any  resemblance  to  any 
of  the  Blackbirds,  nor  because  any  of  the  habits  are  the 
same,  but  simply  because  of  its  plumage.  They  are 
very  gregarious  and  usually  fly  in  flocks  even  in  nesting 
time. 

They  seem  to  be  very  methodical  and  well  trained; 
if  one  of  a  flock  takes  wing,  the  entire  flock  rises 
simultaneously  and  in  a  very  compact  body  they  fly 
until  some  leader  chooses  the  next  stopping  place,  when 
they  as  suddenly  alight.  They  have  the  habit  of  Sky- 
larks in  mounting  into  the  air  while  singing  and  then 
descending  on  set  wings. 

Song. — A  very  lively,   sweetly  modulated  warble. 

Nest. — On  the  ground,  usually  under  a  tuft  of  grass 
or  small  bush;  four  or  five  eggs  of  a  bluish  color  (.85 
X  .65),  brighter  than  those  of  the  Dickcissel. 

Range. — Western  U.  S.,  most  abundant  from  Kansas 
to  Colorado  and  north  to  Assiniboia. 


123 


124 


SCARLET  TANAGER. 

G08.     Piranga  erythromelas.     l^i  inches. 

Male,  scarlet  and  black;  female,  greenish  yellow  and 
blackish. 

These  beautiful  birds  are  found  in  open  woods,  but 
they  often  come  out  in  fields,  jDarks,  orchards  and 
sometimes  in  yards  when  feeding;  one  of  the  prettiest 
sights  that  I  ever  saw  was  of  about  a  dozen  of  these 
birds  tripping  along  the  furrows  of  a  ploughed  field, 
where  they  were  feeding  on  insects.  Besides  berries 
and  seeds,  they  live  upon  quantities  of  insects,  fre- 
quently catching  them  on  the  wing  in  true  Flycatcher  j 
style. 

Song". — Resembling  that  of  ihe  Robin,  but  harsher, 
less  varied  and  higher  pitched.  Call,  a  sharp  chip  or 
"•chip-churr." 

Nest. — Loosely  made  of  twigs  and  rootlets,  on  lower 
branches  of  trees ;  eggs  four,  pale  bluish  green,  spotted 
with  brown   (.95  x  .65). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  northern  parts  of  the  U.  S. 
from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Plains :  winters  in  the  Tropics, 
from  whence  it  arrives  about  ]May  15. 


SUMMER    TANAGER. 

610.     Piranga  rubra.     T^/o   inches. 
•Male,  rosy  red;   female,  greenish  yellow. 

These  Tanagers  have  a  more  southerly  distribution 
than  the  Scarlet  variety,  but  are  found  in  the  same 
kind  of  territory.  In  its  localities  it  is  rather  more 
abundant  and  less  retiring  than  is  the  latter  bird  in 
the  north,  and  more  often  dwells  in  public  parks.  This 
bird  is  often  called  the  Redbird  and  in  localities  where 
both  the  Scarlet  Tanager  and  this  species  are  found, 
they  are  frequently  known  by  the  same  name,  as  their 
habits  and  notes  are  similar. 

Song-. — Similar  to  that  of  the  Scarlet  Tanager  but 
said  to  be  sweeter  and  clearer,  and  to  more  nearly  re- 
semble that  of  the  Robin. 

Nest. — On  the  outer  horizontal  limbs  of  trees  in  open 
Avoods  or  groves:  nest  of  twigs  and  rootlets;  eggs  bluish 
green,  s}X)tted  with  brown   (.95  x  .65). 

Rang-e. — U.  S.  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding  from 
the  Gulf  to  New  Jersey  and  Kansas ;  winters  in  Central 
America.     A  sub-species  is  found  west  of  the  Rockies. 


125 


126 


PURPLE   MARTIN. 

611.     Progne  suhis.     7%  inches. 

Male,  blue  black;  female,  dull  black  and  grayish. 

These  large,  jolly  Swallows  are  commonly  seen  about 
cities  and  towns  within  their  range.  Originally  they 
dwelt  in  hollow  trees,  and  some  do  yet,  but  the  ma- 
jority have  recognized  the  superiority  of  man's  dwell- 
ing and  now  live  in  houses  built  especially  for  them 
or  in  cornices  of  houses  or  barns.  It  is  no  uncommon 
sight  to  see  a  handsome  gabled  structure  of  many' 
rooms,  perched  upon  a  twelve-foot  pole,  on  the  lawns 
of  many  wealthy  residents;  others  less  bountifully  sup- 
plied with  this  world's  goods  use  plain  soap  boxes  for 
the  same  purpose,  and  the  Martins  seem  to  like  the  one 
as  well  as  the  other. 

Song. — A  strong,  varied  grating  warble  or  twitter, 
more  forcible  than  melodious. 

Nest. — Of  straw,  paper,  rags,  etc.,  in  bird  houses, 
gables  or  hollow  trees;  eggs  dull  white  (.98  x  .72). 

Range. — N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to  New 
Brunswick  and  Saskatchewan ;  winters  in  northern  South 
America. 


CLIFF  SWALLOW. 

Petrochelidon  hmifrons.     d^i  inches. 
Adults    similar    in    plumage   but    the    female    slightly 
paler.     Easilj^  distinguished  from  the  Barn  Swallow  by 
the  square  tail  and  light  buflfy  forehead  and  rump. 

This  is  what  is  commonly  called  the  Eave  Swallow 
in  the  East,  because  of  its  habit  of  plastering  its  nests 
on  the  outside  of  barns  or  other  buildings,  up  under 
the  eaves.  In  the  West  they  usually  resort  to  cliffs 
where,  sometimes,  large  sections  of  the  face  will  be 
completely  covered  with  the  little  mud  flasks;  often 
colonies  of  several  thousand  will  build  their  nests  to- 
gether. 

Song-. — A  continuous  twitter,  uttered  while  on  the 
wing  or  at  rest. 

Nest. — A  flask  or  gourd-shaped  structure  of  mud. 
lined  with  straw  and  feathers,  attached  under  the 
eaves  to  the  outside  of  buildings  or  on  the  faces  of 
cliffs;  five  to  seven  eggs  are  laid;  white  dotted  and 
spotted  with  reddish  brown  ( .80  x  .55 ) . 

Range. — N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to  Greenland 
and  Alaska;  winters  in  the  Tropics. 


BARN  SWALLOW. 

G13.     Birundo   crytlwogastra.     7%    inches. 

Female  duller  plumaged  and  with  a  less  deeply  forked 
tail  than  the  male.  Forehead  and  throat  chestnut  and 
entire  under  parts  huffy;  tail  deeply  forked  and  with 
a  white  spot  on  the  inner  web  of  each  feather  except  the 
central  pair. 

This  is  the  most  graceful  and  beautiful  of  all  our 
swallows,  and  is  the  most  common  about  farm  houses, 
the  inside  beams  and  rafters  of  which  they  appropriate 
for  their  own  use.  They  delight  in  skimming  over  the 
rolling  meadows  or  the  surface  of  ponds,  now  rising 
with  the  wind,  now  swooping  downward  with  the  speed 
of  an  arrow. 

Song. — A  continuous,  rapid  twitter. 

Nest. — A  bowl-shaped  structure  made  up  of  pellets 
of  mud  cemented  together  with  the  birds'  saliva,  and 
lined  with  feathers;  attached  to  rafters  in  barns,  the 
opening  being  at  the  top  and  not  at  the  side  as  in  the 
last ;  eggs  exactly  like  those  of  the  last. 

Range. — N.  A.,  breeding  north  to  the  limit  of  trees; 
winters   in  northern  South  America. 


128 


TREE  SWALLOW. 

614.     Iridoprocne  hicolor.     6  inches. 

Male,  steely  blue  or  greenish  above ;  female,  duller 
and  often  plain  gray  above,  but  both  sexes  always  en- 
tirely wliite  below. 

These  Swallows  are  also  abundant  about  farmyards ; 
except  when  they  are  skimming  over  ponds,  they  are 
almost  always  scouring  the  air  above  buildings  or 
fields,  at  higher  elevations  than  the  Barn  Swallow!i. 
When  weary  they  roost  on  dead  twigs  or  telephone 
wires,  hundreds  often  being  seen  in  rows  on  the  latter. 
Like  the  Martins,  these  birds  frequently  nest  in  bird 
boxes,  but  usually  not  more  than  one  or  two  pairs  in 
a  single  house. 

Notes. — A  twittering  like  that  of  the  other  Swal- 
lows. 

Nest. — Of  grass,  lined  with  feathers,  in  hollow  trees 
on  the  border  of  water  or  in  orchards,  or  in  bird  boxes 
erected  for  their  use;  eggs  white    (.75  x  .52). 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  northern  half  of  the  U.  S. 
and  northward  to  Labrador  and  Alaska ;  winters  in 
southern  U.  S.  and  southward. 


129 


BANK  SWALLOW. 

61G.     Riparia  riparia.     5i/4  inches. 

These  are  the  smallest  of  our  Swallows;  this  species 
can  be  distinguished,  even  at  a  distance,  by  the  con- 
spicuous band  across  the  breast,  showing  in  bold  relief 
against  the  lighter  throat.  They  are  found  throughout 
Korth  America,  breeding  from  the  middle  of  the  U.  S. 
north  to  the  Arctic  regions. 

They  nest  in  colonies  in  holes  in  banks,  laying  the 
four  to  seven  white  eggs  on  a  grass  nest  in  an  enlarged 
chamber  at  the  end  of  the  tunnel. 

ROUGH- WINGED  SWALLOW. 

617.  ^telgidopieryx  serripennis.  oYj  inches. 
In  this  species  the  throat  is  gray  as  well  as  the  breast. 
Tlie  outer  vane  of  the  outer  primary  is  stiff  and  bristly, 
thus  giving  the  species  its  name.  These  birds  breed 
from  the  Gulf  north  to  Massachusetts  and  Washington, 
in  banks  or  in  crevices  of  stone  bridges.  The  eggs  can- 
not with  certainty  be  distinguished  from  those  of  the 
Bank  Swallow.     Thev  measure  .75  x  .52. 


130 


^ 


BOHEMIAN  WAXWING. 

618.     Bomhycilla  garrula.     8  inches. 

Larger  and  grayer  than  our  common  Cedar  Waxwing 
and  with  yellow  and  wdiite  on  the  wing;  it  is  a  nortli- 
ern  species  and  is  only  casually  found  in  eastern  U.  S. 
They  nest  within  the  Arctic  Circle  and  only  a  few  of 
theiV  nests  have  ever  been  found.  In  winter  they  are 
found  in  flocks,  roving  restlessly  about  the  country, 
often  appearing  where  least  expected  and  utterly  desert- 
ing other  places  where  they  are  usually  found. 

Nest. — 'Of  small  twigs  and  moss,  lined  with  feathers, 
usually  placed  at  low  elevations  in  spruce  or  conif- 
erous trees ;  eggs  dull  bluish  wdiite  specked  sparingly 
with  black  (1.00  x  .70),  similar  to  those  of  the  Cedar 
Waxwing  but  larger. 

Range. — Xorthern  parts  of  the  northern  hemisphere, 
breeding  within  the  Arctic  Circle  and  wintering  cas- 
ually south  to  Massachusetts,  Pennsylvania,  Kansas  and 
California. 


^sl 


CEDAR  WAXWING. 

619.  Bomhycilla  cedrorum.  7  inches. 
Plumage  very  soft  colored  with  a  general  brownish 
tone,  shading  to  gray  on  the  rump.  The  Waxwings 
are  named  from  the  curious  wax-like  appendages  at- 
tached to  the  tips  of  the  secondaries,  and  rarely  to 
the  tail  feathers.  They  are  very  sociable  and  usually 
feed  in  flocks.  They  live  chiefly  upon  fruit  and  are 
especially  fond  of  cherries,  for  which  reason  they  are 
very  often  known  as  Cherry-birds.  They  are  very  tame 
and  allow  anyone  to  almost  touch  them  while  they  are 
feeding  or  sitting  upon  their  nests. 

Note. — An  insignificant  lisping  hiss. 

Nest. — A  substantial  structure  of  twigs,  mosses, 
twine,  etc.,  lined  with  fine  grasses ;  placed  in  cedar 
trees  or,  when  near  habitations,  usually  in  orchard  trees ; 
the  four  or  five  eggs  are  dull  bluish  white,  specked  with 
black   (.85  X  .60). 

Range. — N.  A.,  breeding  from  Virginia.  ^Missouri  and 
northern  California  north  to  Labrador  and  southern 
Alaska;    winters   throughout   the  I'nited   States. 


NORTHERN  SHRIKE. 

621.     Laniiis   borealis.      10  inches. 

This  shrike  is  larger  than  any  of  the  species  found 
in  summer  in  the  United  States  and  has  the  breast 
quite  distinctly  barred. 

Shrikes  are  cruel,  rapacious  and  carnivorous  birds, 
feeding  upon  insects,  grasshoppers,  lizards  and  small 
birds.  As  they  have  passerine  feet,  the  same  as  all 
our  small  birds,  they  are  unable  to  hold  their  prey  be- 
tween the  feet  while  tearing  it  to  pieces,  so  they  im- 
pale it  upon  thorns  or  the  barbs  of  a  wire  fence,  so 
they  may  tear  it  to  shreds  with  their  hooked  bill. 

Song. — Loud  snatches  consisting  of  various  whistles 
and  imitations  suggesting  that  of  a  Catbird. 

Nest. — They  breed  chiefly  north  of  the  U.  S.,  placing 
their  rude,  bulky  structvires  of  twigs  and  weeds  in 
thorny  trees  or  hedges;  their  four  to  six  eggs  are  gray- 
ish white  with  spots  of  light  brown  and  darker  gray 
(1.08  X   .80). 

Rang'e. — X.  A.,  breeding  chiefly  in  the  northern  parts 
of  Canada  :  winters  south  to  Pennsylvania,  Kansas  and 
California. 


LOGGERHEAD  SHRIKE. 

622.  Lanius  ludovicianus.  9  inches. 
Pure  white  below  and  with  the  markings  above,  in- 
tense black  instead  of  the  brownish  or  grayish  black 
of  the  last  species.  Although  smaller,  these  Shrikes 
have  the  same  destructive  habits  of  the  northern  species. 
All  the  Shrikes  do  considerable  good  to  mankind,  for 
they  eat  quantities  of  grasshoppers  and  mice,  and  prob- 
ably resort  to  their  diet  of  small  birds  when  other 
food  is  unusually  scarce.  It  cannot  be  denied  that 
they  are  cruel,  for  they  often  kill  more  than  they  can 
eat  and  leave  it  impaled  on  thorns  to  decay. 

Song'. — Of  harsh,  discordant  whistles. 

Nest. — In  scrubby  hedges  and  thickets :  of  twigs, 
weeds,  leaves,  etc.;  eggs  four  to  seven  in  number,  gray- 
ish white,  spotted  with  shades  of  brown  and  gray. 

Rang-e. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to 
southern  Xew  England  and  Manitoba ;  winters  in  south- 
ern states. 

Sub-species. — 622a.  White-rumped  Shrike  (excubi- 
torides),  paler  and  with  a  white  rump;  found  from  the 
Plains  to  the  Pacific  in  the  U.  S. 


134 


RED-EYED  VIREO. 

624.     Yireosylvia  olivacea.     6   inches. 

Crown  slaty  gray  with  a  black  border;  white  stripe 
above  eye;  eye  reddish  brown. 

Throughout  the  United  States  this  is  one  of  the  most 
abundant  of  the  family.  All  through  the  spring  and 
summer  months  their  warble  is  heard  from  woodland 
and  roadside,  often  becoming  so  monotonous  as  to  be 
irritating.  Oftentimes  during  the  spring  migrations  of 
Warblers,  Vireos  are  so  numerous  and  singing  so  lustily 
that  it  is  impossible  to  hear  or  distinguish  the  songs 
of  any  of  the   smaller  birds. 

Song. — Delivered  in  parts  with  intermission  of  a  few 
seconds  between,  from  morning  until  night;  a  short 
varied  warble;  call,  a  petulant  mew. 

Nest. — A  basket  woven  of  strips  of  bark  and  fibres, 
and  often  with  pieces  of  newspaper  worked  in,  lined 
with  fine  grass;  eggs  white  with  a  few  blackish-brown 
specks  on  the  large  end  ( .85  x  .55 ) . 

Range. — U.  S.  east  of  the  Rockies,  breeding  from 
the  Gulf  to  Labrador  and  Manitoba;  winters  in  Central 
America. 


135, 


PHILADELPHIA  VIREO. 

626.  Vireosylvia  philadelphica.  5  inches. 
This  is  one  of  the  least  common  of  the  eastern  Vireos, 
although  it  is  more  common  than  most  people  know: 
its  song  is  not  distinctive  and  it  keeps  high  up  in  trees. 
so  it  is  not  usually  noticed.  Their  nests  are  swung  from 
branches  at  high  altitudes  and  are  seldom  found. 

WARBLING  VIREO. 

627.  Vireosylvia  gilva.  5  inches. 
Above  olive-green;  crown  grayer  but  with  no  black 
border.  These  are  among  the  most  common  of  the 
Yireos  and  may  be  found  even  in  the  hearts  of  large 
cities,  swinging  their  pretty  little  nests  high  up  in  shade 
trees.  Their  song  is  after  the  style  of  that  of  the  Purple 
Finch,  very  different  from  that  of  the  Eed-eye.  The 
eggs  are  white  with  a  few  brown  specks  on  the  large  end. 
These  birds  breed  throughout  the  U.  S.  and  southern 
Canada. 


136 


YELLOW-THROATED  VIREO. 

628.     Lanivireo  flavifrons.     5%  inches. 

Upper  parts  greenish;  throat,  breast  and  line  ovoi 
eye  yellow ;  two  prominent  whitish  wing  bars. 

A  handsome  Vireo  found  in  localities  such  as  are 
frequented  by  the  Red-eyed  species.  Nowhere  do  they 
appear  to  be  as  abundant  as  that  species,  however;  they 
are  more  abundant  than  many  suppose,  but  the  difficulty 
of  clearly  seeing  the  yellow  breast  when  they  are  feeding 
in  the  tree  tops,  combined  with  the  similarity  of  their 
songs,  usually  caused  them  to  be  passed  by  without  in- 
spection. 

Song'. — Similar  to  that  of  the  Red-eye,  but  louder 
and  more  nasal,  less  varied  and  not  uttered  as  often. 

Nest. — A  pensile  structure  of  strips  of  bark,  grasses, 
etc.,  with  the  outside  often  ornamented  with  lichens : 
three  to  five  eggs  with  a  creamy  or  rosy-white  tint, 
specked,  more  profusely  than  those  of  the  Red-eye,  with 
reddish  brown    (.82  x  .60). 

Rang-e. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to 
southern  Canada;   winters  in  Central  America. 


BLUE-HEADED   VIREO. 

629.     Lanivireo  solitarius.     5%  inches. 

Crown  and  sides  of  head  bluish  slate ;  lores,  eye-ring 
and  imderparts  white;  back  and  flanks  greenish  yellow; 
two  whitish  wing  bars. 

This  species,  to  my  eye,  is  the  prettiest  of  the  Vireos, 
all  the  colors  being  in  just  the  right  proportion  and 
blending  and  harmonizing  perfectly.  They  are  solitary, 
in  that  they  are  usually  found  in  deep  woods,  glens  or 
ravines,  and  seldom  is  more  than  one  pair  found  in  a 
single  woods. 

Song'. — Similar  to  that  of  the  Yellow-throated  Vireo 
but  longer  and  more  varied. 

Nest. — A  handsome,  finely  w^oven  basket,  with  the 
outside  covered  with  spider  webs  and  often  with  lichens; 
eggs  pale  creamy  white  with  chestnut  specks. 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to 
Xew  Brunswick  and  Manitoba;  winters  south  of  the 
United  States. 

Sub-species. — C)'29c.  Mountain  Solitary  Vireo  (alti- 
cola),  head  darker  and  back  less  greenish;  Alleghanies 
from  North  Carolina  to  Georgia. 


BLACK-CAPPED  VIREO. 

630.     Vireo  atricapillus.     4i/^  inches. 

Male,  with  crown  and  sides  of  head  glossy  black, 
lores  and  eye-ring  white;  female,  duller  colored. 

This  strange  and  comparatively  rare  Vireo  frequents 
brushwood  on  the  prairies  of  Kansas,  Indian  Territory 
and  central  and  western  Texas.  Their  habits  in  all 
respects  resemble  those  of  the  more  common  Vireos  or 
Greenlets  as  they  are  otherwise  called. 

Notes. — Similar  to  those  of  the  White-eyed  Vireo. 

Nest. — Suspended  as  usual  from  forked  branches  at 
low  elevations;  made  of  fibres  and  bark  strips  closely 
woven  together  with  spider  webs.  The  four  eggs  are 
pure  white,  unmarked    ( .70  x  .52 ) . 

Range. — Breeds  from  central  and  western  Texas 
north  to  southern  Kansas;  winters  in  Mexico. 


139 


140 


WHITE-EYED  VIREO. 

631.     Vireo  grisews.    5  inches. 

This  species  shows  a  partiality  for  low,  swampy 
places,  covered  with  briars  or  tangled  thickets  of  black- 
berry vines.  Iheir  habits  are  entirely  different  from 
any  of  the  preceding  Vireos.  They  do  not  seem  to  sing 
as  they  eat,  but  feed  in  silence,  then,  the  task  ended, 
mount  to  the  tops  of  the  brush  and  indulge  in  an  end- 
less variety  of  calls  and  whistles. 

Song. — A  great  variety  of  clear  whistles  and  squeaky 
notes. 

NesL. — A  bulky  structure  of  strips  of  bark,  leaves, 
paper,  etc.,  either  placed  in  the  branches  or  partially 
suspended  in  a  fork;  eggs  white  with  minute  brown 
specks    (.75  x  .55) . 

Range. — Eastern  United  States,  breeding  from  the 
Gulf  to  Massachusetts  and  Manitoba;  winters  in  Mexico. 

Sub-species. — OSla.  Key  West  Vireo  (maynardi), 
southern  Florida.  631b.  Bermuda  White-eyed  Vireo 
(bermudianus),  resident  in  the  Bermudas.  631c.  Small 
White-eyed  Vireo    (micrus)  ;   southeastern  Texas. 


BLACK  AND   WHITE  WARBLER. 

636.     Mniotilta  varia.     514  inches. 

Male,  heavily  streaked  with  black  below;  female,  with 
only  a  few  stieaks  on  the  sides. 

These  Warblers  are  usually  known  as  Black  and 
White  Creepers  because  of  their  habit  of  creeping  along 
the  limbs  and  branches  of  trees.  They  are  abundant  in 
northern  United  States,  being  found  in  open  woods, 
swamps  and  often  in  parks,  gleaning  insects  and  grubs 
from  crevices  in  the  bark. 

Song. — A  weak,  thin,  .wiry  "tsee,  tsee,  tsee." 

Nest. — Of  grasses  and  strips  of  bark  on  the  ground 
at  the  foot  of  a  stump  or  tree  trunk  or  beside  a  rock; 
they  lay  four  or  five  eggs,  white  with  a  wreath  of  red- 
dish brown  around  the  large  end  ( .65  x  .55 ) . 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  Virginia  and 
Louisiana  north  to  Labrador  and  Hudson  Bay;  win- 
ters in  northern  South  America. 


142 


PBOTHONOTARY  WARBLER. 

637.     Protonotaria  citrea.     51^4    inches. 

Whole  head  and  underparts  intense  yellow,  almost 
orange  on  the  head  of  the  male;  tail  with  white  spots 
near  the  tip;  female,  duller. 

A  common  species  in  the  interior,  found  in  bushy 
swamps  and  the  willows  around  the  borders  of  pools 
and  lakes;  they  are  found  in  the  latter  localities  with 
Tree  Swallows  and  often  Chickadees  all  nesting  in 
holes  in  hollow  stvibs  along  the  bank,  they  being  one  of 
the  few  members  of  this  family  to  make  use  of  such 
locations   for   their   nests. 

Song. — A  loud,  ringing  "tweet,  tweet,  tweet." 

Nest. — In  hollow  stubs  near  or  over  water,  the  cav- 
ity of  the  stump  being  partially  filled  with  moss,  leaves 
and  grasses  hollowed  on  the  top  to  receive  the  four  to 
six  creamy-white  eggs  which  are  heavily  spotted  over 
the  entire  surface  with  reddish  brown    (.72  x  .55). 

Rang'e. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  north 
to  Virginia,  Illinois  and  Minnesota;  winters  in  Central 
America. 


SWAINSON   WARBLER. 

G38.     Helinaia    sicainsonii.     5    inches. 

Upper  parts  brownish;  underparts  whitish;  a  white 
superciliary  stripe  and  a  brown  stripe  through  the  eye. 

Some  of  the  habits  of  this  species  are  similar  to 
those  of  the  last  but  they  are  even  more  aquatic;  they 
like  swamps  or  stagnant  pools  thickly  grown  with  rushes 
and  tangled  underbrush ;  unless  cognizant  of  their 
habits,  one  would  never  look  for  a  Warbler  in  the  places 
frequented  by  these  birds  in  company  with  Least  Bit- 
terns and  ^Marsh  Wrens.  Until  within  a  few  years  these 
were  regarded  as  rare  birds  but  are  now  found  to  be 
not  uncommon  in  certain  of  the  South  Atlantic  states, 
notably  Georgia, 

Song-. — A  series  of  descending,  loud,  clear  wdiistles 
with  a  ventriloquial  effect. 

Nest. — Quite  large  structures  consisting  mostly  of 
leaves  with  strips  of  bark,  roots  and  pine  needles.  "  The 
four  or  five  eggs  are  plain  white,  being  the  only  eggs 
of  American  Warblers  that  are  unmarked. 

Range. — Southeastern  U.  S.  from  Georgia  to  Louis 
iana  and  north  to  North  Carolina  and  Missouri. 


143 


^Sm-wA 


WORM- EATING    WARBLER. 
639.     Helmitheros    vermivorus.     5l^    inches. 

Crown  buffy  with  two  black  stripes;  back,  wings 
and  tail  olive  green  with  no  white  markings;  below 
buffy  white. 

These  birds  are  very  unsuspicious  and  easy  to  ap- 
proach; they  spend  the  greater  portion  of  their  time 
on  or  near  the  ground;  they  are  very  fond  of  spiders 
and»  find  quantities  by  overturning  bits  of  bark  and 
leaves.  They  also  glean  part  of  their  living  from  the 
under  side  of  the  foliage  much  as  do  the  Vireos.  They 
are  met  with  in  open  woods  and  brush-grown  pastures. 

Song. — A  weak,  rapid  chipping. 

Nest. — On  the  ground  in  depressions  under  logs, 
stones  or  bushes ;  of  leaves  and  grass,  lined  with  fine 
grass  or  hair ;  eggs  four  or  five  in  number,  white,  spot- 
ted principally  around  the  large  end  Avith  brownish 
(.70  X  .55). 

Range. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  north 
to  Connecticut,  Ohio  and  Iowa;  winters  in  Central 
America. 


144 


BACHMAN  WARBLER. 

640.     Uelminthophila  hachmanii.     4^  inches. 

Male,  Avith  a  yellow  forehead,  shoulders  and  under- 
parts;  black  cap  and  breast  patch;  female,  duller  and 
with  less  black. 

This  species  was  first  discovered  by  Dr.  John  Bach- 
man  near  Charleston,  S.  C,  in  which  state  and  Georgia 
most  of  the  specimens  have  been  secured  since.  It  is  a 
comparatively  rare  bird  and  is  known  to  breed  only  in 
Missouri,  where  a  nest  was  found  several  years  ago. 

Song". — An  insignificant  warble  or  twitter. 

Nest. — ^Of  grasses  and  shreds  of  bark,  on  tlj^e  ground 
as  is  usual  with  this  genus.  Eggs  white  with  wreaths 
of  chestnut  around  the  large  end    (.65  x  .50). 

Rang-e. — Southeastern  U.  S^^orth_  to^North  Carolina 
and  west  to  Missouri.  >;;?^^^\LIjK 

10 


BLUE- WINGED  WARBLER. 

641.     Helminthophila   pinus.     4%    inches. 

Crown  and  underparts  yellow;  a  narrow  black  line 
through  the  eyes;  two  broad  whitish  wing  bars. 

A  common  bird  of  the  southeastern  states  and  north 
to  Connecticut,  frequenting  open  woods,  thickets  and 
gardens.  They  are  ground  birds,  spending  most  of  their 
time  on  the  ground  or  in  low  bushes  which  they  clean 
of  the  insects  which  are  destructive. 

Song. — A  loud,  rapid  chirrup,  similar  to  that  of  the 
Grasshopper  Sparrow  but  loud  and  distinct. 

Nest. — Of  leaves  and  strips  of  bark,  lined  with  fine 
grasses;  on  the  ground  in  clumps  of  weeds  or  black- 
berry vines :  eggs  white,  sparingly  spotted  around  the 
large  end  with  rufous   (.65  x  .50). 

Rang-e. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  north  to  southern 
Connecticut  and  Wisconsin;   winters   in  the  tropics. 

Hybrids. — Lawrence  Warbler,  which  is  a  hybrid  be- 
tween this  species  and  the  next;  it  has  the  general 
])lumage  of  this  species  with  the  black  ear  patches  and 
throat  of  the  Golden-winged  Warbler.  It  is  found 
chiefly  in   southwestern  Connecticut  and  New  York. 


GOLDEN- WINGED    WARBLER. 

642.     Helminthophila  chrysoptera.     5  inches. 

Crown  and  two  large  wing  bars  yellow;  throat  and 
ear  patches  black ;  rest  of  plumage  gray  and  white ; 
female  with  less  black. 

The  distribution  of  this  beautiful  Warbler  is  about 
the  same  as  that  of  the  last,  with  which  it  seems  to 
have  many  habits  in  common.  They  seem  to  prefer 
low  ridges  and  side  hills  covered  with  small  bushes. 

Song-. — A  slowly  chanted  "chee,  chee." 

Nest. — Of  leaves,  rootlets,  strips  of  bark  and  grass ; 
located  near  the  ground  in  small  bushes  after  the  style 
of  the  Chestnut-sided  Warbler,  but  the  nest  does  not 
resemble  that  of  the  latter  bird ;  eggs  white  with  brown 
specks    (.62  x  .48). 

Range. — ^Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  north  to  Connecti- 
cut and  ^lichigan ;  winters  in  Central  America. 

Hybrid. — Brewster  Warbler  is  a  hybrid  between  this 
species  and  the  last.  It  resembles  the  Golden-winged 
Warbler  without  the  black,  but  with  a  yellow  patch 
on  the  breast  and  the  black  line  of  the  Blue-wing  through 
the  eye. 


NASHVILLE  WARBLER. 

645,  Hehninthophila  ruhricapilla.  4%  inches. 
Male  with  a  brown  crown  patch ;  female  duller  colored 
and  with  no  crown  patch.  Dry  side  hills  covered  with 
young  trees  are  favorite  resorts  for  the  \Yarblers.  They 
conceal  their  nests  on  the  ground  under  tufts  of  dead 
grass  or  overhanging  stones.  They  are  often  rather  shy 
and  hard  to  sight,  but  you  can  usually  hear  their  song, 
a  lazy  sounding  "ker-chip-chip-chip-cherr-wee-e-e."  ending 
in  a  short  trill.  These  birds  breed  in  the  northern  half 
of  the  U.  S.  and  southern  Canada,  wintering  in  Central 
America.     A  sub-species  is  found  on  the  Pacific  coast. 

ORANGE-CROWNED  WARBLER. 

640.  Helminthophila  cehita.  5  inches. 
This  species  is  fairly  common  in  the  Mississippi  Valley 
but  is  rare  in  New  England.  Its  habits  are  much  like 
those  of  the  last  species  and  it  is  often  mistaken  for 
that  bird.  These  birds  breed  only  north  of  the  U.  S. 
and  winter  in  Mexico.  A  sub-species,  the  Lutescent 
Warblers,  nests  from  California  to  Alaska. 


TENNESSEE  WARBLER. 
647.     Helminthophila  j)eregrina.     5  inches. 

Male,  with  a  gray  head  and  greenish  back;  female, 
with  the  top  of  the  head  the  same  color  as  the  back. 

A  dull-colored  bird  that,  with  the  exception  of  the 
bill,  bears  a  strong  resemblance  to  some  of  the  Vireos. 
Like  many  others  of  our  birds,  this  one  has  received 
an  inappropriate  name,  because  the  first  specimen  was 
shot  on  the  banks  of  the  Cumberland  River,  while  the 
bird  is  no  more  abundant  in  Tennessee  than  in  other 
states  during  migration. 

Song-. — A  simple  ditty  similar  to  that  of  the  Chip- 
ping Sparrow. 

Nest. — Either  on  the  ground  or  at  low  elevations  in 
bushes;  of  grasses  and  fibres  lined  with  hair;  eggs 
white,  sparsel}'  specked  with  reddish  brown   ( .62  x  .45 ) . 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  northern 
parts  of  the  northern  tier  of  states  northward  to  the 
limit  of  trees;  winters  in  Central  and  South  America. 


14D 


PARULA  WARBLER. 

648.     Compsothlypis  americana.     4i/^   inches. 

In  the  summer  Parulas  are  found  in  wet  swamps 
where  the  ground  is  covered  with  a  carpeting  of  mos» 
which  only  partially  keeps  your  feet  from  the  watei 
below;  the  dead  trees  are  covered  with  a  growth  of  long, 
drooping  moss ;  the  ends  of  this  moss  are  turned  up 
and  formed  into  a  neat  cradle  within  which  the  eggi 
are  laid. 

Song. — A  little  lisping  trill. 

Range. — Breeds  in  the  southern  half  of  the  U.  S» 
The  Northern  Parula  ( usnea ) ,  No.  648a,  breeds  in  th( 
northern  half  of  the  U.  S.  and  southern  Canada;  it  is 
brighter  colored  than  the  southern  form.  Both  varie- 
ties winter  from  the  Gulf  States  southward. 

SENNETT  WARBLER. 

649.     Compsothlypis  nigrilora.     4i/^  inches. 


150 


A    smaller    similar   bird    from    southern    Texas, 
the  black  ear  patches  and  lack  of  black  on  breast. 


No 


CAPE   MAY   WARBLER. 

650.     Dendroica    tigrina.     5    inches. 

Male,  with  a  chestnut  wash  on  the  ears  and  throat; 
female,  duller  and  with  little  or  no  chestnut. 

In  the  greater  part  of  eastern  North  America,  Cape 
May  Warblers  are  regarded  as  rare  birds;  they  appear 
to  migrate  in  compact  bodies,  not  spreading  out  ovei 
the  country  as  do  most  of  the  others;  consequentl\ 
they  may  be  very  common  in  restricted  areas  while 
lacking  entirely  in  others.  I  have  never  met  with  but 
two  specimens  in  ^Massachusetts.  While  passing  througli 
the  United  States  you  may  meet  with  them  in  open 
woods,  parks  or  in  shade  trees  along  the  streets  of  cities. 

Song'. — ^A  thin,  high-pitched  whistle  repeated  several 
times. 

Nest. — Of  small  cedar  twigs  lined  with  horse  hair, 
placed  within  a  few  feet  of  the  ground  in  small  cedar 
trees:  eggs  white  spotted  with  brown    (.68  x  .50). 

Range. — Eastern  X.  A,,  breeding  in  eastern  Canada 
and,  rarely,  northern  New  England;  winters  south  of 
the  U.  S. 


YELLOW  WARBLER. 

652.     Dendroica  cestiva.     5  inches. 

Male,  with  chestnut  streaks  on  the  sides;  female, 
duller  and  without  the  streaks. 

An  abundant  bird  everywhere  in  woodland,  park, 
orchard  or  garden  and  one  of  the  most  vivacious  of  the 
family.  Arrives  in  the  north  soon  after  May  first  and 
is  seen  flitting  about  like  a  gleam  of  sunshine  snatch- 
ing insects  from  the  foliage  or  darting  after  them  in 
the  air.  Often  known  as  the  Summer  Yellowbird.  It 
frequently  nests  in  garden  or  orchard  trees,  where  it  is 
a  most  welcome  tenant. 

Song". — A  sharp,  vigorous  "che-wee,  che-wee,  che-wee." 

Nest. — ^A  beautiful  and  compact  structure  of  vege- 
table or  plant  fibres  firmly  quilted  together,  and  fast- 
ened to  upright  forks  of  bushes  or  trees  at  low  eleva- 
tions. Willows  along  creeks,  ponds  or  rivers  are  favorite 
resorts. 

Range. — N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to  Labrador 
and  Alaska ;  winters  in  Central  America. 


152 


BLACK-THBOATED  BLUE  WARBLER. 

654.     Dcndroica  cwrulescens.     5i/4  inches. 

jNIale,  grayish  blue  above  and  with  a  black  face, 
throat,  breast  and  sides;  female,  grayish  olive  above. 
Mhitish  below.  Both  sexes  always  have  a  white  patch 
or  speck  at  the  base  of  the  primaries. 

You  will  find  these  birds  in  damp  woods  or  swamps, 
or  less  often  in  parks  or  open  woods.  They  are  usually 
seen  at  low  elevations  in  scrubby  underbrush.  Their 
notes  are  very  peculiar  and  will  draw  attention  to  them 
anywhere. 

Song-. — A  deep  grating  whistle  with  a  sharply  rising 
inflection,  "zee-zee-zwee." 

Nest. — In  deep,  swampy  woods,  especially  common 
in  laurel ;  of  grape  vine  bark  and  rootlets  lined  witli 
fine  black  roots  and  hair;  the  four  eggs  are  white  or 
buff'y  white  with  reddish-brown  spots  and  blotches. 

Range. — Eastern  X.  A.,  breeding  from  Connecticut 
(sparingly)  and  Michigan  north  to  Labrador  and  Hud- 
son Bay;  winters  in  Central  America.  654a.  Cairns 
Warbler  (cairnsi)  is  said  to  be  darker  on  the  back; 
found  in  the  southern  Alleghanies. 


MYRTLE   WARBLER. 

655.     Dendroica  coronata.     5I/2  inches. 
Yellow  patches  on  crown,  sides  and  rump;   outer  tail 
feathers    with    large    white    spots;    female    duller    and 
browner. 

During  migrations  these  pretty  birds  are  very  abun- 
dant in  the  United  States.  They  usually  travel  in 
large  flocks  so  that  a  small  piece  of  woodland  is  liter- 
ally flooded  with  them  when  they  pause  in  the  flight 
to  feed  upon  insects  or  small  berries.  They  are  often 
known  as  Yellow-rumped  Warblers. 

Song. — A  clear,  broken  trill  or  warble. 

Nest. — ^Usually  in  coniferous  trees,  though  sometimes 
in  others,  and  at  low  elevations;  of  plant  fibres  and 
grasses ;  the  four  or  five  eggs  are  white,  spotted  and 
blotched  with  reddish  brown   (.70  x  .54). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  northern  New 
England  and  Minnesota  northward;  winters  south  of 
the  U.  S. 


154 


MAGNOLIA   WARBLER. 

657.     Dendroica  magnolia.     5  inches. 

Male,  with  black  ear  patch,  back,  and  necklace;  fe- 
male, with  the  black  replaced  with  grayish ;  both  sexes 
have  a  yellow  rump  and  white  spots  midway  of  tlu' 
tail  feathers. 

One  of  the  prettiest  of  the  Warblers  and  one  of  tlu; 
least  timid.  I  have  often  had  one  or  more  of  these 
birds  follow  me  the  whole  length  of  a  piece  of  woods 
apparently  out  of  curiosity,  coming  down  to  the  near- 
est twigs  within  arms'  reach  of  me.  Birch  woods  are 
their  favorites  during  migrations,  although  a  few  of 
them  will  be  found  almost  anywhere. 

Song. — A  short,  rapidly  uttered  warble. 

Nest. — Usually  in  coniferous  trees,  far  out  on  the 
longer  branches,  where  they  are  often  difficult  to  get 
at;  of  rootlets  lined  with  fine  black  rootlets  and  hair: 
four  or  five  white  eggs  with  small  spots  of  ehestnui 
around  the  large  end  (.60  x  .48). 

Rang-e. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  Massachusetts 
and  Michigan  northward;  winters  south  of  the  U.  S. 


155 


CERULEAN  WARBLER. 

658.     Dendroica  carula.     5  inches. 

AboA^e  grayish  blue  with  black  streaks,  below  white 
with  a  bluish  breast  band  and  streaks  on  the  sides ; 
female  washed  with  greenish  above  and  yellowish  be- 
low; both  have  white  patches,  near  the  ends  of  the  tail 
feathers. 

These  dainty  little  Warblers  are  not  abundant  any- 
where, but  seem  to  be  most  so  in  the  central  states. 
Ihey  are  birds  of  the  tree  tops,  rarely  coming  down  so 
that  they  can  be  distinctly  seen.  They  may  be  more 
common  than  supposed,  for  so  small  a  body  at  such 
heights  can   readily  be  overlooked. 

Song. — A   little  warbling  trill,  "zee-zee-ze-ee-eep." 

Nest. — In  the  higher  outer  branches  of  large  trees 
usually  in  deep  woods;  compactly  made  of  dry  grasses 
and  cobwebs,  adorned  with  a  few  lichens ;  eggs  white 
specked  at  the  large  end  with  brownish  ( .65  x  .50 ) . 

Range. — Interior  portions  of  the  U.  S.,  breeding 
north  to  Michigan  and  Minnesota;  east  to  western  Xew 
York  and,  rarely,  southern  Xew  England;  winters  in 
northern  South  America. 


CHESTNUT-SIDED   WABBLER. 

659.     Dendroica  pensylvanica.     5  inches. 
Yellow  crown,  black  line  through  eye  and  on  side  of 
throat,    and    broad    chestnut    stripe    on    sides;    female, 
paler    and   with    less    chestnut;    young   greenish    yellow 
above  and  with  no  chestnut. 

Nearly  every  swamp  or  bush-covered  pasture  within 
their  range  shelters  one  or  more  pairs  of  these  Warb- 
lers, While  they  sometimes  feed  in  the  tree  tops,  they 
are  birds  of  the  lower  foliage  and  are  usually  seen  in 
low  bushes. 

Song". — Similar  to  that  of  the  Yellow  Warbler  but 
more  choppy. 

Nest. — In  low  bushes  or  weeds,  and  often  in  sweet 
fern  or  briars ;  similar  to  that  of  the  Yellow  Warbler 
but  coarser,  being  made  more  with  grasses  than  witli 
fibres,  situated  in  upright  forks  or  attached  to  several 
weed  stalks;  eggs  white,  specked  around  the  large  end 
with  reddish  brown    (.68  x  .50). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  Xew  Jersey 
and  Ohio  north  to  Manitoba  and  New  Brunswick;  win- 
ters south  of  U.  S. 


BAY-BREASTED  WARBLER. 

660.     Dendroica  castanea.     5Vi    inches. 

Male,  with  crown,  throat  and  sides  rich  chestnut; 
female,  paler;  young  and  adults  in  winter,  greenish 
above,  streaked  with  black  and  with  a  trace  of  chest- 
nut on  the  flanks. 

These  Warblers  are  only  locally  abundant  during  mi- 
grations, while  in  eastern  New  England  they  are  rare. 
They  are  active  insect  hunters,  darting  rapidly  about 
the  tree  tops  or,  less  often,  in  brush;  their  habits  most 
nearly  resemble  those  of  the  Chestnut-sided  Warbler. 

Song. — A  low,  liquid  warble. 

Nest. — At  low  elevations  in  trees  in  swampy  woods; 
compact,  cup-shaped  structures  made  of  fine  shreds  of 
bark,  rootlets  and  grass;  eggs  bluish  white,  finely 
specked  around  the  large  end  with  reddish  brown  (.70  x 
.50). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  northern 
edire  of  the  U.  S.  northward;  winters  south  of  the  U.  S. 


158 


BLACKBURNIAN  WARBLER. 

662.     Dendroica   hlackbumice.     514    inches. 

Male,  black  above  with  large  white  patch  on  wing, 
and  bases  of  outer  tail  feathers  white;  throat  and 
breast  intense  orange;  female,  duller  and  with  the 
orange  replaced  by  dull  yellow. 

Without  exception,  this  is  the  most  exquisite  of  the 
whole  family;  it  is  the  most  eagerly  sought  bird  by 
bird  lovers,  in  the  spring.  Some  years  they  are  very 
abundant,  while  others  few  are  seen,  their  routes  of 
migration  evidently  varying.  They  arrive  about  the 
time  that  apple  trees  are  in  bloom,  and  are  frequently 
seen  among  the  blossoms,  dashing  after  insects. 

Song". — A  high-pitched  lisping  "zwe-zwe-zwe-see-ee-ee," 
ending  in  a  thin,  wiry  tone,  almost  a  hiss;  it  is  very 
distinct  from  the  song  of  any  other  bird. 

Nest. — In  coniferous  trees  at  any  height  from  the 
ground;  of  shreds  of  bark,  fine  cedar  twigs,  rootlets, 
etc. ;  eggs  greenish  white  blotched  with  brown. 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  Massachusetts 
(rarely)  and  Minnesota  northward;  winters  in  Central 
America. 


160 


BLACK-POLL  WARBLER. 

661.     Dendroica  striata.     0^2  inches. 

Whole  crown  black;  female,  without  black  cap,  green- 
ish gray  above  streaked  with  black;  young  paler  than 
tlie  female. 

These  birds  are  one  of  the  latest  of  the  migrants  to 
arrive,  reaching  northern  United  States  about  the  last 
(  f  May,  but  coming  in  such  numbers  that  they  are 
found  everywhere.  While  their  plumage  somewhat  re- 
sembles that  of  the  Black  and  White  Warbler,  their 
habits  are  entirely  different. 

Song. — A  high-pitched,  hissing  whistle  similar  to 
that  of  the  Black  and  White  W^arbler  but  uttered  more 
deliberately  and  with  an  instant's  pause  between  each 
note. 

Nest. — ^At  low  elevations  in  thick  coniferous  trees; 
made  of  slender  twigs,  rootlets  and  lichens,  lined  with 
liair  or  feathers;  eggs  wdiitish,  thickly  spotted  with 
brown    (.75  x  .52). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  northern  Xcav 
l^ugland,  Minnesota  and  Wyoming  north  to  the  Arctic 
regions;   winters  south  of  the  United  States. 


YELLOW-THROATED  WARBLER. 

G63.      Dendroica   dominica.      51/1    inches. 

Throat,  breast  and  line  from  eye  to  bill  yellow. 

This  species  has  habits  very  similar  to  those  of  the 
Black  and  White  Creeper,  being  often  seen  creeping 
around  the  trunks  or  over  the  branches  of  trees  with 
almost  as  much  facility  as  the  Nuthatches.  They  are 
southern  birds  and  are  only  rarely  or  accidentally  found 
in  the  northern  half  of  the  U.  S.,  and  they  are  one  of  the 
few  members  of  the  family  that  winter  in  the  southern 
parts  of  our  country. 

Song. — Loud  and  similar  to  that  of  the  Indigo  Bunt- 
ing, but  shorter. 

Nest. — Usually  high  up  in  pines  and  often  concealed 
in  tufts  of  moss;  made  of  fine  twigs  and  strips  of  bark, 
held  together  with  cobwebs  and  Spanish  moss;  eggs 
greenish   \vhite,   spotted  with  various   shades   of   brown. 

Rang-e. — Southeastern  U.  S.,  breeding  north  to  Vir- 
ginia; winters  in  the  West  Indies.  663a.  Sycamore 
Warbler  (albilora)  is  like  the  Yellow-throated,  but  is 
white  before  the  eye;  found  in  the  Mississippi  Valley 
north  to  Illinois  and  Iowa;  winters  in  Mexico. 
11 


IGl 


GOLDEN-CHEEKED  WARBLER. 

666.    Dendroica  chrysoparia.     4%  inches. 

In  some  plumages  these  birds  may  be  confused  with 
the  Black-throated  Green.  Notice  that  the  adult  male 
has  a  short  median  line  of  yellow  on  the  crown,  other- 
wise the  top  of  head  and  entire  back  are  intense  black. 
Young  birds,  which  bear  the  closest  resemblance  to  the 
next  species,  can  be  distinguished  because  their  under- 
parts  are  white,  those  of  the  Black-throated  Green  being 
tinged  with  yellow. 

These  rare  Warblers  have  a  very  restricted  distribu- 
tion, but  are  said  to  be  not  uncommon  within  their  range. 

Notes. — Song  with  the  usual  Warbler  quality,  but  en- 
tirely distinctive :    "sweah-sweah-swee-e-e." 

Nest. — Of  strips  of  bark,  usually  located  in  juniper 
trees  six  to  twenty  feet  above  ground.  Eggs  white, 
splashed  about  the  large  end  with  reddish  brown 
(.65X.50). 

Range. — Central  Texas  southward  into  Mexico. 


BLACK-THROATED  GREEN  WARBLER. 

GG7.     Dendroica   virens.      5    inches. 

Throat  black;  two  wing  bars  and  outer  tail  feathers 
white:  female  with  little  black  on  the  throat. 

A  common  bird  in  pine  groves  in  northern  United 
States,  or  during  migrations  in  birch  woods.  I  have 
found  them  most  abundant  on  side  hills  covered  with 
low-growth  pines.  They  seem  to  be  very  nervous  and 
are  greatly  excited  if  you  appear  near  their  nests.  They 
often  have  the  habit  of  building  several  nests,  whether 
with  the  deliberate  intent  to  deceive  or  whether  because 
the  first  was  not  satisfactory  as  to  location  is  not  known. 

Song". — Entirely  difl'erent  from  that  of  any  other  bird ; 
a  rather  harsh  "zee"  repeated  six  times,  with  the  fourth 
and  fifth  syllables  lower. 

Nest. — Of  rootlets  and  fine  grasses,  lined  with  hair; 
placed  high  up  in  pine  trees;  eggs  white  with  fine  brown 
specks  around  the  large  end   (.G0x.50). 

Range. — Eastern  North  America,  breeding  from 
southern  Xew  England  and  Illinois  north  to  Nova  Scotia 
and  Hudson  Bay;  winters  in  Central  America. 


KIRTLAND  WARBLER. 

G70.     Dendroica  kirtlandi.     514  inches. 

Above  bluish  gray  streaked  with  black;  imderparts 
pale  yellow  streaked  on  the  side  with  black. 

This  is  one  of  the  rarest  of  American  Warblers,  and 
until  1903  but  little  was  known  of  their  habits  or  range; 
in  that  year  they  were  discovered  nesting  in  Oscoda 
County,  ]\Iichigan.  They  were  found  near  the  banks  of 
a  river  in  Jack  pines,  building  on  the  ground  and  remain- 
ing in  the  underbrush  near  it. 

Song. — Loud  and  clear  and  said  to  resemble  that  of 
the   Maryland   Yellow-throat. 

Nest. — In  depressions  in  the  ground  at  the  foot  of  pine 
trees  and  probably  also  under  bushes;  made  of  strips  of 
bark  and  vegetable  fibres;  eggs  white,  wreathed  about 
the  large  end  with  brown    ( .72  x  .50 ) . 

Range. — Breeds  in  Michigan  and  migrates  southeast 
through  Ohio,  Missouri,  Tennessee,  Virginia,  the  Caro- 
linas  and  Florida  to  the  Bahamas. 


164 


PINE  WARBLER. 

671.    Dendroica  vigorsii.    S^^.  inches. 

Greenish  yellow  above,  brighter  below;  two  white 
wing  bars  and  white  spots  on  outer  tail  feathers ;  female, 
duller  and  grayer. 

Found  only  in  tracts  of  coniferous  trees,  except  during 
migrations,  when  they  are  often  in  company  with  other 
kinds  of  Warblers.  They  like  dry  hillsides  covered  with 
scrub  pines  and  are  often  quite  abundant  in  such  locali- 
ties. They  are  rather  quiet  in  their  manners,  creepiii;^ 
about  among  the  tree  tops  like  Black  and  White  Warblers 
and  occasionally  giving  their  clear  little  trill. 

Song-. — Xearest  like  that  of  the  Chipping  Sparrow, 
but  easily  distinguishable;   a  long,  clear  trill. 

Nest. — A  small,  compact  structure  of  black  rootlets 
lined  with  hair;  placed  in  the  extreme  tops  of  scrub 
pines,  where  it  is  very  difficult  to  see  them;  eggs  white 
specked   with   reddish   brown    ( .62  x  .50 ) . 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  north 
to  southern  Canada;  winters  in  southern  U.  S. 


IGG 


PALM  WARBLER. 

672.     Dendroica  palmarum.     5^/4   inches. 

No  wing  bars,  but  white  spots  on  the  outer  tail 
feathers;  crown,  cheeks  and  streaks  on  the  sides  chest- 
nut. 

During  migrations  you  will  find  these  Warblers  along 
roadsides,  in  open  woods  and  scrubby  pastures.  They 
are  of  a  very  nervous  temperament  and,  when  at  rest  or 
when  walking,  are  continually  flirting  their  tail,  a  habit 
which  none  of  the  Warblers,  except  the  Water-thrush, 
seem  to  have.  They  are  one  of  the  earliest  of  the  family 
to  appear  in  the  spring,  reaching  northern  United  States 
in  April. 

Song. — A  short  trill;  an  ordinary  Warbler  chirp. 

Nest. — On  the  ground  under  shrubs,  or  sunken  in 
moss ;  made  of  fine  grasses,  bark  and  moss ;  the  four  eggs 
are  creamy  white  with  reddish-brown  spots. 

Range. — Interior  of  N.  A.,  breeding  in  the  interior  of 
British  America;  winters  in  southern  U.  S.  672a.  Yel- 
low Palm  Warbler  ( hypochrysea )  is  brighter  yellow  be- 
low; it  is  found  in  eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  north  of  Nova 
Scotia;  winters  along  the  Gulf. 


PRAIRIE   WARBLER. 

073.     Dendroica  discolor.     4%   inches. 

Above  greenish  with  chestnut  spots  on  the  back; 
below  yellow  with  black  markings;  female  paler. 

These  are  very  locally  distributed  birds  and  will  often 
be  found  breeding  abundantly  in  a  small  patch  of  brush- 
covered  pasture,  while  many  others  apparently  just  as 
well  suited  for  their  purposes  will  be  shunned  by  them. 
They  are  very  active,  flitting  rapidly  from  one  bush  to 
another,  the  male  occasionally  movmting  to  a  bush  top 
to  hurriedly  deliver  his  song,  then  diving  out  of  sight 
below  the  foliage. 

Song-. — An  energetic,  rather  harsh  "zee-zee-zee-ee"  on 
an  ascending  scale. 

Nest. — A  neat  cup  of  grasses  and  vegetable  fibres, 
lined  with  black  rootlets  or  horsehair;  located  in  low 
shrubs  or  bushes  from  one  to  two  feet  above  ground; 
eggs  whitish  with  blackish-brown  specks  about  the  large 
end    ( .05  x  .48 ) . 

Range. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to 
Massachusetts  and  southern  Michigan;  winters  in  the 
West  Indies. 


167 


OVEN-BIRD. 

674.     Seiurus  aurocapillus.     G  inches. 

Crown  orange  brown  bordered  by  black;  no  white  in 
wings  or  tail. 

This  bird  is  found  in  open  woods,  where  it  builds  its 
arched  nest  on  the  ground  among  the  leaves  or  pine 
needles.  It  is  the  peculiar  oven-like  construction  of  their 
nests  that  gives  them  their  name.  They  are  essentially 
ground  birds,  only  mounting  to  the  lower  branches  of 
trees  to  sing  or  when- scolding  an  intruder. 

Song'. — A  peculiar  ascending  song  resembling  the  word 
teacher,  repeated  five  or  six  times  and  gathering  strength 
and  volume  with  each  sjilable;  call,  a  sharp  chip. 

Nest. — Of  leaves,  strips  of  bark  and  grass  arched  over 
the  top  so  as  to  leave  a  very  small  opening;  placed  on 
the  ground  in  woods;  four  to  six  white  eggs  spotted  with 
reddish  brown  ( .78  x  .58 ) . 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  in  the  northern  half 
of  the  U.  S.  and  north  to  Labrador ;  winters  chiefly  south 
of  U.  S. 


168 


WATER-THRUSH. 

675.  Seiurus  novehoracensis.  6  inches. 
This  species  always  has  a  yellowisli  tinge  to  the  iinder- 
parts  and  the  stripes  beneath  are  narrow,  but  prominent. 
'Jliese  Warblers  are  found  in  tangled  underbrush  near 
water.  They  have  a  habit  of  continually  flirting  their 
tails,  thus  giving  them  the  local  name  of  Water-Wagtail. 
Their  call  is  a  sharp  metallic  '"chink";  their  song  a  loud, 
liquid  '"quit-quit-quit-que-quewe-u."  Breeds  from  the 
northern  edge  of  the  U.  S.  northwards;  winters  south  of 
U.  S. 

LOUISIANA   WATER-THRUSH. 

676.  Seiurus  motacilla.  *614  inches. 
Larger,  grayer  above  and  whiter  below  than  the  pre- 
ceding; stripes  fewer  and  broader.  This  is  a  more  south- 
ern species  and  breeds  from  the  Gulf  to  Connecticut  and 
southern  Minnesota.  Its  notes  are  wild  and  ringing,  like 
those  of  the  last.  They  build  their  nests  under  the  roots 
of  trees  or  under  the  edges  of  overhanging  banks.  The 
eggs  are  creamy  white,  boldly  blotched  with  brown. 


KENTUCKY  WARBLER. 

677.     Opornornis  fonnosa.     oY-y  inches. 

Crown  and  ear  coverts  black,  underparts  and  line  over 
eye  yellow;  no  white  in  the  plumage. 

These  birds  are  found  in  about  such  localities  as  are 
frequented  by  Ovenbirds,  but  with  a  preference  for  woods 
which  are  low  and  damp.  They  are  locally  common  in 
some  of  the  southern  and  central  states.  They  are 
active  gleaners  of  the  underbrush,  keeping  well  within 
the  depths  of  tangled  thickets.  Like  the  Maryland  Yel- 
low-throat, which  has  similar  habits  to  those  of  this 
bird,  they  are  quite  inquisitive  and  frequently  come  close 
to  you  to  investigate  or  to  scold. 

Song. — A  loud,  musical.  Wren-like  warble. 

Nest. — A  bulky  structure  of  leaves,  bark  and  grasses, 
lined  with  black  rootlets  or  horsehair;  placed  on  the 
ground  in  bunches  of  weeds  or  at  the  foot  of  a  small 
bush;  the  four  or  five  eggs  are  quite  heavily  speckled, 
chiefly  at  the  large  end,  with  reddish  brown. 

Range.— Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  north 
to  New  York  and  southern  Michigan;  winters  in  north- 
(  rn  South  America. 


i:u 


CONNECTICUT  WARBLER. 

678.     Opornornis  agilis.     5%  inches. 

Male  with  a  bluish  slate-colored  head;  eye  ring  white 
and  completely  encircling  the  eye;  female  with  a  saffron- 
colored  head. 

In  the  United  States  we  find  this  Warbler  only  in 
sjjring  and  fall  migrations.  They  appear  to  be  much 
more  rare  in  the  spring  than  in  the  fall ;  while  I  have 
seen  perhaps  a  hundred  in  the  fall  I  have  never  seen 
but  one  in  spring.  They  frequent  wild  tangled  thicket- 
such  as  you  often  find  Maryland  Yellow-throats  in.  A- 
they  do  most  of  their  feeding  upon  the  ground  and  re 
main  in  the  depths  of  the  thickets,  they  are  rarely  seen 
unless  attention  is  drawn  to  them. 

Song. — Somewhat  like  that  of  the  Maryland  Yellow- 
throat;  call,  a  sharp,  metallic  "peenk." 

Nest. — In  thickets  or  clumps  of  briars,  either  on  the 
ground  or  just  above  it;  made  of  strips  of  bark  and 
skeletons  of  leaves,  lined  with  hair;  eggs  whitish  spar- 
ingly specked  at  the  large  end  with  brown    (.75x.56). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  north  of  the  U.  S.; 
winters  in  northern  South  America. 


MOURNING  WARBLER. 

C79.      Opornornis  Philadelphia.     5%    inches. 

Similar  to  the  last,  but  with  no  eye  ring  and  with  a 
black  patch  on  the  breast. 

These  birds  are  found  in  swamps  and  thickets,  as 
well  as  among  the  bushes  and  weeds  along  walls,  fences 
and  the  edges  of  woods.  Their  habits  are  like  those  of 
the  Maryland  Yellow-throats,  they  being  found  on  or 
near  the  ground,  scratching  about  among  the  leaves  or 
gleaning  insects  from  the  foliage  of  the  low  shrubbery.^ 
'Ihey  appear  to  be  the  most  abundant  in  the  middle" 
States  and  northward. 

Song. — Similar  to  the  liquid  song  of  the  Water- 
Thrush;  call,  a  sharp  "peenk,"  like  that  of  the  last. 

West. — On  or  near  the  ground  in  thickets  or  tangled 
vines;  made  of  fine  bark  strips  and  fibres,  lined  with 
hair;  eggs  white  specked  with  reddish  brown  (.71x.54). 

Rang-e. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  from  northern  New 
England,  Ohio  and  Michigan  north  to  southern  Canada; 
winters  south  of  the  U.  S. 


172 


MARYLAND  YELLOW-THROAT. 

681.     Geothhjpis  trichas.     5i/4  inches. 

One  of  our  most  common  birds  in  swamps  and  also  in 
shrubbery  along  roadsides  or  walls.  They  are  very  in- 
quisitive, and  their  bright  eyes  will  peek  at  you  from 
behind  some  leaf  or  shrub  as  long  as  you  are  in  sight. 

Song. — A  lively  '"vvitchity-witchity -witch";  call,  a 
deep  chip ;  also  a  rattling  note  of  alarm. 

Nest. — Of  grapevine  and  grasses,  located  in  clumps 
of  weeds  on  or  nearly  touching  the  ground;  eggs  white 
with  brown  specks   (.70x.50). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to 
New  Jersey. 

Sub-species. — 681a.  Western  Yellow-throat  (occiden- 
talis),  said  to  be  brighter;  found  chiefly  west  of  the 
Rockies,  but  east  to  the  Plains.  681b.  Florida  Yellow- 
throat  (ignota),  South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  coasts.  681d. 
Xorthern  Yellow-throat  (brachidactyla) ,  slightly  larger 
and  deeper  colored;  found  in  northeastern  U.  S.  and 
southeastern  Canada,  west  to  Dakota  and  south  through 
the  Mississippi  Valley  to  the  Gulf. 


173 


YELLOW-BREASTED   CHAT. 

683.     Icteria  virens.     7%   inches. 

Breast  yellow,  lores  black,  line  over  the  eye  and  under- 
parts  white;  no  white  on  wings  or  tail. 

Dry  side  hills  and  ravines  covered  with  thick  under 
brush  are  the  places  to  look  for  Chats.  Usually  if  they 
are  present  they  will  make  themselves  heard  long  before 
you  see  them.  They  are  one  of  the  most  odd  birds  both 
in  action  and  song.  They  are  mimics  of  the  highest 
order  and  can  make  any  kind  of  whistle  or  squawk,  but 
all  their  vocal  efforts  seem  to  require  a  great  deal  of 
flirting  of  the  tail  and  twisting  of  the  head.  They  even 
jerk  their  tail  up  and  down  while  flying,  this  making 
them  appear  extremely  ludicrous. 

Song's. — A  varied  medley  of  whistles  and  calls. 

Nest. — Near  the  ground  in  tangled  thickets;  of  grass, 
weeds,  etc. ;  eggs  whitish  plentifully  specked  with  reddish 
brown   (.90x.70). 

Rang-e. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  north  to  Massachu- 
setts and  southern  Minnesota;  winters  in  Central  Amer- 
ica. (383a.  Long-tailed  Chat  (longicauda)  is  found  in  the 
XT.  S.  from  the  Plains  to  the  Pacific. 


174 


HOODED  WARBLER. 

684.     Wilsonia  citrina.     5^2  inches. 

Male,  with  yellow  forehead  and  cheeks,  the  rest  of  the 
head  and  throat  being  black;  female,  much  duller  with 
little  or  no  black;  both  sexes  have  white  spots  on  the 
outer  tail  feathers,  but  no  bars  on  the  wings. 

This  is  one  of  the  liveliest  of  the  family,  being  very 
active  in  catching  insects  on  the  Aving  like  a  trvie  Fly- 
catcher; because  of  this  habit  all  the  members  of  this 
genus  are  often  called  Fly-catching  Warblers.  They  also 
have  a  habit  of  often  spreading  and  folding  their  tail  as 
they  flit  through  the  underbrush  that  they  frequent. 

Song. — A  clear,  liquid  series  of  whistles ;  call,  a  sharp 
chip. 

Nest. — Within  a  few  inches  of  the  ground  in  low 
underbrush  or  vines;  made  of  leaves,  bark,  etc.,  held 
firmly  together  with  cobwebs;  the  four  or  five  eggs  are 
white,  profusely  spotted  with  reddish  brown. 

Range. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to 
southern  Connecticut  and  Michigan;  winters  south  of 
the  U.  S. 


175 


WILSON  WARBLER. 

685.     Wilsouia  pusilla.     5  inches. 
Male,  with  black  crown  patch ;  female,  with  the  crown 
greenish  like  the  back. 

Tliese  little  liy-catching  Warblers  are  abundant  in 
tlie  United  States  during  migrations,  being  found  in 
woods  or  swamps,  and  very  often  in  apple  trees  when 
they  are  in  bloom.  They  Hy  about  among  the  outer 
branches  snatching  insects  from  the  foliage  or  blos- 
soms, and  often  dashing  out  to  catch  one  that  is  flying 
by.  Their  natural  pertness  is  intensified  by  their  very 
attractive  plumage  which  harmonizes  perfectly  with 
ureen  leaves. 

Song. — A  simple  and  rather  weak  trill. 

Nest. — Of  leaves  and  bark,  imbedded  in  the  ground 
under  bushes  on  the  edges  of  swamps  or  woods;  eggs 
wliite,  sj^ecked  with  reddish  brown    (.60  x  .48). 

Range. — Eastern  X.  A.,  breeding  from  the  northern 
edge  of  the  U.  S.  northward;  winters  in  Central  America. 
Two  sub-species  are  found  west  of  the  Rockies. 


176 


CANADIAN  WARBLER. 


Wilsonia   canadensis.     5%    inches. 

a  necklace  of  black  spots,  white  eye  ring 


68G. 

Male,  with 
and    lores;    female,    and   young,   with    only   a    slight    in 
dication  of  the  necklace. 

These  Warblers  travel  northward  in  company  with 
many  other  kinds,  always  keeping  in  the  underbrush 
near  the  ground,  except  when  they  come  out  into 
orchards  and  panes.  Like  the  two  last,  they  are  very 
lively,  rarely  remaining  still  for  more  than  a  few 
seconds,  before  they  must  dash  after  some  tempting- 
morsel  that  is  flying  by. 

Song". — A  loud  liquid  warble,  most  nearly  resembling 
that  of  the  Water-Thrush ;  call,  a  sharp,  querulous  chip. 

Nest. — Of  rootlets  and  strips  of  bark,  under  roots  of 
trees  or  shrubs  or  at  the  foot  of  stumps  in  the  moss; 
the  four  eggs  are  white  with  a  wreath  of  chestnut 
spots  around  the  large  end  (.68  x  .50). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  Massachusetts 
and    ^Michigan    northward;    winters    in    northern    South 
America. 
12 


ITS 


AMERICAN  REDSTART. 

f)87.     i^efophaga  ruticilla.     5^2   inches. 

Male,  black,  orange  and  white;  female,  grayish,  yel- 
low and  white;  it  requires  two  or  three  years  to  attain 
the  black  plumage  of  the  male,  in  the  intermediate 
stages  they  are  sometimes  strangely  mottled. 

In  the  northeastern  half  of  the  United  States,  these 
are  one  of  the  commonest  and  most  active  of  the  species. 
Both  the  males  and  females  seem  to  be  proud  of  their 
handsome  plumage  and  are  continually  spreading  and 
closing  their  tails.  They  are  equally  happy  whether  in 
the  tree  tops  or  near  the  ground,  and  are  as  often  found 
in  the  one  place  as  the  other. 

Song. — ^''Che-wee,  che-wee,  che-wee,"  very  similar  to 
that  of  the  Yellow  Warbler  and  also  the  Chestnut-sided 
Warbler. 

Nest. — Of  plant  fibres  and  grasses  in  forks  of  bushes 
or  trees,  usually  at  greater  heights  than  those  of  the 
Yellow  Warbler;  eggs  whitish  specked  with  brown. 

Range. — N".  A.,  rare  west  of  the  Rockies,  breeding 
from  North  Carolina  and  Missouri  northward ;  winters 
south  of  the  U.  S. 


AMERICAN   PIPIT;   TITLARK. 

697.  Anthus  ruhescens.  614  inches. 
These  are  Arctic  birds  that  spend  the  winter  months 
in  the  United  States.  We  find  them  in  flocks  along 
roadsides  or  in  fields,  feeding  upon  weed  seeds.  They 
are  shy  and  take  wing  readily,  uttering  sharp  whistles 
as  they  wheel  about  in  the  air.  They  are  always  rest- 
less and  stay  in  a  place  but  a  short  time.  They  nest 
on  the  ground  in  northern  Canada.  Eggs  grayish,  pro- 
fusely specked  with  brown. 

SPRAGUE  PIPIT. 

700.  Anthus  spraguei.  6^  inches. 
Upper  parts  streaked  with  buff  and  blackish;  below 
pale  buffy  with  black  markings.  These  birds  are  found 
on  the  Plains  from  the  Dakotas  to  Hudson  Bay  in  sum- 
mer, migrating  to  Mexico  in  winter.  They  resemble  the 
European  Skylark  in  their  habit  of  soaring  to  a  great 
height  Avhile  singing.  Their  song  is  very  melodious, 
resembling  that  of  the  Bobolink.  Their  nests  are  de- 
pressions in  the  ground,  lined  with  grasses.  Eggs  gray- 
ish, finely  specked  with  purplish  gray    (.87  x  .67). 


179 


SAGE  THRASHER. 

702.     Oroscoptes  montanus.     8%   inches. 

This  species  is  often  known  as  the  Mountain  Mocking- 
bird because  of  the  brilliance  of  its  song,  a  very  varied 
performance,  long  continued  and  mocking  that  of  many 
other  species.  They  inhabit  sage-brush  regions  and  are 
partial  to  the  lower  portions  of  the  country,  although 
frequently  met  in  open  mountains.  They  are  not  shy 
and  can  readily  be  located  by  their  voices. 

Nest. — ^In  bushes,  especially  the  sage  and  cactus;  a 
loose  structure  made  of  bark-strips,  small  twigs  and 
coarse  grasses,  lined  with  fine  rootlets.  The  three  or 
four  eggs  have  a  rich  greenish-blue  ground,  spotted  with 
bright  reddish  brown   (.95  x  .70). 

Range, — Sage-brush  regions  of  western  United  States 
from  the  Plains  to  the  Pacific j  winters  in  Mexico  and 
Lower  California. 


180 


Mockingbird. 

703.     Mimus  polyglottos.     l^Vi  inches. 

General  colors,  gray  and  white;  bases  of  primaries 
and  outer  tail  feathers  with  white. 

This  is  the  great  vocalist  of  the  south,  and  by  many 
is  considered  to  be  the  most  versatile  singer  in  America. 
It  is  found  in  gardens,  pastures  and  open  woods.  All 
its  habits  are  similar  to  our  Catbird,  and  like  that 
species,  it  is  given  to  imitating  the  notes  of  other  birds. 

Song. — An  indescribable  medley,  sometimes  very 
sweet  and  pleasing,  at  others,  harsh  and  unmusical. 

Nest. — Usually  built  in  impenetrable  thickets  or 
hedges,  or  again  in  more  open  situation  in  the  garden ; 
made  of  twigs  and  rootlets,  lined  with  black  rootlets; 
the  four  or  five  eggs  are  bluish  green  with  blotches  of 
reddish  brown   (.95  x  .70). 

Range. — Southern  U.  S.,  breeding  north  to  New  Jer- 
sey (and  casually  farther)  and  Ohio;  winters  in  the 
South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States.  703a.  Western  Mock- 
ingbird (leucopterus)  is  found  in  southwestern  U.  S., 
north  to  Indian  Territory  and  California. 


181 


CATBIRD. 

704.     Dumetella  carolinensis.     9  inches. 

General  color  dark  gray  with  a  black  cap  and  chest- 
nut under  tail  coverts. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  common  birds  throughout 
the  United  States,  being  found  equally  abundantly  in 
gardens,  swamps  and  scrubby  pastures.  They  are  very 
persistent  songsters  and  have  a  large  repertoire  of 
notes,  as  well  as  being  able  to  imitate  those  of  many 
other  birds.  They  delight  in  spending  an  hour  or  more 
at  a  time,  perched  in  a  bush  or  tree  top,  singing,  and 
apparently  making  their  song  up  as  they  go  along,  for 
it  is  an  indescribable  medley  interspersed  with  various 
mews  and  cat  calls. 

Song. — A  medley  like  that  of  the  Mockingbird;  some- 
times pleasing,  sometimes  not. 

Nest. — In  hedges  or  thickets;  made  of  twigs,  root- 
lets and  grass,  lined  with  fine  black  root^s;  the  four 
eggs  are  plain  greenish  blue   (.95  x  .70). 

Range. — N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to  New 
Brunswick  and  Hudson  Bay;  rare  west  of  the  Rockies; 
winters  from  the  Gulf  States  southward. 


182 


BROWN  THRASHER. 

705.     Toxostoma  rufum.     lli^   inches. 

Above  bright  reddish  brown;  below  white  with  black 
spots. 

Taken  as  a  whole,  I  think  that  the  song  of  this 
Thrasher  is  the  most  musical  and  pleasing  of  any  that 
I  have  ever  heard.  It  has  a  similarity  to  that  of  the 
Catbird,  but  is  rounder,  fuller  and  has  none  of  the 
grating  qualities  of  the  song  of  that  species.  They  ap- 
parently have  a  song  of  their  own  and  do  not  deign  to 
copy  that  of  others.  They  are  one  of  the  most  useful 
and  desirable  birds  that  we  have. 

Song-. — A  bright  and  cheerful  carol,  often  long  con- 
tinued, but  always  clear  and  sweet;  call,  a  clear  whistled 
"wlieuu," 

Nest. — Of  twigs  and  rootlets,  in  hedges,  thickets  or 
thorn  bushes;  the  four  or  five  eggs  are  bluish  white  with 
numerous  fine  dots  of  reddish  brown  over  the  entire  sur- 
face  ( 1.08  X. 80). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to 
southern  Canada;  winters  in  the  southern  half  of  the 
U.  S. 


CACTUS  WREN. 

713.     Beleodytes  hrunneicapillus.     8%  inches. 

Cactus  groves  are  the  favorite  resorts  of  these  large 
Wrens.  Often  a  bed  of  cactus  not  more  than  thirty 
feet  square  will  contain  the  homes  of  half  a  dozen  pairs 
of  them.  Like  all  the  members  of  the  family,  they  are 
very  sprightly  and  have  violent  tempers,  scolding  anyone 
or  anything  that  incurs  their  displeasure. 

Nest. — Iheir  nests  are  placed  in  cactus  or  other 
thorny  shrubs;  they  are  very  large,  purse-shaped  affairs 
with  an  entrance  on  the  side;  they  are  made  of  little 
thorny  twigs  and  grasses  woven  together,  and  the  in- 
terior is  warmly  lined  with  feathers.  The  four  or  five 
eggs  are  creamy  wiiite,  finely  sprinkled  with  reddish 
brown  ( .95  x  .65 ) .  Two  or  three  broods  are  often  raised 
in  a  season. 

Range. — Southwestern  border  of  the  United  States, 
ranging  from  southern  Texas  to  California. 


184 


ROCK  WREN. 

715.     Saljnnctes  ohsoletus.     5%  inches. 

Upper  parts  stone  color,  specked  with  black;  rump 
brownish ;  underparts  whitish  with  indistinct  streaks 
on  the  throat. 

A  common  bird  on  the  dry,  rocky  foothills  of  the 
Rockies  and  westward.  They  are  well  named,  for  their 
favorite  places  are  among  the  rocks,  where  they  are 
always  busily  engaged  in  hunting  insects  or  spiders  in 
the  crevices.  Owing  to  their  colors  and  their  habits  of 
slinking  away  behind  the  rocks  they  are  quite  difficult 
to  see,  but  their  sweet  song  is  always  heard  if  any  of 
the  birds  are  in  the  vicinity. 

Song". — Very  sweet  and  varied,  almost  canary-like, 
but  impossible  to  describe;  call,  a  harsh  grating  note. 

Nest. — Of  sticks,  weeds,  grasses,  etc.,  concealed  in 
crevices  among  the  rocks;  the  five  or  six  eggs  are  white, 
sparingly   specked   with   reddish   brown    {.72x.54). 

Range. — Western  U.  S.  from  the  western  border  of 
the  Plains  to  the  Pacific,  north  to  Dakota  and  British 
Columbia;   winters  from  southwestern  U.  S.  southward. 


CAROLINA   WREN. 

718.     Thryothorus  ludovicianus.     5^    inches. 

Above  rusty  brown  and  below  washed  with  the  same, 
the  throat  and  line  over  the  eye  being  white. 

Like  all  the  Wrens,  this  one  commonly  sits  or  flits 
about  in  the  brvish,  with  the  tail  erect  over  the  body; 
only  when  singing  is  it  held  downward.  Their  flight 
is  usually  only  for  a  short  distance,  accomplished  by 
rapid  wing  beats  and  with  a  jerking  motion  of  the  tail. 

Song. — Loud  and  tinkling,  and  utterly  impossible  to 
describe. 

Nest, — In  brush  heaps,  holes  in  trees,  bird  boxes  or 
bushes:  made  of  weeds,  grass  and  any  trash  that  they 
may  pick  up;  eggs,  five  to  seven  in  number,  white, 
specked  with  reddish  brown   (.74x.60). 

Range. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  north 
to  Connecticut  and  Illinois;  resident.  718a.  Florida 
Wren  (miamensis)  is  found  in  southern  Florida.  718b. 
Lomita  Wren   ( lomitensis ) ,  found  in  southern  Texas. 


186 


BEWICK  WREN. 

719.     Thryomanes  heivickii.     5  inches. 

Above  dark  brown;  below  and  line  over  eye  whitish; 
tail  blackish  with  the  outer  feathers  barred  with  white. 

Like  all  the  Wrens,  these  seem  to  be  very  restless  and 
are  continually  creeping  about  in  brush  heaps  or  along 
stone  walls,  fences  or  over  fallen  trees  or  stumps.  They 
are  locally  abundant  in  interior  United  States,  in  some 
sections  entirely  replacing  the  House  Wren. 

Song. — A  sweet  chant  of  liquid  melodious  notes. 

Nest. — In  any  location  that  happens  to  take  the  bird's 
fancy,  such  as  holes  in  trees,  bird  boxes,  in  barns,  sheds, 
etc. ;  made  of  straw,  grass  and  trash ;  eggs  white  profuse- 
ly specked  with  reddish  brown. 

Range. — Mississippi  Valley  and  the  Plains  north  to 
South  Dakota;  east  to  the  Alleghanies  and  casually  to 
the  South  Atlantic  States.  719c.  Texas  Bewick  Wren 
( cryptus )  is  found  f roni  Texas  north  to  Indian  Territory. 


188 


HOUSE  WREN. 

721.     Troglodytes  wdon.    4%  inches. 

Above  brownish  with  tail  and  wings  barred;  below 
dull  grayish,  barred  on  the  flanks  with  brown. 

These  are  bold,  sociable  and  confiding  birds,  seeming 
to  prefer  men's  society,  building  their  nests  in  bird 
boxes  that  are  erected  for  them,  or  in  the  most  unex- 
pected situations  about  buildings.  They  are  one  of  the 
most  beneficial  birds  that  can  be  attracted  to  one's  yard, 
feeding  wholly  upon  insects. 

Song. — Loud,  clear  and  bubbling  over  with  enthusi- 
asm. 

Nest. — Of  grass  or  weeds,  stuffed  into  any  crevice  that 

akes  their  fancy,  frequently  in  bird  boxes  and  holes  in 

orchard  trees;  eggs  white,  so  minutely  and  thickly  dotted 

with   pinkish    brown   as    to   nearly   conceal   the   ground 

color    (.64X.52). 

Rang-e. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  north  to  Maine  and 
Manitoba;  winters  along  the  Gulf  coast.  721b.  Western 
House  Wren  (aztecus)  is  found  from  the  Plains  to  the 
Pacific  coast  ranges. 


WINTER  WREN. 

722.     Nannus  hiemalis.     4  inches. 

Above  bright  cinnamon,  below  paler;  sides,  wings  and 
tail  heavily  barred  with  black. 

This  is  the  shortest  and  most  stoutly  built  Wren  that 
we  have.  They  look  very  pert  with  their  little  stubby 
tail  erect  over  their  back.  In  most  of  the  United  States 
we  only  see  them  in  the  winter,  and  they  are  associated, 
in  my  mind,  with  brush  heaps  in  woods  and  gardens. 
They  will  hide  in  a  small  pile  of  brush,  running  from  side 
to  side,  so  that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  make  them 
leave  it. 

Song-. — A  rippling  flow  of  melody,  not  as  loud,  but 
more  musical  than  that  of  the  House  Wren. 

Nest. — In  brush  heaps,  tin  cans,  hollow  stumps  or 
crevices  in  unoccupied  buildings;  made  of  piles  of  grass, 
weeds,  etc.,  lined  with  feathers ;  eggs  white,  sparingly 
specked  with  reddish  brown    (.65x.50). 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  northern 
edge  of  the  U.  S.  northward;  winters  from  its  breeding 
range  to  the  Gulf. 


189 


SHORT-BILLED   MARSH   WREN. 

724.  Cistothorus  stellaris.  514  inches. 
This  species  can  readily  be  distinguished  from  the 
next,  as  the  whole  crown  is  streaked  with  black  and 
white,  whereas  that  of  the  Long-bill  is  uniformly  col- 
ored. Both  species  are  marsh  birds,  at  home  among 
the  reeds,  to  which  they  attach  their  globular  woven 
nests,  with  the  little  entrance  in  the  side.  The  eggs  of 
this  species  are  pure  white.  It  is  found  in  eastern  N.  A., 
from  the  Gulf  to  southern  Canada. 

LONG-BILLED  MARSH  WREN. 

725.  Telmatodytes  palustris.  5M=  inches. 
The  bill  of  this  species  is  ,5  inch  or  more  in  length; 
that  of  the  last  is  .4  inch  or  less.  This  species  is  by 
far  the  most  abundant.  Its  eggs  are  so  profusely  dotted 
with  dark  brown  as  to  appear  a  chocolate  color.  Breeds 
from  the  Gulf  to  Massachusetts  and  ^Manitoba. 


190 


BROWN  CREEPER. 

726.     Certhia  familiaris  americana.     5^2   inches. 

Tail  feathers  stiffened  and  pointed;    rump  rusty. 

These  odd  birds  are  fairly  common  throughout  the 
United  States  in  winter.  They  will  be  found  in  woods 
always  climbing  up  tree  trunks,  carefully  investigating 
every  crevice  in  the  bark  for  larvae  or  gruLs.  When  they 
reach  the  top  of  one  tree,  they  drop  to  the  foot  of  the 
next  and  continue  the  operation.  They  are  very  tame, 
not  seeming  to  comprehend  that  danger  can  befall  them, 
for  they  will  allow  anyone  to  approach  very  closely,  so 
that  they  have  been  caught  under  a  hat. 

Song. — A  very  faint  trill;  call,  a  weak  "tseep," 
hardly  noticeable  unless  very  near  them. 

Nest. — Of  twigs,  moss  and  bark,  behind  loose  bark 
on  dead  trees  or  stumps,  usually  not  high  above  the 
ground ;  eggs  white,  specked  with  reddish  brown. 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  northern  New 
England  and  Minnesota  northward;  winters  throughout 
the  U.  S. 


WHITE-BREASTED  NUTHATCH. 

727.     Sitta  carolinensis.     0  inches. 

Male  with  the  crown  bluish  black:  female  with  the 
crown  gray;  both  sexes  with  chestnut  under  tail  coverts. 

These  birds  seem  to  be  the  very  opposite  of  the  Brown 
Creepers.  Their  tails  are  short  and  square,  and  nearly 
always  pointed  toward  the  zenith,  for  Nuthatches  usually 
clamber  among  the  branches  and  down  the  tree  trunks, 
head  first. 

Note. — A  nasal  "yank-yank,"  and  a  repeated  '"ya-ya," 
all  on  the  same  tone. 

Nest. — In  cavities  of  hollow  limbs  and  trunks  of 
trees  at  any  elevation  from  the  ground;  the  cavity  is 
filled  with  leaves  and  usually  lined  with  feathers;  eggs 
white,  spotted  with  reddish  brown   ( .75  x  .55 ) . 

Rang'e. — Eastern  United  States,  breeding  from  the 
Gulf  to  southern  Canada;  resident  in  most  of  its  range. 
727b.  Florida  White-breasted  Nuthatch  (atkinsi)  is 
slightly  smaller;  other  races  are  found  west  of  the 
Rockies. 


192 


RED-BREASTED  NUTHATCH. 

728,     ISitta  canadensis.     Ay^  inches. 

These  birds  have  the  same  habits  as  the  hirger  Nut- 
hatch, but  are  often  found  in  flocks,  while  the  White- 
breasted  are  usually  in  pairs  and  in  the  fall  accompanied 
by  their  young.  In  the  winter  we  usually  find  them 
in  coniferous  trees,  where  we  can  locate  them  by  their 
nasal  calls  or  by  the  shower  of  bark  that  they  pry 
from  the  tree  in  their  quest  for  grubs. 

Song. — A  nasal  '"yank-yank,"  like  that  of  the  last, 
but  not  so  loud,  and  usually  repeated  more  times. 

Nest. — In  hollow  stumps  and  limbs,  the  area  about 
the  opening  nearly  always  being  coated  with  fir  bal- 
sam, for  what  purpose  is  not  known ;  the  cavity  is  lined 
with  grasses  and  feathers;  they  lay  from  four  to  seven 
white  eggs,  which  are  very  thickly  spotted  with  reddish 
brown   (.00  x  .50). 

Range. — N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  northern  parts  of 
the  northern  tier  of   states,   northward;    winters   south 
nearly  to  the  Gulf  and  southern  California. 
13 


193 


BROWN-HEADED  NUTHATCH. 

729.  Sitta  pusilla.  4^4  inches. 
Crown  brownish  with  a  white  pat<?h  on  the  nape. 
These  diminutive  Nuthatches  are  found  in  the  south- 
ern states.  Their  general  habits  do  not  appear  to  differ 
from  those  of  other  members  of  the  family.  They  nest 
very  early,  commencing  to  excavate  their  holes  in  Janu- 
ary and  having  complete  sets  of  eggs  as  early  as  the 
middle  of   February. 

They  usually  are  found  in  small  flocks  and  at  night 
iliey  will  often  be  seen  flying  to  the  top  of  a  pine 
\\  liere  they  sleep,  all  huddled  together. 

Notes. — A  continued  twittering  ''nya-nya." 
Nest. — In    cavities   of   dead    limbs   or   stumps,    some- 
Limes   only   a   few   inches   from   the  ground,   and   again 
as   high  as  fifty  feet;   thej"  lay  five  or  six  eggs,  white 
with  numerous  spots  of  reddish  brown    ( .62  x  .49 ) . 

Range. — South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States,  breeding 
north  to  Virginia. 


194 


i 


TUFTED  TITMOUSE. 

731.  Bceolophus  hicolor.  6  inches. 
Head  crested,  forehead  black,  flanks  brownish.  The 
habits  of  this  large  Titmouse  are  almost  identical  with 
those  of  Chickadees.  They  swing  from  the  ends  of  twigs 
in  all  manner  of  positions  and  creep  about  trunks,  peer- 
ing in  crevices  of  the  bark  for  insects.  They  are  com- 
mon in  the  southern  states,  breeding  from  the  Gulf  to 
New  York  and  Illinois ;  they  are  resident  in  the  southern 
portion  of  their  range.  Their  eggs  are  laid  in  soft  nests 
of  down  and  feathers  in  hollow  stumps.  Their  notes  are 
loud,  clear  whistles. 

BLACK-CRESTED  TITMOUSE. 

732.  Bceolophus  atricrisfatiis.  6  inches. 
Crest  black,  forehead  white,  flanks  rusty.  The  habits 
of  this  species  are  just  like  those  of  the  very  similar 
preceding  one.  The  birds  are  very  tame,  especially  so 
during  the  nesting  season,  when  they  will  allow  them- 
selves to  be  lifted  from  the  nest  by  hand.  They  are 
found  in  southern  and  western  Texas. 


195 


BLACK-CAPPED   CHICKADEE. 

735.     Penthestes  atricapillus.     o\i    inches. 

The  Chickadees  are  one  of  the  most  popuhir  birds 
tliat  we  have,  owing  to  their  uniform  good  nature  even 
in  the  coldest  weather,  and  their  confiding  disposition. 
They  are  common  about  farms  and  even  on  the  outskirts 
of  large  cities  they  will  come  to  feasts  prepared  for 
them  on  the  window  sill. 

Notes. — A  clear  "phe-be";  a  "chick-a-dee-dee-dee"  or 
'"dee-dee-dee,"  and  several  scolding  or  chuckling  notes. 

Nest. — In  hollow  stumps  at  any  elevation  from  the 
ground  but  usually  near  the  ground,  and  most  often  in 
birch  stubs;  eggs  white,  sparingly  specked  with  reddish 
brown. 

Range. — Eastern  X.  A.,  breeding  in  the  northern  half 
of  the  I'.  S.  and  northward;  resident. 

736.  Carolina  Chickadee  (Parus  carolinensis)  is  sim- 
ilar to  the  last  but  smaller  and  with  no  white  edges  to 
the  wing  feathers;  length  4%  inches;  found  in  south- 
eastern U.  S.,  breeding  north  to  Virginia  and  Ohio. 


196 


HUDSONIAN  CHICKADEE. 

740.     Penthestes   hudsonicus.     5   inches. 
Crown  and  back  brownish. 


The  habits  of  this  little  nortlierner  are  like  those  of 
tlie  bird  that  we  know  so  well;  if  anything  they  are  even 
more  tame  than  our  bird,  especially  in  the  vicinity  of 
lumbermen's  camps.  They  are  only  met  with  along  our 
northern  border  or  casually  farther  south;  I  have  seen 
one  individual  in  company  with  other  Chickadees  in 
Massachusetts. 

Song'. — Xot  distinguishable  from  that  of  ovir  Chick- 
adee, but  uttered  more  incessantly. 

Nest. — In  cavities  of  stumps,  trees,  posts  or  telephone 
poles,  the  cavity  being  lined  with  grass,  feathers  and  fur ; 
the  six  or  seven  eggs  are  white  sprinkled  with  brown 
( .(50  X  .4(5 ) . 

Range. — Resident  in  Canada  and  the  northern  border 
of  the  U.  S. 


VERDIN;  YELLOW-HEADED  TIT. 

746.     Auriparus   fiaviceps.     -41/4    inches. 

Adult  male  with  the  head  and  throat  yellow,  usually 
with  some  concealed  orange-brown  on  the  forehead ;  lesser 
wing-coverts  reddish  brown.  The  female  is  colored  very 
similarly,  but  is  much  duller.  These  are  among  the 
smallest  of  N.  A.  birds;  they  are  even  smaller  than  their 
length  would  indicate,  for  their  bodies  are  slender.  The 
birds  are  usually  found  in  high  dry  portions  of  the 
country  where  cacti  and  thorny  bushes  predominate. 

Nest. — Their  nests  are  remarkable  structures  for  so 
diminutive  birds;  flask-shaped,  the  outside  being  a  mass 
of  thorny  twigs  and  stems  interwoven;  this  is  lined  with 
feathers  and  the  entrance  is  a  small  circular  hole  near 
the  top.  The  eggs  are  bluish  white  specked  around  the 
large  end  with  reddish  brown. 

Range. — Mexican  border  of  the  United  States  from 
southern  Texas  to  Arizona  and  Lower  California. 


198 


GOLDEN-CROWNED   KINGLET. 

748.     Kegulus  satrapa.     4  inches. 

^lale  with  crown  orange  and  yellow,  bordered  with 
black;    female  with  yellow  crown. 

Although  very  small,  these  birds  are  very  rugged  and 
endure  the  severe  storm  and  low  temperatures  of  our 
northern  states  apparently  with  little  concern,  for  they 
always  seem  to  be  happy.  They  are  always  busily  en- 
gaged among  the  underbrush  of  side  hills  and  along  the 
banks  of  brooks,  hunting  for  the  scanty  fare  that  awaits 
them. 

Song. — A  few  weak  cliips,  chirps  and  trills. 

Nest. — A  large  ball  of  soft  green  mosses  and  feathers, 
suspended  from  the  small  twigs  in  the  tops  of  coniferous 
trees;  it  is  neatly  hollowed  out  for  the  reception  of  the 
six  to  nine  eggs  that  are  laid;  eggs  creamy  white,  mi- 
nutely but  profusely  specked  with  brown  (.56  x  .44). 

Range. — N.  A.,  breeding  from  northern  U.  S.  north- 
ward and  farther  south  in  mountain  ranges;  winters 
throughout  the  U.  S. 


100 


RUBY-CROWNED    KINGLET. 

749.     Regulus  calendula.     4"i/i   inches. 

Male  with  a  concealed  patch  of  red  on  the  crown;  fe- 
male with  no  red. 

Like  the  last,  these  are  chiefly  winter  visitants  in  the 
United  States  and  they  do  not  remain  with  us  in  the 
coldest  weather,  but  pass  on  to  the  southern  half  of  our 
country.  They  are  nearly  always  met  with  in  pine  or 
other  coniferous  trees,  being  very  abundant  in  spring  in 
open  pine  woods  and  parks. 

Song. — A  clear  warble,  surprisingly  loud  and  varied 
for  so  small  a  bird;  call,  a  grating  chatter. 

Nest. — A  ball  of  moss,  grass  and  feathers,  deeply 
cupped,  like  that  of  the  last;  partially  suspended  among 
the  small  twigs  in  the  tops  of  coniferous  trees;  eggs 
white,  more  sparingly  marked  than  those  of  the  last 
(.55  X  .43). 

Rang-e. — jST.  A.,  breeding  northward  from  the  north- 
ern boundary  of  the  U.  S.  and  farther  south  in  moun- 
tains; winters  in  the  southern  half  of  the  U.  S. 


BLUE-GRAY  GNATCATCHER. 

751.     PoUoptila  cccrulea.     414   inches. 

Forehead  black;  tail  black  with  white  edges  and  tips 
to  the  outer  ones. 

Their  food  is  chiefly  insects,  which  they  are  very  ex- 
pert in  catching,  taking  them  on  the  wing  with  great 
celerity.  Their  movements  are  all  very  rapid,  flitting 
from  one  part  of  a  tree  to  another,  but  usually  among 
the  upper  branches.  Their  nests  are  among  the  most 
beautiful  of  bird  architecture,  even  surpassing  that  of 
the  Hummingbird. 

Song'. — Sweet,  but  very  faint. 

Nest, — Situated  on  horizontal  limbs  of  trees  at  me- 
dium lieights;  made  of  plant  flbres,  woolly  substances 
and  cobwebs,  adorned  with  handsome  lichens;  the  walls 
are  very  high  and  thick,  the  bird  sitting  so  low  inside 
that  only  her  tail  is  visible;  the  four  or  five  eggs  are 
bluish  white  specked  with  reddish  brown   (.56  x  .44). 

Range. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  north  to  New  Jersey 
and  Illinois. 


til 


m 


^■^ 


WOOD  THRUSH. 

755.     Hylocichla  mustelina.     8  inches. 

Reddish  brown  above,  brightest  on  the  head;  below 
white  lieavily  spotted  with  black. 

These  large  1  brushes  are  locally  abundant  in  swamps 
and  moist  woodland.  They  are  one  of  our  best  songsters, 
their  tones  being  very  rich  and  flute-like,  and,  like  most 
of  the  Thrushes,  their  songs  are  most  often  heard  along 
toward  night. 

Song". — Very  clear  and  flute-like,  containing  many 
notes  of  the  scale;  often  two  or  more  birds  answer  back 
and  fortli  from  different  parts  of  the  woods;  calls,  a 
sharp  "quit,  quit"  and  a  liquid  "quirt." 

Nest. — Either  in  forks  or  on  horizontal  boughs  of 
bushes  or  trees,  usually  not  more  than  ten  feet  from  the 
ground ;  made  of  grass,  weeds,  leaves  and  some  mud ;  the 
three  or  four  eggs  are  bluish  green   (1.02  x  .75). 

Rang-e. — Eastern  U.  S.,  breeding  from  Virginia  and 
Missouri  north  to  Maine,  Ontario  and  Minnesota;  win- 
ters south  of  the  U.  S- 


202 


WILSON    THRUSH  OR  VEERY. 

756.     EylocicJila  fuscescens.     7^2  inches. 

Entire  upper  parts  a  uniform  reddish  brown;  below 
soiled  white  with  a  few  faint  marks  on  the  breast. 

This  species  is  more  abundant  than  the  last.  It  is 
found  in  swamps  and  also  in  dry  open  woods,  they  being 
especially  numerous  where  ferns  grow  luxuriantly. 

Song. — Very  peculiar  and  not  nearly  as  melodious  as 
that  of  the  Wood  Thrush,  but  still  attractive;  a  slightly 
descending  "too-whe-u-whe-u-whe-u" ;  call,  a  clear  "wliee- 
you." 

Hest. — On  the  ground  among  the  leaves,  on  hum- 
mocks, or  in  tangled  masses  of  briars;  made  of  strips  of 
bark  and  leaves;  eggs  greenish  blue,  darker  and  smaller 
than  those  of  the  Wood  Thrush   ( .88  x  .65 ) . 

Range. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  in  the  northern 
half  of  the  United  States  and  southern  Canada;  winters 
in  Central  America.  756a.  Willow  Thrush  (salicicola) 
is  more  olive  above;  it  is  found  in  the  Rockies  and  east- 
ward to  the  Mississippi  River. 


203 


204 


GRAY-CHEEKED  THRUSH. 

757.     Hylocichia  alicice.     ly^    inches. 

Quite  similar  to  the  following  but  with  the  eye  ring 
white  and  the  sides  of  head  and  breast  much  paler. 

Breeds  in  northern  Canada  and  migrates  througli  the 
eastern  states  to  Central  America.  757a.  Bicknell 
Thrush  (bicknelli)  is  similar  to  the  Gray-cheeked  but 
smaller.     It  breeds  in  Xova  Scotia. 

OLIVE-BACKED   THRUSH. 

758a.     Hylocichia  iislulata  sicainsonii.     7^4   inches. 

Upper  parts  wholly  olive  gray,  with  no  brownish 
tinge;  eye  ring,  sides  of  head  and  breast  distinctly  buff; 
breast  spotted  with  blackish. 

Song. — Quite  similar  to  that  of  the  Veery. 

Nest. — Composed  of  leaves,  grass  and  strips  of  bark, 
located  in  bushes  or  small  trees  near  the  ground:  the 
four  eggs  are  greenish  blue  spotted  with  reddish  brown 
(.90  X  .65). 

Range. — Eastern  X.  A.,  breeding  from  northern  U. 
8.  to  Xew  Brunswick  and  Manitoba. 


HERMIT  THRUSH. 

759b.     Hylocichla  guttata  pallasii.     6%  inches. 

Tail  reddish  brown,  much  brighter  than  the  back 
and  head;   breast  quite  heavily  spotted  with  black. 

During  its  migrations  it  rarely  sings  but  in  its  sum- 
mer home  it  is  regarded  as  a  remarkable  musician.  Its 
song  has  the  sweetness  and  purity  of  tone  of  that 
of  the  Wood  Thrush,  and  is,  perhaps,  more  varied,  bul 
it  is  not  nearly  as  powerful,  and  has  a  ventriloquial 
effect.  I  watched  one  that  was  perched  on  a  dead  stump, 
about  twenty  feet  from  me,  for  several  minvites  with  a 
pair  of  glasses  before  I  could  make  sure  that  he  was 
the  author  of  the  song  I  heard,  for  it  sounded  as  though 
coming  from  across  the  next  field. 

Nest. — Similar  to  that  of  the  Wilson  Thrush  and 
like  that,  placed  on  the  ground  or  very  near  it;  the 
eggs  are  plain  greenish  blue   (.85  x  .65). 

Range. — Breeds  from  northern  U.  S.  northwards,  and 
farther  south  in  mountains;  winters  in  the  Gulf  States. 


205 


AMERICAN  ROBIN. 
761.     Planesticus  migmiorius.     10  inches. 

^lale  with  a  bhick  head  and  brijrht  reddish-brown 
breast:  female  with  a  gray  head  and  niiu'h  ^viU^r  breast: 
younjr  intermeiiiate  between  the  two  and  with  a  reddish- 
bixiwn  breast  spotted  with  black. 

These  well-known  birds  are  very  abundant  in  the 
northern  half  of  the  I'nited  States.  IxMnjr  found  nuvst 
commonly  about  farms  and  dwellintrs  in  the  country, 
and  also* in  cities  if  they  are  not  i>ersecute<l  too  severely 
by  English  Sparrows. 

Son^. — A  loud  cheerr  carol,  "cheerily-cheerup,  cheer- 
ily-cheerup."  often  long  continued. 

*  Nest. — A  warse  but  substantial  structure  of  mud 
and  grass,  placeil  on  horizontal  boughs  or  in  forks  at 
any  height,  or  in  any  o<ld  place  alniut  dwellings:  the 
four  or  five  eggs  are  bluish  green  (l.lo  x  .80). 

Rangfe. — Eastern  N.  A.,  breeding  from  the  middle  of 
the  I'.  S.  northward:  winters  throughout  the  U.  S. 
1 61b.  Southern  Robin  (achrustera)  is  a  paler  form 
found  in  the  Cai*olinas  and  Georgia. 


GREElfLAND  WHEATEAIL 

The  \Vho;;TO;u-  i>  a  Kuro]H;\n  lnr«u  bui  ihis  sub-sjHvies 
i*  found  in  itixvuland  and  ivcasionally  in  I-al>rador, 

ThtMr  l^abits  aiv  about  the  sjime  as  those  of  the  Rlue- 

hini,     Thoy  ftxxi  upon  insects  Ian-*,  fruits,  berries  and 

<.^iiio  seoiis.     They  lire  essentially  jrround  birds  and  are 

~    illy  finind  in  n>cky  country. 

Xest, — Their  nest*  are  made  of  grasses,  hair  or  any 

ish    obtainable,   and   are   hidden    in    the   innermost 

<ses    of    crevices    amonsr    rodcs,    in    deserted    Bank 

-      llovr  nests  or  e\-en  in  rabbit  burrows, 

le  four  to  six  e;ggs  are  pale  greenish  blue,  a  littlo 
filler   in  shaiie  than  those  of  the  Bluebird,     Tliey 
measure  ,94  x  .©Ol 


BLUEBIRD. 

766.     Sialia  sialis.     7  inches. 

These  beautiful,  gentle  and  well-known  birds  spend 
the  winter  in  the  southern  parts  of  the  United  States 
and  north  to  the  snow  line;  some  more  hardy  than  the 
rest  are  found  throughout  the  winter  in  southern  New 
England. 

Call. — A  short  sweet  warble ;  song,  a  continued 
warbling. 

Nest. — In  holes  in  trees,  particularly  in  orchards,  in 
bird  boxes  or  crannies  about  the  buildings.  The  bot- 
tom of  the  cavity  is  lined  with  grasses  for  the  reception 
of  the  four  or  five  pale  bluish  eggs,  which  measure 
.84  X  .62. 

Range. — Eastern  United  States,  breeding  from  the 
Gulf  to  New  Brunswick  and  Manitoba;  winters  chiefly 
in  the  southern  parts  of  the  United  States.  766a. 
Azure  Bluebird  (azvirea)  is  found  in  the  mountains  of 
eastern  Mexico  and  north  casually  to  southern  Arizona. 
It  is  paler  both  above  and  below  than  our  eastern  bird. 


208 


FIELD  KEY  FOR   IDENTIFICATION   OF  EASTERN   LAND  BIRDS 
BY  CONSPICUOUS  MARKINGS. 

We  have  added  this  key  at  the  request  of  many  of  our  readers  for  a  color 
scheme  for  identification.  It  includes  all  the  birds  that  have  markings  of  suffi- 
cient prominence  to  be  readily  noticed  in  the  field. 

1.     BIRDS  WITH   RED  OR  ORANGE  MARKINGS. 

Scarlet  body;  black  wings  and  tail;  IVz  in.— SCARLET  TANAGER. 

Red;  darker  above;  crested;  black  face;  9  in. — CARDINAL. 

Rosy-red;  wings  and  tail  slightly  darker;  IVz  in. — SUMMER  TANAGER  . 

Rosy-red;  white  wing  bars;   crossed  bill;   6  in. — WHITE- WINGED  CROSSBILL. 

Rosy-red;  Gray  back,  wings  and  tail;  stout  bill;  8V2  in.— PINE  GROSBEAK. 

Brick-red;  wings  and  tail  darker;  crossed  bill;  6  in. — CROSSBILL. 

Purplish-red,  streaked  with!  darker;   dark  wings  and  tail. — PURPLE  FINCH. 

Red  below;  blue  head;  yellow  back;  51/2  in.— PAINTED  BUNTING. 

Red  patch  on  crown  (concealed);  greenish  back;  4^/4  in. — KINGLET. 

Red  cap;  black  chin;  rasy  breast;  streaked;  514  in. — REDPOLL. 

Pink  breast  and  und^  wings;  black  head  and  back;    8    in. — ROSE-BREASTED 

GROSBEAK. 
Ruby  throat;  metallic  green  back;  tiny  birds — HUMMINGBIRD. 

209 


Orange-red  under  wings  and  patch  on  crown;  long  forked  tail. — SCISSOR- 
TAILED  FLYCATCHER. 

Orange;  black  head,  wings  and  tail  (marked  with  yellow) — BALTIMORE 
ORIOLE. 

Orange  breast,  crown  patch  and  above  eye;  black  and  white  back,  wings  and 
tail— BLACKBURNIAN  WARBLER. 

Orange  crown  patch,  edged  with  black;  green  back;  4  in. — KINGLET. 

Orange  on  sides,  wings  and  tail;  black  above;  5i^  in. — REDSTART. 

Orange-brown  crown  edged  with  black;  green  back;  spotted  breast — OVEN- 
BIRD. 

2.     BIRDS  PROMINENTLY  MARKED  WITH   BLUE. 

Blue,  shading  to  purplish  on  head;  5i^  in.— INDIGO  BUNTING. 

Blue;  chestnut  shoulders;  black  face;  7  in. — BLUE  GROSBEAK. 

Blue  above;  brownish  breast;  7  in. — BLUEBIRD. 

Blue  above;  black  collar,  bars  on  wings  and  tail  (also  white) — BLUE  JAY. 

Pale  Blue  above  and  streaks   below;     white    on     wings   and  tail — CERULEAN 

WARBLER. 
Dark  blue  above;  black  throat  and  sides;  white  on  wing — BLACK-THROATED 

BLUE  WARBLER. 
Light  blue  head  and  back;  brown  breast;   5V2  in. — LAZULI  BUNTING. 

210 


3.     BIRDS  WITH  YELLOW  AS  PROMINENT  COLOR. 

Yellow  below;  green  back;  black  mask— MARYLAND  YELLOWTHROAT. 

Yellow  below;  gray  head  and  breast;  5i^  in.— MOURNING  WARBLER. 

Yellow  below;  gray  head  and  breast;  white  eye  ring — CONNECTICUT  WAR- 
BLER. 

Yellow  below;  black  crown  and  ears;  yellow  over  eye — KENTUCKY  WAR- 
BLER. 

Yellow  below;  green  back;  brown  spots  on  back;  black  stripes  on  side — PRAI- 
RIE WARBLER. 

Yellow  below;  green  back;  brown  crown  and  streaks  on  side;  white  on  tail — 
PALM  WARBLER. 

Yellow  below;  green  back;  yellow  crown;  brown  stripes  on  sides — YELLOW 
WARBLER. 

Yellow  below;  green  back;  brown  ear  patch  and  streaks  on  sides — CAPE  MAY 
WARBLER. 

Yellow  below;  green  back;  brown  patch  on  crown;  head  gray  above — NASH- 
VILLE WARBLER. 

Yellow  below;  green  back;  orange-yellow  head;  white  on  tail — PROTHONO- 
TARY  WARBLER. 

Yellow  below  and  on  forehead;  green  back;  black  cap — WILSON  WARBLER. 

211 


Yellow  forehead,  ears  and  below:  greeaback;  cap  and  throat  black — HOODED 
WARBLER. 

Yellow  breast;  gray  back;  black  spotted  necklace — CANADIAN  WARBLER. 

Yellow  breast;  green  back;  gray  head;  white  over  eye — YELLOW-BREASTED 
CHAT. 

Yellow  breast;  gray  back;  black  through  eye  and  down  sides — YELLOW- 
THROATED  WARBLER. 

Yellow  breast;  yellowish  patch  on  back;  brown  on  throat — PARULA  WARBLER. 

Yellow  breast;  green  above;  black  throat  and  down  sides — BLACK-THROATED 
GREEN  WARBLER. 

Yellow  breast  with  black  crescent;  streaked  above;  11  in. — MEADOWLARK. 

Yellow  above  and  below;  black  cap,  wings  and  tail — GOLDFINCH. 

Yellow  head;  black  body;  white  patch  on  wing— YELLOW-HEADED  BLACK- 
BIRD. 

Yellow  head;  gray  body;  brown  on  shoulders;  4'^  in. — VERDIN. 

Yellow  crown;  chestnut  on  sides;  streaked  above— CHESTNUT-SIDED  WAR- 
BLER. 

Yellow  below  and  on  rump;  black  back  and  spots  on  breast — MAGNOLA  WAR- 
BLER. 

Yellow  patch  on  crown,  rump  and  side;  streaked  with  gray  above — MYRTLE 
WARBLER. 

212 


4.     BIRDS  WITH   BROWN   MARKINGS  MOST  PROMINENT. 

Small  brown  birds  (4  to  6  in.)  with  barred  wings  and  tail — WRENS. 

Uniform  brown  above,  gray  below;  long  broad  tails — CUCKOOS. 

Bright  reddish  brown  above;  spotted  breast;  11 1^  in.— BROWN  THRASHER. 

Brown  body;  black  head,  wings  and  tail— 7 1^  in.— ORCHARD  ORIOLE. 

Reddish  brown  breast;  slate  back;  dark  head;  10  in. — ROBIN. 

Dull  brown  back;  grayish,  more  or  less  spotted  breasts — THRUSHES. 

Brown  belly;  black  crown  and  stripe  through  eye;  gray  back — NUTHATCH. 

Streaked  brown  and  white;  curved  bill;  climbs  up  trees — BROWN  CREEPER. 

Brownish  gray;  crested;  yellow  tip  to  tail;  black  through  eye — WAXWING. 

Brown  crown,  throat  and  streaks  on  sides;  black  mask — BAY-BREASTED 
WARBLER. 

Brown  sides;  black  head,  throat  and  back;  white  on  wings  and  tail — TOWHBB. 

Brown  rump  and  tail;  gray  back;  streaked  above  and  below — FOX  SPARROW. 

Brown  shoulder,  yellow  breast  patch;  black  on  throat — DICKCISSEL. 

Brown  shoulder;  streaked  above;  white  outer  tail  feather — VESPER  SPAR- 
ROW. 

Brown  shoulder;  black  cap  and  patch  on  breast — McCOWN  LONGSPUR. 

Brown  nape;  black  breast  and  cap;  light  throat— CHESTNUT-COLLARED 
LONGSPUR. 

213 


5.     SHARPLY  DEFINED  BLACK  AND  WHITE  MARKINGS. 

Black  crown  and  throat;  gray  back;  5  in. — CHICKADEE. 

Black  and  white  streaked  bird;  black  crown;  5  in.— BLACK  POLL  WARBLER. 

Black  and  white  streaked  bird;  striped  crown— BLACK  AND  WHITE  WAR- 
BLER. 

Slate  head,  breast  and  back;  white  below  and  outer  tail  feathers — .lUNCO. 

White  throat;  gray  breast;  crown  striped  black  and  white— WHITE-THROAT- 
ED SPARROW. 

Large  white  crown  patch  edged  with  black;  light  below — White-CROWNED 
SPARROW. 

Black  body;  yellowish  nape;  white  rump  and  on  wings — BOBOLINK. 

Black  crown;  gray  back;  climbs  down  trees— WHITE-BREASTED  NUTHATCH. 

Dull  gray  birds  with  no  markings  may  be  FLYCATCHERS. 

Dull  brownish,  streaked  birds  are  lorobably  species  of  SPARROWS. 

Plain  greenish  backs  and  dull  white  underparts  denote  VIREOS. 

Glossy  blackbirds  are  CRACKLES  or  CROWS;  if  with  red  shoulders.  RED- 
WINGED  BLACKBIRD;  with  dull  brown  head.  COWBIRD. 


214 


CLASSIFIED   TABLE   OF    EASTERN    LAND    BIRDS. 
Showing  Divisions  Into  Orders,  Families   and   Genera,  as  Adopted  by  the  Ameri 

can  Ornithologists'  Union. 
ORDER  PSITTACI.     Parrots,  Macaws,  etc. 
Family  PSITTACID^.    Genus 

CONUROPSI6. 
ORDER  COCCYGES.    Cuckoos,  Kingfishers,  etc 
Family  CUCULID^.      Genus 

CROTOPHAGA. 
GEOCOCCYX. 
COCCYZUS. 
Family  ALCEDINID^.     Genus 
CERYLB. 
ORDER  PICI.    Woodpeckers. 
Family  PICID^.     Genus 

CAMPEPHILUS. 

DRYOBATES. 

PICOIDES. 

SPHYRAPICUS. 

PHLCEOTOMUS. 

MELANERPES. 


Carolina  Paroquet. 


Anis. 

Road-runner. 

Cuckoos. 

Kingfishers. 


Ivory-billed  Woodpecker. 

Hairy  to  Texan  Woodpecker 

Three-toed   Woodpeckers. 

Sapsuckers. 

Pileated  Woodpeckers. 

Red-headed  Woodpeckers. 


216 


Family  PICID^.    Genus 

CENTURUS. 

COLAPTES. 
ORDER  MACROCHIRES.     Goatsuckers,  Swifts, 
Family  CAPRIMULGID^.    Genus 

ANTROSTOMUS. 

PHAL^NOPTILUS. 

NYCTIDROMUS. 

CHORDEILES. 
Family  MICROPODID^.    Genus 

CH.^TURA. 

^RONAUTES. 
Family  TROCHILID^.     Genus 

TROCHILUS. 
ORDER  PASSERES.     Perching  Birds. 
Family  TYRANNID^.  Genus 

MUSCIVORA. 

TYRANNUS. 

PITANGUS. 

MYIARCHUS. 

SAYORNIS. 


Red-bellied  Woodpeckers. 
Flickers. 
Hummingbirds,  etc. 

Whip-poor-will. 
Poorwill. 
Paraque. 
Nighahawks. 

Chimney  Swift. 
White-throated  Swift. 

Ruby-thr.  Hummer. 


Scissor-tail  Flycatcher. 

Kingbirds. 

Derby  Flycatchers. 

Crested  Flycatchers. 

Phoebes. 


217 


Family  TYRANNID^.     Genus. 

NUTTALLORXIS. 

MYIOCHANES. 

EMPIDONAX. 

PYROCEPHALUS. 
Family  ALAUDID^.    Genus 

OTOCORig. 
Family  CORVID^.    Genus 

PICA. 

CYANOCITTA. 

APHLECOMA. 
■       XANTHOURA. 

PERISOREUS. 

C0RVTT?5 

NUCIFRAGA. 
Family  STURNID^.    Genus 

STURNUS. 
Family  ICTERID^.  Genus 

rOLICHONYX. 

MOLOTHRUS. 

XANTHOCEPHALUS. 


Olive-sided  Flycatchers. 

Pewees. 

Least  Flycatchers. 

Vermilion  Flycatchers. 

Horned  Larks. 

Magpie. 
Blue  Jays. 
Non-crested  Jays. 
Green  Jay. 
Canada  Jay. 
Crows  and  Ravens. 
Clarke  Nutcracker. 


Starling. 

Bobolink. 
Cowbirds. 
Yellow-head 


Blackbird. 


218 


Family  ICTERID^.  Genus 

AGELAIUS. 

STURNELLA. 

ICTERUS. 

SCOLECOPHAGUS. 

QUISCALUS. 
Family  FRINGILLID^.    Genus 

HESPERIPHONA. 

PINICOLA. 

CARPODACUS. 

LOXIA. 

LEUCOSTICTB. 

ACANTHIS. 

ASTRAGALINUS. 

SPINUS. 

PLECTROPHENAX. 

CALCARIUS. 

RHYNCOPHANES. 

POCECETES. 

PASSER. 

PASSERCULUS. 


Red-winged  Blackbirds. 

Meadowlarks. 

Orioles. 

Rusty  Blackbirds. 

Grackles. 

Evening  Grosbeak. 
Pine  Grosbeaks. 
Purple  Finches. 
Crossbills. 
Leucostictes. 
Redpolls. 
Goldfinches. 
Pine  Siskin. 
Snowflakes. 
Longspurs. 
McCown  Longspurs. 
Vesper  Sparrow. 
English  Sparrow, 
r^iswich  Sparrow. 


Family  FRINGILLID^.  Genus 

COTURNICULUS. 

AMMODRAMUS. 

CHONDESTES. 

ZONOTRICHIA. 

SPIZELLA. 

JUNCO. 

AMPHISPIZA. 

PEUC^A. 

MELOSPIZA. 

PASSERELLA. 

PIPILO. 

OREOSPIZA. 

CARDINALIS. 

PYRRHULOXIA. 

ZAMELODIA. 

GUIRACA. 

PASSERINA. 

SPOROPHILA. 

SPIZA. 

CALAMOSPIZA. 


Grasshopper,  Leconte. 

Sfearp-tail,  Seaside. 

Lark  Sparrow. 

Harris  and  Crowned  Spar. 

Chippy,  Tree,  Field. 

Juncos. 

Black-throated,  Bell. 

Pine-wood  Sparrow. 

Song,  Swamp  Sparrow. 

Fox  Sparrow. 

Towhees. 

Green-tailed  Towhee. 

Cardinal, 

Pyrrhuloxia. 

Rose-breast  Grosbeak. 

Blue  Grosbeak. 

Buntings. 

Seed-eater. 

Dickcissel. 

Lark  Bunting. 


220 


Family  TANAGRID^.    Genus 

PIRANGA. 
Family  HIRUNDINID^.    Genus 

PROGXB. 

PETROCHELIDON. 

HIRUNDO. 

IRIDOPROCNH. 

RIPARIA. 

STELGIUOPTERYX. 
Family  BOMBYCILLID^.    Genus 

BOMBYCILLA. 
Family  LANIID^.  Genus 

LANIUS. 
Family  VIREONID^.    Genus 

VIREOSYLVA. 

LANIVIREO. 

VIREO. 
Family  MNIOTILTID^.     Genus 

MNIOTILTA. 

PROTONOTARIA. 

HELINAIA. 


Tanagers, 

Purple  Martin. 
Clife  Swallow. 
Barn  Swallow. 
Tree  Swallow. 
Bank  Swallow. 
Rough-wing.  Swallow. 

Waxwings. 

Shrikea. 

Red-eye.,  Warbling  Vireo. 
Yell.-thr.,  Blue-head. 
White-eye  Vireo. 

Black  and  White  Warbler. 

Prothonotary. 

Swainson  Warbler. 


221 


Faniily  MNIOTILTID^.    Genus 

HELMITHEROS. 

HELMINTHOPHILA. 

COMPSOTHLYPIS. 

DENDROICA. 

SEIURUS. 

OPORORNIS. 

GEOTHLYPIS. 

ICTERIA. 

WILSONIA. 

SETOPHAGA. 
Faraily  MOTACILLID^.    Genus 

ANTHUS. 
Family  TROGLODYTID^.     Genus 

OROSCOPTES. 

MIMUS. 

DUMATELLA. 

TOXOSTOMA. 

HELEODYTES. 

SALPINCTES. 

THRYOTHORUS. 


Worm-eating  Warbler. 

Bachman  to  Tennessee. 

Parula  Warbler. 

Cape  May  to  Palm  Warbler. 

Oven-bird,  Water-Thrush. 

Ky.,  Conn.,  and  Mourning. 

Yellow-throats. 

Chat. 

Hooded  to  Canadian. 

Redstarts. 

Pipits. 

Sage  Thrasher. 
Mockingbird. 
Catbird. 
Thrashers. 
Cactus  Wren. 
Rock  Wren. 
Carolina  Wren. 


222 


Family  TROGLODYTID^.     Genus 

THRYOMANES. 

Bewick  Wren. 

TROGLODYTES. 

House  Wren. 

NANNUS. 

Winter  Wren. 

CISTOTHORUS. 

Short-bill  Marsh  Wren.. 

TELMATODYTES. 

Long-bill  Marsh  Wren. 

Family  CERTHID^.    Genus 

CERTHIA. 

Brown  Creeper. 

Family  PARID^.    Genus 

SITTA. 

'  Nuthatches. 

B^OLOPHUS. 

Titmice. 

PENTHESTES 

Chickadees. 

AURIPARUS. 

Verdin. 

Family  SYLLVIID^.    Genus 

REGULUS. 

Kinglets. 

POLIOPTILA. 

Gnatcatchers. 

Family  TURDID^.    Genus 

HYLOCICHLA. 

Thrushes. 

PLANESTICUS. 

Robins. 

SAXICOLA. 

Wheatear. 

SIALIA. 

Bluebird. 

223 


INDEX 


Ani,  Groove- billed   18 

Blackbird,    Brewer    71 

Blackbird,     Red-winged     65 

Blackbird,    Florida    65 

Blackbird,   Rusty    71 

Blackbird,    Yellow-headed    64 

Bluebird     208 

Bluebird,   Azure    208 

Bunting,    Black-throated     122 

Bunting,    Indigo 117 

Bunting,    Lark    123 

Bunting,    Lazuli    118 

Bunting,     Varied     119 

Bunting,    Painted     120 

Bobolink     62 

Cardinal    113 

Catbird    182 

Chat,  Yellow-breasted    174 

Chebec    51 

Chewink    Ill 

Chickadee,     Black-capped          196 

Chickadee,    Carolina    196 

Chickadee,    Hudsonian     197 

Chuckwfll's    Widow     34 

Cowbird    63 

Creeper,    Brown    191 


Crossbill,    American    71 

Crossbill,    Whitewinged     76 

Crow,    American     59 

Crow,    Clarke    60 

Crow,    Fish     69 

Crow,    Florida     59 

Cuckoo,    Black-billed    20 

Cuckoo,    Mangrove 19 

Cuckoo,     Yellow-billed     19 

Dickcissel    122 

Finch,     Purple     76 

Flicker    32 

Flicker,     Red-shafted     33 

Flycatcher,   Acadian    50 

Flycatcher,    Crested    46 

Flycatcher,   Derby    45 

Flycatcher,    Green-crested    50 

Flycatcher,    Least    51 

Flycatcher,    Olive-sided    48 

Flycatcher,    Scissor-tailed    41 

Flycatcher,    Vermilion     52 

Flycatcher,    Yellow-bellied     50 

Gnatcatcher,    Blue-gray     201 

Goldfinch,   American    80 

Goldfinch,   Arkansas    81 

Grackle.    Boat-tailed     72 


Grackle,    Bronzed     72 

Grackle,     Florida     72 

Grackle,  Great-tailed    72 

Grackle,    Purple    72 

Grosbeak,    Blue    116 

Grosbeak,    Western     116 

Grosbeak,    Evening     73 

Grosbeak,    Pine     74 

Grosbeak,    Rose-breasted    115 

Hummingbird,    Ruby-throated    ....  40 

Jay,    Blue    55 

Jay,     Blue     Florida 55 

Jay,    Canada    58 

Jay,     Florida     56 

Jay,   Green    57 

Jay,    Labrador     58 

Junco.     Carolina     104 

Junco,    ."^late-colored     104 

Junco,    White-winged     103 

Kingbird    42 

Kingbird,    Arkansas    44 

Kingbird,    Gray     43 

Kingfisher,    Belted     21 

Kingfisher.     Texan     22 

Kinglet,    Golde>i-crowned    199 

Kinglet,    Ruby-crowned     200 

Lark,     Horned     53 

Lark,    Horned    r^ss^rt    53 


Lark,    Horned    Hoyt     53 

Lark,    Horned   Prairie    53 

Leucosticte,    Gray-crowned     78 

Longspur,    Chestnut-collared     86 

Longspur,    Lapland     84 

Longspur,    McCown     87 

Longspur,     Smith     85 

Magpie,   American    54 

Martin,     Purple     126 

Meadowlark     66 

Meadowlark,   Florida 66 

Meadowlark,   Western    . 66 

Mockingbird     181 

Nighthawk     37 

Nighthawk,   Florida    37 

Nighthawk,     Texan     37 

Nighthawk,    Western    37 

Nonpareil    120 

Nuthatch,     Brown-headed     194 

Nuthatch,    Red-breasted    193 

Nuthatch,    White-breasted    192 

Nuthatch,   Florida   White 192 

Oriole,    Audubon     67 

Oriole,    Baltimore     70 

Oriole,    Hooded     68 

Oriole,    Orchard     69 

Ovenbird     168 

Paraque,    Merrill    36 


Pyrrhuloxia     114  Sparrow, 

Paroquet,     Carolina     17  Sparrow, 

Pewee,    "Wood    49  Sparrow, 

Phoebe     47  Sparrow, 

Pipit,     American     179  Sparrow, 

Pipit,     Sprague     179  Sparrow, 

Poor-will    36  Sparrow, 

Raven,    Northern    59  Sparrow, 

Raven,    White-necked     59  Sparrow, 

Redpoll    79  Sparrow, 

Redpoll,    Greater    79  Sparrow, 

Redpoll,   Greenland    79  Sparrow, 

Redpoll,    Hoary     79  Sparrow, 

Redpoll,    Holboell    79  Sparrow, 

Redstart,    American     178  Sparrow, 

Road-runner    18  Sparrow, 

Robin     206  Sparrow, 

Robin,    Southern     206  Sparrow, 

Sapsucker,    Yellow-bellied    28  Sparrow, 

Seedeater,    Sharp    121  Sparrow, 

Shrike,    Loggerhead    134  Sparrow, 

Shrike,   Northern    133  Sparrow, 

Shrike,    White-rumped     184  Sparrow, 

Siskin,  Pine    82  Sparrow, 

Snowflake     83  Sparrow, 

Sparrow,    Bachman    106  Sparrow, 

Sparrow,    Baird     .*•. 91  Sparrow, ' 

Sparrow,    Black-throated    ...-. 105  Sparrow^, 


Chipping     100 

Clay-colored     101 

English    88 

Field    10* 

Field  Western    102 

Fox    110 

Grasshopper    91 

Harris    9« 

Henslow     92 

Henslow   Western    92 

Ipswich    90 

Lark    96 

Lark  Western    96 

Leconte    92 

Lincoln     108 

Pine-w^oods     106 

Savanna    90 

Seaside     94 

Seaside    Dusky 94 

Sharp-tailed    93 

Sharp-tailed   Acadian    ...      98 

Sharp-tailed    Nelson 9t 

Song     107 

Song  Dakota    107 

Swamp     109 

Tree    99 

Tree  Western  99 

Vesper    89 


T 


Sparrow,    White-crowned     97 

Sparrow,    White-throated     98 

Starling    61 

Swallow,    Bank     130 

Swallow,    Barn    128 

Swallow,    Cliff     127 

Swallow,   Rough-winged    130 

Swallow,    Tree    129 

Swift,    Chimney    38 

Swift,   White-throated 39 

Tanager,     Scarlet     124 

Tanager,   Summer    125 

Thrasher,  Brown    183 

Thrasher,    Sage     180 

Thrush,    Bicknell     205 

Thrush,  Gray-cheeked    204 

Thrush,     Hermit     205 

Thrush,    Olive-backed    204 

Thrush,    Wilson    203 

Thrush,    Wood    202 

Titlark,    American    179 

Titmouse,    Tufted    195 

Titmouse,  Black-crested    195 

Towhee     Ill 

Towhee,    Green-tailed    112 

Veery     .> 203 

Verdin     198 

Vireo,  Blue-headed    138 


Vireo,    Black-capped     139 

Vireo,    Philadelphia    136 

Vireo,  Red-eyed    135 

Vireo,    Solitary    138 

Vireo,   Solitary  Mountain    138 

Vireo,    Warbling    136 

Vireo,    White-eyed     140 

Vireo,   Yellow-throated    137 

Warbler,   Bachman    145 

Warbler,     Bay-breasted     158 

Warbler,   Black  and  White    141 

Warbler,   Blackburnian    160 

Warbler,   Black-poll    159 

Warbler,    Black-throated    Blue 163 

Warbler,    Black-throated    Green...  163 

Warbler,    Blue-winged    146 

Warbler,   Brewster    146 

Warbler,    Cairns     153 

Warbler,   Canadian    177 

Warbler,   Cape  May    151 

Warbler,     Cerulean     156 

Warbler,    Chestnut-sided    157 

Connecticut 171 

Warbler,    Connecticut    171 

Warbler,    Golden-cheeked    162 

Warbler,    Golden-winged    147 

Warbler,    Hooded     176 

Warbler.    Kentucky    170 


Warbler,     Kirtland      164 

Warbler,    Lawrence    147 

Warbler,    Magnolia    155 

Warbler,    Mourning     172 

Warbler,    Myrtle     154 

Warbler,   Nashville    148 

Warbler,   Orange-crowned    148 

Warbler,   Palm    166 

Warbler,    Palm   Yellow    166 

Warbler,    Parula    150 

Warbler,    Parula    Northern 150 

Warbler,    Pine     165 

^^"■arbler,    Prairie    167 

Warbler,    Prothonotary    142 

Warbler,    Sennett     160 

Warbler,    Swainson    143 

Warbler,  Sycamore    161 

Warbler,    Tennesee    149 

Warbler,   Wilson    176 

Warbler,   Worm-ealting    144 

Warbler,     Yellow     162 

Warbler,    Yellow-throated    161 

Water    Thrush    169 

T^^ater    Thrush,    Louisiana    169 

Waxwing,    Bohemian    131 

Waxwing,    Cedar    132 

Wheatear,    Greenland     207 

Whip-poor-will     35 

Woodpecker,    American    Three-toed  27 


Woodpecker,   Arctic  Three-toed    ...      27 

Woodpecker,    Downy     2v. 

Woodpecker,    Downy    Northern....      25 

Woodpecker,   DowHy  Southern 25 

Woodpecker,    Golden-winge*     32 

Woodpecker,    Hairy     24 

Woodpecker,   Hairy  Northern    24 

Woodpecker,    Hairy    Southern 24 

Woodpecker,    Ivory-billed     23 

Woodpecker,    Pileated    29 

Woodpecker,  Pileated  Northern   ...      29 

XN'oodpecker,    Red-bellied    31 

Woodpecker,     Red-cockaded     26 

Woodpecker,    Red-headed    30 

Woodpecker,    Texan    26 

Wren,    Bewick     187 

Wren,    Cactus    184 

Wren,    Carolina    186 

Wren,  House    188 

Wren,    House   Western    188 

Wren,  Long-bil-led  Marsh   190 

Wren,    Rock     185 

Wren,    Short-billed  Marsh    190 

Wren,    Wirnter     189 

Yellow- throat,    Florida    173 

Yellow-throat,    Maryland     173 

Yellowthroat,    Northern     173 

Yellowthroat.    Western    173 


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GOLDFISH 

AQUARIA 

AND 

FERNERIES 


By  Chester  A.  Eeed,  B.  S. 


FINELY  ILLUSTRATED 

200  pages  flexible  cloth. 


50  cents  net.     Postage  5  cents. 

This    hand    book    describes    the    aquarium    thoroighly;     the     fish     suitable 
aquatic    plants,     breeding    goldfish,    everything    that    one    might    wish    to    know   a| 
these  attractive  ornaMients. 

It    also   gives   complete   instructions   for  making   and    maintaining   ferneries.